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-
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.
Church Notes:
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.
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