tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90130366100897904092024-03-13T14:45:07.703-07:00Food for the Spirit by Rev. Janet EthridgeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-73656508531144983472014-09-16T10:03:00.001-07:002014-09-16T10:03:49.398-07:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - Thankful God is... 09/16/2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Rev. Janet M. Ethridge</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">September 16, 2014</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I AM THANKFUL GOD IS...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week....I am THANKFUL GOD IS...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MONDAY - I am Thankful God is Majestic!<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />TUESDAY - I am Thankful God is Terrific!<br />WEDNESDAY - I am Thankful God is Wonderful!<br />THURSDAY - I am Thankful God is Thoughtful!<br />FRIDAY - I am Thankful God is Fabulous!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-55665787919553735842014-09-08T15:21:00.000-07:002014-09-08T15:21:23.369-07:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - JESUS IS THE ONLLY WAY! 09/08/2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 19.7999992370605px;">by Rev. Janet M. Ethridge</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 19.7999992370605px;">August 8, 2014</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 19.7999992370605px;"><b>JESUS IS THE <u>ONLY</u> WAY!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.1;">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!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">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.</span></div>
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">John 14 </span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New King James Version (NKJV)</span></h1>
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<span class="text John-14-1" id="en-NKJV-26670" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">The Way, the Truth, and the Life</span></h3>
<div class="chapter-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text John-14-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="chapternum" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; bottom: -0.1em; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; line-height: 0.8em; position: relative;">14 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.</span> </span><span class="text John-14-2" id="en-NKJV-26671" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">In My Father’s house are many mansions;</span><span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NKJV-26671a" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-26671a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-26671a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"> if <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">it were</i> not <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">so,</i> I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.</span><span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NKJV-26671b" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-26671b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-26671b" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</span> </span><span class="text John-14-3" id="en-NKJV-26672" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">there</i> you may be also.</span> </span><span class="text John-14-4" id="en-NKJV-26673" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">And where I go you know, and the way you know.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="text John-14-5" id="en-NKJV-26674" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”</span></div>
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<span class="text John-14-6" id="en-NKJV-26675" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>Jesus said to him, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“<b>I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.</b></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-29333456517164571532014-09-02T09:24:00.003-07:002014-09-02T09:24:45.681-07:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - JESUS IS SALVATION! 09/02/2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Rev. Janet M. Ethridge</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">September 2, 2014</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>JESUS IS SALVATION!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">John 3:16-17</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New King James Version (NKJV)</span></h1>
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<span class="text John-3-16" id="en-NKJV-26137" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">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.</span> </span><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NKJV-26138" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-23899415660185392302014-08-29T13:44:00.001-07:002014-08-29T13:44:12.034-07:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - LORD BE MY STRENGTH 08/29/2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Rev. Janet M. Ethridge<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">August 29, 2014</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LORD BE MY STRENGTH 08/29/2014</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">2 Samuel 22:2-4</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New King James Version (NKJV)</span></h1>
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<span class="text 2Sam-22-2" id="en-NKJV-8605" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>And he said:<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NKJV-8605a" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-8605a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel+22:2-4&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-8605a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span></span></div>
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<span class="text 2Sam-22-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">“The <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text 2Sam-22-3" id="en-NKJV-8606" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>The God of my strength, in whom I will trust;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text 2Sam-22-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">My shield and the horn of my salvation,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text 2Sam-22-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">My stronghold and my refuge;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text 2Sam-22-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">My Savior, You save me from violence.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text 2Sam-22-4" id="en-NKJV-8607" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>I will call upon the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">who is worthy</i> to be praised;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text 2Sam-22-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">So shall I be saved from my enemies.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-18702118662767674722014-08-27T09:51:00.001-07:002014-08-27T09:51:09.023-07:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - ALWAYS BE THANKFUL 08/27/2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Rev. Janet M. Ethridge</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">August 27, 2014</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>ALWAYS BE THANKFUL</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have had someone say to me once "Why should I be thankful?" Well, let's think on that. I say "Why <b><u>shouldn't</u> </b>you be thankful?" The Creator of all things made you, on purpose, with a purpose, because He loves you. He didn't <b><u>have</u></b> to create you or me. He didn't have to <b><u>give</u></b> you or me life. He didn't <b><u>have</u></b> to provide salvation for you or me, but <b><u>HE DID</u></b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FOCUS </b>on the good. <b>TUNE OUT </b>the bad. <b>TURN OFF </b>the television if you can't stand to watch the news. <b>TURN ON </b>some good music, <b>READ </b>a book, take a walk - or, if you are creative, go create something - go outside and <b>PLAY </b>with your kids or with your pets, or just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet that can cleanse the soul? <b>FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE! </b>Mine is in the forest and mountains, surrounded by the nature that <b>GOD </b>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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The stresses of this world can get you down - but it is up to <b>YOU </b>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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Psalm 100:3-5</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New King James Version (NKJV)</span></h1>
<div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<span class="text Ps-100-3" id="en-NKJV-15512" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>Know that the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, He <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> God;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-100-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">It is</i> He <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">who</i> has made us, and not we ourselves;<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NKJV-15512a" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-15512a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+100:3-5&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-15512a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-100-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">We are</i> His people and the sheep of His pasture.</span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Ps-100-4" id="en-NKJV-15513" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-100-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">And</i> into His courts with praise.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-100-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Be thankful to Him, <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">and</i> bless His name.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-100-5" id="en-NKJV-15514" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>For the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> good;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-100-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">His mercy <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> everlasting,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-100-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And His truth <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">endures</i> to all generations.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-41502206451749805212014-08-25T11:07:00.003-07:002014-08-25T11:07:36.322-07:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - PUT TOMORROW IN GOD'S HANDS 08/25/2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Rev. Janet M. Ethridge</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">August 25, 2014</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PUT TOMORROW IN GOD'S HANDS</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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 <u>survivor</u>. 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?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Matthew 6:30-31</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New King James Version (NKJV)</span></h1>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Matt-6-30" id="en-NKJV-23313" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">30 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">will He</i> not much more <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">clothe</i> you, O you of little faith?</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-6-31" id="en-NKJV-23314" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">31 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’</span></span></div>
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Psalm 16:1-3</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New King James Version (NKJV)</span></h1>
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<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">1 </span></span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.</span></h1>
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<span class="text Ps-16-2" id="en-NKJV-14095" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">O my soul,</i> you have said to the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-16-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">“You <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">are</i> my Lord,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-16-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">My goodness is nothing apart from You.”</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-16-3" id="en-NKJV-14096" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>As for the saints who <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">are</i> on the earth,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-16-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">“They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-25443332955025264362014-08-20T12:39:00.000-07:002014-08-20T12:39:02.900-07:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - REST IN THE LORD 08/20/2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Rev. Janet M. Ethridge</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">August 20, 2014</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>REST IN THE LORD </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Matthew 11:27-29</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New King James Version (NKJV)</span></h1>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Matt-11-27" id="en-NKJV-23487" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">27 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">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 <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">the one</i> to whom the Son wills to reveal <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Him.</i></span> </span><span class="text Matt-11-28" id="en-NKJV-23488" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">28 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Come to Me, all <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">you</i> who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.</span> </span><span class="text Matt-11-29" id="en-NKJV-23489" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">29 </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">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.</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-86342179356205502972014-08-18T12:25:00.001-07:002014-08-18T12:25:24.110-07:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - MY HOPE IS IN YOU, LORD - 08/18/2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT</span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">by Rev. Janet Ethridge</span><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.1;">August 18, 2014</span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.1;">MY HOPE IS IN YOU, LORD</span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.1;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">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 <u>never</u> 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. </span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.1;">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.</span></h1>
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Psalm 71:4-6</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New King James Version (NKJV)</span></h1>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Ps-71-4" id="en-NKJV-14981" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-71-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-71-5" id="en-NKJV-14982" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>For You are my hope, O Lord G<span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">OD</span>;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-71-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">You are</i> my trust from my youth.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-71-6" id="en-NKJV-14983" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>By You I have been upheld from birth;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-71-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-71-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">My praise <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">shall be</i> continually of You.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-82751596907918821792014-08-14T10:56:00.001-07:002014-08-14T10:56:04.597-07:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - BLESSED FORGIVENESS 08/14/2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Rev. Janet Ethridge</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">August 14, 2014 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>BLESSED FORGIVENESS </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Acts 13:37-39</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New King James Version (NKJV)</span></h1>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Acts-13-37" id="en-NKJV-27400" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">37 </span>but He whom God raised up saw no corruption. </span><span class="text Acts-13-38" id="en-NKJV-27401" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">38 </span>Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; </span><span class="text Acts-13-39" id="en-NKJV-27402" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">39 </span>and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-18826120587500801832014-08-12T09:35:00.001-07:002014-08-12T09:35:09.701-07:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - A BLESSING OF PEACE 08/12/2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT</span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">by Rev. Janet Ethridge</span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">August 12, 2014 </span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">A BLESSING OF PEACE </span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">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. </span></span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">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. </span> <span style="font-weight: 500;"> </span></span></h1>
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<div>
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">2 Peter 1:1-3</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.1;">New King James Version (NKJV)</span></div>
<h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.55em; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;">
<span class="chapternum" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; bottom: -0.1em; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; line-height: 0.8em; position: relative;">1 </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ,</span></h3>
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<span class="text 2Pet-1-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text 2Pet-1-2" id="en-NKJV-30482" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,</span><span class="text 2Pet-1-3" id="en-NKJV-30483" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>as His divine power has given to us all things that <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">pertain</i> to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-48411716665409591172014-08-11T15:24:00.004-07:002014-08-11T15:24:36.830-07:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - LET GOD FIGHT YOUR BATTLES 08/11/2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Rev. Janet Ethridge</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">August 11, 2014</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>LET GOD FIGHT YOUR BATTLES!</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Psalm 24:7-9</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New King James Version (NKJV)</span></h1>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Ps-24-7" id="en-NKJV-14249" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>Lift up your heads, O you gates!</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-24-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-24-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And the King of glory shall come in.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-24-8" id="en-NKJV-14250" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>Who <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</i> this King of glory?</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-24-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">The <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> strong and mighty,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-24-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">The <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> mighty in battle.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-24-9" id="en-NKJV-14251" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>Lift up your heads, O you gates!</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-24-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Lift up, you everlasting doors!</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-24-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And the King of glory shall come in.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-63778267833444995112014-08-08T09:24:00.002-07:002014-08-08T09:24:23.522-07:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - PRAYER FOR DELIVERANCE 08/08/2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Rev. Janet Ethridge</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">August 8, 2014</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Psalm 25:1-3</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New King James Version (NKJV)</span></h1>
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<span class="text Ps-25-1" id="en-NKJV-14253" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">A Plea for Deliverance and Forgiveness</span></h3>
<h4 class="psalm-title" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 1em;">
<span class="text Ps-25-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">A Psalm</i> of David.</span></h4>
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<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="chapter-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-25-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="chapternum" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; bottom: 0.1em; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; left: -3em; line-height: 0.8em; position: absolute;">25 </span>To You, O <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, I lift up my soul.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-25-2" id="en-NKJV-14254" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>O my God, I trust in You;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-25-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Let me not be ashamed;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-25-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Let not my enemies triumph over me.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-25-3" id="en-NKJV-14255" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-25-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-62312714467301808102014-08-07T11:30:00.000-07:002014-08-07T11:30:19.208-07:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - JESUS IS MY STRENGTH! 08/08/2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;"><span style="font-size: small;">FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT</span></span></h1>
<div>
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By Rev. Janet M. Ethridge</span></span></div>
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">August 8, 2014 </span></span></div>
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>JESUS IS MY STRENGTH!</b></span></span></div>
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<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 500; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 19.799999237060547px;">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.</span></span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 500; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 19.799999237060547px;">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.</span></span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: 500; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 19.799999237060547px;">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. </span></span></h1>
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<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Psalm 18:2</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New King James Version (NKJV)</span></h1>
<div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Ps-18-2" id="en-NKJV-14121" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>The <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-18-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-18-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-49407313430013662302014-08-06T10:18:00.000-07:002014-08-06T10:18:47.701-07:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - PRAISE THE LORD IN THE STORM! 08/06/2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT<span style="font-weight: 500;"> </span></span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">by Rev. Janet Ethridge</span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">August 6, 2014</span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">PRAISE THE LORD IN THE STORM!</span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.1;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Going through a spiritual or physical storm lately? Is it more like a monsoon or maybe a Texas twister?</span></span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1;">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! </span></h1>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1;">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.</span></h1>
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<h1 class="passage-display" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Psalm 148:7-9</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">New King James Version (NKJV)</span></h1>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Ps-148-7" id="en-NKJV-16379" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>Praise the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> from the earth,</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-148-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">You great sea creatures and all the depths;</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-148-8" id="en-NKJV-16380" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>Fire and hail, snow and clouds;</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-148-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-148-9" id="en-NKJV-16381" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>Mountains and all hills;</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-148-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Fruitful trees and all cedars;</span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-148-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-40187228627965615142014-08-05T14:09:00.005-07:002014-08-05T14:34:54.008-07:00IT'S MONSOON TIME AGAIN - 08/05/2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
August 5, 2014<br />
<br />
by Rev. Janet M. Ethridge<br />
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<b>IT'S MONSOON TIME AGAIN!</b><br />
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Sure, when it rains it pours - but come on now, Lord, a MONSOON?<br />
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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.<br />
<br />
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<br />
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.<br />
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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.<br />
<br />
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?<br />
<br />
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!<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrKtXmP4bzXv6uZArYxMwWSNT_rSH5XA3NykDvdvYYCiRMUaSaE2jgTnNB0NEIS3OkJ839uytgada243i5aL2zRrj9g-jJMCoClBnEPW-_RN_je_K70C2usfUnvU4zGbvFhP00b8alaQ/s1600/20140725_073926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrKtXmP4bzXv6uZArYxMwWSNT_rSH5XA3NykDvdvYYCiRMUaSaE2jgTnNB0NEIS3OkJ839uytgada243i5aL2zRrj9g-jJMCoClBnEPW-_RN_je_K70C2usfUnvU4zGbvFhP00b8alaQ/s1600/20140725_073926.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><b><i><br /></i></b>
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<b><i>My GOD is the Almighty GOD - in whom I worship and adore - JESUS is my Rock and my Fortress - my Salvation forevermore! </i></b>(written by me, Rev. Janet Ethridge)<br />
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Psalm 89:9</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; line-height: 1.1;">New King James Version (NKJV)</span></h1>
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<span class="text Ps-89-9" id="en-NKJV-15336" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>You rule the raging of the sea;</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnALLUdDArovLEOPgB-1tBfsWChlK-Fz27GJmjU9Ku39XOb0DZ1azzryf2CKwfOiW8Mo8AkFCCLqdEG5nEkUOVs5ftTnySXHVmt2FUsxih-ofkPV6X08nF_rqYbt8uYZ3fvGVH-w7rwa4/s1600/20140725_073941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnALLUdDArovLEOPgB-1tBfsWChlK-Fz27GJmjU9Ku39XOb0DZ1azzryf2CKwfOiW8Mo8AkFCCLqdEG5nEkUOVs5ftTnySXHVmt2FUsxih-ofkPV6X08nF_rqYbt8uYZ3fvGVH-w7rwa4/s1600/20140725_073941.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><span class="text Ps-89-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">When its waves rise, You still them.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-42634270305520644182014-08-05T13:37:00.004-07:002014-08-05T13:38:45.436-07:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - SECRET PRAYERS - 08/05/2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">by Rev. Janet M. Ethridge</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">August 5, 2014</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">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!</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">AMEN.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">____________________________</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">______________________________<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>_____<br /><br />Matthew 6:5-7New King James Version (NKJV)<br /><br />The Model Prayer<br />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.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-39186262223955933722013-04-04T14:36:00.003-07:002013-04-04T14:36:42.754-07:00I GOT HITCHED!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Howdy to all!<br />
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I have been offline for quite some time and wanted to let everyone know that I got remarried on Feburary 16, 2013 to my soul-mate, Bobby Ethridge. <br />
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Once we get settled in, I will start re-posting FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT. <br />
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Thank you for your patience, and God bless all of you.<br />
<br />
Rev. Janet Ethridge<br />
(formerly Marston-McGregor)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-11310751025228940362012-11-09T12:56:00.002-08:002012-11-09T12:56:42.121-08:00UNCONDITIONAL LOVE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
November 9, 2012<br />
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<strong><em>What is true unconditional love?</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>What does it mean to love someone the way Jesus commanded us to? </em></strong><br />
<strong><em>How can we possibly understand the Love of God if we ourselves do not love others?</em></strong><br />
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I am no stranger to experiencing unconditional or conditional love in my life. Conditional love is contingent upon certain factors taking place or not taking place. For instance, if you tell someone "I will disown you if you [do such and such]" or "I will not love you anymore if you [do such and such]", then those things are conditional and not true unconditional love. <br />
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However, there is nothing wrong with <em>setting boundaries </em>as to what you will or will not put up with. And, with those boundaries become consequences. Enabling someone's addiction or bad habit is not showing love at all. In fact, it is the opposite. If we do anything to cause someone else to stumble, then we are also guilty of sin ourselves. <br />
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But, you truly cannot stop loving someone, if you ever really loved them unconditionally. Even through something as painful as divorce or abuse, you may despise what someone did, but if you ever really loved them, it will always be there inside you a little. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, even if we dislike someone. You don't have to like them to love them. At least, not the God-kind of love.<br />
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Also, think about your child or children. The moment they come into this world, you wrap your arms around them and your heart goes "out the window" - you know that, beyond a shadow of a doubt, you will love that child till the day you die - no matter what. You would die for that child. You would sacrifice anything to make sure that child is safe. I believe that is instilled in us by God through His Holy Spirit, so that we may know the kind of love He has for us. And, no matter how hard we try, we can never fully comprehend the Love of God. <br />
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So, how can any of us be sure we truly love someone unconditionally without being an enabler or allowing sin in our homes? First of all, especially mothers (and I am a mother of 3 young men), you must set the boundaries for your household - write it down or just keep it in your mind - things to allow and not allow - for instance, in my household, I would never agree to go buy cigarettes or alcohol for someone who is an addict. In fact, smoking or getting drunk is not allowed at all - and, that goes for other things too, like cursing, drugs and porn. If you allow it in your house, then you are allowing that sin to dwell in your house and you are accountable to God for that. Your house is God's house - not just yours. Also, once you let that sin come in, it is almost impossible to get it out of your house. Trust me, I know. You are also opening up the opportunity for other things to enter in like abuse and violence. Set your boundaries for your household and stick to it. <br />
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Another example, if you have a family member or child who gets arrested for a crime that they did commit - like possession or fighting - then don't bail them out. I set the rule in my house when my boys were teens that, if they were ever arrested, they better be ready to spend the night in jail. I will never bail you out. Now if it is something circumstantial and they were innocent, then you can make the call as to whether to help them get a lawyer or not. But, if they do the crime, they need to do the time. That way, they can learn from their mistakes. Yes, you can be emotional support for them, visit them and pray for them - show them you love them - but enabling them will not help at all. I am very thankful to say I never got that phone call.<br />
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This goes for other things also - if you do anything that makes someone else sin, then you are guilty in God's eyes of sinning also. Let's say, you take a friend out for dinner. And, your friend is a recovering alcoholic, but you order a beer for yourself. That would be very wrong. Your action could cause your friend to stumble, and God will hold you accountable for that. So, be considerate of others. <br />
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We should always be kind and loving to one another - people do watch what you do and say, even if you don't know it. If you are at work and you gossip and cut down other people, then you are opening up the opportunity for others to do the same. <br />
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We cannot "not" sin - because we are born with sin in us because of the "fall", but we can be mindful of what we do and say and try to do our best. If you find out that you did or said something to cause hurt to someone or cause them to sin, then first, ask God to forgive you and then try to help the other person if you can. And, of course, pray for them.<br />
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<em><strong>The ultimate unconditional love is what Jesus did for us on the Cross. </strong></em>No one can top that. But, Jesus did command us to love one another and we should try our best to be a good light for Jesus. What we say and do reflects on HIM. How can others want to know more about the love of Jesus if we are filled with bitterness, hate, resentment, despair and sinfulness?<br />
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LORD JESUS, YOU ARE SO WONDERFUL AND PERFECT AND POWERFUL. YOU ARE WITHOUT SIN. I AM NOT. I STUMBLE. I FALL. I FAIL. I TRY TO DO BETTER. PLEASE FILL ME WITH YOUR HOLY SPIRIT AND SHOW ME WHERE I DO WRONG SO I CAN DO BETTER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVING KINDNESS, FORGIVENESS AND MERCY, MOST WONDERFUL LORD AND SAVIOR. AMEN.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><u>John 3:16 (NIV)</u>(16) <span class="text John-3-16" id="en-NIV-26137">For God so loved<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26137A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> the world that he gave<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26137B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> his one and only Son,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26137C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> that whoever believes<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26137D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> in him shall not perish but have eternal life.</span></span></h3>
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</strong></em><em><strong><u>John 13:34-35 (NIV)</u></strong></em></div>
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<em><strong>(34) "<span class="text John-13-34" id="en-NIV-26665"><span class="woj">A new command<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26665A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> I give you: Love one another.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26665B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> As I have loved you, so you must love one another.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26665C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span></span> </strong></em></div>
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<strong><em>(35) <span class="text John-13-35" id="en-NIV-26666"><span class="woj">By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”</span></span></em></strong></div>
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<em><strong><u>Romans 12:9-11 (NIV)</u></strong></em></div>
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<em><strong>(9)<span class="text Rom-12-9">Love must be sincere.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28255A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28255B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span> </strong></em></div>
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<strong><em>(10) <span class="text Rom-12-10" id="en-NIV-28256">Be devoted to one another in love.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28256C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> Honor one another above yourselves.</span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span class="text Rom-12-10">(11) </span><span class="text Rom-12-11" id="en-NIV-28257">Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28257E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> serving the Lord.</span></em></strong></div>
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<em><strong><u>Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)</u><span class="text Eph-4-1"><span class="chapternum">(1) </span>As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.</span> </strong></em></div>
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<em><strong>(<span class="text Eph-4-2" id="en-NIV-29275">2) Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.</span> </strong></em></div>
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<em><strong>(<span class="text Eph-4-3" id="en-NIV-29276">3) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.</span></strong></em></div>
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<em><strong><span class="text Eph-4-3"></span></strong></em><em><strong><span class="text Eph-4-3"><u>1 Thessalonians 4:9 (NIV)</u></span></strong></em></div>
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<em><strong><span class="text Eph-4-3">(9) <span class="text 1Thess-4-9" id="en-NIV-29613">Now about your love for one another<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29613A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> we do not need to write to you,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29613B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> for you yourselves have been taught by God<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29613C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> to love each other.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29613D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span></span></strong></em></div>
</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-30758106031492429742012-11-06T10:32:00.004-08:002012-11-06T10:33:31.507-08:00FREEDOM<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">November 6, 2012</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We are blessed to have many freedoms in this country, especially the right to vote…but be careful in the choice you make and consider how it will affect the poor and weak. We all have different views on what is best for our Country. And, that is good. Different views from different people. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">I will not give sides or tell how I vote, only provide the scripture references on <strong>Freedom</strong>...exercise your right to vote...you never know when those rights will be taken away.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Remember this, though...the only true freedom we have is freedom from our sins through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. All other freedoms are temporary on this earth.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">May God bless all of HIS children!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="text 1Cor-8-9"><u>I Corinthians 8:9</u>Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.</span> </span></h2>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-119-46"><u>1 Corinthians 10:23-24</u><br /><span class="text 1Cor-10-23">23 “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-10-24" id="en-NIV1984-28576">24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.</span></span></span></span></h2>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-72012307989852001042012-09-14T14:19:00.001-07:002012-09-14T14:19:29.372-07:00GOD-DUTY! (Sept 9, 2012)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On Sunday, 09/09/12, had the wonderful privilege to minister again at the Colorado State Veterans Home and at Cottonwood Care Center in Colorado. Lots of hugs and prayers were given and received. Seeing them after such a long time was quite emotional. <br />
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At the Vets Home, the hallways are lined with dozens of war memorabilia from different wars - I met several residents who fought in the Korean War. What a blessing! Can't say enough about that.<br />
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At Cottonwood Care Center, I was blessed to see some of the same residents who call me "Pastor Jan" and met some new folks. Also was sad to see that 2 of my regulars had passed away - not sad for them, for they are with the Lord, but sad because I will miss them.<br />
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Here are a few photos.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-16872442236550942642012-08-17T10:23:00.000-07:002012-08-17T10:28:51.880-07:00I AM WEAK BUT HE IS STRONG!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
August 17, 2012<br />
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<strong>I AM WEAK BUT HE IS STRONG!</strong><br />
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So far, this year has been very eventful and humbling. First, I moved to a new home. Well, not so new, it's an older 70's model home that needs some work. I am still not unpacked and organized, as I am sure most people can relate. But, I am very thankful and blessed. It is the first and only home I have ever purchased on my own - that is, by myself, without a husband or any help from anyone else. Being divorced means being on my own, relying on no one else but myself and, of course, JESUS. I truly relied on JESUS to be my provider, and HE provided. Thanks be to the Lord God Almighty for all the blessings you have bestowed upon me!<br />
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On another note, I had a major attack of an immune system illness which left me unable to pastor or minister at the nursing homes or hospitals for a few months. The doctors and specialists have said that my compromised immune system caused my body to shut down. The doctors are sure that the traumatic emotional stress from my divorce was a high contributer. They are keeping an eye on my blood levels and immune system levels to make sure they don't fall into the danger zone. As for an official diagnosis - it is an "undiagnosed immune deficiency disorder". In layman's terms - <strong>they ain't gotta clue</strong>! But that doesn't worry me, because my LORD has a clue - and HE will take care of me.<br />
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With a lot of rest and prayer (believe me, a lot of prayer - well, with some whining also) all is back on track now - I am feeling great and going back to the nursing homes in a few weeks - YES, I am ready to serve my LORD at the nursing homes and hospitals with gladness! Although, I never stopped "serving" GOD completely, just not at the nursing homes or hospitals. I have had many opportunities to minister when GOD opened the doors for me. Again, thank you my dear LORD and SAVIOR for providing for me and continuing to use me while in my physical distress.<br />
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While settling in to my humble little home and trying to recover from illness (and continuing to work at my full time secular job at a law firm), I had some time to reflect on my own humanity. Working hard to try to serve my LORD and work full time took its toll on my human, yet frail body, and it almost shut down. Going through a traumatic divorce didn't help either. It has been 2 years since we split and it still wears me down. Believe me folks, pastors and ministers are not immune to marital problems. My ex-husband was a pastor also, for over 25 years, and that didn't make us the perfect couple, did it. No excuses. Just epic fail. Now, with the LORD's mercy and forgiveness, it's time to move on.<br />
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I realized very quickly that I am not perfect - I am not super-human - I cannot do everything. As a result, I was humbled. I spent most of my time praying and talking to GOD, studying His Word, leaning on family and friends, and relying upon HIM for help and healing. <br />
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Stress really can kill you, folks. It almost killed me. My immune system was to a dangerous "near fatal" level, and it almost got me. Mine was 90% divorce-related, but nevertheless, any kind of traumatic stress can cause your body to fall apart. It has taken me 2 years to recover. For some, it takes longer. For others, less. Each person is different. I am over 50 years old now, so age had a part to play in it.<br />
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<em>PRAISE THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY for being my strength when I was weak and weary and for holding me up when I could not hold myself up!</em><br />
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It is my hope and prayer that anyone who reads this will learn from what happened to me and LEAN on GOD for everything that comes your way. Be prepared for attacks from the devil. If I did not have JESUS, I know beyond a doubt that I would not be alive today. HIS strength kept me going. HIS love kept me alive. HIS grace and mercy healed me and renewed me.<br />
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OH, GRACIOUS FATHER IN HEAVEN, WONDERFUL HOLY SPIRIT, PRECIOUS LORD JESUS, THE ONLY TRIUNE GOD, THE ONLY TRUE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE, I BOW DOWN BEFORE YOU IN HUMBLE ADORATION AT YOUR LOVING KINDESS AND MERCY. YOU HAVE SHOWN ME GRACE AND MERCY WHEN I DID NOT DESERVE IT. YOU GAVE ME LOVE AND HEALING WHEN I NEEDED TO BE HEALED AND NEEDED TO BE COMFORTED. I HUMBLY PRAY THAT YOU REACH OUT TO ALL WHO ARE IN NEED AND GIVE THEM THE LOVE AND HOPE THAT THEY NEED IN THEIR TIMES OF DISTRESS AND HOPELESSNESS. I AM FOREVER YOUR HUMBLE SERVANT. HOLY BE YOUR NAME FOREVER, AMEN.<br />
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<strong>1 Chronicles 16:11</strong><br />
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<span class="text 1Chr-16-11" id="en-NIV-10832"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">11 </span></sup>Look to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> and his strength;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text 1Chr-16-11">seek <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-10832A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>his face always.</span></span></div>
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<strong>Psalm 18:32</strong>New International Version (NIV)<br />
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<span class="text Ps-18-32" id="en-NIV-14151"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">32 </span></sup>It is God who arms me with strength <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14151A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-32">and keeps my way secure. </span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-18-32"><strong>Psalm 22:19</strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-22-19" id="en-NIV-14224"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">19 </span></sup>But you, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, do not be far from me. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14224A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-22-19">You are my strength; <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14224B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>come quickly <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14224C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>to help me.</span></span></div>
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<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14151B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-18-32"><strong>Romans 8:26</strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-8-26" id="en-NIV-28143"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">26 </span></sup>In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28143A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>himself intercedes for us <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28143B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>through wordless groans.</span><br />
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<span class="text Rom-8-26"><strong>2 Corinthians 12:10</strong></span><br />
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<span class="text 2Cor-12-10" id="en-NIV-29033"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">10 </span></sup>That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29033A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29033B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>in persecutions, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29033C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29033D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-68404087714891427662011-11-14T10:27:00.000-08:002011-11-14T10:28:52.528-08:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - EVERY DAY IS A BLESSING FROM GOD!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>by Rev. Janet Marston-McGregor</strong></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">November 14, 2011</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>EVERY DAY IS A BLESSING FROM GOD</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I will be turning 50 years old in a few days, and WOW, I cannot believe 50 years has gone by so fast. This being my last 5 days as a 40-something, I wanted to post my personal thoughts and reflections on the Life that GOD has blessed me with.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Even though I have had a very difficult year, emotionally, spiritually, and physically, I am still blessed. We are not promised that we won't go through hard times, just that GOD will be there to help us through them and deliver us from them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">From what I have observed from other people, most of them do not like their birthdays. They dread becoming another year older. They frown and act like it's a curse. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I urge you to NOT have that attitude. Consider how much GOD loves you and how HE created you on purpose. Life is a blessing from GOD, a gift that we cannot repay. No matter what problems this world gives us, we cannot fathom the wonderful gift of life that was purposely given to us by our wonderful Creator and LORD.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tomorrow you may not be here - today you are alive and have people who love you. Life truly is a blessing. Take it one day at a time and celebrate your gift of life "every" day - YIPPEE - today is my birthday and I thank YOU LORD for blessing me with another day of life! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Your life, my life, all life here on earth is just a blink compared to eternity. And, when we pass this world into eternity, it will be a brand new birthday - a birthday of eternal happiness and love and being in the presence of our LORD GOD ALMIGHTY! Think of it like, I am one more year closer to being with JESUS and with my loved ones who are with HIM. What could be so sad about that? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Think about this also - our LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, loves you so much that HE took on your sins - HE took on all of your pain and suffering - HE considers your life so important, that HE died for you. You are loved so much more than you could ever imagine. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Be THANKFUL for every day - for every birthday you have - and celebrate it with JESUS!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">THANK YOU, PRECIOUS LORD AND SAVIOR, FOR GIVING ME ANOTHER YEAR OF LIFE - YEE HAW! I MADE IT TO 50 - THANK YOU JESUS FOR GIVING ME EACH AND EVERY DAY TO LIVE FOR YOU - TO LIVE WITH YOU AS THE HEAD OF MY HOUSE - THE HEAD OF MY HEART. AMEN.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>GENESIS 2:7 </em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>7 Then the LORD God formed a man[b] from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em><br />
</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>PSALM 143:8-9</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, </em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>for I have put my trust in you. </em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>Show me the way I should go, </em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>for to you I entrust my life. </em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em><br />
</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>ROMANS 6:22-23</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.</em></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-2810919554767141522011-08-09T08:54:00.000-07:002011-08-09T08:54:21.350-07:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - 08/09/2011 - SUMMER'S ALMOST OVER...BUT NOT OUR TROUBLES08/09/2011 <br />
<br />
by Rev. Janet Marston-McGregor<br />
<br />
<b>SUMMER'S ALMOST OVER...BUT NOT OUR TROUBLES<br />
</b><br />
Here in Colorado, it's August, summer's almost over - already starting to get much cooler in the morning and evenings. This summer has had its challenges, family tragedies and numerous problems and crises, one right after the other, but, my LORD GOD ALMIGHTY still reigns and HE still provides a way out of any situation, even when there seems to be no way.<br />
<br />
Our world is going through turmoil - our families are in turmoil - jobs are scarce, money is tight, and emotions are stretched. HOWEVER, this too shall pass. This is nothing that hasn't happened before throughout the course of history. Our ancestors survived. We will survive. Sure, it will be difficult. Sacrifices will have to be made. As long as we don't compromise our morals and our loyalty to our GOD in Heaven, we shall survive. <br />
<br />
GOD does not promise that bad things won't happen, just that HE will help us through them. Think about the apostles and all the horrible things they went through. They didn't give up. They were persecuted. Most of them lost their families, jobs, money, and were tortured and imprisoned. DID THEY GIVE UP? NO! They held on to CHRIST, our STRENGTH, our REDEEMER. <br />
<br />
Just when you think you can't take anymore (and I have been there recently) - hold onto JESUS. HE is ready, willing, and able to help you through anything that comes your way.<br />
<br />
Who better to run to in times of trouble than the only ONE who will ALWAYS win? Actually, HE has already won - we just need to trust in HIM to lead us to victory.<br />
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SATAN CANNOT TAKE YOUR SOUL - you are the only one who can give it away or go astray - we all make choices - we all make mistakes - and GOD, who is loving, trusting and forgiving, will always be there with HIS outstretched loving arms open wide to bring you home. Bring on the hugs, LORD! <br />
<br />
LORD JESUS, TIMES ARE TOUGH. PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING. LIVES ARE IN TURMOIL. WE DESPERATELY NEED YOUR GUIDANCE. WE NEED YOUR HELP, YOUR STRENGTH, YOUR LOVE. PLEASE HELP US LORD. GIVE US THE WISDOM AND PERSEVERANCE WE NEED TO GET THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES AND NEVER LEAVE US. WITHOUT YOU, WE ARE NOTHING. WITHOUT YOU, WE ARE LOST. WE PUT ALL OF OUR FAITH AND TRUST IN YOU, OUR STRENGTH AND REDEEMER. AMEN.<br />
<br />
Mark 10:29-31<br />
New International Version (NIV)<br />
29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel <br />
30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. <br />
31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”<br />
<br />
Romans 8:34-36<br />
New International Version (NIV)<br />
34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. <br />
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? <br />
36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”<br />
<br />
2 Corinthians 12:9-10<br />
New International Version (NIV)<br />
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. <br />
10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. <br />
<br />
1 Thessalonians 3:6-8<br />
New International Version (NIV) (Timothy’s Encouraging Report)<br />
6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. <br />
7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. <br />
8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.<br />
<br />
Revelation 2:9-11<br />
New International Version (NIV)<br />
9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. <br />
10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. <br />
11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-35395405642845880692011-05-19T12:12:00.000-07:002011-05-19T12:29:02.242-07:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - HAVE FAITH - WILL SERVE - 05/19/2011FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT<br />
<br />
By Rev. Janet Marston-McGregor<br />
<br />
May 19, 2011<br />
<br />
HAVE FAITH - WILL SERVE<br />
<br />
Been a very busy and CRAZY year so far - besides going through a personal crisis that took a year to be finalized, I am still studying and ministering at a nursing home and state veterans home in Colorado. One of my little sheep (David) is on his way to be with Jesus and is on hospice care. It is hard to watch someone you know dwindle away - but it is also a glorious time, because they will no longer suffer and will be in the glorious presence of our wonderful Lord and Savior. I am also working on a bible study to start soon at the nursing home on "faith" - using several resources and also my own experiences, where my faith has been tested. Also, continuing to serve God through visitations and my global mobile ministry work.<br />
<br />
I praise GOD Almighty for carrying me through and for forgiving me for my sins and for failing. We humans are in a constant battle with the devil and there are times when we fail. Sometimes it is very hard for us to forgive ourselves when we fail. The GOOD news is that JESUS forgives us and has already won the battle and the war - and we are victorious through the precious redeeming blood of our Lord and Savior! So, no matter how hard it is to accept our failings, we need to jump back up and say "Okay, Lord, I goofed up big time - please help me to learn and grow from my mistakes and most of all, help me to forgive myself." <br />
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GOD is GOOD and HIS MERCY endures FOREVER and EVER! <br />
<br />
Trials and tribulations help is to grow strong, both spiritually and emotionally, when we turn to GOD and give everything to Him and allow Him to do His work through us. I have been there - done that - numerous times - and it never ceases to amaze me that GOD is always there to help me, teach me, and love me - every single time. GOD is here for you too - all you have to do is ask. It doesn't cost anything - just open your mouth and say those humble little words - "Lord, Jesus, I need You. Please, help me."<br />
<br />
Now, that wasn't so hard, was it?<br />
<br />
MY PRECIOUS LORD AND SAVIOR, I LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH. AND, I KNOW YOU LOVE ME, TOO. I KNOW YOU LOVE ME MORE THAN I CAN EVER IMAGINE. I KNOW THAT YOUR MERCY AND KINDNESS AND GOODNESS IS FAR MORE THAN ANY WORDS CAN SAY. THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME THROUGH MY MISTAKES, LORD. THANK YOU FOR WRAPPING YOUR LOVING ARMS AROUND ME AND CARRYING ME THROUGH MY TOUGHEST TIMES, WHEN I CANNOT MAKE IT ON MY OWN. MOST OF ALL, THANK YOU FOR SAVING ME FROM MY SINS. AMEN.<br />
<br />
ROMANS 5:1-8<br />
(1) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: <br />
(2) By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. <br />
(3) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; <br />
(4) And patience, experience; and experience, hope: <br />
(5) And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. <br />
(6) For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. <br />
(7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. <br />
(8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013036610089790409.post-22779382407569262382011-05-05T10:57:00.000-07:002011-05-05T14:38:05.817-07:00FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT - When Your Faith is Tested - 05/05/2011<b>FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT</b><br />
<br />
by Rev. Dr. Janet Marston-McGregor<br />
<br />
May 5, 2011<br />
<br />
<b>WHEN YOUR FAITH IS TESTED</b><br />
<br />
Have you ever had your faith tested? Have you ever been in a very traumatic situation in your life that was so devastating and so horrible that you actually wanted to give up on living? Have you ever wondered 'why' God would allow horrible things to happen in your life?<br />
<br />
Let me assure you that almost everyone has been through that type of trauma. I, myself, have also been through very traumatic life-changing events, including one recently that took over a year to be over. There were moments when I wanted to give up on life. No, I would not kill myself, but I definitely begged God to take me. I could not imagine going through life having to deal with the situation I was in for the rest of my life. I felt like a complete failure, devastated and depressed. <br />
<br />
So, what got me through it? Well, let me tell you. First, I am very glad that God did not take me like I asked. Sometimes His answer is 'no' and now I am very glad He didn't give me what I wanted. So, be careful what you ask for - it isn't always the best thing for you. <br />
<br />
What saved me from this devastating trauma was putting my complete faith and trust in God and ONLY God. My faith in God was never an issue. It was my trust in people, in the things of this world that knocked me down. When I had those horrible feelings of devastation and hopelessness, I immediately prayed to God to help me, guide me, and show me a sign that things would get better. <br />
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Once I prayed, I left it to God and trusted that something good would come out of it. I had to have 'faith' that no matter what the outcome, whether it be good or bad, I had to know without a doubt that God would protect me and get me through it. And, HE did. And now that my situation has ended, I feel vindicted. My GOD delivered me from the evil that pursued me. My GOD prevailed!<br />
<br />
We are simple humans and are made of flesh. We will be tested and there are times when we fail. We will have moments of doubt and confusion, devastation, and sometimes depression, feelings of hopelessness. We are not promised that we will not have these moments. We ARE promised that when we put our complete trust in God, that we will get through them. We will get through them because God is bigger than anything in this world. God is more powerful, more faithful, more trustworthy and loyal than any person or any thing that we count on in this temporary life on earth. <br />
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When we truly put all of our faith and trust in God, we will not fail - we will prevail. It may take awhile - and no one can guess how long - we just have to keep on believing and trusting. Look at JOB in the Bible - it took years for JOB to be delivered. We have to trust in the outcome, even when it is not what we wanted or expected. And, we have to believe that sometimes God's purpose is more than anything we could understand, and to leave it at that.<br />
<br />
In my situation, I prayed (crying out to God) "LORD, no matter what the outcome, even if it is not what I want, I will accept it, I will give YOU the glory, and I will be thankful and trust that YOU will help me." The moment I prayed that prayer, I felt like a big weight was lifted off of my body. I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God heard me, answered me, and I knew that God was with me.<br />
<br />
So, how can a minister be depressed and devastated? Well, I am just a humble servant - a human being that has life experiences just like everyone else. And, when bad things happen, my faith is tested just like everyone else. However, it is my hope, as a minister and teacher for the LORD, that I can use these experiences to minister to others and help them through their situations. God will always be there to help you. Nobody deserves it. Nobody earns it. It is the gift of God through mercy and love and grace, freely given, ready for the asking. Don't hesitate to ask God for help. That's what HE wants. That's what he loves to do. HE is your Heavenly Father and He wants to help you now.<br />
<br />
GOD IS GOOD - GOD IS GREAT - TRUST IN HIM - IT'S NEVER TOO LATE! <br />
(Yes, I made that up.)<br />
<br />
MY PRECIOUS LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST - WHEN I AM LOST AND HURTING, WHEN I SOMETIMES FEEL THERE IS NO HOPE - HELP ME TO ALWAYS PUT MY TRUST AND FAITH IN YOU - AND I WILL ALWAYS COME OUT A WINNER - FOR YOU NEVER FAIL - YOU ARE ALWAYS FAITHFUL AND LOYAL - YOU ARE ALWAYS TRUSTWORTHY - EVEN WHEN THE OUTCOME IS NOT WHAT I WANT - I HUMBLY ACCEPT YOUR ANSWER - I SURRENDER MY WILL TO YOURS - I KNOW THAT YOU ARE WITH ME - YOU SAVED ME FROM SIN AND DEATH - AND I AM MOST THANKFUL THAT I SHALL LIVE WITH YOU FOREVER IN HEAVEN - AMEN!<br />
<br />
DEUTERONOMY 7:9<br />
(9) Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; <br />
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PSALM 36:5<br />
(5) Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.<br />
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PSALM 143:1<br />
(1) Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. <br />
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MATTHEW 6:30<br />
(30) Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?<br />
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ROMANS 1:16-17<br />
(16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. <br />
(17) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07776786534646468477noreply@blogger.com0