Fall Creek Christian Church

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24 The headlines of today sound more like an apocalyptic horror story than news. Accounts of senseless killings, missile launches, war, financial collapse, starvation, drug abuse, human trafficking and the like are sure to pour out of the anchorperson's mouth like a river at flood stage. Additionally, we also have all of our many personal stress points. Gut wrenching relational breakdowns, financial despair, unemployment, depression, addictions, foolish decisions, bitterness, injustice, and abuse are sure to headline some of our autobiographies. It doesn't take long for the anchor of anxiety to pull our broken hearts and troubled minds deep into the dark waters of despair. I don't know about you, but it makes me want to stand and shout, "Stop the world, I want off!!" As we read our

“Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison and put you to the test. You will be persecuted for 'ten days.' Remain faithful even when facing death, and I will give you the crown of life." Revelations 2:10 There was no way to describe the feeling that came over me when I finally received my diploma. Completed. Finished. Done. Over. No more papers, projects, or tests. Yippee!! What an incredible relief. It was day I had looked forward to for a long, long time. As we read our verse for the day, we discover in no uncertain terms that testing is not the exclusive domain of this world's educational system. It is also an integral part of God's spiritual educational system. Here we find Jesus telling the people in this church that the devil was going to be putting them to the test. Suffering. Persecution. Death. Talk about a final exam! I wonder what thoughts raced through their minds as they we

“I lift my eyes up to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber; ..." Psalm 121:1-3 It was no use. The path that I thought I wanted to be on had ended. I was on a ledge twenty feet above the boulder covered creek bank below. I could not jump out far enough to reach the water. In front of me was a sheer rock face. There was no way to retrace my steps and no one there to hear my cries for help. On top of all that, no one knew where I was. Stuck and desperate, I began to pray. It's amazing how desperation improves one's prayer life. It was at that time that a thought entered my mind, "Look up." I slowly adjusted my position and looked up the side of the rocky hill. There, growing out of collections of dirt on the rocks, were some small trees, hand grip sized. I jumped for all I was worth, grabbed the little tree and