Halloween masks parallel the way many people live

by Barrett Vanlandingham
October 29, 2013

            When I was a little boy, I loved Halloween!  I took the advice of my older, more experienced cousin, Steve (yes, I am naming names), and went trick-or-treating all around my neighborhood, and then put on a different mask, and went around my neighborhood again! 

            What a concept!  My cousin said it worked for him, so I thought I would give it a try.  I received twice as much candy without even having to leave my block!  But my scheme eventually failed.  The little old lady, Mrs. Girdner, who lived next door, was not tricked at all.  I still remember like it was yesterday when she said, “Hey, I think you’ve been by here already, haven’t you?”  I still remember how shocked I was that Mrs. Girdner appeared to know who I was even though I was wearing a different costume including a different mask!  There was no fooling Mrs. Girdner.  Of course, now, I am reasonably certain I didn’t fool anyone else either.

            Many people put on different masks when it’s not even Halloween, people who are not comfortable with their identity and are still searching for something to fill that void, something that would make them feel a sense of real worth and value.  So, they wear different masks, not the kind made of plastic or even the kind that involve stage make-up and wigs.  But that doesn’t stop people from pretending to be someone they’re not.  Most of the time they don’t fool anyone, and eventually their true identity is uncovered, one way or another.

            Jesus wants everyone to know exactly who they are, and that it is possible to live a life of true joy and confidence in their identity.  The Bible is full of scriptures on this topic that are a big help.  Take, for instance, Paul’s letter to the Colossian church which says, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority (Col. 2:10).” 

            This same promise applies to us today. Simply put, if you have a good relationship with Christ, you have everything you need.  Material possessions are temporary, outward identities can change, and even friends and fame can come and go.  But putting your identity in Jesus Christ clothes you in the very One who triumphed over the cross! (ref: Col. 2:15) 

            Now, if that isn’t something awesome to attach your identity to, I don’t know what is!  In John 10:10, Jesus who said these words in reference to those who choose salvation through him, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

            There are lots of temporary identities.  Some can even bring happiness for a short while.  But only Jesus Christ has the power to bring real, full meaning to your life, both now and forever.  Have a great week!

Identity is more than what you look like

by Barrett Vanlandingham
October 22, 2013

            Fort Gibson is unique in that even though our world has changed in many ways, our little town has held on to its identity as a fort, or a place to find refuge.  You can also drive through Muskogee and see many old buildings and businesses that take you back in time to the old days.  You could say our area has been blessed to overflowing.  The question is whether we will continue to improve our community, or go the way that so many other cities and towns across America have gone, resulting in lifestyles and community standards that are not family friendly.

            It is also important for us as Christians to hold on to our identity, and take seriously our responsibility to share the good news of Jesus Christ to others.  One of the biggest problems God’s children, the Israelites, had in the Old Testament is that they lost their identity.  This happened as time passed by and they began to intermarry with non-believers and even worship their false gods.  Often, this would happen after God blessed the Jewish people with military victories in new lands.  But instead of destroying the enemy and everything they owned as God ordered, they would disobey by sparing certain people and items of value they wanted to keep for themselves.  This not only resulted in intermarriage with pagans, but God’s people often wound up altering their own religious beliefs, which also altered their commitment to God.

            For decades now, technology has been changing the way our society operates, both in method and in speed. We have become sophisticated in ways that past generations could have barely imagined.  Even tractors these days have air conditioning, radios, and comfortable seats!   Local communities and plain ole folks like us have access to new frontiers around the world.  Progress is a great gift, and we must be good stewards of what we have been blessed with.  God never intended for his people to sit still all of the time. He wants us to use our time wisely, grow our talents, and find ways of creatively making a Godly impact on people.

            However, it is important for God’s people to remain obedient to His word if we expect to have a proper relationship with Him (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1).  Just because we have the ability to do everything faster and more efficient does not mean that all change is for the better, especially if we change who we are at the core.  It is still important for individuals and families to use God’s word as our measuring stick instead of justifying worldliness based on what society has said is appropriate.  At the end of the day, we must all remember where blessings come from.  David was not perfect by any means, but he knew the source of all good things.  He said, “I love you, O Lord, my strength.  The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

            God still wants to be that fortress and refuge in whom we can find our identity even today.  Have a great week!  

School homecoming festivities remind Christians of something more important

by Barrett Vanlandingham

October 15, 2013

            What are the odds that two “drama queens” would come out of one family?  Well, it happened to me (though not in the same year), and I could not have been more proud to walk Gracie (daughter #2) across the field before Friday’s homecoming football game in Fort Gibson.  Ashton (daughter #1) had her time in the spotlight in 2011.  She graciously took pictures of her sister this time around.

            From my perspective, the whole day was just perfect, from the parade, right down to Gracie’s fluffy, pink Cinderella dress, tiara, glamorous eyelashes and nails.  Twenty-eight queens in all, representing the various school organizations. They all looked spectacular, and their families were all beaming as they should have been.

            As thrilling as the homecoming royalty scene was for all of us, there is a kingdom that surpasses our imagination.  And to say that it is a royal kingdom would be the greatest understatement of all, since the glory of God our Creator will shine there forever! (Rev. 21:22)

            What a glorious homecoming day, when we at last reunite with all the faithful who have gone on before us. Just think of the thrill of being in the presence of angels singing “holy holy holy” to God. And just think about when you, and your family and friends who also trusted and obeyed God’s will, see heaven for the first time.  Imagine thinking to yourself, “It was worth it!”

             A school homecoming is pretty special alright. But our thoughts as Christians should be on preparing for that heavenly homecoming.  What a tragedy it would be for someone to promote, groom, and prepare their children for earthly successes only to find out on judgment day they should have spent more time helping them understand spiritual matters.

            Jesus says, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul (Matthew 16:26, NASB)?”

            You see, all along that man should have been working for eternal rewards for him (and his family) instead focusing on earthly, inferior, and temporary rewards (ref: Matthew 6:19-21).

            Fort Gibson has about two-dozen places of worship in and around our town available for folks to be a part of, even more in Muskogee.  Each of these groups has an incredible responsibility to teach the truth according to the Bible.  That is a tremendous challenge that must be taken seriously, for all ministers and other church leaders.  But in a lot of cases, parents or other family members are the ones who will have the greatest influence when it comes to a child’s success, spiritually, which is the most important accomplishment with rewards in this life, and the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8).

            Because of God’s grace, there is a reward in store for those faithful Christians who practice Godly qualities.  Peter says, “Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:11, NLT).”    Now THAT will be the ultimate homecoming.  Have a great week!

Carrying God's torch takes commitment

In John 14:15, Jesus said, “If you love me, obey what I command”.   And in Luke 6:46, Jesus said, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”   These two short statements have enormous meaning when it comes to our commitment to Christ.  We have all been guilty of knowing what is right, but refusing to actually do what is right.  We all want to experience great joy on the day we see God face to face.  But are we taking the necessary steps to make that happen, or in other words, accept His grace, and prove it by our actions.  Jesus is a God of action.  He did His part.  Now, we must also do ours by choosing the right path and keep in step with His Spirit by producing the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-25).

            Route 76, AKA “76 Country Boulevard”, is the most famous highway in Branson.  It runs from one end of town to the other, and has dozens of music shows, hotels,  and attractions the entire length.  But in order to enjoy any of these entertainment venues or hotels that border Route 76, you must take Route 76.  Jesus is our Route 76.  In order for us to experience the joys of heaven someday, we must take His path, wrap ourselves in him (Romans 6:1-11, Galatians 3:26-27) just like those shows are there for us to enjoy, even though we must take Route 76 to get there.

            In John 14:2, Jesus said that His Father’s house has many mansions or rooms, and that He has gone there to prepare a place for us.  But He follows that with John 14:6 which explains how we get to put our claim on some of that heavenly real estate, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

            Our society has strayed so far away from the truth.  Just a few minutes on Facebook, TV, or noticing attitudes at just about any sporting event will confirm that fact.  I wonder just how far mankind will let it go?  And what are WE as a generation doing, to carry the torch of truth forward as a remnant of believers.  You see, it only takes ONE generation to give up on God, to change the future for the worst… instead of for the better. 

            It happened in the days of Josiah the King of Judah. In 2 Kings 22, we are told that when Josiah ordered the Lord’s temple to be repaired, one of his servants found a book containing God’s law that had been lost and its teachings ignored for generations.  The temple had become anything but a holy place, even housing altars to false gods.   So, Josiah destroyed the pagan altars and vowed to do his best to bring the people back to a state of obedience to God.  He was not completely successful.  But he was successful at doing his best.   Today, God also expects our best effort.  Hebrews 11:6 says that faith in God is necessary, but so is earnestly seeking him if we are to be rewarded.  The writer says that it was “by faith” that men and women accomplished great things for God.  By faith, Moses led the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery, and by faith Abraham agreed to go to a foreign land.  You see, true faith or belief is always accompanied by action. 

            It was that way for King Josiah, and it was that way for the apostle Paul who near the end of his life was able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness…”

(2 Timothy 4:6-8).”

            Let us all strive to be committed to God, let it show by our love, faith, and obedience.  Faith and works together will carry God’s torch forward, not one or the other (James 2:17, 26).  God bless you, and have a great week!