I don't know how your week has been since you last heard from me, but mine has been challenging, to say the least. As much as I set my heart to press in to the secret place of His presence, there seemed to be an equal and opposite force preventing me from doing so. Not only did distractions abound but I seemed overcome with exhaustion and a seeming inability to get myself to do what my heart was telling me was not only necessary but urgent. I would sit before the Lord, but no words would come from my heart and praying was an effort. I seemed to have become spiritually deaf and blind. Having stressed the importance of using the days of Elul wisely, I knew these days of stupor were a sign something was seriously wrong.

And then I came across this little cameo in my garden - a bee rendered immobile by a spider, which then proceeded to suck all the life juices out of the trapped insect. And I understood that what I was gazing at was the SABOTAGE OF THE SECRET PLACE.

to sabotage: deliberately destroy, damage, or obstruct (something), especially for political or military advantage

Hmmm, that's interesting.... an act of sabotage is for military advantage! We're in a war and the forces of darkness are wanting to destroy, damage or obstruct our access to the secret place of His presence.

This bee had been focused on collecting nectar from the minute, fragrant lavender flowers; so focused and intent on its task that it failed to notice the white spider tucked almost out of sight on the same flower. As it reached forward to draw out the sweet lavender nectar, the spider pounced from behind, injecting its paralyzing venom into the bee's neck region. And here ended the flight of that bee. It remained in position, looking like it was collecting nectar, but in reality, it was trapped and powerless, its life draining away moment by moment.

The word for bee in Hebrew comes from the word 'dabar' meaning 'to speak'. This bee represents those who go forth to gather the sweet words from the lips of the Father, words accumulated and made into honey which brings light to the eyes.  Worker bees drink the nectar and store it in a pouch-like structure called the crop. This is for the purpose of feeding the young larvae back at the hive. So this bee is intent on gathering nourishment for the sake of others who are waiting to be fed. That pretty much describes how I feel. And the resistance to doing this successfully has caused me great concern as I know there are remnant saints who are needing the encouragement and life-giving nectar.

I thank God for arranging this tableau in my own garden, alerting me to the enemy has launched an assignment on the gatherers of the sweet words of His mouth; an assignment to lie in wait and attack from behind while those gathering are focused and their backs unguarded. This release of venom has the effect of paralyzing the earnest seeker, halting any movement or progress and laying the nectar gatherer wide open to being devoured.

I found it interesting that this spider was white. It made me think of the Pharisees whom Jesus called 'white-washed tombs'. They said and did all the right religious things, but their hearts were full of darkness and death and they hated the Jesus seekers. In fact, there was so much jealousy and venom in their hearts that they plotted to kill Jesus. The King James version says they used 'craft' to get their way:

Mar 14:1  After two days was the feast of the Passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might TAKE HIM BY CRAFT, and put him to death. 

Craft means 'deceit, guile, subtlety'. Just like that white spider.... The religious spirit always uses witchcraft in its attack on those trying to press in further to knowing Jesus ...and the primary way it is released is through the mouth – venom-filled words spoken behind the back; piercing dagger words containing poison tips which paralyze the victim.

Now I don't know who has been spewing venom behind my back and I usually make a habit of blessing those who are cursing me as regularly as I brush my teeth but this is obviously a targeted, more potent attack on the Jesus-seekers, which is why I am sharing it with you. In the run-up to the revealing of the Antichrist, the spiritual atmosphere will become more and more permeated by witchcraft, because he himself is a man who operates by craft, by guile and deceit:

Dan 8:23  And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. Dan 8:24  And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. Dan 8:25  AND THROUGH HIS POLICY ALSO HE SHALL CAUSE CRAFT TO PROSPER IN HIS HAND; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. 

Craft, occult power is on the rise as the demonic realm frenziedly prepares the way for their dark overlord. Be on the alert, saints. Judas was part of the crafty plot to put Jesus to death. One of the 12, yet containing a heart of darkness, he was ideally positioned to release the venom and silence the Lamb of God.

Psa 41:9  Even my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted (relied on and was confident), who ate of my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

Know that the church is a mixed multitude and not all have hearts that in right standing with God. Jealousy and spiritual ambition abound and all who surround you are not necessarily for you. It's sad to have to type that – but it is true. In these times, our enemies will be members of our own household, and that includes the household of God. Don't be like that bee that went skipping through the daisies so to speak, as if there were no enemies of its soul in the garden. Just as in the beginning, the enemy who operates by craft is lurking in the garden.

Guard your heart, guard your mouth and before you start gathering the nectar of our Beloved's words, guard your secret meeting place. Make it secure. Pray protection, break bread and apply the Blood of the Lamb. Seal off the area you are meeting Him in from every watching eye and demonic messenger. Decree nothing heaven has waiting for you shall be stolen from you.

And if you have been subject to resistance as I have in these last few days, cut off every spell, every hex, every sabotage assignment in the Name of Jesus. Bless and forgive those whose lives and tongues have been used as a launching pad and decree that nothing is going to stop you pressing in to access the sweetness of His presence. With Him is the fountain of life and in His light we see light. Let us feast at His table in these days!

Psa 36:8  They relish and feast on the abundance of Your house; and You cause them to drink of the stream of Your pleasures. Psa 36:9  For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light. Psa 36:10  O continue Your loving-kindness to those who know You, Your righteousness (salvation) to the upright in heart. Psa 36:11  Let not the foot of pride overtake me, and LET NOT THE HAND OF THE WICKED DRIVE ME AWAY. Psa 36:12  There the workers of iniquity fall and lie prostrate; they are thrust down and shall not be able to rise.