Choose Jesus in 2017

by Barrett Vanlandingham

January 2, 2017

    As happy as I am to begin the New Year, I have one more story to relate from the holidays.  

    It happened while I was chauffeuring my wife, kids, and in-laws in the minivan looking at Christmas lights in Tulsa. We had turned into a brightly decorated neighborhood. Up one street, down another, winding around corners this way and that, all in hopes of seeing more colorful holiday scenes.  

    Problem is, I changed direction so many times I didn't know which way to turn when I wanted to go back home. I had been focused more on the lights than on direction.

    It occurred to me that this scenario is not unlike some of Satan's strategies he uses on us in spiritual warfare.  He or possibly his demon helpers study and know our weaknesses. They set traps for us disguised as things that appeal to our senses: things that on the surface might look good, feel good, sound good, or taste good.

    Remember the mean old “Child Catcher” in the classic movie “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”?  His horse-drawn cage was disguised as a candy wagon. It's driver dressed in bright colors as he drove through town, then danced around and called out to children, offering “free candy today.” But after the children were lured inside the wagon, the decorations disguising the mobile cage fell to the ground revealing the two helplessly captured kids.

    God’s children and anyone else are also vulnerable to being spiritually captured by dark forces when we take our eyes off Jesus in exchange for the bright lights, earthly lures that appeal to us like money, power, hobbies, or even relationships. Eventually, we lose our way home.

    The writer of Hebrews stresses the importance of “fixing your eyes on Jesus” in order to successfully run the Christian race (Hebrews. 12:1-2). The apostle Peter took his eyes off Jesus while walking on water. His fear of the storm caused him to pay more attention to the strong winds than to Jesus. He sank until Jesus responded to Peter’s cry for help (Matthew 14:29-30).

    In 2017, let's strive to replace spiritual distractions with all things Jesus and the assurance of our heavenly home. Have a blessed week!

Jesus grew, and we should too

by Barrett Vanlandingham

December 27, 2016

          Now that the Christian world has celebrated Jesus’ birth, where do we go from here? The answer is easy. Just do what Jesus did. 

          “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52).”

          It’s perfectly natural for a child to grow physically (or in stature), and Jesus was no exception. It’s the other ways Jesus grew that we could all use a little help with. Have you ever met someone who had a whole lotta smarts, but was dumber than a bag of hammers? It is possible to have more knowledge than wisdom. We’ve all met that person who has a plethora of academic credentials attached to the end of their name (just after the comma). But depending on whether that person also made the choice to grow in wisdom (as well as knowledge), they may always be in a state of “not getting it” when it comes to the important things in life.

          To become a Jewish Rabbi, Jesus would have had to memorize vast amounts of scripture and commentary even as a boy, and understand how to apply them to real life. Luke writes that Jesus (at age 12) was found by his parents in the temple courts listening to the teachers and asking them questions. “Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers (Luke 2:47).”  At age 30, Jesus used scripture to combat the temptations Satan presented him in the wilderness at the beginning of His official ministry (Luke 4).

          None of us will know and understand scripture like Jesus did. But that doesn’t relieve us of our Christian duty to grow in our faith, and to become more Christ-like.

          Peter said it is important to add into our lives the divine qualities of faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. Peter even says that if we grow in these qualities, “they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:8).”

          Peter says this way we can be sure of our destiny. “And you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:11).”

          Have a blessed week!

They gave special gifts for a special King

December 20, 2016

by Barrett Vanlandingham

We may not know how many wise men (aka: kings, magi) there were who came to deliver gifts to the young Christ and King, but we do know they chose carefully three things of great value to present to this very special family on behalf of Jesus’ birth.

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem (Matthew 2:1).”  “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifs of gold, frankincense and myrrh (2:11).”

The wise men presented the gift of gold as a tribute to the One who was born to be King. Israel’s leaders gave and received gold as a symbol of their position. The Queen of Sheba once gave King Solomon four tons of gold because she was so impressed with his God-given wisdom (ref: 1 Kings 10). Since Jesus was never known for his earthly wealth, the amount of gold given to Jesus was probably not a lot.

The wise men’s second gift was frankincense. It is an aromatic resin from the bark of the Boswellia tree. It is still used in perfumes, oils, and incense. The aroma of burning incense represents the prayers of God’s people. Priests burned incense at an altar in the tabernacle in the morning and again in the evening. The gift of frankincense was appropriate because it represented the future work of Christ as priest as He related to God the Father on our behalf.

The wise men’s third gift was myrrh, which was used to embalm dead bodies. This gift symbolized that Jesus would die for the sake of others. This must have seemed like a strange baby gift for these young parents. But considering the fact that Joseph and Mary had already had conversations with the angel Gabriel before Jesus was born, the gift of myrrh likely reinforced the idea that this was no ordinary child. This Jesus, born of a virgin, was theirs to raise for a much greater purpose than just to be a good citizen or even a wise rabbi. He was sent to save you and me!

Merry Christmas!

Alone time with God can cure holiday stress

December 13, 2016

by Barrett Vanlandingham

Have the holidays turned your mind every which way but loose? Sometimes, we just need a mental break, don’t we?

I was working on my computer this past week when I noticed I had no access to the Internet. I asked everyone else in the office if they had Internet service. They all did. It was just my computer, bogged down.  So, I turned it off and back on again. IT WORKED.  All it needed was a little time to re-set.

    People sometimes need to unplug, and a little time to reset emotionally, spiritually, and prioritize thoughts. This was the case for God’s prophets. Habakkuk is the eighth of twelve Minor Prophets (starting with Hosea and ending with Malachi) listed in the Old Testament.  

He said, “I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint (Habakkuk 2:1).”

Habakkuk just needed some time alone with God. He needed to listen for instructions from God, and he also needed to get some things off his chest. It is still important for us to spend time with God today. We must make time for the One who can help us reset our priorities, and help us unload stress both from outside and from within.

In Luke 5, crowds of people had heard about the miraculous healings that had been taking place in the presence of Jesus. They sought him out to ask him to heal them, too. “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed (Luke 5:16).” What the writer, Luke, is saying here is that even though Jesus’ work as Healer was important, it was also important for him to unplug from those around him, spend time alone with God, and reset so that he could be more effective for the long haul.

The apostle Paul spells out the benefits of making time to be alone with God in prayer. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).”

Have a blessed week!

Make time to remember the greatest gift

by Barrett Vanlandingham

December 6, 2016

          “1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them (Luke 2:1-7).”

          Luke makes it painfully obvious in his account of the birth of Jesus that if anyone had reason to be distracted from the joy of the coming of the Christ child, it would be Joseph and Mary.

          For starters, everyone in the Roman controlled world was dealing with the interruption of their daily routine. This foreign government was requiring its subjects to temporarily leave their homes and businesses, go back to their hometowns to register, and be counted in a census. This also probably resulted in higher taxes. What stress! Even an almost due Mary had to make the 80 mile trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

          Next, Joseph probably was not looking forward to a family reunion that would likely take place at the census site. After all, his wife-to-be was expecting, and it wasn’t his baby. Yes, he knew it was the Christ child, but the thought of having to explain this over and over to his relatives had to have been emotionally draining!

          Finally, there were so many people in town, there was no place to stay. So, the baby Jesus was born in a cattle stall.

          This story is important because it reminds us that just like Joseph and Mary, we too must remain steadfast in our mission to bring Jesus to the world. Have a blessed week!

True joy this season may only be a prayer away

by Barrett Vanlandingham

November 29, 2016

          By now, most of us are trying to figure out how to lose those five pounds we put on last week, how to pay for all those Christmas gifts, and how to deal with a jillion other things that occupy our minds during the holidays.

          We are headed into what many people feel is not the “most wonderful, hap, happiest time of the year,” but rather, the most stressful time of year. One friend of mine says the busy pace and commercialization of the holiday season are enough to make him want to say, “Bah humbug!” I say, to each his own regarding whether someone likes the holiday season. But the Bible does offer some solutions that, if followed, would bring joy into any season of the year.

          The apostle Peter was a bit of a worry wart, and at times was known to try to take situations into his own hands instead of trusting in God. By the time he wrote the letters we know as first and second Peter, he had evidently grown a lot in wisdom. He said, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).”  This was the same guy who walked on water until he took his eyes off Jesus, and later cut off the soldier’s ear who came to arrest Jesus, then that same night denied that he even knew Jesus.

          Most of you reading this would agree that Jesus Christ has had a profound impact on your quality of life. Still, most of us would also agree that when the going gets tough, we lack trust in Him, and forget to go to Him in prayer.

          Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).”

          Jesus has been where we are. He understands our struggles. He is truly the only one who is capable of giving us rest. The apostle Paul agrees.

          He said, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7).”

          Have a great day!

Take some time to be thankful

by Barrett Vanlandingham

November 22, 2016

          “How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you (Psalm 31:19).”

          There is no doubt about it. We serve a good, good Father. We have more things for which to be thankful than we can possibly count.

          In 1864, English hymnist and poet Folliot S. Pierpoint penned these words:

“For the beauty of he earth, For the beauty of the skies, For the love which from our birth, over and around us lies. Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our sacrifice of praise. For the beauty of each hour, of the day and of the night, Hill and vale and tree and flower, Sun and moon and stars of light. Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our sacrifice of praise.  For thy church that evermore lifteth holy hands above, offering up on every shore her pure sacrifice of love. Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our sacrifice of praise.”

          Pierpoint simply wanted to give thanks in song to God for the wonders of nature. So if you were going to write a song to thank God for something, what would it be? Your family, health, friends? Or how about thanking God for the gift of music or art. Have you ever thought about the impact the arts have on any culture including ours? In Oklahoma, there are probably more than a few who would thank God for football!

          The point is, even in a world that is caught up in only thinking about self, we can all thank God for something meaningful. This week, many of you are probably going to sit down with those you love and have a Thanksgiving meal, and catch up on each other’s lives. Others of you will spend Thanksgiving Day in a soup kitchen, serving less fortunate people, and those who have no place to call home.

           “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:17).”

          Have a blessed week!

We owe a debt of gratitude and faithfulness

by Barrett Vanlandingham

November 15, 2016

         I had such a nice time at Fort Gibson’s Veteran’s Day Assembly on Friday morning. My favorite part every year is when the veterans from each branch of the military stand while the school band plays the song that represents each branch. I know before I ever enter the building I will get all choked up. I think a lot of people feel that way. We simply feel a debt of gratitude towards those who laid their lives on the line so that we as a nation could continue to be free. Dead or alive, the veterans who are honored across our nation and here at home are part of a great cloud of witnesses that inspires and remind us of the cost of freedom.

          The Hebrew writer used this kind of language to describe the confidence we as Christians should have as we engage in spiritual warfare. It is important to remember those men and women of faith who’ve gone before us, and who were willing to follow God wholeheartedly, even if it meant putting their own lives in danger. Remembering their bravery and sacrifice helps us to keep moving forward in our faith.

          “1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

          Thankfully, the sacrifices of our nation’s military make it more likely that our sacrifices are mostly limited to standing up for biblical truths in our conversations and behaviors than being asked to die for our faith. Pray that God helps us all to speak the truth in a way that people will know us by our love. Have a blessed day! 

Accountability helps us grow in faith

by Barrett Vanlandingham

November 8, 2016

          As I was taking my teenage son, Britton, to a voice lesson last Friday, he was excited to have the opportunity to be coached by a renowned vocal instructor. Her name is Marjorie, and she has a long list of credentials. She had the task of helping fine tune Britton’s voice to play the lead in Fort Gibson’s musical production of Phantom of the Opera (November 18-20). Marjorie is sweet and tough, all rolled into one. Britton was looking forward to what she had to say, but when the critique began, I could see it was a little uncomfortable for him.

          Not many of us enjoy going through what it takes to improve, whether you’re talking about music or other arts, athletics, or academics. But we all like the end result. This is also the case for improving spiritually. If we are to succeed in our battles with Satan, we must be willing to grow in our faith. This means replacing bad habits and attitudes with good ones, and being accountable to God and fellow Christians.

          Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful (John 15:1-2).”

          Fact is, as long as we are human, we are imperfect. Notice here that Jesus doesn’t exempt fruit bearing branches from being trimmed a little. This is also the case for Christians. None of us is able to be perfect, since perfectly following God’s plan for us still involves mess ups. If we were perfect, there would have been no need for Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, to come to earth, to show us how to live, and to be crucified for our sins. Our response to his love is to believe in him, be clothed in him through baptism (Galatians 3:26-27) and continue walking in his light (1 John 1:7).

          Spiritual critiquing in love, not finger pointing, is an important practice for Christians who want to grow in faith. Have a blessed week!

          By the way, if you would like tickets to the musical, contact the school office.

Satan’s strategies are still spiritually lethal

by Barrett Vanlandingham

November 1, 2016

          Luke 4:1-13 tells the story of Jesus being tested by Satan for 40 days in the wilderness just after he was baptized, and just before he started his official ministry. This story is not only interesting, but extremely useful for us today since Satan still uses the same tactics he used back then.

          The devil’s strategy involves our appetites, ambitions, and anxieties. These three points are highlighted in a “21^st Century Christian” curriculum I am teaching to my high school class on Sunday mornings, but these warnings apply to people of all ages. I hope you find this useful in your battle against the devil and his dark forces.

          The way Satan uses our appetites is by identifying our natural drives, and using them against us. During Jesus’ time of fasting in the wilderness, it would have been easy for him to simply turn some stones into bread at Satan’s request. Jesus used knowledge of God’s word to answer “no” to Satan’s schemes. Christians must understand that our existence is about much more than personal pleasure.

          The way Satan uses our ambitions is by trying to get us to sacrifice our values for pleasure. Jesus had a job to do here on earth, bringing salvation to the lost. Satan tried to convince Jesus to take a shortcut to glory. Satan tried to give Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would simply bow down to him. Satan offers us so-called success, popularity, and even love. But the cost of taking gifts from the prince of lies is too high.

          The way Satan uses our anxieties is by manipulating our fears to lead us into sin. Satan tried to get Jesus to prove his Lordship. He asked Jesus to jump from a high point so that angels could come to his rescue. Satan wanted Jesus’ fear of crucifixion to cause him to take the easy way out. Jesus would have survived the jump, but he would have lost all credibility with the people he was sent to save. Satan tries to convince us that taking a stand for Jesus isn’t worth it. But once again, God’s word proves otherwise.

          Have a blessed week!

It is time to take off your mask

by Barrett Vanlandingham

October 25, 2016

          In just a few days, all kinds of masked creatures will be knocking on our doors, shouting “Trick or Treat”, hoping for something sweet to eat. Seems like it was only yesterday that a six-year old Barrett canvassed the Tahlequah neighborhood where I grew up, trying unsuccessfully to fill my bag with candy from the seven houses on my block. That’s when I decided to take my cousin Steve’s advice and go around the block again with a different costume. It didn’t work very well.

          Even as adults, we sometimes feel the need to wear different masks. For some, a mask may consist of extra smiles and laughter to hide depression or insecurities they deal with privately. Another mask may be worn by those who look like perfect Christians on the outside, especially on Sundays, even though their home life is a train wreck. Other masks may be financial, for those who feel the need to show their success by having big houses, nice cars, lavish vacations, and frequenting expensive restaurants while their debt is out of control. One more mask is worn by young parents who are ashamed to let anyone know they really don’t know what they’re doing. Been there.

          Jesus wants us to come to him, and be used to God’s glory just as we are, not pretending to be someone else. Jesus condemned the Pharisees for appearing as beautiful whitewashed tombs on the outside, but full of dead men’s bones.  “In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness (Matthew 23:28).”

          We’ve got to take off the mask so that the Great Physician, Jesus Christ, can help us. Who would go to a doctor and claim to be somebody else.  Yet, we approach God in prayer and in worship, and we try to mask our hearts from God, and we try to mask who we are from our Christian family. If that’s your strategy to finding true joy, it will never work.

          “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed (James 5:16).”

          May your week be filled with treats!

Christians and pumpkins have something in common

October 18, 2016

by Barrett Vanlandingham

          Several years ago, I heard a story about how people who let God into their lives are like pumpkins.

          “A lady recently being baptized was asked by a co-worker what it was like to be a Christian. She replied that it is like being a pumpkin: God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off you may have gotten from the other pumpkins. Then he cuts the top off and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."         

          Even though we are able to say the right things, and we may look appealing on the outside, everyone has junk on the inside that needs to be surrendered to Christ. Solomon says that the hearts of people are full of evil (Ecclesiastes 9:3).

          Jesus says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door; I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me (Revelation 3:20).”

          In fact, Jesus was willing to leave the comforts of heaven and shed his blood so that we could be clean!

          God told the Israelites, “I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you (Ezekiel 36:25-26).”

          After Paul prayed, he was told what he needed to do to please the Lord. “Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name (Acts 22:16).”

          When we are in Christ (Romans 6:3), we are a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

          Notice that God never takes the messiness from our lives without replacing it with something much better.

          Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

          In case you would like to have the above mentioned story in book form, I found one online called “The Pumpkin Patch Parable” by Liz Curtis Higgs.

          Have a great day!

The power of God keeps us going

by Barrett Vanlandingham

October 11, 2016

          When Jesus was answering a question from his disciples about who could be saved, he said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).”

          I was reminded of this verse last week as I was pulling the church bus up to our parking garage. I pushed the button on the wireless remote control transmitter to raise the garage door. Nothing happened no matter how many times I pushed.

          I used my key to go in the side door and discovered there was no electricity. This meant nothing worked, neither the lights nor the hard-wired door openers, nothing. And even though the tiny light indicators on the wireless remote transmitter showed that it was in good working order, it was useless because the receiver in the garage had no power. A storm had blown the fuse.

          We’ve all gone through emotional and spiritual storms. It takes a lot of work to maintain our families, success on our jobs, and to reach goals we set for ourselves. The fact is, life is not only difficult, it is impossible. What makes anything possible is God, and unless we are connected to Him, we cannot do anything worthwhile. In the end, even successes that seem worthwhile are nothing without God in the picture.

          In life, God is the transmitter. We are the receiver. If the power is interrupted very often or for too long, we will invariably begin to notice that the joyful life we had when we were fully connected to God, has deteriorated into a life of self-indulgence.

          Young families are often tempted by idolatry by wanting to please themselves and their children more than God, or the created more than the Creator. They begin to justify habitually skipping worship times because of their child’s involvement in a sports league that plays every Sunday morning. But eventually, they will notice their child’s attitude and level of respect and moral standards begin to fall as the family begins to spend less time dedicated to worship and Bible study with their church family. This disconnect from the Power of God will have that same effect on any of us. Remember, “The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).”  Have a blessed day! 

A life spent chasing the wind is a waste

by Barrett Vanlandingham

October 2, 2016

          A friend of mine and I were talking the other day about his wife’s life-threatening illness. He said he can now identify with something Solomon said.  

          “I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind (Ecclesiastes 1:14, NASB)”.

          Nobody, including my friends, wants to have to deal with the valleys of life. But we all go through them. Some situations seem impossible. My friends have faith in God, but their earthly blessings and accomplishments versus their personal crisis right now really is a frustrating reminder that earthly things, including our bodies, are not as important as we sometimes think.

          We’ve all seen those who are so focused on earthly success they don’t know what to do when the rug is pulled out from under them. Most of us have probably been that person. It is common this time of year to hear of an athlete who was emotionally devastated after a broken bone, torn muscle, or concussion interrupted their season. Or maybe you know of someone whose entire identity was tied up in their career until they lost their job, or had to quit because of illness.    

           In Ecclesiastes, Solomon uses the phrase “under the sun” nearly 30 times. The word “meaningless” or “vanity”, and the phrase “chasing after the wind” are also used over and over to describe life without a relationship with God. When we are focused on life “under the sun” we are missing out on the blessing of walking with God.

          Life’s predicaments are difficult to deal with from an earthly perspective. We as Christians must remember the words of the apostle Paul, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20).”

          Solomon said, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind (Eccl 12:13).”

          This week, let’s strive to fit each thought, motive, word, and deed into our relationship with God, not the other way around.  Have a great day!

Enjoy the blessings of fall

by Barrett Vanlandingham

September 27, 2016

          We have finally made it to my favorite time of year! I love the feel of the crisp air during the autumn season. I also enjoy the sounds of the school band practicing in the morning just a few blocks from the church building, and in fact, just a few blocks from anywhere in town.

          I love knowing that in a matter of days we will get to witness the beautiful display of nature as it changes the scenery for us to enjoy spectacular colors around town and atop the rolling hills we see in the distance, and along the winding roads near the Fort Gibson Dam. I see these kinds of things as some of God’s blessings for those of us who cherish life in a small town.

          The downside to experiencing the beauty of the leaves changing colors is the fact they do not stay red, orange, and yellow. They eventually turn brown and fall to the ground. But that’s a blessing, too. It allows us to see more clearly what’s beyond the trees. It also allows the trees to get ready for new growth in the spring and summer.

          It is amazing that God made the heavens and the earth in such a way that even his creation teaches us valuable lessons about life and spiritual things, and helps us understand the nature of God.  By spending time admiring God’s artistry, we can appreciate more fully the big picture.

          Take a blade of grass, for instance. I rarely think about its complexity and its place of importance. And yet the same God that created animals as well as Adam and Eve on the sixth day also created grass, flowers, trees, and other vegetation on the third day. I guess it’s a good thing he decided to create the sun on the fourth day.

          God’s common sense design gives me great comfort. He’s consistent. He’s dependable. He’s orderly. He pays attention to the finest details of everything he created, large and small. And even though he must be awfully busy just keeping his universe functioning properly, and giving us our next breath, he also never stops loving you, not even for a second. Have a great day!

Hypocrisy is hard to avoid

by Barrett Vanlandingham

September 20, 2016

          Hypocrisy is an ancient sin that still causes as much trouble today as it did back in Bible days. Jesus used this word to describe some of the religious people of his day.

          “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness (Matthew 23:27-28).”

          “So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach (Matthew 23:3).”

          Some in the first century may have thought the apostle Paul was a hypocrite after he became a Christian. The man who once dragged Christians out of their homes to have them imprisoned was now urging his friend, Philemon, to treat his slave, Onesimus, with the same respect he would treat a brother in Christ, Paul. We really have no way of knowing how long it took for Paul, even as a dedicated Christian, to turn his bad reputation around.  

          It was also Paul who confronted Peter (yes, the guy who preached the first Gospel sermon at Pentecost in Acts 2), about his hypocrisy, even though Peter converted from Judaism to Christianity before Paul did (about AD 35).

          In Galatians 2, Paul had witnessed Peter correctly fellowshipping and eating with new Gentile Christians in Antioch. But when a group of Jewish Christians came to town, Peter began to avoid the Gentiles. He was afraid, since many Jewish Christians believed that in order for a Gentile to become a Christian, they needed to obey Jewish law first instead of relying on the grace of our savior, Jesus Christ.  This peer pressure even got to one of Paul’s closest helpers.

          “The other Jews joined him (Peter) in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray (Galatians 2:13).” 

          Today, hypocrisy can still cause people to doubt our witness and doctrine. Pray for God’s strength this week to do the right thing.

If Trusting God Were Only Easier

by Barrett Vanlandingham

9-13-16

   Most Christians trust God. At least we have knowledge that God is trustworthy, and we say we trust Him. But applying it in real life is more difficult. After all, if having faith in God were easy, it wouldn’t really be faith.

   It makes us feel good to know we have a God who is worthy of our faith and praise. But even mature Christians will shake their heads in frustration when we forget that our God will never abandon us.

   If you’ve lived very long at all, you know what I am talking about. You make plans. You pray about it, prepare for it, and then when the time comes, those plans just didn’t pan out.  A friend or family member gets ill or dies. Tough job situation. Financial problems. You fall short of meeting a goal. You have physical or mental limitations that make life hard.

   How are Christians supposed to feel about these kinds of challenges? God created us so He knows how we are likely to react when something goes wrong. He also knows how we feel. After all, He put on flesh, lived here on earth, and faced the same kinds of challenges we face, and more.

   Even Moses, a man of faith, struggled. When he was 40, he thought he was ready to be a leader for his people. He was strong, well educated, and a descendent of Levi, one of the 12 sons of Jacob. But God didn’t call him to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt until another 40 years had passed. He showed great leadership, but still disobeyed God by striking the rock instead of speaking to it to get water for the people. For that, Moses was not allowed to lead God’s people into the Promise Land (Numbers 20).

   Paul said, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).”

   Jesus said that if God takes care of the birds, He will certainly take care of us (Matthew 6:25-34).

   Faith in God was a step by step process for Moses. It is for us, too. Have a blessed week!

Listening to God’s voice changes everything

by Barrett Vanlandingham

September 6, 2016

   Since 2007, my Tuesday newspaper column “Fort Faith” has been published about 500 times, plus re-prints in other newspapers and the internet. My column is perused by some 30,000 readers each week. I do a lot of “one way” communicating. I appreciate every opportunity to share Jesus.
   It is important for all Christians to send the light wherever possible. But the most enjoyable communication for me actually takes place when I listen to what God’s Holy Spirit is telling me through His word.
     As a king, Solomon no doubt had many people listening to what he had to say. But as the wisest man who ever lived, he knew his words could not be of his own choosing. He felt it was important to pay close attention to God’s will. 

   “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord (Proverbs 16:20).”

   You see, I can do as much writing and talking as I want. But unless I am listening to God, and getting my information from Him, nothing I communicate is worth your attention. This is true for any of us when it comes to whatever conversations we are engaged in. Every word and every deed should find its roots in the will of God (ref: Matt 12:36-37, 16:24-27, James 1:22).
   Jesus said, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24).”
   Listening to God’s voice requires that we actually recognize God’s voice.  When God spoke to a young Samuel in the temple where he was staying, he thought it was the voice of Eli the priest. But after the third time of Samuel asking Eli what he wanted, Eli realized Samuel was actually hearing God’s voice. So, when God called Samuel again, Eli instructed him to say, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening (1 Sam. 3:9).”

   This week, let’s all make more time for prayer, studying God’s word, & listening for His will in our lives. Then our words and actions will make more of an impact.  Have a great day!

Faith is a huge part of our town

by Barrett Vanlandingham

August 30, 2016

         

          I am in year 15 of youth ministry here in Fort Gibson, and I must say that from my perspective, our town has an outstanding foundation of faith and unity that encourages me as I know it does many of you.

          I see it played out in so many ways. Lately, local Facebook users have flooded social media with prayers and well wishes for the Shelton family of Fort Gibson whose son, Jaren, is recovering from brain surgery to remove a tumor.  In fact, as soon as word came that Jaren was having surgery, hundreds, and then over a thousand people (numbers still climbing) have unified to show support.  Prayer warriors please continue praying for this family.

          This Friday, many Tiger fans will take part in a pre-game student-led prayer on the field. It is inspiring to say the least. But the unity doesn’t stop with sports. It seems to be woven into many aspects of how our town operates as a community of faith.

          Next month, students from many different churches will take part in “See You at the Pole”, a yearly prayer vigil that takes place at schools across the nation.

          Each week of school, faith based clubs meet to introduce fellow students to Christ, and give them opportunities to grow like-minded friendships.

          You don’t have to be near the school to see these same values promoted. Events hosted downtown such as the car show and the “Shop Fort Gibson First” drawing begin with prayer. Our town is blessed with many leaders who look to God for guidance. I’m happy about that. Sodom and Gomorrah (ref: Genesis 19) learned the hard way what happens when you turn your back on God.

          In John 17:20-23, Jesus prayed for all believers, that “they may be one” as Christ and the Father are one, and that all believers “may be brought to complete unity.”

          We see it all the time here in Fort Gibson, Christians from different groups unifying for common purposes, for the good. It is a blessing to be a part of, but we have a ways to go.  Have a blessed day! 

Take Jesus back to school with you

by Barrett Vanlandingham

August 16, 2016

            The beginning of a new school year means a lot of things. For some, excitement about getting back together with friends, or possibly a bit of anxiety about the daily grind of classwork.  For parents, a strange but anticipated mixture of joy and sad emotions about their children growing up. For teachers, pride in helping students achieve.

            Christians, like anyone else, experience all those things. But there is something more, much more, that Christians look forward to along with the opening bell. There are countless opportunities to bring Jesus to those who need Him most. Students, faculty, parents, whoever!  Everyone needs Jesus. They may not even know it yet. But that’s where dedicated Christians come in. It’s the perfect opportunity to show a spirit of love, humility, and compassion, when most are trying to get even or get ahead!

            Every year, I hear people talking about students with bad attitudes, faculty with bad attitudes, and parents with bad attitudes.  For most people, there is really no excuse for having a bad attitude. The problem with that statement is that just about all of us think we are the exception to the rule.

            It is important for Christians (adult or child) to remember just how big of a deal it really is when we introduce Christ to someone just by the way we respond in stressful situations. You see, when someone is rude to you, they are expecting the same in return. They’re wanting to prove they have the sharper tongue. That is where you can introduce them to Jesus.  Although none of us has any control over what anyone says to us, we do have control over how we respond. And it is that response that will make all the difference. The person you’re dealing with will definitely remember your attitude, and so will others who are watching.

            Jesus said, “Everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35).”  That passage no doubt extends to non-believers, too, as evidenced by the fact that Jesus includes “loving your neighbor” as part of the greatest commands.

            The wisest man who ever lived (Solomon) had this to say about disputes:  “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).”

            When we as Christians respond in a positive way, whether at school, job, or home, it not only makes a difference here on earth, but in heaven, too. The Bible indicates there is a celebration each time a person’s heart is changed for good.

            “There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10).”

            Yes, it can be difficult to avoid the temptation of doling out negative and sharp-tongued responses, along with that feeling of satisfaction (You know what I’m talking about.) It takes confidence to let God do your heavy lifting. But you can know without a doubt that in the end, He always wins!

            “10. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11. so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:10-11).”

            Have a great day and a Spirit-led school year!

An active prayer life is not a waste of time

by Barrett Vanlandingham

August 16, 2017

            Have you ever prayed for something, but didn’t get what you wanted in the time frame you wanted it?  Or maybe you didn’t get what you asked for at all?

            Welcome to Paul’s world! But just so we get the full picture of why it is astounding that his prayer life fits this description, let’s be reminded of a few things about Paul.  He had an up close and personal meeting with Jesus Christ in the form of a blinding light on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3). This Pharisee and persecutor of Christians temporarily lost his eyesight so that he could eventually see the will of God in his life. Considering the fact that Paul followed Jesus’ directions, was baptized, received the Holy Spirit, did miracles, planted churches, told the story of Christ wherever he went, and was persecuted in the same ways he had persecuted Christians before his conversion, obviously the message came across loud and clear as to what role God wanted Paul to play in the early church. It is also clear that Paul wanted nothing more than to please God and make things right.

            So, if anyone had a close enough relationship with Christ to presume their prayers would always be answered, you would think it would be the apostle Paul. Well, guess again. Even though he lived for Christ (Philippians 1:19-30) to the point that he felt he would gain even more by dying for Him, that did not mean he got everything he prayed for.

            “7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).”

            Even though Paul faced discouragement on a regular basis that does not lessen the significance of what we go through today. And the bottom line is still the same as it was back then. God’s power is best seen during times of adversity. Jesus prayed regularly, and yet He experienced trials of every kind. In the end, He was victorious just like we will be!

            As we grow & mature in the faith, we learn more about the nature of God, what He is concerned with, & the kinds of things we should pray for.  We gradually allow our stubborn will to be shaped & aligned with His will. But in case you are ever tempted to think God has abandoned you, just remember what God really thinks of those who honor Him with their lives:

·       He rejoices over you with singing (Zeph. 3:17)

·       He redeems your life from the pit (Ps. 103:4)

·       He gives you a heart to know Him (Jer. 24:7)

·       He forgives you (Luke 15:20)

·       He calls you His child and lavishes you with love (1 Jn. 3:1)

·       He makes you holy (Heb. 10:10)

·       He knows you inside and out (Ps. 139:1)

·       He chooses you to belong to Him (1 Pet. 2:9)

·       He gives you victory over sin (1 Cor. 15:57)

·       He makes you an instrument for noble purposes (2 Tim. 2:21)
     He heals the brokenhearted (Ps. 147:3)