from Daily Overcoming Devotional (Ray Prinzing)

[anna274]

for March 5

THAT YE MAY KNOW

These things have I written unto you that believe on the NAME of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have age-abiding life, and that ye may believe on the NAME of the Son of God.  1 John 5:13

Although the Spirit graciously reveals the truth to us line upon line, precept upon precept, as yet we can but retain in our consciousness only brief and transitory glimpses - we see, we mount up into high realms of glory, and then just as suddenly the veil is again covering the whole, while we undergo more of the processing which shall prepare us for the complete fulfillment reality.  Thus, we are made to realize again and again the tremendous need for knowledge, that we might know, truly know our God.

Daniel 11:32 declares, "The people that do know their God shall be strong."  Herein shall lay our strength for today, in our knowledge of HIM, His purpose, His perfect control of all situations, so that we fear not the circumstance, but recognize that He is Lord over the circumstance.

To be sure, there are depths that we cannot plunge into all at once, but we are confident that the holy Spirit shall quicken that which is needed, for "When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.  John 16:13.    It is the sovereign work of His grace to bring us into that knowledge whereby we know that we have that life which shall abide all ages, and that we might believe into the NAME of the Son of God.  With the stability of the knowledge, which the Holy Spirit imparts, we have a basis for faith to continue in its progression, that we might believe into the NAME of the Son of God.  Not just believing "on" the NAME, or believing that there is a NAME, but believing INTO the NAME, until we are fully merged into oneness with that NAME, yes, until we become the manifestation of that NAME.

Furthermore, believing is an action that leads into a KNOWING, a state of being where we know that we know, and are steadfast, able to say, "I know in whom I have believed". 2 Tim 1:12 for "This is life age-abiding, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent." John 17:3.

[anna274]

for March 6


BANDWAGON OF IGNORANCE

Now some shouted one thing and some another, for the gathering was in a tumult and most of them did not know why they had come together.  Acts 19:32  AMP

The situation started moving, and everybody joined in, and so the bandwagon was rolling, but in ignorance.

Although, this is tragically true in the natural, people ignorantly joining in to give support to a cause they know nothing of, nor even take time to learn about, it is even sadder when people are caught in the same plight in spiritual matters.  ... not taking time to ask God if there be truth in it.

Jesus spoke to a woman one day, "Ye worship ye know not what:  we know what we worship: - the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth."  John 4:22-23.

There must be a worship, which is more than an outward form, ritual, or ceremony.  It will be in spirit because it is the outflow of the innermost being, and it will be in truth because it is something they KNOW, out of divine revelation, which the Spirit imparted to them.

Paul stood on Mar's hill and spoke to the men about Him, "I found an altar with this inscription, To the unknown God.  Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, Him declare I unto you."  Acts 17:23.

Paul knew in Whom he had believed, he knew Him and so could DECLARE HIM.  This knowledge brought deliverance that released those who were bound in superstition and fear.  There is no glory in riding the bandwagon of ignorance, but there is life and victory when we KNOW HIM who is "The way, the truth, and the life.  John 14:6

[anna274]

for March 7

THE EARTH IS THE LORD'S

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof, the world, and they that dwell therein.  Psalm 24:1

There is an understanding that is developing in the consciousness of the "called out ones", those who are going beyond the creeds and traditions of men, to know that ALL the earth is the Lord's.  Not just a twig or two, not just a mountain or two, but all of it, the very fullness thereof.

We are His whether we know it or not, we are His whether we like it or not, whether we desire to serve Him, or whether we are presently in rebellion to His will.  Not always, however, shall men be in opposition to our Creator, for after all present travail is ended, and man has run his course of self-will and rebellion, there shall be an inflow of the love of God into every heart which shall draw the creature to his Creator, to serve Him with a whole heart, and to worship before Him in complete obedience to His will.  So great a transforming power is the operation of His grace in man, that we shall come to Him in love, and serve Him because we want to serve Him, freely and joyfully.

"God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  God sent His Son into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."  John 3:16-17.  His is not a ministry of condemnation, but into salvation.  "We have seen and do testify that the Father hath sent the Son to be the Savior of the world."  1 John 4:14.

...

His kingdom shall come and His will shall be done, "WHO WILL HAVE ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, AND TO COME UNTO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH." 1 Tim 1:4

The earth truly is the Lord's.

[anna274]

for March 9


INWORKING OF JUDGMENT

When He (the Spirit of Truth) is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment - Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.  John 16:8, 11

The "spirit" behind the mystery of iniquity has been dealt with.  It was judged at Calvary, sentence was passed upon it, and its end was decreed.  Now the blessed Holy Spirit is working individually and sovereignly in His little flock.  One by one He draws us to Christ.  The world-at-large is not yet drawn into this deeper process, to be purged and purified.  But soon, praise God, there is to unfold a new ministration in the purpose of God, which will reach out in new ways to establish righteousness in the earth.

History has recorded in the past where God dealt with individuals, but it also records times when God dealt with a whole nation.  We have known the grace of God reaching into the individual life to turn one's steps about, with a deep process of purification, which would unite man with his God.  Taking them "one of a city, and two of a family," Jer 3:14, that He might bring them to Zion, into His fullness.  But, we rejoice also for the knowledge that He will draw whole families, communities, yes even whole nations, that He might prepare the way for His to be established in the earth.

But "the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God..." 1 Peter 4:17.  For although there is, and will be a universal working of the Spirit, right now it is directed at those whom God has apprehended to become HIS FIRSTFRUITS.  He would remove from us all traces of our allegiance to the "spirit of the world", that we might be fully motivated and controlled by the Holy Spirit.  Let it always be remembered, the purpose of judgment is not one of punishment and displays of wrath alone, it is CORRECTION UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS.  The motivation is His love  :HeartThrob: and the end result is for our good.  Viewed positively, "I have hope in Thy judgments", Psalm 119:43, for "When Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness", Isaiah 26:9 PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!

[anna274]

for March 10

SANCTIFIED BY TRUTH

"Sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy Word is truth. -- For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth."  John 17:17,19

Sanctify - literally, to separate, set apart.  Drawing us out of the world.  He would impart to us of His Word, revealing Himself to us -- His character, His nature, all the essence of Himself, that we might become one in Him.  There is an inworking of grace that we might be cleansed of self, and filled with Himself, to be of those who are sanctified because of the truth.

For our sakes, He was, also SET APART, and therefore "Both He that sanctified and they who are sanctified ARE ALL OF ONE:  for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren, "  Hebrews 2:11  No wonder He is not ashamed to call them His brethren, they are drawn out of the systems of this world, they have RECIVED AND BELIEVED HIS WORD, and are fully set apart thereby.

"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy of rejoicing of mine heart: - I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I SAT ALONE because of Thy hand..."  Jer 15:16-17

Yes, if we receive enough of the Word, and let it work in us, we will be sanctified, set apart.  People will shun you...and you will sit alone.  Truth has nothing in common with the vain traditions of the carnal mind.  But while it separates us from the world, we are also joined unto Christ, to partake of His rich, satisfying LIFE.  Therefore, "I have esteemed the words of HIS mouth more than necessary food," Job 23:12  This is more than just hearing sermons preached and lessons taught, it is the RECEIVING OF THAT WORD OF THE LORD personally, quickened to us by the Spirit.  Then "I did eat them..." I partook of them and they entered into my being, became a part of me, experientially real through the practical outworking of daily life.

O quicken Thou Thy Word to me
Until from sin and self I am free

[anna274]

for March 14

GOD'S LITTLE FLOCK

"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."  Luke 12:32

A "little flock" -- the Greek word here is "poimnion," a particular word that not only denotes a flock, but distinctly means a LITTLE flock.  The same word is used four other times, in just two passages, so we note them.

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock (little flock) over which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood.  For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock (little flock)."  Act 20:28-29.

Many have thought that since the flock was little, a few in numbers, it was also fragile and easily diminished, but not so, for it is a flock that is infused with HIS STRENGTH, and their very might, paradoxical as it might seem, lies in their weakness as far as this world system goes.  Persecuted and driven out, scattered and reproached, the flock only grows the stronger.  The constant shaking and sifting might keep it trimmed to a minority, but the stormy winds only cause them to take a deeper refuge in the Lord, and thus He becomes their might.

"Feed the flock (little flock) of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind, neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock (little flock)." 1 Peter 5:2-3. Properly fed and nourished, in due time the little flock will become mature sheep and capable of bearing lambs, reproducing after their own kind.  Thank God for those who joyfully labor to see the flock "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior."  2 Peter 3:18

[anna274]

for March 16

WITH HIS LIKENESS

"As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness:  I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness."  Psalm 17:15

"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."  Gen 1:26. God is producing after His own kind. "Of His own will begat He with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.  James 1:18 We know that "God is Spirit", and that He is the Father of spirits.  Surely, therefore, to be brought forth into the image of God means that we must be partakers of the realm and substance of "spirit",  not only to freely move in the realm of spirit, but to be of that pureness of spirit a He is pure.  Hence the cleansing away of the defilement of the spirit of the world.  And how blessed to know that as we have "borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly."  1 Cor 15:49

... 

It is blessed to know that we are being joined unto Him in one spirit, and wonderful to know that when He has completed this divine inworking, all the manifestation of our personality, will, emotions, intellect, shall be of His own divine nature.  And it is, also, a real cause for rejoicing to know that He shall "change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body." Phil 3:21. This will complete the triad, image, likeness, and glorious body, all "after His kind", to manifest His glory.

[anna274]

for April 2

http://godfire.net/rayprinzing/april_2_enquire_early_after_god.htm

[joyfilledforgivensinner]

for May 2

CHRIST, OUR INTERCESSOR

Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.  Heb 7:25

The Greek word is "entugchano" meaning:  to meet with, converse with, have dealings with.  Some of the corrupted theology of man teaches that Jesus Christ, as the compassionate Son, stands before the throne of God pleading with God to be kind to us, as if, without this pleading for us, God would be disposed to do us harm.  Such is a vast caricature of the truth.  God so loved the world that He gave His Son for us.  "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself."  It was the Father who sent Jesus to reveal that mercy and grace to us.

Therefore, we find that His intercession is to us-ward, to bring us to the Father, working in us, to meet with us, to reveal the Father's love to us, that we might turn and serve Him with all of our heart.  We are the ones that need to be interceded with--to be conversed with, to be told of this tremendous salvation, this life which is for us in Christ.  Because He ever liveth, His ministry shall not cease until He has drawn every one of us unto the Father, "saved to the uttermost."

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:  for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:  but the Spirit ... maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.  Rom 8:26-27  The Spirit knows what is the mind and will of God.  In our weakness we are too limited in understanding, therefore HE HELPS US to know that Mind, that we might pray in harmony with the will of God, and receive our heart's desire.  We don't need the Holy Spirit to tell God what is in our heart.  God already knows -- "...all things are naked and open into the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do." Heb 4:13  "He needed not that any should testify of man: for He knew what was in man." John 2:25.  But wonderful is His ministry to us-ward, helping us in our weaknesses, revealing to us the will of the Lord, that we might yield to Him, and be led into the fullness of His life.

[joyfilledforgivensinner]

for May 6

MIGHTY TO SAVE

"I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people." Psalm 89:19

While this is speaking of David, chosen out from among the people, to be that mighty one to rule over them, it surely pre-figures The Christ; and of Him it can be truly said, "I have laid help upon One that is mighty," and He is sent to bring us into the very fullness of the life of God. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."  Rom 5:6

"Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah?  This is glorious in His apparel, traveling in the greatness of His strength?  I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.  Wherefore art Thou red in Thine apparel, and Thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat.? I have trodden the winepress alone ..."  Isaiah 63:1-3.

Glorious in His apparel, He was "God manifest in the flesh."  Traveling in the greatness of His strength, "What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him." Matt 8:27   But, why is He red in His apparel?  This word 'red' comes from the Hebrew word 'adom' -- from the root 'adam,' and means rosy, to show blood in the face, ruddy.  What was the apparel He put on?  Was it not the form of a servant, to be found in fashion as a man, in the garments of Adam?  Furthermore, this Adam-body became stained with blood, for His blood was shed.  He poured out His life for us, and "now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made night by the blood of Christ.  For He is our peace."  Eph 2:3-14.

"Who is this King of glory?  The Lord strong and mighty."  Psalm 24:8.  He brought Israel "out of Egypt with a mighty hand."  Deut 6:21.  And let it be said with absolute assurance that in this day also, "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save."  Isaiah 59:1,  therefore He will be mighty to save even us, day by day to triumphantly overcome.  PRAISE GOD!


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for all 365 devotionals go to http://godfire.net/rayprinzing/may_6.htm

[joyfilledforgivensinner]

for May 7

LEARNING TO WAIT

"Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord."  Luke 12:35-36

"But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."  Rom 8:25

Although we have received a revelation, a vision of the glory of our salvation to come, there is much that we do not yet see -- its fulfillment tarries, it has not yet been brought to us, nor can we generate it in ourselves.  Therefore, since a man can receive nothing except it be given him from above, all we can do is look, wait, and expect to receive at His appointed time.  In the meantime patience will have her perfect work, that we might be fully prepared and ready for when the "reality breaks through."  There is a ...

"Waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God." Rom 8:19

"Waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of the body." Rom 8:23 

"Waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."  1 Cor 1:7

"We through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness through faith."Gal 5:5

"Waiting for the kingdom of God."  Luke 23:51

The list can go on and on, but for sure, if we are waiting for the manifestation of HIS KINGDOM, we cannot be constantly building our own little kingdoms for self.  If we are waiting for the consummation of His righteousness in us, we cannot be busy developing our own self-righteousness.  If we are waiting for the revelation and coming of our Lord, we need to remain open for the Spirit's illumination to lead us onward into that hour.  If we are waiting for the redemption of our body, we'll not become entangled in idle tales of longevity for this present body of corruption, but we shall look for that change, that we might be fashioned anew like unto His glorious body.  If we are waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God, we'll not try to manifest ourselves.  But walk softly before Him that He might perfect us.  In true waiting there is a girded up alertness to Him, that we might receive all that He has for us, now, and in the fullness to come.

[anna274]

for June 3

OUR SPHERE OF ACTION

"God has made us what we are, creating us in Christ Jesus for the good works which are prepared beforehand by God as our sphere of action."  Eph 2:10

Certainly the world is heavy laden with its wearisome activity, yet God has a perfect design for every life, and hath beforehand prepared our sphere of action.  Thus, we stand in need of divine instruction and a clearer understanding that we might perceive the ways of God -- forsaking the confusion of earthly struggles.  God is separating unto Himself a people, and He has ways of stripping them of a lot of useless activity, that in quietness they might learn of Him whose yoke is easy, and whose burden is light.

...

We long to break the barrier of impotence so that nothing is impossible, that is true, but the sons of God are not just manifest by what they do, but what they are, for it is not just a doing, but a BEING.  When our state of being is union with Him, His nature, His image, then the doing that follows is simply an outward expression of the indwelling life.

"Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven."  Matt 7:21.


... What is of God shall stand, reality is born, not of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of the will of God.

http://godfire.net/rayprinzing/june_3.htm

[anna274]

for June 17

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion. Esther 4:14


Such was the challenge which Mordecai gave to Esther during the time of crisis.  Esther would have to place her own life in danger, going in before the king to plead for her people.  But it must acknowledged that God had brought her to this point, placed her in this position where she could be of tremendous benefit to her own for just "such a time as this."  Esther faced up to the challenge, and God wrought victories, making a way where there had seemed to be no way out. 

In every age, for every time, purpose, and situation, God has always had His man or woman on the scene to be His instrument to bless, challenge, correct, or whatever the need required.  While there is a sense of destiny which rests upon God's apprehended ones today, with a view to that which we are becoming in Christ, to be revealed in due time, there must also be a sense of present responsibility to balance us, for the future is strongly anchored to that which we are TODAY, and how we face up to our walk in such a time as this.  "Being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will.  Eph 1:11

... see entire devotional for June 17 at http://godfire.net/rayprinzing/june_17.htm