JANUARY 2016
E N C O U R AG E One Another
In this issue
11
8 3
Marking the Milestones of God's Grace charles r. swindoll
6 Postcards from the Field: A Senders' Report sharifa stevens
6 8
Bigness charles r. swindoll
11 30 Days to Coping with Delay steve johnson 15 Beyond the Broadcast: Let's Talk About Our Walk
Insights is published by Insight for Living Canada, the Bible-teaching ministry of Charles (Chuck) R. Swindoll. Chuck is the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Texas. His international radio program Insight for Living has aired for more than 35 years. We hope this publication will instruct, inspire, and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Copyright Š 2016 Insight for Living Canada. All rights reserved. No portion of this monthly publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages are taken from the NLT. Unless otherwise noted, photography and illustration by Laura Vanderwel. IFLC is an autonomous ministry and certified member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Printed in Canada. cover image Š stocksy.com
by charles r. swindoll
In this month’s article, Chuck Swindoll shares his renewed global vision for Insight for Living Ministries. In Canada, we’re celebrating 32 years of ministry. Our vision is to reach one million Canadians with the truth of God’s Word by 2020. Your support of this Insights publication is helping us accomplish this goal in a tangible way. ilestone. Originally, the word referred to a stone used as a mile marker. But it can also refer to a significant point in development—a turning point in life. God showed His interest in milestones when He created ways of measuring time. He gives us all kinds of milestones. For instance, seven days make a week, and 52 weeks make a year. Holidays and seasons come around annually to signal a repeat of something significant. Milestones such as these offer us points in our journey that allow us to measure our development. They provide us opportunities to look back over time and see the memorable ways that God has graciously worked in our lives to impact others. As we turn our calendars to 2016, we naturally look forward. But we also need to look back and see how far we’ve come. Insight for Living Ministries celebrates 37 years of broadcasting this year. As I reflect on those years, I’m humbled by God’s grace in bringing us this far. It’s hard to believe the impact
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our Lord has made on people’s lives through this ministry. From foreign-language broadcasts to regional offices to a global web presence, God has stretched our simple desire to minister over a few radio stations so that now Insight for Living is heard, literally, around the world. Our bold vision purposes to permeate all 195 countries of the world with the message of God’s majesty, the authenticity of His Word, the power of the cross, and His amazing grace. The consistent flow of letters, emails, and phone calls continues to serve as a daily testimony to the work God has done and is doing in so many lives, including yours. It’s for that I am most grateful. In his second letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul, needing a letter of commendation to confirm his status as a minister of the Gospel, proclaimed that the Corinthian believers “are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men” (2 Corinthians 3:2). I can’t think of a better way to describe my feelings about our listeners. Your commitment to the Lord—to
seeing the Good News proclaimed all over the world—testifies to God’s faithfulness to use Insight for Living Ministries as an instrument of His grace. British scholar and author C. S. Lewis once wrote, “Indeed, the safest road to Hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”1 If we don’t stop at the milestones and remember, if we don’t celebrate and evaluate where we are on the road, we risk losing our connection to God and our relationship with one another. As you read Postcards from the Field: A Senders’ Report, you’ll have the opportunity
to remember with us the impact of these last 37 years, reading testimonials from many who have been changed because of Insight for Living Ministries. Each of these individuals, whether he or she knows it, serves as a testimony—“our letter”—to God’s wonderful grace. As we approach our 37-year milestone, it’s exciting to realize that God still uses Insight for Living Ministries as an instrument to impact individuals scattered all around the globe…now that’s grace!
1.C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters (New York: Touchstone, 1996), 54.
Charles R. Swindoll serves as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.
Do you need a new spiritual workout plan for 2016? This series, compiled of six of Chuck Swindoll’s recently most-requested messages, outlines a spiritual fitness regimen for your walk with God. For ordering information visit insightforliving.ca or view enclosed flyer.
Postcards from the Field A SENDERS’ REPORT
d times g how Go in z a m a “It's en to the ften I'd list O st s! g in th e this is ju and realiz st a c is d th a bro through ed to get what I ne !” challenge - Judi
“I had an old radio and was flipping through the ch annels and th ere he was. Chuck Sw indoll. I listene d the next day at ab out the same time so I could know for sure it was the same Chuck Swindo ll whose book I had just read (Standin g Alone). He's my guy. ” – Rosella
BY SHARIFA STEVENS
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he book of Acts dynamically chronicles the birth of the church. In Antioch, Acts tells us, when believing Gentiles gathered together, Christ followers took on a new name: Christians (Acts 11:26). Christians, Jews and Gentiles alike, sprang up everywhere, from synagogues in Jerusalem to lavish cities like Corinth. The growth spread so far, the church in Antioch commissioned missionaries to care for new Christians all over the region (13:1-3). Paul and Barnabas tirelessly nurtured churches all over Asia Minor, yet they faithfully checked in with Antioch to give a “Senders’ Report”: When they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all things that God had done…and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. (14:27) Why did Paul and Barnabas do this? Because Antioch’s support made
them co-labourers in the mission. Without Antioch, Paul and Barnabas would never have discipled so many people or founded so many churches. Because when the church of Antioch heard about the work God was doing, they were encouraged. Believers in Antioch endured intense persecution (14:22) and even harassment from other believers (15:24). Hearing Paul and Barnabas recount story after story of God’s love, grace, deliverance, and guidance re-centred and reassured the band of believers. January provides an excellent opportunity for us to give you a “Senders’ Report”— to share testimonies of God’s work so you can be encouraged as a co-labourer in our mission. Here are some doors of faith the Lord has opened recently. Sharifa Stevens is a writer for the creative ministries department of Insight for Living.
“Like the gran dfatherly advi ce I yearned for as a child, his sermons ch allenged me to understand that ‘God cann ot bless a man greatly un til He has hurt him deeply’, that we are no t exempt from trials and test that we are no ing, t God's shelte red people, bu His chosen ve t ssels and that God is faithful His promises to to be with us through the fir e.” – Rene
changing “I love the lifee me gu truths that id day.” e th throughout
has made the “The book that e on me was Th most impact ly al re d an ing Grace Awaken my life in e m ti e th spoke to me at God's needed to see when I really early.” grace more cl – Don
– Rosemarie
“I've never heard a message I couldn't apply to my life.” – Mark
ly “Every day that I read the Dai ast, adc Devotional and hear the bro e. ctiv I am always receiving perspe otional dev the Sometimes I wonder why facing am I t wha that day matches exactly I mean, n... atio situ and speaks to my specific ctive.” spe per ful I know why…but it's wonder – Jeff
d an't rea sband c u is poor h h y f o M “ ecause le b e r o g to Bib anym listenin o s , t h a is eyesig Chuck g from teachin or him.” lifeline - Betty
by charles r. swindoll
It was a cold, blustery January night in 1973. enator John Stennis, the venerable hawkish Democrat from Mississippi, drove from Capitol Hill to his northwest Washington home. Although older (71), he was still the powerful chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. At precisely 7:40 p.m., Stennis parked his car and started toward his house 50 feet away. Out of the darkness jumped two young robbers—little more than kids, really. One nervously waved a .22 calibre pistol as the other relieved the senator of his personal possessions. "Now we're going to shoot you anyway," one told Stennis. He did, firing twice. For six-and-a-half hours, surgeons at Walter Reed Medical Center laboured feverishly to repair the damage and save his life. At 9:15 that same night another politician was driving home from the Senate...a man on the opposite end of the political spectrum, a Republican "dove" who had clashed often and sharply with Stennis. His name? Senator Mark Hatfield. The tragedy was reported over Hatfield's car radio that wintry night. Disregarding the strong differences in their convictions
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and pulled by a deep admiration for the elderly statesman plus a compassion for his plight, Hatfield later admitted: "I had no skills to offer. But I knew there was something I must do—and that was to go to that hospital and be nearby where I could be helpful, if possible, to the family." There was untold confusion at the hospital as fellow senators, colleagues, and curious friends and reporters overwhelmed the hospital's telephone operators. Understaffed and disorganized, the hospital crew tried their best but were unable to handle the calls and answer the questions. Hatfield quickly scoped out the situation, spotted an unattended switchboard, sat down, and voluntarily went to work. Much later—after recovering—Stennis related what he heard happened next: "He told the girls, 'I know how to work one of these; let me help you out.' He continued taking calls until daylight." An exceedingly significant detail is that he never gave anyone his name because someone would surely suspect some political connection, some ulterior motive. Hatfield finally stood up around daylight, stretched, put on his overcoat, and quietly introduced himself to the other
operators. "My name is Hatfield...happy to help out on behalf of a man I deeply respect," he said as he walked away. The press couldn't handle that story when it leaked out. It boggled their minds! No way did it make sense for a Republican to give a Democrat the time of day, not to mention several long hours of personal assistance in some anonymous, menial task. I mean, that kind of character went out with the horse and buggy and silent movies and saying "ma'am" and "sir" to teachers. Or did it? Politics and personal preferences and opinions on things like military involvement may vary among members of the body of Christ...but there is a bond deep within that binds us to one another. It is the glue of authentic love, expressing itself in compassion, fairness, willingness to support, and (when possible) coming to the aid of another. Personally. Without strings attached. Committed to the protection and dignity of human life...regardless of how somebody votes. And what does it take? Bigness. Being free of grudges, pettiness, vengeance, and
“Politics and personal preferences and opinions on things like military involvement may vary among members of the body of Christ…but there is a bond deep within that binds us to one another.” prejudice. Seeing another in need—regardless of differences of opinion—and reaching out in solid Christian maturity. Just because you care. That's bigness. It's living above labels... it's seeing beyond hurts...it's caring unconditionally, helping unassumingly. Excerpt taken from Come Before Winter and Share My Hope, by Charles R. Swindoll, Copyright © 1985, 1988, 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
Charles R. Swindoll serves as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.
THANK YOU
for your generous support! Your financial support in 2015 means we can work throughout 2016, broadcasting the Good News across the country in print, on air, and online—because people need truth all year.
TO COPING WITH DELAY
This article is designed to create a better understanding of how to cope with delay. For the next 30 days read the questions and allow them to spark deeper personal reflection and life change.
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veryone is waiting for something. An answer to prayer, a change of situation, or the removal of difficulties all create stress the longer you wait. When the clock is ticking and frustration abounds, how do you cope with delay and find peace instead of panic, contentment instead of confusion?
DAY 1
Proverbs 13:12 says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick….” What words describe how you feel when your hopes are deferred and delayed?
DAY 2
Read Genesis 12:2-4 and 17:15-17. How soon would you expect God’s promise to Abraham of a son to be fulfilled? How does this challenge your expectation of God fulfilling promises in your life?
DAY 3
Read Genesis 16. Abraham and Sarah had trouble waiting and took matters into their own hands. The result was Ishmael. What unexpected consequences have you experienced by not being willing to wait?
DAY 4
Read Hebrews 11:12. Why does God wait until Abraham and Sarah were “as good as dead” to fulfil His promise? What does this teach you about God’s ways?
DAY 5
Read Hebrews 6:16. What response to delay is Abraham commended for? How do you usually respond to delays in your life?
DAY 6
Read Genesis 29:20. Jacob waited seven years to marry Rachel. How does Jacob’s love for Rachel make the delay inconsequential? How do you relate to Jacob’s experience?
DAY 7
Read Genesis 37:2 and 41:46. How long was it from the time Joseph was sold into slavery until he entered the king’s service? What delays in achieving positions have you experienced?
DAY 8
Read Exodus 7:7. Moses was 40 when he fled into the desert. How old was Moses before God spoke to him? What are some times you’ve experienced God’s silence?
DAY 9
In Exodus 32:1 Moses delayed in returning to the people. What does the impatience of the people lead them into? How can you avoid a similar response to delays in your life?
DAY 10
Read 1 Samuel 1:7-15. What was Hannah’s response to the anguish of barrenness? Why should you pray when experiencing delay?
30 Days to Coping with Delay
DAY 11
Read 1 Samuel 16. As a child, David was anointed as king and then experienced years of delay and hardship as a fugitive. How did this experience shape him as a king?
DAY 12
Read 1 Samuel 13:9-14. Saul impatiently took matters into his own hands when the priest was delayed, with dire consequences. What are ways you can apply this to your life today?
DAY 13
Read 1 Kings 17-18. Elijah was called to be a prophet in a needy time and God sent him away for more than two years. How did this delay fortify Elijah for the showdown on Mount Carmel?
DAY 14
Read Job 19. Job went through severe testing, trial, and false accusation. In verse 2 he asked, “How long?” How should you respond to a delay in being vindicated when falsely accused?
DAY 15
Read Luke 2-3. Although Jesus had great wisdom as a child, how much time passed before He began His ministry? Why do you suppose there was this delay?
DAY 16
Read John 11:1-6. Mary and Martha faced a heart-wrenching delay when Jesus didn’t arrive in time to save Lazarus. What was achieved by Jesus’ delay?
DAY 17
Read Luke 15:20. The prodigal son’s father waited for him to come home. What does this teach about how God waits for His stray children?
DAY 18
Read Galatians 1:16-19. After Paul met God on the Damascus road, how much time passed before he began preaching? Why was it important for Paul to experience this delay before beginning his ministry?
DAY 19
Read Hebrews 11:7 and 2 Peter 2:5. Between when God told Noah to build the ark until it was ready what else did Noah do? What does this suggest about delay?
DAY 20
Galatians 4:4 says, “But when the right time came, God sent his Son….” What does this teach about God’s control of time and the timing of events in your life?
TIP: Keep your Bible handy and refer to it as you read the questions
DAY 21
Read 2 Timothy 2:5-6. Paul wrote, “This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.” Why did God delay giving the Gospel to humanity?
DAY 22
Lamentations 3:25-26 says, “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him....” How are you to respond to the Lord’s delays to save?
DAY 23
Read Isaiah 49. Throughout this chapter God says variations of, “At just the right time, I will respond to you.” What are other reasons God delays?
DAY 24
Read Psalm 75. Sometimes God delays because His plans for you involve processes in other’s lives as well. What is your response to this idea?
DAY 25
Acts 1:7 says, “He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.’” What attitude does this require from you?
DAY 26
Read Romans 8:28. How does this verse assure you that even times of delay are for your good?
DAY 27
Read Romans 11:36. What is one ultimate purpose God has when He schedules delays for you?
DAY 28
Read Hebrews 13:5. What comfort does this verse give you to help cope with delay?
DAY 29
Read James 5:7-8. What do these verses suggest as to God’s purposes for delaying Christ’s return?
DAY 30
Read 2 Peter 3. There is a delay in the return of Christ. What reasons are given in verse 9? According to verse 14 what should you focus on while you wait?
30 Days to Coping with Delay
LET'S TALK ABOUT OUR WALK
“Let the words ‘no condemnation’ stick to your brain. We are eternally secure in Christ.” - CHARLES R. SWINDOLL
We all have the same dream: to have a • Righteous in our position before God (8:4) The contrast between the flesh and spirit fulfilled life by reaching our maximum potential without conflict or stress. Who comes down to how we think. Walking doesn’t desire greater balance and more according to the flesh results in a fleshly consistency? Who doesn’t long to be less mindset and death (8:5). Walking according to the Spirit leads to a spiritual mindset frustrated and anxious? But is it possible? God’s answer is yes but the outworking and peace (8:6). In response to Romans 8:1-10, three pracof His answer calls for drastic changes in our mental attitudes and the breaking of tical statements say it all. long-standing habits. These alterations 1. A life lived without Christ leads to emptiness. Life devoid of Jesus leaves lead to an abundant life but are humanly us hopeless impossible. We simply cannot pull it off, no 2. A life lived in the energy of the flesh matter how hard we try! centres on self. You can detect the Battling sin results in weariness, hopecarnal life at work by how much life lessness, and feelings of being trapped and revolves around you—your comfort, condemned. But Romans 8 offers good your desire, your plans, your impornews. The fulfilled life is divinely possible tance, your pedigree, your degrees, through the power of Him who lives within your accomplishments us. The secret lies in allowing God to take 3. A life lived with the Spirit in control control and change our walk. reminds us of grace. Grace keeps us Believers in Christ are no longer under humble and sets us free condemnation. In fact, God’s Spirit does According to Romans 8:9-10, who are for us what we could never do for ourselves. “in the Spirit” instead of “in the flesh”? Are Believers are: you in the Spirit or in the flesh? How do • Eternally secure in Christ (8:1) • Internally free from sin’s dominion and you know? the fear of death (8:2) “Let’s Talk about Our Walk” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series Supernatural Living in a Secular World. You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.
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