SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND

Words from the Lord to Marsha Burns

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June 30, 2000: Seek Me with all your heart. I say to you, keep your eye single with concentrated focus. For there are many things which vie for your attention and bring distraction from My purposes. I have set you to do a specific work in My kingdom, but many of you think what I have given you to do is too easy and mundane, and you are looking way beyond as though scanning the horizon for what mighty work I would have you to do. But, I say to you, if you are faithful in little, you will be faithful in much, and I have called you at this time to be faithful in the little things that I have given you to do. Haven't I said that My yoke is easy and My burden is light? Do not underestimate even the smallest assignment. If you plant in obedience, I will bring the increase.

June 28, 2000: I am bringing you to a new level of effectiveness in My kingdom, but the enemy will contend for this new territory. Don't expect to take more spiritual ground without a fight. His points of opposition, however, are feeble in comparison with the power of My truth released in you. Use the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, in this battle as you go forth with clarity of mind, righteousness, truth, peace and faith. You are My battle axes, but this battle is still Mine. Go forth in the assurance of victory.

June 27, 2000: I had a quick vision of an old-fashioned, one-room school with a small group of children whispering and backbiting, talking about their classmates. And, the Lord said: This is happening in My spiritual classroom with small groups of people, perpetrated by those who would sow division, strife and contention. But, I say to you, whatever you sow, that you will also reap. Have I not said, that you will give account for every idle, unproductive word spoken? Galatians 5:14-16, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."

June 26, 2000: Prepare yourselves in humility for a powerful manifestation of My presence in your midst. For, I am releasing a new, fresh anointing that will enliven you and quicken your spirits. This anointing will be released on those who endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Only those who bow low in kingdom service with genuine humility will receive this fresh touch. It is written: Though the LORD is on high, yet He regards the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar. You who are lowly of heart shall see My glory in a fresh way, and there will be a powerful integration of your spirit, soul and body as you receive this new outpouring and refreshing rain of My Spirit.

June 24, 2000: Awaken, you who sleep. Arise from your slumber. The rhythmic sounds and patterns of religious exercise and life as usual have lulled you to drowsiness and complacency. Do not succumb to this languid spiritual condition. Stir yourself to life. Refuse to allow the enemy to steal your spiritual vitality. Get up and be My witness; give testimony of the reality of My existence. Draw out of your personal experience of life in the Spirit and speak and act beyond mundane existence. Keep the fires of revival burning in you; blow the coals and stir the embers, for the smoldering remains of a fire speak of the flame going out. But, I say, it is not too late to be revived. It is not enough to exist on a vague memory of devotion to Me; life in the Spirit must be renewed every morning. Rise up and fan the flame!

June 23, 2000: You have been struggling against hindering forces that have come like an invisible wall. It has been like walking through thick Jello in the spirit realm. But, today, I have sent My angels to push back the powers of darkness that have hindered your forward progress. There will be breakthrough in a number of areas. Things that should have taken days or weeks but have taken months to complete will now come to completion. Watch and be amazed at how quickly things will begin to move ahead and rejoice in the power and glory of the Lord.

June 21, 2000: I have sent purifying fires among you, My people. It is not your motives that need purification, but your reactions. You have been faced with fiery opportunities to react either with hostility or kindness, in the flesh or by the Spirit, in defensiveness and anger or in love and forgiveness. You have had prime opportunities to pout or pray, retaliate or turn the other cheek. Today is a new day; choose to forgive and release those who have come against you. Bless those who have cursed you, and pray for those who have set themselves in opposition to you. This is true victory.

June 20, 2000: Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for I have laid up great reward for you. Have I not said that you are blessed when people rail against you and subject you to verbal abuse and attack and harass you without cause? I see and hear these attacks against you, and I know their origin and that they are false accusations. I have promised to defend you, for I am your advocate. The enemy has stirred the beggarly element of the earth against you to bring discouragement, but I have made your forehead like flint and have set you on a path to accomplish My purposes. I tell you, that I have created the spoiler to destroy, but NO weapon formed against you shall prosper. The heat of the fire will only serve to purify and strengthen you. Rejoice that you are found worthy of such an attack. Rise up with a shout of great joy for the victory that is assured.

June 19, 2000: My people, what is this I see? I see jealousy and competition among My chosen vessels. Instead of coming into unity and one accord where I can manifest Myself in greater glory, I see division caused by envy and strife because you are measuring yourselves and comparing yourselves to one another. I say to you, repent of this evil, and do not allow this pride to bring destruction to My purposes in, around and through you. For surely if you persist in this vanity, I will pluck you up and replace you with one to whom you feel superior.

June 17, 2000: I surround you with My peace and uphold you with My love. My joy is your strength, and My word is your light. Behold, I am doing a glorious work in the hearts of those who have yielded themselves totally to Me. But, you cannot be double-minded. You cannot serve yourself and serve Me at the same time. You must choose. I am waiting to sanctify you completely, but I can only do that when you surrender all. Your past is not fixable, but it is redeemable if you will release it to Me. Come for healing and restoration, for I will make all things new.

June 16, 2000: Come into My peace and rest. I have called you and chosen you for such a time as this, but I will do the work as you yield to My leading and guidance. When you step out on your own, you will find yourself afflicted with a strong dose of insecurity. Insecurity brings with it a lot of clamoring and noise, and you will find yourself entertaining covetousness and jealousy, as you measure yourself and compare yourself with others. I say to you, rise up out of carnality and rest securely in My presence, for I am your security, your place of safety, your high tower. Come into the secret place of the Most High.

June 14, 2000: A number of years ago we had a family of bluebirds build a nest in a birdhouse in our front yard. It was so much fun to watch the entire process of them raising their new family. This morning as I was waiting on the Lord, I was reminded of the day the five little birds left the nest. Mama and Papa bluebird stopped feeding the young ones and sat outside on a power line calling to their babies. The babies, one by one would peek out and see them, lose their nerve and go back inside the birdhouse. Finally the bravest (or the hungriest) of all hopped out on the perch and flew up to join them. The next three followed shortly thereafter, but the fifth little bird refused to come out. The papa bird began to teach the first four how to hunt and feed themselves, while mama bird kept calling to the reluctant one. After half a day of watching this process, I could stand it no longer. I took the front of the birdhouse off so the last little bird could see his mama. But, he had his eyes shut tight and his little head buried in the corner of the nest. He finally did join the rest of his family, and I suppose lived happily ever after.

As I pondered why I would be reminded of this event, I heard the voice of the Lord. You, My children, are about to move into a new level of existence and freedom. You are about to enter the reality of your purpose in My kingdom, to fulfill what I have called you to do. I am calling to you to come forth, hear My voice, and follow My leading. Even though you will be a more visible target for the enemy, I will also give you the ability to see the attacks coming and the wisdom to escape. Do not be afraid, for I will be with you to direct your every step. I will open up new realms of glory to you and greater vision. You will soar to new heights spiritually as you follow Me.

June 13, 2000: I have brought you by way of Seir where demons dwell to Kadesh Barnea, a place of holiness, to test your heart. I say to you today, choose one place or the other. For, you cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot sit at the Lord's table and the table of devils. You cannot be filled with pride and walk in humility. You cannot love the Lord and hate your brother. You cannot walk in peace with war in your heart. You cannot walk in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and yet harbor resentment. And, I tell you, that where division, strife and contention exist is where you have exalted yourself, but whoever exalts himself shall be abased. Have I not said that pride goes before a fall and a haughty spirit before destruction? Do you think that I don't see the judgments that you have formed against those who are My beloved? Aren't these judgments based on your own flesh motives and desires? Have I not forgiven your every sin? How can you be forgiven and justify unforgiveness in your own heart? But, I say absolutely if you do not forgive, neither will I forgive you. Examine yourself and purge your heart and choose life.

June 12, 2000: I have things to show you and revelation to release to you, which you must receive to fulfill your purpose on the earth. But, you cannot receive when you are stuck in your petty issues of life. I am Spirit, and I speak spiritually into your spirit. You cannot receive that which is spirit by way of flesh. So, I say to you, rise up out of the issues that anchor you to the flesh. Forgive all offenses and release yourself from hurt and bitterness, for these will keep you in bondage.
Proverbs 18:19, "A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle."

June 10, 2000: Stop where you are! Open your eyes wide and look around you. I have set signs in your midst to confirm the things of the Spirit. For, I speak to you in a variety of ways. I speak to your heart in a still small voice. I speak guidance and direction through your circumstances. I use the mouths of My prophets to keep you on course. I will even use a little child to lead you. My word to you today is to stop moving through life as though you were a blind man with no hearing. For, even a blind man can hear and a deaf man can see. But, I say, that some of you neither see nor hear. You have become dull spiritually because you have yielded to the desires of the flesh and have lost your awareness to the things of the Spirit. Be quiet all flesh!

June 9, 2000: I have called you in your uniqueness, for I can use you in ways and in places in which no other could serve. You have entered a time when your sense of security is shaken, for you are moving into new spiritual territory which is unfamiliar to you. So, I say to you, do not give in to the temptation to find a place of comfort by going back to what is familiar and comfortable. In doing so, you would move out of your place of anointing. Also, you must resist the temptation to get settled with the next new thing that comes along. You must seek to stay in My presence and to walk in the Spirit, for I will surely lead and guide you, and your peace will come from Me. Otherwise, you will seek fulfillment in the flesh. "Be still and know that I am God."

June 7, 2000: There is much work to do, and I am calling forth laborers now just as surely as I would put an ad in the paper. No experience is necessary, but I am looking for hearts that are willing to work unselfishly, those who will be completely dedicated to My cause and not their own, who will relinquish their own goals and agendas for Mine. I want those who are willing to submit to My authority without question, who will work in humility without quarreling with other laborers, those who will work in unity of spirit in the bond of peace and not be drawn into envy, jealousy and strife. I will supply all your needs in the way of equipment and tools to do the work and will reward you handsomely for your efforts. I need people who will commit to work until the job is done. I am seeking those who are faithful.

June 6, 2000: Enter into the realm of worship. Release yourself in glorious praise, for you will surely be able to rise above all that keeps you earthbound to see with greater clarity what I have for you. I say to you, the doors are not yet open to you, but you will see possibilities which will give you a taste for what is ahead and lead you out. I tell you, the days are just ahead when the doors will open wide, but you must be ready to move on opportunities when they present themselves. This, therefore, is a time of preparation when your vision will be expanded and your heart is filled with hope. For, haven't I said that faith is the substance of things HOPED for?

June 5, 2000: So, you still feel like a maverick (a motherless calf)? Yet, I have established firm boundaries and have not left you alone. I have expanded your spiritual territory, and it doesn't feel like you fit, but you do. I am releasing you to explore this new territory and to occupy it. So, I say to you, move with the flow of My Spirit. Do not insist on maintaining old boundaries and personal comfort. Refuse to allow fear or uncertainty a place in your heart. Just be still and know that I am God. Let me lead you by the hand and direct your every step.
1 Corinthians 13:11, "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things."

June 3, 2000: What is this feeling of being unsettled and misplaced? I am bringing a course correction. I want your expression of My kingdom to be more pure than ever. I want it to be a unique expression of My life in you. What you have done in the past is not wrong, but you have outgrown some aspects of your representation of My kingdom much the same as you would outgrow a pair of shoes. It is time for you to move into bigger spiritual shoes, but not too big. You will know when you get the right fit. For, your walk in the kingdom requires some new things...more expansive concepts and ideas, a willingness to move out of what has been comfortable and familiar. And, I say, do not fear what is new and unknown, for I have always led you and directed your steps, and I am certainly not leaving you on your own now. Haven't I said that I will never leave you nor forsake you? Trust Me.

June 2, 2000: Rise up and be alert. There are circumstances and opportunities presenting themselves that have the potential of bringing great change into your life. I say, you will never be the same. This is a time to seek My face and yield to My plans. Search your heart and release all bitterness, and forgive all offenses, for these will hinder My work in you.
James 4:8, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

May 31, 2000: My desire is to bring revival and renewal to My people. I want to pour out abundantly and bring you to a place of being refreshed and restored. I want to release My power through you so that My kingdom will be established. Don't be satisfied with a trickle when I have prepared a tremendous, flowing stream. Refuse to accept only a raindrop of glory when I have prepared a thunderous and mighty waterfall. Your sights are set too low, and you have limited My possibilities in your life by allowing what is fleshly and worldly to cloud your vision. Liberate yourself from the shackles of unbelief and step into the spiritual reality of what I have prepared for you. But, you must move in the realm of My Spirit and abandon yourself to My will and cause. I am looking for men and women who will purify their hearts and truly serve Me without reservation. My eyes are scanning the earth to find those who are not bound by worldly desires or a spirit of religion, but whose desire is only to know Me. I am looking for My bride, My helpmate.

May 30, 2000: I call to you to come up here. But you cannot come unless you worship. You desire to draw near to Me and to know My glory and to see My face. Yet, you will not come...cannot come because you have not entered into deep devotion. You cannot come in your flesh to where I AM . Haven't I said that you must worship in spirit and truth? Many times you think singing songs is worship, but you never transcend the soul realm. I say, abandon yourself in adoration to your Creator. Loose yourself from that which is mundane and rise up in spirit and truth. Step into My glory realm. Come into My presence, for you are in need of being refreshed.
John 4:23-24, "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

May 29, 2000: Behold, I have greater things to reveal to you, but you cannot receive what I have until you get out of your rut. Where are My prophets who will come to Me without preconceived ideas and established notions? Where are those who will truly seek My face without religious concepts that hinder the release of what I desire to send forth? I say to you, come to Me as a child and not as a sage. Some have established themselves in their own minds as having superior wisdom and insight, but this is the attitude of a Pharisee. I would have you humble yourself, for the day of the Lord shall come upon everything proud and lofty, upon everything lifted up, and it shall be brought low.

May 27, 2000: I saw a myriad of colors released into my spiritual vision, and the Lord said: I am about to release a vibrancy into your lives that will make the past look like shades of gray. This spiritual color will be generated by greater light, the brightness of My presence that will expose My purposes and illuminate My paths in greater depth and clarity. Prepare yourselves, for what you called excitement in the past will pale when compared to what is ahead of you. What you thought was spiritual renewal in the past will seem like child's play compared to what I am about to do in your midst. It would be wisdom for you to put aside and bring closure to old issues that cause you to live in darkness; rainbows are only visible in the light.

May 26, 2000: I had a short vision of a horse with a saddle but no rider. The horse was bucking. And, the Lord said: Some of you are saddled with circumstances and situations that you are trying to throw off by bucking. I have not saddled you with these conditions to make you uncomfortable or to cause you to resist, but rather to train you to carry the responsibilities that I will give you in My kingdom. I want to be able to trust you to bear My load with quiet assurance so that you won't abort My mission. I want you to come to the understanding that this saddle won't hurt you, but will enable and prepare you. For, I have work ahead of you that you know nothing about, and unless you go through this training, you will be of no use to My kingdom. I say to you, settle down. Do not be afraid, for I am with you.

May 24, 2000: Arise and come out of the darkness of secret sin. Some of you, My people, have become ensnared by hidden sin and covert bondage. You have entered into this realm of darkness through trying to bring comfort to your flesh. This bondage has interrupted the flow of My life into your spirit. Some of you have opened yourselves up to unclean spirits and perversion through fantasy; others have allowed discouragement, disappointment and depression; still others are entertaining bitterness, anger and offense. Nothing is hidden from My eyes. I say to you, shake yourselves free. Turn from this evil, resist the devil, and he will flee. The wages of sin is death, but I have come that you might have life. Lay aside all darkness and come into My glorious light. 1Corinthians 10:13-14, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry."

May 23, 2000: I declare to you that I have gone before you to make crooked places straight. I have prepared the way for My will to be accomplished and for My word to go forth in mighty power. Who then will stop this work or thwart My plans and purposes? I have called you for such a time as this. But, you ask, what about these setbacks? I say, these are not setbacks. Nothing is set back! These are times of redefining and reestablishing your strength of purpose. Will you quit and sit down in the middle of the race? Or, will you catch a second wind and continue on with greater courage and determination than before? You choose, but only those who finish the race get the prize. I say, rise up and go forth. You gain nothing by giving up.

May 22, 2000: I have given you, My people, clear and concise language so that you can communicate clearly with one another. Yet, there is a work of confusion and misunderstanding coming against My people. The enemy has come to muddy the water and bring division. And unless you speak forth your heart in an understandable, uncomplicated, straightforward manner with pure motives and clarity of purpose and vision, the enemy will bring chaos and destruction. I speak to some of you who have gotten into a mental whirlwind. I say to you, quiet your soul. Seek My face for direction, guidance and wisdom, for surely I pour out abundantly. Resist the temptation to sink into the mire of Pandemonium.

May 20, 2000: I bring you a watchword today--dissipation! Watch! For the enemy would bring circumstances, situations, and conditions that would cause you to spread yourself too thin so that you have many things to do, and yet no time to do any of them well. I bring you another word--discernment. If you will yield your will and your time to Me, I will give you the discernment to recognize and separate what I have called you to do from that which will cause you to be scattered and ineffective. I bring you yet a third word--focus. I would have you to bring your priorities into sharp focus as you bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. I say to you, come to attention!

May 19, 2000: Do you know it? I am sending forth greater revelation of the depth of My Word. I am opening your hearts to hear, receive and know the mysteries of My kingdom. If you will only seek My face with a hunger and desire to know, you shall be filled and satisfied. I say to you whose understanding has been unfruitful, break up the fallow ground of your heart. Plow up the ground of stodgy, religious dogma which keeps you from fresh revelation. Let me rain down My glory upon you and give life to a dry, thirsty land.
Hosea 10:12, "Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you."

May 17, 2000: I say to you, that the harvest is ripe. The seeds that you have sown have grown up and your harvest is nearly ready. Some of you have sown seeds of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. And, I tell you truly, that you will reap the fruit in gladness and humility. But also be aware that some of you have sown seeds of uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, hatred and folly. You also will reap, but you will reap in sadness. And, I say some of you will blame Me for this sadness when it was you yourself who planted the seeds. Stop where you are and learn a lesson in sowing and reaping, for soon this cycle will begin again, for as long as the earth remains there will be seedtime and harvest.

Galatians 6:7-10, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."

May 16, 2000: Rise up. I say, RISE UP! I have wonderful things to show you and glorious things to share with you, but you cannot discern My ways or hear My voice when you are focused on the petty issues of life. Refuse to allow the issues that have robbed your peace to take dominion over you. I say to you, forgive those who have trespassed against you, and release those who have offended you. You cannot be at peace with Me until you rise up out of division, strife and contention. Stop striving, and release these issues to Me. Haven't I spoken to you to be at peace with all men, as much as is possible with you? You cannot establish peace by continuing to strive in division. Relinquish these issues and set your heart on Me. John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

May 15, 2000: I speak to you today of purpose. My purposes have been established on the earth, and you have opportunity daily to either come in line with My purposes and be part of My plan or to refuse and do your own thing. Those of you who choose to go your own way and do what is right in your own eyes will ultimately come to destruction. And, you are so clever at justifying your disobedience. But, I say to you, it all comes down to unbelief. If you truly believed My word, you would do My will. And those who have chosen their own way have been fit with spiritual blinders and cannot see clearly because of the veil over their hearts, and they are deceived. Rise up, My people, into the fullness of My will and purposes. Yield to My leading. Trust and obey.

May 14, 2000: I had such a witness in my spirit about God beginning to pour out blessings, and the Lord says: Haven't I said that you are to come out from among them and be separate; touch not the unclean thing? It is a narrow path, and I have called you to be separated to Myself. The flow of the blessings into your life will be directly proportionate to how much you have separated yourself to Me. Some of you have joined yourselves to the world. Some of you have become unequally yoked together with unbelievers. You will miss out on some of the blessings because you have not heeded My voice; you have not done what I said to do. When the blessings flow, be warned that you will not receive all that you could have. Those who have been yoked with unbelievers, you must fast and pray and do what you can do to bring them in, or you will miss out.

May 13, 2000: Once again, I am shaking everything that can be shaken. Just as you would shake a dirty rug to separate the rug from the dirt, am I shaking My people again. There are those who have called themselves Christians but have defiled My servants with bitterness and anger. And, to those of you who have risen up in pride and counted those that I have called and chosen as your enemies, I will turn you upside down and shake you. And, I say, that it is for your good that I do this, for if you will not forgive others, I cannot forgive you. I admonish you to release and forgive those who have wronged you, those who you have disagreed with. For, you will not be able to progress any further until this issue is dealt with.
Proverbs 27:22, "Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his foolishness will not depart from him."

May 12, 2000: I have called you to do extraordinary things in these extraordinary times. I know that you don't feel equipped or prepared to meet the challenges ahead of you, but I didn't call you to come prepared or equipped. I called you to come, to make yourself available to Me. I called you just as you are. Come, then, with a heart that is willing to do what I have set before you, and trust Me to do in and through you what you are not able to do alone. I will go before you to make the crooked places straight. I will remove the hindrances that have been put in the way of what I have called you to do. Have I not said that you are My battle ax, My weapon of war? I have fashioned you and molded you as an instrument designed specifically and efficiently for this very hour. Arise, then, and go forth without fear or trepidation, for I am with you. I am the hand; you are the glove.

Isa 40:3-5, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth; The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

May 10, 2000: Yes, I am leading you to higher ground and bringing you to a place undefiled. But, I cannot take you there until you have gained the victory where you are. For indeed many nations have gathered against you with a hope that you will be defiled and with a heart to see your demise. They will rise against you once more with a vengeance, but they do not know My thoughts, nor do they understand My counsel. I have made your forehead like flint and have armed you with a strong bow. I have caused your feet to be shod with bronze, and your enemies will be broken in pieces. I say to you, fear not, for I have a plan and a purpose that cannot be thwarted. Your enemies will look upon your triumph and know that the Almighty God has been among them, and they shall be greatly ashamed.

May 9, 2000: Beware...the enemy has sent a spirit of infirmity and defilement to weaken you in body and soul. But, haven't I said that My strength is sufficient? Rise up in My strength and power and shake yourself free from this attack. Resist the devil and he will flee! Let Me wash you with the Word. I tell you today, that many of you are experiencing back pain that has come out of nowhere. I tell you that this is an attack of the enemy against your body. But, I also tell you that some of you have taken on a burden that does not belong to you. You are carrying a burden that needs to be brought to Me and left with Me. If you could do something about this situation, you would have already taken care of it. You cannot; I can. Let me relieve you of this heavy load.
Mat 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

May 8, 2000: What is this I see? Is it not a cloud of despair and trouble? Some of you have come to believe that the sunshine of My peace and blessings come to everyone else but you, and that this cloud of darkness follows you wherever you go. But, I say to you, that I am no respecter of persons, and I have not singled you out to test you and try you beyond your ability to stand. You have allowed your heart to be troubled and afraid. I have called you to great expectation, but there is a vast difference between expecting and projecting. Instead of living today and bringing glory to My kingdom today where you are, you have projected yourself out into the future where you cannot live either there or here. And, a spirit of fear has moved in to take its place in the gap that you've created between here and there. Your thoughts are now taken up with worry, fear and anxiety of what might happen. I say, this is a great evil and produces great darkness. Repent, therefore, and come out into the sunshine of My love, for surely I will bless you and direct your steps today. And, I will cause you to bring glory to My kingdom where you are. I will establish your heart in peace if you will only release your unknown tomorrows.

May 6, 2000: I have given you great and precious promises. And, what I have promised, I will bring to pass if you will but hold on and believe. I say to you, however, that the enemy has come to steal your hope and cause you to doubt what I have spoken to you. You are becoming weary of hanging on, and the temptation will come for you to let go of all that you once held dear and to abandon what I have promised. But, you have need of endurance. You must renew yourself in vision and spiritual strength. Reassure yourself by bringing to remembrance what I have confirmed to you. Do not let go, or it will be lost. Hebrews 10:35-38, "Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."

May 5, 2000: My people, I have raised up a standard in your midst. It is a standard of righteousness and holiness. I have shown you by example and set in My Word the model of authority in My kingdom. I have called you to follow the example that I have set and to not only yield to My authority, but to establish that same authority in your lives and circumstances. But, I say to you, there are some among you who have compromised and devalued your citizenship in My kingdom. This is because you have compared yourself to those around you in the world instead of measuring yourself according to My standard of integrity. Today is the day of reckoning. I say to you, reckon yourselves dead to sin. Refuse to live beneath your station. Rise up from the place of degradation where you have fallen, and take your rightful place in My kingdom.

Romans 6:11-13, "Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God."

May 3, 2000: I am gathering you, My precious people and bringing you to higher ground spiritually and into rich revelation, much the same as a shepherd gathers his sheep and leads them to higher pastures. For, where you have been the waters have become fouled and the land overgrazed, and you have begun to fight over what little is left. You have been over the same ground and remained in the same revelations until they have become religious doctrines. Many of you don't even know that I have greater things in store for you. You have forgotten what fresh food and clear water look like, and have even lost your appetite for the rare delicacies found in untrodden ground. I am now leading My flock to greener pastures. Will you follow? Will you stir up your appetite and begin to hunger and thirst and desire greater things in the kingdom? Leave behind the strife and contention, jealousy and anger, criticism and judgment of your old stomping grounds. Come, follow Me!
1 Corinthians 2:9-14, "But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.' But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

May 2, 2000: When I ask questions of you, it is not that I don't know the answers, but rather that I am revealing your own heart to you. When I ask: Do you love Me? I already know that you do, but what I want you to consider is how much you love Me. Are you willing to lay aside all that you hold dear to serve Me? Are you willing to put down your own desires, wishes and agendas and do My will? Are you willing to die to the flesh that you might live in the Spirit? You have desired to move in the power and gifts of the Spirit. But, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, how can it yield its increase? My desire for you is that you would become an empty vessel, a clay jar, that I can pour into and out of as I will. And, I want your "jar" to be so clean and free of fear, jealousy, bitterness, pride, lust and the like that whatever I pour through you will not be tainted by your vessel. If you will yield yourself totally to Me, I will cleanse you to that degree, and then you probably won't even notice the pouring in and the pouring out, nor will your eyes be set on the increase. Rather, your eyes will only see Me.

May 1, 2000: I kept hearing the phrase, "Don't go off half-cocked." As I began to ponder that phrase, I could see a rifle going off accidentally before taking aim. And the Lord says, slow down and carefully consider what is before you. Take time to discern your present circumstances and conditions before "firing" back. Be careful not to move on presumption. Be quiet before Me that you might hear My voice, for I am bringing you through even this test. But you must quiet your soul and listen carefully to My instructions.
Proverbs 17:28, "Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive."

April 29, 2000: Be still, My child. How can you hear My still small voice when you are so noisy inside? Come away to My secret place. Leave the clamor and turmoil of your circumstances behind, for you have need of rest. Life's issues have pulled you down like quick sand. I say to you, stop struggling against these issues; cry out to Me, and I will rescue you. I will establish you in a place of safety, but you must let go of the whirlwind of activity. Release to Me all that has stolen your peace. Come to Me to be refreshed. Come into My sabbath rest.

April 28, 2000: Behold, I will reveal to you the ancient heights and the idolatrous strongholds. I will show you the places in your own heart that need to be brought low. I shall come against everything that is lofty and proud and everything that has been exalted above My kingdom. I will open your eyes that you might see the desolation of your own soul as it has been scarred by lawlessness and pride. I seek to bring cleansing and healing, but I cannot do it without your consent. So, I say, yield quickly to this process. I will show you not only the manifestations of haughtiness, but I will show you the seat of pride. Isaiah 2:12, 17- 18, "For the day of the LORD of hosts shall come upon everything proud and lofty, upon everything lifted up; And it shall be brought low; the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day, but the idols He shall utterly abolish."

April 26, 2000: James 4:8-12, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?"
I say to you again, purify your hearts, for only the pure in heart shall see Me. When you speak against one another, biting and devouring one another, judging one another, you don't see Me; you see each other! Many of you have risen up in pride and lifted up your heel against a brother. You have magnified yourself in your own sight and justified your motives. I say to you, turn from this evil, for you cannot draw close to Me and be at odds with your brother. You cannot love Me and hate your brother at the same time. You have fallen into prejudice, for you have pre-judged and formed an opinion without considering My mercy.

April 25, 2000: You have lifted your heart like a massive sail to be moved by the wind of My Spirit. You have sharpened your focus and attuned your ear that you might be an instrument of My leading. You have even accepted the fact that this is a solitary mission, and you have pulled away from the crowd to abandon yourself completely to My purposes. And, indeed, I will be moving you along at a good clip. But now, I say, watch for those around you who would try to anchor you to their soulish desires. They will say you are too radical and will try to reason with you to have some "common" sense. They will label you and even try to bring shame to your mission by casting a shadow of doubt on what I have called you to do. If I was an outcast, shall you not be also, inasmuch as you have taken up your own cross to follow Me? I say to you, cut the anchors and gather the Wind. My purposes have been established and your course has been set.

April 24, 2000: This morning, I was reminded of a few times in my Christian walk where I seemed to be in a dry place spiritually, where I couldn't seem to connect with God. I felt isolated and alone, and really had no way of knowing how to get back to a place of peace and fruitfulness in Him. In each case, I could envision myself high up in the tower of a castle with no way out. There was only one small window to look out of, and it seemed that the castle was encircled by a moat filled with alligators, and the drawbridge was up so that no one could get to me either. In each case, after seeking the Lord about how I got there and how to get out, He showed me that I had been hurt or rejected and had isolated myself without really being aware of what I had done, and I had to forgive and release those who had offended me before I could get out of that place of isolation. And, I heard the Lord say, oh My people, let go of your disappointments. Be done with arguments and disagreements. Separate yourselves from those issues that have caused division and strife. Leave behind your petty jealousies, competitions, and comparisons. Refuse to allow your walls of offense to cut you off from Me. For, you are precious to Me and I desire your fellowship.

April 22, 2000: I kept seeing a vision of a hot-air balloon. It was big and colorful, but it was still anchored and floating only a few feet off the ground. The Lord says, clap your hand over your mouth, for a haughty spirit is unbecoming a child of the Living God. Humble yourself and let My character and nature prevail in you. Refuse to be moved to speak great swelling words of emptiness, for pride is nothing more than being puffed up with empty, hot air. Come back down to reality. Repent of this deception.
Zephaniah 3:11-13, "In that day you shall not be shamed for any of your deeds in which you transgress against Me; For then I will take away from your midst those who rejoice in your pride, and you shall no longer be haughty in My holy mountain. I will leave in your midst a meek and humble people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD. The remnant of Israel shall do no unrighteousness and speak no lies, nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; for they shall feed their flocks and lie down, and no one shall make them afraid."

April 21, 2000: The cities lie in ruins, the walls are a heap and the gates have been removed. Lawlessness abounds and the land lies desolate. The young ones are loose in the streets like a pack of jackals. They roam and hunt and bring destruction. They are empty-headed fools. They rise in the morning having no vision or hope for good. Yet, I will descend upon them with a mighty clap of thunder and will open their ears to hear the deafening roar of My chariots upon the mountains. I will open their eyes to see the destruction that awaits them, and they will tremble in fear and fall to their knees crying out for help in the day of their distress. For, I am coming with a vengeance, and the day of visitation is at hand. I will bring an utter end to their foolishness and anarchy. I have arisen out of My holy habitation. I will reveal the mighty power of My right arm and call forth My army.

April 19, 2000: Psalm 23:1-3, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake." I had a vision of the Lord as our Shepherd leading His sheep to a quiet and peaceful pasture. Those who were watching Him arose and followed to a place of rest. But, there were sheep who were butting each other, crowding each other and generally creating confusion and chaos. They were jealous and angry and didn't even notice that the Lord had moved His flock to another pasture. They were too busy beating each other up to even notice that He was gone. And, He says, rise up out of this place of strife and contention. Be done with wrangling and jealousy. It is foolishness to compare yourselves among yourselves. I am leading you to higher places where I can pour out greater revelation of My kingdom, but you cannot receive it unless your heart is prepared. And, your heart cannot be prepared as long as you are in contention and chaos. You must quiet your soul and focus your attention on Me instead of your current circumstances.

April 18, 2000: Today is a new day. Let Me wash away all defilement. For I say, you have been defiled by the things that have been communicated to you, not only by hearing the spoken word, but by reading. Consider where you have been and what you have allowed to come into your being by the words, attitudes and motives of others. Consider also the things that you have spoken that have not been edifying. Repent; turn from speaking idle words, for you surely will give account in the day of judgment. Come to Me for a cleansing. For indeed, I will wash you whiter than snow. I will remove this filth from you. Let me take that subtle feeling of embarrassment from you, and restore you. Let all things hidden be brought fully into the light and revealed, for this is righteousness.
Psalm 51:1-4, "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight; that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge."

April 17, 2000: Haven't I told you I'm bringing you into My order? I am repositioning you spiritually so that I can reveal Myself more completely to you. In fact, I am releasing revelation in your midst like a river, and you can either be a spectator and watch others get in the river to be partakers of My divine revelation, or you can be a participator. This is the river that flows out of the Temple of God, whose temple you are. Out of your innermost being will flow rivers of living water. It will bubble out of dry ground as only a trickle, then will begin to flow out. If you are careful not to stop the flow, this river of life will become so deep and move so quickly that all you can do is go with the flow. This is the river of My Spirit flowing out of you. By My Spirit, you will both produce this flow of living water, and enjoy and move with the flow of revelation as it flows from others. Come on in; the water is fine!

April 14, 2000: Watch and be amazed as I continue to bring My chosen ones together. I am bringing people and ministries together and joining them in unique and powerful ways. Watch for new and valuable contacts that will enrich your lives and bring glory to My kingdom. I say to you, My people, be done with suspicion, arrogance and jealousy. Do not be afraid, for I am doing a glorious work on the earth, and there is no place in it for selfish motives and self-interest. I am raising up a people whose minds are stayed on Me and My purposes and whose goals and purposes are Mine. Release yourselves into greater vision and higher purpose.

April 12, 2000: I have spoken to you about repositioning. I have told you that it was coming. Now, I'm telling you that it is. Since I speak to all of My chosen ones, I say to you that this repositioning will take many forms and manifest in many different ways. For some it will be a radical uprooting and transplanting. For others it will be a course correction. For still others it will be a change of mind and heart. I exhort you to yield to this process, for I am bringing you into My perfect order. Indeed, every part of My Body has its designated position and purpose, and I am bringing you into proper alignment for greater effectiveness. Lift up your eyes; look and see, for I have brought clarity in vision.

April 11, 2000: Rise up above the noise and clamor of circumstances that want to dominate your attention and focus. Give no place for the nagging voice of the enemy that wants to dump you down into condemnation, rejection and self-focus. Throw off the cloak of anxiety and worry. This cloud of dust will make it hard for you to breathe and will impair your spiritual vision. Rise up out of confusion and set your face like flint to come to your spiritual Jerusalem, that place of peace. I give you My peace. "Let not your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid." I am indeed with you and will lead you out of this dry place if you will let go of the things that hold you and bind you. I have come to give you a garment of praise for a spirit of heaviness.

April 10, 2000: Rejoice! I say, rejoice, for there is a release of new life, new strength, new growth in, around and through you. Rise up out of the dead ashes of the past. Lift yourself up from your position of grief and mourning, sackcloth and ashes, for yesterday is gone. I have set before you this day, death and life; cursing and blessing. Choose life! Rise up in My strength and power. Refuse to allow the circumstances of life, disappointment and rejection to overtake you. Come to Me for renewal. Haven't I said that they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength? Come, and I will renew you; I will empower you; I will raise you up in newness of life.
Isaiah 40:31 "But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

April 8, 2000: I see the hearts of those who feel alone and isolated, but I say to you, I am raising up all who will come to Me for inclusion. I am bringing My remnant together and binding them together for My purposes. I am uniting the hearts of My people to be one with Me. "Strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed." For, I am surely bringing My Body together and placing each one in proper order for My purposes according to My pattern.

April 7, 2000: Have I not said that I did not come to bring peace but a sword? And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me? He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. I am calling you to a closer walk with Me. I have set you apart from before the foundation of the earth, and I am calling you forth for such a time as this. Be done with social and political religious exercise. Draw close to My heart and incline your ear to hear My leading, for I have a plan and purpose that cannot be accomplished where you are. I am leading you out to do great exploits in My name, for you have been content to eat the crumbs that fall from My table when I have called you to be a guest at My banquet. Humble yourself, submit completely to My will, and you will be moved into a place of greater effectiveness in the Kingdom than you could ever have imagined or believed. Expect the enemy's greatest resistance at your point of emergence.

April 5, 2000: Watch out! Here comes discouragement and heaviness to keep you out of the flow of My Spirit. The main goal is to cause you to feel like a fish out of water with a sense of displacement and a feeling of inadequacy. I say, refuse to yield to this confidence crisis. Stay steady. This cloud of discouragement is like a spring storm which will move through quickly. All you have to do is not get caught up in the whirlwind of its movement nor overreact to your feelings. There are some changes you need to make, but you must wait until this storm passes through. The enemy wants you to act hastily so that you will miss the mark of solid direction, instruction and wisdom.
Ephesians 6:10-11, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

April 4, 2000: Break up your fallow ground. Many of you have sown among thistles, and the weeds have choked out your harvest. You are still trying to eke out a harvest in barrenness. I say to you, stop wasting your time lamenting over past failures. Cut your losses short. It is time for you to break new ground and sow new seeds, but I say to you, sow in righteousness. Sow according to My plans and purposes, and you will reap a great harvest. Now is the time to plant. Now is the time to build. For, I say, if you will sow according to My direction and build according to My plans, I will not pluck up that which is planted or tear down that which is built. But, if you build according to your own desires, and if you sow with selfish motives, lust or greed, you will be sowing among thorns.
Hosea 10:12-13, "Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, till He comes and rains righteousness on you. You have plowed wickedness; you have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies, because you trusted in your own way, in the multitude of your mighty men."

April 3, 2000: I had a dream last night of a young man that I was trying to do business with, but he would not tell me what he wanted, though I knew very well that he had something in mind. In the dream I was prepared to give him whatever he asked, but he would not ask, and I had to walk away having given him nothing. When I awoke, I heard the Lord say, that's how some of My people are. I want to do business with you, but you will not ask of Me. How can you be about My business if you are afraid to ask for what you want and need? For, when you are in fear you are double-minded and receive nothing. I say to you, cast aside the fear that keeps you from moving in the power of faith to receive. Have I not said that if you ASK anything in My name, I will do it?
James 4:2-3, "You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures."

April 1, 2000: Behold, My cities of Judah, your foundations shall be laid, and you shall be built. I will raise up your waste places. I will make your wilderness like a garden and raise you up in joy and gladness of heart. For, I have set a standard in your midst and established a plumbline. So shall you build according to My pattern. Have I not called you forth for such a time as this? Do not be afraid of making mistakes, for I am with you and will instruct you in even the smallest detail. Am I not the Master Carpenter? Arise, let us build. The time has come for the walls to be built, for the decree has gone forth far and wide, and I will gather My people from sea to sea and from mountain to mountain. I will make the outcast a strong nation, says the Lord.

March 31, 2000: Rise up, laborers, for I am positioning you to reap. I am calling you forth and equipping you for the harvest. There is a great work to be done in season. Haven't I told you to ask for the rain in the time of the latter rain? For, surely there will be a mighty downpour. Soon, the trumpet will sound that will send you out to gather in, but first the preparation. Set a watch! Sound an alarm! For, the enemy has come to distract you and thwart your purpose. He has indeed sent his fiery darts of accusation and condemnation to disable you. I say to you, awaken from the stupor of the deluge of this darkness. Rise up out of the pit of despair and clothe yourself with strength.
Isaiah 60:1-5, "Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see: they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be nursed at your side. Then you shall see and become radiant, and your heart shall swell with joy; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you."

March 29, 2000: As I waited before the Lord this morning, I had a short vision of a vast green meadow. As I looked at this meadow a feeling of peace and tranquility flooded my soul. I mean there were no computers, no telephones, no automobiles or airplanes, no electronic devices, no television sets or alarm clocks. Then, I thought of Psalm 23 and realized that's where the Lord wants to bring me today. He wants to bring me to Himself where I can bask in the warmth and peace of His presence and let the rest of the world go by. In that place there's no need to worry, for He has everything under control. He knows the beginning from the end and He's not worried! As He admonishes me, I want to encourage you to come into His rest.

March 28, 2000: Behold, I am doing things on the earth that will absolutely astound you. Those things that I have promised are being released. What has already been established in the spirit realm will now begin to manifest on the earth. For, I have indeed spoken; my word has gone forth, and will not return to Me void. I am building that which will not be pulled down and planting that which will not be plucked up. I am establishing you with deep and lasting foundations. I am also sounding forth with a wake-up call to those who have been lulled to sleep by a spirit of religion. I will cause you to awaken and rise up out of the bed of religious exercise and tradition so that you can truly be moved by My Spirit. Those who have ears to hear, rise up out of your resting place where your center of attention has been on yourself, and set your face to seek Me and serve in My kingdom. For, I am calling forth the company of the redeemed, a strong people set in battle array who will not be cut down.

March 27, 2000: There is a river whose springs are in you, for it begins in the temple of the living God whose temple you are and it issues forth from the threshold, which is your mouth. The waters of refreshment will come forth bringing fresh revelation and producing new life. For, behold, I am bringing you to a deeper level of understanding and new insight of My word that will literally produce a faith explosion. However, this stream will begin with only a trickle and then continue to increase until it becomes an absolute river that will carry you. Let Me produce this overflow in you as you meditate on My word and be immersed in the depth of revelation that has been stored up and is now ready to be released. And, I say to those who can receive it, this is Beersheba, a deep well that will produce enough living water to cause the desert to bloom. For, I say, that your days of barrenness are ending.

March 25, 2000: Watch and be amazed as I place you, My people, in positions of greater effectiveness in My kingdom. Many of you have wondered where you belong. I say to you, now is the time that I am bringing clarity to your purpose and placement. Many of you have known your calling and placement, but it has seemed impotent. That is because you have been in a time of preparation and training, the importance of which you have not recognized. The earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. You have desired the full grain, without acknowledging that the blade must come first. Have I not also spoken to you not to despise the days of small beginnings? For, I declare to you that I will bring you to completion and maturity in due season, but not without process.

March 24, 2000: Have I not come to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness from the prison house.? My desire is to open your eyes so that your spiritual vision becomes clear. I want you to catch a vision of My plans and purposes for your life. But, as long as you can only see your problems and the limitations in your circumstances, you do sit in darkness. I say to you, lift up your eyes; lift your vision higher. Where there is no vision the people perish. Where there is no vision, you will be restrained and prevented from moving ahead. I say to you, rise up and cast off the garments of a blind beggar and come that I might give you sight. Rise up out of the darkness, despair and depravity of your own prison and limitations that result from lack of vision. You cannot build without a plan, and you cannot plan without a vision, and you cannot see without faith.

March 22, 2000: The enemy has come to put a spiritual sack over your head so that you cannot see clearly or discern correctly. He has sent confusion into your camp and tried to blind your eyes to the reality of his work against you. He has brought deception so that even when you discern the truth of a situation, he will cast a shadow of doubt over your mind like a net, and will mock you, scorn you and cause you to look like a fool. I say to you, arise and shake yourself awake. Rise up against this attack and let My mind be in you, for I will bring clarity and re-establish purpose. Quiet your soul and come into My rest.

March 21, 2000: I had a short vision of a man walking on the top of a fence. He was beginning to lose his balance and was about to fall. And the Lord says, some of you have had opportunities to become offended. You have put up your fence as a safety barrier. You are still trying to have relationship with those on the other side of your offense without taking this barrier down. In so doing, you have engaged in a dangerous balancing act that has brought you into compromising your spiritual integrity. And the Lord says, if I have brought separation between you and another, why do you still try to maintain unity? But, if I have not brought this separation, why do you continue in division, strife and contention? You must discern My purposes, but you cannot function in spiritual discernment when you are operating in the flesh. Have I not said, walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh? Rise up then, out of carnality and leave your indignation behind, for I cannot accomplish My purposes in you and through you while you are in this compromised position.

March 20, 2000: I have gone before you to make the crooked places straight, to make a highway in the desert, and I say to you that the way is opening up for you to fulfill My purposes where I have placed you. For, I have called you, planted you, and prepared you for such a time as this. Know this, however, that the enemy will do his utmost to distract you with petty issues of life in an effort to render you completely ineffective and neutralize your efforts in the kingdom. Refuse to get distracted by your own personal desires and need for approval, affection, and recognition. Your eye must become single if I am to accomplish through you what I have set before you. Your heart cannot be divided to include selfish interests. And, I say, fear not. There is no need to fear any attack from the enemy, for I am with you to strengthen and establish you, and I will not allow My plans to fail.
Romans 8:31 "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

March 18, 2000: Heads up! The queen of heaven has shouted, "Off with their heads!" So, I caution you that those placed in positions of leadership and authority have come under attack with a decree of death and destruction. But, to you leaders, I say do not shrink back and retreat in dismay, but stand in the position where I have placed you, and exercise the authority I have given you. For, those that I have chosen, I have called, and those that I have called I will undergird. Do not retreat, but sound forth the alarm and rally your troops, for I will surely bring unity among those that are submitted to My leadership, and I will declare victory.

March 17, 2000: Some time ago, I asked you to sacrifice your Isaac, and you put him on the altar in your obedience to My request. You have come a long ways, to a place that I have chosen. You have built an altar to me, a place of sacrifice in your heart, and have set everything in order spiritually. You have prepared to offer up that which has been most dear to your heart. But, I say, that because you have not withheld that which is precious to you for My sake, I will bless you and multiply you and you will possess the gate of your enemies. Behold, I am restoring your Isaac to you, for I know that you fear God. Because you have not withheld that which is precious to you, I will not withhold any good thing from you, and My purposes will be fulfilled in you. Now, arise and go to Beersheba where I will bring forth living water, fresh and clean, from which will spring forth new life.

March 15, 2000: Watch now, for the enemy has risen up against you to stop My work. He cannot defeat you in the realm of the spirit, so he has sent people in the natural realm to thwart your plans and impede your progress. But, I say, look beyond the people who oppose you, for they are only pawns of the devil's purposes. Your battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. These powers will manifest as opposition to you, but look carefully, and you will see the spirit of the antichrist who mocks, scorns and rejects your plans; you will see the spirit of Jezebel manifesting jealousy, control, manipulation, domination--expressed in extreme emotional behavior; you will have to face a haughty spirit that will rise up to intimidate. Have I not given you power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over ALL the power of the enemy? Then, I say, rise up in the power of My Spirit and pull down these strongholds. Surely I say to you, NO weapon formed against you shall prosper. I have set you to do My will and perform My work, and victory is assured.

March 14, 2000: Behold, I am leading you in paths of righteousness for My name's sake. I am bringing you forth by way of deliverance, vindication, justification and victory. For, I say, that it is time that My name be glorified in the earth. Rise up and shake yourself spiritually awake. Shake off those things that have come to bind you and keep you immobilized. Shake yourself free from those things that have debilitated you. This is a new day, a day to cast off the restraint of fear, rejection and failure. I say, cast off the garment of a blind beggar; come and receive your sight. For, I will indeed open your eyes and give spiritual insight, bringing light and revelation to those places that have been hidden in darkness until now. I say again, come and receive your sight.

March 13, 2000: My children, I have gone before you and made a wide path for you to come into greater knowledge of My word, more revelation. I am opening your eyes to see more than you ever have in My kingdom, and I am preparing you and equipping you to gather in the harvest. What is that work of preparation and equipping? You will open your heart and I will prepare it. You will begin to walk and I will direct your steps. You will open your mouth and I will fill it, for have I not said that death and life are in the power of the tongue? I will fill your mouth with wisdom and words that have the power to convince and convict. You have camped long enough at that old watering hole. I want to bring you to fresh streams of living water that will cause new life to spring forth. Get ready to move forward.

March 11, 2000: I remind you that the weapons of your warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. I say, again, this is your weapon to be used against the enemy of your soul to bring down his strongholds. And, I want to bring to your attention a very subtle stronghold that he reinforces daily. Upon awakening, at the beginning of each new day, he will re-establish the thread of worry, so that you will take up where you left off yesterday with those things that you were concerned about. But, I say to you, do not take up this burden every morning; do not carry this weight of anxiety. Drop these burdens at My feet and trust Me to perfect and bring to a conclusion those things that concern you. Let Me direct your steps and lead you in the way you should go. Worry is a crippling thing and causes you to walk with an unsteady and halting gait; it is a hindering force that keeps you from moving ahead with assurance and faith. Matthew 6:27-33 "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

March 10, 2000: These are the days of My power when you will see more of My glory than you could ever imagine. But, it is My power and it is My glory which I will only manifest through those who are totally yielded and submitted to Me. I will not manifest through your works, no matter how noble. For, you must cease from your own labor and come into My rest . You cannot work up power and glory through doing enough good works in the kingdom; it will not come as a result of good doctrinal teaching or fiery preaching; it will not come because of your charitable deeds. My glory will only manifest when you bow low in worship, in total submission, your hearts yielded completely to My will. And, when you see My glory, you will only be able to cry, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come."

March 8, 2000: You have been washed by the cleansing power of My blood. Old things have passed away and you have become as newborn babes. Yet, many of you hide from Me as though you were lepers hiding in caves, and you have separated yourselves from the rest of My body not willing to touch or be touched. You have become isolated as though you were unclean, and the enemy has made you feel dirty and unworthy. You wear condemnation as a garment. But, I say to you, throw off that old, dirty garment of heaviness, rejection, and self-pity. Let me clothe you with love and joy; let me clothe you in a garment of praise. There is no need that you bathe again in the blood of redemption, but you must allow your feet to be washed that your walk before Me is clean and pure.
John 13:10 Jesus said to him, "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you."

March 7, 2000: Today, I call you warriors! I have given you power and authority to take possession of spiritual ground that you have not yet moved into. And, it is fruitful land. But, you must thrust out the enemy. This ground that I speak to you about is first in your own soul, and you must begin with driving out lies that the enemy is too big for you to defeat. Then, you must cast out fear and rebellion. Remove pride and lust, and tear down the idols that have been erected in your own heart. I say, it is time to take the land, for victory is assured if you will only go and fight. It is My pleasure to give you the kingdom. But, I say to you that you will in no way be successful in tearing down the strongholds of your city if you have not first possessed your own soul.
1 Thessalonians 4:4-7, "Each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness."

March 6, 2000: Do you feel me drawing you to Myself? Come into My rest. Some of you have gotten into an almost frantic pace, trying to go several directions at once. While others are frantically trying to go somewhere, but seem to be standing still. I say to you, stop striving and rest in Me. I sit above the circle of the earth; I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I see all things as they are by eternal perspective because I am not bound by time. And, I say, all of these things that you are striving over will be brought to completion. I will indeed perfect those things that concern you. All of these things are working together for your good and will come to maturity. In the midst of this process you can either strive or be at peace. Either way, it will come to pass. This current position will not last forever. My desire for you is that you go through these circumstances and tests resting in Me, with your soul quietly trusting Me for guidance and wisdom. For, I will certainly lead you and direct your every step. Be still and know that I am God!

March 4, 2000: Be alert, beloved. Sharpen your discernment, for the enemy will try to draw you into places that are ungodly, unholy and defiling. There will be people who wear the Christian label who will try to solicit your agreement and alliance. But, their lives are laced with deception, worldliness, and debauchery. I caution you--do not become unequally yoked together with unbelievers, for how can two walk together unless they be agreed? Your covenant is with Me and with those who are Mine.
2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1, "And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people. Therefore Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

March 3, 2000: Rise up. I say, rise up! You have been pecking around in your chicken-pen existence long enough, pecking around in the dirt, scratching around in your earth-bound reality with a near-sighted view of life. I have not called you to cackle and peck at one another. I call you to be eagles who will soar high above the earth into the realms of glory. I call you to rise above the petty issues, offenses, and reactions that keep you bound to the earth. Leave behind your selfish interests and motivations, jealousy, envy, strife, contention, division and worry. Rise up and seek My face where vision is clear and the air is pure. Isaiah 40:31, "But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

March 1, 2000: I am still your cloud by day and your fire by night. Look with your spiritual eyes and see that the cloud has begun to move again. You have camped in this wilderness long enough. I am taking you to Rephidim where the water of life flows freely from the Rock. Prepare to drink deeply as I establish you in the true, clear, free-flowing doctrine of My Word. For, I am bringing forth My remnant in peace and one accord and will cause you to be fruitful. For you shall indeed be trees planted by rivers of living water whose leaves will not wither, whose flowers will not fade, and I will cause you to prosper where I plant you, and you will bear fruit in abundance.

February 29, 2000: The storm has blown through and left havoc and destruction in its wake. Those things that could be shaken have been shaken, and much of what needed to be removed with the debris has been removed. Now it is time to leave those things behind and move ahead with great diligence, strengthening those things that remain. You are now more able than ever to accomplish what I have set you to do, for you have been set free from things that have encumbered you spiritually. I say to you, now is the time to regroup and refocus on what I have set before you.

February 28, 2000: Haven't you cried out to Me to bring you higher? Haven't you desired to see more of Me? You can never arrive at a new destination without making the journey. You have asked Me to remove pride from you, but there is no way to bring you through that process without debasing you. So, I say to you, rejoice that your prayers are answered. Be exceedingly glad in the opportunities that have been afforded you in accomplishing your goal. I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, for they are instruments used to perfect you. Again, I say, rejoice and be exceedingly glad.
Isa 54:16-17 "Behold, I have created the blacksmith Who blows the coals in the fire, Who brings forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the spoiler to destroy. No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me." Says the LORD.

February 26, 2000: Be strong in the Lord, My people, and in the power of His might! Do not be carried away from your position of strength by accusations and curses that are sent by an ill wind. I have established and strengthened you on solid Rock. Stand firmly where I have planted you with your roots deeply moored in My will. For indeed the storm still rages and the winds of destruction have not yet been spent. But, the storm will awaken your slumbering spirit and cause you to abide once again in safe habitations. This storm, like all others, will spend its energy and lose its power, and you will be stronger because of it.

Mat 7:24-27 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."

February 25, 2000: The enemy has risen up as a cobra that will not be charmed. He will be recognized by his intimidating behavior, deadly bite, and hood which flares when he is angry or disturbed. He will spray his deadly venom from a great distance. I say, to you My people, that this is a religious spirit that seeks to destroy, but his weapons are only in his mouth. His venom consists of lies and deception, hatred, anger, and intimidation. Haven't I said that NO weapon formed against you shall prosper? I have given you power to trample on serpents and scorpions and over ALL the power of the enemy so that NOTHING shall by ANY means hurt you. The enemy is under your feet. You are the seed of the woman whose heel bruises his head. Take your authority, which is by the Spirit, and do not war in the flesh, for you are no match for this devil in the power of your flesh. The weapons of your warfare are not carnal. Rise up in the power of My Spirit and exercise your authority. Luke 10:18-19, And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you."

February 23, 2000: Beloved, I have allowed difficult circumstances as a testing ground and even a sort of mirror so that you could see yourself in action. You have been given many and varied opportunities to grow up in all things in Christ. I am bringing you to greater spiritual maturity and giving you occasion be tested so that you yourself can see the application of this growth in action. For, I have called you to mortify the deeds of the flesh by the Spirit. Ephesians 4:11-16, "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head; Christ; from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."

February 22, 2000: These are the days of great treachery, and the strong winds of delusion are blowing. This is indeed an ill wind that has come to bring destruction. The enemy's greatest weapon is his great swelling words of deception brought through a spirit of intimidation. But, I say, that NO weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that rises up in judgment against you is condemned. Stand firmly in the place that I have chosen for you, and do not be moved. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. Daniel 7:21-22, "I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom."

February 21, 2000: I speak to those of you whose lives have seemingly been turned upside down. You have come through great change and have experienced considerable loss. But, I say this is a day of new beginnings. Do not bemoan where you have been or the losses you have suffered. Rather, let your heart rejoice in a new day. Set your course with eternal perspective and the Lord as your goal. Abandon your fantasies of the flesh and step into spiritual reality. Refuse to allow condemnation to hang on you like a dirty garment. Arise in the freshness and newness of this day and the season before you. Carefully consider the decisions set before you, and let Me lead and guide every step. I have not left you nor forsaken you. Let go of the dark past with its deception and secrecy. Step into the light of honesty, purity and holiness. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

February 20, 2000: The Lord says, just as the moon came up last night, and I showed to you as a sign, I say to you, My church, arise and come into your fullness. Arise and come into My power. I am releasing you this day to a new anointing, the end-time anointing. You will indeed go and take the land. I say GO, ARISE, and take the land in the name of Jesus, your LORD. Hallelujah!

February 19, 2000: Oh, My children, how I desire to have intimate fellowship with you. But, when you have rejected one another and been given to offense, you not only separate yourselves from one another, but you separate yourselves from Me. Until you bring down the walls of offense that have brought division between you and others, you will likewise be alienated from Me. Haven't I said that you should love your neighbor as yourself, and if you bite and devour one another that you will be consumed by one another? Oh, My beloved, your only way out of this dilemma is to forgive. I call you today to forgive and release those who have offended you. Matthew 5:44-45, "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven."

February 18, 2000: I am the Lord that heals you. My healing virtue has not diminished. My desire is for your complete and perfect healing; the price has been paid. Come and touch the hem of My garment. Press through the crowd of fear, doubt and unbelief; access by faith what I have already provided. Didn't I heal ALL who came to Me in the days that I walked the earth? I have not changed; I am the same yesterday, today and forever. So, I say come. Come and touch Me with your faith, for surely I will not turn you away disappointed. Cast off the garment of infirmity and cause fear to flee, for when you touch Me, I touch you and bring restoration and wholeness to your being. Isaiah 53:5 "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed."

February 16, 2000: I had a vision of a lighthouse atop a great rock. The wind blew, the storm raged, and great waves of the sea crashed against the rock with lightning flashing across a darkened sky. It was a magnificent yet frightening sight, and the Lord said, though the storms release their fury in violent wrath, I will hide you in the cleft of the Rock. Do not venture outside of My realm of safety. Be still and hide in silent wonder. For, soon the storms will pass, and I will bring you out again in peace. These storms will come in intense verbal assault for many, but have I not said, do not answer a fool according to his own folly? Stay humble, for this attack is not against you; it is against Me. Be still and know that I am God.

February 15, 2000: These are days of great sighing. I hear your sighs of weariness and grief as you yearn for things to be different. You long for the fulfillment of broken dreams and unsatisfied hopes and desires. But, I say to you that you must leave the flesh pots of Egypt before you can inherit the Promised Land. There is a greater hope and a greater promise in Me. I call to you today to come out of the world and to put to death the deeds of the flesh and selfish desire so that you can live in the Spirit. Come out, My people, and do not touch what is unclean. For, if you sow to the flesh, you will reap corruption, but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap everlasting life. I am calling you to invest yourself in those things which have eternal value, to invest in the kingdom of God and not the kingdoms of this world.

February 14, 2000: How can you say that you belong to Me and still walk in the ways of the world? How can you say that you belong to Me and that you love Me when you have bitter accusation and hatred in your heart? The words of your mouth have been smoother than butter, but war was in your heart; your words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. I am calling you to purify your hearts and motives and begin to seek Me in the beauty of holiness. Be done with hypocrisy. James 4:8-12, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?"

February 12, 2000: I am placing a divine hunger in your heart and a thirsting in your soul that only I can satisfy. You will have to seek Me for satisfaction, and My intention is that You come closer, that you draw near to Me. The dissatisfaction will manifest as a sense of being isolated and alone even when you are among the brethren. Haven't you noticed that you can't seem to relate to others like you used to? Small talk and social interaction are more difficult because I am calling you to come aside and commune with Me. I want to infuse you with renewed zeal and intimacy; I want to restore your joy and strength; I want to make you a disciple under My discipline in preparation for what is ahead. Come, and let us share in sweet communion together.

February 11, 2000: This morning as I waited before the Lord, I kept seeing different plants that had grown, bloomed and gone to seed--a cattail, a dandelion and others. Then, I saw a strong wind come and blow the seeds and deposit them in places where they could take root and grow. I thought of the scripture in John 12:24-25, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." And, the Lord says, many of you are in a season of maturity. The Word has been planted in the good soil of your hearts, taken root, grown and born fruit. Now, watch as the wind of My Spirit begins to move on you and cause you to speak forth the Word, to plant it in the hearts of others. The breath of My Spirit will carry the seed to good ground in other hearts where it can take root, grow and produce fruit. Thus, you will sow and reap. Isaiah 55:9-11, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

February 9, 2000: Come out, My children, from the shadows of doubt and unbelief. Fear has caused you to hide. Instead of confronting your enemy and facing the issues that have threatened you, you have retreated and withdrawn hoping that you can just be quiet enough for this crisis to pass you by unnoticed. But, I say, you have been noticed. You are the target, and this spirit of intimidation will not leave you alone until you have risen up in the face of your enemy and roared back. This is not a battle of flesh and blood. This is a spiritual battle that requires that your armor be in place. Gird yourself with righteousness, truth and peace; rise up in faith and fight back with the Word of God. Do not shrink from these challenges, for I have not given you a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. Rise up and take back what the enemy has stolen, for I have given you peace as your possession.

February 8, 2000: The past is up for review, but not so you can rekindle regret. You cannot go back and relive or correct one moment. There are things in your heart that must be released and relinquished. You are about to step through the threshold to a new phase of existence. I want to bring you to higher spiritual ground, a place of greater spiritual awareness and effectiveness. But, you must first leave the past behind with all the things that have kept you bound. Rise up out of the dead ashes of the past; shake off the dust of rejection; leave behind all failure and defeat. Let go of old relationships that keep you from pressing on and going forward. Regain eternal perspective, and be done with temporal thinking and sightless living.

February 7, 2000: I am calling you and bringing you to positions of greater clarity and discernment, but first I must unveil your own hearts so that you can see clearly your own desires and motivations. I am revealing those things in your own lives which are inconsistent with My purposes. You are living in the days of the Great Falling Away, and apostasy is performing its work, but only on those whose hearts are darkened by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Now is the time for you to put to death the deeds of the flesh by the Spirit. Walk in purity and holiness before Me having no other desire than to abide in Me. Then, you shall be washed. Psalm 51:12, "Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit."

February 5, 2000: I had a vision of a man walking down a road carrying an extremely large backpack; it was so big that at times he was only able to drag it along. As he encountered others on the road, he tried to enlist their help in carrying his burden, but one by one they would look inside the backpack only to shake their heads and continue on their way. After watching this man struggle for what seemed a very long time, he sat down and began to go through his backpack to evaluate the contents of his load. I realized as the items in his pack were revealed that they had to do with the past and that the articles were imbedded in some kind of gray matter that made them very heavy. I was immediately made aware that all of these things had to do with the man's past and the gray matter was his memories. One by one he reviewed these articles, and as soon as he decided they were not worth carrying, they disappeared. Soon, the entire backpack was empty and the man continued on his journey unburdened. As the vision faded, he was dancing and skipping down the road as though he had just been released from prison, completely free. Philippians 3:13-14, "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

February 4, 2000: Do not be shaken in your mind or troubled. The enemy has come with a whirlwind of lies and trouble to get you off balance and distracted. But, I say, calm down; come into the eye of the storm where there is peace. The storm will continue to rage around you, and you will see the effects of this violent commotion and be aware of its destructive nature, but you must come and take refuge in Me. For, I will protect you and lead you safely out. Quiet your soul; refuse to be drawn into the turmoil through fear. Stand still and see your salvation, for I will certainly rescue you and hide you in My secret place. (Psalm 91)

February 2, 2000: I caution you to stay in your places of safety. Many of you will be tempted out of boredom and discontentment to leave the places where I have planted you and protected you. The enemy is trying to lure you by your curiosity into places where you will become unproductive, where you will be mocked and scorned. The torment will be greater than you are willing to endure, and getting back to safe habitations will be at least difficult, if not impossible. Some of you are playing with things which are ungodly. Some of you have formed ungodly relationships. These are leading you away from your place of safety in Me, and you are in great danger. Do not touch what is unclean. Revelation 22:15, "But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie."

February 1, 2000: Check your seed. What kind of seeds are you sowing? Are you sowing strife and contention among the brethren? Are you sowing the seeds of discord? I have called you to sow the word of God into your own hearts and into the lives of others. Have I not said that death and life are in the power of the tongue? I am calling you today to check your seed, for you will be accountable for every unproductive word you speak. I have called you to encourage one another concerning the faith. Speak words that will bring life. Matthew 12:36-37, "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

January 31, 2000: I am preparing you for a new season, but there is still work to do before you can press on. There are things that need to be finished and put away before you can enter into what is ahead of you. I call you to a place of integrity and diligence in those things that require your attention. For, I am establishing faithfulness in your character. The test is to see if you will be honorable in secret, not as a man-pleaser only doing what others can see and appreciate, but being obedient to do My will from your heart whether anyone sees or not. I want you to learn to abide in the secret place so that you are not always clamoring for approval and acceptance from others, for that is truly a place of rest. So, I say, stop striving in the flesh, and come into that secret place where no one sees but Me. Let us commune together, face to face, heart to heart.

January 29, 2000: I had a short vision of a woman preparing something from a recipe, and I asked the Lord what she was making. His answer was "trouble." The main ingredients were fear and control. Add a little pride, and when it gets heated up, it will cause a minor explosion. The Lord says that many of those that stir up trouble just won't leave other people alone, but consistently try to control them by putting pressure on them to make changes, and are always cooking something up; never any peace. To those who make trouble, He says, quiet your soul. Come into a place of peace and rest in My presence. Proverbs 28:25, "He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will be prospered."

January 28, 2000: I have given you, My people, the Internet as a tool to convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. It is my desire that you encourage one another in the Word. And, many of you are faithful to this cause as You bring glory to My name. But, this I say to many, you have used this medium to draw attention to yourself, and to try to get your flesh needs met, which is idolatry. You seek to be satisfied by your discourse with one another, but in so doing you have entered a realm of fantasy where there is no accountability in relationship. Many of you have even entered into deception because you can hide behind your computer screen and not be found out. I say to you, this is an abomination in My sight. Listen carefully. The satisfaction that you seek is not found in Internet relationships, but is found in intimate, vital relationship with Me. Matthew 6:22-23, "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" If you refuse to turn from this great evil, you will be plunged into great darkness and will be as blind men not discerning good or evil, nor will you discern My will or My presence. Repent and return, for you are on a road that leads to destruction.

January 26, 2000: Do you see the work I am doing in your hearts? It seems very subtle to you, but indeed it is very profound. Those whose hearts are truly yielded to Me are being changed day by day as I bring you to an awareness of your motivations and attitudes. I cherish your honesty and your repentance for the things that have held you back from vital, intimate relationship with Me. Indeed I have sent forth a cleansing, healing stream that will wash away all the debris of the past and bring restoration. This is a work of holiness in you, My people, for I am changing you into My image. I am calling you to release yourselves to this work of deep repentance. This must take place before the rivers of living water can come forth from your innermost being. It is a sacred work.

January 25, 2000: When you first approached My face there was a softness and childlike innocence about you. You walked softly in fear and trepidation. You came in expectation and wide-eyed wonder. But now, you come with a hardness that has developed through the difficulties you have endured and the wars you have fought. You are no longer a child but a warrior, and you have made your forehead like flint to stand against rebellion. And, this has all been in My will. Now, I want to transform you yet again. You will once again walk softly and in gentleness, but now it won't be in innocence; it will be in purity and with wisdom. No longer will you clamor in self-defense and debate in battles of the flesh. Your battles will be in spirit against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places. I am equipping you for greater and more effective warfare, which you will carry on with quiet assurance and great skill. You indeed will be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.

January 24, 2000: Oh, My children, have I not said that your faith will be tested and tried? Many of you have wanted to give up, but I say to you, press on! It is time to leave the past behind and move ahead. Let the things of the past die, and move past your mourning. I have not appointed you to death but to life, and you cannot live in the fullness of life if you are constrained by the death of past failures and disappointments. You must stop looking at what once was or could have been and stop wallowing in sorrow. Rise up today; cast aside your widow's garment and put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. For, I say assuredly, that the joy of the Lord is your strength.

January 22, 2000: Discouraged? I know you want things to be different, and that you have developed expectations of what would make you happy. Discouragement has come because your expectations continue to go unfulfilled. That is because they are your expectations and not Mine. You have stepped out into the realm of fantasy. I say to you, come back into the realm of reality, and count it all joy when you go through these various trials and temptations. For, your circumstances are the seedbed in which My character and nature are planted in you. You have been too concerned about molding your circumstances to fit your desires rather than allowing Me to mold you to fit My purposes. This is your flesh fighting against My Spirit. The only way out of this dilemma is to be done with presumption and yield to My plans and purposes. Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

January 21, 2000: Proverbs 18:19, "A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle." Many of you, My people, have built a fortress around yourself because you have become offended. You build high walls to keep those out who have hurt you. But, I say to you, those walls also keep Me out. You have isolated yourself so that even your relationship with Me is but a memory, for you have hardened your heart with anger, contention and defensiveness. Tear down this stronghold and break down the barriers that have come between you and Me. You have violated your own conscience through unforgiveness and bitterness. I say to you, rise up out of this fortress of self-pity and release yourself from this prison. Forgive those who have sinned against you so that you can be restored.

January 19, 2000: Rise up, saints of God. Let your praise be heard to the end of the earth. Let your voices be heard on high. Let the cry of your hearts be heard. No more silent suffering. No more acquiescence in quiet anguish. How long will you submit to the torment that the enemy has released against you? How long will you be led by the seductions designed to bring you to destruction? Will you continue to be led as a lamb to slaughter? I say to you, rise up; put your foot down and say to the enemy of your soul, "Thus far, and no more!" Most assuredly, the Ancient of Days has been seated in His royal court in order to make a judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High. Bring your petitions before Him and let your case be heard. For, He is the Righteous Judge, and He will judge righteously on your behalf.

January 18, 2000: Those of you who are in the valley of decision are in a time of separation and preparation. It is time for My bride to make herself ready. You are My church, My called-out ones, and the separation process continues as I divide the precious from the vile. My word, which is sharper than any two-edged sword, will divide soul and spirit and bring truth and opportunity for repentance. Thus, I will dissect and distinguish that which is holy from what is unholy. Nothing, I said NO thing, that is unclean shall be able to abide in My kingdom. Hebrews 4:12-13, "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."

January 17, 2000: Come out of the world, My people, and do not touch what is unclean. You cannot drink of the cup of demons and of the cup of the Lord. I speak to those who have slipped back into old ways and gone back to old patterns of living and thinking. I remind you that you have been washed by the blood and sanctified. I have called you out to become a citizen in My kingdom. I say to you, awaken out of your slumber. Refuse to be allured by the world or to give in to the works of the flesh. Don't you remember what it was like to be clean and to stand in purity before Me? Yet, you have gone back to wallowing in the mire. 1 Corinthians 10:21-23, "You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord's table and of the table of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify."

January 15, 2000: Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Lift up your voice in praise and give the enemy no ground in your heart. A dark shadow of gloom has settled over My people to silence their worship and steal their joy. Refuse to allow despair to have a place in your life. Rise up in warfare against the powers of darkness; resist the devil, and he will flee! Be alert to the tactics of the enemy to sting you and cause spiritual paralysis. Refuse the temptation to depression; shake it off. Also be watchful, for the accuser of the brethren, that spirit of the anti-christ, has also been loosed against My people in an effort to silence My witnesses and bring judgment against My prophets. I say again, rise up and be strong in your Lord and in the power of His might!

January 14, 2000: Flow! I say, flow in the streams of My Spirit. I am speaking to those who used to move freely in the realm of the Spirit and delight yourselves in the life of My Spirit. You walked unhindered in the joy of My presence. But, religious spirits have shackled you and caused you to be as barren as winter, and your streams of life have frozen like a mountain stream in winter. You must come into the sunshine of My love and the warmth of My presence. Come to Me in purity of heart. Come, let us commune together and enjoy fellowship. It is in My presence that life will begin to flow again like the spring thaw. Come!

January 12, 2000: What is this that I see? You feel isolated and alone with no one to care or share your heart with, no one to understand. This is a ploy of the enemy to plunge you into loneliness and depression. He wants to immobilize you by bringing you to a place of hopelessness. But, I say to you, I am your hope and your exceeding great reward. Come to Me, for I have not pushed you away nor banished you from My sight. I have a plan and purpose for you, and I will restore you to vitality if you will only come. Do not hide in the shadows of self-doubt; come into the light. Rise up and shake off the dust of rejection. Refuse to be thrust into darkness and despair. Hebrews 12:11-15, "Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled."

January 11, 2000: Prepare for release and change. I have called you out and am sending you forth to accomplish My purposes. Yet, I cannot send you encumbered with all that binds you and keeps you from being available to do My will. Give up your fantasies that keep you from walking in reality. Give up all bitterness, resentment and pride. Refuse to be a victim by wallowing in hopelessness and self-pity. Rise up in My strength and power. Release yourself to My purposes. I am pulling out the stops that have hindered your progress. But, first you must let go of the past. Philippians 3:13-14, "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

January 10, 2000: What is this ominous feeling? I say to you, My children, heads up! Many of you are focused on your circumstances, relationships and troubles. And, it is dirty business. I seek a people whose faces will turn to Me, whose hearts long for Me. But, many of you are concentrating on your own flesh desires and on getting your own way. Many of you draw near to Me with your mouth and honor Me with your lips, but your heart is far from Me. Therefore, that ominous feeling is your sense of the oncoming storm. I will send a whirlwind to blow away the debris and to get your attention. Your words to Me have been nothing but the wind because your heart is still wicked and selfish. You have sown the wind, and you will reap the whirlwind. Be zealous therefore and repent.

January 8, 2000: Haven't you asked to be brought higher, to know Me more intimately, to have greater revelation of My kingdom? Then, why are you so surprised at the curren