Leslie Koh: A guest band was leading praise and worship at our church, and their passion for the Lord was moving. We could see—and feel—their enthusiasm.

Then the musicians revealed that they were all ex-prisoners. Suddenly their songs took on special meaning, and I saw why their words of praise meant so much to them Their worship was a testimony of lives broken and restored. (Google image, Shattered lives restored).

The world may embrace success. But stories of past failure offer people hope too. They assure us that God loves us no matter how many times we have failed.

Pastor Gary Inrig says that what we call the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11 could well be entitled God's Hall of Reclaimed Failures.

"There is scarcely an individual in that chapter without
a serious blemish in his or her life," he observes. "But
God is in the business of restoring failures . . . That is
a great principle of God's grace."

I love the comfort of Psalm 145, which speaks of God's "wonderful works" (vv. 5-6) and glorious kingdom (v. 11). It describes His compassion (vv. 8-9 and—faithfulness (v. 13)—then immediately tells us that He lifts up those who have fallen (v. 14).

All His attributes are expressed when He picks us up. He is indeed in the business of restoration.

Have you failed before? We all have. Have you been restored? All who have been redeemed are stories of God's grace."

"Our Stories of failure can be God's stories of success."

Prayer: "I know I'm not perfect, Lord, so help me not to be hypocritical and pretend I have it all together. Open my heart to others in acceptance and love so that they might know Jesus' concern for them."

Failure is Not Final Sharon Jaynes

"Have you ever messed up big time? I know I have. Maybe that’s why I love Jesus’ disciple, Peter, so much. He made so many mistakes, and he seemed to make them when they mattered most.
Remember? He denied that he even knew who Jesus was . . . three times. What did Jesus have to say about that? . . ."

Today's Bible verses-

Lamentations 3:21-24 (NKJV)“This I recall to my mind,
therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we
are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They
are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ‘The
Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, therefore I hope in Him!”

Is. 65:24 KJV) "And it shall come to pass, that before
they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking,
I will hear."

Is. 32:17 )KJV) "And the work of righteousness shall be
peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and
assurance for ever."

Today's quote-

Albert Lee: "Jesus loves imperfect, wakeari ('there is a reason' in Japanese) people—which includes you and me. And the greatest demonstration of His love for us is that "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8). As recipients of His love, may we be conduits of His love to the flawed people around us so they too may know that they can receive God's love despite their imperfections."

"Broken people are made whole by God's love."

Today's helpful links:

The Power of a one-minute Hug by Jill Savage

Jill: "Sometimes in marriage, the little things are really the big things . . . both positively and negatively. From the negative perspective, a lack of non-sexual touch may seem like a little thing to you but it causes a slow fade of physical disconnection. From the positive perspective, adding back in 1-2 minutes of loving, non-sexual touch each day . . . "

Step Back by Nancy Demary

"When life seems quite overwhelming, and you feel the need to take charge. Be careful you honor the scripture, for pains of consequence are large. If you will take gently a step back, consider your ways and be wise, you’ll soon see your Father’s instruction, in your situation proved wise. Step back and make room […]"

List of recent sermons of CFC ministers. CFC Potsdam church has a live service at 10 am Sunday's for shut-ins. If for some reason you can't make it to the church you usually attend, click on the above link, and still get fed!

Upcoming posts-

#49 You Will be Accountable for Your Sleeplessness as a Watchman

5/1 Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

#50 You Will be Accountable To Warn of Dangers
3rd- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

The Trouble With Religion
5th- Saturday's post by Ron Hutchcraft

#51 Your Accountability as a Leader, Part 2
8th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel