February 25

JOY AND LIFE CONSCIOUS
by Ray Prinzing

"Looking unto Jesus the Author and the Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."                                                                               (Hebrews 12:2).

This word "despising" from a Greek word that means "to think down," which is just the opposite to mushrooming it out of proportion.  He did not dwell on the shame of the cross and how awful the dying process, but He had respect unto the joy which was set before Him.  He was joy-conscious!

We read, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.  I do not frustrate the grace of God,"  (Galatians 2:20-21).

There has been much needed teaching on the death to self process, for without it there can be no resurrection into His more abundant life.  But there comes a time when we need to become more LIFE-CONSCIOUS.  Phillips gives,  "My present life is not that of the old 'I,' but the LIVING CHRIST WITHIN ME." In whatever measures of this new life we have our portion, let us rejoice.  As we daily commit our way unto the Lord, He is going to bring about a certain amount of death process during that day, but at the same time He is also going to LIVE HIS LIFE THROUGH US as it is needed.  You will not have to worry about "dying" during the day, He will see to it that this is accomplished.  But it will certainly bring a new manifestation of victory if we become more LIFE-CONSCIOUS, and begin to see the Hand of God working in us to bring forth the expressions of His life.

Betimes, when going through a trial and inner death to self, one would ask, "how are things going?" and I would answer, "just fine." Then wonder if I was being hypocritical. The He said to me, "When thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto Thy Father which is in heaven." And the principle was clear - rejoice in His joy and life, regardless of the temporary conditions.  Confess His victory!