Christmas Lights Are Beautiful Reminders

by Barrett Vanlandingham

December 16, 2014

            Here in Oklahoma’s oldest town, we have a lot to be thankful for.  I can’t help but be reminded of the blessings of life when I drive through downtown and see the beautiful Christmas lights donning our tree (one of the state’s tallest), and the twinkling lights decorating the light poles near the gazebo.  Many of our neighborhoods throughout Fort Gibson do an amazing job at bringing in the holiday season with Christmas scenes for all to enjoy.  What a blessing!

            So what do you think about when you see all those colorful blinking lights of all shapes and sizes strung on rooftops, windows, curbs, and trees?  I guess one could mention stress and shopping deadlines.  But for me, I think I’ll stick to time with family, joy, laughter, good things to eat, holiday music, and caroling.  I would like to add one more thing for Christians to consider, though.

            Jesus said it best.  “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  (Matt 5:14-16, NIV)

            A decorated Christmas tree (or house or yard) is much more than something pretty to appreciate in the month of December.  It is a beautiful reminder that if a simple tree donning colorful blinking and twinkling bulbs can help change the attitude of an entire nation for one month, imagine how much of a difference Christians could make if we let our light shine all year long.  What if we let Jesus shine through us in our homes, schools, jobs, sporting events, vacation, hobbies, in our choices of recreation and entertainment?

            I think Christians sometimes undervalue what it means to be a Christian, and the opportunities we have to make a difference that matters.  In the day to day grind of life, it is easy to get wrapped up in perspectives on life that are completely opposite of how Jesus wants us to live.  2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”

             That amazing life now and in the life to come is the result of God's grace offering a plan of salvation for us to obey.  It calls for

1) believing that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God (John 8:24),

2) living a life of repentance or exchanging worldly living for a walk with God (Luke 13:3),

3) confessing with your mouth and actions that Jesus is Lord (Matthew 10:32-33),

4) being baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38, Galatians 3:26-27, Romans 6:1-11).

            Christians, I have three words to remind you of: You are SAVED.  The blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross made sure of it.  All I can say to that is... WOW.  We have a gift and a message to share and to shine that is unlike any other.  So, shine on and have a blessed week!

Jesus is amazing for so many reasons!

by Barrett Vanlandingham

December 9, 2014

            One of the most incredible things about Jesus’ life and death is that he knew when he was going to die, he knew how he was going to die, he knew that some of his closest friends were going to turn their backs on him, and yet he followed through with his plan to save us anyway.

            The reason Jesus knew those things is because: 

1) He was the Son of God, and He was simply capable of knowing those things.  

2)  Jesus was a well-studied Jewish Rabbi who knew well the words of the Old Testament where the prophecies were written.

            You may remember that on multiple occasions, Jesus found himself outnumbered by hostile crowds who wanted to kill him because they did not believe Jesus’ claim that he was the son of God (Luke 4:28-30, John 8:59, and John 10: 31-39).  But because his time to die had not yet come, he escaped their grasp each time.  And even if it were his time to die, it would be by crucifixion, not by stoning or being shoved off a cliff like the crowds were trying to do in the above scripture references.

            The son of God knew exactly how everything would happen because he was the Christ. And even the human Rabbi part of him understood the things that had been written about him as much as a thousand years before he arrived on earth in human form.

            The Old Testament prophecies are very impressive, and are great evidence that Jesus was who he said he was.  Nearly all of these prophecies were things that Jesus would have had absolutely NO control over whatsoever IF he were not the Son of God.  In fact, out of dozens of prophecies about Jesus, even if he were able to fulfill only eight of them, that translates to a 1 out of 10 to the 28th power of a chance that the prophecies could be true… unless Jesus was the Son of God.  That is a 1 with 28 zeros! 

            We know from prophecy that Jesus would be rejected by the Jews (Psalm 118:22), die a humiliating death (Ps 22), betrayed by a friend (Ps 41:9), sold for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12),  beaten (Isaiah 52:14), spit upon (Is 50:6), hands and feet pierced (Ps 22:16), his side pieced ( Zech 12:10), given gall and vinegar (Ps 69:21), no broken bones (Ps 34:20), buried in a rich man’s tomb (Is 53:9), his enemies would cast lots for his clothing ( Ps 22:18), He would rise again (Ps 16:10), ascend into heaven ( Ps 68:18), and would sit down at the right hand of God (Ps 110: 1).  These were all prophecies that proved true in the New Testament.  Even non-Bible authors in the first, second, and third centuries spoke of Jesus Christ and Christians in their writings.  The life of Jesus is something that century after century has not been able to stop talking about.

            That’s the kind of Savior we serve!  So, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let’s also never forget Christ’s love for us, and what he went through just so we could live in heaven when this life is over.  Have a great week!

Let the Christmas season unwrap your joy!

by Barrett Vanlandingham
December 2, 2014

            I might be sticking my head in the sand just a bit.  But since columnists generally like to write about holiday stress and the irony of it, I thought it might be a good time to talk about the good things associated with Christmas in hopes that it might influence someone to choose the Christ-like  joy of the holidays over anything else.

             Yes, it is true that we don’t know the day, date, or month that Christ was born.  That doesn’t matter anyway.  The fact that He came to earth at all gives us reason to celebrate year ‘round, and the holiday season gives us all a great place to start! (if you haven’t started already)

            No matter who you are, people typically don’t just open a gift, react with joy, and then put it back in the box never to be seen again.  Even if the gift was a paper weight, we use it more than just during the holidays.  Just imagine what a difference it would make if every Christian spread the joy of Christ the other eleven months as well.  Everybody would start to see Christian values here and there in everyday life, in restaurants, at sporting events, at work, and at home.  There is really no end to the possibilities.  They might even ask questions about why you always seem to be joyful, even in the midst of adversity.  Boom!  There’s your opportunity to tell someone about where your strength comes from.  Do you have an answer ready?  The psalmist David experienced many great highs and lows in his lifetime, many victories and failures.  Here is just one of many of his writings explaining how he was able to keep going.

             “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7)       

            When I first became the youth minister here at the Fort Gibson Church of Christ on May 5, 2002 one of my Elders, the late Harvey Young, told me it would be a good idea to always have a sermon in my pocket since you never know when you will be called on to preach.  That advice has proven to be true.  So, over the years it made sense to pass that advice on to my youth groups by telling them that if they will be ready to answer a question about what a difference Christ has made in your life, then God will provide even more opportunities for the light of Christ to shine through you.

            Of course, I pray that all of you will be able to experience the joy of the holidays.  But more importantly, I pray this is only the beginning of a way of life for some to look for the best in others, and to look for opportunities to serve other people even when it’s not convenient, and to tell others about the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and what He can do them.

            Have a great week!

God gives us reason to be thankful

by Barrett Vanlandingham
November 25, 2014

            Psalm 106:1 says, “Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

            Those words were penned about three-thousand years ago by an unnamed Jewish writer, someone very familiar with the book of Exodus, an even earlier Old Testament writing.  The author talks about the various ways in which God continued to show love for the writer’s ancestors even though they showed disrespect to God after Moses led them out of Egypt and across the Red Sea on dry land, “through the depths as through a desert.” (v. 9) 

            Often, the people would praise God for helping them out of a bad situation (not unlike today), but they “soon forgot what he had done.” (v. 13)   The author very humbly begs for mercy when the end comes, confessing wrongdoing and wickedness that were much like that of the early Jews.

             The unnamed writer seems certain of a couple of things:

1)  God was known to teach the Jews tough lessons when they turned their backs on Him. 

2)  God was known to have mercy on them when they cried out to Him.

            The author evidently wants to make it clear to God (and future readers) that there are those who still love God, and who want to be gathered “from the nations, that we may give thanks to your Holy name and glory in your praise.”  (v. 47)

            The chapter winds down with another statement of honor.  “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, “Amen!”

            And then one more “Praise the Lord” tacked on to the very end, as if to make sure that both God and future readers get the message of thankfulness loud and clear.

            So here we are, three-thousand years later.  Today, Christians serve the same God that the writer of Psalm 106 served.  The only difference is that we have three-thousand more years of evidence to analyze, to be thankful, and experience God’s love even more.  To me, it is truly amazing that God can be so consistent throughout the ages.  In the greatest show of love ever, God became flesh, lived among us, and went all the way to the cross to defeat sin once and for all, providing a way for us to make it to heaven if we will just trust and obey.

             Somehow I think that if the writer of Psalm 106 would have come along a thousand years later, and would have written this chapter while knowing of Christ’s sacrifice that covers not only us, but also those ancient Jews who continually rebelled in the wilderness, it would have read much differently.  The words, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good” might be the greatest understatement of all time, considering what He did for us. 

            Though the extent of God’s love was not fully known at that time, the unnamed writer seemed to know without a doubt that God’s love “endures forever.”  Even though we already know about Christ’s sacrifice, I am reasonably sure we still don’t know the extent of God’s love.  I am thankful now, but probably not nearly as thankful as I will be on the day Christ returns.  Have a happy Thanksgiving!

A future in heaven hinges on learning from the past

by Barrett Vanlandingham
November 18, 2014

            As I walked out into the blowing and freezing wind this week for the first time since last winter, I found myself doing that little ‘catch your breath’ thing that happens each year for me when I experience the first round of extreme cold weather.

            Why is it always so shocking for me?  Do I just not remember what it was like, or has it been so long that I am no longer accustomed to this kind of ‘in your face’ gusts?   I forget some things so quickly, and remember other things for years and years.

            Maybe this is why people keep making the same mistakes over and over.  We typically don’t repeat mistakes unless they have a potential benefit.  Speeding, over-eating, sexual sins, cursing, gossiping, ingesting mind-altering substances, and throwing away money to the casinos or lotteries are just a few dangerous snares.  We all know the consequences of bad decision-making. But just like a cart-pulling mule chasing a dangling carrot, people can get caught up in chasing empty promises, never gaining anything more than temporary satisfaction, if they are not committed to walking with God.

            The Israelites (the Jews) wandered in the wilderness for forty years because they simply did not trust God.  You see, even though God had chosen the Jews to be His people, they had not chosen Him. They had previously been held captive in Egypt’s pagan culture for 400 years.  And even after Moses displayed God’s power and led them out of slavery en route to the land God promised, they were still tempted to go back to the very situation that had enslaved them for so long. 

            The Jews complained to Moses, and said they would be better off back in Egypt.  Even after God performed miracle after miracle for their benefit, they foolishly believed the ten pessimistic spies who said the Promised Land was already occupied by people who were too powerful to overcome. As a result, God let the Jews wander in the wilderness until the older generation, who had not trusted God, had all died off.  This gave the younger generation a chance to witness some valuable lessons first hand, and get a fresh start in the land God promised.

            I think every generation hopes to make better decisions than those who have come before.  Sometimes I think about mistakes our generation has made.  And I just hope those who come after will learn and improve without God having to teach them some tough lessons the way He did the Israelites, and yes, the way He most certainly has taught us, if anyone’s paying attention. 

            Today, God has chosen all people, no matter what nationality, to trust and obey Him.  It’s an open invitation we would all be wise to accept.  Have a great week!

Those who paved the way for us deserve honor

by Barrett Vanlandingham
November 11, 2014

            It is important that we honor those men and women who have served in our nation’s military.  It is only because of them we continue to be a free country.  They inspire us to be better, to try harder, and to continue and improve upon the legacy they left for every American.

            The same is true for the men and women of faith we read about in the Bible.  It is because of them we are inspired to keep fighting the good fight of faith.  It is their efforts in spiritual warfare that give us confidence as we battle the temptations satan throws in our way.

            We owe a great deal of gratitude to those listed in Hebrews 11.  It is known as the Faith Chapter because verse after verse the writer lists people no different from you and me, but who allowed God to use them in very special ways to accomplish His will. 

            There are those you might expect such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses.  And then there are others like King David who messed up royally by lusting after Bathsheba while his army was out fighting on the battlefield.   Another unlikely entry in the Faith Chapter is the prostitute Rahab.  In both David and Rahab’s situations, even though they sinned, they also repented and lived their lives to the glory of God.

            The Hebrew writer ends the chapter by shifting from listing names, to telling of the horrific persecution suffered by unnamed others who flogged, chained, and imprisoned.

            “They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted, and mistreated – the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in the deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.” (Hebrews 11:37-38)

            Those are some incredible descriptions of some amazing men and women of faith who lived in the Old Testament times, and none of those people were even alive by the time God’s son arrived on the scene.  In a huge act of faith, Jesus himself walked in man’s shoes so he could understand what it’s like to live as we live, and to be tempted as we are tempted, and to be persecuted, beaten, and crucified before finally ascending back to his Father in heaven to prepare a place for His faithful.

            So on this Veteran’s Day, and every day, it is appropriate to give honor to those who have served in our nation’s military, to those who make it possible for each of us to practice our Christianity without the kind of fear of persecution so many have had to endure in the past.  Have a great week!

One election outcome is already a sure thing

by Barrett Vanlandingham
November 4, 2014 

            When you go to a voting booth, the only thing you know for sure is that you are casting a ballot.  You might think you know the outcome, but you don’t know for sure until the ballots are counted.  That should not be the case when it comes to our eternal destiny.

            The apostle Peter said, “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election.” (2 Peter 1:10)

            Sounds like a sure thing to me, and it did to Peter as well.  He actually begins the chapter by saying that God has given us complete instructions on how to live a godly life.  Peter says that if we implement godly qualities into our lives, we will not get caught up in evil desires that lead to worldly corruption, thereby avoiding the earthly and eternal consequences that would follow.  Peter goes on to list exactly what those godly qualities are that God wants us to strive for.

             “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8)

            One of the things that catches my attention in this passage is that God expects us to not only grow in our knowledge of Him and these wonderful qualities,  but also to put them to work in our lives more and more each day.  God shows great wisdom in challenging us in this way.  He knows that in the day and day out grind of life, it would be easy for most us Christians to become lazy in the absence of striving to meet this challenge.

            Just because I may have shown a more loving attitude today than I did yesterday, that doesn’t mean I should stop there.  I know a lot of wonderfully loving people, but even the best Christian examples would gladly admit they fall way short of loving others the way Jesus did.  But when we commit to taking on the self-sacrificial attitude that Jesus took while he walked among us, we can be confident that our election into the joys of heaven is a sure thing, confirmed, without a doubt.  It’s in God’s word, and I believe it!

            In the end, it’s only by God’s grace any of us will be saved, but God’s word also says our obedience let’s God know we love him, and it most assuredly puts us on the right track to hear the words “Well done good and faithful servant.”   That’s an election result we can be sure of.   Have a great week!  

Spiritual Trick or Treating lasts all year!

by Barrett Vanlandingham
October 28, 2014

            In just a few days, kids will be putting on their Halloween costumes, and hitting the streets with one key phrase on the tip of their tongue: “Trick or Treat!”

            At my house, those are the words that unlock the cauldron full of candy when I answer the door.  If “Trick or Treat” is not enthusiastically shouted (or at least uttered) in my presence, there may be a trick, but definitely no treat.

            The tinier ones are actually mine and Lisa’s favorites.  It’s fun to hear them say, “Twick O Tweet”.  They might even get an entire handful of candy for that phraseology.

            Spiritually speaking, the devil doesn’t wait for Halloween to play tricks on us. It’s more of a year ‘round full-time job and even his treats turn out to be tricks. We all know to watch out for the obvious temptations involving various kinds of immorality.  But satan’s influences are also very much alive, even when it comes to matters of doctrine and faith.

            Paul says, “And no wonder, for satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.” (2 Cor. 11:14-15)

            Paul often warned new Christians about the dangers of straying from the truth, in exchange for cleverly disguised false doctrine.   His words echoed those of Jesus himself who said during the Sermon on the Mount, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” (Matt. 7:15)

            This deceptive technique of being very convincing on the outside, while having less than honorable intentions on the inside is still a very effective trap today.  We see it all the time, when people have an agenda they’re trying to justify, and so they twist the truth of the Bible to mean what they want it to mean.  Other times, the deception is financially motivated.  The deceiver’s deeds are often exposed too late, after thousands or even millions of dollars have been donated by loyal followers who thought they were opening their wallets to deeds of righteousness, but turned out to be deeds of greed! 

            Sometimes, people fall into this trap because of a message that fits what they want to hear, even if it doesn’t match up with what the Bible says. That’s why everyone, yes even preachers and teachers, should be held accountable for their walk and their talk.  If a teacher is on the up and up, they will be honored to open their Bible and show you exactly how they came to their conclusion.

            Paul warned young Timothy that false teaching would be an issue for him to deal with, just like it was for Paul.  “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Tim. 4:3-4)

            Be careful every day to reject the devil’s tricks so you can enjoy a life of God’s treats!  Have a great week!

The Judge over eternity has something to say about gay marriage

Most Oklahomans may never have thought they’d see the day that homosexual couples could get married in a state that voted against it.  But last week, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case, so the original decision by one federal judge in Tulsa, which was then upheld by a three judge panel in Denver known as the Tenth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, went into effect.

            So how are Christians supposed to feel about this?  The Bible condemns the practice of sexual sins including adultery and the practice of homosexuality (1 Cor 6:9-20, 7:2, and Rom1:26-32).   In the Old Testament, we’re told that until God gave the woman to Adam there was no suitable helper for him (ref: Genesis 2:20-24).

            The Bible never speaks of marriage as anything else but between man and woman.  It is a very clear and unmistakable message.  Some have said that because Jesus himself didn’t directly condemn the practice of homosexuality while he walked on earth, we’re to believe it’s okay.  

            But Jesus himself did, in fact, define marriage as between one man and one woman when he said, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female,” and said, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?” (Matthew 19:4-5)

            Jesus is not only the son of God, but in fact, is God (John 1:1), and He only spoke of marriage between one man and one woman.  One of the God-inspired writers, the apostle Paul, makes it clear that those who practice homosexuality (Rom. 1:26-27) put themselves in danger of being spiritually lost for eternity (ref: Rom. 1:32).

            But how should Christians react to government decisions that tug against Biblical truths?  In the first century, Luke wrote in the book of Acts about a high Jewish court known as the Sanhedrin, and how it had been trying to intimidate Peter and John to stop teaching about Jesus.  “Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him?  You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:18-20)

            In Romans 12:18, Paul says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”   And then a chapter later he adds, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” (Romans 13:1)

            Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”  (Matthew 22:21)

            The fact is, U.S. laws are not bound by God’s word or any other religious faith, even though Godly principles are woven into the fabric of our laws.  We all have freedom of religion.  And God has allowed governments to have laws and enforce them.  So, according to the Bible, Christians should follow the laws of the land, and follow the will of God, avoiding every kind of sin. (ref: 1 Thessalonians. 5:22)  And one day, we will all be judged according to what we have done. (ref: Matthew 16:27)    Have a great week!

Doing the easiest thing is rarely the right thing

by Barrett Vanlandingham
October 7, 2014

            “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

            This verse, commonly known as “The Golden Rule”, is no doubt one of the most often quoted Bible verses in history.  Most of the middle and older generation probably learned it as “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

            The problem is that when it comes to actually putting God’s word into action, I am not sure much has changed since most of us were part of the younger generation.  People get this verse a little turned around, don’t they? It often looks more like “Do unto others BEFORE they do unto you”, or maybe “BECAUSE of what they did unto you.”

            Our culture is so competitive, and moves so fast, most people just want to quickly fix things themselves instead of praying about it, and seeking direction from God.

            One of the most useful pieces of advice I’ve heard when it comes to conflict is “Count to ten!”  The problem most of us have with that is we’re afraid we won’t be able to get our jab in if we don’t strike quickly.  But the fact is, if people would just take time to breath, and think about it, pray about, and even count to ten, that would give us enough of a buffer to at least count the cost of what we’re getting ready to do or say as a rebuttal.

            An old friend of mine once told me about how his neighbor jumped all over his case because his pet escaped and darted over to the neighbor’s property.  The neighbor scolded my friend, and lectured him about responsibility.  My friend apologized and assured him it would not happen again.  But for years following, the neighbor has allowed his dogs to wander daily around the block and into everyone else’s yards.  The neighbor forgot the advice he dished out years earlier.  My friend knows that’s just not right, but has chosen to live at peace with his neighbor, and just give the situation to God.

            The easy thing to do would be to react like people of the world who have no relationship with God and no hope for the future. 

            The apostle Paul did a lot of things to disappoint the Lord before he became a Christian.  Afterwards, he was often on the receiving end of persecution.  But still, Paul remained steadfast exhibiting the love of God in spite of difficult circumstances.  He wrote this to Christians in Rome:  “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.  (Romans 12:17-19)

            People who misbehave may act like they’re not watching or appreciating your Christian values, but when done correctly, living a Christ-like life can absolutely make a difference now and in the life to come for you and those around you.  God bless you, and have a great week!

Times of trouble can bring about blessings

by Barrett Vanlandingham

September 30, 2014

            Nobody likes a bully. However, sometimes things that start badly have good endings that might not have happened otherwise.
            Just this year at a high school in Grand Prairie, Texas a group of mean kids tricked a special young lady named Lilly into thinking she had been nominated as homecoming queen. What a cruel prank! But two of the actual nominees made a pact that if either of them were to win, they would crown Lilly instead. That's exactly what happened. In fact, the principal said in all his years there he had never experienced anything greater. So, hats off (or crowns off) to queen Anahi Alvarez and runner-up Naomi Martinez for doing such a wonderful thing in combating bullies at their school.
            Yes, kids can be mean. So can immature grown-ups. We've all seen it, and most of us have experienced it. It is difficult to control the actions of other people. However, we do have the ability to react in ways that will make a difference.
            All through the Bible, we read stories about people who simply put were bullies. But when God intervened, somehow even the worst of circumstances ended with a positive outcome. Remember the Old Testament story of Joseph? His jealous brothers meant to harm him. But in doing so, Joseph was put in a position that in the end helped him become Governor of Egypt, and his good planning saved the much of the known world, including his jealous brothers, from starvation. What his brothers meant for harm, God meant for good.
            How about the New Testament story of Paul? He no doubt thought he was doing the right thing when he participated in killing Christians before he was converted to Christianity. God gave Paul free will just as he gives us free will today. Unfortunately, Paul chose to be a bully of the worst kind. In the end, God used temporary blindness to help Paul see the error of his ways. He ended up writing half of the New Testament. He also turned out to be a much greater force for Christianity than he ever was a misguided zealot for his Jewish faith.
            While God never closes the door on a repentant heart, He has a history of allowing people to suffer the consequences of their rebelliousness. Yes, sometimes innocent people suffer because of thoughtless people. But in the end, good always prevails, and if only for a short time so does unity. The bullies in Grand Prairie probably learned a great lesson that will impact their actions throughout their life. Let's all remember to pray for our enemies and those here and around the world whose hearts are void of compassion. Have a great week!

A world in need of prayer

by Barrett Vanlandingham
September 23, 2014

            Did you ever have one of those days when the lightbulb in your brain turned on and you thought, “What a brilliant idea!  Why didn’t I think of that?”

            Well, a couple of weeks ago one of the ladies in my church family had an idea that turned out to be a tremendous blessing to everyone who was in attendance that Wednesday evening!

            Cheryl Petree asked our church leadership, “Can we have a special night of prayer?”  Our elders wisely agreed, and conducted a prayer service unlike any I’ve ever been a part of.

            Each elder took turns praying for specific topics regarding the condition of our world.  The topics ranged from wisdom and courage for all, to government leaders, safety, world peace and help for the persecuted & those in danger.  And yes, we even prayed what is often the most difficult prayer of all, that the hearts of our enemies would soften, and their eyes would turn towards Jesus.

            We also watched a video that highlighted a little known 81-foot tall granite statue in Plymouth, Massachusetts known as the Forefathers Monument.  It was completed in 1889, paid for by federal taxpayer dollars!

            The statue serves as a reminder to our nation that a free society and liberty can be attained through Biblical faith, morality, law, and education.  It tells the story of how the early pilgrims believed our nation could get back on track if we lost our way.   It is a fascinating video that you can easily find on Youtube, or if you want more information just Google “Forefathers monument, Pathway to Liberty.”

            2 Chronicles 7:14 also has good advice.  It comes from the Lord Himself who says,  “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

            A close look at this passage reveals that the targeted audience is not the worldly heathen.  It is not aimed at people who have little or no knowledge of God’s will for their lives.  It is aimed directly at God-followers who have simply lost their way, people who may have once been totally dedicated to obeying the will of God but have become arrogant, wicked, uncommitted in their faith, and unwilling to go to the Father in prayer.

            There are a lot of things even our strongest friends are unable to do for us.  But there is nothing our God can’t do.  Have a great week!

Kindness is priceless

by Barrett Vanlandingham
September 16, 2014

            In the day in and day out grind of life, things can get to a point where one day is just about like all the others with minimal variation.  But last week was different for me. 

            A Christian brother called to say, “Hey, I noticed the fiberglass backboard of the basketball goal behind the church building is just about all torn to pieces.  Would you mind if I replaced it with a solid metal backboard?  I bought one the other day at an auction for about five bucks?” 

            I thought, “Wow!  What a blessing!”   My friend noticed the old backboard was in far less than stellar condition, and he made arrangements to do something about it without even being asked.  And just now, while I was writing this article one of my Christian sisters brought-in a dish of freshly baked brownies.  Now if that’s not a blessing, I don’t know what is!  I must admit, those kinds of things just make my day!  But another thing I must admit, I personally need to do a lot better at being like those two friends, noticing when others need help, and then taking care of it, or maybe just doing something nice just for fun!

            God has given each of us a passion, a gift, or a talent for something, not everything.  So, the kinds of things I notice that need to be done may not be the same things somebody else notices or has a passion for.  That’s why it takes effort from all of us, including me.  That’s the way God created everything and everyone.  He is all about teamwork and unity, from groups of people, right down to how our bodies function, and most certainly how church families operate.

            Romans 12:4-5 says, “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body and each member belongs to all the others.”

            Paul goes on to list some of the gifts God has bestowed upon Christians who make up the church.  Serving, encouraging, showing mercy, and the ability to lead are among those gifts.  To the people we come in contact with, sharing our gifts with others is truly a God-sent.  You see, God never intended for us to behave like hoarders, but instead use our gifts to bless the lives of others.  In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

            Let others see by your actions that God is good.  Have a great week!

It is important to get in line with God’s will

by Barrett Vanlandingham
September 9, 2014

            God has blessed each one of us with a very special talent.  He has made each one of us just the way we are, and He loves each one of us just the way we are.  That’s a BIG deal.

            A new television commercial for “Under Armour” features a very muscular, short, stocky, non-traditional but very successful professional ballerina named Misty Copeland.  The ad’s goal is to bolster women’s self-image, and convey perseverance.  Copeland is changing the preconceived stereotypes of what a ballerina is supposed to look like.  She is one of several female athletes featured in the new “Under Armour” ads that end with the tagline “I will what I want”.

            The Christian race is similar to this mindset, with one major difference.  Instead of saying, “I will what I want”, the caption should read, “I will what God wants”.  Jesus set the ultimate example for us as He was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane just before he was arrested, tortured, and crucified.

            “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mark 14:36)

            This passage is not to be confused with the idea that God does not want us to set goals and use our talents to the best of our ability, and maybe just sit around waiting for God to kick us into gear somehow. That would be an extreme position to take, and unbiblical.  But we should also not be under the misconception that God is smiling down on us when we only use our talents to bring attention to ourselves or to simply feel good about ourselves.  That would be the other extreme.

            For the Christian, our will (or those things we want) needs to be in line with God’s will.  Remember Paul’s words to the church in Galatia?  “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)   Too often we get that phrase turned around and expect God to keep in step with us.  We must remember who the Leader is, and who knows the way to heaven.

            It is good for Christians to be involved in all walks of life.  Otherwise, it would be difficult to be a good influence.  In fact, Christians are some of the most fascinating and talented people in the world because they take seriously what it means to do their best with the abilities God has blessed them with.   Remember, God can work mightily through you to accomplish His will, no matter what your opinion is of yourself.  So have a great week and remember to let your will be God’s.