Fall Creek Christian Church

A few weeks ago I was taking my 10 ten year old (Madison) to a friend’s house to play and within a few minutes of our drive she said “Dad I’m confused about something”.  I quickly turned down the radio and prepared myself to take this Dad opportunity on and solve this dilemma for her and clear things up and since she started this conversation as we were turning past the Church I was ready for a spiritual discussion, should that be where this discussion is heading.  With the radio down I said “what’s confusing you?”  She replied with “I don’t understand how to know when you are suppose to use a turn signal.”  I quickly replied with “every time you turn or pass another vehicle...uhh….did I not use one back there?”  She with full honesty continued with “no and lots of times I notice you don’t and then sometimes you do”.  I quickly replied with a lot of humility “thank you for asking that question and I am sorry that I confused you and this conversation has reminded me that I need to

"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you."   Proverbs 25:21-22   Enemy.  That's a very strong word.  I have been made fun of and have been made to look bad in the eyes of others.  I have had people smile to my face and then seize the first moment do me wrong in some way.  Not very nice behavior to be sure, but "enemy"?  I listen to the stories of veterans as well as active duty military and I hear about enemies - prepared to kill you enemies.  I read stories of those suffering political, racial, ethnic, or religious persecution.  They know enemies.  I recently read of three Christians who, just a few years ago, were systematically butchered in Turkey by Islamic terrorists for nearly three hours before authorities were alerted and intervened.  They knew enemies.  After reading their story, I was filled with anger and imagin

"Make it your ambition to a lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."    I Thessalonians 4:11-12   In visiting with a friend recently, he found himself in the all too familiar story of a company making cutbacks.  Rumors.  Phone calls.  Anxiety.  Painful waiting.  All these experiences and emotions swirled around his life and heart as his livelihood was on the line.  As the cutbacks rolled out, people began to call and ask if he was let go as well.  After an agonizing weekend of waiting, he finally called his boss and asked if he still had a job.  The answer was "yes".  After additional conversations, he found out why.  As it turns out, those in charge had been taking careful notice of the performance and attitude of their employees.  He had distinguished himself as the one who made the fewest mistakes

"...that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,..."  Colossians 1:10   I will always remember the first time that I saw my wife walking through the dorm courtyard.  I thought, "Wow, she is someone I definitely need to get to know."  From then on, I looked for every opportunity to "run" into her.  The guys on my dorm floor had noticed her as well, so I had plenty of help keeping track of her even though they didn't know that they were a part of my wishful thinking at the time.  Thankfully, the moment finally arrived, where I was able to engage her in conversation and she became even more attractive to me.  I used every excuse that I could come up with to spend time with her in order to grow in the knowledge of and the love for her.  These 25 plus years of being in relationship with her, including dating and marriage, have ever deepened my love and c