This word is submitted by Steve Lincoln (steve@eagleswings.f9.co.uk)

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[Below is a prophecy that God has given me for the nation of South Africa, but I believe it is just as relevant for any nation, and I trust it will be a blessing and a challenge to you as you read it and pray through it... -- Steve]

I Am Calling You

"I am calling you to come deeper into me, to see me as I am and to know the reality and intimacy of my presence. I am calling you to a walk of holiness and purity before your God.

The work that I have for you to do is secondary to the relationship that I desire to have with each one of you. Why do you stand in the shallows of my river, when I am calling you to jump into the very depths? My heart is so full of love for each one of you, and I have a specific plan and purpose for you individually and corporately. However, my plan and purpose will only be achieved as you stand together as one army, with your shields linked tightly together.

Know that I am calling you to war, the time for battle is now! My plan has always been for my people to be on the offensive against the devil and his schemes, but too often my people are only passive and defensive.

There is a window of opportunity open for you. Many hearts have been prepared, and are waiting to hear my gospel. Do not be afraid to speak out and to tell of my kingdom and my love. Do not water down my gospel to try and make it more acceptable or palatable to the ones that are lost. They are looking for truth and substance, for the reality of who I am, not who you think I am, but know that as you seek my face I will show you the full reality of your God.

My army is beginning to march out upon this nation, and all across the earth, marching with the banner of love and truth. It is my truth that will set the captives free, and bring liberty to those in chains.

There is a cost to knowing the depths of who I am, to having an intimate and personal relationship with your God - the Lion and the Lamb - and that cost is everything, your very life itself. It is this truth that I am restoring to my church at this time: In order to follow me you must take up your cross and therefore die to your own self, daily. Embrace the cross, and you will embrace me, and as you embrace me so you will also know the embrace of my Father. It is only as you die to your own self that I can live in you and through you, and it is only by me living in you and through you that the nations will be changed.

This is not something to fear, but to earnestly desire, for there is so much love, joy, peace and rest waiting for you as you turn your attention and your desires away from yourself and away from earthly things, and towards me.

I am calling the nations into my kingdom. I am preparing many hearts to receive me, but first I am repairing and strengthening the nets, in order that they will hold and the souls will not slip through and be lost again. Therefore do not hold back or waste time. The window of opportunity will not always be open as it is now.

There are many cults and false religions that are wanting to take these precious people into darkness, but know that the weapons that you fight with are not of this world. The battle is won only by the Word of God, spoken in truth, and by the love of your God shown in power and in acts of kindness to those who are lost.

Do not be angry or hateful towards others who are in the darkness of cults, false religions and sinful ways. Instead, show my love towards them and fight your enemy the devil with the authority that I have given you, for it is he who has blinded their eyes. It is up to you to remove the blindfolds.

I am taking you through a transition stage, and there are two objectives for this stage:

First, that you lay aside everything that would hinder you, and allow me to bring the change that is necessary. I love you with a love that is far stronger and deeper than you have even begun to experience. It is because of my immense love for you that I will bring you through change, to equip you for what lies ahead, but more than that because I desire for us to be closer in an intimate relationship of love and trust. Seek my face and not just my hand and I will pour out more blessings upon you than you can realize.

Second, that you love one another with an unconditional love. Do not judge one another, and you will not be judged; but also know that I am shaking the earth, and my judgements are coming to bear. I have purposed that my judgement will begin in my house, and with my people.

Therefore seek my face and cleanse yourselves before me and you will know the abundant blessings of your Father, who truly loves you."

God bless you and keep you,

Steve Lincoln