Maria
March 17, 2004
GN 1041aSpecial Brazilian EditionJuly 2003
By MariaMaria #651 6/03
Introduction1
Blessings of correction/chastisement1
Encouragement/comfort for those whose
loved ones have left the Family7
For those suffering condemnation10
The power of forgiveness14
Doing the humble thing15
For the young people in Brazil20
Regarding your children22
Keys promises27
Introduction
Dear Family,
1. I love each of you dearly! And Peter and I‚ as well as all of those on our staff in WS, continue to uphold you in prayer as you fight the good fight as brave soldiers in the Lord's army! We're so proud of you for holding on, not giving up, making wise choices‚ and doing whatever it takes to reach for the crown of victory our Husband has promised you! As you make the changes in your lives that He's asked of you, and as you fight for your spiritual life, you are being renewed and strengthened day by day.
2. In this GN, I'm sending you some messages from Jesus and Dad that were received by those in WS especially for you. These are messages of encouragement, comfort and instruction on topics the Lord showed us would be a blessing to you at this time and during the next months. They're on a variety of subjects, and there'll be something—or many things—to benefit each of you! So please drink in the Lord's Words and be refreshed by them! Our darling Husband loves you very much and wants to help and encourage you at every turn. Peter and I love you too‚ and we're sending these messages to you with many fervent prayers.
3. Keep fighting the good fight, dear ones! You will win the battle! You will be strengthened! With your will on God's side and the power of His keys thrusting you forward, there is no power of the Enemy that is strong enough to hold you back! The Enemy's power is limited, futile, insufficient‚ lacking, and weak when compared with the power of God's love, His Word and His miracle-working keys! So keep clinging to our dear Lover, drinking deeply of the Word, and claiming the keys as you march forward to victory!
Love in our supreme, mighty and all-powerful Deliverer and Miracle-worker,
Mama
Blessings of Correction/Chastisement
4. (Jesus speaking:) If I didn't love you, if I didn't care about you, if I didn't want you to be My disciple, I'd let you go your own way, do your own thing, and live your own life. You are My children, whom I greatly love. You are My called-out ones, those I have chosen over many to stand and deliver My message to the nations in the final days. I have poured into you year after year after year. I have invested in each of you multitudes of words, instruction, guidance, comfort, encouragement, knowledge of treasures of My Word‚ both new and old. I have given you specific GNs for your field. I have sent My king to you before. And now I have sent My queen and king to you, to deliver My Words.—Not in hopes that you will despair of life and of your service to Me, but so that you would receive My love to turn from your wicked ways, to repent and come back to your Father.
5. If I didn't desire to use you‚ I wouldn't purge you. I purge you so that you will bring forth more fruit. I purge you so that the unfruitful branches may be cut down. I purge you so that you, My branches, may be strengthened and salvaged from the spiritual diseases that are killing you. In My love I have come to dig about you and fertilize the soil of your heart, in hopes that you will survive to once again be fruitful branches. My "fertilizer" can seem harsh, "burn," and be difficult to absorb into the soil that produces "your branch." This is when you must trust Me‚ that I know what is best for you‚ what you need, and what is necessary to help you make it.
6. No purging, no chastening, for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous. It's heartbreaking to see yourself as others see you, as I see you, to see yourself as you are and not what you think you are. This is what has happened through these messages I have given you through your queen and king. It's been a shock to you to have the "wool" pulled away from your eyes and to see things in the spirit, when you thought you weren't blind and that you've been seeing fine all these years. You've heard the saying, "There are none so blind as those who will not see." It's surprised you to discover that you have not been willing to "see" some of these sins I've been trying to show you.
7. I have given sight to the blind—each of you—and shown you the truth, the way, the life. Now you are deciding to reject the lies, forsake your own way‚ and allow Me to breathe into your spirit the life of My Words that you may truly live again. You won't be living the life you have been, the life of the carnal world; you'll be living in the spiritual world‚ where true life and reality exist.
8. So these tests, trials, and tribulations that you're going through are not because I don't love you, but rather because I love you more than you can ever know! I'm willing to do whatever is necessary so that you can "go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit will remain." I do not train and correct just for the sake of training and correction. There's a purpose. There's a goal. All things work together for good, My dear ones, to them who are called according to My purpose. You are called. I do not send My Word in the form of these messages from your queen and king because I expect nothing in return. I have cast My Word upon your hearts and expect it to come back to Me after these many days of cleansing and your "getting right with God."
9. As I told My prophet Isaiah, "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found; call ye upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts‚ and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. 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 cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater; so shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth. It shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace. The mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree‚ and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off" (Isa.55:6–13).
10. My dear loves, these are My promises to you. I send these words to you so that they will "accomplish what I please and prosper in the thing whereunto I sent them." What I please is that you will receive My Words and change your ways. I want My Words to prosper in your hearts so that you will be stronger, purer, more fruitful disciples.
11. I am nigh unto those that are of a broken heart and cleanse those who are of a contrite spirit. I wound and I bind up. I do not willingly afflict nor grieve My children. I do not cast off forever‚ My loves. Though I cause grief, yet I will have compassion according unto the multitude of My mercies. I have had compassion on you, My brides. All that I ask is that you forsake your wicked ways and unrighteous thoughts and return to Me. I will abundantly pardon. I will restore and make new. I will make you more than you presently are, better than you presently are, stronger than you presently are, and wiser than you presently are.
12. In your humility you will be great—a greater witness for Me, a more fruitful branch‚ a greater testimony for Me. Such is the future that awaits you, My precious brides. I will lift up the hands that hang low. I will strengthen the feeble knees. My grace will be sufficient for you. In your weakness I will be strong, and it will no longer be you that lives, but Christ that lives within you. Through your humility and the power of the keys you will go forward with the ability to do all the things I ask of you, through Me‚ Who will strengthen you.
13. So rejoice and be exceeding glad‚ My loves! I only use broken men and women. Others will not do, for others are too sufficient in their own ways, their flesh. When you finally realize there's nothing good in yourself, then your spirit is nearing greater effectiveness for Me. When you don't care about yourself anymore, then I have the opportunity to get in and do as I desire. My way up is down—down to self and the sickening, pusillanimous piety of self-righteousness. Who do you think was justified before Me that day in the temple? Was it the proud Pharisee who kept every jot and tittle of the law and forsook the greater things of My Word?—Or the humble publican, a sinner, who knew he needed mercy and forgiveness? You can never be too bad for Me, My loves—only too good.
14. So if you feel useless, of no worth‚ a worm, vile, filthy, and an embarrassment to My Family—cheer up! You've just graduated! You've just come into the ranks of My sinning saints who know they need Me and know that without Me they're nothing. You've finally realized and gotten the point that it's only Jesus! I have faith in you, My loves. I have plans for you. There's a lot to be done. There's a future awaiting you that is "as bright as the promises of God." I want you in that future.
15. Just leave yourself behind‚ forsake it all, and come follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men! I will do the works through you that no other man can do. I will use you more than you've ever been used! I want you! I need you! I purge you that you may be made whiter. Follow these words of Timothy, My apostle. Take courage from them, My loves, and press onward to become vessels of honor in My house. I love you!
16. "Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands sure, having this seal: The Lord knows those that are His. And, let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master‚ prepared for every good work" (2Tim.2:19-21). (End of message from Jesus)
17. (Apostle Paul speaking:) Let's first of all look at some scripture on correction, some of those golden Bible verses that are at the foundation of every true Christian's life.
18. Proverbs 3:11-12: "My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of His correction: for whom the Lord loveth He correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." Here Solomon is explaining how the Lord corrects you because He loves you, and just as a father wants his son to be the best that he can be‚ the Lord's correction is for the same purpose. It's not always easy to take, but keeping the vision for the purpose of the correction helps you through it all until the change becomes a new part of your life.
19. The blessings of the changes you commit yourselves to after you receive correction come instantly in the spirit‚ but you've still got to fight to make the newness a habit. You have to fight for the changes to become an everyday part of your life, and sometimes that can be a long haul. But don't give up! No matter how long the battle, keep fighting, and the Lord will honor you and come through for you. Don't get weary of His correction or faint in your mind before the correction has brought forth its fruit of righteousness. It takes time and testing, but it will happen—because He loves you and He wants to see you make it.
20. Look at this verse, Proverbs 15:10: "Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die." This one has a little more warning to it. If you forsake the Lord's reproofs of correction in your life‚ you will die in spirit. The point is that correction is good. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life. And you know what? Even here in Heaven we get correction! We're not perfect like the Lord is. We're still learning. Learning never ends. As a matter of fact, just recently the Lord challenged me to broaden the horizons of my understanding of others' situations. But it was a pleasure to get the correction because it helps me to learn and grow, and because of the peace and fruit that comes after accepting it and being exercised by it.
21. The Lord is always teaching all of us—not only you there on Earth‚ but those of us here in Heaven as well—new and better ways to do things, and we're always learning new things so we can make progress in spirit. We learn more quickly here, because we've learned to yield more quickly and readily, but we still don't always get it completely right the first time around, so the Lord lovingly corrects us as He teaches us the right way. He has a lot of patience with those who want to learn.
22. Learning is the way of life. Instruction and learning are forever. I love it! Once you see it in that light and realize what a blessing correction and learning and instruction and chastening—when necessary—are, then it's not as difficult to take. Sure, pride gets in the way and makes it harder to accept. But keep pushing pride aside and do the humble thing of receiving correction and accepting what the Lord's doing in your life and you'll soon see and feel the rewards.
23. Your life in this world is extremely short compared to eternity. Relatively it's only a very short moment, but a very significant moment, because that moment has a great deal of influence on where you'll be and what you'll have to learn when you enter the next life. The more you learn now, and the more you grow out of the carnal understandings and limitations of your natural man‚ the better off you'll be. As Kipling said, you then will have gotten 60 seconds worth of distance run in your "minute" of life on Earth.
24. With every correction you are presented with the keys of change. These keys can be activated by your willingness, and ultimately will bring forth the peaceable fruit of righteousness as a result.
25. Change and correction equals good. When you stop learning, when you stop receiving correction, you have in spirit then stopped growing and progressing. The Lord wants to correct you so you can change and so He can then use you even more in the future than you have been now. After school's out and the lessons are learned you'll be a smarter, more mature, and wiser person. The time of learning and correction will make a better person of you, and one more able to be used of the Lord in greater ways.
26. Okay, next verse. Jeremiah 5:3-5: "O Lord, are not Thine eyes upon the truth? Thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; Thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return. Therefore I said, surely these are poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the Lord, nor the judgment of their God. I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they know the way of the Lord, and the judgment of their God."
27. This one also has its warning.—A warning to those who harden themselves to the truth that they've been given, those who don't receive the correction the Lord has given them. If the teacher gives you some lessons, and through them is trying to teach you something, and you refuse to learn, Jeremiah likens that student to the foolish and the poor—foolish because they forsake wisdom, and poor because they don't gain the resultant riches in spirit that correction brings. So what did Jeremiah then do? He left those who didn't want to receive what the Lord had for them and went to the "great men," those who know the ways of the Lord.
28. Here's a good one—very encouraging as to the reasons for instruction and reproof. 2Timothy 3:16-17: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." This is speaking to you. It was written for you. I should know. I wrote it under the Lord's inspiration. It was literally intended for dear Timothy, but the truth is, it's intended for you and everyone who will be instructed in the ways of the Lord, because it's the truth. The results of correction and reproof are that the man of God may be "perfect"—as in, what the Lord wants him to be—thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Now that's a goal to strive for!
29. And here's the classic—Hebrews 12:11-13: "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous‚ but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed."
30. He corrects us for our good. It's not always easy to take, especially at the beginning, but it does yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who are exercised thereby. Correction is for your good; it's to improve your spiritual strength and reflexes, and to help you to be all you can be. It's so you can be a partaker of His holiness.
31. So if you're getting correction but not changing as a result, is it because you don't want to put forth the effort to change? Is it because you're resisting it? Are you suffering the correction in vain? Ask yourself that, because godly correction should bring forth good fruit in your life.
32. Is it difficult because you don't feel or see the fruits of change being brought about in your life as a result of the correction and are discouraged about it? That happens—and if that's the case, lift up the hands which hang down! Praise the Lord, and He'll use your praises to bring you out of that pit of discouragement and help you to walk unwavering and with confidence as you become a new creature. "We are made partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end" (Heb.3:14).
33. In the words of that great saint, Charles Spurgeon: "No man can be illustrious before the Lord unless his conflicts be many. If, then, yours be a much–tried path‚ rejoice in it, because you will the better show forth the all-sufficient grace of God. As for His failing you, never dream of it—hate the thought. The God Who has been sufficient until now‚ should be trusted to the end."
34. The blessings and rewards of all you learn will be yours to enjoy forever. You will always be happy that you said yes to the Lord. You will always be thankful that you yielded and made the right choice and accepted His instructions. You will always know the fruit borne within you from those decisions made. The benefits and rewards will be yours for eternity. (End of message from Paul.)
35. (Jesus speaking: ) My dear love, thank you for listening to My messages, and for receiving them with an open heart and spirit. Thank you for being desperate to make the changes I'm asking of you. Thank you for letting your heart be broken, for letting your spirit be broken, for letting Me wash and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. My precious, darling bride, I know this correction from Me is difficult to receive, very difficult to go through. Please remember that it's My lashes of love to you and that I do this in real love for you.
36. Even if you have feelings of sadness right now, feelings of failure and brokenness—remember that in My eyes this is a beautiful thing. I love to see your broken and contrite heart, your soft heart and tender spirit as you look to Me with such pleading for My help. My precious one, I look upon you now in your time of repentance and desperation with great love and mercy. Trust Me for this time of breaking and chastisement in your life, for I promise that it will bring forth the peaceable fruits of righteousness to each one who is exercised thereby. I promise that as you take the steps that I'm asking of you and you allow Me to cleanse your heart from all sin, that you will be cleansed and set free. You will be made a new creature in Me.
37. Even if you think it's impossible, that you've had these sins and problems for so long that it seems impossible to change now and overcome—I say it is possible, My love, because I will it to be so. I love you so much that I correct you, because I know that not only will you change and be different, but you will become even more useful to Me. I'll be able to use you in greater ways to do greater things.
38. Don't doubt My promises to you. Believe that I'm able to bring about great victories in your life—right now, today‚ this minute—as you seek Me and call on the keys for the help and power and strength you need. As you have united prayer and put your heart in My hands‚ I will send the power from Heaven that you need to do the impossible.
39. My precious one, I wouldn't ask this of you if I didn't know you could do it. You can do it. You can make the changes and receive My blessings of a new life, new attitudes‚ and a new walk with Me. You can be all that I want you to be. That's why I give you My loving correction and tell you plainly what your sins have been, because I know that as you receive this correction and fight for changes, you will be an even better vessel for Me, the Family, and lost souls. You will not only benefit personally, and your Home will not only benefit‚ but the sheep and the entire Family will eventually benefit from your willingness to take it and rise above.
40. Your sample of faith and humility will give others—those in your area, as well as others around the world—hope that they too can change and become better disciples for Me. As those around you see your love for Me and your humility to change, they will know that you are My disciple indeed. Many will be inspired and convicted when they see how much you love Me‚ and how you're willing to give up anything that stands in the way of being My one hundred percent loving bride and disciple.
41. You might think‚ "I can't do it. I can never be a one hundred percent loving disciple. I'm just not that way." Well, you can be, My love. No matter what has happened in the past, no matter how awful you feel you were yesterday—you no longer have to be that way.
42. It hurt Me to chastise you because I knew how difficult it would be for you to take it, how humbling, how discouraging it would be. I knew that you would feel like a failure before Me, that you would cringe at the thought of how you failed your queen and king and your loved ones. But because the fruits of this chastisement will be so wonderful, so fulfilling and beautiful in your life‚ I knew it was worth it.
43. It's worth it, My love‚ to go through the humbling, the breaking, the retraining and cleansing in order to win the wonderful victories around the corner. You can't see them all right now, you can't feel them or know exactly what they are, but I promise that as you hold on in faith and keep on believing, they will be yours.
44. You're headed for a brand-new life—a wonderful, fresh, bright, uplifting, happy life! You're headed for a new way of thinking, a closer walk with Me and with others‚ a happiness of spirit and the blessings of My Spirit that comes from correction. Most people think of correction as something terrible, to be avoided‚ but when you open your heart to My correction you also open your heart to My blessings.
45. Trust Me. I have great blessings in store for you and I can hardly wait to pour them out to you! The minute I see your desire to do the things I'm asking of you, I will pour out such blessings upon you—and your land—that there will not be room enough to hold it! You'll see the blessings, you'll feel them, and you'll rejoice in them! The biggest blessing, My loves‚ will be your closer walk with Me, because through that will come all other blessings—the blessings of true unity, of real discipleship, of oneness and camaraderie, of loving homes and family and sheep.
46. I love you, My dear brides, and I will always love you. The only thing that would make Me sadder than having to correct you is if you didn't believe how much I love you. It would break My heart if you didn't hold on and fight for the blessings I have in store for you. It's not My will that you should fall away if you truly love the Family and want to be here with all your heart. I want you here. Mama and Peter want you here. I want you close by My side. I don't want you to leave My arms.
47. Please don't be upset with Me because I had to chastise you. Please don't be angry or feel I don't love you. Please hold on and fight for the blessings that I long to give you, and in fact, that I have prepared especially for you at this time. Your humility is beautiful in My eyes. Your brokenness is beautiful, and will bring forth the most beautiful fruit you can ever imagine.
48. This time in your life will turn out to be the most beautiful and fruitful time of all if you just believe. It will truly be beauty for ashes, joy for sorrow, peace that passes all understanding, and I will cause your face to shine and be a testimony to many. Trust Me to fulfill My promises of blessings. (End of message from Jesus.)
Encouragement/Comfort for Those Whose Loved Ones Have Left the Family
49. (Jesus speaking:) The calling of discipleship is one of sacrifice and forsaking. I know that with those words often comes the pain of having to leave behind and give up that which you love and that which is dear to your hearts—not least of which are your loved ones, your family and your friends. There will be those of you who will have to turn aside from your loved ones, leaving them behind in order to move forward for Me, to become the disciples I need you to be.
50. I do not ask this recommitment of you without knowing the cost that it will be for you personally.—Not only the rededication and remolding of your own lives, but for some of you, the cost of having to leave behind those who choose a life outside of the Family, those who are close to you. It may be your brother, sister, father, mother, wife‚ husband, children, or friends, and I know the cost that it is for you.
51. I understand the pain you feel. I know it well, for I too experienced it while I was on Earth—when My followers chose to not follow Me‚ when I was even betrayed in My hour of trial by those who said they loved Me most. I had to choose the will of My Father over that of My personal family, friends, and disciples. I had to give precedence to My Father's will over that of My family, even saying‚ "Who is My mother? And who are My brethren? Whosoever shall do the will of My Father which is in Heaven, the same is My brother, and sister, and mother" (Mat.12:48‚50).
52. Those words that I spoke those many years ago are the same that you‚ My precious children, also have to say. It was not because I did not love My family. It was because My calling—My Father's commandment and will for Me—stretched beyond My personal family. That was part of My forsaking when I came to Earth—learning to give of My loved ones so that I could be touched with your same infirmities, so that I could understand the heartbreak, the hurt, and the pain that many of you face when your loved ones choose to leave the Family.
53. I know too how the Enemy plays on your emotions, asking you whether the gain is worth the sacrifice. But I say to you, My brides, it is worth every sacrifice. Have not all great men and women who gave their lives to Me had to sacrifice and forsake those things which they held dearest? For many it was not just the physical things—the physical pleasures and sacrifices—but it was the things of the heart that they had to forsake—their family and loved ones. But they did it because they knew it was worth the cost. They knew that their need to follow Me at all costs was stronger than any personal ties they had. They knew it was worth it, and that I would repay their faithfulness. And I always did!
54. Those of you who will face loved ones leaving, I ask that you remember that they will always be Mine. I am married to the backslider; I still love and care for them, and do not turn from them in anger or judgment. I will still love them, I will watch over them, and I will be in their lives. But I cannot choose for them; each person has to choose for themselves whether they will go forward with Me in this Family or they will find another lifestyle. But that doesn't mean they're no longer My child‚ for they are still bonded to Me; they are My children.
55. For many of you, it will seem like a double sacrifice—not only that of having to forsake your personal hang-ups and give up the things that have been holding you back from being the disciples I need you to be, but there will be the sacrifice of forsaking your loved ones.
56. I carry this weight of heart with you, My loves, for I have felt that pain too. For though many loved Me, not all followed. My heart broke for My disciples, My followers, and My loved ones who found it difficult to take in the meat of My Words, who found the discipleship lifestyle too arduous and conflicting with the System of those days. Even then, they had to choose; I could not cajole them into following. I could not offer them anything other than the life of discipleship—a life without riches, without glory.
57. My life and the life of My followers was one of sacrifice and forsaking. But those sacrifices do not come without blessings, without promise of rewards in Heaven. I greatly reward those who give to Me, who are willing to give of even that which is closest to their hearts in order to follow Me. That is part of the discipleship life—learning to give up everything for Me; learning to forsake anything that would hold you back from being My full-time, wholehearted disciples.
58. That is what My missionaries of old committed to. Many forsook their families, their homes, their friends, and set off for an unknown land in order to give My message to the lost and hungering sheep. Take David Livingstone, for example. He forsook much; he lived what many would consider a life of great and extraordinary sacrifice. Yet it was he who said, "I have never made a sacrifice." Those words still ring out a very clear and definite message that those who give their lives to Me, who give their all to be My disciples‚ I always more than repay them.
59. I ask you, My dear brides, to place your loved ones in My hands, knowing that they are still My children and I will care for them. I have not forsaken them, nor have I forsaken you.
60. The Enemy may tell you that perhaps what I asked of [those who choose to leave] was too much, that I should've been more lenient and not required what they could not give. But you must remember that I know the limitations of each individual, and I know what they can bear if they will learn to cast their cares on Me, if they will accept My chastisement—the chastisement I mete out as their loving and caring Father. It is not more than they can bear, for in each one's hour of need‚ in their need for help, I am there to help.
61. Cast these burdens upon Me, My loves; let Me bear the weight for you. There is no triumph without a test, no victory without a fight, no blessing without a sacrifice. There will be beauty from the ashes‚ and sweet perfume will rise from the crushing. Take comfort, knowing that I understand the things you face, and I am there to comfort you and encourage you. Though the cost is high in being one of My chosen disciples, it is well worth the price, for I always repay in full. (End of message from Jesus)
62. (Jesus speaking:) My dear brides, I weep with you now as you watch your loved ones walk away from Me, as you watch those dearest to you leave My service. I know the heart–wrenching pain that you feel as you "lose" a part of your life—your mate, child, lover‚ parent‚ friend—and you wonder if you can bear the loss, the sacrifice, or if it's asking too much.
63. I ask you, though, in this time of difficulty, when what I'm asking of you seems overwhelming‚ when the sacrifice seems too great‚ to come to Me and rest in My arms. Let the tears pour forth and receive My comfort. Let Me rock you gently in My arms and tell you that you can make it through this. The choice to remain faithful to My will for your life is not an easy one and the forsaking is extremely difficult, but it will yield great blessings in this life and in the life to come.
64. The blessings that I promise seem intangible and must be taken by faith, while the tears, the pain‚ and the loss is so real, the feelings so vivid. I understand why you may waver, why you may hesitate when I say to you, "Will you also go away?" You have replied, "To whom will we go? You alone have the Words of Life." You will see the very real manifestations of My blessings in your life. I will give you comfort‚ I will strengthen your heart, I will lift you up, and I will give you back a hundredfold the love, the companionship, the security, and the life that you have had to forsake in order to be My Endtime disciple.
65. I'm not saying that this will be easy‚ and‚ yes, it will tear at your heart, but those of you who have lost someone through the choices that a loved one made and still choose to walk on, still choose the life of a disciple, still choose to hold My hand and stay close to My side, when I call you Home, will see that the sacrifice and forsaking and very real pain are but for a moment. The joy you will feel and the rewards for staying true and trusting Me for your loved one, trusting Me for your happiness, because you love Me most of all and want to please Me, will be worth it all. I will call you My faithful servant as I welcome you into the joys of My world. (End of message from Jesus)
66. (Jesus speaking:) My dear loves, I know the anguish and hurt that you feel when even thinking about one of your loved ones leaving the Family. You have loved and nurtured and cared for and fellowshipped with many of these friends and mates and children. They have been your joy and happiness in life. They have been a friend that sticks closer than a brother. And now this support‚ this joy, this bond will be lost, or will be severely weakened.
67. I cannot say that I will replace the love that you experienced with your loved one who is leaving. I cannot say that I can be the same friend to you, the same kind of lover, the same kind of companion. But I can say that I can fill the hole in your heart, that empty spot, that aching emptiness that is left when one that is so close to you goes away.
68. I am not an earthly lover, but I am still your greatest Lover. I am not an earthly friend, but I am still your best friend. I am not a child, or a sister, or an earthly brother, but I am the source of all joy and love and happiness—and I can give you an even greater measure of these than you have ever experienced.
69. My dear one, this trial may be one of the greatest you have ever experienced, but I know and understand what you feel, and I can fill up all the empty spots. I can give you new love, in a new way, and with new joy. Because you are staying close and following Me and giving Me your life, I will recompense you. I will repay. I will give you‚ as I promised, an hundredfold. Do you remember when I said, "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father‚ or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My Name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life" (Mat.19:29)? Well, that is a true promise, and it is one that I have fulfilled many times for My brides who have put Me first‚ even to the hurt of their relationship with loved ones.
70. Each time someone does this—they put Me above their personal ties to loved ones—I come in with a greater love, with more compassion, with more tenderness, passion, excitement, and loving warmth than they have ever experienced. I will do this for you, My dear ones.
71. So do not fear, and do not be dismayed. Although the pain may be strong and your weeping may be anguished, remember that, "Weeping may endure for a night‚ but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalm 30:5). I will come to you in the morning of your grief, My loves, and I will be there for you, greater than a friend‚ stronger than an earthly lover, more tender and more giving than any other loved one. I will not fail you, and I will repay and recompense every sacrifice that you make for Me.
72. Your pain will be healed by My love, and I will give you fresh new love in your heart‚ new challenges, new excitement, new joys, so that you will know that it has been worth it all. I love you. (End of message from Jesus.)
For Those Suffering Condemnation
73. (Jesus speaking: ) Remember, My loves, you are new creatures. Old things are passed away, and all things are become new. Think on that for a moment. All your past sins, disobediences‚ straying from My Word, murmurings, disputings—all of it is G-O-N-E, gone. I remember your sins no more, and therefore you should not dwell on them either. What's done is done, and the past is past. If you've had deliverance, asked forgiveness‚ and done what you could to get back on the straight and narrow, then you have left those old sins behind.
74. So please, My brides, don't allow yourselves to wallow in the mud of melancholy thoughts of, "If I only had," as it just robs you of the hope and comfort I have for you, and want to give you. Yes, you should be convicted about your past sins and disobediences, but you don't need to suffer condemnation. There's a big difference between the two. Conviction is a motivator. It motivates you to want to do better, to be better. Condemnation unmotivates you. It causes you to not move forward‚ but to dwell in the past and spend your time and energy feeling sorry for yourself, your past mistakes, and your sins.
75. Actually, it's your pride that causes you to suffer condemnation. You want so much to be good, to be well thought of, to be "perfect," that when you realize you're not, and that you have some things to work on and have made mistakes and been a failure in some areas‚ your pride feels the hurt and pain.
76. Remember that old saying: "If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two impostors just the same; then you'll be a man, my son." Do you know what this little saying was implying? Do you know what it was talking about? It was talking about your pride. It was saying, don't let your pride feel hurt over your past mistakes, and don't let your pride tempt you to take the credit for your accomplishments.
77. That is how I want you to look at your past disobediences and sins, as well as any future victories and accomplishments. I know that's hard to do; it's hard not to feel remorse over the past or to take credit personally for your accomplishments, but you are capable of these things, with My help. You are capable of letting go of the past and putting it behind you, and ignoring the Enemy when he tries to come in and tempt you with condemnation or feelings of hopelessness, or that you can't make it, or you can't change enough, or that your bad habits are too deeply ingrained, etc., etc.
78. If this is how you've been feeling‚ if this is how the Enemy has been attacking you, then you need to start pulling your new weapons out of your arsenal and start hitting him back! Start praising Me! Start claiming the keys promises! Start praying and asking Me to show you how things really are. Douse yourself in the Word and seek comfort and encouragement within its pages. It is not My will that My children be so overcome with remorse or grief over their mistakes and past sins that they cannot move on and move ahead to glorious victory.—It is there, waiting for you.
79. The joy, happiness, inspiration, encouragement, faith, peace and grace are there for you, you just need to claim them. But if you're holding on to your past, your mistakes, your failures and shortcomings, progress will be impeded and victory will not come easily.
80. I have forgiven you, My loves. Mama and Peter have forgiven you. Will you forgive yourself, and leave the past where it belongs and walk with Me into the light of a brighter day? I'm here waiting for you! Let's go! I love you! (End of message from Jesus.)
81. (Dad speaking:) I know condemnation is a tough battle to fight. Along with discouragement, it's a real killer. I oughtta know. But remember that there is "no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom.8:1). It has no place in Him, so you've really got to fight against it having a place in you, okay?
82. Some of you will get hit with it worse than others. But I know the Enemy will attempt to use it against all of you at some point, because along with discouragement it's one of his favorite weapons. It can start out as conviction—which is good, and a work of the Lord's Spirit—but pretty soon‚ if you're not really on guard and fighting to rise above, the Enemy can cast his ugly shadow over conviction, turning it into condemnation.
83. Simply put‚ there is nothing of the Lord in condemnation—not even a little bit. He wants us to be convicted, because conviction is positive. But condemnation is the Enemy's negative counterpart of the Lord's positive force of conviction. Condemnation does not minister anything positive to your spirit, but rather it's a tool and device of the Enemy to bog you down and get you so discouraged and feeling so hopeless and so beyond hope that you want to give up and not even try.
84. If he can get you to not believe this truth that there is no condemnation to those in Christ, then even if he and his minions have been exposed in your life, he still has a chance of winning if he can get you feeling so bad that you totally succumb to condemnation and effectively hand in your resignation. Pretty tricky, huh? But as sure as shootin', that's what he'll try to do. Because he knows that if you resist and fight the temptation to fall under condemnation, then he has really lost control, he's finished. He's lost the battle, his power has been destroyed. Kaput.
85. That's what you all have to watch out for now. Now that the Enemy's hold and grip in your life has been exposed, condemnation will be one of his last "dirty daggers" he'll try to pull out on you from under his cloak. He's livid that he and his dirty work have been so exposed, so this will be one of his last-ditch attempts to defeat the wonderful work that the Lord is performing in you.
86. He wants to take you out just as you're about to cross the victory line. So in some shadowy spiritual "back alley"—which is like an unguarded moment when you're feeling a little down or discouraged—he'll try to stab you in the back with his lies: "You're too bad for Jesus! You don't deserve His mercy! Look at you! Look at what you've done! You're a reproach to the cause of Christ! You might as well quit! For you there is no hope!"
87. I know that the pain of seeing the sad fruit and fallout of your sins and strayings can be just like a dagger; it hurts. Its wound may start off small‚ but it hits you again and again, until eventually—if you don't realize what's happening and who is stabbing you—you crumple under the incessant blows.
88. The Enemy loves to use this tool and dagger against the Lord's children, and for many it's a very easy thing to "accept." Because when you've made major mistakes or strayed and sinned over a long period of time, it's almost a natural thing of the flesh to feel that you have to in some way "pay" for what you've done, because you feel so bad. So the Enemy hops on the back of this self-imposed need of the flesh for some sort of punishment and remorse‚ riding that horse for all it's worth.
89. But please don't let the Enemy ride you or take you out in some back alley with his dirty dagger of condemnation, okay? What it comes down to is simply accepting the Lord's correction in humility, and accepting His gift of forgiveness, knowing you can of your own self do nothing. Then you pick yourself up out of the puddle, wipe off the mud and muck, and go on.
90. Now that's the test of real strength of character and discipleship material. That's worthy of note, and that's what we notice up here.—Because that's the most important thing, the "keeping on going" part despite yourself, and despite how many times you've tripped and fallen.
91. Your falling into the puddle, or how many times you trip and fall‚ is neither here nor there to us‚ so long as you have the courage, faith, and strength of character to get up and keep going. That's the most important and critical part—the getting up again. And that's the part that the Enemy will really fight the most after correction, especially correction on this scale, where he'll try to overwhelm you with a sense of hopelessness.
92. Remember, with the Lord the past is the past, and you are forgiven! He would not have purged you and chastened you and invested so much in this correction if there was no hope. It's because there is hope—great hope—that He purged you and chastened you and brought your sins to your attention. Otherwise He would have left you to just wallow in your own sins. But He sees and knows your potential; He knows you're worth this investment of correction.
93. So what should you do? You've got to grab ahold of the key of faith and the key of forgiveness, knowing the Lord loves you and we're all counting on you to get up and keep going! Flash those keys of faith, forgiveness, and change in front of the Enemy's ugly face every time he taunts you or whispers some stinking defeatist remark in your ear, okay? He can't handle the presence of the keys, and he can't handle faith in any form. So even if you don't have much faith in yourself at this point‚ call on the keys in faith, and just start blasting those keys promises at the Enemy, claiming them as your own whenever you start feeling yourself sink. They're for you, each one of you!—So use'm! I love you! (End of message from Dad.)
94. (Jesus speaking:) My dear Brazilian loves, I know that this is a time of suffering for you. You've had to battle intense condemnation that extends into depression and even to despair. Some of you despair of ever being happy again, of ever getting on your feet again, of ever having the faith to walk closely with Me and in happy fellowship with your brethren.
95. But I tell you that this time of cleansing will produce wonderful, amazing results. You will be new people—grounded in Me and My Word‚ and founded on the right things, the true things. Your lives will be purged of the influences that drew you away from Me. You will be clean! You will be fresh, new, young in spirit, ready to do anything and be anything for Me.
96. These sins have held you back so much, and you didn't even know it. So I have had to make you aware. As Peter said‚ and as I feel also, I did not reveal your sins to you to make you sad or feel bad to the point of not being able to go on. I did not punish you to take out My anger and wrath upon you. But it was for a good reason. It was for the sake of the greater fruit that can be borne.
97. So look to that—look to the deeper happiness, the victories in your marriages and personal lives‚ the more lasting fruit, the joys that living in the Word will bring to your lives. You have started the Activated push, but started it in the flesh in many ways, and now you will have a true Activated push. You will have a metanoia, and just as your repentance and change are great, your fruit will be amazingly great.
98. If you are committed to being a disciple and that's your choice‚ when the Enemy comes in and tempts you to drown in despair, to despair of ever being able to make it, to just give up‚ throw away your crown, throw away your discipleship calling, and fall back into a morass of nothingness, remember that it will be just that—nothingness. There will not be an absence of pain, though, or of regret, or of bitterness over making the wrong choice. And if you go back because the punishment is too hard and the condemnation is too great, then the Enemy will just condemn you in your heart again! He'll say that you were a quitter, that you were a wimp, that you couldn't make it.
99. But I know you can make it! I know you can suffer these things and come out the better for it! I am here to say that I believe in you and I love you. That is why I have allowed this heavy chastening—so that you will experience a great repentance and a wonderful victory, rising from the ashes of defeat to more fruitfulness and happiness than ever before!
100. The Enemy would like you to feel that it is all over, that it is the end of the road. But just remember that song, "Bend in the Road," and take hope. When I bring great changes in your life‚ or when I have to show you your sins‚ it is not so that you will quit and your work for Me will be ended. No! The reason is so that you will be more fruitful, more overflowing with My love and Spirit and happiness, more of a new bottle to carry My Words and love to others in a clean, fresh, new wineskin.
101. When you feel that cloud of condemnation and depression and discouragement, look up to Me and remember how much I love you. I do not think you are a despicable person. I do not think that there is no hope for you. I do not think that you are not worth it—or else I wouldn't have delivered the message as I did! I had Mama and Peter give long talks on video so that you would understand, and so that you could change—because I love you and have hope and faith for you.
102. So when those feelings come, realize that they are not from Me, because that is not how I feel about you. Rebuke condemnation, depression and discouragement with the power of the keys!
103. Ask Me to show you how I see you—the hope and joy that I have when I think of the fruit you can bear when you are close to Me once again, the love I feel for you‚ the understanding and compassion I have for your weaknesses. At the same time, have faith that I know you can rise above these sins and weaknesses—but only if you are aware of them, only if you attack them, only if you go on an all-out push against them.
104. I want you, My Brazilian Family, to be so militant and so aware of the Devil's devices and your own lacks in following Me closely that you will never stray again. That will be your strength.
105. You will go from these defeats to even greater victories‚ as you learn lessons that can never be taken from you. Did you know that scar tissue is much stronger than the skin around it? When your wounds have healed and your spirit is made new in the places where it was hurt and wounded by your departure from the Word and from My ways, those parts of your life will be stronger than they ever were before. You will be stronger than ever!
106. The areas in which you have to now fight for the victory will be areas that the Enemy will never be able to assail again, for you will say, "Oh, I know that trick! I know that device! I know where that's headed!" And you will not be tricked or deluded or led down the wrong path again. You will be stronger than you ever were, for you will now be following more closely than you ever were before.
107. My sweet loves, please heed these words. Don't slip down into the slough of despair and wallow in the mire of depression‚ self-pity, and condemnation. Let Me pick you up and put you on a straight path‚ a path of victory, of challenge, of joy in meeting the task before you and rejoicing in the strength I can give you for the battle!
108. At the end of the road is a great reward. A special gem will be placed in your crown that signifies the victory in this battle. You will win it, when you resist the Enemy's attempts to condemn you, when you get up and set your feet firmly on the course of obedience, when you turn away from sadness and self-reproach and instead embrace My love for you.
109. Let Me love you, fill you with strength and faith, and give you a new life. Let Me come in and strengthen you, as you obey. Determine in your mind and heart and spirit that nothing will stop you from obeying Me and My Word, and then shun any thoughts or temptations that lead away from Me and My Word. Set yourself on a militant course, a training course, a discipleship course‚ and make My Word true in your life. Live it! Revel in it! Rejoice in it! Let it work in you‚ and then see the beautiful results.
110. I love you very much, and will never cease loving you, My beautiful Brazilian brides. (End of message from Jesus.)
The Power of Forgiveness
111. (Jesus speaking:) Truly forgiving someone who has hurt you or wounded your spirit is a supernatural gift that only I can give. There are things you can do yourself, such as refusing to relive the injustice you felt has been done to you, not replaying it in your mind over and over again, turning any "bad" thoughts about the person into good ones, praying for them, and just refusing to "go there" in your mind or heart or thoughts.
112. And you certainly should not be telling your tales of woe and your version of what happened, with your spin on it, to any listening ear! The more you dwell on it, relive it, and retell it, the more it becomes a part of your being, to the point that it gets blown out of proportion in your mind and heart and becomes a big stumbling block that you can't get around.
113. Truly forgiving someone who has hurt you and no longer having any ill thoughts toward them is something that is a work of the spirit and not of the flesh. It takes a miracle‚ the kind that only I can give, and it comes through desperate prayer and asking Me to pluck the hurt and feelings of resentment out of your heart.
114. As well, time is a great healer. Some things simply take time to mend‚ and a hurt and broken heart is one of them. Yes, I can do a miracle and give you instant deliverance from grudges and ill feelings toward others who have hurt you, and I can and do work that way, similar to how some people receive instant healing in the flesh. But other times I wish to work another way, and the healing process takes place over a period of time. So if you have had prayer to be able to forgive those who have wronged you and you are still struggling and battling with it, please don't get discouraged. Continue to do what you can and I will do the rest, and give you complete spiritual healing.
115. Do you remember the first thing I said after I had instructed My disciples in how to pray? It had to do with forgiveness: "If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Mat.6:14,15). I spoke much about forgiveness during My ministry there on Earth. I won't go into it here, but it would do you good to study what the Bible says about forgiving those whom you feel have wronged you or used you or hurt you. The common thread throughout is the fact that if you don't forgive others‚ God can't forgive you. Think about that for a moment and let it sink in.
116. Do you know why God is so intolerant of those who cannot forgive others? It's because He's forgiven you. He allowed Me, His Own Son, to die on the cross for you, for your sins, which have been pardoned and forgiven—past sins, present sins, and future sins. I gave all and I sacrificed all for you, so that you might have eternal life. So can you understand how much it displeases God and Me when you can't forgive someone else for one or two little things they did to you that offended you, or hurt your feelings, or got you all bent out of shape, or whatever the case may be—when We made the ultimate sacrifice for you, all so you could be forgiven of your sins and lead a life of eternal bliss and happiness in the Kingdom of Heaven? That kind of puts it into perspective, doesn't it?
117. Forgiving someone from your heart also enables you to partake of spiritual riches that are not available to you when you hold grudges and refuse to forgive someone. Forgiveness gives you a certain freedom of spirit, a peace and joy and happiness, knowing that you have laid it all on the altar, and it does not continue to rear its ugly head whenever you come before Me. I spoke about this as well‚ that God doesn't even want to "see you at the altar"—in other words, He doesn't want to see you come before Him—until you have set things right with your brother or sister.
118. As well, how can you expect others to forgive you when you have not forgiven those who have trespassed against you? Why carry that extra weight and burden around and continue to open up the bag and dig out all the ugliness contained therein, and allow it to continually besmirch your spirit? Reliving in your mind and heart all the bad and wrong things people have done to you does not help you progress spiritually. It keeps you stagnated spiritually. It prevents you from moving on and going on to greater victories. It leads to bitterness and discontentment, and it can bleed over into other areas of your life as well. It stunts your spiritual growth. Good fruit cannot come from continuing to hang on to your hurts and grudges and constantly dwelling on them. They must be forsaken if you expect to make any significant spiritual progress.
119. It is equally important that you ask forgiveness of those you have wronged. Even if you're not sure, it's better to say something than to leave it unsaid. And certainly if someone has come to you and expressed how they have been hurt by your words or actions, you need to take it in a humble and meek spirit, even if you don't personally feel you've wronged them. That's not the point. The point is‚ someone was hurt by your actions and that hurt is real to them, to the point they felt they needed to say something to you. So if someone does mention something to you about something you've said or done, you need to be humble about it and apologize right away.
120. Asking others to forgive you, or apologizing when someone approaches you about something you've done, is the best thing for your pride. It kills your pride, but that's exactly what is needed for humility to be able to flourish. Humility and pride cannot occupy the same space. You're either proud or you're humble. And the best way to let humility flourish is to do things that kill your pride, and the more you kill it, the less it's going to rear its ugly head.
121. I love you‚ My dear Brazilian Family. I know that you can and will make progress in these areas. You have it in you, you have what it takes, so rest assured that great victories are waiting for you as you continue to do the humble thing and forgive others, as they have forgiven you. I love you! (End of message from Jesus)
Doing the Humble Thing
122. (Dad speaking: ) I'm proud of all of you who are still around. I'm proud of each one of you who is still there, because I know you've made the choice to take the Lord's humbling and correction, to submit to His judgment, and to walk the path of yieldedness and submission. It's a hard road to travel, I know, but it's the road of God's will and the road of His blessings. It's the road that is going to bring you back to fruitfulness and to fulfilling His commission for you! Hallelujah!
123. The Lord has called you to walk the humble road, to travel a path that you would not have chosen for yourselves, but which is the only way to travel if you want to fulfill His highest will. And it's not just you in Brazil who the Lord is calling to walk the humble road—that's what He wants for everyone in the Family. The humbling comes to each one in the Lord's time and the Lord's way, and for you as a field it has come in a pretty drastic way. But the Lord knew that was what was needed, and He's causing it to yield many peaceable fruits of righteousness in your life each day! Praise the Lord!
124. Walking this humble road isn't just a one-time thing. It's not just taking the first step of accepting the Lord's correction and chastisement and submitting yourself to it. To stay on the humble road and not deviate down the detours of pride along the way, what you've got to do is continue doing the humble thing—every day! You've got to continually challenge yourself spiritually and evaluate yourself spiritually. Ask yourself, ask the Lord, ask me, and ask those around you‚ your mates and co-workers and friends, "Am I doing the humble thing? Am I walking in the spirit of humility toward the Lord and toward others?"
125. The times when you're tested on your humility and yieldedness toward others are really the true test. It's easy enough to say you'll be yielded and submitted to the Lord, humble before Him. He's God, after all, the great and powerful ruler of the universe, so how can you not be humble when you come before Him? Well, I know some of you weren't before, but you have to be pretty far off track to not be humble before God now. But to be humble before your brethren, to be humble in your interactions with them‚ that takes a lot more. But that's what the Lord has asked of you, and that's what you've got to keep fighting for if you're going to turn this field around and get it headed back in the right direction.
126. Each of you is faced with a choice daily, or many times daily, as to whether you will humble yourself before the Lord and others, or whether you'll choose to put yourself and your pride first. Whenever you're tempted to take the credit for something, you'd better give it right back to the Lord to Whom it belongs! Whenever you're tempted to argue and push for your own way in your interactions with others, you'd better back off and take the humble seat. Whenever you're tempted to get angry with someone or resentful toward them for something they've done that has offended you‚ you'd better stop and remember how weak and sinful you are and how many mistakes you've made, and give your brother or sister the benefit of the doubt.
127. Unity isn't something that is handed to you on a silver platter—it's something you've got to fight for! And to achieve unity means sacrifice, folks. There's no way around it. The one practically defines the other. You've got to sacrifice your own plans, your own preferences, your own opinions, your own desires, for those of others. You've got to back down sometimes on the things that matter so much to you or that you feel are so important, in order to achieve unity and harmony.—I don't mean the things that really matter, such as your obedience to the Word as a Home. That is something you should fight for and not back down on! But in the day–to-day details of communal living there are always going to be variances of opinion, differences in style of how you would rather go about something. That is part of living the life of a disciple, and living according to Acts 2:44,45.
128. The Lord has made you all different‚ with different likes and dislikes and opinions and styles and personalities‚ and He's done that for a reason—because you each have something to contribute, something that others need, something that is of use to the Lord and the Family and your Home and ministry and service. It's important that you realize that. But when you realize that you're special, that you're important, and that you have a lot to give‚ the Enemy and the spirit of Pride are always there to tempt you to feel that because you're so important and needed, you should have your way‚ you should get what you want and feel you need. But that's not so.
129. Yes, you are needed and many of you are very gifted; but the Lord calls you to give those gifts to Him and others, and to put others above yourself. That's what Jesus did. He "thought it not robbery to be equal with God." He knew He was special, chosen, "the one," and yet what did He do? "He took upon Himself the form of a servant" (Phil.2:5-7). That's what you've got to do, each one of you. You've got to consider yourself a servant‚ not only to the Lord, but to your loved ones‚ to your Family.
130. There's a long way to go, a lot of ground to cover to get to where all of you as a field, and within each individual Home, are walking in unity of heart, spirit, body‚ and mind. But you're getting there, you're making steps, and if you keep taking them, you will reach the point that the Lord wants you to get to. The goal isn't some kind of dazed utopia where everyone is silent and behaves like some kind of zombie that just goes along with what anyone says or with whatever is happening. That's not life, that's not reality, and it's certainly not inspiring. But the goal is that in your hearts and actions you will be putting others first—putting the needs of your brothers and sisters, of your Home, of your children, of those of the other generation, above your own.
131. That goes as far as putting the needs of another Home above your own, and putting the needs of the area overall over those of your own Home. That's real unselfishness. That's the attitude you need to have to really make the break and make the jump. That's the kind of behavior you need to demonstrate if you're going to have full unity and therefore the Lord's full blessings within this land.
132. I know there are some of you who still have issues or oughts with others. You've made your amends on the majors, the big things, for the most part. But then there are the smaller ones—things that didn't seem such a big deal; or maybe things that have happened in the weeks after you made your original apologies and amends. It's just part of life that you're going to have tiffs or misunderstandings from time to time, so don't get condemned if things have come up even since your initial apologies. Maybe you had a bit of a spat or falling out with your mate or with someone in your Home. Or maybe even your original apologies didn't go so well and in the process you ended up digging up some other hurt, or offending someone by the way you came across. There are all kinds of possibilities for hurt and offense.
133. We're all flawed and weak people and it's human nature to say things we shouldn't, to come across in a way that is either misunderstood or is actually hurtful. So if things haven't gone as well as you'd hoped and your apologies went awry, or new disagreements have come up since then‚ that's not the end of the world. What is the end of the world, though, or what is at least moving toward defeat in your spiritual life, is if you don't keep trying, keep fighting, keep taking steps to right the wrongs.
134. If you've offended somebody or are angry at somebody since the first apologies, well, apologize again! Do it as often as you need to do it. If your relationship with your mate or teamworker or someone in your Home or city was so bad, so messed up, that you have to apologize for something every day‚ well, for God's sake, do so!
135. The ideal, the goal, is that you stop doing the things that make each other angry or that you have to apologize for, of course! But until then, the best thing you can do, the humble thing to do‚ is to apologize as often as you need to. You know how I once said you should say "I love you" a hundred times a day? Well, saying "I'm sorry" is the best way to express real love in many situations—and some of you might need to say "I'm sorry" a hundred times a day! If that's what you need to do, then do it.
136. I want you folks to really go for it! I want you to be constantly praying and asking the Lord to open your eyes to how you can do more for others, to how you can be more of a blessing and support to others, how you can be a better mate‚ a better co-worker‚ a better parent, or a better whatever you are; someone who does more to pull your weight, physically and spiritually, than you've done so far. I want you to pray about how you can be more of a pillar for others to lean on and count on. I want you to pray about how you can go out of your way for others. That's really doing the humble thing.
137. When you stop to help someone else, even if you're really tired, or really busy, or really into doing what you want to do, then what you're doing is saying that their need or their situation is more important to you than your own—and that's true unselfishness and true humility. That's what we need more of around here, folks, and that's the path for you to follow. Amen? Are you with me? Are you following?
138. Look around you now, at your mates in your Home. Stop for a few minutes, have a little time of meditation, and each one of you look at each of the others in the room, or think about them if they're not present, and think of how much each one means to you. Think of something that he or she brings into your life and Home, without which you would be incomplete. If you're all together, go around the room and tell each one that you need them: "I need you, John. I need you, Maria. I need you‚ Suzie." Tell them! Go on! It's good for you. You do need them, you know. You really need each other‚ and when you realize that and when you put it into words, it humbles you and makes you more willing to give to others, realizing how much they give to you.
139. The prayer I pray for you is the one Jesus prayed for His disciples, "That they all may be one." Be one in Him. Be one in unity. Come together in love—not just when the shepherds call a big meeting, not just when it's mandated‚ but every day if you have to. Come before each other in humility, admitting your own faults, and admitting your need for one another, and you will grow in unity and humility—and in other areas while you're at it—and bring down the Lord's blessings in your life and Home! Praise the Lord! (End of message from Dad.)
140. (Dad speaking:) Don't think about how hard it's going to be, how impossible it will be, how the other person won't understand or receive it, or how humiliating it'll be. When you know you need to apologize to someone—which you do—don't think about the difficulties of the flesh, because the Enemy will just use it to discourage you before you even begin. Think about the good fruit, the blessings that will come as a result, and the wonderful feeling of freedom and peace of mind you'll have for obeying.
141. Don't worry about how the next guy will react or how he'll receive it or what he'll be thinking. Put all of your worries out of your mind and concentrate on how much the Lord is going to bless you for sincerely apologizing. Claim this key: "When you claim the keys and open your mouth to apologize, no matter how nervous you are, the spirit of forgiveness will immediately flow in and speak for you."
142. Pray desperately beforehand and claim the keys. Really get serious in prayer before the Lord and ask for His help. Tell the Lord all about it—your fears that so-and-so won't react well, your fears that you can't do it, your worries that you won't say what you want to, and especially your fear that you can't apologize or forgive. Get it all off your heart. Pour your heart out to the Lord and have a good, cleansing prayer time with the Lord. Then claim the keys. Stand on His promises. "You can forgive anyone for anything through the power of the keys."
143. As you do your part and obey and take the steps to sincerely apologize to those you've hurt, and accept their forgiveness, the Lord will heal your heart. As you do your part and receive the apology of others when they speak to you and ask for your forgiveness, the Lord will heal your spirit. As you truly apologize and forgive, the Lord will heal your land, your Home, your family, your sheep. Everything will be healed and cleansed and made new.
144. It's a sacrifice of love. It's what Jesus did on the cross for you. He sacrificed His heart for your sins. He humbled Himself and suffered for you. It broke His heart and even His body in order to forgive you. Whenever you need to apologize to someone, remember that it's your sacrifice of love to him or her and to the Lord.
145. Sacrifices aren't easy. They cost, they're humbling, they're death to self and pride. Don't worry if it's difficult and kills your pride; that's not a problem. In fact, that's good. If you have to face someone you've wronged and hurt and you know it's going to be really hard, just remember that it's your sacrifice of love; it's part of the price you have to pay for unity; it's part of your discipleship.
146. Your calling as a disciple is to be humble, to do whatever it takes to bring about the unity the Lord expects. If that means you have to go way out of your way to show others respect and forgiveness, love and friendship—then just do it. It's part of your testimony. As others see you sincerely seeking forgiveness and apologizing, the spirit of unity will grow.
147. The Enemy will really fight this because he knows human pride is strong‚ so you have to fight all the harder to hang on to the keys and claim the faith to do it. Don't let one person go by, don't let one heart that you've harmed or wronged slip away without showing them your love and sincere forgiveness and apology. "Through the power of the keys you can see people with new eyes of love."
148. This is a golden opportunity for each of you to get your hearts right with one another while everyone is in the same big boat of forgiveness. Even if it means having to change your way of operating, your way of doing things in order to show love and prefer your brethren, it's worth it. Even if you don't know how you're going to operate tomorrow, or how to act tomorrow, what you're supposed to do now—having a clean heart is all you need to face tomorrow. The Lord will help you and show you what to do, how to interact with others, how to build your new work, as long as your heart is clean before Him and with others.
149. Get it off your heart. Be honest. Claim the keys to help you be open and honest and humble. "I'm sorry for all the times I yelled at you." "I'm sorry for all the horrible gossip I spread about you." "I'm sorry for hating you." "I'm sorry I've had a grudge against you." "Please forgive me for getting into that unloving relationship and hurting you." "I'm sorry for hurting your marriage." "I was wrong to act like a strong-arm Home shepherd, please forgive me." "It was wrong of me to withhold that money from you." "Forgive me for not listening to you."
150. If it helps you, make a list of all the things you feel you should apologize for with each person, and just read the list to them. They'll understand and they'll get the spirit of it if you're sincere. It's important, because this is a very important time in the Family and in your life, so it's vital that you're honest and open and sincere and truthful. Don't let that one big issue go unsaid, or that one little issue. Say it all! Get it right between you. Get it off your heart and away from your spirit so the Lord can cleanse you.
151. Oh, the power of forgiveness, the power of humility, the power of honest and sacrificial love is so great! You have no idea what a wonderful cleansing and washing and renewing this land is going to go through. It makes me cry tears of joy to think about the beautiful blessings the Lord is going to pour down upon you for your obedience.
152. The Lord knows it all—all the things you've done to wrong others. But I'll let you in on a little secret: If you're faithful to confess your sins and open your heart to your loved ones and not hold anything back, He's got a special blessing in store for you. He's more than willing to give it to you; He's just waiting to put it in your hands as a token of His love for your humility and obedience.
153. It's going to be worth every sacrifice you make to be in unity with one another. You'll reap the beautiful blessings of unity in your Home and area, of working together as a team, the blessings of preferring one another in love, the blessings of respecting one another. The healing power of forgiveness is so great‚ so beautiful, and it's going to completely change your life. You'll have happier sheep, happier children, happier Homes, and happier marriages. Everything will be renewed! Everything will be brighter!
154. The lilies that grow from the ashes will be the most beautiful pure white lilies you've ever seen. And they'll also be very strong lilies that won't be blown over by the wind. Do you know why?—Because forgiveness can't be destroyed. True forgiveness never dies; it only grows. When you apologize or forgive, it's a spiritual gift that continues to bless another's life. Make sure you give out as many lilies of apology as you can, and receive all the lilies others give to you. (End of message from Dad)
155. (Vision:) Brazil is covered in fresh‚ green grass with so many white lilies growing everywhere. It's a beautiful sunny day. The birds are singing, the air is fresh and clean, and just like Dad said, the lilies are very spunky, perky, bright lilies, real strong-looking‚ healthy flowers.
156. I also saw a Family group at a fellowship, apologizing to one another. The brethren were giving each other lilies as a token of their love and apology. People were humbly giving lilies to one another as they apologized. Most people were crying, but it was tears of relief and healing. It was a very sober and humble time, but also such a relief for so many. There were a lot of tears, but they were such good tears, healthy tears that were washing their hearts clean. There were a lot of smiles too, sort of the sunshine after the rain, the beauty for ashes. (End of vision.)
For the Young People in Brazil
157. (Dad speaking:) God bless you! I'm so proud of you, and so is the Lord. You've said yes to the Lord, and you've made that commitment in your heart to follow the Lord, to stick with the Family‚ and to keep saying yes step by step. I'm proud of you! I know it costs you, and I know it's not easy. I know it's difficult to stand up to your peers, friends, or even your family who may be trying to pull you the other way, who aren't supporting you in your decision to follow the Lord and to give your all, do or die.
158. Well, everyone has to make their choices and decisions, and those decisions are made between the Lord and each of you. But if the Lord has told you that your place is in the Family and you know that in your heart, then don't let anything or anyone dissuade you. If you know in your heart that the Family is your calling, then you're not going to be happy anywhere else; you're not going to have that peace of mind and heart, and that joy and fulfillment that comes from doing the Lord's will. So if you know this is the place for you, then call on the keys to help you stick to your resolve no matter what anyone else may try to do to dissuade you or persuade you otherwise.
159. You can be sure that once you've made your decision, there will be tests along the way. There will be big tests, there will be allures, and the sirens of the System trying to get you to change your mind‚ trying to tell you that you made the wrong decision.
160. In many ways, it's just like when people first join the Family: Suddenly the world is at their feet, and all that they ever wanted is being offered to them on a silver platter. It's because the Enemy will try his damnedest to get you out of the Family! When you're serving the Lord full-time, 100%, with no reservations, the Enemy knows what a threat you are to his kingdom and what damage you're going to do to his domain by helping to free those caught in his clutches. So he tries to come in and cast doubt on your decision, and offer you so much more out there.
161. But if you have decided that this is the place for you, then stick to your decision no matter what comes your way. Fight and resist any other temptations. The temptations and the tests won't always be this hard. They're kind of like your entrance exams to 110%, do-or-die‚ sold-out discipleship. But if you hold on and you pass those tests, it won't always be quite that difficult. You're not going to have to take those same tests every day.
162. So if all you can do is just hold on, claim the keys, and keep your eyes focused on the Lord, do it! It's not going to be easy, I know, but the Lord has promised to help you, and I will help you.
163. I know you have what it takes! If you sat through those videos, and you committed to giving your all to the Lord and the Family, and you decided that you want to do it, then hold on! Don't give up. Don't be discouraged. Sure‚ you'll make mistakes, but that's not what matters. What matters is a willing and committed heart, and if you make those commitments, and you are willing in your heart, and you're delving into the Word and feasting on it every day, then you will make it.
164. You might feel weak, and you may have many other voices telling you it's not worth it, to jump ship now while you have a chance. But don't listen to them! Stick to your resolve, stick to your commitments, because you can make it! You have what it takes!
165. It doesn't matter what anyone else is doing or saying. What matters is the Lord's will for you, and what you know in your heart to be His will for you. If you follow that still‚ small voice, you will succeed, you will make it‚ and you will go on to be a part of the Lord's elite troops.
166. So hold on! I know you can do it. I know you can make it. Just keep fighting, keep claiming those keys‚ and don't let the Devil scare you out with his boos‚ his lies, and his deceptions. What he's got to offer is so puny compared to what the Lord has in store for you. It's minute by comparison, and it's all just counterfeit. It's counterfeit happiness and counterfeit fulfillment, nothing like what you get from giving your all to the Lord and choosing His way.
167. I love you, I'm praying for you, I'm rooting for you, and I'm fighting for you! I know you have what it takes. I have faith in you. Even if you don't have faith in yourself, and maybe you even feel that others don't have faith for you, know this: I have faith for you! So keep fighting. Don't lay down your sword. Pick it up and wield it. You've got it in you, and I know you're going to make it. I love you! (End of message from Dad.)
168. (Dad speaking: ) Wake up, folks! If you're more worried about what people think than about what God thinks‚ then this isn't the place for you. If you're more worried about the opinions of man and what so-and-so is going to say about you, what so-and–so is going to think of you if you do this, instead of being worried about what God will think if you don't do this, how God will feel if you ignore His Word this time, then I'm sorry, but you don't have what it takes.
169. We ought to obey God rather than man. What if the Early Church had been afraid of what the scribes and priests thought and said about them? What if Peter and John had been afraid of the temple leaders who commanded them not to preach in the Name of Jesus anymore? You wouldn't be here today, folks. You wouldn't have salvation. The Church would have become simply another branch of Judaism, another little doctrine of good works and compassion and loving your neighbor—along with, of course, being circumcised and keeping the Sabbath and being stoned to death for adultery.
170. But they weren't afraid! They did not fear what men would do unto them. And these were men who had the power to put them to death! And here you are‚ afraid of what somebody is going to think of you or say about you. If that's your attitude, how do you ever think you're going to survive the Tribulation? How do you ever think your disciples, your Active members, or the souls you save, are going to survive the Tribulation, much less be the powerful witnesses the Lord expects you and them to be?
171. That is what we're here for, folks!—To prepare the world for the Endtime. We're not here to only bring people salvation; at least that's not our only job. The church has been doing that for centuries. They've been getting people saved too, plenty of'm, and teaching them about the Lord, about prayer‚ about loving their neighbor, about caring for the poor‚ even about loving the Lord.
172. But have they turned those souls into disciples? Have they turned their flocks into strong witnesses who are going to stand up against the Antichrist when he takes over the world? Have they turned their congregations into the kind of Christians who know their God, who will be strong and instruct many, and do great exploits? Have they given their converts the full armor of God so that they will be able to stand in that evil day? Have they become or are they growing into what God intends for His church, His ecclesia to be? No!
173. How about you? Or are you stuck on the opinions of man?
174. If the footmen weary thee, what wilt thou do when the horsemen come? And those Horsemen of the Apocalypse are coming, folks. The days of Tribulation are coming. The days of persecution are coming. And the only way we're going to survive is to remember what we joined this army for, Who we joined this army for‚ and what we are fighting for.
175. You're not here to just be a Christian. There are plenty of other places to go if all you want to do is be a Christian and win souls. We're here to be God's last generation of prophets‚ the last generation of disciples willing to follow Him all the way, into the very gates of hell, into the very days of darkness, carrying not only the light but the power that He has given us, to stand against the forces of darkness, to defy the System that will soon seek to engulf the whole world, to deceive many nations by flatteries‚ and to make war upon the saints!
176. We are here to be God's last voice when many others will forsake Him. We are here to preach the truth when many of the elect will be deceived, when others will be killing you, thinking that they're doing God service.
177. If you don't have the conviction to stand before your peers and boldly embrace this revolution without shame, without hesitation‚ without being willing to let self and pride go to hell, then you're in the wrong place‚ and should just return to your own tent, your own fig tree, your own vineyard, your own living.
178. That's the way it's always been—from the days of Jesus when many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him, to every single revolution of the Children of God, to every single revolution of this Family and the elite troops of God's Endtime army today! God always has to get rid of those who are just after the loaves and the fishes, to separate them from those who are truly willing to follow Him closely, all the way, wherever He goes. And those who are willing to follow Him all the way don't need any encouragement to do it. They know why they're doing it. They know what it's for, what's at the end of that straight and narrow road. They're already convinced, and nothing the Lord does or says will change that.
179. It's only the half-hearted, those who are after the loaves and the fishes, the lukewarm, who figure they'll hang on as long as the going's good, who the Lord has to get rid of through drastic revelations and revolutions like this one.
180. "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve!" Whose opinion means more to you? Who would you rather please? Who are you living your life for, enduring sacrifices for, and expecting that recompense of the reward from? Whose displeasure and disappointment do you fear the most? Is it God's‚ or man's? Selah. (End of message from Dad.)
Regarding Your Children
181. (Jesus speaking:) Your children are in need of a spiritual cleansing and strengthening almost as much as you are. They're young, so I don't hold them as accountable, but that doesn't change the fact that they've been seriously weakened, and if things were allowed to continue in the course they'd taken, you would have lost many of them to My service.
182. As you know, the Enemy doesn't come out from the beginning with his true goals of destroying all life and happiness and certainly your usefulness and effectiveness for Me. He starts out with enticements, diversions‚ distractions, pleasures—but that's not where it ends. His goal is not to make you happy—neither you nor your children. His goal is to destroy you completely—your service for Me‚ your happiness, even your health and well-being on Earth. He is against all that I have created. He fights against happiness and life. And he has found that the way to most effectively destroy that is generally to appeal to man's selfish, lazy nature, and get him into things which have no lasting value or rewards—the empty entertainment of the world, selfish pursuits, meaningless pleasures. It's ironic that he would use the pursuit of pleasure to destroy true happiness. But that's the way it works.
183. Of course, your little children are too young to understand those concepts, but one good illustration is the portion of the Pinocchio cartoon where they find the play land and all the fun and games, but slowly they are turned into donkeys. It's a clear picture of what the Enemy tries to do in the spirit. He tries to get you so into playing around with things that make you temporarily happy‚ that you don't realize that your spiritual life and true happiness are being destroyed.
184. And that's where your children are now. Because of the sins of you parents and the overall work‚ most of your children are very spiritually weakened and desperately in need of this spiritual cleansing.
185. And so, in My love for them and desire to see them grow in the nurture and admonition of My Word—and not only that, but to also see them become happy, well-balanced young people—I have included them in this time of chastisement. I wish to give them an opportunity to learn about the joys of the spirit, the true happiness that comes from loving and serving others, the fulfillment that comes from My Word and obedience to Me.
186. You've probably read articles about parents in the world who decided that the TV was taking way too much prominence in their lives. So they turned it off for a month, or three months, or however long they decided on. At first their kids howled and gave them a terrible time about it, and it was hard on the parents too, because they had to work harder to do other entertaining things with their kids—reading together, playing together, going out in nature together, cooking or baking‚ talking, learning new things. But eventually the kids became happier, more communicative. The whole family was so much happier that in some cases they then decided to get rid of the TV permanently, or at least greatly restricted its viewing. They never wanted to go back to the way things were before.
187. It can happen to you too, My loves. The Enemy will fight your children very hard. He'll try to discourage you through your children's reactions and disappointment at not being able to do the things they normally enjoy doing. But you have to ask Me for faith and conviction to keep remembering that this is for the best. It's going to bring about good fruit. It will bear good fruit in your lives and in your kids' lives to cut out the System junk and spend more time together.
188. So many people in the world today wish for an opportunity like the one that's in front of you now, but they just don't have the willpower and strength to make it happen themselves. They know that it's laziness and it's robbing them and their children of so much to let the TV baby-sit, to let their kids play those computer games that are violent and less edifying or educational than they should be. They know that it's stealing the time they could have together, the experiences, the bond of love and the opportunities for teaching and learning together that families are supposed to have. But they feel they don't have the time to make it happen, so they let it pass. They let these shallow, worldly‚ meaningless and sometimes downright harmful influences keep entertaining the kids and dictating their lives, which in the long run really take the joy out of life and tear down all that is good.
189. I know it's hard to imagine now, but once you've made it over the hurdle and gotten used to the fact that you can't just put on a movie for the kids to keep them entertained‚ that you have to do something with them; that you can't let them play computer games for parent time, you've got to read with them, talk with them, walk with them, get out of the house together; that you have to study up in the Word and pull out the older pubs in order to give them feeding Word times rather than depending on what new material comes in—after you've made it over that hurdle, My loves, I promise that you're going to love it.
190. You're going to love the peaceful spirit that it brings into the Home, simply because the System doesn't have so many avenues of entrance. You're going to love the greater unity and closeness that it brings, because you're fellowshipping and talking together, rather than plopping down in front of a video. You're going to love the opportunities it gives you to really know your children, to be close, to share your hearts and dreams‚ to teach them all that you know about witnessing, cooking, mechanics, sewing, or whatever it is they're interested in. You're going to love it!
191. I'm not saying it's going to be easy. The first part is going to be very difficult as you all adjust and learn to accept things, and then, even though it gets easier, it's never going to be as easy as going the lazy way and resorting to System entertainment for times of relaxation. But it's going to be so much better for your spirits—yours and your children's.
192. I realize that some of you are going to have to face some very angry JETTs and junior teens. Because they are not yet voting members or adults and because it's naturally a rebellious age, many will probably react in anger and feel that it's unfair. That's understandable. Don't judge them or come down too harshly on them in the beginning. Understand that they probably feel they're not the ones responsible for the sins of the field or the very sweeping punishment that I've meted out. But you can encourage them that it will be good for them.
193. You're going to have to pray and seek Me as to what other things you can replace those times of System entertainment with. You're going to have to find out their hobbies, or if they don't have one that's edifying, then you'll have to help them find a new one.
194. I promise you that I have a key to each one's heart. You're going to have to really pray for them, and pray to find that key. You're going to have to be willing to take your time to make things happen for them that are much more time-consuming than renting a movie or lending them your computer. But again I tell you, it will be worth it. Once you see what a difference it makes to have more time together and less of the world stealing it away, you'll never want to go back to the way things were before.
195. Something that's very important is to have your hearts right with Me, and yieldedness and acceptance in your own hearts, a conviction about what is happening, so that you're able to answer your children's‚ JETTs' and junior teens' questions with love‚ understanding, fairness, and the right perspective.
196. If you don't sort of think that the punishment is fair, or if you haven't yet decided whether or not you want to stay in the Family‚ their questions will rip your speech to shreds. They'll sense it and will give you a hard time, knowing that it's hard for you already, and that they have a chance of getting you to admit that you don't really think it's fair either. If that's the case‚ you can't expect them to accept it and learn and grow from it. They'll only become bitter and resentful.
197. But if you have faith in the way I'm leading, you want to come out as finer gold, and you have faith that they can too, then no matter what they ask or how they argue or what kind of fuss they put up, if your conviction is coming from your heart, then I'll give you the words to say. I'll show you how to explain it to them in a way that they can understand. It's still their choice whether to accept it or not, but I will be patient, and I will continue to give them chances. I will gently lead them along.
198. You must pray for them. This could be the time that moves them toward discipleship when they are of age and prepares them for their calling and destiny. Or it could be simply a miserable time that they hope to get over with, and that is a breeding ground for bitterness. You must pray for yourself and your shepherding of them during this time, your balance and wisdom. And you must pray for them—for yieldedness, acceptance, change, and a hunger for the things of the spirit. Then I can come and work the miracles needed. (End of message from Jesus.)
199. (Jesus speaking:) There are so many aspects to the emotions your children will be feeling over these next few months. And though parenting your children through these changes looks and seems to you at this stage like a high and rugged mountain, with nearly insurmountable cliffs to pass on the way up, as you embark on the journey and move forward and upward you will find that the climb is not nearly so daunting.
200. You are facing two challenges. First‚ the Enemy desires to scare you out of the responsibility of taking your children up the mountain of My Spirit. He's telling you that because the children have been spoiled and seen bad samples, that now they will hate you for the stand you are taking. Recognize that this is the Enemy telling you this, and is not reality.
201. Second, you are facing the challenge that your kids are murmuring and complaining, with some of them rebellious and others quietly sullen, while they face the loss of the freedoms and the pastimes that they felt were their rights. They're going to be feeling that this punishment that came upon them is unfair‚ that you can't expect them to pay this price of discipline.
202. Let's face these challenges one at a time. The one where the Enemy is trying to scare you is the main challenge. The Enemy is exaggerating even the disgruntledness being faced with some of your children. He tries to make it seem worse to you parents than it really is.
203. Kids always kick and fuss over punishment. That's the nature of children. If they fully understood that discipline—even tough discipline as is being measured out now—would fully make them happier in the long run, they wouldn't fuss. But children live for the moment. Six months to a child seems like almost an eternity.
204. For a seven-year-old, those six months represent 7% of their lifetime. It's hard for them to see that it's not going to last forever. To them, six months seems like forever. Even to a 12-year-old it seems a horribly long time. But you can't let the Enemy get you focusing on it through the minds of your children.
205. You must focus on the outcome. You must keep your vision on what you're giving your children and not on the current cost to the children. This is a must to overcoming this exaggeration the Enemy wishes to bring you down with.
206. He not only wishes for you to believe this, but to wallow in it. He's not lying to you when he tells you that six months seems a long, long time to a child. But his lie comes in the form of making you feel you need to more fully empathize with your children. It's true‚ you need to put yourself in their shoes to feel what they're going through, so you can more easily relate and know how to shepherd them. But don't keep those shoes on! Put them on for a brief moment, and then take them off and put your parenting shoes back on. Rebuke the Enemy's lie that you must keep putting yourself in the child's shoes. It's a lie, a gross exaggeration, and you need to rebuke and bind this lie through the keys. Claim the keys of truth to help you to have My perspective and see My will clearly when shepherding your children.
207. Now let's face the challenge of how your kids are down and out, thinking there is no more fun in life, and many of them are even blaming it on you, their parents. The answer here is to challenge them personally to draw close to Me in dedication and commitment.
208. Though they might not have yet reached the age where they make the choices of adulthood, they are not too young to commit to wanting to live for Me and therefore receive training.
209. You say, "But they won't understand." Well, why not? They have the Word, don't they? They've been fed on the Word since they were small tots, haven't they? Even if you've been delinquent in the standard you've upheld around them or in diligently feeding them the Word‚ you've at least been giving them the pubs that are designed for their age group, right? They've been reading the MLKs, the Gen-Ups, and the older ones have been reading the XNs, right? That Word has not returned void. They have the discipleship calling growing in their hearts through this Word they have received. Now you have to help cultivate it.
210. You have to bring it to life, or rather to the surface in their hearts, to the sunlight of My love. Challenge them with living their lives for Me. The Word works in their lives, so reach into their hearts, find that discipleship seed that is sprouting there, and nurture it. It's there. And that's what you must focus on when you are helping them to overcome doubt or bitterness and rebelliousness against losing things such as movies‚ videos, computer games, and novels.
211. You have one thing going in your favor with these children—they are young, and they adore you! You are the sunrise in their lives. You represent Me to them. They know you are their parents, and they love you dearly. Capitalize on that love. They trust you. Capitalize on that trust.
212. You might find some of your JETTs starting to grow away from this unconditional love and trust that children show toward parents‚ but I'm talking here about those up until the JETT questioning age. Capitalize on this love and trust that is in their hearts. Don't let their outward show of rebellion against your parenting dissuade you. Believe that the heart of that child is still a child's heart, one that is in love with his parent and trusts him implicitly. Build on that.
213. The Enemy would have you focus on the child's hurt or defiance against you. But you must see past that outer surface into the heart of the child who fully and truly loves you and trusts you. It's there. That heart is still there; it's just been temporarily covered up with the confusion of the moment. You can't be part of that confusion. The child needs you to be the strong and stalwart one in this time of change‚ and you can do it.
214. Even your JETTs—those who have reached the age of beginning to question the adults and the standards around them—are still moldable and they still love you. You might have to prove to them that you mean business and that you do love them unconditionally‚ but it's still provable to them. They might try harder than the younger ones to blame you for their lack of "fun" things to do. They might fight you harder when you try to play Word games with your children, or teach them more Word classes, or get them out witnessing more. But don't give up. They are still young and malleable, and your efforts will be rewarded with time. It's true, the older the child, the more difficult for you. But it will work.
215. Again, you must look at the goal and not at the moment. The Enemy will try to get you to focus on the moment, on the strain of your child throwing accusations at you or being defiant against you. But you must keep your focus on the goal, on the life of joy you are leading your children into.
216. Let the children know, according to their age and understanding‚ that you are leading them out of the past into discipleship. Remind them of the story of taking the camel through the needle's eye. In order to lead the camel through this gateway he had to first be stripped of all his burdens. Show them the vision of what's on the other side of the needle. Show them the joy and the happiness and the rewards that are for those who give their all to Me. Let them see how you wish to give them all of these riches, and that's why you're leading them through this needle's eye of forsaking these pleasures for the moment.
217. While your Word time with the children will need to be based around Word that supports the discipline and teaches them through the Word how things ought to have been and should now be, you must also give them heavy doses of vision–inspiring Word, to help them see beyond this six months. You must give them Word that shows them how I give back one hundredfold, not only in the life to come, but in this life as well. You must give them hope and faith.
218. As they travel this road‚ they will find it's true—that what they are giving up is minor in comparison to what they are receiving. But they need help in receiving. They need to be shown now, while they're being purged of these things in order to be able to go through the needle's eye, that the rewards on the other side are magnificent. And they need this shown them through studies in the Word.
219. The Word is powerful. Remember to claim the keys for your Word studies, and the Word will sink into their hearts and give your children the vision that they need. Through these studies they will receive the vision and strengthening they need to make it through this time. Through the Word they will be washed of bitterness and rebellion against you, and will be on board with you, helping to make it work. That's the power of the Word, and it cannot fail.
220. Remind them of the key promises they have received for their ages that will help them through this time, and help them be washed by the Word.
221. Use these key promises with your children. Read the children's Word with them, and capitalize on it. Show the children that this Word is not just for the children, but that you love it too. And you'll soon find that the rebelliousness and confusion in their hearts will melt away, and they will be striving for a life of commitment to Me along with you. They will be a support to you and not be trying to pull you away. Rely on the Word, and victory is guaranteed! (End of message from Jesus)
[Note: Following are some of the children's keys promises that apply to the subjects of being happy in spite of tougher situations, and using the keys for their Word time.]
Keys Promises
From Gen-Up
1. You don't have to struggle,
When something gets you down.
You know those things that are hard to take
And give your mouth a frown?
Claim the power of the keys,
And use our heavenly might;
And you'll rise above
Like the moon above the night.
2. Be a disciple, that's where it's at!
Don't let Satan get you off the track.
He'll try all his pranks to bring you down,
So wield the keys and strike him back!
3. Call on the keys when you need a lift,
When your faith is low and starting to shift.
Down with a bang the power will come,
And lift you high, help you overcome.
4. Claim the keys for study power,
To absorb the Word needed for the hour!
5. When you study God's Word,
Claim the keys of concentration,
For with the power they give,
You'll be free from distraction.
6. For the Word to sink deeply into your heart,
Claim the keys when you read‚ right at the start!
Other published keys promises for children
7. I can make all things new through the power of the keys.
8. Every needed change is possible through claiming the keys.
9. The keys will give you positive and praiseful thoughts.
10. Key power will help you soak up the Word!
11. Do you want the Word to feed your soul?
Call on the keys, and reach your goal.
12. First claim the keys‚
Connect with Me,
And the Word will give you
The victory!
13. The keys give you power, life, light‚ strength, and victory through the Word.
14. The keys and the Word are one. Claim the keys and drink in My Word‚ and you'll be doubly blessed!
More published keys promises to use when praying for your children
1. Do not despair for your young ones, but rather pray for them and continually commit them to Me. Claim the power of the keys in their lives, and you will see change.
2. Fight in desperate prayer for your children's future by calling on the keys of the Kingdom. Through such prayer will come the victory you desire.
3. Children can be delivered of every evil work of the Devil through the keys. There is no habit, addiction, or hatred stronger than the power of the keys of the Kingdom.
4. I will give you insight, wisdom, love, understanding, foresight‚ tolerance, communication skills‚ and all that you need to relate to and shepherd your children, if you will call on the power of the keys of the Kingdom in faith and desperation.
5. No child is past being helped by My love, the keys of the Kingdom‚ and My living Word.
6. I will make you the role model, mentor, friend, and shepherd you need to be‚ as you call on the power of the keys and are a doer of My Word.
7. Call on the power of the keys for your children's needs, and your prayers will be powerful. Angelic helpers will be sent, and you will see change, improvement, and even miracles.
8. Call on the power of the keys for the young ones in your care and I will work miracles.
9. The keys I have given will break down the walls of pride, enabling your children to receive the lessons I have for them.
10. Your prayers to Me, calling on the keys, will comfort your children throughout any difficulties.
11. Through the keys of the Kingdom your children can be motivated to yield to My Spirit and My will for them.
12. The keys will give your children understanding beyond their years, and wisdom to grasp My truths.
13. All that I have promised for your children's future can be theirs as you pray for them, using the keys I have put into your hands.
14. My Word will strengthen your children's faith and cause them to grow by leaps and bounds, as you call on the keys.
15. The difficulties your children face will strengthen and deepen their love for Me, as you uphold them in prayer and wield the power I have given you through the keys.
Copyright © 2003 by The Family
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