By Rosie Moore

Martin Luther  was a German professor, composer, priest, monk, and a figure in the Protestant Reformation.

You could say he had his fingers in many pies. Mostly known for rejecting several teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church, his main message was   that Christ died for you. If you can believe and have faith, you are saved. His criticism initially was that the Catholic Church was sending the wrong message, giving the people the sense that they could save themselves  by using  the various things the Church offered. His father wanted him to become a lawyer but after going to three law schools which he later compared to Purgatory and Hell he dropped out. One day during a thunderstorm a lightning bolt struck near him. Later, being terrified of death and divine judgment, he cried out, “I will become  monk!” His father was furious.

Be that as it may, my main interest in this man is his famous quotes and thoughts. As many of my readers know I  Iove collecting quotes and thoughts from famous  people and not-so-famous people.

“I have held many things in my hands  and I have lost them all, but whatever I have placed in God’s hands,   that I still possess.”

“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.”

“I cannot and will not recant anything, for  to go against conscience is neither right or safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen.”

My favorite thought, however, is a revision of a hymn he wrote called, “Out of the Depths.”

I call to you from deepest need.

O Lord, hear my request.

I know I have sinned in word and deed,

But now I’m in distress.

Please overlook my errant ways,

And gaze at me with tender grace,

And help me fix this mess.

In you, dear Lord, I place my trust,

I’ve soured on self-reliance.

Your spirit arms each one of us

To slay our taunting giants.

Your promises prove strong and true.

And I’d be nothing without you.

I pledge me full compliance.

I love to write but occasionally  I’m at  loss  for words…. then I depend on those historical figures… a lot. One of these days I’m going to write about Abraham Lincoln’s famous thoughts.

That should be interesting reading!

Thought for the day: Teachers open the doors. You must enter yourselves.  Chinese proverb

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