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The Grace And Truth Fellowship

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Endow Me

"Endow Me"
GTF Elder C. Edward Smith
June 7th, 2009


Acts 2's account of "What happened?" on the first advent of Pentecost was v.4: "And they were ALL FILLED with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."


In the sanctuary, we were reminded that, on the day that Peter preached the gospel of salvation and the "remission of sins" to "whosoever believeth in (Jesus)," at the home of Cornelius, a Gentile centurion; "the Holy Ghost fell on all them which had heard the word." [Acts 10]


Back at Jerusalem, Peter reported to the Jewish brethren [Acts 11] that "as (he) began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on (the Gentiles), as on us (Jews) at the beginning." [Acts 11:15]


Which further proves that "God is no respecter of persons" [Acts 10:34]....


It was then that a rhema word of wisdom was uttered; when we were told: "Unless this (salvation) happens, 'that' (Holy Ghost baptism) won't (happen)"


And we were told that "Because we're not receiving what (the Lord) (is) doing" by His Spirit. And I heard the Lord say:


"Receive ye the Holy Ghost" [John 20:22]


Then Sings My Soul:
To lay hands
And to discern
To understand
God's Holy Word.
To speak with tongues
Give interpretations
To prophesy
With edification
Jesus, move in the midst of thy people
Move in me Lord, like Shekinah Glory from on high.
Endow me,
Lord.
Endow me,
Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord
With the power
Of the Holy Ghost!
[The Clark Sisters]

Thursday, June 4, 2009

I'm Not My Own

I'm Not My Own
GTF Elder C. Edward Smith
Thursday, June 4th, 2009


We, at Grace and Truth Fellowship, were recently reminded that Abba's 'agenda' concerning us is the “working of ALL THINGS” after the counsel of His own will. [Eph 1:11]

Reminds me of a song: I'M NOT MY OWN, I BELONG TO JESUS. HE PURCHASED ME, I'M HIS. BOUGHT WITH A PRICE, THE BLOOD OF JESUS. I'M NOT MY OWN, I'M HIS. Amen?

The Apostle Paul sent up this prayer, from his bowels of compassion for the body of Christ: “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with ALL MIGHT, 'according to' His glorious power” [Col 1:10-11(a)]
...which echoes the assurance spoken by our Lord Jesus, when He said: “(You) have not chosen me, but I HAVE CHOSEN YOU, that (you) should bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever (you) ask of the Father in my name, He may give it (to) (do it for) you.” [Jn 15:16]

You see, concerning fruitfulness, “(the) Father is The Husbandman (gardener)” who tends The Vine...nurturing, and pruning the branches, “that (they) may bring forth more fruit.” [Jn 15:1-2]

So, it is true indeed, “our understanding of His (way) is polluted.” IF WE IN OUR OWN STRENGTH CONFIDE, OUR STRIVING WOULD BE USELESS! [Hymn/A Mighty Fortress]
Jesus said: “Without me (you) can do nothing.” [Jn 15:5] Nevertheless, I heard the Spirit say: “cessation of works is not (necessarily) cessation of activity.” [Heb 4:10] Our God is yet working IN US “both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Phil 2:13]

We were told [in 2 Chr 20:1-22] that “when” the children of Israel discovered their enemies had them backed against a wall, they were totally delivered “WHEN they began to sing and praise the Lord.”

ThenSingsMySoul:
JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL! TAKE IT FROM MY HANDS. CAUSE I CAN'T DO THIS ON MY OWN. (I)(AM) LETTING GO; SO GIVE ME ONE MORE CHANCE...SAVE ME FROM THIS ROAD I'M ON. JESUS, TAKE THE WHEEL! [Carrie Underwood]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky4rfA_tebY