"Quicken us, and we will call upon Thy name." (Psalm 80:18).

         The handiwork of God often causes us to stand in awe as He leads onward step by step. It was a difficult time-- physically I felt terrible, and the day was at hand to make a major trip. What should I do? The plans were all made, to cancel out would be costly. Besides, we felt it really was the leading of the Lord when the trip was first proposed. Were it of "self" we would have considered maybe trying to do something to alter the course, but God was firmly holding us to the way and so we prayed on.
         Then one evening the Spirit quickened a word within, "Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the Lord: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God." (Isaiah 66:9). The seed of life is from God. He is the Author of our faith. Would He disannul the initial quickening of the Spirit? Does He begin a work and then later abandon it? In our heart we know the answer, but the carnal mind can certainly give us a tussle-- challenging us whether we would believe, or no. Thus there were moments of deep distress and moments when it seemed that all would be okay. Certainly the Word of the Lord was/is true, and HE who hath begun in us a work which is good shall also bring it to a successful conclusion. And so, when the Lord spoke the Word within, peace began to reign, and a confidence began to bring stability-- our future was/is secure in Christ. Praise God!
         A unique happening in regards to the aforementioned trip. It is interesting that the name of the Travel Agency through which our son Dan made the arrangements is called "GO AHEAD." So every day as we went along we were challenged with these words, "go ahead." Facing each day with a positive attitude. Amazing how God can use these natural/earthy things to speak a word within. With our eyes on Him we can daily walk on in victory.
         From Texas came the letter-- "I was having my valley experience (my dark night of the soul). Little did I know when I prayed to Him that I wanted to know Him more deeply and trust Him completely-- no more double-mindedness, and to see Him in all things, that He would take me seriously, and lead into a place where just He and I would have beautiful communion. As you say, it was a time of depression, anxiousness and sleeplessness-- but as I focused on Him, and let go of me (dying to myself) at that moment I could feel Him, and taste of His life that I had never experienced before. That saying that 'no gain without pain' is so true. -- I grew closer to Him this last valley experience, because He showed me I needed to die daily to have life in Him. I must decrease and He must increase. So I focus on the Glory side, with joy that is set before me. -- Need I say more? Just follow Him moment by moment."
         From Georgia comes the confirming word: "There are a lot of people in the body of Christ going through some tremendous things. I cannot help but feel that through all of this we shall see some partakers of the divine nature. It is easy to lose sight of the ultimate purpose when adversity rolls around. I think it was Oswald Chambers that wrote, 'Jesus was always at home with the Father wherever He was.' That is what I pray to learn and have worked into my being. It is in such a state that we are able to be refreshed by Him in the midst of our times of adversity. - I thank God for a very personal Lord who has plunged right into time and become my uplifting inspiration to set my heart on Him in the nitty-gritty of life."
                                                   He spoke a word into my heart, it was a word for lime, "
                                                   A personal quickening from my Lord-- unfolding mystery,
         There are times when God speaks a refreshing word that is quickened to many and there are other times when it is a very personal word, and we are not to try and fit it into everybody's experience. There are principals that are applicable to the whole body of Christ, to be wrought in us all as He in works His purpose. But there are other times when it is His specific direction for you and not to become a doctrine to build a kingdom on. We read that "Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19). She did not blab it all to others, for there were things for her to hold, things that God was doing IN her, things for her becoming, not for her doing. Let others do their works, "What is that to thee? follow thou Me." (John 21:22) .May we have ears to hear what He would speak to us.
         The word is down-sizing. It is not a Biblical word, but the truth of it is certainly found in the Scriptures, as when John the Baptist declared "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30). The Greek word here is "elattoo," meaning: to lessen in rank or influence, thus to decrease in authority and popularity. John realized that he was not in a popularity contest with Jesus, and having fulfilled his mission, he was to "silently steal away," as the saying goes. He clearly stated, "He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear." (Matt. 3:11). John the Baptist surely knew what it was to decrease, and he left us an awesome example of this in working of God.
         The writer to the Hebrews uses the same word, only it is translated as "made a little lower." Both in reference to man, "made a little lower than the angels," and also of Jesus "who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death," (Hebrews 2:7, 9). The writer goes on, that having fulfilled the humiliation, the decrease, He was then "crowned with glory and honor." God did "set Him at His own right hand in the heavenlies, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named..." (Ephesians 1:20-21). But it was not a self-exaltation, it was God raising Him up, after bringing Him down so low. How low did He bring Him? Philip shared truth with the Eunuch from the book of Isaiah, "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb before his shearer, so opened He not His mouth: in His humiliation His judgment was taken away: and who shall declare His generation? for His life is taken from the earth." (Acts 8:32-33). Made lower! Indeed, He "made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Phil. 2:7-8)
         In regards to a "decreasing," Paul said, "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ." (Phil. 3:7-8). Yes, in due time there would be a rising up, one in Christ, but again, that would be at the Father's timing, after Paul was fully "down-sized" and brought to nothing, that Christ might be everything. Decrease and increase, Paul certainly knew both inworkings.
         The tape recordings, the books, the papers-- they all have been dispersed abroad, scattered as seed sown, or to serve as messengers of confirmation, to stimulate and encourage, etc. but now the shelves are basically empty. Internally it is much the same-- He has stripped and purged and reduced us to almost nothing, leaving nought wherein we can boast. "I must decrease." It is not a false humiliation. God knows the extent of our dedication to Him, or to man's creed and doctrine, and He places no value on any self-effort. Jesus said, "I can of mine own self do nothing." (John 5:30). Only as the Father revealed His will to Him, and imparted the ability to do that will, could Jesus minister such life and victory to the people. Now we are  being down-sized to nothing. Stripped we stand before Him, empty vessels made of clay, with so little yet to say. He has emptied us of sermon and teaching. God alone now knows our way. Seems so little can we do-- it has to be Divine handiwork as He works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. How we need to really see! Oh God, open our eyes to behold the wonders of your grace. What quickenings are reserved for coming days.
         When we are filled with Him, old things will have passed away, and He will make all things new. Decreasing will give way to INCREASING! He is the Increaser! "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for ever more." (Psalm 16:11). He taketh away-- that in turn He might give-- give life more abundantly!
         David had befriended Nabal and received a very negative response, and was about to seek for some type of revenge, but Abigail (Nabal's wife) heard about what was taking place, and went out to see what she could do about it. She asked for forgiveness for the way Nabal had treated David and his men, and said to David, "The Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the Lord, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days. Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God; and the souls of thine enemies shall He sling out." (1 Sam. 25:28-29). He draws to Himself as He wills, and disposes as He wills.
         Abigail spoke very positively and prophetically to David, recognizing the uprightness of David, and the quality of his walk with God. She told him that God would make him a "sure house." God certainly fulfilled this in due time, and David ultimately ascended to the throne over Israel, and the house of David was established. But there was another beautiful statement made, which went far beyond the blessing of a "sure house," and that was that "the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord." Herein was a promise that would bring David precious encouragement. What security! What a place of comfort and peace. No matter how dark the night when we are bound in His bundle of life, firmly united with Him.
         David might be pursued by his enemies, but with confidence he was able to say, "Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear..." (Psalm 27:3). "For the king trusteth in the Lord, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved." (Psalm 21:7). And we could add the word of the prophet Isaiah, "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 54:17). But Abigail said it best-- though there were those who were out to do David harm, to seek his soul, yet they could do him no evil because "the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord." As long as David remained in this "bundle of life" there was nought that could destroy him. He was secure in a realm of life which went from victory to victory. Praise God.
         Bound in the bundle of life with the Lord. To be pressed into oneness with our God, united in a relationship of life, how our heart responds with joy and hope, .longing for a deep intimacy with our Lord. As goes the hymn:

                                                       "Deeper in Thy love, O Jesus, Doth my spirit cry to go,
                                                       Until all my life is hidden deep within the cleansing flow.
                                                                    Deeper in that holy life, Till I'm lost with Christ in God;
                                                                    Hidden with my blessed Lord, While I walk this earthly sod."

         It is a very beautiful figure of speech. The word is used elsewhere of the binding of harvest bundles. Jesus spoke of the time of harvest when they would "Gather together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn." (Matt. 13:30). Thus we have both the negative and the positive. The wicked were to be "bound in bundles" of death, while the righteous would be "bound in the bundles" of life-- and so shall they ever be with the Lord-- as wheat to be placed in His garner. With His life so freely given, our victory is secure! To God be all glory and praise! Precious is this truth, may it be quickened deep within us!
         Over the past few months we have received several letters of encouragement, and reassurance that God is leading on, and we would be faithful to follow Him. A friend from Louisiana writes-- "If the Lord chooses to end this chapter in your life, then I rejoice with you as you embark on a new era with Him; doing His will-- resting and worshiping, and continuing in His strength."
         These same thoughts are reaffirmed in a letter from Minnesota. "Praise God for His undergirding, and day by day health and strength. We don't know how long we are to live but all we need is strength for each day which the Father supplies. - When the Lord calls a halt, that's the thing to do. His will is what we all want and need fulfilled. I have experienced some processings, but much work is yet to be accomplished. I am trusting the Lord to complete His work, and may I hear His voice and do my part whatever it may be." (Amen!)
         A further confirmation from Indiana-- "I want to say I was not surprised to read that you are contemplating laying writing aside. When I have opened the paper the last few times, I sensed that you might be mentioning that you may do that. Not that I read any word about it, but just a feeling..." How precious when He places a knowing of His will in your heart, and then confirms it through the members of His body!
         The phone rang, a friend from out of state desiring a confirming word. As we shared together things God was working in us, He quickened the brief word "move on," and we said "Amen!" However He leads, whatever He purposes to bring forth, we would be swift to obey. And there welled up from within the words of a chorus we had often sung forty years ago, and so fitting for this occasion-- we share it with you:

                                                        "The move is on, I know the move is on,
                                                        The move is on, I know the move is on.
                                                        I hear the rustling in the mulberry trees,
                                                        And I know, I know, I know the move is on.
                                                                 Move on brother, move on sister, this is the moving day,
                                                                 Move a little closer, where the streams are flowing,
                                                                 Move on brother, move on."

         It is indeed a good word. David had enquired of the Lord if he should rise up and go after his enemies, but God had a different plan for them and they were to position the men according to God's direction. "Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself, for then shall the Lord go out before thee, to smite the hosts of the Philistines." (2 Sam. 5:23-24) .
         In early afternoon, while reading the Biblical record of this happening, we had another out of state phone call, commenting on what they had just read in their Daily Devotional for the day-- and how God was using it in their heart. What was the word? This same scripture. We may be scattered afar, but He knows exactly where we are as His confirmations reach out to us. Some tremendous dealings of God in this valley, called the valley of Rephaim (valley of the giants), and also the valley of Baca (of weeping), because it was the location of the bacaim (mulberry, or weeping trees). God said there would be "the sound of a going" in the tops of the mulberry trees, then they could move out because the Lord would go before him. So he had to wait-- in this specific location, the place of weeping. Weeping works a cleansing, a release of emotions and tension, until one is tender and pliable, softly attuned to the voice of the Spirit. Then he would hear the "sound of a going." The Hebrew word here is actually "a stepping," for God would be walking, stepping, going, in the top of the mulberry trees, ready to lead them to victory. How we need to wait and listen for His stepping, then our own future success is assured. Watch, wait, and at His direction "move on." No rash action, but in quietness and confidence, in tenderness and singleness of heart, to wait before Him until He gives the word. Any premature action on our part would only end in disaster. "The Lord worketh for them that waiteth for Him." (Isa. 64:4). Of all the deep inworkings of God, perhaps this is one of the hardest-- to learn to wait for GOD'S TIME, and His voice of direction. When we hear the sound of HIS GOING then it is time for us to "get in step with God," and MOVE ON. Time for us to let go of the past, there is a new working of God to be received. Yet how hard betimes to relinquish all of our yesteryears, so that we might be prepared for the new manifestations of His Spirit.
         "0 God, Who is like unto Thee! Thou, which has shewed me great and sore troubles, shall quicken me again, and shall bring me up again from the depths of the earth." (Psalm 71:19-20). Herein is the handiwork of God. He shews us the great and sore troubles which are used to process us, to down-size us, and He also shews forth His loving-kindness, as He quickens us according to His word. The impartation of His life as He brings us up from the depths of the earth. David expressed it very well-- "Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken me, 0 Lord, for Thy name's sake: for Thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble." (Psalm 143:10-11). As for the great and sore troubles, Jesus said, "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matthew 6:34). He measures out a sufficient quota for each day and balances it out with His mercy and grace. Whether it be but the light wisp of a cloud of trouble, or it be "All Thy waves and Thy billows are gone over me," (Psalm 42:7), still it is all in His sovereign control, and we can say, "Yet the Lord will command His loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. " (Psalm 42: 7-8).
         Every moment of inspiration, every impartation of His life, quickening and strengthening us, serves to reaffirm our desire for more of Him. "Behold, I have longed after Thy precepts: quicken me in Thy righteousness." (Psalm 119:40). Our life is not in the things of this world, but "IN THY RIGHTEOUSNESS." "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, Who of God is made unto us... righteousness..."  (1 Cor. 1.:30). The quickenings we experience are because of His righteousness. That is why they are so real, so enriching. They are not the result of our efforts, our rituals, our religious dogma, but OF HIM. Blessed be His wonderful name.
         Everything is in His Almighty hand, therefore we will take courage and have faith for the unknown, i.e. that which is known only to Him. While it is true that we walk by faith arid not by sight, yet it is HIS FAITH which He imparts that enables us to cast aside the doubts and fears which trouble us betimes, and we face each tomorrow with hope and courage, divine assurance " that He who has begun within us a good work shall also bring it to a successful conclusion, to His praise and glory.
         Amid all the pressures of our times, the upheaval among the nations, men's hearts failing them for fear as they watch things coming upon the earth, we would turn our gaze away from the things of this world, to behold Him more and more-- to set our affection on things above. The challenge is not just to shine bright before men, but that we might shew forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, to glorify Him and find in Him that which satisfies the inner man.
         Now, we borrow the words of Paul to the Ephesians, and have written from our heart-- "That ye might know our affairs, and that He might comfort your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen." (Ephesians 6:22-24). Praise the Lord!
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         More and more the Spirit has taken little things to confirm the next step in our life, and so, in what we feel is our obedience to Him, we shall discontinue our literature ministry. Over 44 years of writing, plus the numerous trips throughout the United States to share in conferences and special gatherings, etc. now # 325 will be our last paper that we will be sharing in this manner. Also, we are about finished with the books and when the last ones are mailed out, no more will be reprinted. The main book yet available is "WHISPERS OF EXPRESSING HIS LIFE." If you have not received a copy, just send a postcard and we'll be happy to forward one to you. And we still have a dozen or so of "Whispers of the New Covenant."
         We try not to focus on the health issue, but there have been a lot of days when I am not sick, I just don't feel good. The heart valve and the pace maker seem to be fine, and are checked out every three months. Although I take sinemet five times a day for the Parkinson's, (it does seem to help, holding things in check) I see some things showing up more-- a slight head bobbing, lots of fatigue, some tremors, nerves on a raw edge, plus the mood swings, etc. Most of the time when I am aware of what is happening, I can make effort to control it some, but there is no need to kid myself, we need to lean more and more on the Lord to get us through some days, and how grateful we are that He is ever present to uphold. Other days/hours are fine, and we feel quite normal, and for that we praise Him. Right now we are more aware of what we will not be doing, than what the future holds for us. But we know, as the Psalmist said, "But I trusted in Thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in Thy hand." (Psalm 31:14-15) .
         We do treasure the fellowship of God's people, and so for those who desire to continue with personal correspondence, we will continue to respond with a personal sharing in return. It is like staying in touch with our family, and we thank the Lord for the oneness we have in Christ. "He knoweth the way that we take, and when He hath tried us we shall come forth as gold." This is our confidence in Him! We would encourage you to follow on to know the Lord more and more-- our walk is BEFORE HIM-- to God be the glory!
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(1)Prinzing, Ray and Doris "Letters of Truth"  Boise, Idaho 83705, P.O. Box 5822

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