New Year’s
Resolution or Revolution?
by Barrett Vanlandingham (December 28, 2006)
Resolution---a formal expression of opinion, will, or intent.
Revolution---the overthrow or renunciation of a ruler or government.
New Year’s resolutions may be a step in the right direction for those of us wanting to quit a bad habit or change a lifestyle. But if we were really serious about making behavioral changes, we would probably consider making New Year’s revolutions instead of resolutions. The promises we make at the beginning of a new year should set us on a straighter spiritual course. This is going to require that we trade in our worldly thinking, in exchange for Godly thinking... a true revolution... or an action that closes our life’s door on the devil, and opens it to a wonderful relationship with the Ruler of all... our Creator... Jehovah God. True peace and joy can only come when we choose to walk only on God’s path, keeping our eyes fixed on Him, instead of taking our eyes off the prize only to find ourselves sinking in the consequences of pleasing our worldly appetites. No longer can our decisions be based on what other people think or even on what we think; but instead, on what God thinks. Before making decisions, we must ask ourselves, "Is it Biblical? Does scripture give a specific answer either for or against it?" Here are some passages that will help us with our decision making in the coming year:
1. Would Jesus do it? If He wouldn’t do it, then you shouldn’t either. We Christians no longer live, but Christ lives in us. Galatians 2:20.
2. Will it bring glory to God? Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31.
3. Can it be done in the name of the Lord Jesus? Colossians 3:17.
4. Is it coming from selfish or unselfish motives? 1 Corinthians 4:5. Sometimes we don’t receive things we pray for because of wrong motives. James 4:3.
5. Is it a wise use of my time? Ephesians 5:16 and John 9:4.
6. Will it cause me or others to have thoughts that are not pure, lovely, and excellent? Philippians 4:8; Avoid evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22.
7. Is it constructive and beneficial? 1 Corinthians10:23-24.
8. Is it a first priority for me as a Christian? Matthew 6:33.
Welcome to my bulletin article site. What I do is minister to young Christians, their families, their friends, and others in the Fort Gibson, OK area. So check-in every now and then, and I'll try to have an encouraging word for you.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
Where Are You?
by Barrett Vanlandingham
(December 14, 2006)
The close of another year. It’s always a good time to reflect. If someone were to ask you the question “Where are you?”, most of us would probably answer something to the effect of... “I’m sitting here... standing there... going to school here... working there.” But for the Christian, life is about much more than what’s going on here in this world. Our emotions, environment, financial situation, and whatever else do not dictate the most important part of the answer to “Where are you?”
Think about the old song: Walking Down Heaven’s Road; and then read what Jesus said in the book of Matthew 7:13-14.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Who are the few? Those who look like good people?
The answer is… Faithful Christians. In John 14:15, Jesus said… “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” In Matthew 7:21, Jesus said, “ Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Are you on the wide road that leads to destruction? Or the narrow road that leads to life? There are only two roads. You have to choose one… or the other. Which one will it be? We all want a life in heaven. But do we really understand what this means for us while we are still on earth? Even though the narrow road that leads to heaven is filled with the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22): Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… it often puts you at odds with the world. In other words… you will often find yourself in direct conflict with what other people in the world see as normal or acceptable. We all need some time to have fun or wind down from a long day or a long week… God created us in His image… and that includes our desire to laugh and live life to the fullest. But even fun and social activities need to be done in moderation with Christ-like attitudes… otherwise, we wouldn’t have time to love God, and love others which are the two greatest commands, much less find time to serve others like Jesus told us to in John 13:15 after He washed the feet of His disciples.
Galatians 5:25 says, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” So, where are you, today? Are you where you need to be when Christ comes back for that final judgment? Have your words, your actions, and your thoughts helped you stay in step with God’s Spirit today? If not, why not turn loose of your burden or whatever is separating you from the love of God which is only found in Christ Jesus.
Taking Time for God
by Barrett Vanlandingham
(November 30, 2006)
What a blessing it is to be in Christ. Why? Because being in Christ allows us access to God, and time alone with God. Even in the midst, or shall I say Especially in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, Isaiah’s words in 40:31 are as relevant today as they were in 760 B.C.
"Yet those who wait for the LORD
will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles;
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary."
Are you struggling with sins of the mouth? Take time for God.
Are you struggling in a relationship? Take time for God.
Are you struggling with an addiction? Take time for God.
Are you struggling in your faith? Take time for God.
Are you struggling with your identity (who you are, and what you stand for)? Take time for God.
Are you struggling with your self-esteem? Take time for God.
Are you struggling with your priorities? Take time for God.
You see, when we take time FOR God, we are taking time AWAY from world and its effects on us. The MORE time we spend with God, the LESS time we will even want to spend catering to the cares of the world and our own selfish ambition (Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition...).
The Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote these inspired words from Philippians 1:6.
"being confident of this,
that He who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion
until the day of Christ Jesus."
Let’s face it (either now or later)... the love of God is irresistible and worthy. Will you take time for Him today?
by Barrett Vanlandingham
(December 14, 2006)
The close of another year. It’s always a good time to reflect. If someone were to ask you the question “Where are you?”, most of us would probably answer something to the effect of... “I’m sitting here... standing there... going to school here... working there.” But for the Christian, life is about much more than what’s going on here in this world. Our emotions, environment, financial situation, and whatever else do not dictate the most important part of the answer to “Where are you?”
Think about the old song: Walking Down Heaven’s Road; and then read what Jesus said in the book of Matthew 7:13-14.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Who are the few? Those who look like good people?
The answer is… Faithful Christians. In John 14:15, Jesus said… “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” In Matthew 7:21, Jesus said, “ Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Are you on the wide road that leads to destruction? Or the narrow road that leads to life? There are only two roads. You have to choose one… or the other. Which one will it be? We all want a life in heaven. But do we really understand what this means for us while we are still on earth? Even though the narrow road that leads to heaven is filled with the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22): Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… it often puts you at odds with the world. In other words… you will often find yourself in direct conflict with what other people in the world see as normal or acceptable. We all need some time to have fun or wind down from a long day or a long week… God created us in His image… and that includes our desire to laugh and live life to the fullest. But even fun and social activities need to be done in moderation with Christ-like attitudes… otherwise, we wouldn’t have time to love God, and love others which are the two greatest commands, much less find time to serve others like Jesus told us to in John 13:15 after He washed the feet of His disciples.
Galatians 5:25 says, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” So, where are you, today? Are you where you need to be when Christ comes back for that final judgment? Have your words, your actions, and your thoughts helped you stay in step with God’s Spirit today? If not, why not turn loose of your burden or whatever is separating you from the love of God which is only found in Christ Jesus.
Taking Time for God
by Barrett Vanlandingham
(November 30, 2006)
What a blessing it is to be in Christ. Why? Because being in Christ allows us access to God, and time alone with God. Even in the midst, or shall I say Especially in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, Isaiah’s words in 40:31 are as relevant today as they were in 760 B.C.
"Yet those who wait for the LORD
will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles;
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary."
Are you struggling with sins of the mouth? Take time for God.
Are you struggling in a relationship? Take time for God.
Are you struggling with an addiction? Take time for God.
Are you struggling in your faith? Take time for God.
Are you struggling with your identity (who you are, and what you stand for)? Take time for God.
Are you struggling with your self-esteem? Take time for God.
Are you struggling with your priorities? Take time for God.
You see, when we take time FOR God, we are taking time AWAY from world and its effects on us. The MORE time we spend with God, the LESS time we will even want to spend catering to the cares of the world and our own selfish ambition (Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition...).
The Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote these inspired words from Philippians 1:6.
"being confident of this,
that He who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion
until the day of Christ Jesus."
Let’s face it (either now or later)... the love of God is irresistible and worthy. Will you take time for Him today?
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