Be Jesus to someone everyday

by Barrett Vanlandingham

May 28, 2013

            Just when you think the world’s priorities are so far out of whack things could never get back in line, there always seems to be some sort of crisis that causes people to re-think life.

            Our state and much of our nation are no doubt going through that right now as tornado damage here in Oklahoma is causing people everywhere to re-focus.

            Many of us have close friends or family members who were affected by nature’s recent wrath. It is hard to make it through an entire day without having a conversation or hearing news about what is going on in Moore and other towns that were in the path.    

            One giant blessing that is coming out of all of this is seeing and hearing about so many acts of compassion, selflessness, kindness, and love being shown towards victims and volunteers.  This is truly inspiring.  There is probably not a town in Oklahoma that is not doing something to help.  Here in Fort Gibson, churches, schools and many other kind-hearted people have unified for a very important cause.  Suddenly, things that used to seem so important have taken a back seat to offering aid, hope, and hugs to those whose world was turned upside down in a matter of minutes.

             The Bible says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).”

            Christians have a vital job to do during this very difficult time.  While it is certainly important to help others by giving money and any supplies that are needed, we also must model the definition of love as stated by the apostle Paul in his letter to the church in Corinth.  This is something we need to do not only in times of crisis, but especially after things get back to normal and people have forgotten to have a Christ-like attitude. 

            There may not be a natural disaster every week to cause people to unite and be Jesus to those who are hurting, but tragedy and crises do occur year round, even here in our small town.  It may be on your block or even in your family.

            May we all work towards making a difference for someone in our community today and everyday.  God bless and have a great week!

Flowers teach lessons that help us grow in spirit
by Barrett Vanlandingham
May 21, 2013

            One of the things I love about this time of year is beautiful flowers everywhere!  I really appreciate all of Fort Gibson’s very talented and persistent green thumbs. 

Glen and Betty Hopfer have a spectacular purple Clematis vine with hundreds of blooms that have climbed and decorated the corner of their house several feet high! 

As I took some pictures of their flowerbed, I couldn’t help but be in awe of God’s handiwork in partnership with the Hopfer’s.  But as colorful as this scene was, the words of the prophet Isaiah came to mind.  “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8).”

While I do not like the thought of eventual doom for these blooms, it is encouraging that God loves mankind much more than grass and flowers (Matthew 6:28-30).  But with that love comes great responsibility.

The role of Christians has become more important than ever as people are being influenced by an ever-increasingly wicked world, and need something and someone to trust in. It is a daunting task as the statistics show people acting on their feelings of hopelessness.

A recent study by Julie Phillips of Rutgers University shows that more people now die of suicide than in car accidents!

The root of the problem is really nothing new, and has been around since the beginning of mankind.  It is just that these days, people increasingly seem to embrace taking on more distractions and more financial risks in their lives instead of seeking advice from God on experiencing peace, hope, and assurance.  He’s been an expert on this for a very long time.

God created all of nature for us to enjoy. He also created us with the ability to have fun, laugh, accomplish our goals, and experience a full range of emotions that comes with daily life.  But where we tend to mess up is when our lives become unbalanced, and we forget to just simply spend time being in awe of God, studying the truths of his word, and praising Him for all the ways He blesses our lives, and for the hope we have through his son Jesus the Christ. 

For thousands of years, God’s Holy Spirit has made sure that God’s word in written form would stand the test of time.  These truths will still be here to guide all of humanity long after the thrills of this world wilt and let us down.

May God bless you this week with the desire and confidence to simplify your life, let go of distractions that hinder your relationship with God, and to simply get re-acquainted with the joys that come from knowing that we serve an eternal God who has an eternal purpose for us.

Save room for Jesus on your summer vacation
by Barrett Vanlandingham
May 14, 2013

            Summer is when most people try to squeeze in some vacation time. And why not? School age kids will be out of class in little more than a week.  And besides, everyone needs a break now and then.

            But one thing Christians must keep in mind is that summer break does not mean a vacation from God.  After all, what if God took a vacation from us?  We would be in a world of hurt!  For me, it would be unthinkable to go on a vacation to relax the body He created, or admire His handiwork in nature, while leaving Him at home or penciled-in somewhere in my weekly planner until I am ready to continue our walk.

            In one of Jesus’ parables, he said, “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes (Luke 12:35-37).”

            Jesus teaches that we must always be ready for his return, “because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him (v 40).”

            This advice does not sound like Jesus thinks it’s a good idea to separate ourselves from God, even for a minute.  Remember what happened to Peter when he was allowed to walk on the water but then took his eyes off of Jesus?  He sank, just like the ark probably would have if Noah would have chosen to use his own blueprints instead of God’s.

            We have the choice everyday to walk with God or not.  If we choose not to, there will be consequences, either for ourselves or someone else, possibly a friend or family member who looks to you as an example of righteousness.

            Whether your break hits in the summer, fall, winter, or spring, it is important for Christians to use whatever time you have to grow closer to our heavenly Father, not farther away from Him. We must constantly seek to spiritually renew our minds (Romans 12:1-2) by spending more time with Him in prayer and Bible study.  This will not only give us helpful knowledge, but will help us to be better prepared to carry out His instruction (2 Timothy 4:2).  This may mean something as simple as modeling the servant-heart of Jesus in your own neighborhood, or even when you go on vacation.  Have a blessed week!

A little known name in the Bible teaches important lessons
by Barrett Vanlandingham
May 8, 2013

            Just when you thought you knew all of the names in the Bible, someone like Cleopas comes along.  And even though you may not have heard of Cleopas, you may have heard the story of what happened on the road to Emmaus.  Luke tells the story in Luke 24:13-35, and it is of great importance to all Christians. I will explain why, later.

            The story takes place on the Sunday after the crucifixion of Jesus.  Cleopas and another follower of Jesus were walking from Jerusalem to a town called Emmaus which was about seven miles away.  The men were very sad that such a great teacher had been put to death. 

The events of the weekend were so horrific that some of Jesus’ followers, including Cleopas, either forgot or didn’t understand the prophecies that Jesus would not only die on a cross, but that he would rise again (Psalm 22, Isaiah 53, Psalm 16:9-10).  The Lord himself had also prophesied his own resurrection when he told the Jews, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days (John 2:19).”

Women who visited the site where Jesus’ body was laid and guarded told Cleopas and several other disciples about the empty tomb, but most did not believe the news (Luke 24:11).  It was only on the road to Emmaus when Cleopas unknowingly shared his doubts and uncertainties with the resurrected Jesus that things became clearer.

“As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him (Luke 24:15-16).”

When Jesus asked them what they were discussing, they presumed he was a visitor to the area.  So they sadly told him about the crucifixion and how they had hoped that Jesus would bring Israel back into power (instead of the Romans), and about the reports that Jesus’ body was missing.

Jesus took this opportunity to remind them of the things spoken by the prophets long before, and that the Christ would suffer and ascend back to his father.  Jesus had supper with them and allowed them to recognize who he was for a brief moment after he gave thanks for the bread and handed it to them, and then he disappeared.  The men quickly began to tell others about their experience.

Three quick lessons we can learn from Cleopas:

1) It is a good thing to discuss your struggles and doubts with other Christians, and to go to God in prayer (James 5:16). 

2) It is good to seek information from God’s word that will shed light on your questions. Romans 1:20 says that we can even learn some things about God from examining what He has created.

3) It is good to share information with others about matters of faith you have discovered.  This will be an encouragement to you and to those you share Jesus with.

            Have a blessed week and remember, whether in times of peace or stress, to allow Jesus to share his word, the bread of life, with you!