Keys to Victory series

By MariaMaria #533 CM 3292 12/99

Note: Quotes in this GN which are set off from the text in boxes are not from this Letter but are from unpublished prophecies.

Dear Family,

1. This GN is full of encouragement from Jesus for you!—You can make it! He's ready and waiting to help you, and wants you to be encouraged and to know that though you may be struggling, you are not alone. He's right beside you, waiting to give the victories that you need and desire. You may have a lot of problems, but Jesus has all the answers! You may be weak, but He's always strong! You may feel hopeless, but He never fails, and He won't fail you.

2. This GN is mainly comprised of excerpts of personal prophecies that different members of our staff and our other WS Homes have received in recent months. Many of them were received in light of the Shakeup, but all of them were received in light of changes and progress the Lord was asking each one to make. I pray that they're an encourage­ment and blessing to you as you move forward in the areas that the Lord has asked of you. Remember‚ anyone who wants to make it can make it! I love you!

Love always in our wonderful Husband‚

Mama

I Want You to Make It,

And I Will Help You Make It!

3. (Jesus speaking: ) Just keep hanging on, no matter how difficult it seems and no matter how little progress you feel you're making. I see your heart and I know that you love Me, and I'll help you each step of the way. As long as you're holding on and fighting, you're making great progress in My eyes and I'm very pleased with you.

4. I know this is a very trying time for you; it's confusing and you're faced with some very import­ant decisions. You're really fighting to know what you're supposed to do and how you're even supposed to fight these battles. You feel so unprepared, so weak spiritually‚ so behind in the spirit that you feel like you can't possibly do it. But I've promised that I won't give you more than you can take. I won't give you one speck more than you can handle. You can trust Me completely on this, because I know exactly what you're going through right now, and I won't fail to pull you through if you keep fighting and keep trusting.

5. I know it all seems so overwhelming right now, but I promise that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and if you just keep going one step at a time, you'll come to the end of the tunnel and into the light. Things will not always be this way. You won't always feel so discouraged or worried, wondering what to do, because I will pull you through this battle‚ I promise, as long as you give Me your all and hold on to Me.

6. I want you to make it! I don't want to see you hurt or unhappy, and I'll help you to make it. But you have to understand that it will hurt a little to make the sacrifices needed in order to grow and progress. I can't protect you from ­every single bit of hurt; there'll be some hurt, but I promise that as you come to Me for comfort, I'll comfort you. My comfort will wash away any feelings of hurt. You have to come to Me as soon as you feel discouraged or down. Don't wait for days‚ or even for half a day. Come to Me right away and let Me speak to you and comfort your heart and give you words of encouragement to help you to keep going.

7. I won't fail you. I'm here for you, and I promise to love you, to comfort, to encourage, and to give you the anointing and power to carry on, if you come to Me. (End of message from Jesus)

Be Malleable Metal,

Yielded and Humble

8. (Mama:) This next message was received by one of the young men in one of our WS Homes. You'll notice the Lord speaks to him rather strongly, but the Lord knew that's what he needed at the time and he was very thankful for it. This precious young man received this mess­age himself, and it really helped him in his life. How much easier to be open to receiving a message like this from the Lord than having to suffer the consequences of continuing down the wrong path. Like the Lord says in this message, these times are crucial to your spiritual life and walk with Him, because things are changing in the spirit and He's asking each of us to take steps forward. Please be faithful to take time hearing from the Lord and be open to whatever He has to tell you, so that you can benefit from this time of change and growth and not get left behind.

9. (Jesus speaking:) If you are to make the changes in your life that need to be made, you will have to forsake much! You are as a child who is looking at all his little treasures and gadgets that he has collected, and is being asked to forsake them. It is difficult to do because you have grown fond of them. These "childish treasures" symbolize your inde­pendence, doing your own thing your own way, your selfish pursuits and seeking your own happi­ness.

10. Once you've forsaken these things, then you can receive the true riches—the things that as a child you did not think were as valuable. They looked to you like things no one would notice—dedication, responsibility, trustworthiness and being reliable.

11. You are as a hardened piece of metal, and though a hardened piece of metal has its useful­ness, it also has its drawbacks. When a piece of metal is hard, once the job that it has been designed for is completed‚ it must be refashioned or remade. For it to continue to be of use, it must be made into another form, another component, another implement or another tool. If the metal desires to remain what it is and not what I need it to be, then I will place it aside until I need it again.

12. Though you have your place of usefulness unto Me, I say that there is so much more that I wish to do with you. I need you to be My quick steel—one that can take the heat, get the point, and melt into the shape or form that I need you to be to accomplish My will for this particular time. But you cannot do this if you retain your hardened exterior and desire to remain as you are.

13. When I speak of quick steel, I mean metal that is strong, yet malleable; hard, yet changeable. This would seem a contradiction in terms, but I mean those who can endure any blow of adversity, any punch from the world or the Evil One, and stand strong, but one who melts easily under the fire of My Holy Spirit and is quickly transformed by Me.

14. I do not mean for you to be weak and fall apart; I only wish for you to find your true strength in Me. There are some metals that are so strong that they have to be cut by laser. Though they do not break and can stand up to anything, yet once they have finished their job, the only way they can be used again is if a specialist can make them into something else. These are not the kinds of metals I need.

15. I have need of metals that can take the con­tinued heat and beating and remaking ­without hardening and cracking. Some metal can only take so much and then it can no longer be used.

16. Do not be like this, but yield to Me and let me change your heart from one of hardened metal into gold. I have need of you here, where I have brought you. Don't fail Me by not being willing to forsake your own way in order to do My best. Let go of pride and the desire to be seen by others as strong and unbending, and allow Me to make you into a humble vessel—one that is yielded to the humblest tasks.

17. No one can force you to make this de­cision to yield, to change, to be malleable. Only you can make it. This decision will affect the rest of your life and your usefulness to Me. (End of message from Jesus)

Are You Willing to Go

All the Way for Me?

18. (Jesus speaking: ) I want you to yield your all to Me. I need you to yield your all to Me. It's vital to your happiness that you yield your all to Me, and it's the only way you're going to make it.

19. I know you've been yielding to a certain degree, and I've been proud of you for those times, but what I'm talking about here is a complete yielding of yourself to Me. Only through yielding your whole life to Me will I be able to wash away the hurt feelings of the past, the present‚ and the future. Only through your complete and total yieldedness to Me will I be able to make and mold you into the person that I need you to be, the person that I know you desire to be.

20. You have the willingness, the desire, but there are a few things that you have to do if you want to be restored to full health, happiness‚ and fulfillment. Some of these things that I've asked of you aren't going to be easy; in fact‚ some will be downright difficult and even humbling. But if you desire to change‚ to grow‚ to keep moving forward, then there are some steps I need you to take. I know you want to change, grow, and move forward, and I know that you have what it takes. If I didn't think you had what it takes, I wouldn't ask it of you.

21. All of these things that I'm asking of you go against your natural grain. You feel that the way you are is attributed to your personality, and that it's impossible for you to have a complete victory. But I say that it is possible, if you believe, and if you're willing to take the steps that I'm asking of you, the steps that are necess­ary in order to bring about the beautiful victory in your life that I can see just around the corner. I'm willing, I'm able‚ and I'm eagerly waiting to unleash the spirit help that you need to fight the battle, but the intensity and magnitude of your victory will be in direct proportion to your desperation of spirit.

22. All power is given unto Me in Heaven and on Earth—all power to heal, to change, to make new, to revive, to restore to full happiness, contentment, and fulfillment. I will do the miracles in your life, but you must yield to Me and be willing to do whatever it takes to gain and maintain the victory! It's not going to be easy, but it will be worth it all! (End of message from Jesus.)

23. (Mama:) If you ask the Lord, He'll tell you what specific steps you need to take in ­order to gain the victories He's promised to you. Some of the keys to victory might seem obvious—to take more time with Him, read His Word, ask for united prayer, etc. But if you go to Him and ask Him, He can give you specifics that will make all the difference in the world, if you're willing to follow them and do what He's asked—exactly what Word to read, how to spend more time with Him, what to ask for prayer for and against, etc.

24. In each case, the steps He asks you to take will probably be different. They probably won't be easy to hear, and will probably be even less easy to put into effect‚ but that's a test that the Lord puts before you before He gives you the victory. If you're willing to go through it, He'll do everything in His power to help you, and the victory is guaranteed!

Promises of Deliverance

After Asking for United Prayer

25. (Jesus speaking: )

Open your heart and you will see

Visions of love I have for thee.

Open your heart and come to Me

And I will make sweet love to thee.

Open your heart, hold nothing back from Me‚

And miracles of love you will see.

26. That's My love song to you. I mean ­every single word of it‚ and you can hold Me to every single word. Come into the light of My love‚ and the darkness will flee of itself. Don't worry about the darkness, don't fight the darkness; just come into the light of My love. I have loved you from the foundation of the Earth. I love you now, and I will always love you. No matter what you've done or what you think may hold you back from My love, it isn't so.

27. If you have a willing mind to fulfill what I ask of you in these prayer requests, then I will honor that willing mind according to what you have and not what you don't have. Give Me all that you have and I'll give you all that I have‚ and together with Me, you will make it.

28. You don't have a believing heart in some of these things? Ask Me for one, and I'll give it to you if you want it. If it's your desire to do what I'm asking, I'll give you the desires of your heart. It will take some changing of habits on your part. One step at a time is all I ask. One step—not more, not less. If you dread the thought of changing your habits, but desire to change them because you love Me, I will do it. Just ask Me. If you ask anything according to My will, I will do it.

29. When the Enemy comes in with his lies that you can't make these changes and it seems you aren't making progress, remember that faith and obedience come first. Faith and obedience are your part, and then I answer prayer. You've taken a step of faith and obedience ­today in asking for prayer, and I've heard your prayers and granted your requests. Now each step you take will be just like this first step—a step of faith and obedience. I will bring you up one staircase and you'll come to a landing where we'll have sweet rest and reflect on the progress that has been made; and then we'll go on to the next staircase. And so it will be till you reach the end of your climbing stairs on this Earth and join Me in our eternal home.

30. In some ways the climb will become more difficult, because you're getting closer to the top and there's more commitment required, but in yielding your heart to Me in love, the climb will become clearer and easier. Outwardly it will not always seem easy, but it will be because you'll be able to hear My voice as never before. It will be clear, audible in your heart, and there will be no mistaking that I am the One talking to you. Our connection will be strong and unpolluted, and this will be a strength to you that will give you the power to continue your climb on these staircases that will lead you to that glorious moment when we will once again be united.

31. Each time you find yourself slipping in an area you're working on, or you fall down, as you get back up, just say to Me, "Jesus, forgive me. Please help me to do better next time." And I will help you. If you become discouraged, read the Letter "Freedom Through United Prayer." When thoughts come your way that you know aren't of Me, then let in My thoughts through any means possible. Some of these ways are reading the Word, listening to a Word tape, making your own Word tapes of quotes that speak to your heart‚ coming before Me in prayer and receiving My Words for you, praising Me, singing to Me, loving Me intimately, and asking someone else to pray with you for what you need. Whenever you find your mind wandering, remember these ways of assistance and do them.

32. My love, the Prince of Darkness attacks first in your mind. You are well aware of this. He wants to take you down and knock you out. He wants to separate you from Me. He wants to destroy our love for each other. He doesn't want you to get closer to Me. Anything that he can do to prevent you from receiving the love I have for you—that he knows will make you fall in love with Me as never before—he will do. So these ways to prevent that, which I have explained to you above, are the answer and can prevent that and defeat him.

33. I love you, My dear one. Please give Me all of your heart that I may love you fully and deeply. There isn't anything on this Earth that he who seeks to pull us apart could offer you that would even compare with the full realization of My love for you that you will have when we meet face to face. I ask that you be like Moses of old and come out from among the ways of this world and lay hold on the eternal‚ the spiritual. Moses forsook the pleasures of sin for a season, esteeming the reproach of My cause worth more than all the treasures in Egypt, giving up physical riches to obtain far greater spiritual riches. He endured, having faith in that which he could not see.

34. It's just for a season that we're sep­arated. Soon we'll be together for eternity, and you'll be so happy and thankful for this day that you stepped forward to commit your heart and life to Me once again. I will not leave you nor let you go, for I am eternally in love with you and could never abandon you or allow you to be taken from Me. Such is My love for you. (End of mess­age from Jesus.)

Daily Time in the Bed of Love

Is a Must!

35. (Dad speaking:) You might wonder if you can possibly change any more. Well, of course you can, if you stay desperate with the Lord each step of the way! He'll honor and bless your desire to obey and to do things His way, and He'll bring about the good fruits in your life.

36. You determine to study the Word more, to spend more time with Jesus in the bed of love, to hear from Him more in prophecy for your personal life, to implement the New Wine. But then you get discouraged because you don't measure up, you fail, you slip back and get a little lackadaisical. But don't worry about the past; just live today for all it's worth. Live the Word today. Spend time with the Lord in the bed of love today, and you'll reap today's blessings.

37. You need to have more "bed of love" time. You really need it, and it's the most import­ant thing you can work on in light of the Shake­up. Because as you work on your time alone with Jesus, He'll speak to you, anoint you, strengthen you, and give you faith to apply the Word. That's the most important thing you can concentrate on. Other things are important too, and you need to have a good balance. But the thing that will give you the most inspiration, ­vision and faith will be your bed of love time.

38. You should study the GNs, and one way to make the Word come more alive in your personal life is to pray about things in the GNs. When you come across something that speaks to you personally‚ that convicts you‚ take the time to bring it to the Lord and ask Him to speak to you about it. That will really strengthen your bed of love time. It will give you an excitement about spending time with the Lord, more than just sexually—spiritually—and will be feeding, encouraging, and inspiring.

39. You must keep Jesus in first place all the time‚ before your work and before your friends. It takes faith to put your work aside and spend time with the Lord. You have to ­apply that faith and block out your work‚ not think about it, not let it pull on your spirit while you're in the bed of love. You really have to have faith to rest in Jesus' arms‚ but when you do, He rewards your faith with even more faith, rest in spirit, inspiration‚ grace, love‚ and all the good fruits of His Spirit.

40. His seeds are real, and as you suck for them, they become part of you, and go to work to bless your life. So you must have them every day. You must spend time alone with your Lover in order to let Him empower you. It'll be so wonderful and so good when you start seeking the Lord about the Word and applying it. It's really going to change your life. It'll work on your pride and selfishness and help you to have more of a spirit of humility and love and grace.

41. The more time you spend with Jesus in the bed of love, the more humble you become, because you're partaking of His humility, His love, His Spirit, which is so lowly and beautiful. The more you study the Word, really apply it‚ absorb it, and let it become part of your very being, the more humble and yielded and willing you become, because the Word is spirit and truth.

42. Reach out more to Jesus, and then reach out to others, and your life will change, your spirit will change, and the world around you will change. It takes humility to apply the Word, but as you do, everything will change. (End of message from Dad.)

A New Spirit Helper to Help You

In a Specific Area of Growth!

43. (Jesus speaking:) I've promised that I can overcome even your very nature if you tune in to Me and the checks of My Spirit. This means NWOs can be overcome and personality traits can change for My glory. The shy person can become bold with My help, and the bold person can be less outspoken if this will glorify Me.

44. You might feel that there are certain characteristics of your personality that are part of you and therefore cannot change; it's just the way you are, the way that I've made you. Although it's true that I have created you with certain traits, certain strengths and weaknesses, this doesn't mean that you can never change according to the moves of My Spirit, according to the need, according to the task or mission that I might call you to perform. There are times when I allow My children to be able to change some aspect of their nature when it means that they will be better equipped to perform My will.

45. You might wonder how this can be, how you can change what you feel is a long–standing habit, an almost ingrained characteristic, and turn it into something different. All things are possible and there's nothing too hard for Me. It just takes a yielded spirit‚ a desire to receive My help and the anointing of your new spirit helper‚ a determination to follow through with the nudges they will give you from the spirit.

46. But you must fight for it! You must believe that this is My promise to you and that I will perform the work in the spirit. You must be willing to yield, to listen to your spirit helper‚ to heed the checks—little and big—to tune in to the nudges that you will feel and to follow through.

47. So just trust, for the things of the flesh which seem to be don't have to be. I can and will change all things to perfect My will. Although you might feel it's impossible and that you can't overcome in this area, even that feeling of in­capability in yourself is My will, so that you will give Me all the glory and all the credit.

48. The solution is not in pulling back and slipping into the background completely‚ but in tuning in to the checks of your spirit helper who will be faithful to check you and remind you and guide you. It's already taking place in the spirit if you just reach out and believe and receive. The anointing and gift of change is already yours; it's already part of My will, and it only remains for you to believe and receive. As soon as you put faith into action and put feet to your prayers and receive this new anointing and have faith for it, you will begin to see the rewards of your faith and obedience. (End of mess­age from Jesus.)

49. (Mama: ) In that message, the Lord talked about a new spirit helper. The dear person this message was received for had asked for prayer to change in an area that was a very long–standing weakness, and in one of the messages of encourage­ment that someone received for her, the Lord said He had given her a new spirit helper to specifically help her overcome in this area! So if you're asking for prayer to change in something, especially something which is long-term and part of your personality, you might want to ask the Lord to give you a special spirit helper to help you. As you can see from the Lord's mess­age, it's a key to victory to learn to work with your spirit helpers. Let them remind you about things, check you, and be a balance and safeguard for you.

Don't Hesitate to Ask for My Help!

50. (Jesus speaking:) Weakness is not something you are to be afraid of; it's something that you should be glad for. I know that sounds odd to you, but it's like this: If you love somebody, you're almost happy when you need to ask them for help. It's a sweet admission that you need them. And the other person is compli­mented that you came and sought their help, that you were willing to lay aside your pride and not try to do it all yourself‚ but to let them help.

51. It's no different with Me. When you're tired, when you're worn, when you're feeling under the weather, don't be ashamed or afraid to come and ask Me for help. Don't try to get through, struggling the whole morning or the whole day—hopefully not longer than that—when you could have come and asked Me to help you. Will you promise Me that? It saddens Me to see you become spent so quickly because you try so hard to do something yourself when you don't have it within you to do it alone, when you need extra help.

52. So please do Me a favor, will you? Come to Me whenever you need an extra boost, and I'll help carry you through. You won't need to try to carry the burden; I'll carry it. You won't need to have to try to think everything through; I'll do that. You just sit there and watch Me help you take care of it all. It won't seem as big anymore. Sometimes you feel that things are really very difficult, when if you could see how they would be for you if you were not leaning on Me, you would understand more clearly how effortless it is. Without Me, you would not survive. With Me, you have to weather the storm, but at least you know you have a good Pilot and your safety is guaranteed, even if it is a violent storm. It'll all be taken care of by Me. (End of message from Jesus.)

If You Stumble, Just Get Up

And Try Again!

53. (Jesus speaking:) I've seen how you've stumbled and fallen, but it doesn't matter to Me. It doesn't matter that you make mistakes and have faults. If I judged you by your perfection, I'd never be able to use you. But that's not the way I look at you. I look at your yielded heart‚ your broken spirit, your humble and loving heart.

54. I know you can't do these things in your own strength, so I let things happen to remind you of that. I have to help you to remember that it's not you and you can't do it on your own. I have to let you see that in your own strength things just won't work out. I have to show you that you can't make it so you'll be open to My Spirit and My power working through you. I know it's hard to yield and simply let Me work through you and do the work I have for you‚ but I never said it would be easy. I said the way you go would be full of paths that were rough and winding, and roads where you wouldn't see the paths ahead. I told you that there would be battles and tests, but I also promised to be with you through them all.

55. I'll stick to My promises and I'll help you through. You're right, this is the worst time to quit. If you stop now‚ you'll be stopping just before the full victory. I want to give you that victory, but you've got to be willing to take it. You can't just lie there on the ground and expect Me to hand you the victory. You have to get up and fight and listen to Me and obey My Words, even if you don't feel like it. Who says you have to feel like it? Who says you have to want to do it? Sometimes it's just plain hard work, and you really dread having to do it. Well‚ so what? You just have to do it anyway‚ right?

56. So pick up that weapon and start fighting again! Don't listen to the Enemy and don't let him walk all over you. Resist him! Fight back! What is one stumble and fall when you're learning to walk? Do you look at a child and say, "You'll never be able to walk because you fell this once"? Of course not! You say‚ "That's okay‚" and you pick him or her up and brush them off and set them back on their feet again.

57. That's just what I want to do for you. I want to pick you up and dust off all that discouragement and set you back on your feet so you can keep going and learning to walk the path I've given you. Don't be discouraged! Don't quit! Don't let the Enemy lie to you. Slam that door in his face! Resist him, rebuke him, and force him to flee. Rebuke the lying deceiver and fight his lies!

58. I've given you the Word, and when the Enemy comes lying to you it's a good habit to drop everything, stop right there and listen to Me. Let Me speak through you and give you on-the-spot power for the hour—wisdom to fight the attack. Just put your headset on and let it rip. Just let Me take control and let Me sock it to the Enemy. Let Me fight and attack through you. You are weak, yes, but so what? Does that matter somehow? No! I don't care if you're weak. Actually, it's better for Me if you are—you'll be so much easier to fight through. So just surrender the use of that sword to Me and let Me wield it in your hand. Let Me use it to ward off the attacks of the Devil. Let Me fight for you and let Me get the victory.

59. I want you to take personal prayer and prophecy time right when you wake up. You can read a little something first to help you prime the pump; you can praise Me and love Me and glorify My Name, then dive right in to hearing from Me. I want to speak to you about many things. Sometimes it'll just be a two-liner for the day. Other times it may be much more in-depth and enlightening. I want to pour out My Spirit upon you first thing in the day so you can face every obstacle with My spin on things. I want you to take that time first before the day starts‚ before you even exit your room. First thing take time to hear from Me. Don't let your mind start ticking; don't let it get started on the day. Hear from Me and let Me give you the instruction you'll need for the day.

60. Then throughout the day, remember to take a moment before you begin each project to acknowledge Me and ask for My help. This is important to help you see that the progress you're making is not you, but Me working through you. Taking a moment to pray or praise Me first will remind you of this.

61. I love you and I want to help you make it. And I will if you come to Me and follow what I've set out for you to do. I love you. (End of message from Jesus.)

Continue to Yield with Each Test

—That's the Victory!

62. (Jesus speaking:) It's the Enemy that would tell you that you're not growing, that you're having the same battles over and over and over. You are progressing! You are growing! You've grown, you've changed, you've made much progress! I'm very thankful for how you've yielded each step of the way. But it's true, the pendulum goes from one side to the other, and eventually another trial comes around, another decision, another test, and once again you're asked whether you will yield to My will, whether you'll continue to take the steps forward that I'm asking you to take.

63. This is easier for you now than in the past, as you look back and realize that each step that you've taken has brought you much greater happiness and allowed you to be used more mightily.

64. I ask you to continue yielding. Now is a time in your life when you're being asked to continue to yield; it's a new page, a new chapter in the book of your life. You feel like you're starting all over again, and in looking ahead you don't know if you have the strength to face it again, to start over, to take those steps that you must take, to continue to yield, to continue to suck, to continue to be the vessel that I'm asking you to be. I realize it's difficult, and I realize that the Enemy is fighting you—the Enemy, who hates what you've done, who hates and despises the pro­gress that you've made, who hates and writhes in agony at the way you're being used and the blessing that you're being.

65. He'll stop at nothing to try to hinder you, to attack you‚ to discourage you, to weaken your faith‚ to weaken your channel. He tries to hit at you from every angle. He hits at your emotions. He hits at your physical strength. He tries to get you to doubt. He tries to weaken you on every side. The Enemy is fighting you, and it's not because you're bad or you're weak or you're useless. It's not because you no longer have what it takes. It's not because you no longer have the anointing or the strength to continue doing what I'm calling you to do. But it's because you are being such a blessing‚ because you are in My will, because you've grown so much.

66. He's trying to weaken you and discourage you. I understand, My love, that you're tired of fighting; you're tired of struggling. I understand that times of change are difficult, times where you're once again being asked to yield, to submit. I understand‚ and I know it's difficult. But this time of weakness I have also allowed because I know it's good for you and is drawing you ever closer to Me. It's causing you to draw closer to Me because I know you need to be closer to Me than ever before.

67. Now‚ in this new page of your life, I promise you that as you draw close to Me‚ I will fill the empties. The places that were being filled before‚ I will fill again even more abundantly if you believe Me, if you let Me, if you allow Me to, if you come to Me. I'll take your heart and fill it to overflowing, for I've promised to give you an abundant life, and I've promised to give you comfort, for I am the Comforter. I am the Prince of Peace. I promise to give you peace as you keep your mind stayed on Me. As you keep your heart set on My Words, I will help you to have peace and let nothing offend you. For great peace have they which love Me and love My Words, and nothing shall hurt them or offend them.

68. I'm also calling you to fight and to stand strong. When you feel weakened, continue to ask for prayer. I'm counting on you to continue to fight and yield and not listen to the Enemy and his lies. Continue to ask for prayer and continue to stay close to Me and to trust Me for this new page, this new chapter in your life. (End of message from Jesus.)

Claim a Quote!

69. (Dad speaking:) I want you to take a quote from one of your personal prophecies and memorize it. Choose one that you really like, that's a real help to you‚ and work on memorizing it. It'll be a real strength and blessing to you and remind you that you're going forward. It'll get your mind on the spirit when you first wake up or go to sleep, and you won't be tempted to think about your battles or worry about your weaknesses. That's what the Word is for—it en­courages you, it uplifts you, and brings you the blessings of the Spirit.

70. So choose a good quote, one that's a big encouragement to you, and I'll help you to mem­or­ize it. Praise the Lord! (End of message from Dad.)

The Fruits of Victory

Are Well Worth the Battle!

71. (Mama:) This next message was received by someone who was going through a period of severe testing. She felt like she was hardly making it, but the Lord and Dad saw it differently. God bless her, she hung on, she made it through, the Lord blessed her with tremendous spiritual growth, and she has the victory to prove it! I'm sharing this message with you because I hope it will encourage you to see the beautiful fruits of victory. When you've hung on through a test or a difficult period of ­breaking and growth, you often don't feel very "beauti­ful" in the spirit. But that's when you really shine—and others see it much more clearly than you do. It's worth it to hang on! The victory is well worth the battle! Praise the Lord!

72. (Dad speaking:) It's a brand-new day and Jesus loves you! He's given you many blessings, surrounded you with good things, because He loves you and because you're obeying Him and serving Him. Isn't it wonderful to have such a place of service where you can really help the Family, doing work you like to do, surrounded by loving brothers and sisters? Praise the Lord!

73. Don't listen to the Enemy, who tries to hold you back. Just defy him and go on with the Lord. Be thankful and happy for all your many blessings, and don't listen to one single murmur, doubt or worry of the Enemy. He's a liar, and I want you to remember that every time you hear his voice. Realize that the Enemy is the ­father of lies and deception‚ and think about what the truth is. The Enemy distorts everything because he wants to pull you down and discourage you. So whenever you feel yourself under the Enemy's attack‚ just stop and think about what the truth is, what things are really like through the Lord's eyes. If you're not sure, then ask the Lord what the truth is, and He'll help you to see it clearly!

74. I love you, Honey, and I'm proud of you, and so is the Lord. You're shining with His love and light‚ with His spirit of humility, and it's beauti­ful. You've got more of Jesus' Spirit in you today than ever before because you've been through the battle and you've hung on to Him and proved Him. You've been broken and humbled, you've yielded to His will, and it's borne beautiful fruit in your life.

75. You're not worse off today because you've been through the battle—you're better off than ever because of the beautiful fruit that it's borne in your life. It's a wonderful‚ wonderful thing to have these good fruits of victory, fruits of the battle. It's really tremendous and it's something that everybody wants, but not many are willing to go through the tests and ask the Lord to bring about His will in their lives, whatever it may be. But you were willing. You opened your heart and life to Jesus‚ and said‚ "Do whatever You need to do in my life and make me into whatever You want." That takes faith and despera­tion. The Lord saw that faith and desperation in your heart, and He took you at your word and did what only He could do for you.

76. It hurt a little bit at first‚ because you had to be willing to give all, forsake all, yield all, be tested and tried, and hang on through it all. But it was worth every single bit of trying and testing, because look how the Lord has blessed you! Look what a beautiful testimony you now have! Like I always said‚ there's no testimony without a test, no victory without a battle, and no triumph without a trial. People think about that and usually they think they don't want to go through the test in order to get the testimony. And it's really too bad, because the long-lasting fruits of the triumph are so much greater than the test.

77. So praise the Lord, you've come through as finer gold and have that beautiful glow of the Lord's Spirit! You've got a wonderful testimony to share with others that will be a real encouragement to many, and that's worth it all! Hallelujah! So don't let the Enemy belittle your testimony; it was a hard-fought victory, and you need to be proud of what the Lord has done in your life. (End of message from Dad.)

Learn to Fight in the Spirit!

78. (Jesus speaking:) Thank you, My love, for rising early to take this time with Me. It will help and strengthen you throughout the day. Even if you don't always feel its immediate effects, they're always present in your spirit and your countenance, your sample and your grace.

79. You've done well in fighting to stay on guard about the things I've cautioned you about. You've fought in the spirit to stay humble and on guard, and you've not let sensitivity hinder the work. But you will soon tire from this intense fight if you don't let Me carry more of the load for you.

80. I didn't tell you about these lacks or the areas to watch out for to make your burden greater, or to make you think you had to work harder. No, I told you about them to show you that the job is too big for you, and that the only way you'll be able to do it is by throwing it all on Me. You say, "How can I do this? For if I don't fight against these things‚ they're habits which come back of their own accord. As soon as I relax, I feel like I'm sliding back into them." And in a way this is true, My love. But part of the art of fighting in the spirit is learning to cast all your burdens on Me every morning and every night and all throughout the day, trusting that I'm going to do the work that you cannot do. You must know that when you've done what you can, I will take care of the rest.

81. So learn the art of fighting in the spirit‚ knowing that you can't win the battle, but I can through you if you employ all the new weapons that I've given you and hit the Devil where it hurts. Don't try to modify your personality; that's where pride comes in, and discouragement when you fail. Just throw yourself on Me and let Me change your actions and your habits, by continually committing all to Me. When you do that, you can know without a shadow of a doubt that I will do that which is best for you, and you can face each day with more faith, knowing that I will help you and uphold you. When you depend on Me, I never fail you. When you try to fight the battles yourself, you get tired and falter, and I'm not able to help you as I would like to.

82. I love you‚ My precious one, and you're well on the road to victory. You have the desire and the willingness to fight through—and this is good—but I wish to do your fighting for you. Let Me‚ your strong and capable Husband, take over, and just rest in My love and My promises. (End of message from Jesus.)

Each Little Step Really Counts!

83. (Jesus speaking: ) I can take anyone's heart and life in the palms of My hands and make them a new creature, if they are truly willing and want Me to change them. When battles linger on for various reasons, I can use them to teach humility or closer dependence on Me. I love to see My children fighting for vic­tories‚ giving no place to the Enemy‚ and wanting to be transformed into the vessels that I need them to be, free of the Enemy's hang-ups and sinful attractions. With determination and courage, a fighting spirit and utter yieldedness to Me, you can overcome almost anything. Sometimes it takes time, but eventually, if you don't give up, you will overcome. And trust that in the meantime I use the battles to keep you humble and dependent upon Me. Keep up the fight, My love‚ and I will be near you.

84. Every step you take to do the right things, to follow the new moves of My Spirit, to use the new weapons—no matter how small it seems to you—is tremendous progress! Each step is so valuable in your progress, so keep going. Keep taking those steps by faith, because every step is changing you and making you ­better. You're progressing and moving forward, and it's absolutely wonderful! I'm so proud of you! (End of message from Jesus.)

As You Continue to Fight,

Things Will Get Easier!

85. (Jesus speaking:) My precious one, I know the battles are difficult. These are times of serious battle, of serious fighting, and I know that it costs you to continue to fight to go forward. I see your sacrifices. I see the great pro­gress that you're making. I see each thing that you do to be a good sample, to be loving, to be giving, to be on board, to be dedicated and whole­hearted, to be a blessing, and I'm well pleased. I see it all, and I'm very pleased with your desire to change and with the steps you're making to change.

86. You might not feel like you're getting anywhere‚ and you might be tempted to think that it's not really worth it because the battle is still difficult. You wonder if it's really making a difference to take these steps to change and to do the right thing, to give more, to be more on board, or if it just means continued battles. You're trying your best to be a blessing, to offer to help, to volunteer to do things for others‚ to take on more responsibility‚ but it's still so hard, such a battle. Does that mean that it's never going to change, things will never get easier, and you're destined to a life of terrible battles and sacrifice and inner turmoil?

87. No, My love‚ things will change and things will get easier. You're not destined to continue to battle on this front forever and ever. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and there is greater victory in store for you once you've strengthened your spiritual muscles in this area. Like any other intense battle, you must continue to fight and not give up until your spiritual muscles are strengthened and I see that you're going to keep going and not give up.

88. As I see your willingness to keep going, to keep fighting no matter how difficult the circum­stances may seem to be, I will reward you with the blessings of your obedience, the blessings of victory‚ the blessings of peace and faith. I won't let you suffer more than you're able to bear, but I will reward you for your faith and obedience to do My will. I see your obedience. I see how you're willing to go on, to continue to obey Me even though it's difficult for you. I always bless obedience, and as you continue to step out by faith, as you continue to trust and obey‚ you'll reap the rewards of your obedience.

89. It's a spiritual law that with each step of obedience you take‚ each thing you do to obey My will, I bless that step in some way. As you keep fighting, I bless and reward you for continuing to fight. You might not see My blessings right now, because you're in the midst of battle, so it's not so easy for you to recognize how much I'm blessing you. You might not "feel" those blessings. But just trust that you're being blessed. You're being strengthened and renewed because of your faith and obedience.

90. Each time you determine to have the right reaction to something, even though inside you might feel like it's hard and a real battle, I bless you for that and use it to strengthen your spirit, so that each time after that it becomes a little easier. Each time you give of yourself in some way, you stir yourself up to do something for someone, I bless it in the spirit. Your spirit is strengthened‚ you have peace of mind that you've done the right things, and others around you are blessed.

91. So just trust, My love, that even though you feel like you've been fighting this battle for so long and that nothing seems to be getting any easier, it will get easier. You must not give up, no matter how difficult it seems today, because the complete victory is there for you tomorrow. If you give up now, you'll never get to enjoy the wonderful fruits of your hard-earned victory.

92. Keep going, keep fighting, and keep doing the right things. Keep obeying. Keep giving, even if it hurts and it's a battle. I'm your Lover and I see it all and I will repay. If you fight on, I'll reward you with the beautiful fruits of your victory for all to see, and for you to enjoy to the full. I know it's difficult for you; it's a real test, but you just have to hang on to the fact that it will get better.

93. Things will not always be so difficult, I promise; they will get better. It's difficult in the beginning because you're not used to fighting this battle, but the time will come when the ­Enemy will not attack you so much because he'll see that you're determined to go for it no matter what. The time will come when it will be second nature to you to be more giving, to be more available, to be a ready helper, a cheerful giver, and you'll have a joy in it. The intense battles that you're fighting now will be in the past, and you'll be so thankful that you hung on and kept going.

94. You'll be able to look back at this time and realize that it was a turning point in your life, that these were very important steps of obedience to My will, and without taking these steps you would never have been able to make such great progress and be so happy. There are sweet victories and blessings down the road, real sweet times of enjoying the fruits of your labors, the fruits of battle. So don't give up and don't think it's all in vain, because it's worth it. You'll be a different person, a happier person, a more dedicated disciple, a wonderful blessing to all if you keep progressing and fighting.

95. You really will continue to change and reap My blessings in your life if you keep trusting Me and keep going. You already are changing a lot; others notice it and comment on what a blessing you're being to them. I promise that you'll continue to change and make even more progress if you keep going. Keep trusting Me, keep doing the little things and big things to fulfill your pledge of greater commitment, and I promise that you'll see great rewards. The burden of battle will lighten and you'll be happier as you keep going.

96. Those times when you feel like you just don't know what to do or what's wrong, when you feel discouraged and are being hit with a battle, ask Me and I will speak to you with words of comfort and encouragement. I'm pleased that you open your channel and receive My Words of instruction and counsel, the real meat of My Word. I'm pleased that you can really take it and let Me speak to you right up front. But don't be afraid to also let Me speak soft words of encouragement when you need it. I really do love you, and I love to comfort you and help you to keep going. (End of message from Jesus)

Choose the Road of Yieldedness!

—Say "Yes!"

97. (Jesus speaking: ) The greatest of these is love‚ My darling. You manifest your love for Me in your obedience to Me, and that's what I look at—not whether you're perfect or even under­stand every­thing. I look at your obedience‚ because it's a sign of your love for Me.

98. Maybe when you were young you obeyed because you didn't want to be punished. But now that you're older‚ you've made the decision to obey because you want to do the right thing‚ and because you love Me. So even if you feel that your obedience to Me is forced, or that you don't really understand some of the things that I've asked you to do‚ and you wonder if your obedi­ence is coming from your heart because you don't have a bunch of "feelings"—you're just doing something because you know I've asked you to do so—still, I look at your heart, and I see that you're obeying because you love Me and want to please Me. Your obedience is a precious gift of love, and I treasure it and value it.

99. And‚ My love, part of the reward for your obedience is that as you obey by faith at first, things will get easier as you go along. You'll start to understand more and more. You'll feel more fulfilled. You'll be happier and more at peace. All these are the rewards of yieldedness and obedience.

100. You're on the right road, My love—the road of saying "yes"! When you say "yes," it doesn't mean that you have to understand what I'm asking you to do, or that you even agree with it in your natural mind. It means that you've decided to obey and say "yes" no matter what. That's pure yielded­ness! It's easy to yield when you want to do some­thing anyway, or you think it's a really good idea, or especially if it was your idea in the first place. But when you don't understand the reasons behind it or you don't even see the need for it, but you do it anyway because you trust that I know best—that is yieldedness! (End of message from Jesus.)

The Windows of Heaven

Are Open for You!

101. (Jesus speaking:) The windows of Heaven are open, My love. The windows of Heaven are open to you. All that you need you will find there, on the other side of those windows. All you have to do is reach up and take it. You might not understand it all—where it came from, or how it was put there for you, or even why I've given you so much. But all you have to know is that because I love you, I've opened the windows of Heaven for you, and you can take all that you need.

102. That goes for anything. If you're feeling unyielded, ask Me for yieldedness. If you're feeling unhappy, ask Me for happiness. If you're struggling in some way, ask Me for strength and answers. Then reach up and take whatever you've asked for. The way you reach up is by putting feet to your prayers. If you've prayed for yielded­ness, then go ahead and do whatever it is you were finding hard, and you'll find that I'll help you along the way. If you were feeling unhappy, then begin to praise Me and let Me restore your joy and contentment. If you need answers, then stop to listen for My voice, or go to someone and ask them to listen for you.

103. All that you need I have put there for you‚ My darling. So remember this: The ­windows of Heaven are open for you‚ because I love you! And there's nothing, absolutely ­nothing‚ that you could need or even want that I haven't put there for you. I love you! (End of message from Jesus)

If You're Fighting and Obeying,

You're Making Progress!

104. (Mama: ) Next is a message from our sweet Dad which I think will really encourage you. Whenever you're fighting for victories‚ you usually just feel that you're stuck in the midst of battle; you don't often see the progress that you're making. Dad gives good counsel about not going by your feelings at those times‚ but hanging on to the Lord's promises and choosing to believe what He tells you—that if you're fighting and obeying, you're making progress!

105. (Dad speaking:) Whenever you're making progress, you can be sure the Enemy will fight you. Don't be too surprised if in the midst of the battles you're fighting, you feel like you're not getting anywhere and you're tempted to think that you're doing worse than ever. People often feel that way when they're progress­ing and gaining victories, because the Enemy fights spiritual progress so hard. It's like his last attempt to discourage you and persuade you to give up right when you're making pro­gress and going forward and consolidating victories, because he's so mad at you for making such good progress.

106. So don't give up, and don't give in to his lies! You have to recognize that it's the ­Enemy who's behind those feelings of discouragement, making you feel like you're not getting anywhere, that nothing has changed, and that you're never going to change and do better. If you've been doing the best you can, obeying the Lord‚ receiving His Words and doing your best to apply them; if you've been seeking Him, praying desperately for the progress you need to make, holding on, and giving it your all, you're doing great! You're progressing, moving ­forward, changing, winning victories, and the ­Enemy can't do anything to stop you!

107. The Enemy doesn't have the new weapons. He has nothing as powerful as you do to work with. He can't pray, He can't love Jesus, He can't praise, He can't stand on the Word. Compared to you and the powerful weapons that you have, his weapons are pretty puny. So just keep going and don't listen to his lies. If you're really getting attacked by his lies, it helps to have someone pray for you and receive something from the Lord about the good progress you're making to counterbalance the negative channel of the Enemy.

108. You've won some great victories, Honey; there's no doubt about that. You're much more positive than before. People can see it on your face and feel it in your spirit. That comes from the time you've spent with the Lord, the times of prayer and praise and receiving His Words of prophecy; from your desperation to change and overcome the negative-thinking attacks of the Enemy. The Lord has blessed you for your faith to claim the victory, and He's given you spirit helpers to help you become more positive.

109. You're receiving prophecy, believing prophecy, and letting the Lord lead and guide you. This is a strong victory‚ because it's the key to continued progress. You might not feel like your prophecies are so great, but believe me, they're exactly what the Lord wants them to be, and they're a powerful connection with Him and against the Enemy's attacks.

110. You're shining, and you'll continue to make progress and go forward. The Enemy would like to tell you that you won't, but that's not true. No matter what battles you're going through, or will go through down the road, the victories you've won already have strengthened you and prepared you to win greater victories. You'll progress more and more; you'll become stronger and not weaker as long as you keep trusting‚ believing and obeying, no matter how you feel.

111. Your feelings about things are the worst standard to go by‚ because they're usually incorrect. No one feels that great about themselves; most people feel a little insecure and a little inferior. So you can't go by what you think about yourself, especially if you happen to be someone who battles with negative thinking. You have to go by what the Lord and I tell you, what His precious messages from Heaven say, and hold on to them.

112. You have to receive the good things the Lord says about you—the praise, the en­courage­ment from Him. He's not going to tell you things that aren't true. You have to encourage yourself in the Lord‚ just like King David did. That's why David encouraged himself in the Lord, because he couldn't turn anywhere else for true encouragement. He had to trust in the Lord with all his heart.

113. The Lord is the only One Who will never change. He'll always be the same steady anchor in your life. He's the One Who is your greatest security, the safest place, the rock of stability that you can always depend on. No matter what happens around you and what changes come your way‚ His Word and His Spirit remain the same. He's unfailing in His promises to you, and you can always depend on Him. (End of message from Dad.)

The Word: Read It‚ Remember It,

Receive It, Study It, Review It

And Do It!

114. (Mama: ) The next several messages were received by one of the young men on our staff in the days preceding the Feast during his times of personal prayer and prophecy.

115. (Jesus speaking:) I don't look at the rate of progress as much as I look at the desire to progress, and the desperation of heart. I know you'll never be perfect, either in the flesh or even in the things I've asked of you in the spirit.

116. What I look at is how desperate you are to cling to Me, to hold to My Word‚ to want to follow even though you may feel incapable; to try, but also to let go and just let Me.

117. So in this time of renewed challenge, keep this in mind. You need only make one step of progress at a time, but do take that step.

118. And continue to acknowledge Me and look to My Word, and heed the weapons of My Spirit with all diligence, that I may direct you in all your paths. (End of message from Jesus.)

119. (Jesus speaking:) Just trust Me to work the works in your heart as you continue feeding on My Word and looking to Me in desperation, and I will ensure that you get the time you need, and have the power and anointing and receive the answers you need, to be able to work My works that I have given you to do.

120. That is our deal. I must do the work of changing you in the spiritual realm, and you make these changes easier by putting yourself in a position where My Spirit has greater freedom to work in your life—things such as praising Me, reading My Word, seeking My voice in prophecy, and including Me in your times of love and sex. All these things help draw you closer to Me, deeper into the realm of the Spirit, and help you lose sight of the things of this Earth—or at least to see them for what they ­really are, in the right perspective, as I see them‚ not as man sees them.

121. So continue to seek Me in desperation--by knowing you cannot do without Me, by remaining dependent on My strength for your weakness—and I will do the work in you and through you. I will do My works within you, and the work you have to do through you.

122. Works without faith—without that confidence in Me that comes from seeking and acknowl­edging Me at every turn and in everything you do—are dead, being alone. But continue to abide in Me‚ and you shall continue to bring forth the fruit I desire—both the fruits of the Spirit manifested in your inner life‚ and the fruits of your labors manifested by your accomplishments. I am at the root of all these things, and My Word is the secret‚ the strength‚ the sap that feeds them. So continue to seek Me and My Word every spare moment of the day‚ and you will be like that tree planted by the rivers of water‚ that bringeth forth his fruit in his season. And I promise that your leaves shall not wither, and whatsoever you do shall prosper. (End of message from Jesus.)

123. (Jesus speaking:) If you neglect your daily appointments with Me, you cannot be assured of My presence with you‚ overshadowing the in­fluences of the world with which you are con­stantly faced. That's what our appointments are for—to help you disconnect from the world and realize that I am the only One Who really matters, that My Spirit is the only world that really counts in the big picture of things.

124. Of course the Enemy is going to seek to distract you from approaching the portal of My world and realm of the Spirit—the portal of My Word, and My Words to you. You must fight! You must see these infractions of your Word time not as a personal failure, but as an attack of the Enemy. This way, you will see the need to fight rather than ascribing it to your own inherent weaknesses all the time.

125. It is an attack of the Enemy when you're persuaded to forgo a little Word time for some­thing else. There are many devices of the Enemy or of your own flesh that would work to separate us: the late nights that leave you too tired to read My Word; your projects that keep you from getting to quiet time with Me; the evening activities that keep you up; the desire to keep working just a little longer rather than stopping to take time with Me.

126. The Enemy uses these things against you as snares and attacks, but you don't even recognize them anymore. You think it's just part of the way things are, part of your personality. The Enemy has convinced you to accept and believe that these things are your own fault, so that you don't see that they proceed from him.

127. But I'm here to tell you that you can change. You can make it. You can do it, through My Spirit working in you, through accepting the things I'm telling you, through studying and obeying My Word and My Words to you. That is the secret, the openly divulged but oft-forgotten secret. You cannot do without Me. You are only the branch; I am the vine. Only if you abide in Me and My Spirit can you bring forth the fruit of the Spirit that I expect of you, as well as the fruits of the Spirit in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, and all those things that help you to emulate and partake of My holy realm.

128. But when you lose sight of those things, you automatically find yourself sliding back into the things of this world, the influences of Satan and his kind, and further from Me, to where you find it harder to hear My voice, more difficult to see the need for My Word, until finally you totally fade from the sphere of usefulness I had so carefully prepared you for—all because you lost sight of the Word, of the goal, of the vision.

129. So that's what I'm here to tell you‚ and that is My message to you—an important and vital message that's not just for today but for your life, for your future. Because whether you realize it or not, your entire future depends on this message, on your realization of it, on your taking it seriously, on your believing what I have said‚ and following through on My Word—seeking My Word desperately, being desperate for Me, being dependent on Me in your heart.

130. The dependence is there. It is the turning to Me with all your heart, mind and soul that I am still waiting for. And when that comes‚ when you allow Me to fully enter your life like this, leading and guiding it from within a vessel that has no will of its own, then I will be able to fully use you.

131. But the only way to get there and to stay there‚ the only way to reap the full benefits of what My Spirit is working and trying to accomplish in your life‚ is to keep your spirit attuned to the things of the Spirit, My Spirit. And that‚ My friend‚ is what the Word is for. So read it, remember it, receive it, study it, review it and do it! (End of message from Jesus.)

132. (Jesus speaking:) There is changing power in My Word. By absorbing it into your inner­most being, it has the power to change you. It works as a catalyst, allowing the forces of My Spirit to enter your being and begin working against the influences of Satan that have lodged themselves there.

133. But in order for it to work, you have to imbibe it. You have to take it in. You have to swallow it, believe it, accept it. And then you have to do it, follow it, implement it. That's how My Spirit can go to work in your heart, in your life, in your very spirit.

134. I know it's easy to become distracted with the things around you—your ministry, your jobs, your pet projects, even seemingly necess­ary things like doing your laundry or cleaning your room—all of which are good. But sometimes they can detract from the best‚ and this is not good.

135. Only one thing is needful. Do you understand that? Do you grasp the immensity of that statement? Only one thing in all of life is needful, and when you have chosen that good part, it will not be taken away from you.

136. That good part, this one thing that is needful, that I require and look at more than any other obedience or good deed or even sacrificial deed that you do, is your time spent with Me, sitting down in front of My feet to learn of Me—whether through your time of getting quiet in spirit to seek Me in My Word; or through seeking My voice in prophecy; or in praising Me in song and dance; or in praying for the needs of others and even yourself; or in loving Me, whether by yourself or with others, either physically or spiritually.

137. These are the things that are needful. This is how your spirit reaches out to touch and connect with My Spirit, to keep itself unspotted by the world and its evil spirits—the spirits who have rebelled against Me and refuse to acknowledge Me in their dark imaginations, and who try to get each person alienated from the life of God, as they are.

138. They do this by turning others away from My Word, by trying to minimize the influence My Word has on them, by getting them to despise it, to lose sight of its importance, or to just plain forget about it and then about Me—to where I am dead to them and they are dead to themselves, living only for the moment‚ "for tomorrow comes, and we all die."

139. But you know better. You know the truth. The Words of My Spirit have power—true power, great power, the power that can work as a catalyst in your life, if you imbibe it sufficiently by desperately seeking My Word, by knowing in your heart of hearts that you can do nothing without it, without seeking Me.

140. Do this, and you shall do well. Refuse and rebel against this, and your spirit shall be devoured by the swords of the influences of this world.

141. Take unto you the full armor of God—the helmet of salvation that binds us and makes us one, bringing us close enough to speak to each other; the breast­plate of righteousness, of shunning the things of this world by turning to My Spirit every time such tempta­tions come knocking at your heart's door; the shield of faith to quench every fiery dart of the Enemy, and which helps you trust Me‚ depend on Me and look to Me; your loins girt with truth—the truth of My Word entering your most secret parts; your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace—your ministry of proclaiming My Words; the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God; and finally the cloak of your zeal and fire and fervor for Me‚ what makes the difference between a mere soldier and a dedicated warrior for My cause.

142. And the way you manifest this zeal is by your outward appearance and manifestations of being serious about following My Word, My will, My requests, My ways. It is your praises‚ your kisses, your loving, your giving‚ your seeking, your asking, your knocking in the Spirit in the sight of men, your acknowledgment in humility of your own nothing­ness and My greatness that forms this cloak which will encompass everything you do in the warmth of My presence and Spirit.

143. This is the warrior I would have you be! This is the vision I give you. This is the rank for which you are destined‚ the insignia and honors that are laid up for you at the end of the road, at the end of the race which you must patiently run. But unless you keep your eyes on Me at all times, you will stumble along the way into the many pitfalls that the Enemy would place in your path.

144. But by looking to Me‚ by doing that one thing that is needful, you will finish the course, obtain the crown, win the insignia and rank, and be prepared to move on to the next round of the Greater Victories Olympics. (End of message from Jesus.)

Go on the Attack

Against Comparing!

145. (Mama:) This next message was received by one of our staff members during the Feast, during a time of personal prayer and preparation for the new year. The Lord talks to the dear one who received it about comparing, and gives her some good counsel on how to overcome it. I hope to compile some of the won­der­ful counsel that the Lord has given us about comparing some time in the future, but for now I thought this would be encouraging for those of you who battle with it. The Lord says that you can overcome it! You can make it! You can change!

146. (Jesus speaking: ) Stay open, stay desirous, and you will continue to make progress step by step, and it will not have to come upon you all at once. One way you could make more progress is by coming to Me about the Word that you read. I know you do this from time to time, but you could grow and learn even more if you made it a habit to seek Me after each GN that you read, each time something speaks to you. Instead of just taking it at face value and trying to apply it the way you think best, ask Me about it and I will help you apply it to your life and heart very specifically. This way you'll hit the mark in the progress you're making, and will always be aware of exactly what I'm asking of you. It will make it easier for you—you won't have to wonder, you'll know. And I will give you the specific instruction and keys to victory on how to progress and overcome in the various areas that I know will make it easier for you.

147. You ask if there is any area that I wish for you to yield in more fully. I will tell you, My love. It is the area of comparing yourself with others. This area of your life causes you much pain, much difficulty. And because it pains you, it pains Me. It is very difficult for Me to watch you go through battles, feeling that you don't do enough, that you are unloved or unneeded, because you are comparing. You must realize that My love for you is just as great as My love for any other, but the way I work in your life is different. The way I work in each person's life is differ­ent. If I worked in everyone's life the same, that would not be love, for each person has different needs. If you were able to accept this and trust Me more fully, you would be much happier. You would suffer much less. You would have more to give to others. You would be more complete, and thus I would be able to use you more.

148. So in this coming year, that is what I ask of you—that you go on the attack against this besetting sin of comparing. It is rooted in pride, as all sin is. Comparing actually feeds your pride. You wonder how that is, because when you compare, you feel very worthless‚ very un­needed and unloved. But through getting you to compare, the Enemy is taking your eyes off of Me and My will and My plan, and getting them on yourself. You become unyielded to what I am doing, you are unhappy‚ and all of this feeds your pride because you start to feel that you deserve better.

149. In reality‚ you know that all that you have is completely undeserved—it is only by My mercy that you are here‚ blessed with the ministry I have given you, the friends and love and place of service and fulfillment. But when you fall into the pit of comparing, reality is unclear to you‚ and you are surrounded by the lies of the Enemy. You cannot see clearly, and during the times when you compare‚ you make no forward progress in the spirit; rather you fall back into your old habits and besetting sins.

150. Go on the attack against this area in your life where the Enemy gets in and causes you so much difficulty. Refuse to accept his lies! When you feel such a battle coming on, simply remind yourself that I do all things well, that I have a perfect plan for you, and that I love you. Remind yourself that it's a good chance for you to exercise humility by not falling into that trap. Remind yourself that allowing yourself to compare is taking steps backward in the spirit. And then refuse to do it!

151. I know you can do it‚ My love. You have had prayer against it, you have received My help in the spirit. Now it is up to you to fight it and not give it any place in your life. It will be difficult, I warn you, for you have a bad habit of allowing yourself to compare. You yield to this very easily, and it brings with it immediate sadness. So it will not be easy to catch yourself and pull out of it. But I know that you can do it, and I will be there to help you, when you call out to Me.

152. Yield fully in this area. Let that be your commit­ment to Me, that you believe that I do all things well, and that you will fight to be more thankful about the way I made you, the things I have given you, the path I have chosen for your life. With this total yieldedness comes peace‚ fulfillment, and great happiness. I promise.

153. As you make steps forward in this area, come to Me with further questions that come up, and each time I will show you how to overcome, how to best fight this attack of the Enemy. Up until now you have not seen this as something so big that you should really fight it. You have looked on it more as an inevitability rather than a weak area which you needed to overcome. But fighting this one battle will help you make tremendous progress in learning to be more humble, in being more sensitive to My Spirit and less to yourself, in being a greater blessing to others, and on and on the list goes.

154. It's worth it, My love. I know you want the victory, and so I promise it to you! I will help you. Remember, your desire in asking Me and wanting to make progress will give you a special anointing to move forward in this area! I love you! (End of message from Jesus.)

Quotes in boxes:

You can change. You've already changed! I see great progress. Every day I see something different in the way you're reacting and thinking, and I'm so happy! Even if you feel you've still got a long way to go, just keep trusting Me to help you and keep you faithful and keep you fighting. I won't fail to help you.

Each time we make love together, My seeds become a part of you; they live inside your heart and help you to be what I want you to be and do what I want you to do. My seeds have power to change you, to anoint you, to make you a vessel of My will.

One step at a time, one prayer at a time, one praise at a time, one do-the-humble-thing at a time. That's fighting; that's yielding and making progress. So keep it up!

Even if you don't feel like reading My Word, please read it anyway‚ and trust Me that I'm using it to bear good fruit in your life. All those Word seeds are being planted in your heart and washing away any wrong ideas. The more you absorb and wash your spirit with My Word‚ the more you'll become like the spirit of My Word—like Me.

Rebuke the lies of the Enemy that you can't go forward or make enough progress. Just tell yourself that you're going forward because you've made that commitment in your heart‚ and you're going to stick to it. Don't let the Enemy discourage you if you don't make fast enough progress. Just keep moving forward the best you can, even if you feel you're moving at a snail's pace. It's still progress!

Don't worry if you have some bad days or get discouraged with your progress. I know you want to see fast progress right now, but you are progressing! I see it, and others see it, so just keep your eyes on Me and keep going by faith.

Whenever you're tempted to think you're not doing so well, rebuke that thought and tell yourself, "I'm doing better than before and I'm going to keep going. I've closed the door to the past and now I can go on."

You're already changing in the spirit‚ and it's so beautiful! You'll keep changing and growing as you continue to hold on and have faith that I can do it through you. I will do it. I'll do the impossible in your life and help you each step of the way. I promise that as you hold on and keep fighting, I'll bring about the changes, every one, and you'll go from strength to strength.

There's a light at the end of the tunnel, and a rainbow after the storm for those who hang on. Praise and thank Me by faith for the victory, even if you don't feel it right now. Be positive. Speak positively about the wonderful victory that I've promised you. You have some of that victory now because you're obeying Me. As you get stronger, you'll have the full, complete victory.

Keep going one day at a time. Don't give up, and pretty soon things will get easier. It's a spiritual principle. As you trust and obey and do His will, He'll bless you for it and reward your obedience.

Even if you don't feel like you've been fed from My Word‚ trust that it is strengthening you, giving you faith, and changing you. My seeds become a part of you and work in your life to change, to renew, to inspire and lead you.

The Enemy has no power over you; you can't lose your victory, because I've given you the promises of My Word to hold you fast. So trust and believe‚ and you'll see every one of My Words come to pass. The Enemy can't stop you from going forward as long as you make that commitment to keep going forward. He'll try to discourage you, but he can't stop you.

Once you start going in the right direction and start doing the right things, you gain the momentum of My Spirit and it's much easier to keep going.

As you continue to follow Me and trust in Me‚ all things are possible. I can remake you, retool you, and change even your personality according to My will.

I'll take you—as weak and small and incapable as you are—and I'll make you into something better, more useful, more beautiful, more yielded. All you have to do is desire it, be open to it‚ and My Spirit will work in your heart.

(End of file.)