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“For though they fall seven times, they will rise again …” Proverbs 24:16
There is no one who is immune from the possibility of making a mistake. For we have all been guilty of lapses in judgment or moral missteps. The tragedy is that too often we allow our shortcomings to define who we are or determine our disposition. It is as if we empower our misgivings so that they become the defining elements in our lives. How many times have you been guilty of allowing your faults to hinder your progress? How many times have you been hampered by harmful habits? How many times have you been stymied by your indiscretions? To put it plainly, how many times have you fallen and stayed down?
One of the main reasons we stay down is because we feel that the mistakes we make are unredeemable. We feel our offenses are too gross to be rectified. Therefore, we allow the misgivings that we have committed to have the final word, and in doing so, we sometimes limit the possibility of growth and transformation. In the book of Proverbs, the writer gives us hope. He makes it clear that not only is falling part of the cycle of life, but those who are considered “righteous” fall as well. There is no shame in stumbling and there is no disgrace in having deficiencies. The truth of the matter is, being down is not your destiny. Failure is not determined by the mistakes you make in your life, nor is it determined by the number of mistakes you make. What really matters is how you respond to your mistakes. For the truly righteous man or woman of God is the one who comes to realize that with God on your side, “down” does not have the final word. You can get back up!
Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Mike
Stephanas Palarche
/ May 28, 2010Grace and honor Pastor Mike, FCBC family;
I agree with you on the statement down is not our destiny. One thing to add to what you’ve said! Some people allow brethren words to keep them down and not acknowledging God to rise them again. Many people rely on spouse and friends to lift them up and not look to God for the answer. I’ve been through alot, but I thank God each day for being introduced to be apart of the FCBC email list. Being lost my father and seeing a part of my spirit died with him. I was ready to throw in the towel and then I heard the FCBC choir. The energy that they give in each song while i listened just gave me strength, hearing and getting touched by the spirit brought a fresh new fire in me. I just want you to know Pastor Mike you have touch me in many ways and with your words of encouragement allow me to stand and face life activities. I’m more bold now in my christian walk. Your Preaching of the Gospel is life unto many brethren outside of the membership of FCBC. Continue the good fight FCBC and just for you to know you have a great friend in New Jersey who is a part of the family of God. Wash in his blood, save and sanctified. I pray for everlasting life and the lives you have touched.
Cathy Henry
/ May 31, 2010Thanks Pastor Mike,
On 05/30/2010, I was going through something and I turned on this sermon and it helped me to get through a situation. It helped me to see some things that had happened in my life and how I had stopped loving myself. I have learned that I am in the fight for my life and I have to stand up and know who I am.
No longer will I let abuse, shame, low self-esteem, hurt, or ANYTHING NEGATIVE have an impact on my life. I have been going through some things alone, I say this because no matter who is with you, if you can’t grasp the what issues are affecting you, then you are still by yourself.
I have been trying to make a decision about what to do in a situation, but your sermon helped me to make my decision and I will do what is right while standing on God’s word. Thanks for removing this void in my spirit and I will continue to listen to your pearls of wisdom. To God be the glory.
Cathy DuBose
/ June 4, 2010Greetings to you my Brothers -n- Sisters in Christ Jesus. I have just been searching the web for Church Business Administrator jobs… I came across your website and got blessed tremendously!
WOW! No I didn’t stumble up on a job here, I received fresh mana from heaven! Wow! Reading Pastor Mikes’ thoughts on some Biblical Truths has truly blesweed my soul! I felt I was in a dry and weary land / place and got lifted up through Pastor Mikes nuggets on some things!
My husband and I recently relocated to Liberty, South Carolina from San Diego, California and haven’t really settled down yet… So we have been visiting many churches just hitting and missing out on a lot of things. Today I was blessed by Pastors Mikes’ words of encouragement and wish I was sitting up under him!
Still my husband and I are waiting for the door God opens for us, for jobs and a place to call home! I love pastor Mikes’ spirit and just wanted to say to him I know Sir, by the spirit in which your words were spoken and are being received that “Your labor is not in vain”
Pastor Mike you are a powerful Man of God that speaks Biblical Truth! Keep on doing what God has put before you to do Sir!
Blessings, Peace, Power and Continued Strength to you!
Evangelist Cathy DuBose (864) 843-8498
Cathy DuBose
/ June 4, 2010May the Hand of God continue to remain on Pastor Mike and the First Corinthian Baptist Church Family!