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