Dearest Ones,
The hour grows late for the world, for the time of trouble is fast approaching. There will be light in the homes of the saints, but for the world there will be only gloom and darkness. [Isa. 8:20-22.] But it must be so in order to cross over the Jordan into the Promised Land. Therefore, for you today I have a message of hope and encouragement. You are far advanced in your cleansing process, and soon the latter rain will be poured out in mighty power as you are cleansed of the defilement that prevents it from falling upon you. I want to encourage you today to press on the narrow way, for great is your reward in heaven. Now for the topic of today. It is "intimidation."
This is a tactic used by Satan to stop the progress of my people since the fall of mankind. Fear is in the hearts of every living creature on earth, for harm, death, and loss is inherent in all of nature. Death is a horrible enemy which is a result of sin. Therefore, self-protection is also a result of sin. No one wants to be hurt; no one wants to die. Yet even the lower creatures are aware of the threat of pain and death. Because of this, Satan uses fear as a weapon against all mankind to bring them into his camp. Thus, intimidation is a tactic which Satan has learned to use efficiently. Only those who hide in me and trust in my protection will be immune to this tactic of the devil.
For example, loss of status with others is a huge threat, for no one wants to be cast down in the eyes of others. This is a significant factor in persecution, and is designed to bring everyone into line with the abuser. It is the underlying purpose of persecution, criticism, ridicule, loss of privileges and status, along with the threat of harm or even death. So it has been since sin entered the world. The first murder was a result of this kind of evil thinking. Therefore, I want to encourage you as my followers to be prepared for this type of reaction. If you were in harmony with the principles of the evil one, he would leave you alone if it would meet his need to be in control of you, and if he could use you to deceive and control others. But if you set your heart and mind to serve me, you will certainly see opposition. In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world. [John 16:33.]
Now go to the activities of your day, but remember this: not a hair of your head falls to the ground but that I am aware of it, and I will allow nothing in your life that cannot be used for my glory and your success as a child of mine and a warrior in my cause for the finishing of the work in the earth. Both good and bad are monitored by me, and only that which has a positive and eternal purpose will be allowed to touch your life, for you are the apple of my eye [Ps. 17:8; Zech. 2:8] and the sons and daughters of my kingdom. So have faith, hope and joy as you go through the day, and watch for my providences, and open your heart to my guidance and protection and love. Thus you will escape the darkness and fear and depression that comes from the tactic of intimidation that Satan wants to bring upon you and cause you to look at the waves of the stormy waters instead of keeping your eyes of faith focused upon me so that you can see the glorious result of walking with me through the storm.
Just remember this: I will never leave you nor forsake you [Heb. 13:5], for you are my sons and daughters, and a part of my eternal inheritance. Therefore what affects you affects me, and it is my privilege to strengthen you and bring you out of trials when the purpose for them has been accomplished. In the meantime, always remember that you can call upon me and I will answer you [Jer. 33:3], for I am always just a prayer away! Lovingly, Jesus.