Above the Sun: The Bible tells us how to get to heaven (part 1)

January 6, 2019

by Barrett Vanlandingham

Your chances of being a guest in someone’s house increase if you know the homeowner. Generally speaking, they would invite you to their house. Then, you would follow directions to arrive there successfully. But if for some reason you still can't get there on your own, you would call them and they would come get you.

As a Christian, you can know you are going to heaven because God loved you enough to send his Son to die for you as the ultimate sacrifice for your sins (ref: John 3:16). The apostle Paul said, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14).

          In John 10:9-11, Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd. He uses a figure of speech to reassure his followers (sheep) that he loves and protects them spiritually, and in fact would lay down his life for them so they could live eternally in heaven.

          The writer of Hebrews 12:2 says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of God.”

          This passage tells us we cannot be perfect, but we can perfectly carry out God’s plan of salvation by partnering with Jesus who IS the author and perfecter of our faith.

          Since God created mankind, He knows that everyone sins and falls short of where we need to be spiritually. That was the message Paul wrote in Romans 3:23-24, and added that we “are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

          We just have to make sure we have a relationship with Christ Jesus since He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Here is how that is accomplished:

1) Hear God’s word, (Rom. 10:17; John 5:24)

2) Believe that Jesus is God’s son (Acts 16:30-34)

3) Repent or turn from worldly ways, (Luke 13:3-5, Acts 2:38; James 1:21-22)

4) Confess with our mouth and attitude what we believe about Jesus (Matthew 10:32-33; 2 Tim. 2:19)

5) Baptism (immersion) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins. (Gal. 3:26-27; Romans 6:1-11; Mark 16:16)

          No matter how much we demonstrate our faith and love for the Father by obeying Him (John 14:15), it is still God’s grace that saves us in the end (Romans 3:24). Without God’s help, we could not find our way to heaven since we continue to “fall short.” The good news about God is this: “But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Simply put, walking with God leads to heaven.

          Have a blessed week!

Above the Sun: The New Year Is Full of Blessed Assurances

December 30, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

          There is something refreshing about the thought of starting over, and in just a couple of days, 2019 begins!

What will you do with your New Year? I think most people simply want to make it count! That’s what Paul said to do (Ephesians 5:16). We should always look for opportunities to make a difference for the Lord’s kingdom. Lost souls are depending on us, and frankly, we do not know how much time we have. James 4:13-14 describes life as a vapor that vanishes after only a little while. That “little while” has an exact number that only God knows (Job 14:5, Psalm 139:16).

I love the old saying, “Preach Jesus, and if necessary use words.” In 2019, will you look for opportunities in your daily life to tell people about Jesus, or maybe show them Jesus through your attitude? What else might you consider an improved use of your time for the coming year? Will you have a conversation with God every morning before you get out of bed? Will you read the Bible all the way through, or maybe the New Testament? Will you have a more positive attitude and try to see the water glass as half full this year instead of half empty? Will you try to improve the living conditions of those you live with by doing one act of service every day that you do not normally do? Those are some of the goals I keep for myself. I usually fall short.

The Bible has a wellspring of encouraging words that every Christian needs to remember in 2019 as we partner with God in winning souls.

          “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

“Love the LORD, all his faithful people! The LORD preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD” (Psalm 31:23-24).

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5).

The kind of hope that Paul, David, and Peter wrote about here is not a “wishful thinking” kind of hope, but one that we as believers and participants in Christ’s work and God’s grace can fully trust and celebrate all year long.  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Giving to others is the real blessing

December 23, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

          Sure, receiving a gift is always such a blessing, but I think most of us would agree that being able to give to others is an even better gift. Anyone who is a mature thinking human being understands this.

          I remember one time when my wife Lisa and I were in college back in the 80’s, she had been babysitting a lot at night and on weekends which really threw a kink into my plans for dating her. I did not understand why she needed to save up so much money. But when Christmas rolled around and she showed up with an Alvarez Silver Belle banjo inside a beautiful black case with a nice big red bow tied around it, I was completely blown away. It wasn’t just that I had received from her the very banjo I had wanted for so long, it was the look on her face. She obviously felt even better for giving me this present than she could have felt for anything I could have given her.  As the years have passed, I have come to realize she lives her whole life this way. Let’s just say I am pretty sure I married way out of my league.  God is good.

          The apostle Paul lived his life this way even though he constantly faced opposition, punishment, and jail time for his devotion to the teachings of Jesus. As Paul was leaving Ephesus heading for Jerusalem he not only reminded the leaders of the Ephesian church the importance of teaching people about the good news of God’s grace, but also reminded them of the blessing of giving to others.

          “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ ” (Acts 20:35).

          A friend of mine told me the other day about someone he knows who is about to worry himself sick over what to ask for this Christmas from his parents. This person is an ADULT.  At first, my friend thought his friend was stressing over what to get for someone else. But NO. It was the other way around. He was actually wringing his hands and popping his knuckles over what HE would ask for!  I am pretty sure the words gift and blessing do not apply in any way here.

          Let’s face it, some people are just better at being selfless than others. But it is a quality that can be learned by all.  And once it is learned, a selfless attitude leads to giving to others, which is truly a blessing.  Merry Christmas!

Above the Sun: Some gifts cause more misery than joy

December 16, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

          As I was scrolling through my Instagram account, I saw this ad: “Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s an easy way to borrow up to $40,000.” The man in the ad was depicted as feeling stressed at first, and then after seeing what offers were available to him he looked relieved and could not contain his smile of contentment. I am going to go out on a limb here and say that having to pay back thousands of dollars is not going to help anyone feel less overwhelmed.

          I also receive a lot of emails pretending to be helpful. Just a few days ago I got one posing as Discover. They wanted me to verify some large purchases. How nice of them! It was definitely a scam. The sender said they would charge my account $1521 if I did not click the provided link, type in my account information, and let them know if these were my charges. I knew it was a fake because we had not used our card lately. Also, I hovered my mouse over the link provided, and the address that popped up was not even affiliated with Discover. Also, it was not addressed to me, and it did not include any part of my account number. I just hit delete. It is always safer to check your online accounts directly instead of going through email links.

          One of my daughters was also targeted recently through phone calls and letters not long after she started a new coffee catering business. She had consulted with state and local agencies to make sure she was doing everything by the book. So, when she received calls that told her she was required to purchase a set of laminated posters and a book containing labor laws, and then post them in her business, she did it because they said it would keep her out of trouble with the law. But after doing a little investigating, she discovered that her $600 purchase of these posters from a company called Personnel Concepts is not required. They agreed to give her a full refund. I guess we will see.

          While there are a lot of false and deceptive messages out there in this broken world, there is one place we can turn and know that truth is present. The Bible. It contains God’s inspired word. It is all we need (2 Timothy 2:15). Its time tested messages are just as relevant now as ever. Its truths become more credible with each passing generation as historical, geographical, and scientific discoveries continue to uphold the stories told in the combined 66 books we call the Bible. God’s word is a gift that continues to change lives for the better.

          Have a great week!

Above the Sun: God gives special gifts to each of us

December 9, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

         When you’re a toddler, there is nothing more fun at Christmas than playing with an empty box, unless the box is really big. In that case, the most fun to be had is getting to crawl inside the box! (The same is true for most house pets! haha)  Anyway, while this scene can be quite entertaining, it is also a little frustrating if you are the one who gave the gift that has been tossed aside in favor of the box it came in.

          I wonder if that is how God feels about us when He gives us gifts we do not use. For instance, God has given each of us special gifts to use for the benefit of the Lord’s kingdom. Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 1 Cor. 12:27-31, and 1 Peter 4:10-11 list these gifts that are distributed by the Holy Spirit to be used in service to others. These gifts, when used by believers in Jesus and His power to save, draw people closer to God. Examples include faith, mercy, encouragement, service, hospitality, leadership, evangelism, teaching, preaching, wisdom, and knowledge.

          Your gift is that special quality that just feels natural to use. You probably do not view your gift as anything special since it just seems to be woven into who you are. It does not feel like work because it is actually the power of God’s Holy Spirit working in you. While this is true, other people can clearly see what your gifts are, and probably wish they had your gift. Thank God we do not all have the same gift. What a boring and even frustrating world that would be. Can you imagine if everyone had the gift of hospitality? Fights would break out in the streets over who should agree to come over to the other person’s house for dinner! That is why we each have different gifts that are all useful in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 12:15-20, Rom. 12:4-5).

          The greatest gift of all is Jesus and His grace. Without His life on earth, His sacrifice, and His resurrection, even the biggest boxful of spiritual gifts would have no value, amounting only to an empty box to enjoy on a very temporary basis. Thank God for His Son who was willing to pay the wages for our sin, and on top of that, gave us gifts from His Spirit so we can partner with Him in saving lost souls. Christians can live an abundant life now and for eternity! (John 10:10 and 2 Peter 1:3-11)  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: The story of Jesus’ birth is simply amazing

December 2, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

          2000 years later, the facts surrounding the birth of Jesus still leave us with a sense of awe and wonderment!

          “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.

          8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

          13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

          14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

          15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

          16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2:1-20)

          Can you even imagine the conversations? Where would they start? Perhaps with the angel Gabriel’s big reveal to Joseph and Mary? Or the previously terrified shepherds finding the Savior exactly where the angel had told them? Or the magnificent army of angels the Shepherds saw praising God? Or the 700 year old prophecy (Micah 5:2) that all the priests knew about regarding the future birth place of the Messiah?

          Did you ever wonder what life was like from that day on for those who experienced all of this first hand?  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Thank God for His confidence in us

November 25, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

          We’ve all heard someone ask in anger, “Can’t you do anything right?” Sometimes, I wonder how often God feels that way about each of us at various times in our lives. But when I stop and think about the fact that He created us, those feelings of failure begin to fade away because of all the evidence that says God actually has confidence in us.

          God knows us better than anyone. And if His word says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), then we really ought to reconsider how we think He looks at us. God sent his son, Jesus, to fix our sin problem. We continue to sin. God knows that. Yet, Jesus told his followers (that includes us), the same ones who continue to sin, to “Go” and teach the good news to all creation, make disciples, baptize them and teach them to obey everything He commanded.

          Can you imagine giving someone a job to do, knowing that sometimes they will choose to do it right, and sometimes wrong? Your confidence in your employee would be pretty low.

          The difference in us and God is that He actually has confidence that His work will get done through us as He uses our hands, feet, and love for all people to make a difference. Otherwise, He would not have asked us to take on such a huge task of bringing lost souls to Him. Part of what keeps me going is knowing that even though we do our best to trust and obey God, it is not our good works that save anyone, including ourselves. That power comes from on high!

          “And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death” (Colossians 2:12, CEV).

          It is God’s work that saves. All we can do is plant seed by telling others about the good news of Jesus and the hope we have because of his life, sacrifice, and resurrection. We can also water the seed by continuing to teach and model His teachings contained in the Bible, and trusting that He will do the rest (1 Corinthians 3:7).

          We can try as hard as we can to impress God. But in the end, the words of the prophet Isaiah ring loud and clear: “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away” (Isaiah 64:6).

          While that sounds pretty bleak, Jesus came along about 700 years later and destroyed death, and gave us the option of partnering with Him. To this day, His prayer for us is to experience and spread God’s joy, unity, and message of love so that we can be with Jesus in heaven someday (John 17). Bottom line? If God has confidence that we can accomplish great things through Christ (Philippians 4:13 and Matthew 19:26), then we can too.  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Thank God for the “little” things

November 18, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

          “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” (James 4:13-14)

          Most of us do not think about giving thanks to God for our next breath, our next heartbeat, or for our ability to think, or say the right words in the right order to make a sentence. But when “little” things like that are threatened or even taken away, their value increases. It’s not really that those things were not valuable all along, it’s just that most of us tend to take those things for granted.

          My close friends, Chuck and Linda, are fighting a battle they never thought they would have to fight, that is, until Linda had a stroke a few weeks ago. One minute Linda was sitting next to my wife Lisa in a Sunday morning Bible class commenting on the lesson, and the next minute her limp body was lying on the floor of the church lobby. 

          For days, she could not open her eyes, breath on her own, or talk. She is at home now, but still cannot move the right side of her body because the stroke happened deep in her brain just to the left of center. Little by little, Linda’s brain is re-connecting her abilities to think, move, be expressive, talk, sit in a wheelchair, and eat. She is also learning basic things like numbers and colors. As I write this, Lisa is on her way there to teach Linda how to tell time.

          The important thing I want you to take from this is that we all need to take time daily to be thankful to our Creator for the little things in life, that in reality are not so little. Yes, we need to say “I love you” more. Yes, we need to hug more, appreciate more, laugh more, listen more, and serve others more. But let us never forget to thank God for the salvation we can have because of the life, death, burial, and resurrection of His Son. As Christians, that good news of Jesus can sometimes become such a “given” in our lives that we forget just what an amazing thing it is.

          The Bible teaches that those who trust and obey Jesus will be saved! This is no little thing! Let’s be thankful for it, and tell others about Jesus so they can be thankful too.

          “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Thank God for the peace of Christ

November 11, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

           

When I was a little kid, I remember how good it felt to know that when I could not figure something out, all I had to do was ask my dad or mom, and at least one of them seemed to always have a good answer for my dilemma. I always knew they would be able to bring a sense of peace to my frustration. They still give great advice. I feel very fortunate to still have them in my life. But many of my friends and relatives have only memories of their loved ones left to cherish.

The other day, my friend, Joe, wrote these heart wrenching words on Facebook about his late father: “Every day I find myself needing to talk to you!! Can’t believe it’s been 3 years already. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss you!! Love you dad!!”

            Another close friend of mine, Duane, recently told me he did not attend his father’s 82^nd birthday. He had no idea there would not be an 83rd.

            I am pretty sure the apostle Paul had days he wished he could just sit down for a visit with Jesus and ask questions about how to deal with the struggles he was facing as a believer. But Jesus’ teachings that had circulated among the early Christians were no doubt encouraging to believers like Paul.

            In his letter to Christians in Colossae, Paul wrote, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 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 3:15-17).

            There are many things in this life that can rob us of our peaceful state of mind. But Paul reminds us of something that should be of great comfort. If you are a Christian, you are a part of a single body of believers with Jesus Christ as its Head! This is GOOD NEWS. Paul knew without a doubt this peace we have been given through the work of Jesus was something for which to be thankful. Peace through Christ is what kept Paul going in spite of being jailed, beaten, hungry, and shipwrecked just to name a few of his challenges that resulted from his commitment to Christ.

            Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

            If you are a Christian, those words are a source of peace. If you are not a Christian, why not turn your life over to Him today? I would be glad to visit with you. Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Thank You, Lord for loving me

November 4, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

          You may remember a TV show in the 80’s and 90’s called “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” Its host, the late Robin Leach, focused on the lavish homes and hobbies of millionaires and billionaires, many of whom were eager to boast of their wealth. When I used to watch that show, it was hard for me to imagine ever being able to afford such extravagance!

          The thing I have come to realize more and more over the years is that I had been given something of even greater value than what I was seeing on television. In fact, every child of God, no matter how poor in the world’s view, is rich in the ways that really matter. If you have a relationship with God, you are already rich beyond imagination because of His love for you.

          In the month of November, most Christians spend a fair amount of time giving thanks to God for our blessings. He is the giver of all good things, and without Him and His love we would have nothing now or in the future.

          The apostle Paul told Christians in Corinth that their value changed dramatically after committing to a life in Christ even though they lacked in wisdom, influence, and nobility by the world’s standards. Paul told them that out of all the things people boast about in this world, the most valuable is the life we have because of Jesus and his love for us.

          “Therefore, as it is written: Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31).

          Paul is referring to the Old Testament passage of Jeremiah 9:24 where the prophet warns that those who consider themselves wise should not boast in their physical strength and riches.

          “Let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight, declares the Lord.”

          Could you imagine trying to please God if His only focus were justice? Even if you add righteousness into the mix, I do not know a soul who could rise to the level of living right according to God’s righteousness? But thanks to God’s love, He also includes kindness in the way He deals with us.

          There is a song that goes “Thank You, Lord, for loving me and thank You, Lord, for blessing me. Thank You, Lord, for making me whole and saving my soul.”

          If nothing else goes right in your day, just remember God loves you, and wants to make you the whole person He intended for you to be even before you were born. Now THAT is something to put on your “Thank You, Lord” list.  Have a great day!

Above the Sun: No trick here! Living for God is a treat!

October 28, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

          Out of all the tricks the devil tries to pull on us, I think the seed of uncertainty is among the worst he plants in our path.

          You see, Satan wants to discourage Christians at every turn possible. He hopes we will simply give up the long term joys of living for God in exchange for the temporary happiness offered by a broken world. That is all the “prince” of this world has to offer. If Satan can accomplish this, he not only throws a huge roadblock in our path, but he also manages to stop us from bringing lost souls to Christ.

          In Paul’s final days, he warned his young friend, Timothy, about being intimidated by the challenging task of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ even in the face of persecution. Paul often found himself behind bars because of his unwillingness to be quiet about the teachings of our Lord. He did not let this discourage him, or make him uncertain about the value of the Lord’s saving message.

          “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

          For most of us, the idea of being persecuted like first century Christians is not likely to ever happen. On the other hand, since the devil is known as a deceiver and the father of lies, we know he continually re-packages his old ideas that have worked so well for centuries.

          We may never be physically harmed or imprisoned for standing up for the truth, or for teaching about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope we have through the sacrificial work He accomplished. But that doesn’t mean we will never be intimidated socially or professionally for talking too much about our Savior. Even here in America, our society is already at a point that makes life difficult for business owners who are committed to Christ. In recent months and years, some shop owners have already found themselves being dragged into court because they were not willing to violate their own consciences about biblical teachings.

          Paul’s advice to the early Christians may be nearly 2000 years old, but it is still relevant for us. In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Paul wrote these words of comfort and confidence:

          “16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Those who put their trust in Jesus have no reason to fear.  The writer of 1 John 5:13 tells us why:

          “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

          Have a great day!

Above the Sun: Masks are not only worn in October

October 21, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

          Imagine if you could reveal your deepest struggles and not worry about anyone being hypercritical of you. That would be the ultimate level of transparency. Problem is, we all have at least a mask or two we wear in addition to who we really are. We wear masks because:

          1) We are embarrassed of our faults.

          2) We do not want to be judged harshly.

          3) We are afraid people will lose confidence in us either professionally or personally.

          4) We are afraid we are alone in our struggle or that no one would understand our choices.

          5) We feel most people are more interested in knowing about our dirt, than genuinely wanting to help.

          But as much as we think we are alone in our struggles and sins, the Bible disagrees.

          “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

          “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8).

          “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

          So what should we do about the masks? This is where drawing closer to church family, and a having strong prayer life come in handy. Also, it is important to re-commit every day to allowing God to guide us.

          “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

          “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

          “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

          “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

          Sounds easy enough. But most of us only trust God with the problems we feel we can almost fix ourselves. Solomon was the wisest man ever, and he found that depending on ourselves is not the answer.

          “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

          It may be scary just thinking about taking off your mask, but the promise of a closer relationship with God will be more than worth it.  Have a great day!

Above the Sun: Working for God leads to exciting things

October 14, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

          As I was scrolling through Google, I noticed a few more newspapers are printing my column. I would like to give a big shout-out to the fine folks who catch me in the "Oskaloosa Herald" in Iowa, the "Morehead News" in Kentucky, and the "Herald Bulletin" in Anderson, Indiana. 

          Thank you for letting me pass along a few thoughts each week on topics such as trusting in God, challenges to your faith journey, overcoming temptation, and loving your neighbor.

          For readers who do not know, my weekly column titled "Above the Sun" originates in the Sunday edition of the Muskogee Phoenix. Other newspapers, mostly owned by CNHI, are running it under the heading "Religion Column." My purpose is to offer meaningful encouragement, and also remind us of Solomon's words so long ago in Ecclesiastes that everything "under the sun" is meaningless, and therefore, living our lives with an "above the sun" mindset is a much better alternative. This means living with a heavenly joy even while we are still here on earth. It means making life’s decisions with the knowledge that things here are very temporary, and that heaven is our ultimate goal. It was Jesus' selfless act 2000 years ago that makes life worth living today! His perfect sacrifice was one that only He could accomplish as God’s son.

          In 2007, when I was asked by the Fort Gibson Times if I would be willing to write a weekly religion column it never occurred to me that it would eventually be read in multiple states and even around the world digitally because of the internet. I appreciate my Oklahoma friends who read me in the Norman Transcript, Stillwater News Press, Enid News, Tahlequah Daily Press, Duncan Banner, Ada News, Claremore Daily Progress, Woodward News, McAlester News-Capital, and the Muskogee Phoenix.

          My religion column is also made available for the Chickasha Express Star, Edmond Sun, The Moore American, Pauls Valley Democrat, Stilwell Democrat Journal, and several other CNHI newspapers in other states. Although, I have not confirmed whether these papers actually run my column every week or just on occasion.

          The paper does not pay me to write my column, nor do I pay the paper to print it. For me, it is a privilege to tell the story of Jesus and His will for us. I simply write Spirit-led Bible-based content that is backed by God's word, the same scripture my parents taught me as a kid, the same scripture I studied at Oklahoma Christian University while getting my Mass Communications/radio-television degree, the same scripture I tried to live by during my TV reporter days at KTUL in Tulsa and WVVA in West Virginia, the same scripture I’ve taught teens since 2002 in my full-time youth ministry at Fort Gibson church of Christ, and the same scripture I pray guides my family and yours.

          Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Discouragement is no match for God

October 7, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

          Some days you just wonder if your efforts to accomplish your goals for the day are worth it. Last week, I was trying to purchase a very used stationary bicycle from an individual in Muskogee, and it literally took me most of the day!

          I found the bike through the “LetGo” app, the seller and I did not speak the same language, and there are always trust issues on both ends with these kinds of transactions. So, just the simple task of finding out where and when to meet was quite an ordeal. In the end, the seller showed up on time, was friendly, and met me in a public place. I paid the asking price of $30 and we both left happy.

          In the Christian life, we all have goals. But some days it can seem like we are spinning our wheels and going nowhere. The apostle Paul offers this encouragement:

          “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).

          Nevertheless, we live in a world where most of the people we are trying to save are not interested in the message of Christ. This should be no surprise. The Bible says most people travel through life on the wide road that leads to destruction, while only a few choose the narrow road leading to life (Matthew 7:13-14).

          The frustrations we face in bringing the lost into a saved condition should not discourage us from trying.  Jesus tells us to “go” and teach God’s commands to all people, baptizing and making disciples (followers) of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).

          There have always been those who are simply not ready to listen. In Matthew 10:14 Jesus said, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.”

          In another instance, Jesus tells His disciples to “look at the fields! They are ripe for the harvest” (John 4:35).

          There are people willing to listen. God presents them to us in His time. Sometimes, a person who is currently unwilling to listen can change when God leads them into the right set of circumstances that softens their heart. The lost son in Luke 15:11-32 had a bad attitude towards his father until he experienced the negative consequences of wild living. He eventually “came to his senses” and his father welcomed him back home.

          When a parent’s efforts to influence a rebellious child fail, it should be a comfort that God is still there patiently teaching that child lessons in a way that only a Heavenly Father can (2 Peter 3:9). The same is true for other family members, friends, and acquaintances. Just keep going, doing, and planting. Trust God to do the rest.  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: God gives us the right kind of credit

September 30, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

          In a TV commercial I recently saw, one man was laughing hysterically while racing a go-cart, a woman in a store was smiling like she has just received the best news ever, elsewhere friends in a restaurant dined with a look of contentedness and joy.

          What do all of these people have in common? They are all actors portraying how customers feel when they use their new 4% interest credit card!  But we all know that’s not the end of the story when it comes to charging up excessive debt.

          Jesus said, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:15-16).

          There is a reason why the devil is so successful in luring people over to the dark side. Sin is fun and full of promises, at least for a little while. A trap works well because prey does not know it’s a trap. The trap looks good, feels good, tastes good, sounds good, or smells good, at least it does at first. But the Bible assures us that at some point before it is too late, we will be given enough clues to catch on to the fact that the lure of sin is a trap.

          “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

          You’ve heard the old saying, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” Still, we make excuses for our mis-steps. In the case of overusing credit cards, we tell ourselves:

          1. I don’t have any money, but I deserve happiness. 

          2. I can pay it off later, surely I will come up with the money. 

          3. I don’t want to be left out of all the fun.

          4. I have to charge it up, so people won’t think I can’t afford things.

          Jesus referred to himself as “the good shepherd.” He said to be careful about who you follow if you want to live life to the full.

          “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

          Jesus’ death on the cross canceled our debt of sin. That’s why Christians choose to live in obedience to Him.

           “So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:12-13).

          Have a great week!

Above the Sun: God can be praised because of you

September 23, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

          Our words and actions can make more of a difference and travel further than you might think.

          The apostle Paul experienced both good and bad consequences of the “ripple effect” during his days of ministry. He was the poster child for the old adage “your reputation precedes you.”  Even after he stopped persecuting Christians, and instead became one, he had a difficult time convincing people he was no longer that same person who persistently and violently fought against the spread of the good news of Jesus Christ.

          In a letter to the Galatian church, Paul wrote: “I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report ‘The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they praised God because of me” (Galatians 1:22-24).

          Paul is not patting himself on the back here. But he is fully aware that turning his life over to Christ is impacting people in a way that was never possible in his former life as an overly zealous and misguided Jew. Christians, near and far, who knew anything about the old Paul (previously Saul) would have avoided him at all cost for fear of being dragged out of their homes and stoned to death by mobs organized by Paul. He could not have been more off-track in his thinking, and without intervention from God Himself, Paul was unlikely to soften his grudge against Jesus Christ and all things Christian.  But on Paul’s way to Damascus, Jesus appeared to him in a blinding light and made it painfully clear that Paul was in error and that he needed to open his eyes to the truth.

          It took some time for word to spread about Paul’s newfound commitment to Jesus Christ. But in the eyes of any first century Christian, a God who could turn Paul around was more than worthy of their praise.

          We have all said and done things we’re ashamed of. And to make things worse, the ripple effect can have consequences we may have never even thought about. But the same ripples that carry bad news can also carry good news as in the case of Paul and his life change. Praise God for that! My 35^th high school reunion in Tahlequah is only a few weeks away. Enough said.  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Remember to thank God for fall blessings

September 16, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

          Lovers of all things yellow, orange, red, and brown are just a few days away from their favorite season of the year! Autumn begins this Saturday, September 22.       

          The New Testament writer, James, said it best!  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

          A few signs of fall? Coffee shops are changing their menus to include seasonal concoctions like pumpkin spice lattes, and clothing stores have been touting their fall lines for weeks already. The sounds of snare and bass drums, tubas and trumpets echo across neighborhoods everywhere as high school bands put in extra practice for half-time performances and upcoming band competitions.         

          Yep! There is no doubt about it. Fall is here, along with everything that makes it so special. We all have things we like about this time of year that make it so enjoyable, whether that means things to taste, look at, wear, talk about, smell, listen to, touch, or be entertained by.

          Our Creator knew what He was doing when He made our universe and everything in it.  I do not know what season it was when the apostle Paul wrote his letter to the church in Philippi. But I think autumn is as good a guess as any!  It is the perfect time to think about our blessings, and all things pure and lovely.

          “Finally, brothers and sisters, 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).  

          Maybe Paul wrote his letter to the Romans during a beautiful season such as this. He uses the awesomeness of God’s creation to remind us of how amazing our Creator really is.

          “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).

          He would certainly have appreciated the beauty of nature at a time when he was writing such important instruction to the Roman church.

          Every season has its beauty. God is just good that way. We will never be able to count all of the blessings God provides. But that should never stop us from giving Him thanks for all good things. Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Never assume little problems won’t get out of hand

September 9, 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

          Lessons in faith can come from the strangest places. As I was setting up games and activities last week for a 5^th Quarter my church was hosting after the football game, my helper, Thomas Holton, informed me one of the brand new dry-erase markers was hard, dry, and unusable.  He said the lid had a tiny crack in it that allowed air in. The felt tip was ruined.

          This scenario was unfortunate for the marker, but it totally illustrates what can happen to people when something that may seem like a tiny problem goes unchecked for too long.

          We all have those days that are just hard to get through. Most times, we just push through the best we can.  But over time, small amounts of doubt, resentment, fear, anger can do a lot of damage if we don’t do something about it. We may put on a happy face and convince everyone that life is grand, just like it seemed for that dry-erase marker. But that little crack in our life that came from an emotional injury has continued to do damage, and over time our heart has become hardened to having healthy relationships.

          Other attitude problems such as arrogance, conceit, and boastfulness can start out small.  But if allowed to grow, they can take over a person’s life and even affect others. In 1 Corinthians 5, the apostle Paul was trying to help new Christians in Corinth see the error of their ways. One case in particular dealt with sexual immorality, but his advice to avoid the “I will do what I want” attitude applies to many things. Paul listed “greed, idol worship, slander, drunkenness, and stealing.”

          Paul said, “Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).

          Paul was saying that the Christian lifestyle should be pure, and turn away from old sinful ways that can silently spread through an entire body of believers if not stopped, just like yeast spreads through dough.

          Take some time to ask God to bless us all with the awareness and wisdom to take seriously any threat to our faith journey, and the courage and strength to face it head-on, and overcome with God’s power. Have a great week!