This word is submitted by Shirley Craft (sjcraft@truevine.net)

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                       Beyond The Externals

It is time!  This is a new season!  Spring marks the beginning of new
life, new beginnings.  I say it is time to move out of the ordinary into
the extraordinary.  I Am shutting the door of the past for many during
this season.  Many will feel displaced; many will try to hold onto the
old familiar things, the old ways, because they are comfortable and feel
safe in that place.  But I say, turn loose of those things, for they are
a hindrance in this new season.

There is much activity taking place in the heavenly realm.  Even now I
Am checking hearts to see if My people are willing to totally submit to
My sovereign rule.  I look beyond the externals; I'm looking for a
people who will abandon their agendas, their comforts, their traditional
ways of doing things.  I Am bringing many out of their wilderness season
for they have allowed My Spirit to do His work in their lives.  It has
been a painful and stressful time for many--with broken relationships,
loss of loved ones, losing jobs, financial problems, ministries shutting
down, and illnesses.  But yet I was right there beside you to encourage,
to comfort, and fill you with My love, My peace and sustaining power. 
During this time I hid you in the shelter of the Most High God.  Come
now and forget the former things, for now I Am doing a new thing.  Be
willing to be propelled out during this season.

Come before Me now, I want to fill your heart with the desires of My
heart.  I want to fill your mind with new strategies and equip you with
new mantles for the battles that lay ahead for each of you.  Don't be
afraid to pick up your individual mantles--remember, My yoke is easy. 
No one else can wear your mantle, it is only for you.  If you do not
pick it up for fear of the battle, you will be defeated by the enemy,
for the battle will come anyway--that is inevitable.

Satan will come with his own mantle--which is the mantle of fear.  He
will try every trick he knows that has worked in your life in the past. 
I say, "The devil is a liar"!!  My mantle will strengthen you to be
victorious during this season.  Be strong and courageous--you are My
mighty warriors.  Pick up your mantles My people, and hold onto it
tightly.  Again I say, be strong and courageous.