Above the Sun: Graduating seniors need our prayers

by Barrett Vanlandingham

May 12, 2019

            This is an exciting time of year for high school graduates, but for parents of those graduates, emotions are all over the map.

            It would be strange to wish for our children to just stay in high school and live under our roofs the rest of their lives. But we are also scared to turn them loose into the real world where we cannot protect them. The fact is, we were never fully in control of our kids any more than our parents were fully in control of us. Yes, there will be consequences ahead for bad decisions. But as much as we would like for our kids to do everything right, it is those momentary lapses in judgment that help young people gain maturity and perspective. As parents, we can only hope and pray our children do not go to the lengths Solomon did in order to gain wisdom. Although the messes he got into because of his life choices certainly made him wise, I would not advise that route.

            I admit it, I am a worrier when it comes to the well-being of my kids. I devise all kinds of plans in my head to try and make sure they stay out of danger (yeah, right). But the more I think about it, the more I realize I can only do so much. They have to learn the rest on their own. We all warn our children about everything from taxes and credit issues to distracted driving and staying alert in dangerous life situations. Good advice helps, but unless our kids choose to live in a bubble, stuff happens, sometimes for no apparent reason, and sometimes from bad decisions by them or someone else. We all have free will, and sometimes other people’s free will impacts our well-being.

When I left the house for the first time, my parents chose to let me make my own choices (and mistakes) about pretty much everything. They were really good listeners when I blabbered on about my plans for success in the working world. They supported me in whatever project, hobby, or career I was passionate about. And they showed compassion when things didn’t go so well. The only time I remember them having strong opinions is if they thought my decision-making seriously threatened my spiritual destiny. That would be when my phone would ring. And although I may have felt those phone calls cramped my style a little, deep down I knew they only wanted what was best for me. I was happy about that.

As parents of adult kids, Lisa and I still pray for them every single day. The fact that I pray is in itself a good daily reminder that I am not in control of anything. But it also brings me peace in knowing I have presented my requests to our Creator and Sustainer to do with has He sees fit.

Have a great day!

Above the Sun: Teaching Bible truths is a worthy calling wherever you are

by Barrett Vanlandingham

April 28, 2019 (original version, April 26, 2007)

            I appreciate so much the Christian men and women who teach and serve as staff members in our public schools. What a wonderful opportunity!  They are able to be a positive influence for Jesus for hundreds of students and parents every day.  They do this by their Christlike attitude without even opening a Bible. 

I also appreciate Bible class teachers those who dedicate their lives to accurately and lovingly teaching Bible truths to children every week, those who are still teaching, and those who taught us when we were kids.

What a privilege it is to even have the same title as those teachers I remember from my childhood. Each of us owes a debt of gratitude to those who were the first to teach us about creation, and other real-life stories. Noah, Ruth, Jonah, Esther, Gideon, Moses, Elijah, and Abraham are just a few from the 39 books of the Old Testament.

And what would our lives be like if someone hadn’t taught us truths from the 27 New Testament books, stories about Jesus’ life as a young boy all the way to the beginning of His ministry. How inspiring it was to hear how Jesus chose twelve ordinary men to be His apostles.  How heartbreaking it was to hear for the first time about His agonizing journey to the cross, and how exciting it was to hear the story Christians everywhere celebrated just last week, that of Jesus overcoming death, returning to His Father to prepare us a place in heaven for eternity.

The will of God revealed in His word, delivered by teachers from the pages of the Bible and by their Christlike attitude is something to be thankful for. This is something that should inspire others to teach children, too. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news” (Romans 10:15).

This song I wrote in April of 1996 begins with teachers looking into the eyes of children. It is called “A Teacher’s Song.”

Verse 1: You look into their eyes and see His wondrous creation.

They’re looking to you for what they need, but only He can give.

Verse 2: They call it the Great Commission, to “go into all the world.”

It starts here at home, teaching the little ones, to grow up strong.

Verse 3: A teacher's job is never done. There's always more to do.

You finish one task, then starts another one. It seems it's all on you.

Verse 4: Those same little children, you taught long ago, are grown up and teaching too.

Though years have flown by, it feels good inside, to know God worked in you.

Verse 5: So, thank you teachers, for what you do, for showing us the way.

For teaching God’s word, week after week, in what you do and say.

(chorus) So Lord, please speak through me, and do what is Your will.

For those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.

Above the Sun: Easter Sunday is special for many reasons

by Barrett Vanlandingham

April 21, 2019

            The other day, Lisa and I were walking through the Easter section of Wal-Mart when one memory after another began hopping, cheeping, and wafting into my mind.

            For about two minutes, my thoughts were taken back to when I was a young boy on the farm in the 70’s, everything from spring bunnies playing in the clover, to baby chicks in a box, from the smell of brightly colored vinegar water in bowls on the kitchen counter, to decorating the eggs, taking turns hiding and hunting them. Tina, our toy Eskimo Spitz city dog turned farm dog, also enjoyed hunting eggs. She made no attempt at shutting her mouth when she loudly crunched and consumed them, shell and all, so it was always obvious why a few were missing.

            Memory lane can surely take us to some special places. For Christians everywhere, Easter weekend not only provides great opportunities for family time and for remembering times gone by, it also takes our minds back to a special place in history about 2000 years ago. It was there, just outside of Jerusalem where our spiritual brother and Savior, Jesus Christ, took the sins of humanity on His shoulders, and allowed himself to be crucified for the sins of the world.

            When someone dear to us dies, we reminisce about the good things they did in this life. Jesus takes it to a level that is more than we can comprehend. He was the perfect sacrifice, otherwise He could not have risen from the grave on the third day. Anything or anyone less than a perfect sacrifice is not capable of freeing us from our sins. The blood of Jesus on the cross did exactly that (Revelation 1:5).

            People today argue about the exact location of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. But what really matters is that it did happen. Jesus’ life, miracles, death, and resurrection are supported by statements from early writers, government officials, and early church leaders. Jesus was hated by some and loved by others. But He was spoken of and documented by all, in early writings both inside and outside of the Bible.

            The stories of Jesus are facts that people have been willing to die for at the hands of Christian persecutors dating back to the first century. On one hand, the things Jesus went through are a tragic piece of history to keep passing down from one generation to the next. On the other hand, it is necessary. The prophets wrote about Jesus long before He made His earthly appearance. His mission is what we imitate and celebrate as Christians. It is what gives life meaning. It is what gives us hope. It is the message Jesus wants us to share for as long as we are here. Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Living for Christ is a lifestyle

by Barrett Vanlandingham

April 14, 2019 (original version, June, 2005)

            We Christians can sure put a lot of pressure on ourselves to live for Christ. In doing so, I think sometimes we forget the Christian journey is not a series of events and activities that we show up for to sooth our conscience and get right with God. The Christian journey is a lifestyle that permeates every part of our life.

            "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25). The letters Paul wrote to places like Galatia were often to answer questions of new Christians. Perhaps a new believer wondered how to stay in line with God’s expectations. That would have given Paul the chance to tell them about the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. You see, pleasing God is not really about running out and trying to do something impressive for Him. It’s about our minute by minute, day to day attitude, and the way we let God’s love show through us in the way we interact with all people (Galatians 6:10, Matthew 28:19-20).

            I feel very blessed to be a part of a group of Jesus-loving, God-respecting people who live to serve the Almighty. This doesn’t mean we always get it right. It simply means we know which direction we are headed and we know we will get there because the Spirit will lead us. One thing I like about being in the body of Christ (the church) is seeing how all the parts of the body work together to His glory.  Not everyone is gifted in the same way. That’s why the members of a body have to work together, men, women, and children all walking with God and encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).

            Being a child of God is described further in Galatians 5:24. "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires."

            When we commit fully to Christ, Satan will no longer have a hold on us because Jesus will not allow it. Jesus and Satan will NOT walk hand in hand along the same path. This is good news for us, because if we are walking hand in hand with Jesus, we are assured that Satan cannot pull us away (Romans 8:37-39). It is only when we choose to let go of Christ’s hand, and leave the path of righteousness that Satan can grab hold of us. Light and dark cannot live in the same heart (James 3:9-12). We have to give up one to serve the other, even if it is just for a moment.

            When we walk with God, things work for the good (Romans 8:28). On the other hand, choosing the dark side only leads to worry, heartache, sadness, insecurity, and many kinds of danger. Everything we think, do, and say brings us a step closer or a step further away from God and our eternal goal of heaven. It is very important for us to remember Christ’s words in Revelation 22:12. "Behold I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done."

            It may seem like just one person can’t make a difference in our world. But one person simply living for Christ is a whole different story. Have a great week!