Even the best prizes have to be claimed

by Barrett Vanlandingham

August 11, 2015

            I listed some of my daughters’ homecoming dresses on Craigslist this past week, and I found that people are reluctant to pay my asking price, no matter what it is.  So, the haggling begins.  The original price was $150 for a size 2 princess dress worn only once in a homecoming parade. The person who wanted to purchase the dress from me wanted to pay only $110.  I responded with a figure of $140 because I knew the price I paid for it.

            Finding a bargain online is one thing. However, bargaining with God’s word is very much another thing. Jesus has already paid the price for our salvation. He only wants us to believe that He is God’s son, and to prove our belief by our obedience to His word. What He asks of us is non-negotiable. We can either accept the deal, choosing to walk in the light, or reject the offer, choosing the way of the world, to walk in darkness. 

You see, the devil believes that Jesus is the son of God.  The demons also believe this, as do a lot of people. Most will not choose to obey the One they believe to be the Savior.

Jesus says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it (Matthew 7:13-14).”

The problem with the idea of “belief only” is that the price of salvation for us was the life of Jesus Christ, the only perfect sacrifice. Our souls have been paid for. The only question is whether or not we are willing to do what it takes to claim our prize.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil (2 Corinthians 5:10).”

You see, if someone throws a life preserver to a potential drowning victim flailing in the water, there is effort on both ends in order to reach a successful conclusion. At the very least, the victim must allow himself to be helped.

The apostle Paul explained the price of salvation in this way: “14 For the love of Christ controls us (or compels us, NIV), because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, ESV).”

As humanity, we must understand that there is only one way to the Father in the heaven, and that is through Jesus Christ (ref: John 14:6).  Jesus has earned the right to judge us. And even then, He chooses to judge us by the words of His Father (ref: John 5:22, 30). 

Taking on the name “Christian” implies a willingness to whole-heartedly follow Christ, the one who paid-in-full the price for our salvation.  Have a blessed week!

Christ can help you overcome life’s trials

by Barrett Vanlandingham

August 4, 2015

            There is a reason the cliché “When it rains, it pours” has stood the test of time. Things just seem to happen that way, don’t they?

            My first-born daughter survived with no injuries, but she flipped her car down a small embankment on the way back from church camp two weeks ago when she slipped off the edge of the road and over-corrected. What a lovely way for a recent college grad to begin her job search.

Just last week, a close friend’s daughter survived hitting a telephone poll with two other people in the car. They’re all fine. 

Matt, a healthy young youth minister friend of mine who was one of my camp counselors two weeks ago, came down with an auto-immune disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome that attacks the nervous system, and now he is having to learn to use his hands and legs again. 

In the same hospital, the wife of one of my youth deacons is struggling with a difficult health problem despite successfully chaperoning at our week of church camp and a three day trip to Six Flags.

During church camp, I heard heartbreaking stories from kids whose parents are proving by their actions that their children are not a priority in their lives. Please pray about this.

I am well aware my little list of woes hardly scratches the surface of the troubles people are dealing with these days. But each of these situations are important to those dealing with them.  I know it’s of little consolation, but the trials of this life are something we are practically born to experience. 2000 years ago, Jesus tried to console his disciples regarding the difficulties they would soon face.

Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”  His point being that everyone will have struggles in this life, but in the end, those who follow him will overcome just like he would.

            The apostle Peter was well aware that Jesus Christ was of the source of all peace.  He said, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings (1 Peter 5:7-9).”

Of course, we tend to forget that the majority of the time, things go well for most people, especially those who are trying to live a righteous life. And since that is the case, we feel picked on when things do not go well for us. I have been hearing way too many stories from the valley these days. So, I figured if I could use a little encouragement, maybe you could too. One thing is for certain, even in the worst trials of life, we can know that Jesus also suffered (Hebrews 4:15-16), and it is Jesus who can carry us through today.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Mathew 11:28-30).”

Have a blessed week!

The Christian life is the best thrill ride of all

by Barrett Vanlandingham

July 28, 2015

            There it was. The New Texas Giant, no doubt the best wooden rollercoaster I have ever ridden, and it was mine for the day!  Steep drops, fast turns, and twists that made me feel like I was going to fall completely out of the car, in spite of the seat belt and single lap bar pressing against my stomach and legs. Amazingly, it was a very smooth ride, even with all the scary stuff.  At the end of the day, I was able to join in the conversations with the teens in my youth group about all the adventures and challenges we had at Six Flags over Texas last week.

            As I think back on our little summer trip to and from the Lone Star State, I could not help but make comparisons to the Christian journey. There are lots of ups and downs, twists and turns, moments that make you gasp, and feel like your heart is about to stop.  At the end of the journey, we will all get off the ride.  The saved will gather to their home beyond the skies.  And as I picture it, we will spend an eternity praising God, celebrating our victory, and visiting with friends and loved ones about all of the magnificent ways the Holy Spirit traveled with us along life's pathways to arrive safely home in heaven where the faithful belong.

            The Bible says the wisest man who ever lived is Solomon. His writings are full of advice on life, based on the near countless mistakes he made as he searched for wisdom and the meaning of life. His God-inspired words have been quoted over and over for thousands of years. He said, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6)."

            In the Christian life, just like a rollercoaster, the only choice we have is whether to get on the ride. After that, we can be assured that the good and bad times will come. This is also the case for non-Christians. The difference is that Christians can be certain that God will never let go of us once we have chosen to cloth ourselves with Christ through baptism (Romans 6:1-11, Romans 8:31-39, Galatians 3:26-27). He is even better than the safety bar, the seat belt, and the mechanical parts that attach the coaster to the tracks.  He is God.  We can choose to quench His Spirit, and squirm away from the safety of our Creator, but He is always waiting for us to return to His loving arms.

            Pray today that God gives you the wisdom, knowledge, and strength to either start or continue your journey of faith.  Have a blessed week!

The Holy Spirit is a Christian’s closest friend

by Barrett Vanlandingham

July 21, 2015

            Our theme at church camp this summer was “got Spirit?”  The reason I put this in question form is simply to remind our campers that it really is their choice as to whether the Holy Spirit dwells in them.

            The indwelling or seal of God’s Holy Spirit is a gift we receive when we are baptized. Being marked or sealed with the Holy Spirit guarantees our inheritance until God brings us home to heaven (ref: Ephesians 1:13-14).

Another job of the Holy Spirit is to guide and comfort us. The apostle Paul told Christians in Galatia that “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).”  He was referring to the qualities or fruit of the Holy Spirit that we should allow to show in our lives such as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).”

Paul told Christians in Corinth, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).”

            In the New Testament book of Acts 2 the apostle Peter preached the first Gospel sermon. Thousands of people were there. They had traveled in for the Jewish “Feast of Weeks”, also known by the Greek term, Pentecost, which became known as the day that the Holy Spirit began working in the apostles to spread the early church. When people came to an understanding that the One they crucified really was the promised Messiah, the Son of God, their reaction was astounding.

“37. When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”  38. Peter replied, “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. 39. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”  40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day (Acts 2:37-41).”

A few verses later, Peter reiterates that it is God who does the saving work, not us.  “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:47).”  Paul also spoke to the fact that it is God who does the work in saving us (ref: Colossians 2:12).” 

Finally, for those times we don’t know how to approach God, or what to say to God, the Bible says the Spirit intercedes for us since the Spirit knows the mind of God (1 Cor. 2:11), and God knows the mind of the Spirit (Rom. 8:26-27)  .

So, back to the original question.  “got Spirit?”  Have a great week!

There is nothing too broken for God to fix

by Barrett Vanlandingham

July 9, 2015

            Those of you who have had a broken bone or two will agree it’s just no fun at all. One of the teenage girls in my youth group (Hannah) broke her left arm last Thursday during a trip to a water slide with some friends. So, instead of ending her day with memories of the perfect summer afternoon, she wound up in a hospital emergency room just two days before our week of church camp began.  On top of that ordeal, a tornado warning was issued in the middle of it all. Broken bones never happen at a good time.  So, what good could possibly come out of Hannah’s broken bone? Well obviously, that’s for God to decide.

            One thing Christians must learn to do is take God at his word. That is hard, especially when our plans fall through, and we have to trust that God has something better in mind. The Bible is full of these kinds of examples.

            Certainly, Joseph had to have wondered what God was up to when his brothers sold him into slavery.  But if that hadn’t happened, Joseph would not have been in the position to interpret dreams for the king, impressing him so much that the king appointed Joseph governor of Egypt (Genesis 41). This gave Joseph the opportunity to devise a plan to save millions of people from starvation during a seven-year famine by storing up food during seven years of plenty. Later, Joseph would say that what his brothers meant for harm, God meant for good (Gen. 45:5 and Gen. 50:20).  The harsh treatment, slavery, and imprisonment Joseph had to endure probably did not make much sense to him. But as time would tell, commitment to God would eventually pay off, not only for Joseph, but for an entire nation.

            Ezekiel 37 doesn’t talk about broken bones, but it does talk about a valley full of dry and scattered bones, rotting skeletal remains of a slain army. This must have been quite a site for the Lord’s prophet, Ezekiel, to behold!  What good could possibly come from such a heap? But God allowed Ezekiel to speak to the bones on God’s behalf, and watch the bones begin to rattle and come back together, complete with skin and breath inside them, made whole by God’s power.

            Hannah and her friends made it home safely in spite of the detour to the ER during the tornado warning. At the time of writing this, she was scheduled for visit with an orthopedic surgeon the next day. She will be good as new in a matter of weeks, and will eventually look back on this time with wisdom everytime she reads, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (Rom 8:28).”   

            God heals broken lives, broken relationships, and broken bones. Have a blessed week!

Jesus is sweeter than peach cobbler

by Barrett Vanlandingham

July 7, 2015

            It was 3:26pm, Friday, July 03, 2015.  The text message came in from my mother that said, “Look what’s waiting for you!”  It was a picture of homemade peach cobbler!

            I needed no additional encouragement to make the trip from Fort Gibson to Tahlequah, ASAP. In fact, I would have gladly traveled a lot further than 30 minutes for my mom’s peach cobbler.  It’s been my favorite since I was a little boy.  As soon as I saw the picture, I could practically taste and smell the sweetness that awaited me. I could hardly wait to get there.

            Christians are a picture of Jesus to non-Christians. At least we are supposed to be. 

After the apostle Paul left his old way of life of persecuting followers of Jesus, he took seriously the idea of living faithfully the truths of our Lord, just as we should. He issued a challenge to Christians in Corinth that also served as a measure of accountability for himself.  He said, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1).”  He also told the church in Ephesus, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma (Ephesians 5:1-2).”

            The advice he gave to his Christian brothers and sisters was the same advice he was following.  This was especially important for Paul because people already had a picture in mind of what Paul was like, and it wasn’t pretty since he was previously a zealous persecutor of Christians.  So, it was important for Paul to be consistent in his new way of life so that the skeptics would know without a doubt that Paul was for real.  Eventually, the old picture of Paul faded away as he proved by his attitude and actions that he was a changed man.

            When people look at Christians today, they should see a picture of Christ’s love in action.  The picture they see should have the same effect it did on the apostle Paul 2000 years ago when he wrote, “For Christ's love compels us (2 Cor. 5:14).”   When people see God’s love in us, it should make them want to waste no time in finding that same joy that is only available through a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

            Every day, we as Christians wake up with a new opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life, to be that irresistible picture of Jesus the world needs to see, and to pass along God’s truths that the psalmist David described like this: “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”   Have a blessed week, and always remember that heaven is "waiting for you" and others who choose to walk with God.

God’s opinion on marriage remains unchanged

by Barrett Vanlandingham

June 30, 2015

            Okay folks, it does not matter what I think, or what you think as far as our opinions regarding how we live our lives.  But, it does matter what God thinks.  After all, He created us and He has given us instructions on things we should do and should not do if we want to live in accordance with His will.  After all, our eternal destiny is on the line.

            “For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done (Matthew 16:27).”

            Yes, I will be among the first to say how nice it is to live in a free country.  So when our elected leaders or our justice system make laws that not only go against the will of the people, or even worse, conflict with God’s law, I will admit I am more than a little frightened of what consequences will come our way.

            In the New Testament we read, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh (Ephesians 5:31).”

            This is not the first time these words appear in the Bible.  Paul was actually quoting the Law of Moses from the book of Genesis 2:24, written over 1400 years previous (3400 B.C.).

            The apostle Matthew quotes Jesus Himself who reaffirms the Genesis passage, adding, “So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate (Matthew 19:4-6).”

            In Genesis 2:18-22, we read there was no suitable helper for Adam, and so God took a rib from Adam and made the woman.  God made His decision on the definition of marriage thousands of years ago.  Five members of the U.S. Supreme Court made their majority decision a few days ago against the vote of the people in states that still banned homosexual marriages.

            How should Christians react to one more man-made law that violates God’s word? We should react with the same attitude God expects of us in regards to all the other man-made laws that allow or even encourage people to live in opposition to God.

            In the book of Acts, officials from the highest court in the land, the Sanhedrin, had Peter and John arrested and ordered to stop speaking about Jesus.  But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard (Acts 4:19-20).”

            The truths of God’s word are just too important to keep quiet about. Paul says to obey the laws of the land (Romans 13). Jesus says, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.”

            So, it is clear that God’s will is for us to live peaceably with everyone (Romans 12:18). And while that is true, Christians are not exempt from speaking the truth, though it must be spoken in a spirit of love (ref: Ephesians 4:15). Paul tells Christians in Rome “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”   Again, in the end, it will be God’s decision that counts (Romans 12:19).  Please pray for our nation. Have a blessed week!

Mission trips change lives

by Barrett Vanlandingham

June 23, 2015

            It’s great to be back home in Fort Gibson after spending a week with our mission team and a lot of new friends in Tegucigalpa, Honduras in Central America. This is the time of year when a lot of churches send short-term missionaries out to serve either here in the states or abroad. I pray that the Lord’s Kingdom will grow because of it.

            The 23 member Church of Christ team I served with had many wonderful experiences.  There were 13 adults and ten teenagers.  Half of our team built two small (18’ X 18’) houses for local church members who were in desperate need of housing. We purchased cement and gravel for the new homeowners to pour a floor after we left. Believe it or not, a new 18’ X 18’ house made of lumber nailed onto four corner posts is the nicest place they’ve ever lived.  As our team was leaving one of the sites, the family arrived home with smiles that told everything they were thinking even though we didn’t speak the same language.  God is good.

            The other half of the team conducted a three day Vacation Bible School for about 90 children.  I wrote three lessons about Daniel, Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego. But since I do not speak Spanish, a Honduran lady named Nivian taught the classes and led songs.  Finally, the last day of VBS I got enough nerve after hours of practice and help from Nivian and our translator, Jorge, to lead all the songs that day, yes, in Spanish!  Occasionally,  I asked the children, in Spanish, if they understood what I was saying, and they all said, “Si”.  So, I figured I wasn’t too far off track.  Again, God is good.

            One of our new adult team members, Joe Hammond, brought his two teenage sons, Teddy and Timmy, along on the trip.  Joe said he enjoyed watching the interaction between our U.S. teenagers and the Honduran children. He said even though there were language and other differences, all the kids played well together, and showed Christian love towards each other.  There were lots of heartfelt hugs as the week went on.  Jeremy Koel graduated in May from Fort Gibson High School. But the education he received while helping build a house and interacting with children at VBS for just one week in Honduras was unlike anything he had ever experienced.  The Walkingstick family was also new to this trip. Robby and two of his teenage children, Nathan and Aubree, all said they experienced the love of God in the children they came to serve. Robby said this will not be his family’s last trip to Honduras.

            Fort Gibson is fortunate to have many people in our town who participate in mission trips. Let’s all pray that the excitement, revival, and closeness to God brought about by our efforts elsewhere will spill over into our daily lives here at home. May each of us live mission-minded lives to bring honor and glory to our Lord all year long.  Have a blessed week!

The Bible teaches us to do our best

by Barrett Vanlandingham

June 16, 2015

            I was sitting in the chair at the Derek and Jackie Gawf’s Fort Gibson Barber Shop letting my young friend and barber trainee, Uriel, fulfill some of his apprenticeship requirements. As he carefully and skillfully cut my hair, one of his supervisors, Derek, said something I thought was very interesting.  Derek said that his student, Uriel, does an excellent job cutting hair because he is thinking about what he is doing, following guidelines, and giving it his best.  Derek said sometimes an experienced barber can become lax and make mistakes if they don’t make a conscious effort to put into practice the original techniques they were trained to do. Of course, we all know the potential to coast is a reality for anyone who holds down a job in any profession for very long.

            As I thought about this, it reminded me of an old song taken from the pages of the Old Testament book of Lamentations.  It says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him (Lamentations 3:22-24).”

            Those words were written in about 586 B.C. by an eye-witness (possibly Jeremiah) to the destruction God brought upon Jerusalem and the temple because of the people’s continued idol worship. This collection of songs known as Lamentations “laments” the events that took place, and how God used the Babylonians to teach Judah and Jerusalem a tough lesson about abandoning God.

            You see, the problem with God’s chosen people, the Israelites, is that even though God chose them, they had not chosen God.  And since they were not fully committed to God, they were constantly making choices that put them at odds with the Creator, the very God who saved their life and brought them dignity over and over again.  God was steadfast, faithful, merciful, and loving to his people every single hour of every day. It was like he was trying every single day to impress his people just like we all do when we first meet someone we want to impress. The difference is that with God, his efforts were “new every morning”.  And even though the author of Lamentations could see the pain the Jews brought on themselves by their disobedience to God, the writer could also see that God was incredibly merciful and loyal to those who chose to walk with Him.

            It is the same challenge we have today.  God shows his love to us every hour of every day. He provides our needs every morning.  So, the question becomes this: What are we doing everyday to honor Him. Do we ever become weary or lax in living the Christian life?  Pray today that Christians everywhere will have a renewed commitment to following God’s commands in a manner that is “new every morning.”   Have a blessed week!

Saying one thing and doing another is never good

by Barrett Vanlandingham

June 9, 2015

            As I was driving down Willey Street  Fort Gibson this week a jogger was running towards me (which is the correct side to be on, according to the Road Runners Club of America website). But in spite of the fact she was wearing bright orange colors from head to toe, she was not only running towards me, she was in my lane since there was no shoulder. Her “be cautious” colors were saying one thing, but her actions were saying something totally different. Oddly enough, in an attempt to get healthy, the jogger was putting her own life at risk and possibly the lives of others.

            I do not claim to understand how to interpret Oklahoma law with regards to runners using the same roadway that cars are using. And although I was impressed with some of the precautions the runner had taken, I could not help but wonder why anyone would knowingly put themselves in that kind of jeopardy.  I can only empathize with “street runners” because I am a motorcycle owner who loves to ride on the streets and highways in spite of the fact that every truck and car driver I meet is only a small distraction away from wiping me off the map. I would say jogging on a city street is the only thing I can think of that’s more dangerous than riding a bike on public roadways. No second chances for either.

            I did a Google search on the topic of drivers hitting pedestrians. The sheer number of news reports and articles (and a little bit of common sense) tells me it would be in my best interest to pick some place other than a public street to exercise.  We tell our children to not play in the streets, but sometimes the example we set tells them otherwise.  We tell children to not play in the streets, but adults do.  Our society says, “Stay healthy!”  But the price some are willing to pay seems a little steep to me.

            Spiritually, we can also be guilty of this. We show up for worship, and even use words like “brother” or “sister”, but our choice of actions away from worship can put us in spiritual danger. The life of the Christian needs to be consistent if we expect others to view our mission of saving souls with any sense of credibility. 

            The writer of James 3:11 asks, “Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?”  Let’s pray that our spiritual goals are reflected in the way we live our day to day lives.  Have a blessed week!

Taking God’s word to lost souls takes courage

by Barrett Vanlandingham

May 26, 2015

            Woven in and out of games, talent shows, swim time, and meal time is the theme of “Courage in Captivity” at a Kids’ Camp I am co-directing with another youth minister this week.

            What a thrill it is to see the light in these children’s eyes come on when they realize that just because they are young, that doesn’t mean they can’t be powerful and make a difference with God’s help. Just think about it. If an adult speaks a powerful lesson from God’s word, we kind of expect that. Yes, we may be motivated by what is said, but if a young child or a teenager speaks the same message with conviction, the impact can be so much greater on kids and adults alike.

            Perhaps that is why the apostle Paul said these words to young Timothy, his son in the faith, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).”

            At Kids’ Camp, we are trying to instill the kind of courage Paul was talking about when he told Timothy to teach others to not “abandon the faith” but to “labor and strive” and to “put our hope in the living God.” These New Testament teachings are just as important for us today. Just like in the first century, today’s “Jesus followers” are exposed to all kinds of false teachings and cultural norms that frankly take a lot of courage to teach against. This can be true especially regarding things we may have been taught at a young age, and things that have been part of our religious tradition so long that we have mistaken them for legitimate Bible doctrine. That is why Bible study is so important.  The Gospel writer Luke commends the Berean Jews for examining the Scriptures for themselves to see if the message Paul and Silas taught to them in the synagogue was true. This resulted in many of the Berean Jews and also Greeks having the courage to convert to Christianity (ref: Acts 17:10-12). By the way, teaching a Christian message in a Jewish synagogue took an amazing amount of courage on the part of Paul and Silas.

            Most of our Kids’ Camp “Courage in Captivity” lessons come from the Old Testament where four Hebrew teenagers we know as Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were taken captive by the Babylonians. They were committed to God, and were even willing to die for their faith. They proved their loyalty to God by choosing His law over man’s law even if it meant losing their lives. In each instance, God pulled through for them. Even though most people today will never have to exhibit a life of “Courage in Captivity” in the strictest sense, reality is that we are, in fact, held captive in a broken world that needs to be shown the love of God through us. In John 17:14-18 Jesus said that even though His followers have been sent “into the world” just as He was sent by His Father, He also said, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.”  

            Please pray that God will give you opportunity to courageously make a difference in the life of someone who is lost and needs the love of Christ.  Have a blessed week!

The next generation of Christians is not a lost cause

by Barrett Vanlandingham

May 26, 2015

            Graduation weekend is always filled with tears, laughter, anxiety, uncertainty, and relief.  And so I suspect this past weekend was no different for all those families in Fort Gibson and elsewhere who watched their graduate walk the stage.

            One of the most important questions ringing through every Christian parent’s mind as they realize the final high school bell has rung for their child is the question of “Where will my son or daughter attend worship services when they move away for college or work?”   We all hope and pray the spiritual seeds we have sown will take root.  In 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 the apostle Paul reminds us that even though we plant and water, it is God who gives the increase.  Still, every individual has a free will. Everyone has to decide whether they will walk with God, or oppose Him, and whether they will become a productive member of a church family, or go do their own thing.

            Over the last ten years, I have read dozens of articles that promote using technology as a way of getting the attention of today’s teenagers (aka: Generation Z) and the 20’s and 30’s crowd known as the Millennials.  It has been suggested that if the church wants to hang on to its younger generations, it needs to use more computers and electronics since their minds are already geared to learning that way. Really?  That’s all it will take?

            We all know our consumer-minded culture has seeped into how most people live out their faith. “What can the church do for me?”  That is the question so many people continue to ask generation after generation.  Nothing is new in this regard.  Millennials are not the first to have this consumer mentality as some have suggested.  Anyone who attended “church” back in the 1970’s remembers more than a few sermons with references to Burger King religion where people want to “Have it your way!” as the fast food slogan suggested.

            Others have said churches could hold on to the younger generations by offering more opportunities for organized service projects. That is always a good idea. But there again, Millennials are not the first to be drawn to volunteerism and the idea of making a difference for all of humanity.  Some of the most servant-hearted people I know are between the ages of 60 and 90, and they don’t need someone to organize a project, take pictures, and print t-shirts to motivate them to serve.  It’s a way of life, and they attend worship to honor God and to build-up other Christians (Hebrews 10:24-25).

            I think what the wise Christian is really looking for in our fast paced society is for someone to simply teach them the truth in a spirit of love, and show them the truth in a spirit of love.  Those who do not want to be held accountable for their actions are not going to be faithful no matter how impressive the technology or what style of music is used during worship. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, no matter in what form, is where it’s at! James says it is not only important to have faith, but to live it (James 2:24-26).  Paul agrees, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes... the righteous will live by faith (Romans 1:16-17).”

            All these things being said, mature Christians must be vigilant, keeping an eye out for young visitors, and opportunities to get to know them better. One of the commonalities among Millennials who stay faithful in church attendance is a connection with older church members.  God bless you and have a great week!

The Bible can help you deal with life’s jolts

by Barrett Vanlandingham

May 19, 2015

            There is nothing quite like the feeling of 120 volts of electrical current zapping my fingers!

            Even though I am pretty sure it is legal for a homeowner to replace an existing electrical outlet, I am not sure it is wise, at least for me. Any doubts I may have had about that have clearly disappeared. Yes, I saved some money by doing it myself. But the electrical jolt I received when I grabbed a hot wire was far more shocking than the cost of hiring a professional electrician, or at least an experienced “Do it yourselfer”.  

            Looking back on my painful yet eventual successful attempt, I did a lot of things right. I went out to my breaker box and found the switch labeled “hallway bath”. I turned it to the off position which turned out the lights in the bathroom. What I didn’t realize was that the outlet I needed to replace was actually connected to a different breaker.  Uh, Oh!  So, the wire I thought was safe actually had 120 volts running through it the entire time I had been unscrewing the plate and pulling the outlet from the wall.      The mistaken assumption on my part is what led to the shocking and almost conclusion of my “Do it yourself” project.

            I texted my buddy, Jerry P who had encouraged me to take-on the project. I let him know the undesirable outcome. His response was simply, “I shouldn’t tell you I had a good laugh. But I did! Experience is the best teacher.”  What compassion!  (not)  At least he went on to say that the same thing has happened to him. Somehow through my still throbbing finger, that knowledge made me feel a little better. Plus, Jerry came over and helped me find the correct breaker (which wasn’t even labeled) and finish replacing the outlet.  Still, I can’t get over the fact that I actually felt safe and confident even though I was really in danger and didn’t know it.

            Have you ever seen someone taking a dangerous turn spiritually, and you just wished there was something you could do about it?  It’s a helpless feeling to watch someone who has no relationship with God or maybe is spiritually immature, wandering around and not understanding why their relationships and life in general are constantly experiencing circuit malfunctions.  We all know people who go through their daily routines not realizing they are existing in a state of spiritual danger. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

            Christians have a responsibility to carry out the Great Commission of Christ. “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:19-20).”

            The commands of Christ are pretty simple. Love God. Love others. Believe in Christ as the son of God. Obey his word.  The Bible says some will accept, but even more will reject.  Nevertheless, it is the message we will be judged by one day, and it is the message people need to hear so the events of judgement day will not come as a shock.

            Any Christian will tell you their faith does not mean a problem free life.  But it does mean that when life throws you a jolt, you can still find healing, peace, comfort, and direction from God’s word, a supportive church family, and His Holy Spirit.

              Have a blessed week!

The evidence shows Satan is real

by Barrett Vanlandingham

May 12, 2015

            Historical and archaeological facts found in the Bible are the most accurate and authentic ever studied or discovered. The names and locations of cities and other landmarks listed in the Bible are right on target with everything we know of today. The Bible has also been a valuable resource for knowing about government leaders and world powers during ancient times. 

These are some of the many reasons I feel confident in believing the Bible when it comes to other questions that arise such as “Is the devil real?”  In short, yes!  The Bible specifically mentions “Satan” over 50 times, and that doesn’t even include all the other names listed such as Lucifer, tempter, murderer, father of lies, and so on. He is described as a created spirit being who has limitations, unlike God who has no limitations.

            The ancient Jews were known to take great care to preserve the integrity of the books of Genesis through Malachi. The writers of the New Testament books of Matthew through Revelation often quoted Old Testament passages including Genesis, which has been regarded as one of the most controversial due to its teachings about creation, the fall of man into sin, Noah and the flood, and God altering the languages of those constructing the Tower of Babel.  Nevertheless, the writers of the New Testament and Jesus himself placed high importance and credibility on Old Testament writings which are where many people, places, and things we read about in the New Testament were first introduced, such as the devil.  That is also one more reason I believe the Old Testament writing were more than good poetry.

            Jesus, a historical figure himself, written about by dozens of ancient authors, spent 40 days and nights in the wilderness fasting and being tempted by Satan. In Matthew 4 and Luke 4, the devil used the tactics of lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life to try to make Jesus stumble and fall into temptation. It didn’t work on our Lord, but that hasn’t stopped the devil from continuing these same tactics to tempt people today, 2000 years later. Those were also the same methods Satan used to tempt Eve some 6000 years ago according to the Bible’s timeline, which is the same number of years of recorded history we have available to us today.

            All the way through the Bible, temptation has always been basically the same (1 Corinthians 10:13) because the devil has always been involved in its formation. In John 14:30 our King, Jesus Christ, refers to the devil as the ruler or prince of this world. So, it should come as no surprise that the snares the devil throws in our path today still follow a fairly narrow blueprint.   “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world (1 John 2:16).”

            Just one quick conversation about evil in the world we live in today would be enough to convince most people that dark forces are a reality. But thank God, Christ overcame darkness, and if we commit our life to Him, we can too.  Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12).”

Have a great week!

A lax Christian attitude will lead to pain

by Barrett Vanlandingham

May 5, 2015

            Did you ever have one of those moments when you wished you could turn back time even by 5 minutes so you could make a better decision?  I’m sure we all have.

            I was walking barefoot in my backyard this past weekend picking up branches Lisa had just pruned. I knew there were little pointy sticks and stubbly things I needed to avoid. But because I didn’t want to take the time to simply put on shoes, and because my feet are partially numb due to nerve problems in my back, I kept cleaning up the yard without proper protection on my feet.  Smart, huh? I obviously knew I wasn’t wearing shoes, but because of the numbness in my feet, I had become a little lax in thinking about precautions.  I knew there were potential dangers, but I wasn’t really worried too much about them, at least until I got a nice big splinter in my left big toe. Yes, I felt it! Even with the numbness I realized immediately what had just happened.

            Christians can become lax in their faith and do the same thing spiritually. This can happen when either we let our guard down one too many times, or by making bad choices and getting by with it enough times that we think we are immune to the devil’s schemes.

            It happens all the time to good people who convince themselves everything is going to be okay when they head into the casino, or when they take another drink, or when they cheat on their taxes. Others find trouble by opening their mouth when they should have kept it closed, or when a married man or woman casually flirts with someone else. Exceeding the speed limit, driving carelessly, or texting while driving can also lead you down the wrong road in a hurry.  

            “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,² through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared (1 Timothy 4:1-2, ESV).”

            We are not immune to temptation. If we are not vigilant in our faith, we can convince ourselves that it is okay to behave as the world behaves. We can become just like those whose consciences are seared. We can become numb to the traps satan has set for us until it is too late.

            The sting of sin or even foolish behavior can have serious consequences in this life, and worse yet, in the life to come. God has blessed baptized believers with the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) to guide and comfort us, and with the ability to stand up under the pressures of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). Still yet, we would all be better off to listen and apply what Paul told Christians in Thessalonica, “Abstain from every form of evil (1 Thes 5:22).”

            1 Peter 5:8 says, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

            Have a blessed week, keep your shoes on, and keep an eye out for those splinters!            

Honoring God can be a noteworthy experience

by Barrett Vanlandingham

April 28, 2015

            Britton played a tune on his guitar, and then I picked a song on my mandolin, and so on.  There was no audience really, just cars that passed by the town’s gazebo in the middle of Fort Gibson where we decided to have some father and son time under the guise of a jam session just before sundown last week.  By the way, our little community really does have a beautiful downtown area with its hundred year old brick buildings, old wooden doors, and decorative street lamps, all making it just perfect in the evenings for doing, well, nothing. That’s the best part (although a few more shops or vendors that stay open into the evening might make a nice addition).

            I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how I spend my time, especially when I’m away from the office.  Do you ever think about that? Even with all the important goals we have before us to accomplish, life here on earth is temporary. Do we make our time count?

            The apostle Paul tells Christians in Ephesus, “Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16).”

            As Paul gives us examples of things we can do that do not fall into the unwise category, he suggests we should spend time understanding the Lord’s will instead of spending what little time we have on foolishness.  Next, he makes a play on words by telling us to not get drunk on wine (spirits), but to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and spend time singing, sharing Spirit-approved music with others and to the Lord.

            I suppose Paul could have written countless chapters on examples of things we as Christians should spend more time on. He told the church in Thessalonica to “rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, do not quench the Spirit, hold to what is good, and reject every kind of evil.”

            The fact is, every good gift comes from the Lord (James 1:17), and Paul says everything we do should be something for which we can thank God.

            Pickin’ n grinnin’ for nobody at the town’s gazebo may not sound like a great way to spend much time, but you couldn’t convince me of that, especially when it involves spending time with my son. It sure beat whatever I was watching on television.   And as mine and Britton’s father-son bond grows closer, I know without a doubt that God blesses our time together when we honor Him with our lives.  I pray you find ways this week to honor God by making your time count.  Have a blessed week!

Children never stop needing spiritual guidance

by Barrett Vanlandingham

April 21, 2015

            Graduation season is here, so congratulations to all high school and college graduates. It is a time of life that can either be liberating or terrifying! Sometimes a lot of both!

            My daughter, Ashton, walks the stage at Oklahoma Christian University this Friday with a bachelor’s degree that includes three minors: Spanish, Bible, and Family Studies (a lot of psychology and counseling classes).  What a thrill!!  No more school!!   But this also means it’s time for her to get a job that will pay her bills, and those school loans that come due beginning six months after graduation.  O well, she’s not the first kid to enter the real world.  I know a lot of you more experienced parents are having a good laugh right now at the scenario I have dreamed up in my head.  But hey, you can’t blame a dad for hoping their kid will be financially independent within days after graduation, right?  Yes I know, dream on, dream on.

            Of course, we all want professional and financial success for our children.  But the more important issue at hand for any parent of a soon to be graduate is what kind of plans are in the works for spiritual success in the real world.  If it’s not uncommon for grown children to still need their parents after graduation to help them with finances and advice on handling day to day responsibilities isn’t it possible, if not probable, they might also need their parents for spiritual guidance?  It’s been my experience that the answer is yes!

             Sometimes I wonder what age Solomon is referring to when he gave this advice to parents, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it (Proverbs 22:6).”

             We see the word “children” and the word “old”. But what about in between? Parents never stop being parents, and our children never stop being our children. So I tend to think Solomon is not just talking about training our kids up through the teen years.  I think he could very well have meant adult children, too.  This means parents have great responsibility in making sure we continue to teach our children, not just in the things we say, but also in how we live, our relationships with our neighbors, and how we carry on day to day business with integrity.

            May God bless children with the wisdom to listen to the advice and experiences of the older generations, and may God bless the older generations with the wisdom to model righteous living, and give appropriate advice only when needed.  Have a great week!

Pruning sin from your life is worth the effort

by Barrett Vanlandingham

April 14, 2015

            I would make a horrible barber!  I decided my Kalanchoe plant that sits by a window in the office lobby needed a trim.  If you’re not familiar with this kind of plant, it has waxy leaves, and bright flowers (mine are red). But if not trimmed, it can grow in the wrong direction, or grow too much in the wrong places, and eventually become unhealthy.

            Jesus told his disciples, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit (John 15:1-2).”

            So, I dug out a pair of scissors and got after this mess of a plant. Unfortunately, I’m not totally sure I didn’t trim too much! Nevertheless, my newly sculpted plant, which now looks more like a couple of stubs sticking out of the dirt, is soaking up sun rays, ready for new growth, without the dead stems and runaway vines attached.

            Jesus continued, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned (John 15:5-6).”

            Early spring is a good time for pruning some plants, but spiritually speaking, the Bible encourages Christians to be constantly on the lookout for unhealthy branches that need to be pruned from our lives.  It’s for the same reason as plants. One website that gives advice on pruning Kalanchoes says it is necessary to prevent the plants from toppling and risking broken branches.

            People can suffer the same consequences as plants if we are not vigilant in taking care of our souls. We can become weighed down with problems, self-inflicted or cast on us by our choice of friends, hobbies or selfishness. We can experience spiritual damage and brokenness. Likewise, we can experience great rewards if we are willing to take sort of a spiritual inventory of our lives, cut-off those branches that cast a shadow on our relationship with God. This will allow us to see the light clearly, and begin to receive nourishment from His word, apply it to our lives, and then just experience the blooms of joy, watching God give the increase.

            The Bible teaches that one way or another, unproductive branches, or those Christians who choose to plant their roots in sin, will not stay connected to Christ the True Vine, in this life or the next. Please pray today that someone special to you will choose to grow in Christ today.  Have a great week!

Spiritual lessons can be found even at a garage sale

by Barrett Vanlandingham

April 7, 2015

            This past weekend our missions team unpacked box after box, bag after bag, car trunks, and trailer loads of donations for our garage sale to raise funds for our summer mission trip to Honduras.  It’s the second poorest country in the western hemisphere next to Haiti.

            While my son Britton and I were organizing stuff, I thought to myself each shoe, shirt, pair of pants, and trinket we unpacked actually meant something important to somebody at one time. But as with everything else on earth, time marches on and causes things to become outdated and not needed anymore, at least by the original owner. So it either gets thrown away or passed on to someone else who appreciates its value. 

            This is also a fairly accurate depiction of how we treat God’s word if we’re not careful.  Most people have multiple Bibles in their house. But since not everyone has been taught by a more mature Christian about what’s inside, they may just leave their Bible sitting on a shelf.  They don’t realize just how important God’s word really is when it comes to sorting out the problems and challenges of an average day. 

            Other people grew up reading and even memorizing the Bible (like me). But because they consider themselves, their family, or their upbringing religious, they don’t really feel an urgency to work at staying armed for spiritual battle. They become lax in their daily Bible study. Their faith dwindles. That is a pretty good description of me at various times in my life. It’s easy to be slowly lulled into a state of false confidence, underestimating the value of actively growing your faith.  Then, just like those outdated items that hang on a hanger, sit in a drawer, a shelf, or in a closet, attic, or basement collecting dust, God’s word in our life can also become hard to detect if a Bible is not opened, read, allowed to increase our faith, practiced, and shared with others.

            Paul said a lot in his letter to the Roman church that today’s Christians would do well to heed.  “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16a).”

            “Faith comes by hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ (Romans 10:17).”

            There are countless lessons we can learn from garage sales such as knowing which things in our lives we need to get rid of, and how to simplify our schedules so we have more time for God. May the Lord bless you with the strong desire to apply God’s word to your daily walk. Our world needs it now more than ever.  Have a great week!