Fall Creek Christian Church

"Peter traveled from place to place to visit the believers, and in his travels he came to the Lord's people in the town of Lydda. There he met a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. Peter said to him, 'Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and make your bed!' And he was healed instantly. Then the whole population of Lydda and Sharon turned to the Lord when they saw Aeneas walking around."  Acts 9:32-35 I'll never forget the incredible relief and gratitude I felt when the dry sockets from my wisdom teeth removal finally healed. For nearly two weeks, I was either in  excruciating  pain or a foggy daze from pain medications. I couldn't think straight, carry on normal conversations or function at my job. Absolute misery. Healing, of any kind, is truly a moment of a celebration and liberation.  Aeneas understood and appreciated healing in a way that was far more extensive than mine. Eight years he languished in bed. No doubt ...

“A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. 'If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,' he said. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. 'I am willing,' he said. 'Be healed!' Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed."  Mark 1:40-42 I have very few vivid memories from preschool age to early grade school. I do, however, have one very strong memory while on a field trip as a kindergartner. The road the bus traveled was hilly and curvy. My motion sickness began to kick in big time. I felt awful and all I wanted was my mom. One of the teachers could see I wasn't doing well at all. She joined me on my seat, pulled me close and kept me company while the other kids poured out of the bus. I felt safe, cared for, and loved. The leper who came to Jesus believed he could heal him. The only question was, "Would he be willing to do it?" It's at this moment where an internal ...

"Some people brought to him (Jesus) a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, 'Take heart, son! Your sins are forgiven.' 'Blasphemy! This man talks like he is God!', some of the teachers of religious law said among themselves. Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, 'Why are you thinking such evil thoughts? Is it easier to say, 'You're sins are forgiven' or 'Get up and walk'? I will prove that I, the Son of Man, have authority on earth to forgive sins.' Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, 'Stand up, take your mat and go on home, because you are healed!' And the man jumped up and went home."  Matthew 9:2-7    Growing up, it didn't take me long to figure out that my parents were in charge. No meant no. Yes meant yes. Expectations and consequences were clearly explained and consistently enforced. As a result, I default to respecting authority, appreciating it a...

"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...

"Then the woman knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, 'Daughter your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.' While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. 'Your daughter is dead,' they said. 'Why bother the teacher anymore?' Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, 'Don't be afraid, just believe.'" Mark 5:33-36 After days of extremely slow fishing in cold and rainy weather, frustration was beginning to boil over within me. "We drove all the way to Canada, spent all this money to catch nothing!!" "I could have caught nothing in my living room watching basketball!" Yes, the whining was relentless. I was over that fishing trip to be sure. It was a complete bust. After another morning of futility, we found ourselves casting near a ...