Fall Creek Christian Church

"The Jews insisted, 'We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.' When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace. 'Where do you come from?' he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 'Do you refuse to speak to me?' Pilate asked. 'Don't you realize I have power to either free you or to crucify you?' Jesus answered, 'You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."  John 19:7-11 Feeling more than a little embarrassed as I handed my license and registration to the police officer, I wished I had been more attentive to what I was doing. Fortunately, he decided to give me a warning. Perhaps, it was the sight of my cute little girls sound asleep in the back that warmed his heart. I don't know for sure, but I am thankful that he didn't use his state giv...

“If you fail under pressure, your strength is not very great." Proverbs 24:10 "And then, I completely lost it." Have you ever told a story that contained that line before? I have. Typically, it ends with me apologizing to any number of people. The pressure of the moment was too much. Looking back, it would be more accurate to say that my strength was actually too little.  The writer of this Proverb stated it clearly. When there is failure ... be it a blow-up, a moral collapse, or the fumbling of a wonderful opportunity ... the blame is not to be placed anywhere else. It's ours and ours alone. When we wilt under pressure, it's our lack of strength that needs to be addressed. Circumstances are just circumstances. The antidote to our strength shortage? We must find strength from somewhere, from someone else. Consider Paul's triumphal statement, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." We need  Jesus Strength!  When we accept Jesus as...

"The Israelite foremen realized they were in trouble when they were told, 'You are not to reduce the number of bricks required of you for each day.'  When they left Pharaoh, they found Moses and Aaron waiting to meet them, and they said, 'May the Lord look upon you and judge you! You have made us a stench to Pharaoh and his officials and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.'"   Ex. 5:19-21 On more than one occasion in my life, as a child and as an adult, I've made every effort to do exactly what I was supposed to do only to find myself experiencing negative consequences.  I expected affirmation.  I received criticism.  I anticipated forward progress only to experience crash and burn.  "What is this all about!?", I asked myself.  I was following the directions, sticking to the plan and then ... Wham! The verses today reveal Moses and Aaron standing in those same pair of shoes.  They told Pharaoh exactly what God told them to say. They pe...

"Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you.  And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reference and fear.  For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him." Philippians 2:12-13 Several years ago, I had an old 4-wheel drive SUV.  I used to think that since I had 4-wheel drive that I was obligated to drive through snowdrifts in the winter.  That is until one early evening winter drive with my wife.  She didn't think it was fun or funny when I swerved into the snowbanks on the side of the road.  She had no sooner finished telling me to be more careful when I swerved one more time only to feel the car slide and get absolutely stuck in a ditch.  I felt two eyes boring holes in the side of my head followed quickly by this question, "How do you feel now Mr. Big Bad 4X4?!" B...