KEYWORDS: lord, part, time

Introduction to the Family Feast 2004

Karen Zerby

Note at top of GN:

Please read this GN unitedly sometime before January 15 in order to allow plenty of time to prepare for the Feast.

By MariaMaria #662 CM/FM 3470 11/03

Dearest Family,

1. I love you! We've made it through another year! And we're once again approaching that very special time set aside for us by the Lord, when He calls us to enter into His temple, leave everything else behind‚ and fully focus on Him.

2. There have been several articles in the news lately about how retreats are becoming quite a profitable business in the world‚ with more and more people signing up to go to little out-of-the-way and sometimes very sparse lodgings, in order to have a time of peace‚ silence‚ meditation, reflection, etc. These people are from all walks of life—often very successful men and women who feel the need to get away from their work and normal routine in order to have time to think, pray, meditate, and reflect, and are willing to pay a lot of money for the opportunity to do so! We're so blessed that our Husband prepares a tailor-made "retreat" for us every year. He prepares the subject matter and materials that He knows are important, and what's more, He promises to protect, supply, and take care of our business while we take time with Him.

3. This year, in light of the "New Year's Challenge for 2004," which gives a lot of food for thought, the Lord has given us a bit less new material to read than last year, so that we can hopefully all take time to reflect and meditate and commune personally with Him. The following excerpt of a message from the Lord helps to set the tone for our personal times with Him:

4. I have provided less new material this year in order to allow time during the Feast for reflection‚ meditation, quiet communion with Me, and a time for each person to search their heart. This is very important preparation for the times ahead. This is the best way that each person can be prepared, and that I can prepare the Family overall. I want to speak to each heart in specific ways that are unique to each person.

5. (Mama:) The Lord has led us to prepare some reading lists that you can choose from for your personal times of reflection and communion with Him, and He's also given some P&P questions that you can take to Him personally, or use as a springboard to ask Him other things. But these are just things to get you started. You don't have to use those exact questions or reading lists if the Lord shows you to use something else instead. But you should definitely be hearing from the Lord in prophecy, and studying His Word, on whatever topics He shows you are important for you personally. The main point is that each person should take quality time with the Lord—time not just reading the Word out of habit or duty, but time reflecting, digesting what the Lord has been telling us, letting the Lord speak to you, meditating on the way the Lord is leading in the Family, and deciding where you stand and where you want to go from here.

6. Please take time to ask the Lord how you can best make use of this Feast time personally. If you can do it in the days before the Feast, that would be ideal. If not, please take the time slot on the eve of the Feast to do so, so that you can benefit fully from the Feast and be prepared for what is coming.

7. Hopefully, most of the united meetings will be no longer than two hours at the most, with the exception of the prayer meeting on the last day. So even in those morning or afternoon slots when there is a meeting scheduled, there will still be time before or after for some of you to spend with the Lord. Of course, some people will need to rotate with the children and other essential Home duties. But my prayer is that everyone can have time during this Feast to think and pray and reflect and meditate as the Lord is asking.

A few standard points to keep in mind:

8. Since we have mentioned most of these things in introductions to past Feasts, I'll just repeat the main points here‚ without a lot of explanation.

 *Please keep the Feast days free of any outside obligations or engagements. If you have road teams out, they should try to be home in time to rest up before the Feast begins.

 *Please try to organize the care of the children and any essential Home duties so that everyone has the opportunity for quiet time with the Lord, and opportunity to attend some of the meetings.

 *Please ask the Lord how you can simplify meals and cleanups and any other necessary duties, so that they require as little time and effort as possible.

 *There is a fast day on the third day of the Feast. This fast begins after dinner on day two and is broken with a dinner in the evening of day three. As has been explained before, children, nursing or pregnant mommies, those who are sick or have generally weak health, and those with eating disorders should not fast. If possible, it would be nice to have simple and quick yogurt or milk drinks, teas, juices, soups, etc., available for those who are fasting. When we asked Him whether we should have a fast this year, the Lord said, "Fasting is a good symbolism of putting aside the things of the flesh in order to honor the things of the spirit. So yes, it would be good to have the third day be a fast day. Of course‚ 'fast foods' can be served—soups‚ juices, etc.—but the main purpose is to make a little sacrifice in the flesh to show that you really mean business in the spirit."

 *Whether or not to invite Active members or live-outs to participate is up to you and what the Lord shows you would be best in your particular situation. But as with past Feasts‚ this is a very important time for the full-time disciples to have a spiritual retreat. So if inviting outside members would be distracting, please refrain. It's very important for each Home member to have the opportunity for focused and undisturbed time with the Lord.

 *The Feast is a time for spiritual retreat, and that includes extra physical rest‚ if possible. It's nice if you can allow for a more relaxed schedule in your Home, one that allows everyone to have the extra quiet time and time with the Lord that is needed. But please try to have a good balance in this. Everyone should still get up by a reasonable time in order to be fresh and alert at the morning meeting, and should try to be in bed early enough to not be too tired during the next day.

 *It's a time to put aside any extracurricular projects, worldly input, long get-outs, or anything that would distract or take time away from quality time with our Husband. This time is His‚ and it's sacred.

Schedule of Meetings and Events

Note: Because the Feast dates will be decided by area, and either begin Wednesday evening (Jan.21) or Thursday evening (Jan.22), we will call the days "day 1," "day 2," etc.

Evening before Day 1:

9. Please gather as a Home to pray unitedly to start the Feast. This should then be a quiet evening, giving people time for Word and prayer. The Lord said:

10. The Homes should unite to have prayer to begin the Feast. They can read a short vespers if they choose, but it should be brief and simple, no more than half an hour. They can even pray after dinnertime, if they so choose. In other words, it can be very simple. Some good requests to pray for specifically would be protection, against any distractions or attacks of the Enemy, and for a good, strong vacuum in the spirit to receive all that I have to give. They can also pray for all their loved ones, My Family around the world‚ as you all unite together as one for this special time in My temple.

11. The evening can then be a time of quiet prayer and spiritual preparation for the Feast days, with people asking Me how they can make the best use of the time, if they haven't already, and beginning on the personalized plan of reflection and communion with Me that I give them.

Day 1, morning meeting:

12. Read GN 1059, "Practicing Praise: Mastering the Unbeatable Weapon of Praise!" (Note: This GN has some exercises to do unitedly, which the person leading the meeting will want to be prepared for.)

Day 1, afternoon:

13. Read GN 1060, "The Mysterious Keys, Part 1."

Day 2, morning meeting:

14. Read GN 1061, " The Mysterious Keys, Part 2."

Day 2, afternoon:

15. Quiet personal time of reflection, meditation‚ and communing with our Husband. If you're near nature or a peaceful park and the weather is conducive, you might want to organize an outing where your Home members can walk, sit in creation, and be away from the usual distractions or surroundings of home. People can bring their Word, notebooks, etc.‚ to hear from the Lord and continue with the program of spiritual feeding and reflection that each person has received from the Lord. This is something to pray about as a Home; it's not mandatory. But if it's possible, some people might find it helpful to get out of their usual surroundings, especially if your Home is small and not very quiet.

16. The fast begins after dinner this evening.

Day 3, morning meeting:

17. Unite as a Home to pray for the requests on the list that follows (see page 4). This doesn't need to be a long meeting. An hour should be sufficient. Remember to use the weapon of praise in your planning and execution of these prayers!

18. The rest of the morning can be used for personal quiet time, and also preparation of personal prayer requests, for those who want to have prayer in the afternoon.

Day 3, afternoon meeting:

19. A time for personal prayer for those who want it. Please pray about how to best coordinate this. If your Home is small, you probably won't have trouble getting around to everyone during the afternoon meeting slot. If your Home is large and many people want to have prayer, you might consider breaking up into groups. You could share your requests unitedly, and then divide into two or three groups to pray and hear from the Lord for each other. Or, break into a couple of groups to share your requests, and then pray and hear from the Lord for each other. But as much as possible‚ you would probably all benefit from hearing each other's requests. In some situations‚ however, this might not be practical, so please pray and do as the Lord leads you.

20. The important thing is that everyone has an opportunity to share their request and get prayer. If you decide to have one united prayer against the Enemy and for the Lord's miracles of change after everyone has shared their request‚ that would be fine too. Please also take time at the end to hear from the Lord. Or, everyone could go back to their room and hear from the Lord for a specific individual, and share the messages later. Please organize this in whatever way the Lord shows you is best for your situation.

Day 3, evening:

21. Your fast can be broken with dinner this evening. It's a good time to celebrate and praise our Husband for the wonderful miracles He has done, and is yet to do‚ for and through us! Please try to organize this celebration before the Feast starts so that you don't have to do so during the Feast and no one will miss any meetings. Feel free to serve wine or drinks as a toast, if you choose, and enjoy some sort of inspiring and uplifting fellowship and recreation together. Celebrate the many victories won, and the many more yet to come!

Prayer requests to pray for on the third day of the Feast, morning meeting:

22. (Jesus:) The prayer requests this year should revolve around discipleship and the revolution that I have asked you to make.

  1. For Maria and Peter, who have inherited David's mantle and are committed to carrying on the Revolution. For their anointing, strength, health, protection‚ and wisdom as they lead in the recommitment to discipleship that I have called for. For their counselors, staff, and those who work alongside them in WS.
  2. For the leadership of the Family worldwide. Whether COs, VSs, board members, Home teamworkers, or shepherds of My little ones, each one has a responsibility‚ and all need your prayers for conviction, dedication, determination‚ love, and wisdom, in order to lead the way in this revolution of obedience.
  3. For your children and young people. That they will see the fires of dedication burning in the hearts of those around them, and will want the same in their own hearts. That they will be trained in My Word‚ and that through the sample they see they will learn obedience to My Word as well as conviction, no matter what the cost. That the Revolution will carry on in them. For the anointing, love, conviction and perseverance of those who shepherd them.
  4. That the restructuring of the Family will be effective. That all will find their place in the level of service that best suits them, and that they will be a strong link in the chain at whatever level they are. That the Family will become what I have ordained it to be‚ so that you might fulfill your destiny.
  5. That as a Family and as individuals, you will be ready for persecution when it comes. Persecution will come, but when it comes and the reasons for which it comes are up to you and your obedience, faith‚ preparedness, wisdom, and fight. Pray that you will be ready, and that when it comes it will bring a mighty wave of witness and testimony that will bring many to Me. Pray for the safety of your loved ones, that you will all be in the hollow of My hand in the hour of trial, so that the fire cannot harm you.
  6. Pray for your witness and commitment to get out the meat of the Word, to reach the top, to win labor leaders, to follow up and train those I bring to your fold, to promote Activated. Pray for miracles to get out the message in great quantities in a positive way. Pray for labor leaders who can help you do the job. Pray for faithfulness and conviction to get out the truth, to be My prophets of warning, My messengers of comfort‚ My vessels of healing, My workers of miracles, My channels of prophecy—that you will be true to the calling I have given you.

Some Possible Questions

To Ask the Lord

23. These are just to get you started. If you have something else on your heart to ask the Lord, please feel free to do so. Or if you feel that any question needs to be modified or made more specific, that's fine too. The goal is to really get down to business with the Lord and receive some specific answers that will get you on the right track for the months to come.

1) Where do I stand in my level of discipleship? (You might want to first reread "Our Accountability" and other Letters that outline the Lord's perception of discipleship, as compared to what we have been used to thinking in "grading on the curve" in recent years. See "What Is Full-time Discipleship," ML #3469‚ GN 1055-56.)

2) What are the main weaknesses or sins that are holding me back from spiritual progress, growth, and being a true disciple? (Then you'll probably want to ask the Lord, "How can I overcome them? Where do I go from here? What kind of safeguards do I need? Who should I ask to help me?")

3) Am I open to shepherding? In what areas should I be asking for more help and shepherding from my peers and Home teamwork and mate/friend?

4) In what areas have I allowed compromise in my personal life? (Then you'll probably want to go on to ask the Lord how to get rid of these compromises, what practical steps you should take, what safeguards would help you, etc.)

5) What should I ask for prayer for?

6) Am I fulfilling Your highest will for my life? (If not, what is holding me back or stopping me?)

Reading Lists

24. Following are some reading lists on various topics. There's one on the keys, one on praise, and topical lists on some of the Family's problems. Besides those long lists, other good Letters you might want to consider (some of which are in lists for your easy reference below), are the "Keys to Victory" series‚ the "Pray‚ Obey and Prepare" Study Month GNs, the Feast Letters from the last few years, or the "Action Through Prayer" series. If you read "What Is Full-time Discipleship," there are also several very important topics not covered by these reading lists, such as the care of our children, that the Lord has given a lot on in recent years. Or, for example‚ in "The Gift of Heavenly Thought Power" there is a list of 9 steps we should be taking toward using heavenly thought power, and you could do a study on each of them. Another study topic to consider is the spiritual warfare and how you can become more proficient, specifically in working with our many helpers and defenders of the spirit, and recognizing and resisting the tactics of the spiritual entities who are fighting us.

25. Please don't be limited by these lists. The goal is to ask the Lord what you most need to do to be spiritually strengthened, and then start with the program He gives you. You will probably want to ask Him for a program not just for the time of the Feast, but one that you can continue in the months that follow. The Feast is just the starting point, a time to meditate and reflect‚ find out where you personally stand, and where you want to go from here. It all depends on you—what your desire is, how much you want to grow, what areas you feel convicted to change and be strengthened in, and how the Lord shows you to go about that. Please seek the Lord, and go with what He shows you. These lists and P&P questions are simply to get you started.

Notes:

* Letters are listed in numerical order, not necessarily in order of importance.

* FJWL references are the numbers preceding each excerpt‚ not page numbers.

* Sometimes Letters pertain to more than one section. For example, Letters or excerpts on disobedience may also apply to compromise, and Letters on pride may also apply to self–righteousness, etc. We tried to categorize material the best we could, but there's a certain amount of overlap between categories.

* We've tried to avoid repetition, but occasionally full Letters were listed in one category and excerpts of those same Letters were listed in another category where it seemed appropriate.

Major Letters on the Keys

[ ]"The Keys to the Kingdom," ML #3318, GN 922

[ ]"What the Future Holds, Part 1," ML #3349, GN 942

[ ]"More on the Keys—What the Future Holds, Part 2," ML #3351, GN 946

[ ]"More on the Keys—What the Future Holds, Part 3," ML #3354, GN 947

[ ]"More on the Keys—What the Future Holds, Part 4," ML #3357, GN 952

[ ]"More on the Keys—What the Future Holds, Part 5," ML #3359, GN 956

[ ]"Call on the Keys," ML #3368, GN 962

[ ]"Focus on the Power‚" ML #3374, GN 971

[ ]"Keys Turned to Swords‚" ML #3375, GN 972

[ ]"Full Possession," ML #3376, GN 973

[ ]"The Gift of Heavenly Thought Power," ML #3377, GN 974

[ ]"Introduction to the Keys Promises," ML #3428, GN 1011

[ ]"Heavenly Key Craft," ML #3435, GN 1018

Praise

[ ]"Count Your Blessings," ML #1259, Vol.13

[ ]"How to Go on the Attack," ML #2128‚ Vol.16

[ ]"Praise and Sing Your Way to Victory," ML #2833‚ Lifelines 20

[ ]"Affection Time With Jesus," ML #3013, Lifelines 22

[ ]"A Prayer of Praise to God," ML #3020, Lifelines 22

[ ]"New Ways to Praise," ML #3055:1-2, 16-41, Lifelines 23

[ ]"Mama's Memos No.2," ML #3120, GN 728/Lifelines 24

[ ]"Goals for 1998," ML #3160:52-60, GN 765/Lifelines 24

[ ]"Desperate for Jesus," ML #3250:2-35‚ GN 852

[ ]"Praise Him," ML #3265, GN 868

[ ]"The Keys to the Kingdom," ML #3318:53-200, GN 922

[ ]"Christmas Praises 2001," ML #3372, GN 967

[ ]"According to Your Praise Be It Unto You," ML #3432:2-112, GN 1015

[ ]"Praise Your Way to Victory‚" ML #3449, GN 1034

[ ]"Death to Depression, Part 2," ML #3464:225-244, Post-It GN #11

[ ]"Praise Time Ideas, Pt.1 & 2‚" FSM 285‚ 311

[ ]"Praise," MOP 2

[ ]"Communion with God: Praise and Thankfulness," Thots 1

[ ]"The Power of Praise," Treasures

Keys to Victory Letters

[ ]"Loving Interaction," ML #3234‚ GN 837

[ ]"Stay Humble‚" ML #3235, GN 838

[ ]"Loving Kindness," ML #3237, GN 840

[ ]"Cast Your Cares on Him," ML #3242, GN 844

[ ]"Turning Weakness Into Strength," ML #3247, GN 848

[ ]"Desperate for Jesus," ML #3250, GN 852

[ ]"Do the Humble Thing," ML #3251, GN 853

[ ]"Show Appreciation," ML #3254, GN 859

[ ]"Spiritual Attacks Intensified," ML #3255, GN 856

[ ]"You Can Make It, Part 1," ML #3277, GN 880

[ ]"You Don't Have to Be Perfect," ML #3286, GN 907

[ ]"You Can Make It, Part 2," ML #3292‚ GN 891

[ ]"Changing Deeply Ingrained Habits and Mindsets," ML #3324, GN 929

[ ]"Jewels on Comparing," ML #3326, GN 932

[ ]"Victory Over Comparing, Part 1," ML #3327, GN 953

[ ]"Victory Over Comparing, Part 2," ML #3328, GN 999

[ ]"Leadership Lessons‚ Part 1," ML #3347, GN 941

[ ]"Leadership Lessons, Part 2," ML #3385, GN 982

[ ]"Leadership Lessons, Part 3," ML #3386, GN 986

[ ]"Gems and Jewels, Part 1," ML #3416‚ GN 1003

[ ]"Have Fun with Jesus," ML #3437, GN 1020

[ ]"Praise Your Way to Victory," ML #3449, GN 1034

[ ]"Fight to Win," ML #3457, GN 1041

"Pray, Obey and Prepare" Letters

[ ]"Pray, Obey and Prepare!—Introduction to the 2002 Study Month‚" ML #3420, GN 1007

[ ]"The Scriptural Foundation of the Family's Lifestyle," ML #3421, GN 1008

[ ]"Queen Maria and King Peter," ML #3422, GN 1008

[ ]"David: The Lord's Endtime Prophet," ML #3423, GN 1009

[ ]"The Law of Love," ML #3424, GN 1009

[ ]"Separation from the World, and the New Wine," ML #3425, GN 1010

[ ]"Freedom of Choice in the Family," ML #3426‚ GN 1010

[ ]"Witnessing: Our Ministry as Missionaries," ML #3427, GN 1010

"Action Through Prayer" Letters

[ ]"Action Through Prayer, Part 1‚" ML #3319, GN 923

[ ]"Action Through Prayer, Part 2," ML #3325, GN 930

[ ]"Action Through Prayer, Part 3‚" ML #3339, GN 933

[ ]"Action Through Prayer, Part 4," ML #3340, GN 944

[ ]"Action Through Prayer, Part 5‚" ML #3414, GN 1000

Pride/Humility

[ ]"Bell, Book and Candle," ML #203, DB5

[ ]"The Benefits of Backsliding," ML #312‚ DB6

[ ]"New Life, New Love," ML #731:98–125, DB8

[ ]"Little Things," ML #1372, DB1

[ ]"These All Died in Faith," ML #1704, DB2

[ ]"Pride—The Root of All Sin‚" ML #1929, DB2

[ ]"Prophecies on Pride and Humility," ML #3043, GN 672/Lifelines 23

[ ]"The Weakness Revolution, Part 3," ML #3219:3-36, 139-145, GN 821

[ ]"Stay Humble‚" ML #3235, GN 838

[ ]"Intimate Details of My Life," ML #3268, GN 870

[ ]"The Remaking of a Man," ML #3276, GN 879

[ ]"You Can Make It, Part 1," ML #3277:20-34, GN 880

[ ]"Victory Over Comparing, Part 2," ML #3328:11-23, GN 999

[ ]"New Era Humility," ML #3344, GN 938

[ ]"United Prayer Power," ML #3404:9-22, 148-264, GN 994; ML #3404:317–326‚ 335-344, 378-507‚ GN 995

[ ]"Woe!" ML #3448:32-40, 135-167‚ GN 1036

[ ]"Putting 'Skin' on Sin," ML #3453, "Pride and Self-Righteousness," page 7, GN 1038

[ ]"Deliverance," ML #3455:60-102, GN 1039

[ ]"Brazil National Prayer Day 2003," ML #3456:83-89, GN 1042

[ ]"Sensitivity," Peter #32, DB3

[ ]FJWL 1: #17

[ ]FJWL 2: #12, 88‚ 146, 306

[ ]"Humility/Pride," MOP1

[ ]"Humility/Pride," Thots 2

[ ]"Pride, Self-Righteousness and Humility," Word Basics

Disobedience/Obedience

[ ]"Listening or Lamenting‚" ML #320, DB6

[ ]"You Must Obey the Least of These Commandments," ML #1827‚ DB2

[ ]"The Young Prophet and the Old Prophet," ML #1857, DB2

[ ]"Yield and Obey," Parts 1-3, ML #2224, 2225, 2305‚ DB8

[ ]"Mama's Confession," ML #2343:24-28, DB9

[ ]"Trust and Obey," Parts 1-3, ML #2416-2418, DB8

[ ]"Rulebreakers Beware," ML #2710, DB10

[ ]"Loving Shepherding and Interaction—Charter Style," ML #3018:1-90, GN 661/Lifelines 22

[ ]"Prophecies on Yieldedness," ML #3044:44-96, 119–128, GN 673/Lifelines 23

[ ]"Mama's News and Views‚ Part 1," ML #3046:115-136, GN 675/Lifelines 23

[ ]"Charter Responsibilities," ML #3197:100-104, GN 803

[ ]"The S2K‚" ML #3257, GN 857

[ ]"Be Ye Separate," ML #3363:270-276, GN 959

[ ]"The Professionals‚" ML #3399:279-294, GN 993

[ ]"Pray, Obey and Prepare," ML #3420:96-103, GN 1007

[ ]"Issues, Part 13," ML #3430:54-80, GN 1012

[ ]"Woe!" ML #3448:95-133, GN 1036

[ ]"Putting 'Skin' on Sin," ML #3453, "Disobedience to the Word," page 15, GN 1038

[ ]"Brazil National Prayer Day 2003," ML #3456:94-99, GN 1042

[ ]"Show Me the Money, Part 2," ML #3462:238–245‚ GN 1048

[ ]FJWL 2: #156, 192

[ ]"Obedience," MOP2

[ ]"Obedience to God," Word Basics

Division/Unity

[ ]"Breaking Down the Walls," ML #2951, DB12

[ ]"Growing Up Spiritually‚" ML #2952, DB12

[ ]"State of the Nation," ML #3017:142-153, GN 654/Lifelines 22

[ ]"Problems and Solutions!—Part 4," ML #3072:4-27, 101-141, GN 702/Lifelines 23

[ ]"Come Together—In Love," ML #3100‚ GN 722/Lifelines 24

[ ]"Man Looketh on the Outward Appearance, Part 1," ML #3124:4-48, GN 735/Lifelines 24

[ ]"Mama's Memos!—No.3," ML #3126, GN 734/Lifelines 24

[ ]"Dad's Christmas Message for 1997," ML #3150:54–76‚ GN 755/Lifelines 24

[ ]"Keynote to the 1998 Birthday Feast," ML #3158:30-85, GN 766/Lifelines 24

[ ]"Goals for 1998," ML #3160:113–253, GN 765/Lifelines 24

[ ]"Overcoming the Generation Gap," ML #3161‚ GN 767/Lifelines 24

[ ]"The Day of Renewal," ML #3164:6-87, Lifelines 24

[ ]"Living the Lord's Law of Love!—Pt.11," ML #3211, GN 814

[ ]"Citizens of the Kingdom," ML #3222, GN 835

[ ]"Loving Interaction," ML #3234‚ GN 837

[ ]"The Family's Future and Expansion Program," ML #3308:79-88‚125-139, GN 908. (See also "Problem-Solving Steps" on pages 26-28 of this GN.)

[ ]"Communication Keys, Part 1-2," ML #3323, GN 927-928

[ ]"More on the Keys‚ Part 3," ML #3354:83-108, GN 947

[ ]"The Dangers of Division," ML #3362, GN 958

[ ]"Keep Fighting‚" ML #3366:36-115, GN 969

[ ]"How to Be on Guard Against the Selvegion," ML #3403‚ Post-It GN #5

[ ]"Putting 'Skin' on Sin‚" ML #3453, "Disunity," page 6, GN 1038

[ ]"Brazil National Prayer Day 2003," ML #3456:100-109, GN 1042

[ ]FJWL 1: #166‚ 355

[ ]FJWL 2: #14, 18, 21‚ 24, 28, 340, 521

[ ]"Unity," Word Basics

Gossip/Wise speech

[ ]"Persecution Jewels No.15," ML #2935:79-86‚ GN 602/Lifelines 21

[ ]"Stop the Gossip Now," ML #3187, GN 792

[ ]"Killer or Healer?—What Is Your Tongue?" ML #3188, GN 793

[ ]"How to Be on Guard Against the Selvegion," ML #3403:45-56, Post-It GN #5

[ ]"Putting 'Skin' on Sin," ML #3453, "Gossip‚" pages 8-10‚ GN 1038

[ ]"Deliverance," ML #3455:146-161, GN 1039

[ ]"The Power of the Tongue," Points 1-9, Word Basics

[ ]"Criticism and Gossip," Thots 1

Mocking and belittling the Law of Love, and gossiping about or putting down those who try to live it

[ ]"Charter Responsibilities‚" ML #3197:89-92, GN 803

[ ]"Living the Lord's Law of Love, Part 2," ML #3202:66-82, GN 805

[ ]"Living the Lord's Law of Love, Part 4," ML #3204:31-52, GN 807

[ ]"Living the Lord's Law of Love, Part 5," ML #3205:86-103, 134-165, 176-180, GN 808

[ ]"A Plea from the Cathars," ML #3259:60-90‚ GN 860

[ ]"Are You a Disciple?" ML #3365:206–275, GN 963

[ ]FJWL 2: #556

Compromising the Message

[ ]"Bewitched," ML #291:62-68‚ Vol.2

[ ]"On Guard," ML #1377, DB1

[ ]"Teens for Christ—Are You One?" ML #2223:46-62, DB8

[ ]"Witnessing and Follow-up Pitfalls," ML #3245:57–77, GN 847

[ ]"Coming Persecution?" ML #3361:39-84, GN 957

[ ]"Be Ye Separate," ML #3363:3-8, GN 959

[ ]"Be True to the Revolution," ML #3364, GN 960

[ ]"Are You a Disciple?" ML #3365:2-48‚ GN 963

[ ]"Issues‚ Part 12," ML #3418:85-122, GN 1005

[ ]"Separation from the World‚ and the New Wine," ML #3425, GN 1010

[ ]"Issues, Part 15," ML #3444:39-96, GN 1029

[ ]"Conviction and Honesty‚" Maria #51, DB3

[ ]"Conviction/Compromise," MOP 1

[ ]"Revolution for Jesus," MOP 2

Churchianity

[ ]"Expensive Bargains," ML #1401, DB1

[ ]"We're Still the Jesus Revolution," ML #1592, DB2

[ ]"Revolution for Jesus," ML #1963, DB8

[ ]"Churchianity Today‚" ML #1964, DB8

[ ]"We Are It," ML #2222‚ DB8

[ ]"The Family Is Unique," ML #2768, DB11

[ ]"Thank God We're Different," ML #2769, DB11

[ ]"We're One of a Kind," ML #2770, DB11

[ ]"Go To It and Do It," ML #2771, DB11

[ ]"Why We Forsook the Church System," ML #2772, DB11

[ ]"How We're Different‚" DB11

[ ]FJWL 2: #241

Lack of Fear of the Lord

[ ]"Believing Prophecy," ML #3130:95-113, GN 740/Lifelines 24

[ ]"Seekman and the Treasures," ML #3131, GN 740/Lifelines 24

[ ]"The Year of the Bottom Line," ML #3176:54-81‚ GN 781

[ ]"More on the S2K," ML #3262:150-173, 249–264, GN 863

[ ]"Putting Skin on the Era of Action," ML #3301:62-66, GN 903

[ ]"Coming Persecution?" ML #3361:103-118‚ GN 957

[ ]"The Dangers of Division," ML #3362:24-36, GN 958

[ ]"Be Ye Separate," ML #3363:233-237, GN 959

[ ]"Woe!" ML #3448:1-10, GN 1036

[ ]"Are You Robbing God," ML #3461:122-138, GN 1046

[ ]"First Place‚" MOP1

Bitterness

[ ]"Bitterness—The Deadly Root That Devours and Destroys," ML #2672, DB10

[ ]"My Deliverance from Bitterness and Negative Thinking," DB10

[ ]"Beware of Bitterness," ML #2840, GN 544/Lifelines 20

[ ]"Overcoming the Past," ML #2877‚ GN 562/Lifelines 21

[ ]"The Dangers of Bitterness," ML #3167, GN 763/Lifelines 24

[ ]"How to Recognize and Get Rid of Bitterness," ML #3170, GN 775/Lifelines 24

[ ]"The Dangers of Division," ML #3362:84-94, GN 958

[ ]"Putting 'Skin' on Sin," ML #3453‚ "Bitterness," pages 7-8, GN 1038

[ ]"Brazil National Prayer Day 2003," ML #3456:90-93, GN 1042

[ ]"Bitterness," Word Topics

Doubt

[ ]"False Accusers in the Last Days," ML #2820‚ DB11

[ ]"Faith Cometh by Hearing the Word," ML #2821, DB11

[ ]"State of the Nation '95," ML #3017:43–61‚ 189-191, GN 654/Lifelines 22

[ ]"Prophecies on Doubts," ML #3041, GN 670/Lifelines 23

[ ]"Mama's News and Views, Part 1," ML #3046:51-95‚ GN 675/Lifelines 23

[ ]"Problems and Solutions, Part 2," ML #3070:49-123, GN 698/Lifelines 23

[ ]"Crisis of Faith—More on Doubts‚" Parts 1-3, ML #3088-3090, Lifelines 23

[ ]"Believing Prophecy," ML #3130, GN 740/Lifelines 24

[ ]"The Weakness Revolution, Part 2," ML #3218:226-251, GN 820

[ ]"None of These Things Move Me," ML #3307:30-49, 227-241‚ GN 906

[ ]"Recognizing and Resisting Pan," ML #3401:42-46, Post-It GN #3

[ ]"So You Want to Be a Disciple?" ML #3458, GN 1043

[ ]"Overcoming Doubts," FSM 238

[ ]"Doubts," Word Topics

Worldliness

[ ]"Sequel to Musical Key," ML #326A, DB6

[ ]"The Appeal of the World on Our Teens," ML #2642, DB9

[ ]"The Dangers of System Influence," ML #2967, DB12

[ ]"Why Witness?" ML #3132:11-19, GN 741/Lifelines 24

[ ]"Mama's Memos No.6‚" ML #3156:15-49, GN 761/Lifelines 24

[ ]"Goals for 1998," ML #3160:176-184, GN 765/Lifelines 24

[ ]"Don't Get Caught in the Web," ML #3174‚ GN 779

[ ]"Trash Your Trinkets and Head for the Hills," ML #3186:1-73, GN 791

[ ]"Charter Responsibilities," ML #3197:50, 52-68, GN 803

[ ]"Worldly?—Or Free?" ML #3233, GN 836

[ ]"Issues, Part 3," ML #3302, GN 904

[ ]"Issues, Part 5‚" ML #3322:49-63, 80-99, GN 925

[ ]"Full Possession," ML #3376, GN 973

[ ]"Issues, Part 12," ML #3418:140-161, GN 1005

[ ]"Issues‚ Part 14‚" ML #3442:35-41, 115-121, 143-159, GN 1026

[ ]FJWL 1: #48‚ 193, 219‚ 317, 370, 426

[ ]FJWL 2: #177, 186‚ 213, 242, 354, 434

Self-Righteousness

[ ]"London," ML #58:10-12, DB4

[ ]"New Life, New Love," ML #731:112-125, DB8

[ ]"Taking Correction—Don't Justify Yourself," ML #1930, DB2

[ ]"Self–Righteousness," ML #2140, DB8

[ ]"Libby's Homegoing," ML #2936, DB12

[ ]"Self-Righteousness—The Great Barrier to Uniting the Generations," ML #3293, GN 897

[ ]"Teaching Kids Consideration," Maria #54, DB3

[ ]"Self-Righteousness and Spiritual Maturity," Maria #62, DB3

[ ]FJWL 2: #146‚ 245

Complacency/Lethargy

[ ]"Personal Answers 2‚" ML #67:1-7, DB4

[ ]"Roll Ye Away the Stone," ML #1392‚ DB1

[ ]"Desperate for Jesus," ML #3250:36–57, GN 852

[ ]"Our Activated Future," ML #3298:97-128, GN 895

[ ]"Coming Persecution?" ML #3361:85-102, 156-197, GN 957

[ ]"Are You a Delinquent Parent?" ML #3388:43-74, 133-156, GN 984

[ ]"Reach the Rich," ML #3400:158-209, GN 992

[ ]"Show Me the Money, Part 3," ML #3462:351-358, GN 1049

[ ]FJWL 2: #448

[ ]"Take Action," MOP2

[ ]"Laziness and Slothfulness‚" Word Topics

Selfishness

[ ]"Single Moms—Love Is the Answer," ML #2953, DB12

[ ]"Comfort to a Single Mom‚" ML #2979, DB12

[ ]"Goals for 1998," ML #3160:131-147, GN 765/Lifelines 24

[ ]"The Benefits of the Family‚" ML #3172:154-191, GN 777

[ ]"The Year of the Bottom Line," ML #3176:91-99, GN 781

[ ]"Charter Responsibilities," ML #3197:109-116, GN 803

[ ]"Living the Lord's Law of Love, Part 2," ML #3202:6,9-13,23–31,35,42-51, GN 805

[ ]"Living the Lord's Law of Love‚ Part 11‚" ML #3211:49-147, GN 814

[ ]"Witnessing and Follow-up Pitfalls," ML #3245:83-99, GN 847

[ ]"Do the Humble Thing," ML #3251:16-29, GN 853

[ ]"Be Ye Separate‚" ML #3363:93-125, GN 959

[ ]"Exposing Bacchus," ML #3402:88-89, 110–111, 135-138, Post-It GN #4

[ ]"Putting 'Skin' on Sin," ML #3453, "Living Acts 2:44-45," pages 10–12‚ GN 1038

[ ]"Show Me the Money, Part 3," ML #3462:386-394, GN 1049

[ ]FJWL 1: #104, 173

[ ]FJWL 2: #288, 377, 388, 426, 499, 508

[ ]"Unselfishness/Selfishness‚" MOP2

[ ]"Selfishness and Self-Centeredness," Word Topics

Feast Reading Material for Children

26. (By kids pubs department:) There are two new MLKs for your children to read during the Feast this year. MLK #189, "Weapon of Praise," goes along with the message in GN 1059 that the adults will be reading.

27. MLK #190, "Keys Usage," is the first in a series of MLKs for teaching our kids more about how to use the key promises sent out for the children during the past two Feasts. (God willing‚ there will also be new key promises presented to the children in these pubs as we continue in the series.)

28. To help you follow up on teaching your children how to use the weapon of praise, we're including a reading list from the MLKs, GUs and HTKs on this subject.

29. Also included is a reading list on the keys, which is updated from the list we sent you last year for the Feast.

30. Regarding which ages can be in the meetings, the Lord indicated that the JETTs on up could sit in on the reading of the keys GNs, and possibly OCs on up could sit in on the praise GN reading. But please pray about this and confirm it with the Lord, according to how you feel led in your Home. Following is more counsel from the Lord on it.

Regarding the Praise GN and children

31. (Jesus:) I would like as many of My children as possible to benefit from the counsel about praise. OCs aren't too young to start really wielding the weapon of praise. However‚ this should be left up to the parents and teachers and Home to ultimately decide how to share this counsel with them. Having them in the united reading on the first morning of the Feast is one option, or they could choose to read excerpts and do some of the exercises again with the children present at another time. Each Home can pray about it and make the call.

32. However, if the Home does choose to have the OCs in the meeting‚ they should excuse them to have a break and leave the room during the reading of paragraph 78 and the following exercise. If they pray about it beforehand, I will show them a way to make it seem fairly normal and not disruptive.

33. The bottom line is that it's up to each Home to pray about and decide how to share the counsel with the children in their Home—especially the parents and shepherds, who know the maturity of the children and whether they would benefit from sitting in on the adults' reading without causing too much distraction, or whether it would be better to share excerpts of the material and repeat the exercises at another time. (End of message.)

Regarding the Keys GNs and children

34. (Jesus:) These Letters are on an adult level. The JETTs on up can be included‚ according to the decision of the parents and the Home, but don't let your OCs hear these questions. For those who are more mature, these questions and the answers generate faith. But for the OCs, these questions could undermine their childlike faith. So let them keep that simple faith, and don't muddy it with questions they haven't considered.

35. On the other hand, the parents should take note of parts of the GNs that they can read with their OCs and that their OCs will benefit from, because there is much in these GNs that could be an asset to them. But don't include the OCs in the united meetings when these are read in full. The reading of excerpts from these GNs with the OCs will need to be tailored to each child's specific needs. (End of message.)

Reading Lists for OCs and younger children

Praise

[ ]"Praise Time!" (MLK #6‚ MLK Book, Vol.1)

[ ]"Loving Jesus" (MLK #7, MLK Book, Vol.1)

[ ]"Gifts of Love from Jesus to You!" (MLK #14, MLK Book, Vol.1)

[ ]"The Birdie and the Cupcake" (MLK #21, MLK Book‚ Vol.1)

[ ]"New Ways to Praise!" (MLK #22, MLK Book, Vol.1)

[ ]"Little Is Much If God Is in It!" (MLK #30, MLK Book, Vol.1)

[ ]"Happy Birthday Dear Family!" (MLK #39, MLK Book, Vol.2)

[ ]"Positive Praise!" (MLK #43, MLK Book, Vol.2)

[ ]"The Heavenly Vision!" (MLK #46, MLK Book‚ Vol.2)

[ ]"The Donut!" (MLK #52, MLK Book, Vol.2)

[ ]"Be an Open Channel!" (MLK #99)

[ ]"The Spirit of Praise" (MLK #101)

[ ]"God's Happy Flower Garden" (MLK #104)

[ ]"Love and Praise Me Out Loud!" (MLK #106)

[ ]"Praise and Appreciate Others" (MLK #109)

[ ]"Rise Above!" (MLK #121)

[ ]"Make Me a Glowworm!" (MLK #135)

[ ]"Christmas Praises!" (MLK #141)

[ ]"The Sun Is Always Shining!" (MLK #148)

[ ]"Praising with Natalia" (MLK #167)

Also for OC age:

[ ]"Way-Out Ways to Praise" (HTK Vol.1)

[ ]"Gifts and Blessings Prophecy" (HTK Vol.1)

[ ]"The Beggar Prophecy!" (HTK Vol.1)

[ ]"Communion with God—Praise and Thankfulness" (GT1)

The Keys

[ ]"Nothing Is Impossible" (MLK #120)

[ ]"Rise Above" (MLK #121)

[ ]"Keys to My Kingdom" (MLK #142)

[ ]"Pavilion of the Power of God" (MLK #143)

[ ]"Thank You for the Keys!" (MLK #144)

[ ]"Gold Magic!" (MLK #149)

[ ]"Call on the Keys!" (MLK #155)

[ ]"Ellya" (MLK #156)

[ ]"Keys Turned to Swords!" (MLK #157)

[ ]"Fairy Wings!—Rising Above with Key Power" (MLK #172)

[ ]"Key Craft" (MLK #184)

Also for OC age:

[ ]"Mountain Rescue!" (Gen-Up #1)

[ ]"The Magic in the Keys" (Gen-Up #1)

[ ]"Jumping Over Hurdles" (Gen-Up #1)

[ ]"Key Power" (Gen-Ups #1-16)

[ ]"The 4 Activation Angels," and "Activation Angels for You!" (Gen–Up #2)

[ ]"Keepers of the Power," and "The Blue Angels of the Keys" (Gen-Up #3)

[ ]"Memorizing the Keys" (Gen-Up #4)

[ ]"Mind Meld with Heaven" (Gen-Up #7)

[ ]"My Endtime Pentecost" (Gen–Up #8)

[ ]"Unleash the Power" (Gen-Up #11)

[ ]"More on Heavenly Thought Power" (Gen-Up #13)

[ ]"Access the Full Power of Heaven" (Gen-Up #16)

[ ]"Nikki on Key Power" (Gen-Up #16)

End of File