FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - Thankful God is... 09/16/2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

by Rev. Janet M. Ethridge

September 16, 2014

I AM THANKFUL GOD IS...

Instead of TGIF (although we are all thankful for that - LOL), how about trying something different...like focusing on being thankful for what our God is - think of something each day that starts with the first letter of the day of the week...

This week....I am THANKFUL GOD IS...

MONDAY - I am Thankful God is Majestic!
TUESDAY - I am Thankful God is Terrific!
WEDNESDAY - I am Thankful God is Wonderful!
THURSDAY - I am Thankful God is Thoughtful!
FRIDAY - I am Thankful God is Fabulous!

AMEN TO THAT - HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BEING THANKFUL FOR WHAT OUR GOD IS - DON'T FOCUS ON THE BAD - GOD CAN GET YOU THROUGH ANYTHING!

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - JESUS IS THE ONLLY WAY! 09/08/2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

by Rev. Janet M. Ethridge

August 8, 2014

JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY!

This is the core of our Christianity belief system - JESUS is the only way to the Father.   As for those so-called preachers on TV media who have recently stated on national television that there is more than one way to heaven, well, then they didn't read this scripture.  JESUS said in His own words that HE is the only way.  If you are a follower of Christ, you must trust in the very words that our Lord has spoken.  It is not for us to decide how to get to God - it is GOD's decision.  HE made the choice to send His only begotten Son to save us and through JESUS, we are saved.  Through JESUS, we have a way to Heaven.  That is it.  No fluff.  Just the facts.  If you are in a church where they preach a different gospel, then you better RUN!  They are preaching a false gospel!  Read God's Word for yourself.  God's Word does not lie.  PEOPLE DO!

PRECIOUS JESUS CHRIST, LORD AND CREATOR OF LIFE, THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF THE FATHER, I PRAY THAT ALL WHO READ THIS WILL SEE THAT YOU ARE THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE - AND THAT NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER, EXCEPT THROUGH YOU - THERE IS NO OTHER GOSPEL - YOUR HOLY WORD COMMANDS IT - THE BLOOD THAT YOU SHED FOR US DEMANDS IT!  WE CANNOT WATER DOWN THE SALVATION YOU PROVIDED FOR US FOR OUR OWN SELFISH DESIRES AND AMBITIONS - AND I PRAY THAT ALL WHO PREACH A FALSE GOSPEL SHALL BE REVEALED FOR THE LIES THEY TELL AND BE BROUGHT DOWN BY YOUR HAND.  PLEASE HELP US SEE ONLY THE TRUTH AND NOT BE LEAD TO FOLLOW FALSE PREACHERS OR LEADERS - OPEN OUR EYES TO SEE ONLY YOU AND THE TRUTH THAT YOU BROUGHT TO US.  THANK YOU FOR SAVING ME, FOR SAVING ALL THOSE WHO BELIEVE, AND SURROUND US WITH YOUR HOLY ANGELS AND PROTECT US FROM ALL EVIL.  AMEN.

John 14 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

14 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions;[a] if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.[b] 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - JESUS IS SALVATION! 09/02/2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

by Rev. Janet M. Ethridge

September 2, 2014

JESUS IS SALVATION!

There are a lot of "alternative" gospels out there today - but only ONE is the truth.  Jesus didn't die on the cross for nothing.  HE did it to save us from hell.  HE didn't have to go through with it.  It was His wonderful mercy and His precious choice to save us.  He saved you and me - He saved us from eternal damnation.  You can't do anything to earn it.  It is a free gift.  You can't work your way in to Heaven by good deeds.  You can only get there through the blood of the spotless lamb, Jesus.  

If you are a believer, this is the true meaning of our faith - this is the reason we are "Christians" - because we believe that JESUS is the only begotten son of God and that HE died for our sins.  There is no other gospel.  This is it.

DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER, PRECIOUS JESUS, WONDERFUL HOLY SPIRIT, I KNOW IN MY HEART THAT YOUR GIFT OF SALVATION IS THE TRUTH.  IT IS THE GOSPEL.  IT IS THE FREE GIFT TO ALL OF US.  IT IS BY YOUR MERCY AND YOUR GRACE THAT WE ARE SAVED FROM ETERNAL DAMNATION.  I ACCEPT YOUR GIFT, DEAR LORD, AND I THANK YOU FOR SAVING ME FROM MY SINS.  I AM NOT PERFECT.  YOU ALONE ARE PERFECT.  I AM NOT HOLY.  YOU ALONE ARE HOLY.   YOU ALONE ARE MY GOD.  TODAY AND EVERY DAY, I WORSHIP YOU AND GIVE YOU ALL THE GLORY.  AMEN.

John 3:16-17New King James Version (NKJV)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - LORD BE MY STRENGTH 08/29/2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

by Rev. Janet M. Ethridge

August 29, 2014

LORD BE MY STRENGTH 08/29/2014

WHEW!  What a week this has been, full of chaos and tragedy for so many of us.  Seems like all of our strength has been stretched to the limit.  No matter what your limit was this week, there is someone you can turn to with all of your pain, all of your chaos, all of your mess.  Turn to our Lord.  He wants to hear from you.  He's just a prayer away.

LET US PRAY, LORD, JESUS, I HAVE A TOUGH WEEK.  SO MUCH CHAOS AND TRAGEDY IN MY LIFE AND IN THE WORLD.  NOT SURE WHAT I SHOULD DO OR WHO I CAN TURN TO.  I NEED YOU TO CARRY ME AND FILL ME WITH YOUR LOVE, MERCY AND STRENGTH.  I KNOW I CAN RISE ABOVE ALL THE PAIN AND SORROW WITH YOUR LOVING ARMS AROUND ME, PROTECTING ME AND SHOWING ME THE WAY THAT YOU WOULD WANT ME TO GO.  THANK YOU FOR FORGIVING ME AND BLESSING ME WITH ANOTHER DAY.  TO YOU BE ALL THE GLORY, HONOR AND PRAISE.  AMEN.

2 Samuel 22:2-4New King James Version (NKJV)

2 And he said:[a]

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
3 The God of my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation,
My stronghold and my refuge;
My Savior, You save me from violence.
4 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - ALWAYS BE THANKFUL 08/27/2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

by Rev. Janet M. Ethridge

August 27, 2014

ALWAYS BE THANKFUL

I have had someone say to me once "Why should I be thankful?"  Well, let's think on that. I say "Why shouldn't you be thankful?"  The Creator of all things made you, on purpose, with a purpose, because He loves you.  He didn't have to create you or me.  He didn't have to give you or me life.  He didn't have to provide salvation for you or me, but HE DID.  

And for that reason alone, we should most definitely be thankful.  Yes, life on this earth is hard.  Yes, bad things happen to good people.  Yes, there is evil in the world.  But there is also good.  

FOCUS on the good.  TUNE OUT the bad.  TURN OFF the television if you can't stand to watch the news.  TURN ON some good music, READ a book, take a walk - or, if you are creative, go create something - go outside and PLAY with your kids or with your pets, or just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet that can cleanse the soul?  FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE!  Mine is in the forest and mountains, surrounded by the nature that GOD created, peaceful and quiet, where I can focus on Him.  Horseback riding is another one of my happy places and also camping, anything outdoors in nature.  Sometimes I go by myself or take one of my dogs with me for a nature walk. 

The stresses of this world can get you down - but it is up to YOU to get back up!  God isn't going to make you do anything.  He is not a magic genie to grant your every wish.  He is your Creator.  He is your Lord and Savior.  And, for that one, we should always be thankful.

GOD gave us free will.  Free will to choose good or bad.  Unfortunately, a lot of people choose bad.  God doesn't make anyone love Him.  God doesn't make anyone choose good or bad.  Love isn't forced.  It's a choice.  Make your choice today.

DEAR FATHER IN HEAVEN, CREATOR AND GIVER OF LIFE, TODAY I CHOOSE TO BE THANKFUL. TODAY, I CHOOSE TO LOVE YOU AND MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND MY LIFE THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN ME, NO MATTER WHAT THE STRUGGLES.  TODAY, I CHOOSE TO FOCUS ON PEACE AND LOVE AND JOY AND NOT ON ANYTHING BAD THAT'S AROUND ME.  TODAY, I CHOOSE TO GIVE YOU ALL MY BURDENS, ALL MY SORROWS AND ALL OF MY PAIN, AND LET IT GO - LET IT ALL GO.  THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME LIFE.  THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE BLESSED ME WITH AND FOR ALL THAT IS TO COME.  IN JESUS NAME I PRAY, AMEN.

Psalm 100:3-5New King James Version (NKJV)

3 Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;[a]
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - PUT TOMORROW IN GOD'S HANDS 08/25/2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

by Rev. Janet M. Ethridge
August 25, 2014

PUT TOMORROW IN GOD'S HANDS

Today is here.  Yesterday is over.  You've made it this far, so why worry about tomorrow?  Yeah, practice what I preach, right?  Sure, we all have those moments of concern about our future or for the future for our family and friends.  Especially, when we can't see what's ahead.  

When you start having those thoughts, remember what GOD has done for you already.  Remember all the struggles you've been through and how you have "survived" - yes, if you are alive today, then you are a survivor.  This world is only our temporary home.  Our ultimate destination is yet to be seen.  No matter what comes next, don't fret about it.  You are a survivor.  GOD is fighting for you.  Who else could do better?

LORD, GOD ALMIGHTY, WONDERFUL SAVIOR AND PRECIOUS HOLY SPIRIT, TODAY I AM A SURVIVOR.  THIS WORLD IS FULL OF EVIL AND WICKEDNESS AS WELL AS BEAUTY AND WONDER.  I WILL NOT FOCUS ON THE BAD TODAY.  WHATEVER LIES AHEAD, I AM READY.  I AM READY BECAUSE YOU ARE FIGHTING FOR ME.  NO ONE ELSE COULD LOVE ME THE WAY YOU DO.  I WILL ONLY BE FOCUSED ON WHAT'S GOOD AND HOLY IN YOUR SIGHT.  YOUR POWER AND STRENGTH ARE ALL THAT I NEED.  THANK YOU FOR SAVING ME FROM MY SINS.  IN JESUS NAME, AMEN.

Matthew 6:30-31New King James Version (NKJV)

30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

Psalm 16:1-3New King James Version (NKJV)

1          Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.

2 O my soul, you have said to the Lord,
“You are my Lord,
My goodness is nothing apart from You.”
3 As for the saints who are on the earth,
“They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - REST IN THE LORD 08/20/2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

by Rev. Janet M. Ethridge
August 20, 2014

REST IN THE LORD 

Some days, I just want to rest.  Do you?  We all need rest.  Time to reflect.  Time to think.  Time to let our bodies and our souls renew and gain strength.  And, in today's society, it's not easy to find the time to rest or take a break or "chill out" - but we need it.  When we try to take everything upon ourselves, we get overloaded, exhausted, weak and, therefore, open for attacks from the enemy.  The enemy comes to "steal, kill and destroy" - and believe you me, is waiting for every opportunity to cause chaos and trouble.  Our Lord JESUS wants us to rest in Him.  He wants us to rely on HIM for our every need - our bodies, our families, our jobs, our souls - everything.  In HIM is peace that passes all understanding.  

MY PRECIOUS SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST - LORD OF ALL THE EARTH - I HUMBLY COME TO YOU IN NEED OF REST TODAY.  REST FOR MY SOUL.  REST FOR MY BODY AND MY MIND.  IN YOU I TRUST FOR ALL MY NEEDS.  IN YOU I TRUST TO HANDLE ALL MY PROBLEMS AND CONCERNS.  FILL ME WITH PEACE AND HELP ME FIND REST AND STRENGTH IN YOU, BLESSED REDEEMER.  AMEN.

Matthew 11:27-29New King James Version (NKJV)

27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.