Fall Creek Christian Church

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13 Kids and chores are frequently unhappy companions. I remember trying to avoid them as a kid and when I couldn't, I would stumble and grumble my way through them. Unfortunately, my children have inherited this proclivity to avoid chores as well. To describe their effort when they are not able to avoid them as "halfhearted" would be overstating the reality. Reflecting on the verse for today, it would appear that halfheartedness is not confined to my personal experience. God led the prophet Jeremiah to include the word "all" in this well known and oft repeated verse. The promise of divine discovery is reserved for the passionate pursuer. The one who must, the one won't be distracted, the one who perseveres, the one who is undivided in focus ... This one will find. God made you. He loves you and he is for you. Your best is the desire of his heart. He has not, is not and will...

“When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy these laws on a scroll for himself in the presence of the Levitical priests. He must always keep this copy of the law with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God ... prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he's above others ... prevent him from turning away from these commands ... ensure his reign and his descendants..."  Deuteronomy 17:18-20 Ten years or so ago, I joined with a group of men on a mission trip to one of the island tribes of Panama. We built homes and started construction of a school for the tribe. It was definitely an adventure as we tent camped for 4-5 days and nights. Food, water, and bathroom facilities weren't like home to say the least. I think we only bathed once with soap and that was in the ocean. Being a person who is a big proponent of daily hygiene, this experience was way out of my comfort zone.  Simply said, there are some activit...

"   The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart.  There is nothing that can be hid from God; everything in all creation is exposed and lies open before his eyes. And it is to him that we must all give an account of ourselves. "  Hebrews  4:12-13 The time had come. I was done being "friends." I was twenty years old and ready to head out into the future with a beautiful young woman on my arm. I was convinced that she was the one, but was  she  convinced? So, with my heart in my hands, completely exposed, I told her how I really felt about her. She responded with, "I think you should ask someone else out." ... Ouch! My poor little heart was broken! I put myself out there only to be crushed. Fortunately, however, in time she decided that I was the one for her too. After twenty six ye...

"I will show you what it's like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it.  It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. ... 'I am not even worthy to come and meet you.  Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.' ... The Lord gives the word, and a great army brings the good news."  Luke 6:47-48, Luke 7:7, Psalm 68:11 My 6th grade teacher was my favorite.  He was tough, but fair.  His expectations were high and articulated very clearly.  It was one of the few moments in my life where I actually wanted to sit in the front row.  In doing so, I made sure I was listening to what he had to say. The Bible puts a premium on listening, particularly when God is speaking.  Our verses for the day tell us that God's word provides a solid foundation, unleashes his power, and results in the heralding of good news.  We're told also that the heavens declare...

"And the Levites, too, quieted the people, telling them, 'Hush! Don't weep! For this is a sacred day.' So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God's words and understood them." Nehemiah 8:11-12 Over the last several years, my level of attention and appreciation for that moment of reflection and respect during the national anthem has grown tremendously. Sure, part of it is just that natural maturing with time. However, I believe it has much more to do with the people that I've met who in some profound way have been shaped by sacrifice and duty for their country. It doesn't take too many conversations with veterans and/or active duty military personnel and their families to begin to appreciate the price of our freedoms. In our scripture today, we see God's people re-encountering his word. As the Book of the Law was opened, all the people rose...