Jenelsie's Corner (#286)

My Grace and Truth Family,

The Lord has certainly given us adventurous experiences throughout 2012.  Many of them left us with laughter and great joy, others with tears and agony, and even some with waiting and anxiety.  Through them all, though, our Father strengthened and comforted, giving us victory step by step.  The Holy Ghost opened our eyes in the midst to “see” and “hear” HIM while we presented ourselves to Him in worship, thanksgiving and praise.  

Now whatever the circumstance we find ourselves in, HE (our God Who is on our behalf) has reveals His “will” for us “dummies”.  Enlightenment has come to us about His plan for us (man).  We can move forward in the certainty of being connected and in a “dynamic relationship” with HIM, saved and full of His Spirit.  As we look up to “count the stars”, the Holy Ghost brings back to our remembrance that our “living” unto Him is “not by power or might, but by the Spirit of the Lord.”  With HIM ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE”.

Be refreshed in HIS PRESENCE today!  Our God is awesome!

Love in Christ Jesus,
Sister Jenelsie

Christmas, For The Believer

Jesus, the Word made flesh; the invisible made visible; was born of a virgin “that we, who believe, might be able to live on an intimate, consistent, level with the invisible.”

[Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:26-31; Pastor; cf John 1:18]

Thus, this 'immaculate conception,' aka 'incarnation,' brought another (other worldly) reality into existence, called “all things” are possible, to him that believes.

[Mark 9:23; Pastor]

A 'new place,' even a 'new dimension' is available to whosoever believes in the “gift” of Christmas.

[Pastor; John 4:10; cf Ephesians 2:8]

All you need is “faith,” the size of a mustard seed; and God, who gives seed to the sower, will cause that seed to grow, being “renewed day by day.”

[Matthew 17:20; 2 Corinthians 9:10; 4:16]

Believing transports us from a world of some things/a few things/or not enough things, to 'another world' of  “all things” are yours. Say it with me, now ...”all things!”

Merry Christmas! “Only believe.”

[Pastor; 1 Corinthians 3:22; Mark 5:36] 

ThenSingsMySoul:

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE TO YOU,

MY LORD AND KING!

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE,

CREATOR OF ALL THINGS. 

Jenelsie's Corner (#285)

My Grace and Truth Family,

The Name of our Lord is a strong tower!  HE has really led and driven us to “run” to Him in and out of situations.  We run to HIM, our life.

HE has left us with speechless expressions of thanksgiving for the relationship and fellowship HE is drawing us into more and more.  With our various circumstances and experiences, we are pressed to yield to the Holy Ghost for utterance and joyful praise.  On every hand HE is narrowing our options, and we are leaning and resting in His “everlasting arms.”  HE is making us “quick” to respond to His beckoning call, even His “still small voice.”  “A mighty fortress is our God!”

Be encouraged today.  Hallelujah!

Love in Christ Jesus,
Sister Jenelsie
Pastor’s wife

A Necessary Word: Part 2

Jesus said, “It is the Spirit that quickens/makes alive, the flesh (or 'natural' food) profits nothing; the 'words' that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life ...without Me you can do nothing.” Selah.

[John 6:63; 15:5]

  

We heard the Spirit say, “Every 'natural' gift, talent, etc, that we bring to the Lord, is tainted by death;“ which is why it is NECESSARY that we “abide in The Vine,” that we might have 'supernatural' Life.

[Pastor; John 5:39-40]

                             

Wisdom speaks, “My son, attend to My 'words' ...for they are life to them that find them, and health to all their flesh.”

[Proverbs 4:20-22]

  

We were told, “No 'word' of God shall be void of power;” and, “we get the benefit of all of His strength, (without) His (strength being) diminished by our weaknesses.” What a mighty God we serve.

[Luke 1:37/AMP; Pastor]

  

ThenSingsMySoul:

     

“IF YOU ABIDE IN ME,

AND MY 'WORDS' ABIDE IN YOU;

ASK WHAT YOU WILL, 

IT SHALL BE DONE UNTO YOU.

HITHERTO HAVE YOU ASKED

NOTHING IN MY NAME;

ASK, AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE

THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL.”

[John 15:7; 16:24]

Manna

Jesus told His disciples, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn't give (your fathers) that bread from heaven: but My Father did. And now (Abba) offers you the 'true bread' ...which (also) comes down from heaven, (but) gives life unto the world.” 

[John 6:32-33]

Then they said unto Him, “Lord, give us that bread every day.”

[John 6:34]

 And Jesus said “...I AM the bread of life: he that comes to Me shall never hunger ...nor thirst again.”

[John 6:35]

All a “natural” diet does is sustain a dying body; while the way of the Lord is that we live (forever) by Him; the Living Bread.

[Pastor; cf 2 Corinthians 4:16]

The Lord said , to the church/His body:

“To him that overcometh I will give to EAT of the hidden manna ” Selah. [Rev 2:17]

“For man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”

[Matthew 4:4]

ThenSingsMySoul:

THIS IS MY DAILY BREAD

THIS IS MY DAILY BREAD

YOUR VERY WORD

SPOKEN TO ME

And I ...I'M DESPERATE FOR YOU

AND I ...I'M LOST WITHOUT YOU

Jenelsie's Corner (#284)

My Grace and Truth Family,

The “grace” of our Lord is “truly” towards us as HE has chosen to reveal Himself.  HE has given fresh enlightenment to His declaration of “I AM WHO I AM.”  Our Father’s relationship with us is a ‘mind-blower’, and HE is drawing us into relationship with Him with new height, depth, breath, and width.  HE is causing us to give Him ferocious praise and passionate worship.  HE has brought us to a place where we say, “We won’t go back, can’t go back to the way things used to be.”  There are wonderful dynamics going on in our midst and in us.  The Holy Ghost is “stirring.”  How awesome and comforting to know and walk in confidence that HE WHO has begun this good work in us will perform it until the day of our Lord’s coming again!

Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!

Love in Christ Jesus,
Sister Jenelsie
Pastor’s wife

Jenelsie's Corner (#283)

My Grace and Truth Family,

The holiday “season” is upon us again already.  For the “world” it is just a “season”, and it will soon be over.

Grace and Truth, we can be thankful that the “season” for worshipping the Lord Jesus is “forever”.  We bless the Lord at all times and by His Spirit praise flows continually from our mouths.  We have been separated and cleansed from the doctrine of the “spirit of Christmas”.  As a member of the Body of Christ, our acknowledgement of the baby Jesus culminates in bowing to HIM as LORD of lords and KING of kings.  HE is GOD with us!

As we assemble today, let us honor our Lord for His presence with us and in us.

Hallelujah!

Your sister,
Jenelsie Howell
Pastor’s wife

A Necessary Word

Here's a thought ...we are being “saved” that we might be able “to eat of the Tree of Life.” 

[Pastor; Rev 2:7; cf. Gen 2:9]

Jesus said, “I AM the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread he shall live for ever: the bread that I will give is My flesh.”

[John 6:51]

How can this be? How can we “eat” of that Bread of Life? By receiving “the engrafted/implanted Word.”

[James 1:21]

But, how is the Word (Christ) implanted/or engrafted?

The same way Mary received Him, (in her insides) “...The Holy Ghost...” [read Luke 1:35]

The night that Jesus was betrayed, He took bread ...and said, to His disciples, “Take EAT: this is My body which is broken for you: do this in remembrance of Me.” Selah.

[1 Corinthians 11:23-24]

Job testified, “I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” [Job 23:12]

ThenSingsMySoul:

BREAK THOU THE BREAD OF LIFE

DEAR LORD TO ME,

AS THOU DIDST BREAK THE LOAVES

BESIDE THE SEA.

Jenelsie's Corner (#282)

Dear GTF family,

Our Father God is awesome—isn’t he?  HE has enlightened us more about WHO HE IS.  We can speak to Him concerning His covenant to us, and HE can be affected. HE made us to affect HIM:  we can shout out to Him; we can cry out to Him; we can run to Him; we can praise Him; we can kiss Him.  HE can be moved!!  HE has made us partakers of His divine nature.  HE is wonderful!!

Hallelujah!  Be encouraged today.

Love in Christ Jesus,
Sister Jenelsie
Pastor’s wife

The Mount Of Olives

Afterthoughts to the Word, “The Days of Elijah;” concerning “the Mount.”

   

The Mount of Olives was used, by the Lord, as (1) a pulpit;  (2) a platform of prophecy; and will be used as (3) a point of return.

As a 'pulpit,' the Lord used the Mount to teach what is called “the Beatitudes;” aka The Blessed's. [Matt 5:1-16]

As a 'platform of prophecy,' Jesus “sat upon the Mount of Olives” and answered the disciples inquiry into the signs of His return; and the end of the world. [Matt 24:3-22]

The prophet Zechariah foretold that “the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the East,” would be the Messiah's 'point of return.' [Zechariah 14:4]

Hebrew Legend, and scripture, affirms that the Eastern gate of the Temple “shall remain shut” until the glory of the Lord reappears; but, in the meantime it must be left untouched. [Ezekiel 44:1-3]

  

ThenSingsMySoul:

  

 PREPARE THE WAY

PREPARE THE WAY

PREPARE THE WAY

FOR THE COMING OF THE LORD!

Lyrics, by Don Potter

Jenelsie's Corner (#281)

My Grace and Truth Family,

Please turn your attention to that which the Lord inspired me to write to you some time ago and receive the “Word” in its freshness:

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

And He Gave Gifts... Part 2

Jesus prayed, “(Father), As Thou hast sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.”

[Jn 17:18; cf Matt 28:19-20]

There is an expression, in the ranks of Christendom: “Where God guides He provides.” Selah.

Paraphrasing Psalm 68:18, Paul observes, “When [Jesus] ascended up on high (to the Father), He ...gave GIFTS unto men ...that the Lord God might dwell among them. (GIFTS)...for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come into the unity of the faith.”

[Eph 4:12-13]

The will/thoughts/thinking of God is revealed in that quiet place, called prayer.  “In all thy ways acknowledge (call upon/pray to) Him, and He will direct thy paths.”

[Pastor; Prov 3:5-6]

ThenSingsMySoul:

ORDER MY STEPS IN YOUR WORD,

ORDER MY TONGUE IN YOUR WORD;

WHEN I NEED A BRAND NEW SONG TO SING,

SHOW ME HOW TO LET YOUR PRAISES RING,

IN YOUR WORD!

ORDER MY STEPS IN YOUR WORD.

To be cont'd

Jenelsie's Corner (#280)

Dear Grace and Truth Family,

Our God is our FATHER.  Now we are sons (daughters); we have relationship by LORD JESUS and connection by His SPIRIT.  HE hears us—His children--and gives “room to talk.”  What mercy!  What lovingkindness!  What grace!  Selah.  Rejoice.

Hallelujah!  Hallelujah!  Throughout this day, our worship to our Lord and Daddy can flow.

Your sister,
Jenelsie Howell
Pastor’s wife

And He Gave Gifts Unto Men

(Christ's) life (is) a template for the “life” (in the Spirit) that we are (predestined) to live.

[Pastor; Col 1:27]

In this spiritual senario we have a comparative parallel to the parable of the “talents,” in Matthew's gospel.

[Matt 25:14-30]

What often gets lost in the story line here is that, although Christ's work is “finished,” He is still (continuing a work, by His Spirit) IN us ...in the earth; hence the “gifts,” whereby we might be fruitful in every good work.

[Jn 19:30; Pastor; Jn 16:33; Eph 4:8; Col 1:10]

Jesus did say we could do nothing without Him; which accounts for the necessary relationship, with the Father and the Son, already foreordained. [Jn 15:5; 17:21]

There is more to be said about “the will of God IN Christ Jesus concerning you;” to be explored in a later journal. 

[1 Thess 5:18]

ThenSingsMySoul:

REMEMBER ONLY WHAT YOU DO FOR CHRIST WILL LAST (2xs)

ONLY WHAT YOU DO FOR HIM WILL BE COUNTED AT THE END;

ONLY WHAT YOU DO FOR CHRIST WILL LAST.

Jenelsie's Corner (#279)

My Grace and Truth family,

Chosen by the good pleasure of Father God, He has joined us to the Body of Christ and has set in motion our transformation into the image of His ‘dear Son’, Jesus Christ.  As HE has declared that each member is fitly joined together, HE is tightening our connection to HIM and to each other for the work of ministry.

There is no wonder then about the Word of the Lord being delivered to us at this hour to ‘plant’ in us such truths as “God, on our behalf”, “Changing the ‘status quo’”, and “Principles of the ‘will of God’ for Dummies”.  We can expect the Holy Ghost to lead us right into situations and experiences where ministry shall come forth.  Our comfort and strength are sure!  That which HE has spoken and taught to us (a member) shall be performed and proven out by HIM.

We are living in a glorious time—hallelujah!  Fear not, our Lord is with us!

Love in Christ Jesus,
Jenelsie Howell
Pastor’s wife

More Than Spectators

In the latest word, Changing the “Status Quo,” we were reminded that “man's place in creation is to affect, rather than be affected by, (life's) circumstances (aka 'calling those things that are not as though they were').”

[Pastor Howell; Rom 4:17; Jer 33:3]  

Man has been 'empowered' (by God) to be “on behalf of God;” as dominion is more fully expressed (as a witness in man's earthly domain), to the glory of God.

[Pastor; Gen 1:26; Ps 8:4-6] 

Consider Psalm 115:16 [MSG] as prima facie evidence of God's line-upon-line, here-a-little-there-a little, delegated authority, and purpose; backed up by God's word:  “Heaven is for God, but He put us (man) in charge of the earth.” 

This awesome authority is exercised by a give-and-take dynamic called prayer, or “Ask, and ye shall receive ...”

It is written that, when we know not what we should pray for, the Spirit will make intercession for us; according to the will of God.

[John 16:24; Rom 8:26-27]  

The kingdom of God is a “violent” engagement, in the Spirit; for the witness. Lord, “Here am I, send me.”

[Matt 11:12; Isa 6:8]

ThenSingsMySoul:

   

IF YOU CAN USE ANYTHING, LORD, YOU CAN USE ME (2x)

TAKE MY HANDS, LORD, AND MY FEET

TOUCH MY HEART, LORD, AND SPEAK THROUGH ME

IF YOU CAN USE ANYTHING, LORD, YOU CAN USE ME.

Jenelsie's Corner (#278)

My Grace and Truth Family,

Yes, we have the BEST DADDY in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD!  As we close out another year of celebrating the faithfulness of our Father to GTFI, we continue to walk by the leading of the Holy Ghost—in the steps of faith.  HE has sent HIS WORD to wash us and to break up fallow ground, destroying yokes of bondage and strongholds.  HIS WORD has come as seed for good ground, and we can expect good fruit, for in this season HE says in walking we can “ask whatsoever we will and HE will do it.”  What a DADDY!

Let’s wait on HIM together, walk together, and believe in HIM together for “whatsoever” HE will bring to past for this member (GTFI) of the Body of Christ.

Hallelujah!

Love in Christ Jesus,
Jenelsie Howell
Pastor’s wife

Changing The "Status Quo"

“Being an influence means, to have a compelling effect on the actions, and behavior of others; ie, to make the course (or outcome) of something different from what it is, or from what it would be, if left alone; so that the thing is distinctly different from what it was.”

Wow! What a challenging thought, concerning “Changing The Status Quo.” [Pastor Howell]

This is the entree to God's purpose, in creation, to use a “man” to fulfill His will, by exercising dominion over the works of His hands.

[Gen 1:26; Ps 8:3-6]

The “man,” Christ Jesus; who said He must be about His Father's business, also said He was sent, by Abba, Father, to “finish His (Father's) work.”                                         [Lk 2:49; 1 Tim 2:5; Jn 4:34]

The Father said to the Son, “Ask of Me, and I will give You the heathen for Your inheritance.” And the Son says to His “body,”  “As the Father has sent Me, so send I you” ...to be fruitful in every good work.                                          [Ps 2:8; Jn 20:21; Col 1:10]

The “set up” for Changing The Status Quo is found in the words of Jesus: “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified IN the Son.” 

[Pastor; Jn 14:13]

ThenSingsMySoul:

THE WORLD WON'T GET NO BETTER, IF WE JUST LET IT BE;

THE WORLD WON'T GET NO BETTER,

WE GOTTA CHANGE IT, YEAH, JUST YOU AND ME.

[Chorus, Wake Up Everybody]

The Sight Of Faith

“Faith is not blind. Faith Must See!”

[Pastor]

Jesus said, in His sermon on the mount, “Blessed are the pure (unleavened/undefiled/single) in heart, for they shall see God (as in discerning the invisible).”

[Matt 5:8; Pastor; Rom 1:20; Heb 11:27]

Note: “Only the generation that followed after (the Comforter, promised by) Jesus Christ (was come) will have a “pure” heart (that can see).” [Pastor]

Paul, the Apostle, reminds us that “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” [Rom 10:17]

“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” [Heb 11:3]

Although “we walk by faith, and not by sight,” we are coming to discover that 'true faith has eyes.' Selah.

       

ThenSingsMySoul:

OPEN THE EYES OF OUR HEARTS, LORD,

OPEN THE EYES OF OUR HEARTS;

WE WANT TO SEE YOU,

WE WANT TO SEE YOU!

TO SEE YOU HIGH AND LIFTED UP,

SHINING IN THE LIGHT OF YOUR GLORY;

POUR OUT YOUR POWER AND LOVE,

AS WE SING HOLY, HOLY, HOLY!

Jenelsie's Corner (#278)

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 “Moving Forward.”  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”—moving us forward 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

Jenelsie's Corner (#277)

My Grace and Truth Family,

During these times in our lives, in and out of grave situations, our FATHER is building a confidence in HIM as our GOD.  The Holy Ghost is taking us past the point of just “hoping and praying”; we have a God Who is “on our behalf.”  It’s amazing that the Holy Ghost has so much work to do in us to establish this truth:  if our Father God is for us, who can be against us?  Since we have been chosen to believe, we shall assert that with man, so many things are impossible, but not with our God.  There is nothing too hard for HIM.

We have reason to shout unto HIM with a voice of victory and triumph.  Hallelujah!

Your sister,
Jenelsie
Pastor’s wife

Only Believe

When Abraham believed God, we are told, the response was equivalant to saying Amen! ...and that Amen! Is the (preferred) response to the 'delivered/preached word.'

[Rom 4:3; Pastor; Gal 3:8]

After all is said and done, 'faith-(to)trust-(to)believe' is synonymous with “Amen!” [Pastor]

LORD, I BELIEVE, LORD I BELIEVE; ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE, LORD I BELIEVE!

Through the eons of time, Jesus (the living Word) says to us “O ye of little faith ...Be not (fearful) Only Believe.” 

[Matt 6:30; Mk 5:36]

Talk about “(calling) those things which be not as thought they were.” [Rom 4:17]

We were then told, When things are 'not' is when you (should) “say Amen!”

And, here is the Selah; presented in 1st person God speak: 'I,ve done all I'm gonna do, it's for you to HEAR about IT, and SAY “AMEN!” to it.' [Pastor]

ThenSingsMySoul:

THE LORD HAS SPOKEN,

WE YOUR CHURCH SAY AMEN!!!

IF HE DID IT BEFORE, HE CAN DO IT AGAIN,

SAME GOD RIGHT NOW; SAME GOD BACK THEN! 

[A Crouch/M Winans-Tye Tribbett]

Preaching, The Antidote

The “means” of God's ability; that our faith should not stand in “the wisdom of men” but in the power of God.

[Pastor; 1 Cor 2:5]

Preaching is the antithesis/direct oposite, constrast/setting against “the wisdom of man;” where irreconcilable opposites, or strongly constrasting ideas {ie.the lie vs the truth}, are placed in sharp “side-by-side” comparison with sustained tension/enmity ...by “the oral and audible release of (the word) of God.”  

[Pastor; 1 Cor 2:4]

The underlying “operative” principle/logic/pattern of creation is that God is doing what He says, as He says it: He is “a doer” of His own word. Jesus said, “the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth IN Me, He doeth the works.”

[Pastor; Jas 1:23-25; Jn 14:10] 

            

“Sin” made us “sight conscious,” when we were created to “live by His voice;” so we can (and will) say Amen! and, against hope (yet) believe in hope (unto salvation, for righteousness' sake).

[Pastor; Deu 8:3; Rom 4:18-22]  

“And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham ...”

[Gal 3:8]

ThenSingsMySoul:

YOU ARE ALL MY RIGHTEOUSNESS,

       I STAND COMPLETE IN YOU, AND I WORSHIP YOU!

Jenelsie's Corner (#276)

Dear Grace and Truth Family,

When was the last time you uttered words like these?  “I don’t have time for this!”  “I should not have to do this!”  “When will this ever stop?”  To my shame, I spoke all these words recently.  The very thought of the situation disgusted and frustrated me.  Yet in the midst of it all, the Lord, our God, “handled” me.

HE began by reminding me that as Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted, so it was that I was led into the situation.  HE went on to declare that I would not “turn the corner” until my obedience to Him was accomplished.  HE concluded His speaking to me concerning this “thing” and clearly said that “all things (situations) consist by Him”; HE is upholding the “thing” while the Holy Ghost works in me to say, “Nevertheless not my will but Thy will be done.”

Well, I have been strengthened to respond to the Lord in this manner.  I’m thankful for what HE has done in me and looking forward to when I will share with you and complete this phrase:  “…And it came to past…”  Part 2 is coming.

Hallelujah!

Love in Christ Jesus,
Sister Howell
Pastor’s wife

Jenelsie's Corner (#275)

My Grace and Truth Family,

Grace and truth have been delivered to us by the Holy Ghost in revealing Jesus Christ.  Hearing the preached Word and receiving the teaching are fundamentals for “living” out from the Kingdom of God.  The Holy Ghost is at work hour by hour, day by day, and year by year to conform us to the image which pleases the Father as His sons (and daughters).  Our Father is drawing us and showing us Jesus Christ our Lord.  Come unto HIM.  HE is showing the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through our Lord.

Hallelujah!  HE LOVES US!

Your sister,
Jenelsie Howell
Pastor’s wife

Experiencing The Power

“This is the word of the Lord ...saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” 

[Zech 4:6]

To this end: “Not just to demonstrate 'raw ability,' but a relationship;” through knowing the Father and the Son...that we might be “partakers” of His divine nature.

[Pastor; Jn 17:3; 2 Pet 1:4]

Not “impersonal” power, but “person power;” intended to be made manifest in, and thru, man ...not to Lord over us, but to love us into submission to His will. “For it is God which worketh IN (us) both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Pastor; Phil 2:13]

We are often reminded, in the sanctuary, of one Bible translation's rendering of the scripture: “NO WORD OF GOD IS VOID OF POWER...” [Heb 4:12a]                          

  That in the midst of the fray, we might be fully persuaded that: “Our God is Able ...and He will ...” [Dan 3:15] 

ThenSingsMySoul:

LIVE IN ME, JESUS

HAVE YOUR PERFECT WAY IN ME.

I'LL BE YOUR LEGS TO WALK,

I'LL BE YOUR MOUTH TO TALK;

TELL THE WORLD THRU ME, LORD,

SHOW THE WORLD (YOUR) LOVE.

LIVE IN ME, JESUS,

AND HAVE YOUR WAY IN ME.

Soar With The Eagles

When the Spirit of the Lord began to minister to us about the significance of our mind-set, in staying “Above the Fray;” in the midst of all that is going on (in our world), the words of Rudyard Kipling came to mind:

 “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs … If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, or walk with kings – nor lose the common touch, if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, if all men count with you, but none too much ...” then you will become Christ's witness.

Solomon preached, Ponder the path of thy feet, turn not to the right ...nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. (aka “the counsel of the ungodly.”) [Prov 4:26-27; Ps 1:1]

note. There is a 'free zone' (in the mind) from “the yoke of bondage” to lying ideologies...that we might “escape the pollutions of the world thru the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.” [Gal 5:1; 2 Pet 2:20]

There, in that secret place (of His tabernacle), we will be able to “mount up (in our minds) with wings as eagles ...run and not be weary ...walk and not faint.”

ThenSingsMySoul:

LORD, LIFT US UP WHERE WE BELONG;

WHERE THE EAGLES FLY, ON A MOUNTAIN HIGH,

LORD LIFT US UP WHERE WE BELONG;

UP FROM THE WORLDS WE KNOW,

WHERE THE CLEAR WINDS BLOW. 

"Our God Is Able... And He Will..."

This is the answer, of faith, to the question from Nebuchadnezzar, to Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego: “Who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?”  

[Dan 3:15]

In our earthly “temporal reality” we can be assured that our faith will face the challenging question: “Why Won't God …(fill in the dots)?” After all “the word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all them that TRUST in Him.”

[Pastor; 2 Sam 22:31]

Paul testified, of his and Timothy's missionary journey in Asia, saying: “We had the sentence of death in ourselves (dying daily), that we should not TRUST in ourselves, but IN GOD which raiseth the dead.” Our lives are in His hands, and subject to His 'agenda,' not ours. “And for (His) pleasure (we) are and were created.”

[2 Cor 1:9; Pastor; Rev 4:11]

The eye opener, to the faith and patience of the saints; for me, is the response of the three Hebrew boys, and Job: “But if [God does] not [deliver us]...we will not serve thy gods;” and “Though He slay me, yet will I TRUST in Him.” [Dan 3:18; Job 13:15]

What is your answer to Him?

ThenSingsMySoul:

DO I TRUST YOU, LORD? DOES THE RIVER FLOW?

DO I TRUST YOU, LORD? DOES THE NORTH WIND BLOW?

YOU CAN SEE MY HEART, YOU CAN READ MY MIND,

AND YOU'VE GOT TO KNOW THAT I WOULD RATHER DIE,

THAN TO LOSE MY FAITH IN THE ONE I LOVE;

DO I TRUST YOU, LORD?

Where Are The Nine?

So, the Lord trumpeted a word, in the sanctuary, on the importance of making “a sound,” when making your request's known to God; like the ten lepers who “lifted up their voices” and plead for mercy.

[Lk 17:11-14]

The man of God said,”God is looking (and listening) for a (certain) sound.” Faith must be expressed, vocally.

[Pastor Pearson; Rom 10:10, 13]

There is much to be said about making your request known unto God, by “supplication, with thanksgiving.” Because God said “take (or bring) with you words, and turn to the Lord.” 

And He also said, “Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and might things...”

[Phil 4:6; Hos 14:2; Jer 33:3] 

Of the ten lepers that were healed; during that eventful encounter with Jesus, only one returned to give Him thanks.                                                                                 When the Lord asked the one leper that returned, “Where are the nine?” our guest messenger paraphrased this reply, “I Can't Speak For Any One Else, But I'll Give You Praise!” To which Jesus said, “Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.”

[Lk 17:17; Pastor Pearson, vs 19]  

ThenSingsMySoul:

WHEREVER I AM, I'LL PRAISE HIM.

WHENEVER I CAN, I'LL PRAISE HIM.

FOR HIS LOVE SURROUNDS ME, LIKE A SEA.

I'LL PRAISE THE NAME OF JESUS; LIFT UP THE NAME OF JESUS

FOR THE NAME OF JESUS LIFTED ME.

Jenelsie's Corner (#274)

My dear brothers and sisters,

My prayer is that we are responding to the “stirring” of the Lord to “draw nigh to HIM”, for in so doing HE promised to draw nigh to us.  Be encouraged by hearing again that we are saved and filled with the Holy Ghost (or being filled); we, the church, shall be witnesses that our God is with us and in us.  Be confident that our God is able to make all grace abound towards us.  The life of our Lord Jesus is our light; men can see His good work in us and come to glorify our Father through His SON.

Hallelujah!

Love in Christ Jesus,
Sister Jenelsie

"Take My Yoke!"

There is a word “for the people,” of God, “who don't have it all together.” Jesus said it, “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest...”

[Pastor; Matt 11:28]

  

The underlying message here is that without the Spirit of God working on the inside, natural man cannot be connected to this “power” source.

[Jn 15:5; Acts 1:8] 

  

“The wisdom of God is such that He must personally manifest Himself (His presence) in the midst.” When God made man, He made man to dwell in, by His Spirit.

[Pastor; Phil 2:13; Col 1:27]

  

“For he that hath entered into His rest hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His.”

[Heb 4:10; Gen 2:2]

So, the answer, For The People (of God) Who Don't Have It Together, is to “receive (the) power.”

[Pastor; Acts 1:8]

ThenSingsMySoul:

And Jesus said,

COME TO THE WATER, STAND BY MY SIDE;

I KNOW YOU ARE THIRSTY, YOU WON'T BE DENIED.

I FELT EVERY TEAR DROP, WHEN IN DARKNESS YOU CRIED;

AND I STROVE TO REMIND YOU, IT'S FOR THOSE TEARS I DIED

[Lk 11:9-13]

“How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?”

Jenelsie's Corner (#273)

My Grace and Truth Family,

Our Father God is full of mercy and continues to draw us to Himself.  HE is establishing us in understanding about our “connection” to HIM through our Lord Jesus by the HOLY GHOST.

With ears to hear what the Holy Ghost is saying, HE is at work breaking up ground to plant a “new center”.  (Refer to the teachings throughout July.)  We are being transformed into the image of the Father’s first begotten son, our Lord Jesus—meek and low in mind—for the gift of His Spirit to the filling up.  Yes, meekness and lowliness of mind precede our receiving.  Give “thanks” and rejoice because of His Word working in us to “make us ready to receive” the gift and the filling of the HOLY GHOST.

Hallelujah!!

Your sister,
Jenelsie
Pastor’s wife

"When They Heard..."

The scripture testifies that, when Peter preached Christ,  Peter's words were gladly received, and the same day ...about three thousand souls were baptized.

[Acts 2:38-41]

There is something indescribable about the powerful, life changing, effect of “the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

[Rom 1:16]

So, with the words we have received, let us assure you, again, that faith, repentance, salvation, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost is a work of God. “Let (them) that have an ear hear what the Spirit (is saying) ...”                         [Rom 2:4; Phil 2:13]

    

The baptism of the Holy Ghost was fore-shadowed when Moses prophesied, “If thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God ...all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee ...”

[Deu 28:1,2]

Now receive this: “The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth ...that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that ...whosoever (believeth, and repents) shall (receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.)”

[Rom 10:8,13 ;Acts 2:38]

ThenSingsMySoul:

THY WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET, AND A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH.

“Quicken (Thou)/(baptize) me, according to Thy word.”

[Ps 119:154]

Jenelsie's Corner (#272)

My Grace and Truth Family,

It’s really amazing that in all the Father reveals about Himself through our Lord Jesus, HE factors in one simple truth:  HE loved us first.  Our connection to HIM is because HE chose us.  His HOLY GHOST to us is His gift.  HE delivered us from darkness and brought us into His marvelous light because HE first loved us.  HE loads us daily with benefits of His salvation and tells us to “ask what we will.”  

“Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us that we are called the ‘sons’ of God”!  Hallelujah!

We can honor our Lord and Father with worship in this day as we are before HIM who loves us.

Your sister,
Jenelsie Howell
Pastor’s wife

Power To Witness

The service, in the sanctuary, recently, was dubbed Unusual; because of the flow of the “witness” to the “relationship” with Christ; through the Spirit.

[Acts 1: 8]

One saint after another testified to the Spirit's ability to elicit obedience to His instructions; to settle uneasiness, anxiety, and uncertainty, and to “cause” us to walk in His statutes.

[Eze 36:27]

ThenSingsMySoul: THROUGH IT ALL, THROUGH IT ALL, I LEARNED TO TRUST IN JESUS; I LEARNED TO TRUST IN GOD. THROUGH IT ALL, THROUGH IT ALL, I LEARNED TO DEPEND UPON HIS WORD.

After the “witness” was fully established, there was an utterance of “tongues” in the midst of the congregation; followed with an interpretation: (in part) “I AM the Lord your God ...who speaks forth My word ...and ...My life to My “body” ...working My will within you ...for you are My chosen people.”

ThenSingsMySoul: [PROPHECY] WITH THE SPIRIT, AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING; O, MAGNIFY THE LORD!

[1 Cor 14:13-15]

After declaring we were as “dead, and blind men walking;” we were exhorted, by the Spirit, to walk by what we hear the Lord say; rather than what we see.

[2 Cor 5:7]

  

ThenSingsMySoul:

THE TESTIMONY OF THE LORD IS SURE, MAKING WISE THE SIMPLE. MORE TO BE DESIRED ARE THEY THAN GOLD, YEA, THAN MUCH FINE GOLD: SWEETER ALSO THAN THE HONEY FROM THE HONEYCOMB.

[Ps 19:7(b), 10]

Pentecost, The Response

“Behold, NOW is the day of salvation,” and Pentecost is the connection/the lifeline. 

[2 Cor 6:2; Insp]

ThenSingsMySoul: THROW OUT THE LIFELINE! THROW OUT THE LIFELINE! SOMEONE IS DRIFTING AWAY; THROW OUT THE LIFELINE! THROW OUT THE LIFELINE! SOMEONE IS SINKING TODAY.

Why be  filled? “To fulfil all righteousness,” decreed in the scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, concerning the “blessing” of the “new wine.”

[Matt 3:15; Gen 12:12; Rev 11:13; Matt 9:17/TLB;]

ThenSingsMySoul: HAVE THINE OWN WAY, LORD; HAVE THINE OWN WAY; THOU ART THE POTTER, I AM THE CLAY.

“What shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us ALL things?” 

[Rom 8:31-32]

ThenSingsMySoul: MY HEART, MY MIND, MY SOUL BELONGS TO YOU. MY LOVE, MY LIFE, IT ALL BELONGS TO YOU. BELONGS TO YOU, IT ALL BELONGS TO YOU. BELONGS TO YOU, IT ALL BELONGS TO YOU.

Make this your Response:

Lord, “[Your Spirit] Be [in, and upon] me according to Your word”

[Lk 1:38b, vs 35; Eze 36:26-27]

Jesus said, “IF YOU ABIDE IN ME, AND MY WORDS ABIDE IN YOU ...ASK WHAT YOU WILL ... IT SHALL BE DONE UNTO YOU.”

[Jn 15:7]