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Doctrines of Demons: The Coming of the Glory

This eleven-part series by Tricia Tillin is an urgent appeal to reject current teachings on the overshadowing and anointing of the supposed Glory of God in the endtimes. It looks at teachings from the old Latter Rain movement and shows how those teachings and many others have led to a belief that there will be a sealing or anointing for those who have prepared themselves for transformation.

The topics of the ten major sections, together with the appendix, and PDF version for download, are found on the CONTENTS page. Alternatively, each section is briefly linked below:

Part One - The Sealing & Overshadowing
Part Two - The Sealing & Overshadowing (2)
Part TwoA - Resisting the Overshadowing
Part Three - The Descent of the Glory
Part Four - Transformation
Part Five - The Sword of Judgement
Part Six - New Church, New Apostles
Part Seven - The Sound of Seduction
Part Eight - The Global Network
Part Nine - The Lighthouses Movement
Part Ten - Appendix A
Part Eleven - Appendix B

Part Two A: Resisting The Overshadowing

CONTENTS

  • Why this Additional Article?
  • Report of Revival Meeting
  • Overshadowed by Love
  • What Happens if You Give in?
  • How to Resist
  • God's Word of Warning to us all
  • (copyright information)

In Part Two, several aspects of the coming "overshadowing" were exposed. These involved the birth of a divine manchild, control by a spiritual force of some kind, and the receiving of a new mind.

In Part Three we will move on to examine other important aspects of this "overshadowing" - although all that we discuss is really part and parcel of the same experience of overshadowing. The experience is described by a number of related prophetic parables, and contains a number of different aspects that intertwine and correlate to one another:

    • OVERSHADOWING AS THE GLORY CLOUD INDWELLING THE CHURCH
    • OVERSHADOWING AS THE GOLD COVERING OF THE DIVINE NATURE
    • OVERSHADOWING AS THE TRANSFIGURATION OR RAPTURE

All the while, it's necessary to remember that these doctrines are founded on a misunderstanding of scripture and represent the doctrine of demons.

That is, demons whose task it is to deceive Christians have implanted these teachings at the heart of the Church. These doctrines do not represent sound biblical teaching, even though they use scriptures as proof texts.

HOWEVER, they DO represent a preparation for major events that WILL take place in the Church sooner or later. That is why we expose them.

The actual events will probably be far more subtle and devious than the events as described by Revivalists and Apostolic ministries. The devil has a tendency to exaggerate. But in the days just before the Lord's return, there will be signs and wonders, deceptive events and spiritual pressures upon us all to conform to these new doctrines. If we know about them in advance, we are much more likely to resist them.

Interrupted by the Lord

The introduction above was written in preparation for Part Three of the series. But something happened to interrupt the flow of that nicely organised little piece of research! The Lord seemed to direct me to warn of what is coming in practical terms, and how to cling to Him - the Lord of All - in response.

This was not my intention. However, I now feel that it would be good to offer this portion of the series as part 2A, inserting it as an additional piece before I move on to Part Three.

This part of the series now contains my description of the overshadowing as it might affect YOU, and ministry from the Lord on how to withstand it. This could become very important soon.

If I am totally wrong, then you can just bin this and forgive me for being alarmist. I'm not perfect and don't pretend to be. Neither do I pretend to have a direct hotline to heaven that receives everything like reading the morning's newspaper. However, on occasion God does use me to warn people in advance about things.

Although there's always a risk that what I say here may turn out to be wide of the mark, there's an even greater risk that - if I hold back - I will have missed the opportunity to help you. So in that light, here goes...

The Eagles are Gathering

First, let me give a report of an apostolic/prophetic conference where the leaders gathered to organise their New Order on behalf of all Christians! This conference spoke openly of the "overshadowing of love" and the coming of "the glory".

The events were prophesied (in August 1999) to happen almost immediately. (Clearly this did not happen as predicted! The leadership of this revival have presented a hundred-and-one prophecies of the "new wave" and the "overshadowing of love" and suchlike, but none of this has come to pass. This does not appear to worry them. They just move on to the next batch of false prophecies hoping their devoted following will continue to trust them, just as the Jehovah's Witnesses do with regard to their many failed "end-of-the-world" predictions, and the New-Agers do with regard to their false "christ" failing to keep his numerous promises to appear and change the world!)

Nonetheless, something is in the air. There's a growing anticipation within revival camps for a "new wave" or some kind of climax. Eventually the dam will burst and whatever is to come forth (God knows) WILL come forth. It will NOT be precisely as the false prophets predict, but it WILL be a major spiritual event that will affect you, and I want you to be ready for that event whenever it might take place; so the best time to prepare is right here and now.


"A GATHERING OF EAGLES" PROPHETIC CONFERENCE
hosted by Pastors Bill and Marsha Burns of Faith Tabernacle
Kremmling, Colorado - August 20, 21, 22 1999

Speakers included Bill Burns, John Moore, Glenn Jackson, Marsha Burns, Pam Clark, Stephen Hanson, Meri Burlingame, Bob Neumann, Jim Rinker, Priscilla VanSutphin, and Suzin McNeill.

    NB: In previous versions of this article, what followed was a report prepared by a revival-supporter who summarised the prophecies and predictions of the leaders. She has now demanded that I remove all trace of her name and report, and in the light of the number of false prophecies on which she reported, I can understand if she doesn't want to stand by her conclusions.

    Other prophetic websites have likewise removed all traces of the conference "prophecies" - could this be a cover-up exercise? I wonder, since none of the predicted events actually took place! (But that didn't stop them issuing a new list of predictions for the year 2000, and I have no doubt whatever that the new "prophecies" will be no more accurate than the 1999 ones.)

    Also, despite the fact that these leaders see themselves as the New Order government for the entire Church, they want to keep their statements and plans secret. This was confirmed by one supporter who said the Lord told him the conference was for "top brass" military leadership only and that although what they were going to do was strategic and very important, their conclusions were confidential and "meant only for a limited group of people with the same call and vision".

    The revival leadership have always been wary of public examination of their words and deeds, despite claiming to speak for ALL Christians and the entire global Church! That is because they know what they say cannot stand up to close, biblical scrutiny. Nevertheless, the facts themselves are in the public domain, so in order to apprise you of those facts, I present my own summary of the conference in question.

Prophecies and teachings included these:

  • We are now in the "season of miracles" and nothing short of the Eternal PRESENCE of God on earth is to be expected.
  • The "old order" is passed away, together with its creation.
  • UNITY is vital and God is bringing apostles and prophets together; he will no longer work through individuals but desires a corporate expression of himself. We must come into full visible UNITY and if we do, what will happen will exceed the Book of Acts.
  • God wants us to have an act of intimacy with Jesus as in a marriage bed; He's looking for a helpmeet like Eve, a mature lover to birth souls.
  • The much-longed for spiritual breakthrough and "downpour" of the latter rain is going to happen in 1999 [it didn't]. September 1999 will be a tremendous month as never before experienced. Before October 1999 an overpowering love will be poured out from Heaven and everything in the Body will be put to rights. It will convict everyone, disclose all sin, heal all hearts and relationships, and set hearts on fire; a deep reverence for God will overtake all. The Harvest will be gathered in as people flock to repent.
  • We will be delivered from everything, given wisdom, answers, love and by October 1999 we will be living under an OPEN HEAVEN! We are not talking in terms of years, but days and hours before all this is fulfilled.
  • Everything will be restored, there will be no veil and no sin!

Based on various bible passages, the teaching emerged that:

  • We are being made into prophets, priests and kings in the New Temple.
  • The glory of this latter Temple, the endtimes manifestation of the sons of God, will be far more glorious than the former Temple (the Temple of God in Jerusalem).
  • Jesus will not physically return until after we have restored all things on earth.
  • We are to be a "spiritual Temple" as Jesus comes again invisibly, WITHIN US. The kingdom comes with "no observation".
  • People must respect the network of governing authority being set up. Where government is, justice follows - people must pass under the rod, and rebels and transgressors will be purged.
  • The Glory will come upon you - watch for it and pray for it to happen soon. At the end of the age, the Body is brought together in covenant.

NOTE: especially worrying is the idea of another covenant at the "end of the church age". Since we are already saved under the New Covenant in His Blood, what is this additional covenant that is being proposed?

There was much talk also of KINGDOM AUTHORITY AND GOVERNMENT. There was a repeated call to "rise up in Kingdom Authority with the Keys of the Kingdom"; people must submit to the apostles as they become the Head of the Church, the Governmental rule. There can be no order or law without this Government.

    "This GATHERING had actually one main purpose....to be a ''prophetic demonstration'' ... of THE RESTORATION OF DIVINE GOVERNMENT.  ... Call it Apostolic, I don't care - Apostles clean up the messes children make. Apostles keep order in the house. The King sets the Rules...THE GOVERNMENT OF THE KING OF GLORY IS BASED ON A ''ROYAL PRIESTHOOD'' whose sole purpose is to minister unto the King ...

    The purpose of the Gathering was to restore two things missing in today's ''church''. They are simple government and purpose. ...KINGDOM AUTHORITY has been re-established. So how we align in humble submission to THE KINGDOM and THE KING is all that counts.

    Bill Burns set the stage by coming forth and placing THE ORDER of MELCHEZADEK before us. ... The Priesthood of MELCHEZADEZ.... combines and expands the roles of Moses and Aaron. In fact this priesthood combines the role of David with those of Priest and Levite. In other words KING, PRIEST AND PROPHET in one [corporate] JESUS....THE LAMB OF GOD on whose shoulders all government rests. HE is both KING who reigns, and blue print on which the KINGDOM is built.

    "NEW JERUSALEM is based upon DIVINE ORDER. So Government was described and placed before those gathered. What came next was PURPOSE ... That was where John Moore came in. John spoke clearly of purpose in describing "Manifest Destiny". John placed a cold, hard, tool before us. GOVERNMENT has come to a ''lawless land'' and our ''MANIFEST DESTINY" will be met. It indeed was a remarkably clear description of both the world and the church without KINGDOM GOVERNMENT. ...When Government comes in, ORDER is established. Without Government there is just JUNGLE MENTALITY and LAWLESSNESS.

    "... there is a KING who desires to reestablish proper GOVERNMENT through a HOLY PRIESTHOOD. That this was the DESTINY for America spoken from the FOUNDATION of the WORLD, and now being made manifest by PROPHETIC DECLARATION and GESTURE. Again this was begun by the presentations of Bill Burns and John L Moore." [all emphasis in original]

    Glenn Jackson brought to those in attendance the visualization of a place of ascendancy to which we were being called.

    Marsha Burns placed before us an image of diversity coming into unity for purpose.

    Stephen Hanson who spoke about THE REBUILDING of THE CHURCH that must take place.

    Pam Clark shared her vision of the role of the prophetic.

    "At this point things were full circle. THE KING and THE KINGDOM were declared as GOVERNMENT is reestablished so a GLORIOUS CHURCH/CITY/BRIDE would be brought forth that would be intimate and be one with THE KING.

    "Civil justice is a sham....but the issue of DIVINE JUSTICE is lacking within the Religious Systems that call itself Christian. Abuse and lawlessness abound ''within the  camp''.  For this reason those who heard HIS CALL and came to Kremmling were summoned.

    "For a long time we have waited for THE KING TO COME. Now THE KING is saying "I AM here and setting MY HOUSE IN ORDER". I AM BRINGING LAW AND ORDER to this wilderness we call AMERICA and CHURCH....we are being drafted into DUTY, and that duty is to ENFORCE THE KING'S PEACE in a LAND RECLAIMED

    "It is time to go into the pits all around us and to carry them [traditionalists] to freedom. Simply reciting quaint King James verses does not get it done. For we have been sent to tell THE WORLD AND CHURCH SYSTEMS that THE KING'S DAY TO AVENGE THE WIDOWS is now here. So we will no longer be silent and allow evil to prosper. We will Speak and Declare THE KINGDOM and ENFORCE HIS PEACE wherever and whenever required." [bold emphasis mine]

One who added his own commentary to the Conference reports reminded his readers that many disasters are built upon the sands of false prophecies. Therefore, he urged all to ''judge'' all that you hear and read in the scales of THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT.  1 Corinthians 2:13-16. That turned out to be wise advice for something as false as the above words, supposedly from a God whose presence manifested itself and spoke to all at the Conference!

ADDITIONAL:  Now you can also read a report for the year 2000 "Gathering of Eagles " conference, which is yet more alarming that the 1999 one. As year follows year the false prophecies grow more extreme and the militancy grows more fervent. Revolution is in the air! (But see note below)

The 2000 conference covered "Battlefield Commisions", "The Lord's Army", "Weapons of War" including the battle-axe, "Gatekeepers" who have the keys of the kingdom and can open and shut heaven, the birth of the Manchild, the "impartation of the mind of christ" (see this phrase explained as the mark of God on the forehead, later in this series!), explanations of how to progress through the Tabernacle to the Holy of Holies (spiritual levels), the "Third Day" (again, see later in this series), and much more besides. Click on http://ft111.com/conference2000.htm

NOTE: Since I wrote this article, the reports have been removed from the site, and everything there is now FOR SALE including all talks and conference reports. However, if you would like to do research on the Bill Burns "Third Day" sonship doctrine, there is at the moment a free E-Book starting at this link: http://ft111.com/thirdday.htm


Overshadowed by the Wings of the Dove

For many years I have believed that some kind of major deception will be launched by an "overshadowing". I see this as an intensive demonic influence on minds and emotions, rather like a wave of feeling travelling round the world.

As an example of mass manipulation of emotions (although this time grief, not joy, but the principle is the same) I would like to remind you of the outpouring of grief at the death of Princess Diana - two years ago today to be exact!

At that time, something rather surreal and eerie happened in this country (UK) that went way beyond the normal feelings of sadness when somebody in the news dies. Corporately rather than individually, the country was seized by a kind of deep grief people couldn't explain, and Britain went into mourning for a week. At the time, it felt unnatural and strangely supernatural, and I was led to make comparisons with the crowd control I'd seen on film of Hitler's rallies, and in Branham meetings.

It was like a dry run of something - to see if it were possible to control the whole country simultaneously by the power of emotions, and apparently, it IS!

If it's possible to inflict grief on an entire country, then it's equally possible to implant euphoria in order to induce acceptance of the New Order.

(On a scientific note of explanation, it's well known that a slight modification of brain patterns can lead to a feeling of physical and mental well-being, and that certain brain chemicals also produce such feelings. Satan's realm of operation is the natural world and he will no doubt utilise these brain functions to manipulate mankind. We MUST therefore become familiar with the differences between physical/mental stimulation and spiritual peace or joy.)

Physical/mental happiness and well-being must not become the impetus for your
spiritual decisions, whatever anybody tells you.

Hope for a Dying World?

There's another aspect of this event that I feel the need to share: this will be a scenario that offers a fresh start for the world, new hope for the oppressed and an end to frustration and rejection for believers. If I'm right, this event, whatever it is, will in some way offer to get us all out of a hole.

Those who have been praying for changes in their nation and the world will perhaps be tempted to see this as an answer to all their prayers - at long last the waiting is over and we have turned the corner; we need no longer believe in a decline into apostasy and wickedness, but have hope for peace and renewal.

There are many Christians and others outside the Toronto/Brownsville camps - ordinary Christians - who still believe in a revival before Jesus comes. (I'm not arguing with their right to do that, if it's something they genuinely believe from scripture - only pointing out that it makes them a little more vulneralbe to deception). They believe we have time to see the world repent and change for the better, to allow millions to be saved before the End.

This event (and I don't know exactly what form it would take) would confirm these hopes and longings and thus be a great temptation to many Christians, even though they are opposed to Toronto.

Again, those who already have an a-millennial or post-millennial mindset are in greater danger of being deceived for they already believe in some kind of Golden Age for the Church before Jesus returns. (As I said, I'm not criticising people's stand on the scriptures, just pointing out the problems it might bring.)

ONLY those who still believe that the endtimes are characterised by deception, apostasy, tribulation, lying signs and wonders, increasing wickedness and trials (even martyrdom) for true believers will easily (maybe not so easily, even then!!) spot a massive global deception offering peace and hope to a dying world.

Christmas Spirit

It has occurred to me many times that CHRISTMAS and the New Year festivities would be the perfect time for this event to be launched. In the pagan world (and Christmas is at heart a pagan feast - see my article on the subject here) the introduction of a New Era and a New King took place at this time. This Yule feast represented the death of the old and the birth of the new. The baby was born and celebrated as saviour of the people. (Thus it easily slipped into being a celebration of the birth of Jesus.)

Jesus no doubt fulfilled all the stories and myths throughout all centuries of the birth of a King who would save the world - we need look for no other. But at Christmas there is always an effort to "bring down" a new era of some kind or to create a wave of goodwill that will change people's thinking. Every year on December 31st, new-agers gather to intone their rituals and chant the Great Invocation inviting love to flood the earth. Some Christians (sadly) do the same. Christmas is already a time when people let down their defenses and get into the "Christmas spirit" - literally! - and a huge wave of fellow-feeling and goodness swamps us. At present this is largely commercially induced but it's there, nevertheless.

I would not be in the least surprised to see Christmas and New Year celebrations (one year, not necessarily this year) used to present some new HOPE and LOVE to the world and for all of us this would be very tempting, wanting as we do to see answers to the world's problems.

A New Sound

Another development that I believe could contribute to the overshadowing is in the area of sound or music. New tones are being discovered that affect the body and mind of man. The revivalists have also been looking for a "new sound" that they believe will change the mindset of the world and "convert people" without their having heard the Gospel.

These subjects must be explored at a later date.

An imaginary Journey into the Overshadowing

The following concerns an imaginary person, and is generalised. There is no intention to induce guilt or fear in anyone. People's reactions will of course vary.

Imagine that you are going about your daily life, feeling overworked, slightly depressed, unappreciated, bored and in a rut. Your marriage is routine, nothing sparks you into life any more, your worries get on top of you and you frequently wonder if there's more to life than this. (In other words - you are NORMAL!!)

In your heart, despite believing in God, you have hidden strong emotions that your relationship with God never satisfied. You have felt rejected by others, inadequate, and that makes you sad and fearful of showing emotion. You feel somehow that others look down on you and criticise you. Despite being saved, you don't FEEL loved. You have needs that nobody knows about, and hurts that you are unable to share with others.

God has been showing you your hurts and trying to bring you to the point of relinquishing them to Him, believing in his power of healing. He's been talking to you about paying less heed to yourself and your wants and needs, and more attention to walking in His Spirit.

Like a light at the end of the tunnel, you see God's solution to your problems in Himself, but somehow you can't let go and trust Him enough to find the fulness of that light. You feel a perverse delight in nursing your wounds, and blaming other people for making you this way. You know you should forgive, and let it go, but you can't, you won't. You want to try and resolve it by yourself, and then you'll commit to God, only then....

So, carrying around this unresolved conflict (as most of us do) you are mentally and emotionally ready for what it to come.

The Dam Breaks!

One day (and the circumstances are not the important concern here) a massive wave of love encircles the globe. This is not just ordinary love. This is love that can be FELT, a love so rich, so powerful, so embracing that fills up the void in your heart and makes you so happy that you can hardly contain yourself. This is a wave of pure euphoria, like being on a rollercoaster and making love at the same time. You tingle, you shake, you can hardly breath. This is a feeling, not a spiritual doctrine, but it seems to make sense of your life in a way that dusty old scriptures never did.

You sense that if you give yourself entirely over to this pressing wave of intensity, and submit to its flow, and let yourself be swept along with the floodtide, you will never be the same. Your life will somehow be complete at last. All the needs and longings will be met, and you will be whole. You have hope, and excitement, instead of uncertainty about your future.

It's like having somebody immensely powerful and divine put his arms around you in a cosmic embrace and affirm you as a human being - and this Being says "you are worthy, you are important, you are loved, you have a place in my plan; you can be something and be appreciated by the people around you."

God's Warning Bell

Way back in the recesses of your mind, there's an annoying hint of a warning bell ringing. Wasn't there something you read about the ecstasies experienced by the mystics, their "spiritual marriage" with Jesus and how wrong that was... didn't you come across a web site that warned of this feeling of euphoria being part of the endtime deception, the wooing of the spirit of love? And hadn't somebody else told you that feelings weren't to be trusted?

And God had recently been letting you see how deceptive the human heart is, and how wrong it was to nurse unforgiveness against others, blaming them for your feelings of rejection.

He even reached out and offered to become all-in-all to you, but it was too scary, and the price was too high - he said you'd have to lay down your grudges and all those well-worn and strangely comforting thoughts of how people have abused you.

He said your desperate quest for personal affirmation, well-being and self-esteem was in fact a dead end and just ministered to your human pride. (You didn't like that!) He said you should turn things on their head, lay down your desires to BE somebody in your own right, and be one with HIS greatness instead. But that would of course mean 'dying' to your self-esteem, and your need for revenge. It would require a leap of faith, placing all your trust unreservedly in HIM for fulfillment.

And you knew that going God's way would not elevate you to a successful place of influence and power in this world - quite the opposite! Following Jesus would mean yet more ridicule, rejection and unpopularity, if not out-and-out persecution. The only real hope would be the afterlife in heaven, and the only real satisfaction would be walking in obedience to Him.

But what about love? You desperately want to FEEL affirmed and comforted and loved and to know the warm embrace of acceptance, and after all - you deserve it, don't you? And why shouldn't you make a better life here and now? God is asking you to commit yourself to Him without ANY of that! To take Him on trust. And what about if he let you down, or didn't give you all you needed?

No, THIS is much easier, this wave of love and fulfillment. It makes you feel wonderful, and it requires you to do nothing more than relax and be carried along. It gives you all you need, NOW, at once, with no strings attached. If offers a hope and a future in this life, now. How can it be wrong?

Ever seen a fish sizing up the bait on the end of a fishing line? Or an animal gazing at the tasty bit of meat in a trap? Sooner or later, the natural urge to eat overcomes the fear of what might happen as a result and - snap! the trap is closed.

Natural urges are the driving force in satan's kingdom and whoever is ruled by them is overcome by them in the end.

    "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Rom 6:16

Satan is Stumped by your Will

We should have been learning to reject the ways of the flesh. (God has been very merciful in giving us years of practice on this one! The process of being rejected by our friends, cast out of churches, maligned and isolated has taught us to trust GOD above all, and not to pay heed to our feelings.

Also, we have watched as our friends gave in to their needs and desires and went along with the Toronto manifestations simply because they had unfulfilled "lusts" in their lives - they wanted a mystical "more" that God wasn't giving them, and they got it, at a terrible price. We watched this and took warning from it.)

But here is one important piece of information for you - Satan can never take away your free will. He may torment you, tempt you, pressure you, blind you, woo you, but whatever he does he cannot remove your FREE WILL CHOICE.

If satan were allowed to deceive people without their consent, to judge such people would not be fair, since they have not made a freewill choice. But just as God held Adam and Eve responsible for their own actions, despite the fact they were deceived by the serpent, so will he hold you and me responsible for our choice when tempted by this new wave.

Remember this - however tempted you might be to give in to feelings of warmth, excitement, euphoria, ecstasy and love, you can still decide not to submit, and if you truly love God that is what you will do, however difficult it might be. The TRUTH is more important than your FEELINGS! (Do you believe that - I hope so!)

It's not often realised that Satan has to get your PERMISSION in some way, even by trickery, before he can afflict you or deceive you. (Why else do you think teachers in revival meetings browbeat people to "stop resisting", "don't analyse", "don't pray" and "don't think beforehand, just submit". If you had time to think it through, in the calm clear light of day, you'd probably refuse to give your permission to be overcome by a strong feeling or experience. So, people are wooed into NOT thinking about it.)

Satan knocks as loudly as possible at your door, trying to scare you into a gut-reaction, but you still have to OPEN the door to receive his influences!

He acts rather like a terrorist who rushes into a crowded place, gun in hand, shouting and screaming at the top of his voice, aggressively commanding people to do what he wants. They are intimidated by all the noise and shouting and instinctively obey. However, if some brave soul says NO, sometimes this throws the gunman and he doesn't know quite how to handle that situation. Bullies make a lot of noise, but rarely know how to handle resistance. Remember that, because Satan is a bully, but he's also a COWARD.

Satan is dumbfounded when a Christian deliberately stops to think about an experience, tests it by the Word, prays about it, and asks God for confirmation. That is definitely what he DOES NOT want, and he's scared of it.

Never allow yourself to be threatened, manipulated, wooed, bullied, pushed, intimidated, hustled or driven into accepting something unless you are 100 percent totally SURE it's biblical, from God, and without any taint of deception. You need to know FOR YOURSELF, and NOT take the word of others! Don't just follow the crowd, but always make your own decision based on your own relationship with the Saviour.

If you haven't had time to think and pray about something new, and feel under pressure in some way to act - DON'T DO ANYTHING! God never pressures His people in this way. He waits patiently and gives enough time for you to willingly and wholeheartedly agree with Him.

God's little flock are already familiar with this practical day-to-day waiting on the Lord, because of all the deceptions and stumblingblocks thrown at them requiring them to stop and consider their way. Thank you, Lord, for giving opportunities to practise this! When the overshadowing comes it will not be any great problem to reject it.

However, some people are still sailing too close to the wind, and the warnings contained in this article apply to them rather than obedient believers.

What becomes of the Victims of the Overshadowing?

    But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:34-36)

What will happen if people DO submit and let this overshadowing take hold of their souls? Well, a number of things, but at first probably nothing much more than intense satisfaction and joy. That's the bait - the tasty morsel that contains the hook.

Once swallowed, that hook will begin to work its way into the person's heart and they will become "hooked on love" to such an extent that they will be prepared to follow any creed or group in order to be part of the exciting new move.

Somebody with a deep problem of rejection may feel, with the overshadowing of love and satisfaction, that their problems have been solved. However, what will happen is that the deepset feelings of sadness and grief and rejection have not been resolved nor healed, but wrapped up in another feeling that overpowers them.

They now have a different focus, a pleasing and thrilling one, but one that is entirely wrong and misleading. They have set out on the wrong path leading away from the Narrow Way.

When the first flush of excitement wears off, the grief and sadness and emptiness returns, worse than ever before, now also stimulated by the spirits that are manipulating the emotions of this person. To relieve his suffering, he must again seek out a way to experience the drug he needs, so he will gladly go with those who are part of the system and know how to help him.

[Note: to avoid clumsiness in writing this, I have adopted the word "him" to apply to both men and women.]

In addition, his mind becomes gradually more and more clouded to reality and reason, and passively accepting of the new implanted doctrines.

Here is where Satan really scores. He cares little whether the person is going to church, reading the bible or whatever if he can get him to reinterpret everything according to demonic new-order teachings. Christians remain outwardly orthodox, and are even more zealous than before, but inwardly are deceived and bound.

Through the mental and emotional manipulations of the spirits accepted in this overshadowing, the person cannot think straight or gain possession of his reason; he drifts in a kind of fog, grasping at straws, and the new ideas seem the only way out. They somehow seem right, in way he can't explain, and he defends them as his only hope of sanity while his boat is being tossed on the waves of all these new experiences.

He has put his own feelings, his own safety and well-being, and his own life in this world, ahead of his service to the Lord.

What has happened in effect is this person has disobeyed God and lost sight of the Lord's specific commands applying to the endtimes delusions:

    Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. (Luke 17:32-36)

    He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. (John 12:25-26)

    And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:23-26)

    Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. (Matt 18:7-9)

We are Not Helpless Victims

We are not helpless. We should not see ourselves as "victims in the face of an overpowering enemy". However powerful demons might be (or appear to be) they are NO MATCH FOR GOD. Don't let yourself be cowed into believing you are helpless or powerless. You might indeed FEEL frightened or powerless, perhaps, but that's no indication of your real condition in God.

God is your strength, your strong tower, your defender, your shield, the One who does battle on your behalf.

    Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD... (2 Chr 20:17)

    And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's and he will give you into our hands. (1 Sam 17:47)

You might be David in front of Goliath but you have David's obedience and God's aim for your stones! The verse from 2 Chronicles says "set yourselves" - that means, stand firm in your faith and belief in God as Defender.

James says much the same thing using the picture of a wrestler (in his day a wrestler was more like the Japanese version than our Western one - so picture him as large, feet apart and immovable as a brick wall, defying anyone to budge him) "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

Paul used the picture of a soldier in full armour standing firm against the enemy, along with his fellow-soldiers creating a solid wall of resistance behind their shields. In this way the "darts of the enemy" could not penetrate their forces.

    Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore... (Eph 6:13)

We do battle more by trusting the Lord than by trying to find strength within ourselves. Calling upon the name of the Lord is the answer. We must remember that Jesus has been given a name that is HIGHER (and therefore more authoritative) than any other name, whether in heaven, on earth or under the earth. (Eph 1:20-23)

"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power..." (Col 2:9-10) There is no authority greater than Jesus Christ - and wonder of wonders, YOU are IN HIM. He has been given authority over every principality and power, and should you feel like giving the devil a hard time, just remind him of that.

The Name of Jesus is Our Defense

If Jesus Christ were a building, he would be a tall tower, and you would be safe inside that tower. He is your stronghold, your cleft in the Rock, your tower of defense. In his name there is power over every demon and over Satan himself.

    The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. (Prov 18:10)

    They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. (Ps 118:11-14)

When Under Pressure or Attack

Not only at the time of the "overshadowing" but at any time you are tempted or under pressure, or under attack, you'll need to have some idea how to resist. In practical terms I can offer a few words of advice for those unused to such things.

If in any doubt, CRY OUT! Cry out HELP ME LORD JESUS!!!! Start praising God, and telling Him what confidence and faith you have in Him, and repeating aloud all that He is; confess the greatness and wonder and holiness of God. If no words seem to come, start singing a spiritual song, a hymn or Christian song with meaningful, scriptural words. Or if you have such songs on CD/tape, you could put that on as an aid.

Those of you who have been given a spiritual tongue of praise, now would be a good time to use it.

All of the above ends the silence of internal manipulation, and the thought processes that may have become overpowering, and externalises the battle so that you can consciously make a commitment to God.

Use his name. Your prayer might go something like this: "In the Name of Jesus, I resist and rebuke you, I WILL NOT ACCEPT YOU - depart from me you deceiver. You are a liar and a deceiver. My Lord is the Lord Jesus. He is my Head, my Spouse, my God, my Lord and another I will not take. Whatever my mind feels, whatever my body experiences, whatever thought you place in my mind, I refuse to heed them. They are as nothing to me. They cannot alter my choice nor control my will, for I will to serve God alone. My spirit is fixed! I am anchored to the ROCK, and I WILL NOT BE MOVED."

If your mind becomes cloudy or confused or blank, and you begin to be drawn despite your best intentions, open your Bible at once and begin to read aloud, speaking out the inspired words of God as if addressing the powers of evil. God will show you where to read, or if not, just find a passage that is meaningful to you and to the particular situation.

I don't want to scare you. In fact, I WISH I did not have to write in this way. I do so only because I love you all, brothers and sisters, and I feel moved to try and help you, faced with this coming event. A big battle lies before us. Who knows what weaknesses and fears this will bring to light in our hearts, things that (despite his warnings) we have not been able to give over to the Lord. However, HE KNOWS! I don't believe we should give in to despair or lose hope or become guilt-ridden because we are not yet perfect, for none of us is perfect and God knows that. Don't begin to dwell on how guilty and unprepared you feel, or how inadequate you are, because that is the highway to fear, which makes you much more receptive to the devil's lies.

The important thing to remember is, no matter what YOU are, HE is ALL! We are nothing compared to God. We are mere specks of dust compared to the greatness and glory of God. Our trust is in HIM, not ourselves at this time. The BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD.

Here is one hint for you. When I am plagued by thoughts, planted by the devil, of how sinful, weak, unprepared, foolish, lacking, disobedient (or whatever) I am, I don't waste my breath arguing my case or justifying my actions. I simply AGREE WITH THE DEVIL. "Yup, that's right! I AM weak, sinful, disobedient - fill in the dotted line -- so what, devil? I never claimed to be otherwise. My trust is not in MYSELF, but IN GOD - and HE IS PERFECT." That throws him. He realises if he's going to get to you, he has to get through the Lord Jesus first!

When any battle comes, it is God who will be our Defender.

    For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. (Isa 25:4)

    So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. (Isa 59:19)

    When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. (Isa 43:2)

Many times the Old Testament speaks of an FLOOD of the enemy forces. There is of course a literal aspect to this, both then and now. However, this flood also refers to a spiritual flood of demonic energy and manifestation. Those who have dreamt about tidal waves, floods and sea-surges have been seeing a spiritual portrayal of the overshadowing to come (and other associated events.)

Jesus also hinted at the parallels between the flood of Noah's day and the surge of enemy infiltration at the other end of time. He said the endtimes would be as the days of Noah, when suddenly and unexpectedly the flood came and swept them all away. (Those whom God had warned beforehand were in their specially-prepared vessel and came to no harm). Jesus was referring to more than just the overshadowing, I know, but there are elements in his warnings that do apply to the overshadowing none the less.

After the Flood

Some writers have described the aftermath of the spiritual flood in terms of a natural disaster like a tidal wave. Others have seen people beached, limp and exhausted, washed up and washed out. Maybe we will be washed out and spiritually exhausted, but we will be quite safe, in God. Having survived the worst, we can then turn our attention to praying for those around us. I believe we will witness a scene of chaos and utter devastation, but not visibly. The destruction will be happening in society, families, marriages and churches, and only the believers will perceive it.

There will be MANY who desperately need our help at this time. When we have recovered our strength we must realise that they will be looking for help, not knowing what to do. I feel that we must be prepared to help those in trouble, and especially care for the CHILDREN.

We will be called upon to support those around us with the Lord's strength and teach all who will listen to trust Him completely. We walk by faith, not by sight. We will be perceiving the problems that God shows us, and understanding things that nobody else perceives; therefore the world around will not understand a word we're saying! This will be SUCH a difficult time, but by God's grace we will stand.

Can we make a Difference?

Those who have gone with the wave MAY still be reached - at least I pray so - but it will be well nigh impossible. If they still have profound doubts, possibly we might get to them, but they will need much prayer, and deliverance.

I believe God will raise up just the right kind of men and women who will know what to do. They will know how to pray. Now is not the time to think and worry about it. God will arrange all these things as we wait on him.

Just be ready to go where He asks and do what He says and you will be used as His minister. Don't feel inadequate. We are ALL inadequate for this. Only by depending on the Lord will we get through this difficult time.

At the same time that we are trying to recover ourselves, understand what is happening, and help others, there will be a tremendous increase of persecution against us and HATRED of us like never before. We will actually PHYSICALLY feel hatred coming over us at times! But as we run to the Strong Tower and hide in the Cleft of the Rock, we will fear nothing, and be unharmed.

God has brought us thus far by His grace, and He will see us through. He will not desert us now. As I write this I feel very moved, so full of words to say, but I can't express myself. I sense something coming and I want to help you, advise you, but I know that many will be lost. That saddens me in my spirit. I feel sure that I'm just experiencing a tiny part of what the Holy Spirit is experiencing, and sharing His love for the Body, and His concerns.

That love of God within us will motivate us to reach out to others, and it will give us hope. But if we start to turn to our OWN NATURAL EMOTIONS, we will begin to sink, as Peter did under the waves. It will be too much for our natural minds to comprehend.

    But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night [just before dawn] Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. (Matt 14:24-33)

Those who have been learning to take God's hand and trust him, despite the waves and the darkness, will "walk over the water" but those who trust in their own abilities will be overpowered, and will begin to sink.


Having written the above, late one night, I was surprised by what I'd said. I paused to pray. I asked the Lord to root what I was writing in the scriptures. Immediately I was led to Isaiah 32:11, which I found surprisingly encouraging:

    "Tremble, you women who are at ease; be troubled, you complacent ones; strip yourselves, make yourselves bare, and gird sackcloth on your waists." (Isa 32:11)

The setting of this verse is of the removal of fertility and joy, and a barren time of hardship coming. This may be true in more ways than one, but my focus is on the spiritual wasteland in which we will need to trust God for all our provision.

Those of "the betrothed of Jesus" in the churches who are "at ease" - careless, casual, complacent and taking no heed to themselves, or to the growing situation of deception in the Church, will find themselves hard pressed to respond in the right way.

We Mourn and Sigh

To put on sackcloth was to declare a time of sober, penitential, reverential fear of the Lord. It was a time of mourning for sin, and repentance. Sackcloth was made of goat's hair so it was harsh and black, nothing like the soft, fragrant, bright clothes of rejoicing. I fear for those who are partying and enjoying their revival while all the while judgement looms in the background.

Thankfully, though, there ARE still those who "mourn and sigh" at what is going on, and who want above all to obey God and to do His will. God still has His Body, faithful to the last.

Many times when I talk to friends, they speak about the latest abomination, then they sigh, and lament the state of the Church, and they long for heaven. They say "I'm sick of all this. What is happening to us? It's all such a mess. I want above all to see God, to have this all come to an end. I'm longing for heaven, to see His face - I hate this world, I can't stand it any more." And I agree. We are mourning the loss of the Church on earth, and putting on our sackcloth.

It is of interest that the curtains covering the Wilderness Tabernacle were also of black goats' hair (Exod 26:7) so that only by repentance and humility, and genuine mourning for sin, did man enter into the presence and service of God.

Can we get down on our knees instead of watching TV, and say "God, help me stand in this day! Show me what I have to do to withstand evil. Highlight any deficiencies in my defenses, and show me how to board up the gaps. Show me how to resist.

"Take away the carelessness and complacency, the love of self, the searching for easy ways out, the ambition to be something. Wake me up to see what is happening! Show me from your word! Take away anything that's blinding me to this.

"And Lord, turn my eyes away from myself and this world. YOU are the important One! It's YOU I need most desperately, nothing else but YOU. You are the only One who can get me through this." AMEN

In the next section I will be covering other aspects of the Overshadowing, and (I hope) will be able to show how the GOLD miracles fit in.

Continue to PART THREE

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(c) Tricia Tillin 2001

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© 1995-2013 Tricia Tillin of Banner Ministries. All rights reserved. Cross+Word Website: http://www.banner.org.uk/  This document is the property of its author and is not to be displayed on other websites, redistributed, sold, reprinted, or reproduced in printed in any other format without permission. Websites may link to this article, if they provide proper title and author information. One copy may be downloaded, stored and/or printed for personal research. All spelling and phraseology is UK English.