Saturday, September 20, 2025

THE SIMPLE TRUTH

 

   Dave Branon- "When my wife and I go biking, we like to know how many miles we've pedaled. So, I went to a bike shop to buy an odometer and came home with a minicomputer that I discovered was a bit too complicated for me to program.

I headed back to the bike shop, where the person who had sold it to me had it working in no time. I realized it wasn't as difficult to understand as I thought. (odometer).

   In life, new things and new ideas can seem complicated. Think about salvation, for instance. Some people might think becoming a child of God is complicated.

   Yet, the Bible spells it out in simple terms: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31). No set of rules to follow. No mysteries to solve.

   Here's the simple truth: We've all sinned (Romans 3:23). Jesus came to earth to save us from the penalty of our sin — death and eternal separation from Him (Matthew 1:21; 1 Peter 2:24). He arose from the dead (Romans 10:9). And we're saved from spiritual death to eternal life by trusting in what He did for us (John 3:16).

   Consider what it will mean for you to simply trust and believe in Jesus. Let Him give you "life . . . to the full" (John 10:10).

Let's pray-

 "Loving God, we realize that we're sinners, doing things that are wrong in Your eyes. We also realize that You sent Jesus to earth to die on the cross for our sins. Please forgive us for our sins and redeem us. Thank You for the salvation You've provided!       We're praying now, in Jesus' name. Amen.

 #104  Testimony-  Thomas Payne

   Payne tells the story of a godly mother who prevailed in general prayer for years for her unsaved husband and nine children. Finally she was led to focus on her children one at a time with intensified, earnest prayer.
   One by one, God began to answer her pleading prayer. First her oldest daughter was converted, then her two oldest sons. In time all of her children were won to Christ. But in spite of her intense intercession and tears, her husband remained unmoved.
   She was determined to make one last all-out effort. She spent a whole night in intense prayer of pleading earnestness beyond anything she had ever known. Her heart was almost breaking.
   In the morning she said to him, "God has given me all my nine children, but you are still without God and without hope. I have but one more request to make, and then I must leave you to God. Will you now at this moment seek the salvation of your soul?"
   She had asked, sought, and knocked all night in agony of soul. Her husband stood speechless, almost as if paralyzed. Suddenly, he began to sob. "I will." That morning he was saved, and so remarkable was his changed life that the whole surrounding district was greatly impressed.


#104 Hymn- At Calvary-The information about this song,  is taken from the book by Robert J. Morgan, THEN SINGS MY SOUL  (p. 235)

  Bill Newell, started out a very troubled young boy. He was hesitently enrolled in the Moody Bible Institute by Dr. R.A.Torrey. He obeyed all the school rules and day by day ventilated his frustrations to the Dr. — and as it turned out, he graduated! To make a long story short, several years later that boy, William R. Newell, himself, was a beloved professor at Moody Bible Institute!
   In 1895, William began thinking of putting his testimony into verse form. The idea rolled around in the back of his mind for several weeks, then one day on his way to lecture, the lines came to him. Ducking into an empty classroom, he jotted down the words on the back of an envelope. As he hurried on to class, he happened to meet Dr. Daniel Towner, director of music at the Institute. Handing him the verses, William gently suggested they could use a good melody. By the time Dr. Newell finished his lecture, the completed tune was ready.
   "Bill", said Dr. Towner, "I was so taken with the poem you gave me that I went immediately to my studio and composed a tune. I feel that it could be the best song that either of us will every write in our life time."
   The men sang it together, and the hymn, At Calvary, was published shortly after.


1556-1560 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted- 
 
1556- Is. 24:15a "Wherefore glorify ye the LORD."
1557- Ps. 71:15a "My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation 
          all day."
1558- Jer. 30:2b "Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee."
1559- Ez. 34:1 "The word of the LORD came unto me."
1560- Is. 25:8b "The Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces."


 Some encouraging words-

   If you desire proof that the Lord considers the lesser things, look at creation. The great and mighty God has displayed His greatness as much in the tiny objects which He has made, as in the magnificent worlds which He has fashioned. Myriads of creatures disport themselves in a each single drop of stagnant water and yet in each one of these omnipotence is manifested. 
   The bodies of those minute beings display in every part amazing skill and admirable design. Their very minuteness increases our wonder and compels us to feel the mightiness of the divine Creator.


Spiritual teaching notes: 

   John Bevere- What is the fear of the LORD? It is not to be scared of God, but to have a reverence for Him. Because of this kind of fear, we are not apt to sin. He that fears God has nothing to hide, (as it won't be anyway!). We're to firmly embrace God's heart and allow His love to fill us to hate what He hates. 
   If we don't speak in power, it's because we tolerate sin.


Upcoming posts:

 9/27th- THE ADVENTURE- Anne Cetas
10/4th-  BE WISER- Amira Emmanuel
11th-     JOY FOR THE JOURNEY- Mary Southerland 


The North Country Christian Fellowship Center Churches,

located in the St. Lawrence county of NY,

broadcast their Sunday services at 10 or 10:15

You can view past services too.

Sermon listing:https://www.cfconline.org/sermon-library 



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Saturday, September 13, 2025

GETTING BACK UP

 

   Nancy Gavilanes- "As a teen, I was enthralled with the sport of figure skating. I loved the blend of artistry and atheleticism on ice, with the fast spins, high jumps, and perfect poses.

   After watching many professional skaters perform, I finally got the opportunity to go ice skating and be part of a group lesson. Along with learning how to glide and stop, we learned some of the most important skills for a skater a any level— how to fall and get back up quickly. Later, I learned many spins and jumps in private lessons, but always had to rely on the basics of how to get up after a fall.  Girl skating

   We don't have to be athletes to know that 'falling' is part of life. Perhaps we fall because we've sinned, we stumble due to a mistake, or we get knocked down by an overwhelming circumstance. Maybe we find ourselves being attacked by the devil one way or another. "We are . . . persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed" (2 Cor. 4:8-9). No matter the reason, we all fall and experience failure in life.

   But we're not meant to live in defeat, shame, or regret. When the enemy is lurking nearby and trying to plunder from us (Prov. 24:15), we need to remember that God is fighting for us and will help us get back up, 'for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again" (v. 16).

   When we fall, let's quickly turn to God and fix our eyes on Him who gives us the strength to get back up.

Prayer: "Dear God, thank You for helping us get up after a fall! We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen."

#103 Testimony-   Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon

   Martin Luther heard that his great friend and fellow reformer, Philip Melanchthon was dying, and he went at once to see him. All the usual signs of death were present — the cold, clammy sweat; the fixed eyes; the semicoma state. He could not eat or drink or seemingly be roused. Luther was deeply moved, turned away from the bed, fell upon his knees with his face toward the window, and agonized in prayer for an hour, praying with earnestness and holy boldness, knocking on heaven's door.

   Listen to Luther's words; "This time I besought the Almighty with great vigor . . . I attacked Him with His own weapons, quoting from Scripture all the promises I could remember and said that He must grant my prayer if I was henceforth to put faith in His promises! I said, 'Be of good courage, Philip. You will not die . . . . Do not give way to grief and do not become your own slayer, but trust in the Lord who can destroy and bring to life, who can strike and heal again!"

   Then Luther arose from his knees and went quietly to the bed. He took Melanchthon by the hand. The sick man roused, recognized Luther, and said, "O dear Luther, why don't you let me depart in peace?" "No, no, Philip, we cannot possibly spare you from the field of labor yer!"

   Luther then requested the nurse to go and bring some nourishment. When it was brought, Melandhthon had no desire for it and asked again to be allowed to go home and be at rest.

   Again Luther replied, "Philip, we cannot spare you yet." Upon Luther's insistence a third time, Melanchthon relented, tasted a bit of food, began to get better, was restored to complete health, and for many years continued to labor, battling with the powers of darkness for the reformaiton that God sent across Europe. Reformation came to Europe because of men who knew how to prevail in prayer, even when it required knocking on heaven's door. 


1551-1555 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted- 
 
1551- Rom. 8:10 "And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the 
          Spirit is life because of righteousness."
1552- Jer. 2:17a "Hast thou not procured this unto thyself?"
1553- Ez, 24:24b "And when this cometh, ye shall know that I am the Lord God."
1554- Is. 25:3a "Therefore shall the strong people glorify thee."
1555- Pro. 10:23b "A man of understanding hath wisdom."


 #103  Hymn-  Blessed Assurance 
The information about this song,  is taken from the book by Robert J. Morgan, THEN SINGS MY SOUL   (pg. 183)

Fanny Crosby (from America) and Frances Ridley Havergal (from England) never met, but they became dear pen pals—the two most famous women hymnists of their age. One day when Fanny was staying at the Knapp Mansion, her friend Phoebe said she had a tune she wanted to play. Going to the music room, she sat at the piano and played a new compostion of her own while the blind hymnist listened. Fanny immediately clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Why that says, 'Blessed Assurance!'" She quickly composed the words, and a great hymn was born.


Encouraging Words:

   Wesley Deuwell- "God has the same tender interest and perfect concern in every detail of your life as He had in the earthly life of Jesus. The Father delights in your every prayer, in your every loving thought, and in your every remembrance of Him, just as He delights in every loving response of Jesus Christ to His infinite love. God the Father is hungry for you with the same yearning love with which He years for His only Son."


Church Notes:

     WHAT DO WE SEE?

   God calls us to bigger things than we're abe to do. 
   We're to look through His Eyes and see what He sees! 
   He knows what our individual calling is and no one can prevent us from ataining 
      it, except we, ourselves.
   God will equip us with His Ability and purpose, and His words will be put in 
      our mouths so we can accomplish His will for us!


Upcoming posts:

9/20th- THE SIMPLE TRUTH- David Brandon
27th-    THE ADVENTURE- Anne Cetas
10/4th- BE WISER- Amira Emmanual



The North Country Christian Fellowship Center Churches,

located in the St. Lawrence county of NY,

broadcast their Sunday services at 10 or 10:15

You can view past services too.

Sermon listing:https://www.cfconline.org/sermon-library 




 
 

 



 Some encouraging words-



Church Notes: 




Upcoming posts:

 



The North Country Christian Fellowship Center Churches,

located in the St. Lawrence county of NY,

broadcast their Sunday services at 10 or 10:15

You can view past services too.

Sermon listing:https://www.cfconline.org/sermon-library 




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Saturday, September 6, 2025

WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE

 WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE


   Bill Crowder- Many consider Ferrante and Telcher to be the greatest piano duet team of all time. Their collaborative presentations were so precise that their style was described as four hands but only one mind. Hearing their music, one can begin to grasp the amount of effort required to perfect their craft.

   But there's more. They loved what they did. In fact, even after they had retired in 1989, Ferrante and Telcher would occasionally show up at a local piano store just to play an impromptu concert. They simply loved making music.

   David also loved making music—but he teamed up with God to give his song a higher purpose. His psalms affirm his struggle-filled life and his desire to live in deep dependence upon God. Yet, in the midst of his personal failures and imperfections, his praise expressed a kind of spiritual "perfect pitch," acknowledging the greatness and goodness of God even in the darkest of times. The heart behind David's praise is simply stated in Psalm 18:1, which reads, "I love you, LORD, my strength."

   David continued, "I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise" (v.3) and turned to Him "in my distress" (v. 6). Regardless of our situation, may we likewise lift our hearts to praise and worship our God. He's worthy of all praise!


Let's pray-

     Heavenly Father, You've put a new song in our mouths. Please help our worship to express Your true goodness and greatness. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.


#102 Testimony-  One page at a time

"In secret corners of the world, believers gather quietly—not to study a whole Bible, but to share a single page. 

Torn from a tattered copy, that one page is read aloud, memorized, and passed along. It’s a treasure. A whisper of hope. 

In places where Christianity is illegal or it’s dangerous to be a Christ-follower, Scripture travels underground, one verse at a time."  



1546-1550 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted- 
 
1546- Is. 35:2b "They shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God."
1547- Ps. 146:2 "While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God
          while I have any being."
1548- Is. 19:20a "It shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts."
1549- Job 13:6 "Hear now my reasoning, and hearken to the pleading of my lips."
1550- Ps. 97:11 "Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart."


 #102  Hymn-   Jesus Loves Even Me 
The information about this song,  is taken from the book by Robert J. Morgan, THEN SINGS MY SOUL   (p. 177)

   Philip Bliss was born in a Pennsylvania log cabin where his father led in daily prayer and where music was the primary entertainment. As a result the lad found himself drawn to both the Lord Jesus and to music at an early age.
   When he was ten, Philip sold vegetables door to door. Approaching an elegant home, he heard a sort of music he'd never heard before. Dropping his vegetables, he scaled the fence and slipped unseen into the parlor. A woman was playing something new and strange to Philip—a piano. He was enthralled. When she stopped, he exclaimed, "O lady, please play some more!" Spinning on her stool, the alarmed woman saw the little urchin standing there. "Get out of here with your big, bare feet!" she cried, Philip beat a fast retreat, but the sounds of that piano stayed with him and deepened his desire to become a musician.
   In 1870, Philip joined the staff of the First Congregational Church in Chicago. One evening, very weary, Philip found inner refreshment while meditating on Romans 5:5: "The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit." Picking up pen and paper, he began writing; 'I am so glad that my Father in heaven / tells of His love in the book He has given . . ." The hymn, "Jesus Loves Even Me" was created.


 Some encouraging words-

   "Consider the great benefit of a constant, diligent, and persevering attendance in prayer. It is one of the greatest and most excellent means of nourishing the new nature, and of causing the soul to flourish and prosper. It is an excellent means of keeping up an acquaintance with, and of growing in the knowledge of God. It is the way to a life of communion with God. It is an excellent means of taking off the heart the vanities of the world, and of causing the mind to be conversant in heaven." (Jonathan Edwards (1758)


Church Notes: 

                      POWER OF GOD

God wants to fill us with His Holy Spirit!
The Stone (Jesus) was rejected by His people. 
His power within us is the power of Salvation. Our testimony can be powerful!
The apostles refused to stop preaching, and neither should we be silent.
The fruit of the Spirit becomes evident when we're filled with the Spirit. He'll make
us bold and strengthen us to do His will. 
The peace of God is to help us not be anxious about anything, but to wholly trust in Jesus, as we let Him fill us with His Spirit, which is His Presence.


Upcoming posts:

9/13th- GETTING BACK UP- Nancy Gavilanes
20th-   THE SIMPLE TRUTH- Dave Branon
27th-   THE ADVENTURE- Anne Cetas


The North Country Christian Fellowship Center Churches,

located in the St. Lawrence county of NY,

broadcast their Sunday services at 10 or 10:15

You can view past services too.

Sermon listing:https://www.cfconline.org/sermon-library 


 




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Saturday, August 30, 2025

FINDING REST FROM CONTROL

 

Finding Rest from Control 


Matt Holmes

In life’s daily grind, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by our endless to-do lists. We strive to balance careers, relationships, and responsibilities, often believing that adding more will lead to success. Yet, this pursuit can leave us stressed and anxious. However, there’s a remedy amidst the chaos: trusting in God’s guidance.

God empathizes with our struggles and invites us to surrender our worries to Him. When Jesus visited Mary, Martha, and Lazarus’ home, Martha busily attended tasks while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening intently. Jesus commended Mary’s choice and highlighted the importance of seeking God’s guidance, even amid busyness.

We should pause and reconnect with God when we feel the urge to control our circumstances or relationships. Just as God orchestrates the right people in our lives at the right time, we must trust His timing and wisdom in our connections. Attempting to force relationships or manipulate situations often leads to heartache. Instead, we should pray for discernment and allow God to guide our interactions.

God promises to provide for your needs and navigate you through life’s challenges. You can find peace and open yourself to His incredible plans by surrendering your ambitions to Him. Prioritize time with God to align with His peace and will.

"So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God's kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself."
Matthew 6:33-34 TPT


Let's pray-

    Father, in our daily grind, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by our endless to-do lists as we try to balance careers, relationships and responsibilities by ourselves.
   This pursuit leaves us stressed and anxious. You have given us guidance that we need to trust in You to help us instead. Our failing to pause and reconnect with You when we feel the urge to control our circumstances or relationships, often leads to heartache. Instead, we should pray for discernment and allow You to guide our interactions.
   You've promised to provide our needs and to navigate us through life's challenges. We're to find peace as we open ourselves to Your incredible plans by surrendering our ambitions to You. Priortizing time with You to align with Your will brings peace!
    Please help us pray what Your Word says about worry, and stop chasing after less important things, which You already plan to give us abundantly. May we refuse to worry about our tomorrows, commtting each of them to Your guidance and provision. We can trust You to show Your care for us, as You love us!  
   In the name of Jesus, we pray for Your help to surrender our lives to Your guidance and provision. Amen.


#101 Testimony-  Amy Carmichael

   God may lead you to ask for things you had not thought about. Amy Carmichael was a missionary to India whom God greatly used in prayer and faith. At times, God  impressed her to ask for things for which she saw no immediate need. But when she asked, God provided, and they proved of great value in her ministry. God knows the things we need even before we ask Him (Matt. 6:8).
   Praise God, we can often prevail in prayer by merely asking. We can always claim the promises given for those who ask. Asking is the foundation of all prevailing in prayer.



1541-1545 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted- 
 
1541- Song of Solomon 8:6a "Set me as a seal upon thine heart."
1542- Ps. 122:8 "For my brethren and companion's sake, I will now say, Peace be
          within thee."
1543- Ps. 40:10b "I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation."
1544- Zeph. 2:3a "Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth."
1545- Ps. 50:1a "The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken."


 #101  Hymn-  He Leadeth Me

The information about this song,  is taken from the book by Robert J. Morgan, THEN SINGS MY SOUL   (pg. 145)

   Dr. Joseph Gilmore, son of a Governor of New Hampshire, gave this account of writing this famous hymn:  "As a young man recently graduated . . . I was supplying for a couple of Sundays the pulpit of the First Baptist Church in Philadelphia. At the mid-week service, on the 26th of March, 1862, I set out to give the people an exposition of the Twenty-third Psalm, which I had given before on three or four occasions, but this time I did not get further that the words 'He Leadeth Me.' Those words took hold of me as they had never done before, and I saw in them a significance . . . of which I had never dreamed.

   At the close of the meeting a few of us in the parlor of my host, Deacon Watason, kept on talking about the thought I had emphasized; and then and there, on a blank page of the brief from which I had intended to speak, I penciled the hymn, talking and writing at the same time, then handed it to my wife and thought no more about it. She sent it to the Watchman and Reflector, a paper published in Boston, where it was first printed. I did not know until 1865 that my hymn had been set to music by William B. Bradbury. 
   I went to Rochester to preach as a candidate before the Second Baptist Church. Going into their chapel . . . I picked up a hymnal to see what they were singing, and opened it at my own hymn, "He Leadeth Me!'"


 Some encouraging words-

   As we attempt to live fruitful and prosperous lives, we are tempted to plan our way and direct our steps. God wants us to live fruitfully, but not on our terms. We will never live a fruitful life outside of God’s will. He invites us to share our plans with Him, and He will lead us down the right path. Let go of controlling your life and experience the abundant fruit God gives when He directs your steps.

Church Notes: 

                          A NEW LIVING WAY

   Christ became our offering for sin, replacing the sacrificial offerings of animals spoken of in the Old Testament. A body was prepared for Him to provide the way of salvation, not just for the covering of sins, but He became our Great High Priest, giving us access to the Father through the offering of His blood on the cross, and from His resurrecting from the dead to New Life!

     Our admonition is to:

1) HAVE CONFIDENCE in the shed blood of Christ Jesus.
2) DRAW NEAR in heart with child-like faith to believe in what Christ has done.
3) HOLD FAST to our profession of faith, without wavering and to resist temptation to         give up!
4) We're to STIR OURSELVES AND OTHERS UP with good works and love, by doing            what we can to snatch others from the depths of despair, attending church
    services faithfully and fellowshipping with others.


Upcoming posts:

9/6-   WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE- Bill Crowder
13th- GETTING BACK UP- Nancy Gavilanes
20th- THE SIMPLE TRUTH- Dave Branon


The North Country Christian Fellowship Center Churches,

located in the St. Lawrence county of NY,

broadcast their Sunday services at 10 or 10:15

You can view past services too.

Sermon listing:https://www.cfconline.org/sermon-library 



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