What Did He Say?

“Thou art My Son: this day have I begotton Thee. Ask of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance.”

[Ps 2:7b-8]

As a “joint heir,” “seated in heavenly places in Christ;” yet left in the earth to finish the work of the harvest, what did you hear Him say to you?

[Rom 8:17; Eph 2:6; Jn 17:15, 20]

“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”

[Rom 11:29]

“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee ...”

[2 Tim 1:6]

“What shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

[Rom 8:31, 38-39]

Question is: What has the Lord spoken to us, that we will not be separated, or moved, from what He has spoken?

ThenSingsMySoul;

SPEAK TO MY HEART, HOLY SPIRIT

GIVE ME THE WORDS THAT WILL BRING NEW LIFE

WORDS ON THE WINGS OF THE MORNING

THE DARK NIGHT WILL FADE AWAY

IF YOU SPEAK TO MY HEART.

Jenelsie's Corner (#212)

My Grace and Truth Family,

Indeed the “word of the Lord” to us, as a part of the Body of Christ, comes to past.  Last Sunday as HE spoke to us about the “worship of faith”, the Holy Ghost clearly described what faith involves when it is sent to us.  HE emphatically stated that every word (logos) is spoken deliberately to us.  Our LORD intends for HIS spoken “word” to stay on our minds and not to be forgotten.  In our hearing, HE deposits faith inside us.  The “word of the Lord” is to be joined with us—one with us.  Then we participate with the “working” of the “word” by acknowledging “what” HE has said in our worship unto our GOD.  Yet the Holy Ghost cautioned us that the “word” is not “faith” until the humility is manifested with this mind:  “not my will, LORD, but Yours.”

The LORD walked me through this entire “process” last week from one situation to another.  The “word of the Lord” was accomplished in me and brought forth as “faith” when these “words” were spoken out of my mouth to HIM in worship, “be it unto me, Lord, according to your word!”

Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!  Glory to our God with thanksgiving for the “working” of HIS WORD in me—and in us!

Love in Christ Jesus,

Sister Jenelsie

Pastor’s wife

No Doubt About It

The “soul” is the residence of the “mind,” “will,” and “emotions,”… and the “mind” (the “Stronghold Of Doubt”) is a battlefield, suitable for combat (a turf worth fighting for).

Thanks be to God, that the “weapons of our warfare are not carnal (fleshly), but mighty through (the Spirit of) God to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God” (through the revelation of Jesus Christ).

[2 Cor 10:4]

And, further thanks is due to the knowledge that “The battle is not (our's), but (the Lord's).” The Holy Ghost is our advocate/helper; through Christ, as the doorkeeper of our “mind.”

[2 Chron 20:15]

So, while the “law” (through the flesh) is our chief temptation;  the “faith” of the Son (through the Spirit) is our sole liberty.

[Rom 8:1-4]

As “heirs, and joint heirs with Christ;”our “soul” (ie. mind, will, and emotions) needs a govenor, and tutor (manager); until we have been perfected. And the Spirit is that manager.

[Rom 8:17; Gal 4:1-2] 

ThenSingsMySoul:

HAVE FAITH IN GOD,

HAVE FAITH IN GOD;

HAVE FAITH IN GOD,

HAVE FAITH, HAVE FAITH, IN GOD!

[Mk 11:22]

Jenelsie's Corner (#211)

Dear Grace and Truth,

Blessings to you from our Father and the Lord Jesus!  Another year has past, and we remember the faithfulness of our covenant-keeping God.  Everything that we experienced since our last celebration was in His plan.  According to His purpose, all things worked together for good.  Who has separated us from the love of Christ which we have and know today?  Did our tribulation throughout the year separate us?  Did our distress?  Persecution (whatever we thought this meant)?  Famine (our lack of)?  Nakedness (our shame)?  Peril (our dangers)?  The sword?  This is my testimony:  OUR GOD IS WITH US!  Death, sickness, principalities, powers, things from the past, things in the present—NONE of these things separated us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Hallelujah!

Love in Christ Jesus,

Sister Jenelsie

Pastor’s Wife

Jenelsie's Corner (#210)

Dear Grace and Truth Family,

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  This grace which has been given to us by Father God through the Lord Jesus is a marvelous thing!  God Almighty has come to us; we don’t have to strive to get to HIM.  HE is present with us moment by moment because HIS SPIRIT resides in us.  HE has brought us into a covenant relationship with HIM through the blood of Christ Jesus; we don’t have to make promises to HIM.  HIS banner over us is love; we don’t have to earn His love.  We don’t have to try to please our God; HE pleased Himself by HIS SON and then joined us to JESUS and revealed that HE created us this way for HIS pleasure.  This grace, the union with our Father, is all through our LORD JESUS!

Hallelujah!

Your sister,

Jenelsie

Pastor’s wife

"Faith," A Finished Work, In Process

The Holy Ghost has been labouring intently, in our midst, earnestly contending for the “faith” which has been deposited in us.

[Jude 1:3]

“Faith” is so central to our being joined to His covenant Life that He declared; through His servant David: “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth (us):” and David concluded “Thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever.” Amen?

[Ps 138:8] 

The Lord; who is “the author and finisher of (our) faith,” was so determined to deliver us from our self destructive darkness that He “swore, by an oath” (to Himself) to make Jesus the guarantor of “a better testament.”

[Heb 12:2; 6:13; 7:22] 

From the day of our creation (at the beginning), to the day of our redemption/salvation (at the end), “faith” is “working IN us” to separate/sanctify us from the bondage of the law ...for the “letter (of the law) killeth, but the Spirit (of Christ) gives life.”

[Phil 2:13; 2 Cor 3:6]

It is written: “He which hath begun a good work IN you will perform (process) it until the day of Jesus Christ:” So, let us prayerfully purpose to rest IN Him; as He works IN us (thru process, by “faith”) that which is pleasing in His sight.

[Phil 1:6]

ThenSingsMySoul:

 (WE) HAVE COME THIS FAR “BY FAITH,”

LEANING ON THE LORD;

TRUSTING IN HIS HOLY WORD,

HE'S NEVER FAILED (US) YET. 

Jenelsie's Corner (#209)

Dear Grace and Truth Family,

Our time of “celebration” seems to have come again quickly.  During this week-long acknowledgement of our Father’s faithfulness in providing for His ministry through this part of the Body of Christ, our song of worship is “We give ourselves away.”  HE has sent HIS WORD throughout the year to wash us, and teach us, and correct us, and establish us in the “doing of HIS WILL”—giving our ourselves away to be used to by HIM.  Our various experiences have been chosen to fulfill the very WORD which HE has sent, giving us “vision” for HIS “vision” concerning Grace and Truth Fellowship.

So let us gather to give thanksgiving to our Father for making us “one” with the SON in the “doing of HIS WILL”.  We celebrate our LORD!

Hallelujah!

Your sister in Christ,

Jenelsie

Pastor’s wife

The Ministry Of Faith

It is written: “As the rain ..and the snow from heaven cometh down, (and) watereth the earth ...that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void (without fruit), but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

[Isa 58:10-11]

Such is the “ministry of faith.” It is a perfect work, wrought by the Son (God's word). Consider: “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me (out of His mouth), and ...finish His work...” and: “I have glorified Thee on earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do.” [Jn 4:34; Jn 17:4]

Jesus also said, to the Father: “I have given unto them the words which Thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have (realized) surely that I came out from Thee, and ...that Thou didst send Me” [Jn 17:8]

Are you beginning to see the bigger picture of how salvation comes (or, is ministered) by the “hearing” of the sent “word” of faith?

[Rom 10:8-9; 17]

“For whosoever shall call upon (Jesus) the name of the Lord (in faith) shall be saved”

[Rom 10:13]

ThenSingsMySoul:

MY FAITH HAS FOUND A RESTING PLACE,

NOT IN DEVICE OR CREED;

I TRUST THE EVER LIVING ONE,

HIS WOUNDS FOR ME SHALL PLEAD.

I NEED NO OTHER ARGUMENT, I NEED NO OTHER PLEA;

IT IS ENOUGH THAT JESUS DIED, AND THAT HE DIED FOR ME.

Behold, God Is (Our) Salvation

When you take into account Merriam-Webster's definition, and the definition of the 'church at large;' salvation is: “the saving of a person from sin, or (sin's) consequences; something that saves.” Kind of like nullifying the “sting” of death, or revoking the judgment of “guilt;” and it's inescapable sentence to the “lake of fire.”

The Hebrew/Aramatic and Greek New Testament dictionary renderings strike a more precise, and harmonious, note; describing “salvation” as: “deliverance, A DELIVERER, ie. God or Christ;” thus shifting the paradigm of “salvation” from someTHING to someONE.

That someONE was foreshadowed in Joshua's name; which means “Yeshua/Jesus IS SALVATION;” then declared definitively through the prophet Isaiah; and concluded by divine decree: “Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins” [cf Heb 4:8; Isa 12:2; Matt 1:21]

Xtra! Xtra! Salvation is A PERSON (pronoun), and not an act/action (verb), or someTHING.

If I might paraphrase a contemporary saying: “Know Jesus, Know Salvation; No Jesus, No Salvation.”

We are being “kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed (displayed openly) in the last time;” for the witness. [1 Pet 1:5] Selah.

ThenSingsMySoul:

BEHOLD, GOD IS MY SALVATION,

I WILL TRUST, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID.

BEHOLD, GOD IS MY STRENGTH AND MY SONG,

AND HE HAS BECOME MY LORD!

Jenelsie's Corner (#208)

My Grace and Truth Family,

What a fellowship our Father God has given to us, the church—HE is with us!  Isn’t this a wonderful truth:  our Lord Jesus and the Father are one, and we (the church, the body of Christ) are one with the Lord; then we (the church) are one with the Father.  HE sealed the fellowship by sending HIS SPIRIT and filling the “body”, never to leave nor forsake us.  Great is His FAITHFULNESS!

Let’s give our praises and worship to our LORD and FATHER on this day that has been made for us.  Hallelujah!

Love in Christ Jesus,

Sister Jenelsie

Pastor’s wife

When God Speaks

When God Speaks

Jesus said it: “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.” And, Peter got it right; when he declared of the Lord: “”Thou (alone) hast the words of eternal life.” [Matt 4:4 ; Jn 6:68(alone, implied)]

Imagine that, our very life and destiny is in the Lord's mouth.

When Mary spent time at Jesus' feet, listening attentively to His every word, she was commended to her sister Martha as having “chosen that good part.” [Lk 10:41-41]

Jesus further said His “sheep ...know His voice. And a stranger will they not follow.” [Jn 10: 4-5

Would that God would quicken our ears to hear; such that our reply to Him would always be: “Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth” [1 Sam 3:9]

When God speaks, His new creation listens.

ThenSingsMySoul:

WE NEED A WORD FROM YOU,

WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU;

IF WE DON'T HEAR FROM YOU

WHAT SHALL WE DO?

WANTING YOU MORE EACH DAY,

SHOW US YOUR PERFECT WAY,
THERE IS NO OTHER WAY

THAT WE CAN LIVE.

[Andrae Crouch]

Jenelsie's Corner (#207)

My Grace and Truth Family,

Most recently, the “Word” spoken has worked in us by the Holy Ghost to bring this body of believers into oneness with the voice of the church, the Body of Christ.  Out of the mouth of the saints in the earth is a resounding praise and adoration to the risen LAMB.  The voice of the Body of Christ choruses with the creatures which are in heaven saying, “Blessing and honor, and glory and power, be unto Him that sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever… Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power:  for YOU have created all things, and for Your pleasure they are and were created.”  Yes, “we” say as “one”:  “Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever.”  Amen!

Be thankful for the Holy Ghost working in us!

Your sister,

Sister Jenelsie

Pastor’s wife

The "Double Portion"

Just before Elijah was to be taken up into heaven, by a whirlwind, he gave Elisha (his successor) a parting wish; asking, “What shall I do for thee, before I be taken away from thee?” And Elisha said: “I pray thee, let a 'double portion' of thy spirit be upon me.” [2 Ki 2:9]

Then Elijah made a prophetic statement, when he said: “If thou see me when I am taken away from thee, it shall be so unto thee.” [2 Ki 2:10] Doesn't this look and sound familiar? cf [Acts 2:2-9] “While (the disciples) beheld, (Christ) was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.”

Before He was caught up into heaven, Jesus “commanded” His disciples not to leave Jerusalem (but to “wait”) until they “received” the “promise” of the Father's “power.” [Acts 2:4]

In another instance, Jesus told His disciples that “the Spirit” of truth, who had been “with” them, would also ultimately be “in” them; and therein is the “new covenant” “double portion” of the Spirit; prefigured in the Old Testament, and fulfulled in the New Testament... which is God “with” us and “in” us; as the inner source of our “power,” to do His will. [Jn 14:17]

ThenSingsMySoul:

COME, HOLY SPIRIT, WE NEED YOU,

COME, HOLY SPIRIT, WE PRAY,

COME WITH YOUR STRENGTH AND YOUR POWER,

COME, IN YOUR OWN SPECIAL WAY!

Jenelsie's Corner (#206)

My Grace and Truth Family,

Whenever we become weary (tired and having run out of strength) in doing well (that which we understood was the “thing” to do) as to become faint (a state of loss in courage), our LORD gives STRENGTH.  HE does not despise our weariness or faint heartedness, and neither should we!  As a matter of fact, HE likens what we are experiencing to a farmer’s sowing and reaping and says this:  “…for in due season we shall reap…”  Our LORD renews (replaces something worn or no longer suitable) our strength with the supply of HIS SPIRIT; HE gives us HIS WORD OF PROMISE.  Then by HIS SPIRIT we continue in doing well with an expectation of reaping.  Hallelujah!

Now let us worship our LORD JESUS and offer thanksgiving to our FATHER GOD who keeps covenant with us.  OUR GOD IS WITH US!!!

Love in Christ Jesus,

Sister Jenelsie

Pastor’s wife

Where Is The "Power?"

The Holy Ghost was waxing fervently, in the midst of the congregation; on the Lord's day, speaking of the “power” that works IN US. [Eph 3:20, cf Col 1:29]

He said: In the dispensation, in which we live, we are “no more a “tent” but a “building;” made of “lively” stones” ...not made by hands; but quickened, energized, and animated by the Spirit of God, for the witness. [1 Pet 2:5]

“That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles ...that we might receive the promise of (the supernatural enduement of) THE SPIRIT, through faith.” [Gal 3:14]

ThenSingsMySoul:

IF HE CARRIED THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD UPON HIS SHOULDER,

I KNOW, MY BROTHER (MY SISTER), THAT HE WILL CARRY YOU.

Note. The word of the Lord unto Grace & Truth Fellowship is:

“You're going to carry Me IN YOU; even as I rest upon you.

[Jn 14:17]

“Even the Spirit of Truth ...dwelleth with you, and shall be IN YOU.”

Jesus prayed: “That they ALL may be ONE; as Thou, Father, art ONE IN ME, and I IN THEE, that they also may be ONE IN US”

[Jn 17:21]

IF HE CARRIED THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD UPON HIS SHOULDER,

I KNOW MY BROTHER (MY SISTER) THAT HE WILL CARRY YOU;

HE WILL CARRY YOU,

HE WILL CARRY YOU!

Then the Spirit said: “God is with us!”

Jenelsie's Corner (#205)

My Grace and Truth Family,

These Words were given to strengthen us to trust our SAVIOR:  “Many there be which say of my soul, ‘There is no help for him in God.’”  Take note that the words were spoken against the soul—the emotions, feelings, and thought patterns.  Now hear the response of the chosen of God, the elect of God:  “But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head”.  The response is unto the ONE who is even LORD of the soul.  Remember when our LORD was in the garden, and HE cried out with a loud voice unto HIS FATHER GOD:  “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful…”  In the days of His flesh, HE experienced the “pull” on the soul.  HIS cry was heard and HE received strength to trust in another—HIS FATHER, then committing His soul to HIM.  So our FATHER gave us comfort by giving us the same SPIRIT which delivered our LORD.  Our soul can take courage, for salvation and deliverance belong to our LORD.  We are filled with HIS SPIRIT, and we LIVE by HIM!  Hallelujah!

Love in Christ Jesus,

Sister Jenelsie

Pastor’s wife

The Days Of Elijah

Declaring “Thus saith (the word of) the Lord.”

In the midst of the “days of awe;” a 10-day period of sober (Hebrew) self examination, and repentance; between Rosh Hashannah-the Jewish New Year (08 Sep 10), also known as the Feast of Trumpets; and the Feast of Yom Kippur- the Day of Atonement (18 Sep 10), the local body of the “church” is coming together to call on the Lord to perfect the “remnant” which He has elected (by His grace) ...and perform His good pleasure.

[2 Cor 13:5; Ps 139:23-24; Rom 11:5; Eph 1:9-10]

From the 'trumpet' of 9/11, to the 'perfect storm' of hurricane Katrina, to the series of “earthquakes in divers places;” coupled with ongoing “wars, and rumors of war,” and so on,  the cosmos (that we call earth) is going thru the death throws of the impending wrathful judgment of God. Hence, we are admonished to “watch and pray.”

[Matt 24:7,6; 2 Pet 3:7; Jer 10:10; Lk21:36]

AND THESE ARE THE DAYS OF GREAT TRIAL, OF FAMINE AND DARKNESS AND SWORD; SO WE (the church, the body of Christ) ARE THE VOICE IN THE DESERT CRYING “PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD!” [Matt 3:3]

Meanwhile, the Lord has commanded us to “occupy” (be His witnesses) until He returns ...and to “pray without ceasing.” [1 Thess 5:17]

ThenSingsMySoul:

BEHOLD, HE COMES! RIDING ON A CLOUD,

SHINING LIKE THE SUN,

AT THE TRUMPET'S CALL;

SO, LIFT YOUR VOICE,

IT'S THE YEAR OF JUBILEE,

OUT OF ZION'S HILL SALVATION COMES!

Jenelsie's Corner (#204)

Dear Grace and Truth Family,

Think about this:  We are living in the hour that the Lord Jesus referred to when HE said “true worshippers shall worship the FATHER in spirit and in truth.”  We, the Body of Christ—the church, are the vessels who offer up “true worship”, which was the Father’s intention from the beginning.  HE now has given HIS SPIRIT to us through HIS SON to bring “true” worship unto Himself, WHO is a SPIRIT.  Think about that!  And HE is revealing and teaching the church “truth” to worship as we live as witnesses in the earth unto the FATHER, SON, and HOLY GHOST until we are caught away.  Hallelujah!  Think about this!

Your sister,

Jenelsie Howell

Pastor’s Wife

Do Not Be Bewitched

The word of the Lord to the congregation, at Grace & Truth, recently, was: '(many) have been tricked into trying to undertake the work that the Holy Ghost is ordained and equipped to DO IN/THRU (you)' ...saying further: “Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh?” Selah. [Gal 3:3]

And the answer is, Nay, rather “the blessing of Abraham is come on the Gentiles through Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” ...not works.  [Gal 3:14]

Jesus told His disciples: “Behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but wait ...until ye be endued/clothed about/filled with power from on high (for the witness).”       [Lk 24:49]

There are two necessary baptisms. First, the baptism of water (signifying repentance from sins committed); second, the baptism of the Holy Ghost (which is the total saturation of/by the Spirit; which fills us with the 'life' of Christ).

Here is the promise: “And ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem...Judea ...Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” [Acts 1:8]

ThenSingsMySoul:

COME, HOLY SPIRIT I NEED YOU,

COME, (HOLY) SPIRIT I PRAY;

COME IN YOUR STRENGTH AND YOUR POWER;

COME IN YOUR OWN GENTLE WAY.

Salted With Fire

“Salt is good...” and how well do we know it. Some (hypertensive) people can't live with it; while others can't live without it.    

                                                                             

 On a spiritual level, Jesus said: “If the salt (has) lost it's savour/taste/flavor/strength how shall it be salted (strengthened)?” Then Jesus followed this question with this declaration: “Have salt (strength) in yourselves ...” [Mk 9:50]

This is one of those “be holy, for I am holy” passages; that serves to remind us clearly that WITHOUT HIM WE CAN DO NOTHING. He is the causer; our strength, defender, and shield.

For our strength is “not by (our) might, nor by (our) power, but it is by (His) Spirit,” that “(His) strength is made perfect.”

[Lev 11:44; Jn 15:5b; Eze 36:27; Ps 28:7; Zech 4:6; 2 Cor 12:9]

Jesus assured us that: “Everyone shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt;” as the means whereby we shall be purified/perfected, in Christ; and our “dross” (sins) purged away.

[Mk 9:49; cf. Isa 1:25, Mal 3:3]

As the “tongues of fire,” and “the bride” respond:

LET ME KNOW THE KISSES OF YOUR LIPS, LET ME FEEL YOUR WARM EMBRACE. LET ME SMELL THE FRAGRANCE OF YOUR TOUCH, LET ME SEE YOUR LOVELY FACE; TAKE ME AWAY WITH YOU, EVEN SO, LORD, COME … [Acts 2:3; Rev 22:17]

ThenSingsMySoul:

WON'T HE MAKE YOU CLEAN INSIDE?

WON'T HE MAKE YOU CLEAN INSIDE?

http://tinyurl.com/29utapt 

[Bishop Hezekiah Walker]

Jenelsie's Corner (#203)

My Grace and Truth Family,

Greetings to you in the name of the FATHER, SON, and HOLY GHOST!  We can all rejoice and be exceedingly glad for the unspeakable gift from our Father—the Holy Ghost.  The plan and purpose of our God always included our salvation by Jesus and being filled (baptized) with His Spirit.

Let us hear and hear again what He has spoken to us in giving relevant understanding and truth about the Holy Ghost.  Yes, we can rejoice!

Hallelujah!!

Your sister,

Jenelsie Howell

Pastor’s wife

The Miracle At Cana

John's account of the miracle of the turning of water into wine; at the wedding in Cana, signifys the ways and means of God; to save us (“by the washing of the water of the word”), and “cleanse” us from all unrighteousness (by the blood of the Lamb), and fill us with His Spirit; that we might be able to walk in the “newness of (His) Life.”

[Jn 2:1-11; Eph 5:26; 1 Jn 1:9; Rom 6:3-6]

The Spirit of the Lord said: 'He saved us to fill us!'

To be filled requires “new wineskins.” Old things must pass away, and a “new creation” must be brought forth; before a “new Spirit (life)” can be imparted; not of works, but by the power of God's causing.                                                                    [Matt 9:17; 2 Cor 5:17; Eze 36:25-27]

We were reminded that the filling of the Spirit is not an 'accessory' (like an option, to have or not), but 'standard' necessary equiping; that comes with the “gift” of salvation.

Paul writes to the church, at Ephesus: “Ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise (after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation...(and) believed (in Christ)” So, the pattern is to “hear,” “believe,” and “be filled” (even sealed) with the Holy Ghost (the 'new wine'). [Eph 1:13]

ThenSingsMySoul:

WHEN I THINK ABOUT THE LORD,

HOW HE SAVED ME, HOW HE RAISED ME;

HOW HE FILLED ME WITH THE HOLY GHOST,

HOW HE HEALED ME TO THE UTTERMOST.

IT MAKES ME WANNA SHOUT! HALLELUJAH!

THANK YOU, JESUS, LORD YOU'RE WORTHY,

OF ALL THE GLORY, AND ALL THE HONOR,

AND ALL THE PRAISE! (repeat)    

O, What A Foretaste!

On the day of Pentecost, when Peter stood forth; before the amazed and mocking crowd, and declared: “This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I WILL POUR OUT OF MY SPIRIT UPON ALL FLESH...” the pattern foretold in Ezekiel's prophecy of the “dry bones” was fulfilled. [Acts 2:16-17]

This forecasted Pentecost outpouring, and filling, was precluded (in Eze 36) by a “new covenant” promise to “put a new Spirit within us ...and give us a heart of flesh.”

[Jer 31:31; Eze 36:26]

After His resurrection, Jesus (the “flesh & bone” Spirit man) told His disciples: “Behold, I (will) send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry (wait) ...until ye be endued/clothed/endowed/enveloped with power from on high.” [Lk 24:39,49]

When you consider that Jesus Himself did not go forth in ministry until He was baptized (filled) with the Holy Ghost; and approved/recognized/endorsed by Abba, Father (to be a witness)...how shall we then walk? [Matt 3:16-17;Lk 4:14-15]

“This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” [Gal 5:16]

ThenSingsMySoul:

(I'M AN) HEIR OF SALVATION,

PURCHASE OF GOD;

BORN OF HIS SPIRIT,

WASHED IN HIS BLOOD...

O, WHAT A FORETASTE  OF GLORY DIVINE!

Jenelsie's Corner (#200)

Dear Grace and Truth,

Blessings to each of you in the name of our Lord!  We are hidden in Christ Jesus—in this world but not of this world.  Our provision is promised, as our LORD is also the KING of all kings.  Riches, dominion, and power belong to HIM for HE is heir to the throne of God.  However, our FATHER made us joint-heir with the Lord so riches, dominion, and power are our inheritance too. (Hallelujah!)   It’s a reality that we don’t have to “sweat” the “small stuff.”

Our prayers can certainly advance from Gentile-minded to being filled with the HOLY GHOST, yet another promise fulfilled by our Father and given as a gift.  Now our “freed” minds can be riveted  on hearing and learning about this “Spirit-filled” life, for our eyes have not seen and ears have not heard, nor has it even entered into our hearts what things our Father has prepared for us in Christ Jesus.

How WONDERFUL and HOLY is our GOD!  Let us praise and worship HIM together.

Love in Christ Jesus,

Sister Jenelsie

Pastor’s wife

Jenelsie's Corner (#199)

My Grace and Truth Family,

Saints, our Father God remains faithful to perform His Word—though we may “think” differently for a season.  The Holy Ghost is at work to bring our minds into “oneness” with the Lord Jesus Christ about His greatness in and through us while we go through situations.  So don’t draw back or turn aside from the “hearing” of His WORD.  The WORD affects our pattern of thinking!  “Hear” what the Spirit of our God is saying.  In other words, while HE is speaking pay attention (submit our minds to)—give the more earnest heed.  It’s not time to go to the bathroom, engage in conversation with our neighbor, text on the phone, dig for candy, recall the events of yesterday, look up Scriptures in the Bible, or even pray while HE is talking; we miss what HE is saying when we are engaged in other things—not by law but unto edification.  Let him/her who has an ear, hear what our LORD is saying.  HE is teaching us how to receive HIS WORD which does transform our thinking.   As HIS people, His children, His church, we live by HIS WORD “living” in us.  Let us yield to this “work” of the Holy Ghost.

Now unto HIM to the praise of HIS Name!

Love in Christ Jesus,

Sister Jenelsie

Salvation, The Witness

It is written: “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” [Rom 10:13; Joel 2:32]

The Apostle Paul continues: “How shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” [Rom 10: 14-15a]

Scripture records that Jesus “shewed himself alive after His (crucifixion) by many infallible proofs, being seen of (His disciples) forty days, and '(through the Holy Ghost) had given (instruction) unto the apostles whom He had chosen;' pertaining to the kingdom of God.” [Acts 1:2-3]

We heard the Spirit say: “salvation” is the manifestation of God's choice; and the “witness” is the outworking of  (the Holy Ghost) who shall be IN us. [Jn 14:17]

Jesus said: “Ye shall receive power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me”    [Acts 1:8] 

  

ThenSingsMySoul:

GIVE THE WINDS A MIGHTY VOICE,

JESUS SAVES, JESUS SAVES!

LET (THE NATIONS) NOW REJOICE,

JESUS SAVES, JESUS SAVES!

TO THE UTMOST JESUS SAVES!

TO THE UTMOST JESUS SAVES!

HE WILL (LIFT) YOU UP, AND TURN YOU AROUND;

HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH,

HALLELUJAH, JESUS SAVES!

Jenelsie's Corner (#197)

My Grace and Truth Family,

Do you recall our Lord saying to us in a recent Sunday morning service that “He hears us”?  The Lord God Almighty, our Father, hears us when we speak to Him.  And “I”, the new creature, heard Him.

What a strength I received from those Words!  So there has been boldness in me by the Holy Ghost to broach subject matters long avoided whenever I talked to our Father.  I just did not have the confidence that I would be heard.  Our Lord has taught us that He manifests Himself by pattern; in hearing us, HE attends to our cry and petition.  HE proceeds to “do” according to the counsel of His own will while HE promises that all things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  HE fights battles, gives victory, and causes us to triumph.

The greater portion of the blessing from what HE spoke was in my hearing HIM. 

HE is so Wonderful!  Blessings by the Holy Ghost to you also!

Love in Christ Jesus,

Sister Jenelsie

Pastor’s wife

To Explore, Or Receive

...That is the question, when it comes to the correct “response” to the “wind” of the Spirit.

[Jn 3:8]

We are re-learning that: “as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons (daughters) of God”

[Rom 8:14]

Being “led by the Spirit” is to “yield your members” to, or receive, the Spirit's leading versus usurping the Spirit's authority, and trying to second guess His guidance.

[Rom 6:19]

When Jesus (“the word”) became a man (“was made flesh”), it is written of Him that He laid His “reputation,” of being “equal with God,” aside, “and became obedient unto ...the death of the cross.” That is, Jesus chose to receive (or submit to) being “led by the Spirit;” rather than explore His options to have things His way. Thus, obedient submission (to the Spirit) was Jesus' response to  the call to do the Father's will; saying: “a body hast Thou prepared me ...to do Thy will.”

[Jn 1:14; Phil 2:5-8; Heb 10:5,7]

ThenSingsMySoul:

THE (SPIRIT) IS WAITING TO ENTER YOUR HEART

WHY DON'T YOU LET HIM COME IN?

THERE'S NOTHING IN THIS WORLD TO KEEP YOU APART

WHAT IS YOUR ANSWER TO HIM?

TIME AFTER TIME HE HAS WAITED BEFORE

AND NOW HE IS WAITING AGAIN

TO SEE IF YOU'RE WILLING TO OPEN THE DOOR

OH, HOW HE WANTS TO COME IN.

Earthly Things vs. Heavenly Things

[Jn 3:11-13]

  

Jesus, “the word made flesh,” is a visible example of an invisible reality.

[Jn 1: 14, 1-5]

We are coming to understand that “through faith; (the substance of things hoped for & evidence of things unseen), the (visible) worlds were framed by the (invisible) 'word' of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Selah.       [Heb 11:1, 3] 

Pastor's note: 'God, (by/with the “word”), made man visible (“flesh”) that man might live by an invisible reality (“Spirit”).'

[Gen 1:26-28; Jn 3:5]

Jesus said: “the Spirit of truth (reality) shall testify of me, for he shall be IN you; and he will guide you (or reveal to you) all truth (invisible reality)” 

[Jn 15:26; 14:17; 16:13]

ThenSingsMySoul:

YES, GOD IS REAL!

HE'S REAL IN MY SOUL.

YES, GOD IS REAL;

FOR HE HAS WASHED

AND MADE ME WHOLE.

HIS LOVE FOR ME

IS LIKE PURE GOLD.

YES, GOD IS REAL;

FOR I CAN FEEL HIM IN MY SOUL.

If Ever...

If ever there was a people, called from before the foundation of the world; alien from the commonwealth of Israel; strangers from the covenant; destined to be grafted into the “vine” (which is Christ Jesus), and move Israel to jealousy; we, the “body” of Christ, are that “peculiar people.”

[Eph 2:12; Rom 11:17; Jn 15:5; Deu 32:21; 1 Pet 2:9]

If ever there was a place, meant to be a “refuge,” even a hightower from the vicissitudes and storms of life; Jesus is  that place. He covers us “beneath the shadow of His wings;” and “quickens” us with His life. Therefore our lives are “hid with Christ in God.”

[Ps 9:9; 57:1; Rom 8:11; Col 3:3]

If ever there was a “witness” to the truth of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus; we are His “witnesses unto the uttermost part of the earth.” For we were crucified and buried with Him, by baptism; and raised, from spiritual death, “that we might walk in the newness of His life.” 

[Acts 1:8; Rom 6:4]

  

ThenSingsMySoul:

MY JESUS I LOVE THEE, I KNOW THOU ART MINE;

FOR THEE ALL THE FOLLIES OF SIN I RESIGN;

MY GRACIOUS REDEEMER, MY SAVIOR ART THOU;

IF EVER I LOVED THEE, MY JESUS, TIS NOW.

The War

In the arena of life, it has been said: winner's never quit, and quitter's never win. So fight on, and “war a good warfare;” knowing that “the battle is not yours, but the Lord's.”

[1 Tim 1:18; 2 Chr 20:15]

You see, we do not volunteer or choose to join the Lord's army; we are “the elect ...whom He has chosen,” enlisted, conscripted, with a “calling” that is “without repentance;” to be the “witness of faith” to an unbelieving world.

[Jn 15:16; Mk 13:20; Rom 11:29]

So what if “some do not believe? Shall it make the faith of God of none effect? God forbid!” For He is able to use His “witness” to overcome every fiery dart that comes our way.

[Rom 3, 4a]

There is something about the Spirit of God within that compels/urges/provokes us to forge ahead and “fight the good fight of faith, and (be apprehended of) eternal life.”

[1 Tim 6:12; Phil 3:12]

In the words of a song: There's a WAR going on; and if you wanta win; you've got to have Jesus (by His Spirit) living within.

ThenSingsMySoul:

I'M A SOLDIER

IN THE ARMY OF THE LORD;

I'M A SOLDIER

IN THE ARMY

(repeat)