Disappointments do not get the last word
by Barrett Vanlandingham
March 2, 2010

Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Now that is a BIG promise. But as life’s disappointments come our way, it’s hard to believe God’s assurances sometimes, isn’t it? Especially when we see our younger generation being deceived and conditioned to think that the world’s ways are normal.
One of the most disappointing things I experience in youth ministry here in Fort Gibson is when kids get old enough to want to experience the dark side. It happens every year as children I have known since they were little seem to grow up overnight and want to test the waters of sin. This is always painful to witness because it seems there is very little I can do about it. I used to blame it on myself for not being able to stop them. But a friend once reminded me that when someone, even an adolescent, chooses darkness over light, the problem is really between them and God, not me and them. Nevertheless, the scenario is always more heartbreaking for us as parents and youth workers when our children are involved. It’s hard to keep from taking it personally, isn’t it?
I know a lot of parents, ministers, and youth workers in Fort Gibson from many religious denominations. They work very hard at teaching the younger generation the dangers of flirting with Satan and dabbling in his wicked schemes. But even those who try the hardest cannot expect children to not struggle with negative peer pressure, one of the devil’s most effective weapons. The devil is a COWARD who preys on the weakest link, especially when the strongest links are holding tightly to God’s unchanging hand. In other words, if Satan cannot sway the spiritual leader of a family, he will certainly try to tempt our children.
This dark fact does not mean we have to like it, put up with it, or buckle under. It just means we as parents, youth workers, and mentors must stay the course. We must fight for our children’s souls just like so many other spiritual warriors have also done for so many years. This doesn’t mean we’re going to win every battle. It does mean, however, we will win in the long run and so will our children. They may suffer lifelong consequences for making bad decisions, but the important thing is that they do not lose their soul for eternity. The Bible assures us that our efforts will not go unnoticed by our heavenly Father. (end)

God’s blessings are such a joy
by Barrett Vanlandingham
February 23, 2010

I was blessed again this week. This time with a letter I received from an elderly but very energetic widow lady named Susie from Wagoner.
I met Susie about three years ago when I brought a group of Fort Gibson teenagers to her house along with a few others who were assigned to me at a nearby teen leadership conference. We were supposed to pick up limbs that had fallen in Susie’s yard during an ice storm. But when we arrived, someone else had already picked up the limbs.
So, we stayed anyway and visited with Susie and her daughter-in-law for about an hour. You talk about a God thing. We just thought we were going to be the ones giving the blessing. As it turned out, she spoke with our kids, especially the girls about making life decisions and dealing with the consequences. We took a group picture with her and sent it with a letter back to her in the mail. No big deal, right? That was three years ago.
But this week when I received her letter, it could not have come at a better time. I have been planning several youth projects. And you know what that feels like when your plate is a little too full? Well, that’s how I was feeling, a little bogged down.
Susie wrote just to say that she had been thinking about us, and she wanted to encourage our church youth to keep their mind on God. She also said she’s been sick lately and wanted our prayers.
I found Susie’s phone number and gave her a call a few days ago. She said it still makes her feel good to look at the picture we sent, and to think about our visit. She said she has been diagnosed with cancer but that she rebuked it and has given it over to God. She continues to deliver food to the less fortunate in her community as a volunteer. She knows God will take care of her.
Now I realize once again that in the midst of a very busy world, true Christianity really boils down to a few very simple things. And none of them involves stressing out about planning projects! God, "Forgive me for too often only thinking of myself." So I’m asking you to pause for just a moment and say a prayer of healing for Susie and anyone else who is special to you.
James 5:15 says, “A prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.”
Of course, we all know that God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we would like. But we know he can, he has, he will, and we know that the Bible says“…God works for the good of those who love him… (Romans 8:28)” Just remember Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding…”
Have a great week! (end)

Mission work can be right under your nose
by Barrett Vanlandingham
February 16, 2010

There’s nothing quite like coming back home. Last week, I returned from a mission trip to a growing community just outside of Monterrey, Mexico called Santa Monica. I’ve written about my trips there before. 14 of us made the weeklong trek across the border.
Our job this time was to place rebar on the second story roof of the Bible class wing of the new church building Fort Gibson Church of Christ is helping to construct. Then, we poured concrete on top of that to finish it off. We also installed windows and a front door to the building.
All of this travel, hard work, and expense was simply to provide the Mexican people in that area a central place to worship God and have Bible classes. We’re going again with a student group in June.
One night during our mission team’s Bible study time, our missions deacon Glen Elliott mentioned something very profound. He said that even though what we are doing for Mexico is important, we must continually challenge ourselves to put the same kind of effort into winning souls in Fort Gibson.
This very strategy was also taught by Jesus in the book of Acts 1:8 when he said, “…and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
In this passage Jesus is telling his disciples to start teaching the Gospel story where they were at the time, and then branch out to other places. This is important for us to remember today as well. Yes, it can be much more intimidating to try to win souls in your own town. The Bible speaks of that too. Nevertheless, you must try. It’s the method that makes the most sense. That’s why even in mission work the goal is to train local people to reach out to their own people.
The fact is, we all like a good challenge. It keeps us fresh, on our toes so to speak. But the biggest challenge may not be in the far away mission field. It might be right under our nose, right here in Fort Gibson. And can you think of a challenge that will impact our day to day lives any more than teaching about Jesus in our own community? We all have so little to lose and so much to gain by witnessing to the people we see everyday.
Please pray today that God will soften hearts here in our town, give us fields that are ready to harvest, and give us the confidence to boldly teach others through God’s word and by our Christian example. (end)