Life in a fallen and failing world brings with it many falls and failures.
Our own sins frequently trip us up. The sins of others beat us down. The devil jumps us, knocks us down, and mauls us. The world does its best to chew us up and spit us out.
We get knocked down. Not once. Not twice. But over and over. We’re flooded with guilt, shame, hurt, anger or frustration. We feel like we’re barely hanging on. Our will is broken.
Praise God, Jesus lifts us up again. And again, and again. He does it by his grace. Through faith. By the power of his word.
Though we fall many times, we will get back up. Not by our own power. And not by our own determination or perseverance.
We rise again by his power. The power of a Redeemer’s forgiveness. And the power of a Savior’s love.
The cross, and the empty tomb. Jesus experienced them first. But we experience them now, because their power is being reenacted every day in our own lives.
“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again… (Proverbs 24:16, NIV).
Our Bible reading for Wednesday, August 7, is Jeremiah 14:1 – 15:21, Colossians 3:1 – 4:1 and Proverbs 24:15-22.
Lord, when I fall, help me get back on my feet again. I need you because I fall often and fail frequently. But I know that the power of your death and resurrection are still operating in my life every day. I do fall. I will fail. But in your grace and forgiveness I will rise again. Thank you for the hope and strength, the determination and perseverance you give me.
Header image based on "regret - hanging on" by SuperFantastic, CC By 2.0
pastorjeffgunn 
Our Bible reading for Wednesday, August 7, is Jeremiah 14:1 – 15:21, Colossians 3:1 – 4:1 and Proverbs 24:15-22.
“Therefore this is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.”
Jeremiah 15:19 NIV
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:12-13 NIV
Heavenly Father, I come before you with a humble heart. I acknowledge my sin and ask for your forgiveness. Lord you have blessed me in so many ways, give me the words to share all you have done for me. Lord you have put so many people in my life, give me the heart to love them as you have loved me. Help me to deal with all noise of this world, all the voices that are not yours. Lord I deserve so little, but I will serve you with anything and everything you give.
~Paul Montenieri
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