Hindsight is a faith builder. . . .

     Yes, hindsight is 20 20.  Understanding that you do forget some things, it is always good when you can look back and see what God has done.  Last Friday we went to Ozark to visit an old friend Lorene Brooks.  At almost 92, just out of the hospital from some setbacks from previous surgeries and just plain not feeling good, she still wanted to know "can't I fix you something".  Of course we had brought our KFC bucket to share with her.  What a lady.  Always ready to serve.  And as usual, she had found a little book that she wanted to share with me.  "The Blood of the Atonement".  It was about the all sufficiency of Jesus and His shed blood for all that we need to satisfy the holiness of God.  Jesus is all we need.  It seems everytime I visit with this lady, the Lord uses her insatiable appetite for Jesus to touch my heart once more with a small bite loaded with more than enough spiritual nutrients to last me for the rest of the journey. 
     Several years ago she had found a scripture that intrigued her.  She said, "Jack, what does this mean?".  It was Ephesians 1: 6 where it says we are "accepted in the beloved".  Again, little known to her, God had used her to touch my heart at my deepest need of the moment; assurance of His love and hold on me. 

     All along the journey now as I look back I see these wonderful places of faith building.  Some are difficult times.  Some are comfortable times of ease.  All are remembered as times of God's hand touching my heart with another reminder of His faithfulness.
     Thank you Lord Jesus for that "Sabbath rest" that only you can give, and the leading into "paths of righteousness for your names sake" so we can receive it. 

God bless,
Jack Gilliland

'Sit at the feet of Jesus, and tell them what you see. . ."

     I can't remember where I heard that particular bit of advice, but it has stayed with me for awhile; at least long enough to get locked into my heart to the point it's what I really want to do.  I think it was given to someone heading to the mission field and upon asking advice for how to be a good missionary, that was the reply. 
     Can you think of a better way to describe a disciple of Jesus.  That nails it pretty good.  Our focus is on Him, learning from Him, living by Him and then passing it on. 
     This morning I asked everyone if Jesus was in the other room and you could go there and talk with Him privately would you want to go in?  I think all the hands went up.  That's it.  That's what the Bible studies are all about; getting with Jesus and listening to Him, then telling others. 
     "What a friend we have in Jesus.  All our sins and griefs to bear.  What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer".  
     God bless you in your journey with Him this week.   Isaiah 40:31!

Jack Gilliland, pastor

"Just Married". . .

That was what my college roomate and 'friends' plastered on my 62 Olds, June 1st, 1969.  Sara and I had made the commitment before God, family, and friends and, literally, rode off into the sunset.  Eureka Springs was west of Pyatt.  The happily ever after part took a little work though.  That's just the way it is.  Especially  in the Christian journey.   It's a beginning ( yes, born of God).  Only He can make that initial transformation from 'death to life'.  It's also an adventure of 'faith walking' with Him guiding you by the same grace that He used to save you intially.  That's where the work comes in.  It's trials, errors, and overcomings (victories).  The real joy of this 'roaring lion' infested walk is Jesus walking with you through it.  You learn that He can easily take care of that adversary and change you at the same time.

I'm very excited and encouraged by so many of you who responded last Sunday to "let Jesus change your life, by getting into His Word".   I believe, not only you, but so many all around us are also hungering for the truth that only comes from God.  Let's pray to that effect; that God will create and also satisfy that hunger. 

 " O' taste and see that the Lord is good".  Psalms 34:8. 

My friend, pastor Dale Freeman must have been on this same thought this week because in his notes today he wrote: 

"Perhaps you remember when you first fell in love.  The nervous glow of the first date and ultimately the excitement of the wedding.  Then, after the festivities, you went home and learned to live life together under one roof.   A little less glow and a little more hard work required in building the relationship. "  

God bless as we 'study the Word' together, 
Jack

 

". . .give an account. . . "

I Peter 3:15 - . . .   say's we should " always be ready to give and account of the hope that is within us. . ."  .  That is definitely one thing that is becoming 'obsolete' in our culture; the idea of accountability.  Are we constantly hearing "we'll if _____ would just do this or that"  or "if I had this or that then things would be a lot different".  My favorite is " well if the government would just make some right decisions. . . "  
What ever happened to personal accountability?  Hebrews 9: 27 says that "it is appointed unto men, once to die, after this the judgment".   Judgement of what?  Your life.  What did or did not do with the "grace God gave YOU". 
Yes, there is the mess of this world we must live in, but there is also the LIFE of Christ given us, through His own blood which offers HOPE and salvation. 
I am not innocent of the griping and complaining about the circumstances I find myself in; but I am "learning to be content, in whatever state I find myself in" and to "be still and know that He is God". 
Do you have THAT HOPE?  Are you receiving and reinvesting that 'grace that is sufficient"? 
Jesus has touched my heart and given me His love and that hope.  Just like the blind man, "now I can see".  Thank you Lord Jesus! Please help us to "give that account" to all who will hear it. 

God bless you
Jack