Pastor's Corner. . . by Jack

Boredom is. . .

2011-11-08T01:56:00.000-08:00

a real feeling that all of us encounter. The question is what do we do with any 'gift' God puts into our hands. Christians should always remember one major truth. Nothing happens to us except God allows it. Sometimes, more often than not we have trouble with that lesson. In Luke 19, right after the account of Zaccheus' s life changing lunch with Jesus, Jesus tells about 10 men each receiving a gift to use. One multiplied his into 10, but one put his away in fear and did not use it at all. Jesus said his gift was taken away and given to the one who already had the 10. I don't know all of the meaning of that, but I do know God is not a 'waster' of anything, even of empty time we may find ourselves with.
When finding yourself with much time, and no artificial relationships with entertainment 'stuff' that we so much rely on, what could we be doing? Here's some possibles:
1. Talk to someone you've been neglecting in a real relationship: wife, son, daughter, neighbor or the Lord himself.
2. Go visit someone who is in a 'can't help it' boring situation: nursing home, shut ins, or friends needing some help.
3. Call your pastor and ask if there is someone he needs you to visit or pray for.
4. Enjoy the quietness that you were wishing for the last time you were overwhelmed by activity.
As I sit here in Chur village Udmurtia, I'm watching the snow fall, the electric was out for awhile, and I am unable to go anywhere til my foot heals from the burn. Can't watch TV cause I really don't understand what they're saying. Yes, I'm on my computer writing this note, but now I'm finished. What do YOU think I should do?

. Pray for Olga in village Bolshoy Vinya.

2011-10-27T06:01:00.000-07:00

As we sat and talked over the usual tea and cookies it became evident that the Lord is working powerfully in this ladies life. From an initial encounter with R & Andrei sharing the good news to now listening to another new man talking about praying for her she's definitely wondering who is Jesus.
Keep up the prayers as that is the most important thing. A study group would start in her home if she decides to accept the Lord.
Pray also for R & R as they make these excursions during bad weather Many obstacles here.
Praying for her and others to "know the height and depth and width of the love of God through Christ Jesus".

Faith, foolishness, fantasy and fun. . .

2011-10-22T17:40:00.000-07:00

When Peter had the audacity to say to Jesus, "If that's you (walking on the water), tell me to come to you," never did he dream that the call was to really follow Him to the stormy seas of life to proclaim good news to lost and dying of the world. What a saviour.
As I make my 11th trip to Udmurtia, all I can say is that. . . "Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin has left a crimson stain. He washed it white as snow." Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine being a pastor of a great church, and a messenger to a lost and dying world on the other side of the earth at the same time. Only God can do stuff like that.
Pray for me as I go and I'll pray for you while I go. Together we will "walk on the waters of the stormy seas of life" and watch Jesus change the lives of many whom He is calling.

blessings
Jack

Messiah / Christ . . . and Me.

2011-10-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend of worship, outreach with our area families and watching God at work with a basketball ministry called 'Crossfire'. I would be lying if I didn't acknowledge a great deal of pride from watching Brad pop a 3 pointer and listen to the crowd roar when he did it. Yes that's called a 'glory' moment. He's my son and I am proud.
Even more so is how God feels about us. His desire is to see us succeed; do good; hit the 3 pointers and all as a result of His salvation He sent to us in the form of His Son, the Lord Jesus.
We are called to be 'in the race'. Several got in it over the weekend. But, they do not have to run it alone. That's why He ( Jesus) is called the Christ / Messiah. He provided the way and He is the truth. We run it WITH Him. He's the power, the guide, the protector, the comforter. His Spirit indwells us to enable us. "Christ in me, the hope of glory. . ." to Him!

blessings
Jack

"Thank you for letting us serve you". . .

2011-07-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

When's the last time you had a teenager tell you "thank you for letting us serve you"? That came from the young people from Central Community Church, Harrisburg, Arkansas.
They came up to help us with VBS this year, but also to do a service project. After a long day Monday of painting the hallway in the children's department, and being on their knees a good while scraping dropped paint from the floor, one of them as they finished said "thank you for letting us serve you." Normally you hear, I'm glad that's over, I didn't realize all this was involved, or other such oh me statements. But, to hear a such a statement from such a young believer was a blessing.
We are studying 'growing in grace' here at Rea Valley Baptist for the past few weeks. That's a perfect illustration of how Jesus illustrated it in John 13 by washing the disciple's feet.
Thank YOU Central Community Church for sharing your young mission team with us for awhile. God bless all of you as you continue to 'grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ'.
Thanks Rea Valley Baptist for such a great VBS. Miracles are still God's business. Many took place this past week. To God be the glory!

keep praying and growing,
Jack Gilliland, pastor

"Go out into the highways and hedges. . ."

2011-07-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

Jesus said in Luke 14. He was illustrating with a story about God's invitation to mankind about His salvation. Several things to note here that we at Rea Valley can learn from.
One is that the Lord uses food, feasting, banquets and so many other varieties of things associating salvation with one of most basic of our physical needs. . . eating. Not one of us should miss that analogy. We all do love to eat. We had lots of practice.
One other thing is how many people who were originally invited to this banquet in Jesus's story made excuses as to why they didn't want to come in. Would you buy some land and not look at it first?
But, the thing I want to emphasize for us is the part where He sends out His servants to the highways and hedges to get those people.
Growing in grace is definitely of importance to us if we are to be able to do this. We are looking at developing our bus ministry. That is hard work. There are no short cuts or easy solutions. But, the blessing is that He gives His grace to be able to accomplish it. We've seen it at work now for the last couple of years on our Wednesday evenings. We've seen it work on a small scale on Sundays. However we may feel, the call still remains for His servants to "go out into the highways and hedges and bring them in." Whether they answer the invitation or not, we are still need to feel the master's heart and go get them.
Mark down August 7th, right after church. Bring your lunch and we'll work on how to do this.

Growing in grace continues. . .

2011-07-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

Up close and personal. Last week I wrote about the young people ( Immanuel church from Nashville, and our own) and what a blessing to see the Lord using them and 'growing them in grace' as they served and shared with us how God is working in our lives. That was truly a blessing of grace then, but nothing compared to what my family was to experience last weekend with Brad, Sara, and Shelly's accident.
I was not able to be with you last Sunday because I had been in the ER and finally ICU at Baxter Regional with Brad there and Sara on the 3rd floor. I listened helplessly as the Dr said "I don't want to give you any false hopes, Brad is still in danger. The next several hours will tell. He could go either way." And the other doctor that had examined Sara looked at her and said "no you're not alright; you've had a heart attack." My head fell down against my arm on the rail of the gurney Brad was laying on and my heart cried "Lord, help".
This is not the first time I've been in this particular valley. Each time there is a very strong reoccurance of God's presence and assurance that He is there, and in control.
I got on our modernized 'grapevine' called facebook and posted simple 'help, need prayer' message. You heard it. Thank you.
It's been unbelievable how many calls, visits, notes, and all answering the cry for help. God moved people's hearts in a powerful way, just to say " I'm here, I've got this".
I'm trying to piece together the several facets of this story and will write it into a more coherent version later, but there is a lot more to this than just the surface of the accident. You see, our daughter was scheduled to go on a mission trip to Haiti to join her husband Robby at the time this happened. She was torn between staying here to help her mom, and brother, while at the same time listening to God call her heart to 'join Him' there. What a blessing to listen to her share her burden with me and then decide to 'join Him'. Again, growing in God's grace continues.
There are more than just these testimonies coming in. Some of you have shared things happening in your lives also that are making God's personal presence more real and blessed than ever.
It's starting to appear that the enemy does not want us to learn about this wonderful Lord Jesus we have to walk with us through our lives. He is more than just a nice Bible story character that we can teach our children about on Sunday morning. He is our "wonderful, counselor, mighty God, prince of peace" saviour, Christ Jesus the Lord. "Now unto Him who is able. . . ".

God bless all of you
Jack

Evidences of God's Grace. . .

2011-07-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

It's one thing to read of God's promises and hear the Bible stories about His working in the lives of Abraham, Moses, and NT disciples, but it is even more exciting when you see it NOW in the lives of our young people.
This week we had 'visitors' from Immanuel Baptist in Nashville, Arkansas. They were on their travel week. It was kind of like church camp on wheels. They were doing fun stuff such as going to the Passion Play in Eureka Springs and Silver Dollar City. But they had also planned this as a mission trip also. The church they were scheduled to work at cancelled out on them. Instead of saying to themselves 'well, it's too hot we'll just skip the work part', they called our White River Baptist office and offered themselves to any of our churches. They were sent to us and what a blessing they were.
After weed whacking the whole back yard of the church, cleaning inside, painting the rest of the floor in the youth room, and canvasing the valley and town for our VBS, they gathered around the piano and led a worship time of praise songs. . . not just once but several times on their rest breaks. Again, what a blessing.
To top it off, I took one of our small boys home that night after all the events. It was his first time to be at our church. I asked him did he like it. He said, "that was my first time at your church, I want to come back."
See you Sunday morning.

God bless y'all
Jack

Does A Pastor NEED to Grow In Grace? . . .

2011-06-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

Many times ( I've done this, because I've sat where you are as a listener of sermons by my former pastors) we sit in the pew listening to one more sermon and thinking, "yeah, but you're a preacher and you've got this secret hot line to God and He gives you stuff because you're one of His messengers and . . . . ". Don't say you've never thought this, because I have as a listener, and shockingly, as a pastor/preacher now, I still do. It's a normal thing to think that God gives things to others that He does not give to 'me' for some not understandable reason. But, is that true? NO! His desire is to GIVE YOU His grace, not only to be saved, but also to live in this world. How can you KNOW this? He says so. "Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ". You find this greeting over and over in several of the letters of the New Testament. This is as much scripture and heart of God as "...you must be born again...".

Not only has He already given us this grace through the blood of His Son, the Lord Jesus, He has given us a 'signed in blood' invitation to access this grace to walk in daily. It's our 'life vest' so as we encounter the storms of daily 'stuff' we don't sink.

So who needs to 'grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ'. Me! You! All of us. We have the exact same need. The need to be saved ( accept His personal invitation to "come unto Him, and He will give you rest") and the need for grace to walk through this world with His life in you ( accept His personal invitation to "take His yoke upon you. . . and find the rest only He can give). Matthew 11: 28 - 30.

This is what we're learning about presently at Rea Valley Baptist this summer. Who? Me ( the pastor) and hopefully you. Let's pray for each other as we walk in this together in His 'sufficient Grace'.

God bless you
Jack

Good judgement!

2011-01-17T17:55:00.000-08:00

I've always wondered if anyone is reading these things. Either you're very kind or you're not there. I started this note last week and all that got posted was the title. . . Good Judgement. . . found it today and decided that was probably enough said. So think about it for awhile if you're reading this. What is the best thing you can do anytime?. . . good judgement! Check it through your daily activities or life determining decisions ( sometimes both are the same).
Is it a good judgement to say 'thank you' regularly to others? Is it good judgement let someone else win just because? Sorry super bowl fans but it's not ALL about competition on God's field. Is it good judgement to say "Lord be mercyful to me a sinner" ? Good judgement is what the Lord is all about. . . . He's 'rooting' for each of us to make good judgements.

blessings
Bro Jack

"I'm glad that it's over. . ."

2010-12-26T17:26:00.000-08:00

That was the comment of the lady behind the counter at the gas station/store last night as we returned from Springdale. She was talking about Christmas and for some it can be a huge hassle. But, I've witnessed two ladies who have learned (and the Lord is using them to teach me) what it's really about. . . giving of yourself ( without the hassle). That's what Jesus did and said. "A new commandment I give to you; that you love one another". (John 13:34). They are doing that and not just at Christmas. It's something they do just because all year round.
One is the supervising director of my very cool grandkids. Most people would find them a 'hassle'. ( I'm guilty at times). But not this lady. She and her husband handle it with love and grace. Yesterday, to emphasize that it's not about the gifts under the tree, they began with baking a birthday cake for Jesus, then a small drama about the birth of Jesus all before opening presents.
The other lady is the one who raised the first lady we just mentioned. Yes, they put in a lot of work, but it's not a hassle. It's an investment of love. When you plant love it grows. Jesus did it.
I'm glad it's NOT over. It's still going. Everyday we are given to be here let's give of ourself "as unto the Lord, not as unto men". It's a good investment. . . and the fruit is 'heavenly'.

Jesus, God in the flesh, changes everything. . .

2010-12-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

I've just finished watching a 'play' about the Christmas story. Imagine that. This time of year they are everywhere in many different forms and fashions. Some have watered the real story down to a drama production that is nothing like what the real story is about ( Jesus's birth). Some use it as a springboard for some other personal message about social injustices or just a step to satisfy their artistic, entertainment itch. That is not to say that drama (art), or social needs are not important. This play was exactly what it was supposed to be; a message of the Good News. The news is that God has indeed entered the arena of sinful earth as a participant like us, and that He is the one who can make it change.
Even more amazing was that it was done, not in a church, but a public building; the Art Center of the Ozarks located in Springdale. Plus it was done by a cast of mostly kids and a few adults portraying a community wanting to put on the annual Christmas play. These were people from the Springdale area who had to try out for the production, not a church group. And it was about what happens when some unruly and unwanted characters of the said community want to be in the play. What happened was that God's message changed their lives.
Lastly, it was done in front of a lot of business people; some Christians and some not, and arranged by some very God conscience business guys who said " we just wanted to get the real message of Jesus over to our clients". Wow! Business people, preaching to business people. The response was very positive and the message well received.
If I'm encouraged by anything it is that God is very much at work. And one of the places He is moving mightily is right in our neighborhood of NW Arkansas in the lives of a bunch of young adults who have responded to the Lord's call in their lives and are stepping out by faith to serve Him.
"Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." Ephesians 3:20

Enjoy the Christmas Season by watching for the ways the angels are still proclaiming His birth.

God bless you and your family,
Jack

Accessing God's Amazing Grace. . .

2010-11-09T18:32:00.000-08:00

Certainly, we realize that some people in our day and time think of God as a 'convenience' machine to be used as we rush from busy item one, two and three to the next. We wave at Him quickly in the morning and ask for our blessing. Yes, He is more than capable of keeping up with us. And, I know from personal experience, He understands and is very merciful while we rush through our normal 'times with Him'. But, there is the issue of 'growing in grace' that we need to learn more about. The apostle Peter ends his second epistle with an emphatic charge of 'how should we then live' in a day that looks closer and closer at the judgement time we ignore. It is just that; learning to grow in grace. We must learn more about this if we are to be His ambassadors.
The last few Sunday's we have looked at several aspects of accessing God's grace from the wonderful records of scripture.
First was looking at God's bringing His grace immediately to Adam and Eve at their first encounter with the fall into sin. While they hid in fear, trying to cover themselves and unable to keep their normal appointment with the Father, He arrives anyway ( and already aware ). God kept the appointment. And, He provides a covering for their sin. The first blood was shed because of sin, providing the model for God's promise ( grace) of the future, final remedy for man's greatest need, God's salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, the real covering for all our sin. We know this 'gospel' message was passed down because we see Abel offering in faith the required blood sacrifice an accessing God's grace. It was years later before we hear of his brother Seth and nephew Enosh following and 'calling on the name of the Lord". That is the first and all important beginning point of accessing God's grace. You cannot do the others unless you begin here.
Second was Abraham entering into the school of worship. Faith to call is the beginning. Faith to worship is the growing part. Notice Abraham did not start at the level of being able to offer the most precious possession of his promised son back to God. He began with answering God's call to go with Him so He could 'bless Abraham' to be a blessing to all the nations of the earth. That's us folks. Again, God's grace given. In spite of some drastic failures of trust involving lying and taking reproduction matters into their own hands, God fulfills His promise to bless Sara and Abraham. Abraham became the 'father of faith'. . . faith to worship.
Lastly is faith to walk. This is the part where we apply the first two lessons as our own. Assuming you have called upon the Lord by faith in Christ Jesus and you are aware that Abraham's story is claimable as your own, you are ready to step out in your own faith to walk.
Colossian's 2: 6-7 gives us the key. "As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, SO ( in the same way) WALK IN HIM." If you have received God's grace of salvation by faith, you walk in that grace the same way, by faith. Taking steps of faith in what He says to us. Love those that hate you. Do good to those that do evil to you. Deal with sin as so serious, you would pluck out you eye rather than do it. These instructions of 'grace walking' are all through the scriptures. It is a Holy Spirit led walk, not a 'phariseeical' rule keeping exercise ( Col., 2: 11- 23). It is a resurrection walk ( Col., 3) because we are "dead and our life is hidden with Christ". It is trusting Him to guide you because He is IN you for that 'hope of glory' just like Abraham had.
Faith to call, faith to worship, and faith to walk are the keys to the door of accessing God's grace.

blessings,
Jack

" . . .that FIRST of all PRAYER . . . " I Tim., 2:1

2010-09-10T04:03:00.000-07:00

The apostle Paul wrote this letter to young Timothy to guide him into what the Lord desires concerning pastors and other church servants. New churches were being born and leaders needed developing. Timothy was being instructed on what was most important about all of it. It's no coincedence then to note that the Holy Spirit leads Paul to write "first of all prayer. . ." .
It's not "all we can do is pray". This is the statement we hear so many times as we face certain crises in our lives, particularly around a hospital. Rather, it is "that FIRST of all prayer . . . be made".
Our resurrected Lord has ascended to the right hand of the Father and is presently making intercession for us. This was His high priority item upon arrival in Heaven. He died for us to have such a priviledge and lives now to help us achieve this wonderful position as intercessors with God for what God's Kingdom is all about. . . . reaching the lost.
As we enter this September a new church year may we be diligent to make it our priority that . . . "first of all prayer. . . be made".

praying for and with you Rea Valley church,

Jack Gilliland, pastor

"Let THIS MIND be IN YOU. . . "

2010-08-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

. . . the mind of Christ that is. That's what He is changing us to; His way of thinking. His belief system of faith in Him. In knowing that without Him we do not have life. Because faith in what He did justifies us, and connects us to Him we have 'Christ IN us the hope of glory'. And because of access by faith into this same grace 'we can stand' and face whatever trial we encounter while learning to think and believe like He did and does ( ie "let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus" , Philippians 2:5). He was our example while here, and is our power now while there, praying us on. Yes, we do fail at times, but we also see victories too.
"Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us". Ephesians 3:20.

He's Changing Us. . . .

2010-08-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

and I am glad. If left up to me, not much happens that amounts to eternally good qualities. First of all we major so much on the physical; lose weight, look younger, stay fit, say the right things, fit in with the in crowd. . . but He works in us towards His own will which is perfect. I'm so thankful for God who loves me like I am, but loves me too much to let me stay that way. That's why the entire Bible is His Word to me, to change me.
Ephesians is one of my favorites. Because of who He is and what He has done ( chapters 1 - 3), walk this way ( chapters 4 - 6). That's not complicated. There's some light in a dark world. I don't have to guess at what He's said. The Holy Spirit who has sealed me, is my guide to empower me to do that. Even that's not up to me. Thank you Lord Jesus for calling me, loving me, and now is changing me to His image.
"My Lord knows the way through the wilderness. All I have to do is follow."

Have a great week,

Jack

Heading for Udmurtia. . .

2010-08-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

I am extremely grateful for God allowing us to return to Udmurtia ( again). The apostle Paul loved to go back and see how it was going with the new friends in his 'family' and so do I. Not that I'm comparing myself to him, but again, God is so gracious to allow us to do such things.

We will leave August 25 and return to the states September 9. Thank you for praying. God is working in so many people's lives since this project began 5 years ago.

Thanks also to Rea Valley Baptist folks for allowing us to be gone from them to do this. Please pray with Randy about the load that he carries during these times. I'm extremely thankful for his help.

We will be able to post our journey on the Udmurt blog, but will also not be so far from you (because you're definitely in our hearts) and because of such blessings as this hi tech communication. If one of you wanted to print this out and post it on the bulletin board or do handouts to those who don't have internet that would be a great ministry.

And most of all, know that we are praying for and with you as we go. Even though we are away, we are not all the way away. Email us or post comments here and we will keep up with you.

Thanks again for your prayers.

Jack, Sara and Brad

The Pastor's corner . . .

2010-08-10T12:06:00.000-07:00

began as a note from me to Rea Valley Church folks several years ago in the bulletin. It dropped out because of several things, laziness being one. Anyway, it's back and I hope it can be a blessing. Not only can you read it here, but it can be copied and pasted in the bulletin.
"I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren" is not just a scripture phrase concerning spiritual gifts. It is God's desire for us concerning His will. He wants us to 'know'. That applies to what's happening in your local church I believe. Why? Most importantly so you can know how to pray. If we are involved in the "work of the ministry" at all, it must always be through the avenue of prayer. Our greatest need as a local body is for His guidance, power, blessings, and all other areas of grace to us. So thank you in advance for your prayers.
We hope this webb site can be a blessing to you individually and us as His group here in Rea Valley as we serve Him here and whereever He will lead us .

Serving Him together,
Jack