Preparing Your Kids for Back to School Temptations
by Barrett Vanlandingham
for August 12, 2008

Ah yes! The time of year we all look forward to and dread at the same time. For me, it's nice to get my family back into some sort of routine. The summer break is a relief for a while. But, after all we have an awesome school system in Fort Gibson, great teachers, staff, lots of volunteers, and lots of great traditions to get involved in. The part I don't like is the peer pressure and other temptations our children have to deal with.
So, what's a parent to do to make sure your kids don't get carried away with negative peer pressure?
1. Your first line of defense is prayer. James 5:16 tells us that "the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." Too often, we use prayer as a last resort when we have no where else to turn. In reality, a good visit with God should be the very first thing we do in all circumstances. God may not answer your prayer the way you had hoped, and when you had hoped. After all, God is not Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. But God is listening, and God provides the lessons and the support that every family member needs when they need them. We can be sure that God will not tempt us (James 1:13). But sometimes the lessons God teaches us can be hard. When a priority is placed on prayer in your family, God will no doubt bless you.
2. Good communication with your child is of HUGE importance. They have spent their whole life hearing you tell them what you expect of them. But we as parents must let them know that what they have to say is also important, and that we are listening and making decisions, in part, based on their feelings. We may not always be able to give them everything they want. That would not even be healthy, and would result in a spoiled brat. But at least they can know that we are giving serious consideration to what they have to say, and then basing our final decision on what is spiritually healthy. Your child will respect you for this.
3. Let your children know you love them. Not only with your words, but in your relationship with them. Children know when your actions don't equal your words. They will also know how much you love them by your relationship with God, and how much you encourage them to have a good relationship with God.
4. Set boundaries. Even though kids like to complain about what you won't let them do, most kids feel more comfortable with boundaries than without them. Also let them know about all the good things such as spiritual and physical safety and security that take place because of boundaries. This will help them with decision making at school when you're not around. Offer alternatives. If your child asks to be part of something you know is wrong, explain to them what the Bible says about the issue, and then try to offer an alternative activity. They will eventually model this same behavior in their own lives.
5. Remind them to take pride in following God's will. Sometimes, kids don't know how to respond to their friends who want them to be part of something that's wrong. Be sure to tell your children that they have a right to say "no" to temptations. Not only that, but remind them that it takes a much stronger person to do the right thing than just following the crowd. Ask your child to gauge their decisions on whether their choice will lead them a step closer to heaven, or a step farther away. Ask them if this is something that Jesus approves of.
6. Encourage your child to have friends who are also trying to follow Jesus. It's always a lot easier to do the right thing when you have support from your closest friends.
7. Remind your child of the great reward for those who earnestly seek God (Hebrews 11:6).

May God bless all parents who strive to do His will and who encourage their children to do the same.


Summer Heat and Spiritual Challenges Have Much in Common
by Barrett Vanlandingham

As I stepped out onto my porch the other day, one thing became obvious. The heat and humidity were so extreme that I knew immediately I needed to get back inside. That inner thermometer is just something we're all born with. Even animals know when it's time to find a shady spot to stand in. That's also the way it should be with sin and temptation.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil."
Let's face it. We all know the difference between right and wrong. If not, we all certainly know (in general) the things God approves of, versus the things He does not smile on. We can all think of at least subtle things we would all do differently in regard to how we use our time, or we might even tweek our attitude, dress, hobbies, or entertainment a little if we knew that God were going to pay us a personal visit today.
But there are so many sins listed in the Bible. Gossip, cursing, issues of decency, lust, fornication, self-discipline, selfishness, greed, ill-gotten gain such as gambling, and lack of Bible knowledge and application. That sounds like a lot of keep up with. How can we ever be pleasing to God in every area of our existence?
The fact is, when we make God number one in our lives, all of those other issues become a lot easier to deal with. The apostle Paul went through many different kinds of spiritual persecution. So, his statements in Romans 8 have carried a lot of meaning for Christians throughout the centuries. He said, ":28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Paul then makes a special connection between Christians and God's Son by saying that Jesus is the "firstborn among many brothers." Then Paul asked the question in verse 31, " ...If God is for us, who can be against us?" He states that if God went so far as to offer His own Son to save us, would he not also "give us all things?"
God loves us. We're created in His image. And there's nothing He desires more than for us to be in heaven with Him someday. He has done everything He could possibly do to get us there besides turn us in to little robots that are unable to make choices. He gives us a free will and allows us to choose Him if we so desire. He even gives us the gift of His Spirit when we are baptized (Acts 2:38) to guide and comfort us until He returns.
As followers of Jesus, we have much to be joyful about, we have much to be thankful for, and we have much to gain from studying and applying God's word. So, when spiritual challenges come our way, just remember that God will always provide something "good" to hold on to, and He will always provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13) as we "test everything" by His word, and "avoid every kind of evil."
May God bless us all with the ability to get out of the heat of sin and temptation, and into the cool of His shelter of love, joy, hope, and peace.


Step up to the plate for God
by Barrett Vanlandingham

This summer, thousands of kids from across America, including hundreds from here in Fort Gibson, are attending church camps at one place or another. My youth group just returned from Burnt Cabin Christian Camp on Lake Tenkiller. Our theme was “Step Up to the Plate.” Even though this sounds like a sports-related lesson, it’s really a spiritual lesson that all ages can learn from. Here are some things to think about:
• Satan throws all kinds of pitches at us. We must be steadfast in prayer and Bible study. This will help us discern the best way to overcome life’s curve balls and the occasional fastball that just seems to be on you before you know it.
• It’s up to each and every Christian to make sure we have the right equipment to win our spiritual battles against the devil. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that God’s word is inspired and gives us everything we need to be approved by God.
• It’s important for us to place a priority on staying in great spiritual shape by training or practicing everyday those spiritual disciplines we read about in God’s word. Yes, it’s that Bible knowledge that serves as a great foundation. But, unless we learn how to apply those lessons to our lives, the knowledge alone will not get us to heaven.
• We must choose everyday to be on the right team. The world throws so many choices into our path, we must be willing to compare the available options with what God says is pleasing to him. It is also helpful to look at the New Testament to see the example set by Christians in the first century.
• We must choose to swing. Satan would like to convince us to be so scared of him that we just sit and do nothing. But that’s not even biblical. As Christians, we must trust that God’s spirit will work within each of us to overcome the pitches of deceit that the devil throws our way.
May God bless each of us as we earnestly seek his will in our lives.


Satan has a plan for your children; do you? (Part two of Commitment)
by Barrett Vanlandingham

How many times do we not trust God to give us what we need, and what our children need, just so we can satisfy our worldly cravings for worldly success? We ask ourselves, “How is my family or my children ever going to find true joy and happiness unless I take control of what I can see, therefore relegating God to the passenger seat?”
The answer is faith-based commitment to God. And when we are committed to God, we will be committed to our families.
This article is a continuation from two weeks ago where I discussed “Commitment to God.”
When it comes to commitment to your family, we must remember that this cannot be separated from what it means to be committed to God.
We must strive for holiness and being set apart for service to God, and when this happens, we will automatically show commitment to our families by providing for them in every way: financially, emotionally, materially and spiritually.
Parents, we cannot truly be committed to our families the way God wants us to be, when we knowingly lead our children right up to the gates of hell and all but turn them over to Satan. Look at the clothes we buy for our daughters. Look at the activities we allow our kids to be a part of just so our little sweet-pea or little bubba won't have to miss out on what everyone else is doing. Look at the words of hatred and division we speak shameless in front of our children. Parents, providing for your family does not mean spending $30-$100 a month on strangers to come into our homes unsupervised and fill our children's heads full of Hollywood and Hip-Hop's values. It's expensive and destructive. The entertainment industry is not in business of saving your child's soul. Satan has a plan for your children, and you better have one too. Commitment to family does not mean letting TV, Internet, videos, sports, music or anything else come between your family and God.
Ephesians 6:1-4 says, “ 1. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2. "Honor your father and mother"--which is the first commandment with a promise-- 3. "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." 4. Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Parents, minister to your children in these ways. It's your God-given responsibility.
1. Parents, provide opportunities for your kids to learn about Jesus. Bring them to youth and church events.
2. When your kids have questions about life, tell them what the Bible has to say about it (this requires study).
3. Let your children see you study.
4. Let your children see that your study and your church attendance has made a difference in your life, and in your parenting.
5. Parents, be consistent. Train your children starting at day one to gauge everything by what is holy (not by what is sexy to the world)... by what is holy (not by what is popular to the world)... by what is holy (not by what tastes good, feels good, smells good, looks good and sounds good to the world). This world is going to BURN... and unless we offer our bodies as a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:2), God tells us that our souls will suffer for eternity, and that's a lot longer than this lifetime. Even if it's a good activity on the surface, and it draws us in the direction of ungodliness, or prevents us from worshiping God, it's wrong.
6. When we make the decision to become parents, we also make the decision to become teachers. So we must make every moment count, and realize that we teach our families not only by what we say, but by what we do.
7. Ephesians 5:15-16 says “Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16. making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
May God bless us as we strive for holiness and as we encourage our families to live for God in every aspect of life.



Celebrate freedom from sin this Independence Day
by Barrett Vanlandingham
As our nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, I couldn't help but think about the freedoms we as Christians enjoy through Jesus who paid the ultimate price for our sins.
Some people look at Christianity as an oppressive religion that takes all of the fun out of life. But nothing could be further from the truth. How incredible is it that we get to have a wonderful relationship with the creator?
It's almost incomprehensible that there is such a powerful God who promises to rescue those who obey him. How awesome is it to know that we can experience joy here on earth in spite of the burdens that weigh heavily on mankind.
How indescribable is it that after this life is over, his faithful will get to enter into the joys of heaven, all because of God's amazing grace which includes his incredible plan for our salvation?
God's original chosen people, the Jews, had more than 600 rules under the Law of Moses they had to keep in order to continue on in his good graces. You know many of those Old Testament rules. For instance, before the new law was put into place after Jesus' resurrection, people had to worship on Saturday. But later, first century through present day, Christians assemble on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2).
Before the New Covenant came along, each family had to sacrifice an animal once a year. Jews were not allowed to eat certain animals that were considered unclean.
But under the new covenant (we call it the New Testament) which is based on loving God and loving our neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40; 1 Corinthians 13), Christians are the chosen people. In fact, anyone who becomes a Christian and is found to be faithful on judgment day, no matter their race, color or country, will inherit eternal life in heaven (Romans 10:11-13, Matthew 7:21, Luke 6:46).
Hebrews 7:12 says, “For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law.” Hebrews 8:7 says, “For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.” Hebrews 13:13 says, “By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.”
The Old Law is important because it shows us the nature of God, and how he means what he says (Remember the flood?). There are also a lot of references in the New Testament that would not make a lot of sense if you hadn't read the Old Testament. That is why 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that all scripture is inspired or God-breathed and is useful for things like teaching, training and to equip us for every good work.
Matthew 15:11 and Romans 14:14 make it clear that nothing in and of itself is unclean, but instead our attitude towards God and other people is what dictates spiritual cleanliness which is more important than standards imposed by the world. In other words, it would be a sin to eat, drink or do anything in the presence of someone else if you knew they would be offended by it.
The issue of “Biblical authority” is the reason why New Testament Christians do (or don't do) a lot of things in the name of religion. If God demands something, why would we give him anything else?
The reason Christians do not practice animal sacrifices like the Jews did is because we are not commanded to under the new covenant.
Jesus was the perfect sacrifice.
The apostle Paul, however, does tell us in Romans 12:1 that we are to “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
May we all enjoy the ultimate freedom more and more each day.


If you commit, follow through every time (Part One of Commitment)
by Barrett Vanlandingham
Have you ever met someone who was always where they are supposed to be at the right time?
Conversely, have you ever met someone who could not give you a straight answer, and when they did, they did not follow through on what they said they would do?
There are some people who will read their Bible everyday, but are hateful to everyone they meet. This article is about commitment to God.
I was talking with my dad awhile back. And anyone who knows my dad knows that if he has a job to do, it will get done on time, one way or another. So I asked him, dad, why is it that some people just seem to be places, not because they were expected to be, and not because they were asked to be, but because it was just the right thing to do? What separates those people from others?
He said, “It is because those people have already made the decision to be a part of something or to live a certain lifestyle. They made a commitment to certain things long before they were put on the calendar, and long before they were faced with ‘Should I, or shouldn't I?’”
Commitment to God is kind of like riding an elevator ... you're either ON or OFF. Revelation 3:15-16 talks about people who are neither hot nor cold in their commitment to God. He says that because they are lukewarm, he will spit them out of His mouth.
Matthew 22:34-38 tells us the greatest command is to “…Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” The Gospel of Mark adds “and with all your strength” to that list.
This means that we are to love God with everything we have, and everything we are. If you believe that God exists, and that Jesus is his son, and that there is a heaven, and a hell, you really need to make up your mind as to whom you're going to commit. After all, what's the point in calling yourself a Christian if you're only going to go halfway, because halfway won't get you there.
John 14:15 tells us the way God knows whether we love him is by our obedience to his commands.
What if we don't commit to God? Matthew 10:32-33 says, “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.
But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.”
Does your life show that you know Jesus Christ, or that you care more for things of the world? We must be willing to choose God over anyone or anything.
We can have huge bank accounts, popularity, possessions, desire for athletic and academic scholarships, but when those things become our gods, and we choose them over God the Father, that's a BIG PROBLEM: that's SIN, and that shows a LACK of COMMITMENT to God.
This is a lesson that Abraham did very well on when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac as a burnt offering. Abraham loved his son Isaac and knew that Isaac was a part of the plan to make a great nation like God had promised in Genesis 12:2. So, Abraham was willing to put aside his own feelings on the matter, and submit and trust God TOTALLY.
In fact, Abraham had so much faith that when he was preparing to take his son there to sacrifice him, Genesis 22:5 says “He said to his servants, 'Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.’”
Abraham knew that total commitment was a two-way trail, and that God would not go back on his original promise, and that one way or another, God would prevent Isaac's death.
How many times do we not trust God to give us what we need, and what our children need, just so we can satisfy our worldly cravings for worldly success. We ask ourselves, “How is my family or my children ever going to find true joy and happiness?” The answer is faith-based commitment to God. And when we are committed to God, we will be committed to our families. I will discuss that in two weeks in part two.

Expletives go crossways with God’s word, will
by Barrett Vanlandingham
More than once I've had young people ask me if it was really a sin to curse. They were astonished when I gave them the answer, “Yes!”
The Apostle Paul said, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things (Philippians 4:8).”
When it comes to cursing and other sins of the mouth, how can you or anyone else in your presence possibly “think about such things” (Godly things) if your mouth is spewing out curse words?
James 3:3-12 is one of the most famous passages in the Bible for its instruction on how we use our mouth. The writer says, “:3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder…” James goes on to compare the tongue to a spark that can set a whole forest on fire. He says, “:10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.”
In Romans 3:9-10 Paul quotes from the Old Testament about sin. Then in verse 14 he says, “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
When I was a kid and someone would curse, oftentimes it would be pointed out that people who curse just simply do not have a good enough vocabulary to think of other words to say. That may be true to an extent. But I think a better explanation as to why people curse is because their minds have been filled to overflowing with worldly influences. This happens when we get lax in our spiritual battle.
Proverbs 4:23-24 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.”
The Gospel of Matthew 12:34 & 36-37 says, “…For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks… But I tell you that men will have to give an account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Sins of the mouth not only include cursing. Romans 1:28-32 includes gossip and slander in a list of sins that will land someone in hell. Paul even goes on to say that even those who approve of this practice are also in the same danger of eternal condemnation.
Walking on God's path to heaven begins with the following passages: Romans 10:17 and John 5:24 (hear), Mark 16:16 and Hebrews 11:6 (believe), Acts 2:38 and James 1:21-22 (repent), Matthew 10:32-33 and 2 Timothy 2:19 (confess), Galatians 3:26-27 and Romans 6:1-11 (baptism for the forgiveness of sins).
This article only scratches the surface on the issue of cursing. The attitudes behind the cursing are just as harmful spiritually. One thing is for sure. If we spend more time in study of God's word, more time acting on our belief, more time prayerfully turning away from the world's influence, more time acknowledging that Jesus is God's Son and that He is our only hope, and more time thinking about the blessings that come from being clothed in Christ through baptism, we would definitely not have near as much time or desire to allow negative thoughts and words to infect or influence our destiny.

How do you get beautiful feet? Opportunities abound this summer to volunteer
by Barrett Vanlandingham
Here we are! Another June and another vacation Bible school season well under way. You don't have to look far this time of year to find those three nostalgic letters — VBS — that so many kids look forward to every summer.
The tradition of VBS dates back at least 100 years in America. Although, it's difficult to pinpoint who actually started it. Here in Fort Gibson, several churches are offering VBS this summer.
It's an opportunity for kids to learn Bible stories, see puppet and drama skits, have a snack, sing and pray. It's also an opportunity for adults and teenagers to get involved in church work in a “no pressure” environment.
As teachers at VBS, church camp, or any other time where we are responsible for impressionable young minds, there are a few important things to remember. We as a Christian community must be willing to let the Bible speak for itself and not inject our own opinions if they are not supported by the Bible.
James 3:1 says, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
I love VBS as much as anybody. But even in the midst of having fun and being creative in teaching the Bible, it is of greatest importance to not only show God's love to young souls in our care, but also to teach “God-approved” messages.
The Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesian church that “There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to one hope when you were called-one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father who is over all and through all and in all (Eph. 4:4-6).
We all have opinions when it comes to religion or anything else. However, it is God who created us. His Son came to earth, died and was raised for us. It's fair to say that God has earned our loyalty and respect. In return, we all should be willing to take the time necessary to study His word and find out what He expects of us.
Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “Be very care, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.”
In order to understand what the Lord's will is, we must spend much time in prayer and Bible study. How else can we accurately teach God's word unless we study? 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the truth.”
Then, we have an obligation to obey and teach His word. Some of the last words Jesus spoke before He returned to His Father are recorded in Mathew 28:18-20.
“Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'”
“… As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! (Romans 10:15)”
Make God bless us all as we grow in the knowledge of God's word and apply it to our lives.