Tuesday, September 16, 2014

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!

Monday, September 8, 2014

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. 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] 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. And where I go you know, and the way you know.”
Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

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.


Friday, August 29, 2014

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)

And he said:[a]
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
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.
I will call upon the Lordwho is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

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)

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

Monday, August 25, 2014

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.

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



Wednesday, August 20, 2014

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.

Monday, August 18, 2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - MY HOPE IS IN YOU, LORD - 08/18/2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

by Rev. Janet EthridgeAugust 18, 2014

MY HOPE IS IN YOU, LORD

Do you get discouraged when things go wrong?  Do you ever feel like there is no hope in your situation?  Do you ever think or feel, "Am I doing what God wants me to do?  What if I don't understand what God wants for me?"  We all have those moments.  It's okay to question your thoughts and feelings.  That's when we need to lean on God, pray to Him and seek His guidance.  Jesus is our Blessed Hope.  Hope is knowing that God will be there, knowing that God will help us through any situation in our lives, no matter what we see or hear or feel with our flesh.  Our flesh can be fooled.  Our emotions can be wrong.  But GOD is never wrong.  Turn to the One in whom all of our hope lies.  Turn to Jesus.  He is the way, and the truth, and the life.  That's the lifeline we need to hold on to.  

LORD JESUS, MY BLESSED HOPE, MY WONDERFUL REDEEMER AND SAVIOR, I GIVE ALL THAT I HAVE, ALL THAT I AM, ALL THAT I EVER HOPE TO BE, TO YOU TODAY.  YOU ARE THE ONE I PUT ALL MY HOPE AND TRUST AND FAITH IN.  YOU ARE THE ONE I SEEK FOR GUIDANCE AND PEACE.  FILL ME WITH YOUR HOLY SPIRIT AND NEVER LEAVE ME.  IN THY HOLY NAME I PRAY, AS YOUR HUMBLE CHILD.  AMEN.

Psalm 71:4-6New King James Version (NKJV)

Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked,
Out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
For You are my hope, O Lord GOD;
You are my trust from my youth.
By You I have been upheld from birth;
You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb.
My praise shall be continually of You.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - BLESSED FORGIVENESS 08/14/2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

by Rev. Janet Ethridge

August 14, 2014 

BLESSED FORGIVENESS 

To forgive and to forget - isn't as easy as it is to say, is it?  We all struggle with forgiving others, but we must.  Somehow, we must reach down in our souls and let things go.  Whatever it is, just let it go.  Give it to God.  HE is the ultimate judge, so we don't need to be "judging on his behalf" - we are too quick to judge and not forgive, except when WE need the forgiveness - LOL.  Jesus forgave us, so we need to do the same - be the example.

If you give in to the negativity or hate or hurt that someone causes you - then they win.  Don't let them win.  Be strong.  Rise above your crisis.  Ask for help and comfort from others if you need it, but rise above it.  The best way to win against your enemies is to be happy and move on.

Bitterness and resentment is not only bad for the spirit/soul, but for your health.  It is a scientific fact that holding resentment, negativity of any kind, bitterness, etc. causes health issues.  So, why not just let it go?  Focus on something more positive.  If you see something bad coming your way (i.e., negativity), try to turn and go the other way.  Run if you have to.  It's for your own good. It's for your own spiritual and physical well being.  

WONDERFUL SAVIOR, YOU ARE SO LOVING AND FORGIVING.  THANK YOU FOR FORGIVING ME FOR MY SINS, KNOWN AND UNKNOWN.  HELP ME TO FORGIVE OTHERS AND MOVE ON.  HELP ME TO LET THE BAD THINGS GO AND LET YOU HANDLE MY BURDENS.  YOUR STRENGTH IS ALL I NEED.  LORD, GIVE ME THE STRENGTH TO RISE ABOVE MY PROBLEMS OF TODAY AND SMILE WITH JOY AND PEACE IN MY HEART.  I WILL NOT LOOK BACK WITH RESENTMENT, BUT WITH VICTORY THAT I HAVE SURVIVED TEH STORM.  HELP ME TO BE A GOOD EXAMPLE OF YOUR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.  IN THY HOLY NAME I PRAY, AMEN.

Acts 13:37-39New King James Version (NKJV)

37 but He whom God raised up saw no corruption. 38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - A BLESSING OF PEACE 08/12/2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

by Rev. Janet Ethridge

August 12, 2014 

A BLESSING OF PEACE 

Today - I want to send a prayer of blessing to you.  No reason.  No one deserves it, for we are all saved by HIS Grace and HIS Mercy and HIS unconditional Love.  Just because. 

HEAVENLY FATHER, PRECIOUS SAVIOR, WONDERFUL HOLY SPIRIT - I HUMBLY PRAY FOR A SHOWER OF BLESSINGS AND PEACE UPON US TODAY, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO SEE OR READ THIS PRAYER TODAY - TOGETHER, WE ASK FOR A HEDGE OF PROTECTION OF HOLY ANGELS TO PROTECT US.  WE LIFT OUR FAMILIES, OUR HOMES, OUR HEARTS AND OUR MINDS TO YOU, PRECIOUS REDEEMER, SO FULL OF LOVE AND GRACE - WE LOVE YOU LORD, AND WE ARE TRULY THANKFUL FOR THE BLESSINGS AND SALVATION YOU HAVE GIVEN US.  IN JESUS NAME WE PRAY.  AMEN.   


2 Peter 1:1-3New King James Version (NKJV)

Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

Monday, August 11, 2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - LET GOD FIGHT YOUR BATTLES 08/11/2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

by Rev. Janet Ethridge

August 11, 2014

LET GOD FIGHT YOUR BATTLES!

Battles come and go - and we win some - lose some.  Do you feel like you are fighting your battles today alone?  Or, that you just can't "take it anymore" or just want to give up?  Yeah, sometimes me too.

No matter what you are facing today - myself included - always know in your soul that your Lord God is there to fight on our behalf - all you have to do is ask - He and His mighty host of Holy Angels are ready and willing to fight for you today.  Just pray and give it to God - after all, He is much stronger than we are, don't you think?

LORD GOD ALMIGHTY - MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH - AND OF ALL THINGS VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE - I GIVE ALL OF MY BATTLES TO YOU TODAY - DAYS LIKE TODAY - I JUST CAN'T SEEM TO TAKE IT - I DON'T FEEL STRONG ENOUGH ON MY OWN - IT'S JUST TOO MUCH - I NEED YOUR HELP - I NEED YOUR LOVING ARMS AROUND ME TO COMFORT ME AND GUIDE ME - BLESSED SAVIOR - PLEASE BE MY ROCK AND MY SHIELD AGAINST MY ENEMIES - THANK YOU FOR SAVING ME FROM MY SINS.  IN JESUS NAME I PRAY.  AMEN. 


Psalm 24:7-9New King James Version (NKJV)

Lift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.

Friday, August 8, 2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - PRAYER FOR DELIVERANCE 08/08/2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

by Rev. Janet Ethridge

August 8, 2014

I absolutely love the Book of Psalms.  When I can't think of the right words or what to say or how to pray or just need encouragement and spiritual lifting up - I go to the Psalms.  I encourage you to try it - there's a verse to fit whatever you need to pray about - struggles, battles, sadness, or if you just want to praise Him and give thanks.  There really is a Word for your every need.

PRECIOUS LORD, TODAY I GIVE YOU THANKS AND PRAISE FOR BEING THERE FOR ME EVERY TIME I NEED IT.  I MAY NOT REALIZE IT AT THE TIME, BUT I KNOW DEEP DOWN IN MY SOUL THAT YOU ARE THERE AND WORKING THINGS OUT FOR WHAT'S BEST FOR ME.  TODAY, I LIFT MY SOUL TO YOU.  IN YOU, I TRUST.  I AM NOT ASHAMED. FORGIVE ME FOR MY SINS AND DELIVER ME FROM ALL EVIL.  IN THY HOLY NAME I PRAY, AMEN. 


Psalm 25:1-3New King James Version (NKJV)

A Plea for Deliverance and Forgiveness

A Psalm of David.

25 To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
O my God, I trust in You;
Let me not be ashamed;
Let not my enemies triumph over me.
Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed;
Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - JESUS IS MY STRENGTH! 08/08/2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

By Rev. Janet M. Ethridge

August 8, 2014 

JESUS IS MY STRENGTH!

Sometimes, do you feel so weak (or emotionally drained), like you can't take anymore?  Yeah, me too.  But that's when we need to lean on GOD the most.  Our Lord wants to be the One you come to when you are having problems.  Our Heavenly Father is your father and He loves You.  You are His child.  And like a parent, He wants you to trust Him and be able to turn to Him when you need Him.  You were created on purpose with a purpose.

Don't just turn to God in the times of trouble - praise Him when things are good, and run to Him when things are not so good.

MOST HEAVENLY AND HOLY FATHER IN HEAVEN, YOU ARE HOLY.  YOU ARE GOD.  YOU ARE MY CREATOR AND I AM THANKFUL TO HAVE YOU FOR MY FATHER.  IN THE NAME OF JESUS, I COME TO YOU GIVING YOU ALL OF MY BURDENS AND CARES TODAY.  AND I ALSO GIVE YOU ALL THE PRAISE AND GLORY FOR ALL THE GOOD IN MY LIFE.  WITHOUT YOU, I AM NOTHING.  WITH YOU, I AM EVERYTHING!  AMEN.    


Psalm 18:2New King James Version (NKJV)

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - PRAISE THE LORD IN THE STORM! 08/06/2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT 

by Rev. Janet Ethridge

August 6, 2014

PRAISE THE LORD IN THE STORM!

Going through a spiritual or physical storm lately?  Is it more like a monsoon or maybe a Texas twister?

Yes.  We all go through our share of storms.  But Jesus is the creator of the storm, creator of all the universe, and He can and WILL help us through them.  When your monsoon hits, focus on the One who can squash that storm like bug - or in Texas, like one of those nasty chiggers! 

Precious Lord and Savior, creator of all the universe, You created the mountains and the seas, the earth and the trees, and nothing in my life is too big for You.  Please take my hand and all my burdens and storms and help me get through them.   AMEN.


Psalm 148:7-9New King James Version (NKJV)

Praise the Lord from the earth,
You great sea creatures and all the depths;
Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;
Mountains and all hills;
Fruitful trees and all cedars;

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

IT'S MONSOON TIME AGAIN - 08/05/2014

August 5, 2014

by Rev. Janet M. Ethridge

IT'S MONSOON TIME AGAIN!

Sure, when it rains it pours - but come on now, Lord, a MONSOON?

Been a rough couple of years for me, no doubt.  Seems like whenever traumatic things happen in my life, it's not just a storm - it's a MONSOON!  Like most people, things come all in waves.  It's hard to deal with sometimes, I know.

In 2013, I married the love of my life, moved from Colorado to NW Nevada to be close to my aging/ailing family, and now am trying to get my ministry/charity work going again.  It isn't easy to pick up and move 1,000 miles away to a place where you don't know anyone.  It's nearly 2,000 miles from Texas, where most of our family lives.  We had to look for new jobs, sell the house in Colorado, move
to NW Nevada (close to Reno), and try to help ailing family members in the process.  And, trying to deal with my own ongoing health issues isn't helping.

It has been very emotionally draining.  And tiring.  But things are starting to look up.  I have a great new paralegal job in Reno.  My hubby and I found a small place on 1 acre in the country.  Our own little homestead.  Started a garden, setup a chicken coop, started canning foods.  Still painting and fixing things up, but all is coming along nicely.

Trying to get settled in to a new location - new state - and take care of family issues - it's hard enough for anyone.  For me, my faith has been the key.  Staying strong in my faith, praying a lot (continually, it seems), trusting in the Lord for all to work out, no matter what it looks like.  Don't be fooled - it has been nerve wrecking, emotionally draining, and at times, I have whined, cried myself to sleep thinking "what am I doing here, Lord" - but we felt this is where God wants us to be for now.  So, we have to trust in Him.  We're here, Lord, now what?

We haven't found a permanent church home yet, but have been visiting around.  We sort of feel like a fish out of water.  I'm sure most of us have felt that way at one time or another.  It seems like it's just one thing after another, doesn't it.  Here comes the giant wave crashing down on us as hard as it can - look out!

Social media has been a real blessing to me.  It has helped me keep in touch with family members and close friends, so I don't feel so isolated out here in the Sierras.  Eventually, I guess we'll get settled down and will feel more like home.  Right now, still feel like a tourist - checking everything out and learning where everything is.  In the meantime, enjoying the 360 degree mountain views, the wild mustangs roaming the countryside, and being only 50 miles from Lake Tahoe and 120 miles from Yosemite National Park is a plus.

LORD, give me strength to do what You sent me here to do.  Give me the courage to stay strong and not give up, and help me to see the light that You have for me at the end of the stormy tunnel.  AMEN.











My GOD is the Almighty GOD - in whom I worship and adore - JESUS is my Rock and my Fortress - my Salvation forevermore!  (written by me, Rev. Janet Ethridge)

Psalm 89:9New King James Version (NKJV)

You rule the raging of the sea;
When its waves rise, You still them.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - SECRET PRAYERS - 08/05/2014

by Rev. Janet M. Ethridge

August 5, 2014

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT
GOD knows what you need - HE knows your heart - sometimes we can't share what's bothering us or what we need with other people - but that doesn't mean that GOD won't hear your prayers. We can pray to GOD in secret/quietly for ourselves and for others - you don't have to know the details - just give them to GOD - HE will do the rest!

AMEN.
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Matthew 6:5-7New King James Version (NKJV)

The Model Prayer
5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.[a] 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.