Fall Creek Christian Church

"... Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable."  Romans 12:17 There are very few words left these days that universally generate positive emotions and thoughts.  The word "honorable" is one of those. Recently, I had to have some body work done on one of our vehicles after a little fender bender initiated by a family member, who will remain unnamed.  We were very pleased with the work and that the cost was less than the estimate.  In addition, they sent the car to be detailed inside and out after the repair was completed!  The car was returned to us in far better condition than we had dropped it off. I'm thinking that the manager had read our verse for the day.  Conducting oneself in an honorable way leaves a lasting impression.  I won't ever feel the need to seek out a different body shop.  Living honorably is such a big deal that God saw fit to address it in his word so that we would address it with him in our daily liv...

"Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.  If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death.  But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace."  Romans 8:5-6 On too many occasions, I've regretfully said to myself, "That wasn't a very good idea at all."  I get even more agonizingly puzzled when I realize that at one point in time I thought it was!  It's terribly discouraging to be the poster boy for the slogan, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."  Maybe you can relate..?? Thankfully, Paul, who wrote the verses for today, gives us some insight into our mind problems.  He tells us that the quality of our thoughts hinges on who is sitting behind the wheel.  If that part of us which is oriented against God is driving, look out!  However, if God the Holy Spirit is driving, buckle up, sit back an...

"A man's wisdom gives him patience, it is to his glory to overlook an offense."  Proverbs 19:11 "Ouch!", I said to myself.  The words that were being spoken were not only disrespectful, they were false, insulting and demeaning.  I just kept reminding myself of the truth that God is my Defender.  Any attempt on my part to fight for me would have expressed that I thought I was the big deal.  The Lord reminded me very clearly in that moment that it was not about me.  So, I kept still and watched God do what only he could do. We humans tend to operate from a fundamentally self-centered perspective.  The writer of the verse for the day nailed squarely on the head two symptoms of the self-focused life: impatience and defensiveness.  From a Biblical perspective, there are two things that are true of those who move away from these normal reactions. They are wise. They are esteemed in the eyes of others. Today, you will be tested. Opportunities to be...

"Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine.  Test yourselves.  If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test."  II Corinthians 13:5 I could hear the aggressive writing on the clipboard belonging to the man taking me on my driver's license test drive.  He was the last barrier between me and the coveted driver's license.  His note taking made me a little nervous, but I was sure I had nailed my drive.  Unfortunately for me, my self-examination was incorrect.  Something about a school zone...  Paul was pretty emphatic about this idea of self assessment.  Take inventory.  Test yourself.  Examine intently.  What do you see?  Is there anyone resembling Jesus looking back at you when you look into the mirror?  His challenge was also corporate in nature.  Looking at your family or at your church ... Is Jesus there?  Would he recognize any of us who are claiming h...

"As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water.  'O my Lord,' he cried out, 'it was borrowed!'  The man of God asked, 'Where did it fall?'  When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float.  'Lift it out', he said.  Then the man reached out his hand and took it."  II Kings 6:5-7 Everyone needs a friend who has a truck.  Inevitably something needs to be hauled that neither car nor minivan can handle.  I borrowed my friend's truck recently and it saved the day without question.  We hauled and hauled without a single hiccup.  I was thankful to return the truck and keys without any dramatic story to tell.  I would have felt terrible if anything would have happened to that truck not to mention responsible to fix it.   Apparently, I'm not the first person with those feelings.  Our verses for the day record a man so upset over losing a borrowed ax head...

Inspired by the hymn: In the Garden... No one’s life is without trial, or without hard decisions.  God asked that the greatest sacrifice be made by His own son.  As we approach the storms of our life, it is crucial that we approach the throne of God and seek His wisdom and His will, not simply ask that our trials be removed. Jesus himself, as he prayed in Gethsemane, asked that His cup – this ultimate burden -be passed from Him. But He didn’t stop there. He immediately says “Not my will, but thine be done.” We are human. We don’t seek out hardships. But our focus must be on seeking God’s perfect will for our lives, more than asking for their removal. As Jesus spoke with God in the garden, He prepared His heart for the task asked of Him. It is not our perfection, but our pliable, willing hearts that He is asking for. - Erin Fulton

"The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea."  Acts 11:29 I've noticed throughout my life that there always seems to be someone who is "more than", "better than", "faster than", "taller than", "smarter than", "better looking than" (you get the picture) me.  As adults this highly developed art of comparative observation is just as intense as when we were teenagers, but most of the time we try to hide it a little better.  The sad truth is though that we compare ourselves constantly with others.  It's sad because comparing almost always leaves us feeling pretty crummy or arrogant, neither of which is particular praiseworthy. Luke noted a liberating principle in his record of those who were financially supporting others.  They gave according to their ability.  Joe had ten bucks to give.  Lou had five hundred.  Both were great givers.  Neither needed ...