Putting joy in your worship puts a smile in your heart
by Barrett Vanlandingham
February 29, 2011
Psalm 28:7 says, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
Years ago, I was at a church service when the worship leader stopped the song and asked us if we had joy in our hearts, and then he said with a smile, “Well, some of you better tell your face because you don’t look like it!”
Point well-taken. Given, sometimes we show up for worship and we may not feel worthy of communing joyfully with God because of sin in our life. And sometimes, the devil just seems to be working overtime to bring us down. Other times, we show up for worship and only go through the motions without thinking about what we are doing. When that happens, we are making the choice not to give God our best.
The Bible has a lot to say about the connection between worship and having a joyful attitude. In fact, the Psalmist David experienced joy at the very thought of going to worship. In Psalm 122:1 David says, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’”
The Apostle Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice (Philippians 4:4).”
So, if Christians have reason to rejoice outside of worship gatherings, how much more joy should fill our hearts when we come together to praise God in song, prayer, the Lord’s Supper, giving, and to listen to the teaching of God’s word?
Jesus tells his followers in Luke 10:20 to “…rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” If that’s not reason to burst at the seams, I don’t know what is!
Granted, having a joyful attitude in worship or elsewhere does not always mean having a smile on your face. But, it also does not mean portraying feelings of boredom or apathy.
One of the great benefits of coming together as Christians to worship God is so we can encourage one another to love and serve (Hebrews 10:23-25).”
We have many reasons to be joyful in the Lord. This week, let’s all do our best to share the enthusiasm found in the book of Jeremiah 15:16 when the prophet expressed a hunger for God’s word in this way, “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty.”
Have a great day, and may the joy of the Lord be your strength!
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, February 24, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Absolute truth can be found if you look in the right place
by Barrett Vanlandingham
February 22, 2011
Just before Jesus was crucified, he told the Roman governor, Pontius Pilot, “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me (John 18:37).” Pilate responded, “What is truth?”
People have been searching for ages to find the answer to that question. Unfortunately, we have not always looked in the right place.
In John 14:6, Jesus answers Thomas’s question, “How can we know the way (to where you are)?” “Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
That flies in the face of today’s worldly wisdom. Mankind has manufactured more maps than ever these days that supposedly lead to truth and salvation. Even Oprah has declared that Jesus could not be the only way to God.
But Peter’s inspired words make it abundantly clear that Jesus is in fact the only way. In Acts 4:10-12, Luke quotes Peter as saying, “…there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
The term “truth” has been watered down and twisted so much that most people ironically believe that truth is absolutely relative. Huh? Yes, I agree. That makes no sense. Bottom line? Most people simply don’t like to have their options limited in anything unless it’s convenient!
One survey suggests that 70-percent of teens believe there is no such thing as absolute truth. Another statistic says that two out of three adults believe that truth is relative to the situations in which people find themselves.
If truth were known, most people would tell you they feel more comfortable when everyone understands the rules. That is certainly the case when we play any kind of game. That is also the case in business dealings. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find a culture anywhere on the planet that doesn’t value a set of guidelines. Even the most hardened criminals recognize there are lines that should not be crossed.
One thing is for sure, we will all meet Jesus face to face some day. He will be our Judge, and he will be using God’s word to do the judging (2 Corinthians 5:10, John 12:49, 2 Timothy 4:1, Acts 10:42, Romans 2:16) .
We don’t even have to wonder which truths we will be judged by. Jesus already told us that. What mankind must decide is just how much earthly pride we are willing to let go of. The answer to that will have a direct impact on whether we will choose to let Christ lead us home to our heavenly Father.
by Barrett Vanlandingham
February 22, 2011
Just before Jesus was crucified, he told the Roman governor, Pontius Pilot, “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me (John 18:37).” Pilate responded, “What is truth?”
People have been searching for ages to find the answer to that question. Unfortunately, we have not always looked in the right place.
In John 14:6, Jesus answers Thomas’s question, “How can we know the way (to where you are)?” “Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
That flies in the face of today’s worldly wisdom. Mankind has manufactured more maps than ever these days that supposedly lead to truth and salvation. Even Oprah has declared that Jesus could not be the only way to God.
But Peter’s inspired words make it abundantly clear that Jesus is in fact the only way. In Acts 4:10-12, Luke quotes Peter as saying, “…there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
The term “truth” has been watered down and twisted so much that most people ironically believe that truth is absolutely relative. Huh? Yes, I agree. That makes no sense. Bottom line? Most people simply don’t like to have their options limited in anything unless it’s convenient!
One survey suggests that 70-percent of teens believe there is no such thing as absolute truth. Another statistic says that two out of three adults believe that truth is relative to the situations in which people find themselves.
If truth were known, most people would tell you they feel more comfortable when everyone understands the rules. That is certainly the case when we play any kind of game. That is also the case in business dealings. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find a culture anywhere on the planet that doesn’t value a set of guidelines. Even the most hardened criminals recognize there are lines that should not be crossed.
One thing is for sure, we will all meet Jesus face to face some day. He will be our Judge, and he will be using God’s word to do the judging (2 Corinthians 5:10, John 12:49, 2 Timothy 4:1, Acts 10:42, Romans 2:16) .
We don’t even have to wonder which truths we will be judged by. Jesus already told us that. What mankind must decide is just how much earthly pride we are willing to let go of. The answer to that will have a direct impact on whether we will choose to let Christ lead us home to our heavenly Father.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Bible verses of comfort have been time tested
by Barrett Vanlandingham
February 15, 2011
With all the cold and snow we’ve been through in the last couple of weeks, it’s hard to imagine we still have over 30 days of winter left! On the other hand, we could say that spring is only a month away! I think I like the sound of that better.
That’s the way it is in life, too. The facts are simply the facts. But how we state those facts can make a tremendous difference in the way we and others feel about them. I guess it’s like the old saying about the glass being half-empty versus half-full.
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus reminds us that those who have a relationship with God have no need to worry. It’s a principle that has proven true for thousands of years.
When I was a kid, I worried a lot about dying. I can’t remember why. It probably had something to do with watching too many episodes of Dark Shadows at the neighbor’s house. That was tame compared to today’s TV thrillers. Anyway, I seemed to dwell more on dying than on the part about getting to go to heaven. But as an adult Christian, I realize death is nothing to fear. The only sad part is the thought of leaving those you love behind to deal with life in this broken world.
I recently made a design for my business cards that included several Bible verses of comfort. And since it’s not likely that I will be able to give everyone in our town a card, I thought at least the subscribers of the Fort Gibson Times might appreciate my list of comforting Bible verses.
They include: Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting in the Lord. John 14:1-4 on Jesus taking us to heaven. 1 Peter 5:7 on casting our anxiety on God. Philippians 4:13 on our strength coming from the Lord. Matthew 11:28 on Jesus providing rest for the burdened. 1 John 1:7 on assurances that come from walking with God. And Joshua 1:9 on being strong and courageous.
In a day and time when our culture tries to convince us to seek comfort in worldly things, verses like these can help point us to the truth. There are many more where those came from!
Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, no doubt because of all the mistakes he made as he searched for the meaning of life. In the end, he said the whole duty of man is to “Fear God and keep his commandments (Proverbs 12:13).”
If you have a verse of comfort or encouragement, please pass it along to me after you have passed it along to a close friend. Have a blessed day!
by Barrett Vanlandingham
February 15, 2011
With all the cold and snow we’ve been through in the last couple of weeks, it’s hard to imagine we still have over 30 days of winter left! On the other hand, we could say that spring is only a month away! I think I like the sound of that better.
That’s the way it is in life, too. The facts are simply the facts. But how we state those facts can make a tremendous difference in the way we and others feel about them. I guess it’s like the old saying about the glass being half-empty versus half-full.
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus reminds us that those who have a relationship with God have no need to worry. It’s a principle that has proven true for thousands of years.
When I was a kid, I worried a lot about dying. I can’t remember why. It probably had something to do with watching too many episodes of Dark Shadows at the neighbor’s house. That was tame compared to today’s TV thrillers. Anyway, I seemed to dwell more on dying than on the part about getting to go to heaven. But as an adult Christian, I realize death is nothing to fear. The only sad part is the thought of leaving those you love behind to deal with life in this broken world.
I recently made a design for my business cards that included several Bible verses of comfort. And since it’s not likely that I will be able to give everyone in our town a card, I thought at least the subscribers of the Fort Gibson Times might appreciate my list of comforting Bible verses.
They include: Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting in the Lord. John 14:1-4 on Jesus taking us to heaven. 1 Peter 5:7 on casting our anxiety on God. Philippians 4:13 on our strength coming from the Lord. Matthew 11:28 on Jesus providing rest for the burdened. 1 John 1:7 on assurances that come from walking with God. And Joshua 1:9 on being strong and courageous.
In a day and time when our culture tries to convince us to seek comfort in worldly things, verses like these can help point us to the truth. There are many more where those came from!
Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, no doubt because of all the mistakes he made as he searched for the meaning of life. In the end, he said the whole duty of man is to “Fear God and keep his commandments (Proverbs 12:13).”
If you have a verse of comfort or encouragement, please pass it along to me after you have passed it along to a close friend. Have a blessed day!
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Winter storms bring spiritual lessons as numerous as snowflakes
by Barrett Vanlandingham
February 8, 2011
As I looked outside my window at a few of Fort Gibson’s snow-packed neighborhoods, I thought about what spiritual lessons could be learned. And since we were all snowed-in for a few days, I asked my family to help me come up with some ideas. Here are five of them:
1) No matter how bad things look right now, things will improve. Even though we often have to deal with the forces of nature and other consequences of living in this world, we know heaven awaits the faithful.
2) Impressions - You can tell by looking at footprints in the snow where people have been. As Christians, we leave impressions that represent our Savior. That’s a big responsibility. We are Christ’s hands and feet. As Christians interact with people in our community, we must make sure we are leaving Godly impressions. As the winds blow, our footprints in the snow often fade. It’s the same way in life. This means Christians must continually look for opportunities to leave impressions for those outside of Christ to follow.
3) Snow can be destructive as we’ve seen this winter, just like people who wear the name Christian while bringing reproach upon the church by their worldly actions. Snow can also be beautiful, just like joyful Christians who strive to spread the love of Christ in all they do. When people experience the love of Christ through the lives of Christians, it is a beautiful thing and of great benefit to the kingdom of Christ.
4) A snowflake is one of the most unique creations known to mankind. By itself, a single snowflake is amazing. But when it unites with billions of other snowflakes, it becomes a strong force to be reckoned with. A single Christian can also do some amazing things. But when Christians unite, something very special happens, and even greater things are accomplished. The early disciples we read about were incredible individuals. But Christians uniting for the sake of Christ continues to result in fulfilling his command to spread the good news locally, then to the region, and then to the entire world (Acts 1:8).
5) And the final lesson, “Snow angels!” Everytime I see someone lie on their back in a pile of frozen precip, flap their arms and legs, and create an angel, my first thought is always, “Burrrr!” But my second thought is “Wow! That took some guts and effort.” Christians are called to be holy or set apart for service to God (1 Peter 2:9). The Bible says Christians will be rewarded according to what they have done (Romans 2:6), but it never says that living the Christian life will be easy (John 15:18-21). It takes effort. When Jesus came to earth, he set the ultimate example of what it means to put forth effort for a cause. We were his “cause,” and we still are today.
Enjoy the blessings of winter!
by Barrett Vanlandingham
February 8, 2011
As I looked outside my window at a few of Fort Gibson’s snow-packed neighborhoods, I thought about what spiritual lessons could be learned. And since we were all snowed-in for a few days, I asked my family to help me come up with some ideas. Here are five of them:
1) No matter how bad things look right now, things will improve. Even though we often have to deal with the forces of nature and other consequences of living in this world, we know heaven awaits the faithful.
2) Impressions - You can tell by looking at footprints in the snow where people have been. As Christians, we leave impressions that represent our Savior. That’s a big responsibility. We are Christ’s hands and feet. As Christians interact with people in our community, we must make sure we are leaving Godly impressions. As the winds blow, our footprints in the snow often fade. It’s the same way in life. This means Christians must continually look for opportunities to leave impressions for those outside of Christ to follow.
3) Snow can be destructive as we’ve seen this winter, just like people who wear the name Christian while bringing reproach upon the church by their worldly actions. Snow can also be beautiful, just like joyful Christians who strive to spread the love of Christ in all they do. When people experience the love of Christ through the lives of Christians, it is a beautiful thing and of great benefit to the kingdom of Christ.
4) A snowflake is one of the most unique creations known to mankind. By itself, a single snowflake is amazing. But when it unites with billions of other snowflakes, it becomes a strong force to be reckoned with. A single Christian can also do some amazing things. But when Christians unite, something very special happens, and even greater things are accomplished. The early disciples we read about were incredible individuals. But Christians uniting for the sake of Christ continues to result in fulfilling his command to spread the good news locally, then to the region, and then to the entire world (Acts 1:8).
5) And the final lesson, “Snow angels!” Everytime I see someone lie on their back in a pile of frozen precip, flap their arms and legs, and create an angel, my first thought is always, “Burrrr!” But my second thought is “Wow! That took some guts and effort.” Christians are called to be holy or set apart for service to God (1 Peter 2:9). The Bible says Christians will be rewarded according to what they have done (Romans 2:6), but it never says that living the Christian life will be easy (John 15:18-21). It takes effort. When Jesus came to earth, he set the ultimate example of what it means to put forth effort for a cause. We were his “cause,” and we still are today.
Enjoy the blessings of winter!
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