Hold on to things that matter in 2018

by Barrett Vanlandingham

January 2, 2018

          I remember in 1974 when I was in third grade, figuring up just how old I would be in the year 2000. I did and re-did the math to make sure.  35-years old!  I would be 35-years old in the year 2000.  And so, here we are in 2018, and here I am almost 53 trying to figure out how all of this time flew by so quickly.  I am sure you know exactly what I am talking about.

          When I look at today’s calendar, it seems really strange to me that I am living in what I used to think was the far distant future! On top of that, the world today looks a lot different than what I thought it would when I was nine.  So many things have changed based on inventions and new technology.

          There are some things that have thankfully remained the same for longer than any of us can remember, and their effects have not lessened one bit.

          1. The words “I love you” are still among the sweetest to hear.  2. Hugs from a loved one give us a feeling like none other.  3. A hand-written letter captivates our attention in a way that text and email can’t even come close.  4. A face to face conversation, even though social media video chat is handy.  5. Homemade meals and desserts from scratch.

          An old song written by Jennie Wilson in 1904 reminds me of one more thing that has thankfully remained the same: “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand.”

          “Verse 1: Time is filled with swift transition, naught of earth unmoved can stand. Build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God’s unchanging hand. Verse 2: Trust in him who will not leave you, whatsoever years may bring. If by earthly friends forsaken, still more closely to him cling. Verse 3: When your journey is completed, if to God you have been true, fair and bright the home in glory, your enraptured soul will view.  Chorus: Hold to God’s unchanging hand.  Hold to God’s unchanging hand. Build your hopes on things eternal. Hold to God’s unchanging hand.”

          In 2018, remember Psalm 136:26.  “Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” Have a great week!

Let’s think about Jesus Christ all year long

by Barrett Vanlandingham

December 26, 2017

          Starting today, we have 364 days to celebrate the coming of our Savior before next Christmas hits. That may not be what most of the world wants to hear just as we are all recovering from the hustle and bustle of the 2017 Christmas season, but it is worth noting that we don’t have to wait another year before we can celebrate Jesus again.

          It is good to remember that even though the name of Jesus is so special to us, it was the title "Christ" that made His appearing so special to their day and to ours today, all year round.

          The Greek word Cristos means "the anointed one" or "the chosen one". The Hebrew version of those words we know as "Messiah". Jesus was God's anointed One, "the Christ," who fulfilled the Old Covenant prophecies. He was also the chosen One who came to save us from the sin of a broken world.

          The Gospel writer Luke records a time near the beginning of Jesus' ministry when He went into the synagogue, and opened the scroll to what we know as Isaiah 61, which was written 700 years before Jesus came along:

          "And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:17-21).

          Yes, the story of the coming of a baby makes us all feel cozy. But it is what Jesus did when He grew up that continues to make all the difference. He showed us how to live with courage, confidence, and humility. He showed us how to love selflessly and even sacrificially.

          God bless you, and have a great week!

Let your Christmas lights shine

by Barrett Vanlandingham

December 19, 2017

          What a nice surprise!  Two new homeowners on my street put up Christmas lights where there were none in previous years! I was actually contemplating not putting any up this year, or maybe the bare minimum. But when I saw evidence of my new neighbors’ Christmas spirit, I couldn’t resist putting up a few more decorations on my otherwise dark privacy fence: a lighted wreath, a lighted snowflake, and a projector that casts patterns of red and green.

          That’s actually the way life works, isn’t it? We don’t always know just by looking at people and even talking to them that they are down in the dumps. Most of us hide our true feelings pretty well, but there are usually signs somewhere if we take the time to notice. For me, it was my ho-hum attitude about decorating. There’s no way my new neighbors could have known what an impact their Christmas spirit would have on me. So encouraging!  Next thing I knew, I was at Keith Hardware and Big Lots looking for some new decorations to add to my small arsenal of Christmas spirit.

          The prophet Isaiah has some very encouraging reminders to help us in our time of discouragement:

          “28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:28-31).

          The key to this passage is the very thing I had forgotten to do: “hope in the Lord.”  I had become too absorbed in earthly concerns, and was forgetting to count the blessings in my life that really matter.

          We never know when something we say or do will make a huge difference in someone else’s outlook on life. God reminded me of that this week through my neighbors.  Merry Christmas and have a great week!

Christians must not cross lines in either direction

by Barrett Vanlandingham

December 12, 2017

          I was driving down Willey Street in Fort Gibson recently when I noticed a small SUV about 200 yards away in the oncoming lane. This wouldn’t normally be a big deal, but she kept drifting closer to the line, and at time over the line. As we passed each other, I noticed her looking down at her phone. But since this article is not about safe driving practices, I will make the connection to something even more important: crossing spiritual lines.

          Please understand I am not saying that we must drive on the shoulder, spiritually speaking, to keep from crossing over the line. That creates other problems, and that is what the Pharisees were often guilty of doing. They wouldn’t even eat an egg that had been laid on the Sabbath since the hen would have had to do work to get it here. That is a great example of crossing the line from being obedient to losing all common sense.

          You may have a great grandparent who at one time felt it was sinful to play with a deck of cards (“spot cards”) because it resembled gambling. You may have grown up being taught that all dancing is sinful. I have a friend who told me that when he was in grade school, his parents sent a note to school with him so teachers would not let him do the “bunny hop”. No judgment here (we’re all a work in progress).

          We must make informed decisions in our faith walk. The New Testament gives us instructions, and it does not need clarification. Remember, that is how the Pharisees wound up with such a long list of do’s and don’ts. But it is important to take other people’s feelings and highest good into consideration when we make choices. Paul speaks to this in Romans 14-15.       

          The wisest man who ever lived, Solomon, said, “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths of your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil” (Proverbs 4:25-27).

          This is good advice for driving and for life.  Have a great week!

Spread God’s message through faith and deeds

by Barrett Vanlandingham

December 5, 2017

          It’s one thing to know about something that needs to be done. It’s another thing to actually do something about it.

          Lately, I have been using social media terms to express spiritual meanings in my “Fort Faith” column. My previous articles have challenged us to basically get off of our spiritual high center and act upon those things that need our attention as Christians. In other words, don’t just “rant” about issues like people do on social media, hit “send” already, and make a real difference. Knowledge is no good if you don’t apply it (James 1:22). It takes faith and deeds, not just one or the other (James 2:14, 24, 26).

          Jesus has already given us our marching orders in the Great Commission to go into all the world, teaching, baptizing, and making disciples (ref: Matthew 28:18-20).

But before we can be effective in making a difference in our world, we must be prepared. This means taking God’s message seriously. “Receive it”, “like it”, “copy it”.

          Today I want to write a few words about God’s message, and what it means to “comment on it” and “send it”.  Most of us have been in a classroom situation when the teacher said, “Any comments?”  And what followed was silence because nobody knew enough about the topic to make a comment.

          1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts, revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

          Christian comedian Tim Hawkins does a bit where he impersonates a mother who watches her son stub his toe, and then exclaims after the fact, “Be careful!”

          Christians are called to “comment” or spread God’s word before a spiritual crisis arises, not afterwards when someone is already reaping the consequences for their actions.  The most effective “commenting” also involves “sending” God’s message by our example and direct involvement with those people who are closest to us, and anyone else we hope to teach. Mission trips are a great way to practice “commenting on” and “sending” God’s word. It doesn’t have to be overseas. Jesus said to start where you are.  Have a great week!

I like God’s message

by Barrett Vanlandingham

November 28, 2017

          We use the word “like” in a lot of ways. Someone who definitely does not want to go along with something might say, “Like, uh, NO!” (80’s valley girl inflection).  Others use the word to indicate their fondness of someone. And if you spend much time on social media, you know hitting the “like” button is a way to show approval or support for someone’s post on Facebook, or the “heart” button on Instagram or Twitter.

          In my articles lately about making a difference in our world, I have written about “receiving” God’s message, and not forgetting to “hit send”, as opposed to ranting about the horrors of society, but not be willing to be a part of the solution.

          Combining the spiritual and social media metaphors, I would say that if we “like” God’s word, we should “copy” it, or bring our lives in line with it. Moses told the children of Israel to copy God’s commands onto their hearts.

          “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).

          “Liking” and “copying” God’s word onto the hearts of first century Christians such as Paul, Peter, and others came in handy for the Lord’s kingdom. They won over many souls because they were prepared to teach anyone who would listen. They knew that teaching others was much more than an event, it was a lifestyle of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23) they were privileged to “like” and “copy” every day.

          Paul spoke those words to new Christians in Galatia, some of whom had already deserted the truths of God’s word to follow a completely different gospel (1:6-7). As their big brother in Christ, Paul reminded them of the importance of writing God’s word on their hearts.        “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).  Still great advice for us to “like” and “copy” today.  Have a great week!

Being thankful is a blessing of its own

by Barrett Vanlandingham

November 21, 2017

         

            In his closing remarks in a letter to Christians in Thessalonica, the apostle Paul said, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

          All the way through the Old and New Testaments, we find the writers encouraging us to be thankful. Did you ever wonder why? After all, a pessimist living back then might be inclined to think there’s not much for which to be thankful. The Jews had been looking for a Savior for thousands of years, and then those who became New Testament Christians were often persecuted in the cruelest of ways for their beliefs. So, it occurred to me to ask the question, why was being thankful such an important thing to write about?

          In the above verse, Paul’s answer is that it is God’s will for believers to be thankful “in Christ Jesus.”

          The phrase “in Christ Jesus” changes everything! You see, without Christ in the picture, Paul, with almost 100-percent certainty, would not be encouraging people to be thankful in all circumstances. That would be absurd. Paul’s emphasis is on living our lives with a thankful attitude when things go right, and when things go wrong. It is not likely that Paul intended to push people to be thankful for each specific bad thing in a person’s life, but rather, “in every circumstance” to be thankful for your life in Christ Jesus. This passage makes clear that God also wants Christians to “rejoice always” and “pray continually”.  

          Being thankful for our trials may not be something most people would feel good about. But there are benefits to trials. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

          Thankfulness in Jesus is part of a new life (Romans 6:3-4) found only in Him. But God also desires for us to express this attitude openly within body of Christ (His church), and with other people who we may be able to win for the kingdom. Have a great week!

God’s message is worth receiving

by Barrett Vanlandingham

November 14, 2017

          Last week, I wrote on the topic of making a difference in our world by having the courage to “Hit Send” on your Spirit-led ideas from God’s word. After all, not following through with a good idea is kind of like composing a heartfelt text message and then forgetting to hit the send button on your phone. Besides, no one wants to hear anyone rant about things that aggravate them, especially if they are not willing to lift a finger to help or do anything about it.

          Today, I want to look at why anyone would want to receive a message from God’s word in the first place:

          1) God’s word is true. It has a common theme of salvation through Jesus Christ, even though it was written by 40 authors over a span of 1500 years, as opposed to a single author in a short amount of time.

          2) People who lived in the first century when the New Testament was written believed in the Bible’s truthfulness, especially about matters of salvation. Why else would they be willing to hold to their beliefs even in the face of persecution or martyrdom, if they believe that Jesus and his miracles were fraudulent?

          3) The prophecies contained in the Old Testament came true hundreds of years after they were written, or in some cases a thousand years later. It was no accident where and under what circumstances the baby Jesus would be born (Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2). It was no accident that Jesus would come from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10). It was no accident how Jesus would die (Psalm 22), Isaiah 52-53) or that He would be resurrected and ascend back to His heavenly Father (Psalm 16:10, 68:18, 110).

          4) Archaeologists continue to unearth truths of the Bible each time they dig up artifacts that coincide with scripture. Sir William Mitchell Ramsay of Scotland was a famous professor and archaeologist in the late 1800’s. After setting out to disprove the accuracy of Luke’s writings, Ramsay discovered that each city he uncovered was exactly where Luke said it was over 1800 years before! This drastically changed Ramsay’s opinions about Luke’s credibility.

          More next week!  Have a great day.

Hit Send!

by Barrett Vanlandingham

November 7, 2017

          One of the biggest lies Satan has pulled on our generation, and the generation before, and so on, is this:

            “You can’t make a difference in this world. You’re just one person.  You’re too young, or you’re too old. You should wait.”  So year after year, we sit, and wait for the perfect time, and say we are too busy, or that our act of compassion isn’t really needed or won’t be noticed. So just like an unsent text message, your good intention goes nowhere.

            It is inspiring to see selfless people helping others, especially when those being helped do not know who is helping. However, most people believe the lie, and do nothing.  You see, just like a button on a cell phone, God wants us to HIT SEND everyday on our Christ-like attitude.

            Christians can be just as guilty as anyone out there, as we “go to church” (instead of being the church). We also form opinions about social and political causes and things we read about on social media and in the news. We rant about it, run a 10-K about it, and protest about it. But when it comes to putting God’s word into action, participating in solutions and answers and teaching and serving and loving others in ways that are actually needed, we are afraid to “HIT SEND”. That button requires commitment.

            So, God’s message is never sent, received, delivered, liked, copied, replied to, and no one is saved as they are, saved as a new creation, or saved as a child of God. Today’s Christians need to step up and HIT SEND right where we are, and make a real difference in our world one person at a time, even if nobody else knows about your good deed.

            Those around us need to experience Jesus living and working through us. We serve a God who is the ALL-POWERFUL CREATOR. He can take our feeble efforts and do something incredible with them if we will just HIT SEND, and do it in a spirit of love.

            Today, pray about one situation where you want God to help you make a difference, and then HIT SEND. Have a great week!

The best treat is the joy of the Lord

by Barrett Vanlandingham

October 31, 2017

          Do you know anyone who just always seems to be upbeat and happy? It’s nice to have those kinds of people in our lives, isn’t it, especially if they know when to turn it off.

          The truth is, happiness is circumstantial and for those who just naturally have upbeat personalities. Being happy all the time is just not possible for anyone, but being joyful all the time is, especially for those who live according to God’s word. After all, the reward of heaven is not that far away no matter who or how old you are!  Now, that’s something to smile about.

          One of my favorite hymns is “The Joy of the Lord.”  It comes from Nehemiah 8:9-12 when Nehemiah the governor told the Israelites, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”  This was his response when he saw the people weeping as they listened to God’s word being read at a revival by Ezra the priest and some of the Levites. Nehemiah told the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.”

          Some people have mistakenly thought that at holy gatherings, God’s people must be straight-faced and somber, or even weeping. But in Nehemiah’s day, he and the Levites explained to the people that there is a connection between holiness and joy. Yes, God’s word was no doubt cutting its listeners to the heart as they compared what they were hearing with how they were living. But those who repented and committed their lives to the Lord found joy and strength through the One who still gives us hope.

          It was also that way in Acts 2:36-47 where we find joy (vs. 46-47) being expressed after the people believed Peter’s message about Jesus. They spoke openly about their predicament, and then repented and were baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. It was at that point God’s Spirit began to dwell in them and the Lord added the saved to His number. Believers in Christ were strengthen spiritually by the joy that could only be found in the Lord. This new and joy-filled life is an eternal treat available to all who are in Christ (Romans 6:3-5). Have a joyful week!

No Tricks! God can help you overcome the deceiver

by Barrett Vanlandingham

October 24, 2017

          So I got an email that said, “Thanks for your new payment of $2734.67.  Click on this link to see your receipt.”

          I thought, “O no!!  What have I done?”  Then I realized I hadn’t done anything wrong, and that this email was either trying to trick me into activating a computer virus by clicking on the link, or they were trying to get my personal information. I checked with my bank to see if an unauthorized withdrawal had been attempted. Nothing showed up. 

          I get similar emails from hackers pretending to be my email carrier telling me that if I don’t click a link to update, my account will be discontinued. One time a caller told me I had a virus on my computer and wanted me to pay him to fix it. My mom got the same call. They wanted to take control of her computer remotely.  THESE ARE ALL SCAMS.

          The devil also works in this way. He is the greatest deceiver of all time. And just like these scammers, don’t waste your time engaging him or his dark forces in any conversation or correspondence. They are clever, and always appear to be on your side. If you make the choice to give Satan access to any part of your life, he won’t stop until he controls all of it. We must all heed the words of James 4:7, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

          The Bible has much to say about deception. In 1 Timothy 4:1 Paul says, “The Spirit says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” 

          1 John 4:1 says, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” John says those who are not from God speak from the viewpoint of the world.

          In both the Old and New Testaments, the writers warn against adding to or taking away from God’s word. Paul reminds us that Scripture thoroughly equips Christians for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16).  Any other word that contradicts the Bible is not from God. May He bless you richly as you seek to follow His will.

Autumn doesn’t fall on its own

by Barrett Vanlandingham

October 17, 2017

          In just a few days, the beautiful green trees of summer will give us a spectacular view as the fall foliage steps in to take the spotlight on God’s colorful stage.

          In Genesis, we get a peek at what those days of history were like when God originally created the beauty of nature just few thousand years ago.

          “Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds. And it was so… and there was evening, and there was morning - the third day” (Genesis 1:11, 13)

          “Now the Lord planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground - trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food” (Genesis 2:8-9).

          In Genesis 5:3 we are told that when Adam was 130 years old, he fathered a son and named him Seth. The historical timeline is easy to follow from there all the way to where we are today, roughly six-thousand years later, and our Creator is still wowing us through the wonders of nature.

          Hey, if Jesus can be born of a virgin, walk on the water, raise Lazarus, Tabitha, and Jairus’s daughter from the dead, re-attach Malchus’s right ear, die in exactly the same manner as the prophets foretold, and finally raise Himself from the grave and ascend back to heaven, I really have no problem believing that He created everything in only six days, only a few thousand years ago, not millions or billions. Besides, the Bible’s account of creation is also supported by science (God created that, too).

          The writer of Psalm 96 was no doubt awestruck by God’s creative ability shown in nature: “Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.”

          So, when you see the leaves start to turn, just remember to praise our awesome God who is behind it all. Have a great week!

Ancient words that can make your day

Barrett Vanlandingham

October 10, 2017

           

            There is nothing more refreshing than having a conversation with someone who has a positive and encouraging attitude. Whether you are having problems with relationships, finances, job, or school, here are a few Bible verses that can bring sunshine and smiles to a Christian’s day:

“6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

            “28 ...The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:28-31).

            “1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure” (1 John 3:1-3).

            “2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4).”

            “58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

            It is amazing how our attitude can improve when we listen to God. Have a great day!

We must look to God for answers

Barrett Vanlandingham

October 3, 2017

            Even though recent hurricanes, earthquakes, and social disasters give us reason to re-evaluate life as we know it, there is One who remains faithful, loving, and able to affect change.

              God, our Creator, is amazing and still in control! Whether we turn to him before, during, and after times of crisis, or just try to fix everything ourselves in our own time is a choice. We have free will to deal with things how we choose. But the outcomes will be drastically different depending on whether we include God.

            God’s way of dealing with life’s problems is much more creative and effective than anything we could come up with. He has the power to turn things around, or even prevent them in the first place. God has answered prayers. He still answers prayers, and He will continue to answer prayers.

            The other day I read someone quoting James 2:14-26 which says that it takes both faith and works to please God. The problem is that the article took James’s words out of context to say that we must fix things ourselves without asking for help from God.

            The fact is, we have a sin problem in our country that can only be fixed with God’s help. As Christians, our job is to win as many souls as possible.

“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 28:18-20).

Are we doing what He said? As a nation, we often look for answers to life’s problems. But even as Christians we are sometimes guilty of overlooking the Source of solutions.

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Have a great week!

Some things just don't mix

by Barrett Vanlandingham

September 26, 2017

    This past week I had the great idea of conserving plastic baggies. So I put my sandwich into the same bag with my baked Lays.  A few hours later when it was time for lunch, I opened the bag, grabbed the sandwich, and discovered something I didn't expect. The previously soft bread was now dry and crusty!  I decided to take a bite anyway since I hate to waste food.

    Next, I chomped down on a couple of baked Lays that I assumed would be nice and crispy only to discover a texture similar to that of a thin damp sponge! Evidently, my crisp chips were in the process of soaking up every last drop of moisture from what I was hoping would be soft sandwich bread.

   You see, even though that arrangement seemed like an honorable thing to do at the time, it didn't turn out to be for the best. The healthy sandwich spent too much time in the same container with the potato chips and got the life sucked right out if it.

    This can also be the case in our spiritual journeys. Sometimes, we become desensitized to ungodly ways simply because we are around them so much. Spending too much time around people who have no intention of following God will likely pull a well-meaning Christian down instead of the other way around. The Bible reminds us the consequences of making this mistake come at a high price.  In writing to church members the apostle Paul said,

   “3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them”  (Ephesians 5:3-7).

     Even though we must continually strive to bring lost souls into God's family, a

Christian’s closest allies should always be those who are pulling you closer to God.

    Have a great week!

Make your worship experience count

by Barrett Vanlandingham

September 19, 2017

          You may have heard someone say, “I don’t like going to church because I just don’t get anything out of it.”

          Two things:  First, none of us actually goes to church.  We go to worship (sing, pray, give, partake in communion on the first day of the week, study, and fellowship). We ARE the church. Jesus Christ is the head of the body. Christians are the body of Christ, which is the church (Colossians 1:24,1 Corinthians 12:27, Ephesians 3:6, and 5:23).

          For Christians to say they are going to church is worse than a football team or a player saying they are “going to the game”, as if they are thinking of the game as a spectator sport they have no involvement in.

          Second, we must remember that we are the worshipers, and God is the one and only audience member. In Revelation 5:9, we read what heaven will be like as people sing “a new song”. It is important to never become complacent in our worship, and sing with no thought as to the words we are offering to God.

          During Jesus’ ministry, he was having a conversation with a woman in Samaria at “Jacob’s well”. He had just finished explaining to her that those who drink the living water (his teachings) he provides will never thirst again. Then the topic turned to the question of where the appropriate place is to worship God.

          Jesus said, “A time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem” (John 4:21). He was leading up to the idea that our relationship with God is not based on a location since God himself is not of this world.

          “…true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24).

          It is important to worship correctly (in truth), but it is also important to worship in spirit with your whole heart, whether with your church family (Hebrews 10:24-27), or as you live out your Christian life. This kind of worship results in blessings too numerous to count.  Have a great week!

Hold on to Jesus in life’s crossroads

by Barrett Vanlandingham

September 12, 2017

          There are times in life when we come to crossroads. These usually involve recent changes brought on by family issues, health, finances, or maybe just the next season of life. Then, we feel stress about how to restructure our life to move forward.

          In King David’s life, he not only experienced many successes and victories, he also went through many hardships and disappointments. Some of them were self-inflicted and some were just a matter of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. And though he experienced much emotional pain, he gained great wisdom from the things he went through. He wrote many of his thoughts about life and the things he learned in the book of Psalms.

          “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:9-10).

          David’s words are reassuring even to us today, three-thousand years later!  Unfortunately, when times of trouble come, most of us lose our heads and turn in the wrong direction for answers. Some turn to alcohol or drugs, others to pornography or sex outside of marriage, and still others turn to gambling or overeating (guilty). But the psalmist David says we can find the relief we’re looking for by holding on to the Lord God. There is only one way to get to God.

          Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

          As Jesus was comforting his disciples regarding his departure, he reminded them: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18). 

          He told them that even though some of his closest friends would desert him in his final hours, he is not worried because his Father is with him. In John 16:33, Jesus says, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

          He wants us to know that if we hold on to him, we will also overcome the world. Have a great week!

Spiritual warfare requires follow through

by Barrett Vanlandingham

September 5, 2017

          Occasionally, someone will express to me that they wish they could just be a better person. No one gets a pass on the struggles and trials of life. The apostle Paul said, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

          It takes a lot more than just wishing to get the job done. In spiritual warfare and in any other important endeavor, we must not only wish and set goals, but make plans and work on following through with specific things that will make our goals reality.

          Lisa and I became empty nesters this week. We sent-off our youngest of three to Nashville to pursue his plan to work in the music industry. It’s a good thing Britton didn’t take my advice three years ago to sit for two hours on Monday nights to watch NBC’s “The Voice” like I did. Instead, for those years, without fail, he spent those hours and many more per week practicing his skills.

          The reason I said “pursuing his plan” instead of “his dream” is because he really does have a plan he has been working on. Yes, he sings, he plays lead guitar. But he also has written and produced 16 songs in the last 12 months, mostly alternative rock ballads. In just a few days, Britton will begin training with professionals on the ins and outs of audio engineering in the studio environment at Dark Horse Institute.

          The apostle John said this about Jesus, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

          There is a big difference between having “the right” to do something versus “doing” something about it. If we do not follow through with God’s plan to save us, then all we have are wishes, goals, and “rights” with no obedience to His plan of salvation that Jesus died for.  “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26).

           Believe in yourself, Britton. You are prepared for this.  Continue working hard, working smart, but most importantly, continue believing in Jesus, and live your life on that foundation. Have a great week!

Connecting with others is a part of God’s plan

by Barrett Vanlandingham

August 29, 2017

          As much joy as can be found in meeting together in large buildings for worship services, there are no New Testament examples of the kinds of church buildings we see today. Believers who lived in the first century met in people’s homes.  The church grew at a rapid pace, by the thousands. They not only grew in knowledge of God’s will for them, they took care of anyone in their church family who had a need (Acts 2:42-47).

          The Bible gives examples of early Christians coming together on the first day of each week (Acts 20:7), praising God, giving to the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), and partaking of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine in remembrance of Christ’s death (1 Corinthians 11:23-29).

          There are examples of Christians coming together to pray, sing, and study God’s word. We also see Jesus being very creative in his teaching methods. He told parables, wrote in the dirt, and did countless miracles to get the attention of his listeners. We see acts of worship taking place at a river, a lake, in prisons, in houses, you get the idea.

          God has always been more concerned with the heart of the worshiper and how we show love for others (John 13:1-17), than where we worship him, or how good we sound when we sing, or how inspirational our public teaching and prayers are (Matthew 15:8-9).

          Even though God does not command a location, God does want us to meet together and encourage each other (Hebrews 10:24-25) so that we will not fall away from him. God wants us to talk with fellow Christians about our struggles and pray for each other (James 5:16). God wants us to acknowledge his son Jesus Christ in the way we live our lives, and in exchange, Jesus will acknowledge us before his father (Matthew 10:32-33). God wants us to show our love to him by obeying his commands (John 14:15, 21, 23, 24).  

          September 3, Fort Gibson church of Christ is starting up a new small groups ministry that will be called Connect Groups. It could be life-changing, and I invite any of my readers to be a part of it every Sunday night at a house near you. Have a great week! 

It is time to get serious about spreading God’s love

by Barrett Vanlandingham

August 22, 2017

                   

          Even though God created our universe in an orderly way, it seems like there is a lot of confusion human beings have created for ourselves. It doesn’t have to be that way.

          Wouldn’t it be nice sometimes just to be able to ask God what He really wants from us?  Well, we’re in luck because that issue has already been cleared up.  In Mark 12:28, one of the teachers of the Old Law asked Jesus, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”  And in the book of Luke, the question is recorded as “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (ref: Luke 10:25-28). Both questions are asking the same thing, and both point to the same answer.

          “Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31).

          Those were quotes from the Old Covenant that Jesus wanted to teach a new generation. Then, to make things clearer, Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).

          When you think about how Jesus proved His love for us (ref: Romans 5:1-11), and His command for us to love others like He loves us, it becomes obvious that on a scale of selfish to selfless, we have a ways to go! But when you consider what we have to gain in this life and the next by loving (and living) in this way, it becomes very clear that selfless love is worth it for us and those we can influence.

          In Romans 12, Paul says that living our lives as a holy sacrifice pleases God. He challenges Christians to live with a sincere love, hating evil, and clinging to good.

          God’s message of love is what our neighbors, our community, and our world needs to hear and see from all who wear Christ’s name.  Have a great week!

Pray for our schools

by Barrett Vanlandingham

August 15, 2017

                   

          I love to hear about people who actually go onto the grounds of their local schools in the off hours, and just pray. This is not only encouraging. But prayer works! So, if you haven’t already done so, please pray for our students, teachers, support staff, and administration.  They need it so much here at the beginning of the school year, and all year long.

1) Pray for safety in every circumstance that involves our students, personnel, and their families. 

2) Pray for good health so that students can learn, teachers can teach, and the school can run smoothly.

3) Pray for the home life of each family represented, that every decision, every action, every thought, and every word spoken will honor God.

4) Pray that non-believers will be able to look at the daily example of Christians, and see the difference Christ can make in a person’s life.

5) Pray that God will soften or break the hearts of those who refuse to honor Him in the way they live their lives.

6) Pray that God will give all student and adult believers the right words, actions, and opportunities to make a difference in the life of someone who doesn’t have a relationship with God, or is struggling in their relationship with God.

7) Pray that every person who goes by the name “Christian” will take their job seriously to carry out the Great Commission of Jesus that He spoke in Matthew 28:19-20, to go and make followers of Christ, to baptize them, and to teach them to obey God’s word.

8) Pray for joy, peace, patience, understanding, and compassion in every classroom, hallway, office, lunchroom, and locations for all extra-curricular activities.

9) Pray for selflessness and a spirit of love to reign supreme, the kind of love that seeks the highest good of others.

10) Pray that our schools will make a practice of including God in all things.

          James wrote that we may not receive the things we pray for because we ask with wrong motives (ref: James 4:3).  Remember: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6). May God grant our schools success for all the right reasons.  Have a great week!

Jesus’ understanding of us makes a difference

by Barrett Vanlandingham

August 8, 2017

                   

          In the final part of my three part series on how Jesus leads me to be confident in my spiritual journey, I will be looking at the fact that Jesus has walked in our shoes. The writer of Hebrews 4:15-16 says this:

          “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

          This was welcome news to Jewish Christians in the first century who were beginning to waiver in their new found faith in Christ. The Hebrew writer was trying to encourage and remind them that the New Covenant was superior to the Old Law because of the superior sacrifice of Jesus in comparison to that of bulls and goats, and also that Jesus actually understands what it is like to go through earthly trials.

          It is always nice when the person in charge appears to have great leadership qualities, but your confidence in that leader increases dramatically when you find out they truly understand you.  Jesus no doubt had temptations of pride, after all, he created everything (Colossians 1:15-16, John 1:3), and with each thing he made, his Father said, “It is good.”  Also, I think he was probably tempted to disobey his parents, or at the very least act disrespectfully when they lost him for a few days and then found him in the temple talking with the elders (Luke 2:41-52).  During his 40 days of temptation in the dessert, Jesus was tempted to take advice from someone he knew was evil. Then, there was the week of his crucifixion. You know the devil had to have been there tempting Jesus to not follow through with God’s plan to conquer sin.

          What a relief it is to know that Jesus knows us, understands us, and goes to God the Father on our behalf. “He entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence” (Hebrews 9:24).

          Have a great week!

The Holy Spirit gives me confidence in my journey

by Barrett Vanlandingham

August 1, 2017

                   

          The Holy Spirit can have a great impact on the life of every Christian if we “Do not quench the Spirit“ as Paul told Christians in Thessalonica (ref: 5:19, ESV).

          So, in part two of my series on ways Jesus leads us to be confident in our spiritual journey, I would like to start with the fact that Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit.

          This is the same Holy Spirit who inspired the writers of the Bible (2 Peter 1:19-21 and 2 Timothy 3:16), and also the same Holy Spirit Jesus sent to take His place on earth after He ascended back to His Father (ref: John 16:7).

          In Ephesians 1:15-21, Paul prays that God will give Christians the “Spirit of wisdom” to know the “immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe”. This is the same power and Spirit God used to raise Christ from the dead.

          When Peter preached the first Gospel sermon at Pentecost, he responded to all of the Jews who previously did not believe Jesus was the Messiah, but were now “cut to the heart” when they realized their people had crucified the Son of God.  The people asked what they needed to do.

          Peter’s response was simple: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:36-39).  Notice here Peter tells the purpose of baptism, and what those who are obedient receive in return.

           Even today we know all those who obey have been gifted with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit because Peter says this gift is a promise.  And what better way is there to journey through this life than with the Holy Spirit who guides, comforts, helps us grow spiritually, and even advocates and intercedes on our behalf to God when we don’t know what to pray (ref: Romans 8:26).

          While the Holy Spirit is a gift, He also gives gifts!  1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Romans 12:3-8, and Ephesians 4:11-14 help us understand that as members of Christ’s body, we are not all the same. We are different, but equally important to the body.

          Have a great week!

Jesus leads me to be confident in my journey - Part 1 of 3

by Barrett Vanlandingham

July 25, 2017

         

          One thing I have noticed about traveling is that the trip back seems less stressful than the trip there.

          I think a big part of the reason is because there are so many unknowns it’s difficult to have complete confidence in my journey. After all, there may be detours along the way, or heavy traffic that prevents me from getting there on time. And while this may be true for those kinds of trips, Christians should not feel this kind of stress for our spiritual journey.  

          This article is the first part of a three part series on how Jesus leads be to be confident in my journey. The first reason is because of the consistency of His word. People have tried many times to discredit the Bible, but they never succeed. The Bible is accurate historically, geographically, and in every other way. It is no wonder that the apostle Paul said, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17).

          That may seem like a bold statement for Paul to make, and some people may even disagree. But Paul is uniquely qualified to say those words. Even though Paul was very well educated in the Old Covenant, Acts 22:4-11 tells the story of the horrible persecutor of Christians that Paul was until after his close-up encounter with the message of Christ. He was struck blind so that he could see. Paul did an about face, obeyed Jesus, and regained his sight. Paul’s sins were washed away in baptism, and he started on a faith journey that took him in the opposite direction of where he was heading. As soon as Paul submitted to Jesus, he found out a life lived for Christ is really the only way.

          2 Peter 1:19-21 and 2 Timothy 3:16 are great reminders that the Bible is not a collection of stories originating from the mind of man, but rather God’s Holy Spirit inspired it all. The Bible is consistent from beginning to end, prophesying details of Jesus’ birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection a thousand years before Jesus was even born.

          Next week, the impact of the Holy Spirit on our faith journey.  Have a great week!

Every Christian is important in God’s family

by Barrett Vanlandingham

July 18, 2017

         

          For youth ministers like me, summertime is packed with youth camps, devotionals, ultimate Frisbee, swim parties, mission trips, you name it.

          The all-important yearly “pilgrimage” to Six Flags is always a hit with most of the teens in my youth group. But there are always some who are afraid to sign-up simply because they don’t feel like they know enough people, so they obviously do not want to spend ten hours round trip on a bus with them, or a week in the same bunkhouse.

          Of course, the conversation always involves me saying, “How do you expect to get to know more people if you don’t come to anything?”  While that is true, it is also true that kids are just like adults. If we only interact with our “church family” once or twice a week at worship times, it should really be no surprise that we don’t want to participate in trips or activities that take up more than an hour of our time.

          In Acts 2:42-47, we get an idea of what the early church was like in the first century. Christians had meals together, yes, even outside of potluck dinners held at the church building. They brought God into their conversations as they fellowshipped with each other, and they took care of anyone who had a need. It’s no wonder the chapter ends with these words:  “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

          In James 5:16 the writer reminds Christians of the importance of coming together to pray. “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.”

          Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get to the point where you could trust your Christian brothers and sisters that much?

          Friendships can start with a Six Flags trip or other big impressive events. But the best relationships are built on a common faith in Jesus Christ. Our Savior definitely left His comfort zone to give us the opportunity to be part of His church. But without some effort on our part, the joys of being part of God’s family may never be realized.  Have a blessed week!