"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