December distractions can disrupt the Christian mindset

by Barrett Vanlandingham
December 3, 2013

            Now that we have made it through Thanksgiving, it’s on to Christmas!  What a most wonderful time of the year.  Gift-giving, families reuniting, beautiful decorations, joyful music, and of course the fact that so many people think about the coming of Christ also makes this season very special.

            As Christians, we should be thinking about the very special gift of Jesus all year long. And even though December has traditionally become the time that many people celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ on earth, oddly enough, it is also the time that the stresses of the holiday season can squeeze our thoughts of Jesus right out of the picture if we’re not careful.

            If anyone had an excuse to not make room for Jesus, it would be Joseph and Mary.  They took on the responsibility, even though it wasn’t easy.  Just think about all the distractions and difficulties they faced in order to make room in their lives for Jesus.  First off, when most of us wake up in the morning, we never imagine that an angel is going to personally greet us with an unexpected message that is about to turn our life upside down. 

            Can you imagine what this teenage Mary must have thought when she was informed of her new assignment to give birth to the Christ child even though she was still a virgin?  You talk about a stressor!  How would she explain to her soon to be husband, her family, and her friends that she is pregnant?  We already know most of what Joseph was thinking, not to mention what everyone else probably thought as soon as she started showing still out of wedlock.

             Joseph and Mary accepted the challenge, but that didn’t mean the difficult days were over.  They had to travel from Nazareth about 100 miles to Bethlehem for a census of the entire Roman world, without the benefit of fast, reliable, and comfortable transportation.  It would have been at least a weeklong walk one way, and even if Mary was riding on a donkey with Joseph walking, they would still have to endure weather conditions, danger from robbers, and exhaustion.  These would have been factors no matter what month of the year.  By the way, it is unlikely that the shepherds and their flocks were outside in the winter and it also unlikely that a census requiring everyone to travel would have taken place in the winter.

            As soon as they arrived, imagine the crowds, and the lack of places to stay as evidenced by the fact that there was no room at the inn for them.  So, the baby was born in a cattle stall, and placed in a feeding trough instead of whatever accommodations they had prepared back home.  Joseph and Mary certainly had to adjust their schedules to make room for the challenges surrounding the birth of Jesus.  Let us all take a closer look at the things that are taking our minds and commitment away from our Christian walk during the holidays and the rest of the year, too.  Always remember to make room Jesus. Have a great week! 

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

by Barrett Vanlandingham
November 26, 2013

            I guess there’s a good reason why I have a hard time teaching lessons about God’s grace even though we are all dependent on it whether we know it or fully understand it.  The apostle Paul talks about grace and its connection to the good news of Jesus Christ and what He has done for us. But ultimately, Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

            During this month of remembering to give thanks for so many things, oddly enough, the one thing we cannot adequately describe is the very thing for which we should be most grateful, grace. Songwriters for thousands of years have tried to craft and string together words, phrases, sentences, and notes in such a way to help worshippers reflect and celebrate our bountiful blessings and our Creator who made them. 

            One song written by Johnson Oatman in 1897 is titled “When Upon Life’s Billows.” It describes the burdens we bear and the challenges we face in contrast to the thankfulness and joy a person should feel when you “count your many blessings, (and) see what God hath done.”

            Another of my favorites was written by Dennis Jernigan in 1990 titled “Thank You, Lord!”   The lyrics of this song are simple and powerful as they say, “For all that you’ve done I will thank You, For all that You’re going to do. For all that You’ve promised, and all that You are is all that has carried me through, Jesus I thank You.  And I thank You, thank You, Lord. And I thank You, thank You, Lord!  Thank You for loving and setting me free, Thank You for giving your life just for me. How I thank You.  Jesus I thank You, gratefully thank You. Thank You.”

            The task of making clear the meaning of grace and just how thankful we should be for grace is something many have tried.  But just as with life itself, the important thing is not whether we write the perfect song, or live the perfect life.  That is just not going to happen this side of heaven, although, in speaking about grace, Paul says that we are to not use grace basically as a convenient excuse for disobedience and choosing to sin (ref: Romans 6:1).  Jesus even said that he will reward each person for what he has done (ref: Matthew 16:27).

            God knows our heart.  God knows the challenges we face.  After all, Jesus came to earth partly to experience them first hand so he could understand why we have such a hard time getting it right (ref: Hebrews 4:15-16).  Bottom line?  He knew we could not do enough things right to be in the presence of God one day.  And so Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, died for us, giving us a roadmap to follow, and extending grace to all of us who are undeserving of eternal life in heaven, and that would be all of us.  Have a great week!

Kindness, grace, and thanksgiving have much in common

by Barrett Vanlandingham
November 17, 2013

            What goes through your mind when you give away money, time, or other things of value to someone in need, or maybe for a good cause?  Do you feel joy and cheer, or are you irritated that you feel guilted or pressured into giving?

            The apostle Paul reminded Christians in Corinth of the importance of generous giving by basically saying that you reap what you sow.  In return for being a cheerful giver, Paul says, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Cor. 9:8).”

            The Bible never says that I will have a forever blooming money tree in my back yard just because I did a kind deed or two.  In fact, James 4:3 explains that people sometimes don’t get what they pray for because of impure motives.  But still, when I hear the words “all grace” my ears perk up for sure!  Paul is simply saying that when we give generously and cheerfully to the work of the Lord, God will take care of us.  In other words, if we show wisdom in how we spend our time and money to make a difference, God will continue to bless us so that we can continue to help others. 

            But the blessing doesn’t stop there.  Paul says in 2 Cor. 9:13 that when we supply the needs of God’s people, men will praise God!  Why? Because the attitudes and actions of the givers are in step with the good news of Christ they have proclaimed. In short, people praise God when they see that a Christian’s walk matches his or her talk of God’s grace.  And then it would only be natural that someone would want to be a part of that.

            Even when a late night television talk show host known for off-color humor encourages America to pray for victims of the typhoon in the Philippines, the attention of millions of viewers is suddenly focused on our dependence on God.  You see, when people incorporate Godly character traits into their speech and actions, good things happen, not just for those being served, but even more so for those providing the service. 

            Paul often speaks of giving in terms of it being a benefit to the giver as well as bringing praise and thanks to God both from the recipient and those watching from afar, sometimes with an eye of skepticism.  November is a great time to spend with family and friends, and to be reminded of our blessings for which we should be thankful.  May we also look for opportunities to serve in ways that will bring glory to the One who is the giver of all good things.  Have a great week!

A 3000 year old song finds reason to be thankful

by Barrett Vanlandingham
November 12, 2013

            One of the most famous Bible passages used during Thanksgiving is Psalm 106:1. It says, “Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”  The writer of this Psalm was evidently so excited about the awesomeness of his God, he could not even wait to tell us the why’s first.  So he immediately begins by telling us what our response should be to God, even before telling us what all of the excitement is about, wetting our appetite for a glorious explanation.

            What follows next are two of the most simple, easy to understand, yet powerful and meaningful statements that could have been written. “For he is good; his love endures forever.”         People back then, same as today, have managed to find a thousand and one people, places, and things to idolize.  Most of them are NOT good, and certainly nowhere near as good as what the writer of this Psalm has experienced in his own life in his relationship with God. 

            But even with life full of chaos and uncertainties, the writer says, “for he is good.”  That statement alone is like calm in the middle of a storm.  When you think about the word “good”, and just how important that quality is in anyone you have a relationship with, and then apply that quality to the One you worship, it brings about a sense of peace and hope and security for the writer and anyone today who has submitted their life to this Lord who is “good”. 

            The only quality I can think of that could out-do “good” is in the second of those two statements, “his love endures forever.”  You talk about burying the lead story!  This is the greatest news of all!  Our Lord is not only good, but he proves it by how much he LOVES us, not just a little, but a LOT, and for a very long time as is punctuated by the last word, “forever”.

            The writer then spends the rest of the chapter recapping history, and how God continued to love his people, and try to convince them to stay faithful, even though they continued to rebel.  Near the end of the chapter, the Psalmist pleads to God for salvation so that thanks may be given. Finally, the writer bookends his opening statement with these words, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, “Amen!”  Praise the Lord.”

            We have an amazing God who is forever full of goodness and love, two wonderful things we can always give thanks for.  Have a great week! 

The beauty of God’s creation should inspire us to greater heights

by Barrett Vanlandingham
November 5, 2013

            Autumn is my very favorite season of the year.  In Fort Gibson, you can pick just about any road to drive, and you will be in awe of the beauty of God’s creation.  Shades of green, yellow, red, and orange are everywhere.  To top it off, the rolling hills in the distance off highway 62, and on this particular day the formation of the dark and light clouds in front of the sun overhead were simply spectacular, a golden lining that even the most skilled artists would envy bringing to life on a canvass of that magnitude.

            When I read through the book of Psalms, it is inspiring to think about David, the shepherd, who spent so much time in green pastures and valleys, climbing cliffs, wading creeks, also marveling at the same sun and sky we see today.  He knew without a doubt there was a Creator, and he knew that the God of this awesome creation was always by his side.  Those facts did not make David into a sinless human being as we know from reading about some of his behavior as a king, but it was a constant reminder that his only hope would be found in God.  The 23^rd Psalm may be the most famous of David’s writings, because it tells of all the reasons we can take comfort in God as our Shepherd.   The chapter that comes right after that is no less inspiring, because it continues with describing the awesomeness of God, but then turns to what our response to His care for us should be.

            “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to another idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob (Psalm 24, NIV 1984).”

            The same challenge applies to our generation today.  We certainly have the same God.  And in the New Testament, Paul made reference to the same concept of having clean hands and a pure heart as we approach God.  As he stated it, “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing (1 Timothy 2:8).”

            In summary, it is only natural for mankind to be inspired by God’s handiwork.  But if our response to Him stops there, then we are depriving ourselves of the joyful obedience that comes with accepting his grace.  Have a great week!

Halloween masks parallel the way many people live

by Barrett Vanlandingham
October 29, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Identity is more than what you look like

by Barrett Vanlandingham
October 22, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

School homecoming festivities remind Christians of something more important

by Barrett Vanlandingham

October 15, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carrying God's torch takes commitment

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

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

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

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

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

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

(2 Timothy 4:6-8).”

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

Your children’s souls need more than earthly accolades

by Barrett Vanlandingham
October 1, 2013

            There are not many things that bring me more fulfillment and excitement than watching my kids do pretty much anything.  Parents, you know what I am talking about.  We will travel to the ends of the earth to see our children march in the band, play a game, or make an appearance on any stage.

            And while it is important to support our children in those things they find meaningful, and share in their happiness, there are some things involving our children that should bring us even more joy.  After all, when our children grow up, it would be comforting to know that they understand there are more important things in life besides games and performances. 

            Solomon says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).”

            Sadly, many parents forget this Biblical truth until it is too late.  I have spoken with a lot of my fellow ministers about this issue, and their stories are almost identical.  Parents get caught up in praising their children for their talents and abilities, teaching them that trophies, applause, high-fives, and fist bumps are to be coveted.  But then, when the child’s talent hits a roadblock with an injury, or maybe the child, now a teenager, or even early twenties, has grown up, their attitude changes and parents are horrified that their child is headed down the wrong path spiritually.  That is often the time that parents will finally ask a youth minister or a preacher to help them do something about it.  But it is usually too late for a quick fix.  The parent has “trained up” the child, but in the wrong way. In many cases, the parent tells their child how to live righteously, but refuses to model it in their own life.  And so guiding a child onto the right track often proves to be a great challenge, since the teen was trained improperly from the start.

            We know from the Old Testament writings of Moses in Deuteronomy 11 that it is necessary to teach our children to love and serve God only, and to study and talk about God’s commands throughout the day with our children, every day.  In the New Testament, the apostle Paul emphasized to a young Timothy the value of training in godliness over physical training since godliness holds the superior promise both now and in the future (ref: 1 Timothy 4:8).

            There are a lot of great things that can come out of the extra-curricular activities our children are involved in such as physical health and lessons in unity, teamwork, and loyalty.  But the Bible makes it clear that it will be all for nothing if parents forget to teach their children by word and deed how to apply and share the most important lesson of all, the good news of Jesus Christ.  Have a great week!

Christ’s love for you is more important than you realize

by Barrett Vanlandingham
September 24, 2013

            Have you ever had a day when you wondered whether anybody loved you?  Satan is pretty good at setting those kinds of traps as often as possible.  Don’t fall for it.  I have some very good and encouraging news for you.  Not only does somebody love you very much, but the most important somebody who has ever been, loves you.  It is not only love proven in the past, but love that continues today, every minute, every hour, every day!

            Two-thousand years ago, Jesus was much more than a man during his short stay on earth.  He was 100-percent man AND 100-percent God.  He was Jesus the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God, the Creator, and in fact, God himself.  Yes, it’s true!  Just take a look at Hebrews 1:8 and John 1:1-3 and John 14:9-11 and Colossians 1:15-20.

            Please, don’t ask me how this can possibly be that Jesus is God (and by the way, so is the Holy Spirit).  That is WAY beyond my pay grade of understanding.  My point in bringing this up is to simply reassure you that Jesus not only “loved” you.  He, in fact, “loves” you very much. This is very important because Jesus knows exactly how you feel at your best, and at your worst moments, and he STILL loves you.

            It is important for us to try to understand Christ’s love because the apostle Paul says, “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).”

            In short, Christ’s love should compel us to love as he loves us.  It is a deep and unconditional love, even when so many in this world are only interested in advancing their own agendas.  A Godly love means taking on the heart of a servant. 

            Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

            I think part of the reason Jesus can love us the way he does is because he understands us so well, and he understands what sacrifice really means.  He has been where we are (Heb. 4:14-16).  One of these days when we stand before God, we can be confident if we have shown our love to Him by obeying his commands.  So do not believe the devil’s lies.  You are loved. Jesus went the extra mile (major understatement) to make sure Judgment Day is an amazing experience for you, even though we all must endure hardships now.  Just remember they are temporary, but eternity is forever.  Stay faithful.  Have a great week!