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

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. . .

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. . .

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

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. . . "

. . . 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. . . .

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. . .

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 . . .

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