Above the Sun: Encouraging words go further than you think

by Barrett Vanlandingham

May 6, 2018

          Proverbs 16:24 says, “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

          There is good reason God’s Word, the Bible, speaks so much about the importance of the words we choose to use in our conversations with others, or even when no one else is around. The words we use really do make a difference in how other people feel, and how we feel about ourselves and others.

          Recently, my friend and coworker, Steve Parker, told me about a conversation his wife, Charlotte, had with a 97-year old woman she met the other day. When the woman discovered that Charlotte’s husband is one of the ministers at the Fort Gibson church of Christ, she let Charlotte know she reads my column, every week, and even cuts them out of her paper to save.

          I just want to say “Thank you” to that sweet 97-year old woman for passing along such encouraging words. It really did make a difference in my day and in the days since.

My wife, Lisa, is also an encourager. After hearing this story, she reminded me that my columns are probably stuck on refrigerators everywhere!  Thanks honey, no pressure (smile). I am just seriously humbled that out of all of the things a 97-year old woman has seen and heard, she regards my column as something worth saving. I will say it again, I am truly humbled by this.

          Words of encouragement always seem to come along at just the right time, don’t they? Sometimes, we offer or receive encouraging words face to face. Other times, we receive encouragement from someone who spoke with someone else, or overheard a conversation. The reverse is also true. That is why it is important to remember that once our words leave our mouths, they can travel long distances. This is why we should heed the words the apostle Paul wrote to Christians in Colossae:

          “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6).

          Paul is aware that Christians there have lots of opportunity to speak with outsiders. He instructs them to speak in a way that would encourage non-Christians and Christians alike. In context, Paul places encouraging speech in the same category as prayer, thankfulness, teaching the good news of Jesus, and being wise in conduct. The same is true for us today. Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Don’t choke on the devil blowing smoke

by Barrett Vanlandingham

April 29, 2018

          Grassfires and forest fires in Oklahoma have been pretty bad lately.  When any natural (or not natural) disaster causes loss of property or life, we often question God.

          As Christians, we know it’s best to think “above the sun.” From Ecclesiastes, we know everything on earth or “under the sun” is meaningless (or at best temporary), and we should put our hope in God and His promises which are “above the sun.”  But sometimes it is hard to think “above the sun” when you look up and only see smoke.

          The devil is good at placing smoke screens in our way to deceive or distract us from what we know to be God’s truths. This has been going on since the beginning of mankind.

          In Genesis 3, we read about the smoke screen of lies that started in the Garden of Eden just after God told Adam to take care of the garden. He was not to eat from one certain tree or he would die. But when Satan approached Adam’s woman named Eve, he convinced her it would be okay. And it wasn’t that hard. The devil changed just ONE word of God’s command, and then threw up a smoke screen that twisted the consequences. The devil said to Eve, “You will not die”… “You will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

          Eve got too close to the devil’s trap. She engaged in conversation with him even though she knew he was lying. The more time she spent with him blowing smoke, the harder it was to see the truth. Eventually, the devil’s argument was so convincing she fell for it. Then, she went to Adam and convinced him to go against God’s will that had been so clearly stated.

          It was in the cool of the day that Adam and Eve heard God walking in the garden. This may have been a common occurrence. But this time things were different. Adam and Eve were afraid of God because they now realized they had disobeyed. Instead of trusting that God knew what was best for them, they had taken their eyes off of Him and began to focus on the beauty of the forbidden fruit. In other words, they had begun to look “under the sun” for things that would make them happy.

          When the trials of life come your way, remember to look “above the sun” for answers from the One who will save us in the end.  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: The Christian walk is a full-time ministry

by Barrett Vanlandingham

April 22, 2018

          Somebody recently asked me about my philosophy of ministry.  Paid minister or “Joe Christian” just trying to please God, I think the philosophy of ministry is the same. All Christians are part of a royal priesthood, and we are all to teach (1 Peter 2:9, Matthew 28:19-20).

          Christians must make sure everything we do, say, or think can be done in the name of the Lord (Colossians 3:17, Philippians 4:8), and keeps in step with God’s inspired word (Galatians 5:25, 2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Any other way would not only send us in the wrong direction, but those who follow our example.

          As for specifics in ministry philosophy? Praying to God is the best place to start (1 John 5:15). Also listening to God and to each other (Matthews 7:24, Romans 10:17, and James 1:19).

          We must continually increase in knowledge of God’s word in order to do any kind of effective ministry (2 Pet. 1:8), and remember people do not care how much knowledge you have if you don’t have the right attitude. Christians must speak the truth, but always in a spirit of love (Ephesians 4:15). 

          When people trust that you have their best interest at heart, they will be more likely to listen to what you have to say. Then, you may have the opportunity to tell someone about the hope you have in Christ Jesus (1 Pet. 3:15). Every Christian’s faith journey is a ministry, and is just as much about what we do as what we say and believe (James 2:26 and Matthew 12:36-37).

          Ministry is messy. People have many different ways they learn. So we as ministers (yes, all Christians) must be patient with each other as we all take advantage of every Biblically backed means necessary to reach out and bring souls to the Lord.

          Jesus used miracles and even something as simple as writing in the dirt to make His point. The Pharisees criticized Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, and allowing His disciples to pick grain on the Sabbath (Luke 6). Jesus showed common sense and grace.

          God has always used creative ways to effectively get people’s attention. In fact, when the Lord brings us home to heaven, we will hear a blast from the trumpet of God, and we will see Jesus coming in the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

          Bottom line? Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And love all people (Mark 12:28-34).  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Be Prepared for Christ’s Return!

by Barrett Vanlandingham

April 15, 2018

          You’ve just got to love when April 15th falls on Sunday. This means two extra days to get your taxes filed! While deadlines are nice to mark on our calendars, there is one very important day no one can predict.

          It’s called Judgment Day. This is one deadline none of us will miss, and definitely one we all want to be ready for. We can be ready if we live our lives in obedience to Jesus Christ, with “above the sun” mindsets instead of placing our priorities in things “under the sun” as Solomon writes about in Ecclesiastes.

          The Bible speaks of being prepared in a couple of ways:  Peter reminds Christians to be prepared to tell others why we have hope (1 Pet. 3:15). And then Paul says when it comes to teaching, Christians should “be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2).  

          By being prepared to teach others about what Jesus has done for us, and about God’s will for all people, this keeps our mind focused on what’s important.  It also puts us in a unique position to partner with Christ in saving souls by reaching out to the broken and lost. This task was one of Jesus’ very last commands before He ascended back to His father (Mathew 28:19-20).

          The second way the Bible speaks of being prepared is closely connected to the first: being prepared for Christ’s return.

          Jesus said, “But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Luke 12:39-40).

          The most studied Bible scholars have no idea when that will happen. The good thing about Judgment Day is that we do not need anyone to predict when it will happen, as long as we know it will happen, and we do. The Bible says, “People are destined to die once, and then face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).  That’s pretty clear.

          Are you committed to Jesus Christ? Have you obeyed His plan for your salvation? Remember, being in a right relationship with Christ is not just a one-time event, and it is not just about what you believe. It is also a lifestyle.   If you are not sure you are prepared for the Day He is coming back, just know you can be. There are many in our church family who would love to study further with you about this. Have a great week!