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)

The Great Commission is even better than Pokémon Go

by Barrett Vanlandingham

August 9, 2016          

           

   If you happen to go by one of several landmarks in Fort Gibson, Muskogee, or pretty much any other town in America, and see random people frantically tapping and swiping their cell phones, oblivious to what’s going on around them, you might be witnessing someone playing the latest video game craze called “Pokémon Go.”  

   Players use their GPS to locate, capture, battle, and train virtual creatures called Pokémon. These little cartoon-like animals with strange names appear on your map or camera screen when you arrive at real-world locations such as selected businesses and monuments.

   The game started in the U.S., New Zealand, and Australia, and has rapidly spread to about three dozen countries.  Only a month into its existence, and players are reportedly spending as much time on “Pokémon Go” as users of Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter.

   The fact this game, or any other hobby or recreational fad, spreads so far so fast, really is amazing. And if “Pokémon Go” really is that big of a game changer for our world, we will be hearing about it for many generations to come. I know, not likely.

   As Christians, we do know of a world changing event that has impacted generation upon generation. It happened 2000 years ago. Evidence continues to uphold its credibility, and its life-altering truths are still being accepted, spreading to the far reaches of the earth.

   Yes, “Pokémon Go” is big news and big fun for this generation, and that’s great! But no kind of recreational activity can begin to bring about the kind of peace, love, and joy that the “Good News” of Christ brings.

   “Pokémon Go” will make billions of dollars for its owner, Niantic, but the Gospel story will make its subscribers rich beyond imagination. 

   “Pokémon Go” may give millions of players a fun hobby to engage in for a few years. But the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus gives an entire world hope for eternity. 

   “Pokémon Go” gets people off their couches, out of their homes, and into the streets to collect computer-generated creatures. Wouldn’t it be nice if Christians everywhere would put forth at least that much effort to collect precious souls?

      “18 Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore GO and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:19).’”

   Whether you’re on Team Instinct, Valor, or Mystic, we should all be looking for opportunities to represent Team Jesus. Have a great day!