NUMBER FOUR, 2021
In this issue 3
Solitude: A Vital Factor in Growing Closer to God
charles r. swindoll
5
Fighting with the Spirit's Sword
7
Trusting God
steve johnson robyn roste
Leaders: Lives and Lessons 8
Gideon and Conquering Insecurity
steve johnson
Purposeful Living 11 Purpose to Meditate on the Character of God steve johnson 14
The Eternal I AM
charles r. swindoll
Puzzle 15 Character and Attributes of God Insights is published by Insight for Living Canada, the Bibleteaching 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 40 years. We hope this publication will instruct, inspire, and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Copyright © 2021 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 Tim Schellenberg. IFLC is an autonomous ministry and certified member of the Canadian Centre for Christian Charities. Printed in Canada.
SOLITUDE: A VITAL FACTOR IN GROWING CLOSER TO GOD by charles r. swindoll
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often smile when I read the gospel of lutely alone.... I know whereof I speak. Sometimes it’s a motorcycle ride for Mark. He loved the word immediately. It appears again and again. Mark reminds us me. Sometimes it’s a long walk. But I’ll that Jesus’ life was packed with people and tell you, every time it happens, it’s delibpressure like you and I have never known. erate. No one has ever said to me, “You But he also records that, “before daybreak need to get alone for a while.” No, this is a the next morning, Jesus got up and went choice we all have to make. I can just hear some of you wondering, out to an isolated place to pray” (Mark 1:35). Why did He do that? Was He a morning “What do I do when I’m alone?” I have found that one person? Not necessarily. Morning was the You owe it to God, you of the best uses of my time in solitude is keeponly time He could be owe it to yourself, ing a journal. Webster’s alone. The next verses and you owe it defines a journal as “a say they hunted for Him to those you love record of experiences, even then and when ideas, or reflections kept the most to make they found Him said, “Everyone is looking for solitude a deliberate regularly for private I want you to conyou” (1:37). choice in your life. use.”1 sider keeping one too. A paraphrase would read “Jesus, You can’t stay out here by You’ll find it keeps you from losing the best Yourself. Man, You’re needed back here!” things you gain in your solitude, and that’s But Jesus needed the solitude of that early what draws you closer to God’s heart. If you will allow me this final thought: morning talk with His father to filter You owe it to God, you owe it to yourself, things out—and my friends, so do we. Solitude is good for us. Our natural and you owe it to those you love the most tendency is to always have people around, to make solitude a deliberate choice in always have stuff going on, but let me be your life. It’ll take an adjustment to your candid: I’ve never learned anything all schedule, but it will make a meaningful that significant in a crowd. I love to be difference in your life. with people, but solitude helps filter out the essentials and sift away the nones- 1. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 10th ed. (Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1999), sentials. Life kind of makes up its mind see “Journal.” in solitude. If the truth were known, some of you Taken from Charles R. Swindoll, “Solitude: A Vital live on the ragged edge because you Factor in Growing Closer to God,” Insights (January continually deal with people, demands, 2000): 1–2. Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, expectations, children pulling at you, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. friends, schedules, and plans. You can’t remember the last time you spent abso-
FIGHTING WITH THE SPIRIT’S SWORD by steve johnson
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Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17) In recent decades, opposition to Christian views and values have come from more sources and become increasingly accepted. Differing non-Christian ideologies dressed up as truth are more prevalent in our society now than ever. The result is a clash with biblical truth to which Christians have responded in a variety of ways. One approach is that of isolation from the battle. These folks say, in effect, “the world is going to hell anyway. It is prophesied in Scripture. There is no point fighting it. Hope the rapture is soon. Hang in there as best you can till then.” A second approach is trying to be neutral in the battle. These folks don’t withdraw from the conflict of ideas, but they don’t get involved either. Some in this group are wilfully unaware of the clash with divergent views. Others, though aware, simply choose not to engage in the fray. They’re “just trying to get along.” The final approach taken is that of engagement in the battle. These Christians pattern themselves after Elijah who confronted the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). They engage like Paul when he con-
fronted the secular humanists of his day, the Stoics and Epicureans, on Mars Hill (Acts 17). He understood their views and was able to demonstrate their weaknesses (2 Corinthians 10:5). Things have not changed much since then. There are those who seek to destroy the knowledge of God, and there are those believers who fight to withstand them. I wish all I had to do is urge us all to be more engaged in this battle. But there is an issue, which threatens us with our own undoing and is more critical than the opposing ideologies. It is the issue of the biblical illiteracy of Christians today. Not only are too many believers ignorant of the belief systems opposing them, many do not even know their own belief system! How can we confront error if we don’t know the Truth? Gary M. Burge, professor of New Testament at Wheaton College, writes about this lack of biblical knowledge as seen in the first-year students entering Wheaton. When asked to complete a test in which a series of biblical events must be placed in order, our students returned surprising results. One-third of the freshmen could not put the following in order: Abraham, the Old Testament prophets, the death of Christ, and Pentecost. Half could not sequence: Moses in Egypt, Isaac’s birth,
Saul’s death, and Judah’s exile. One-third battle for Truth and for the souls, and minds could not identify Matthew as an apostle of people. In coming to Christ we were not from a list of New Testament names. When called to be isolated or neutral. We were asked to locate the biblical book supplying enlisted in the conflict. We were given the a given story, one-third could not find Bible as our main weapon and being ignorant Paul’s travels in Acts, half did not know of it is as foolish as going to war unarmed. Second, resolving to personally “…make that the Christmas story was in Matthew or that the Passover story was in Exodus....1 every effort to add to your faith goodness; Some Christians say that a working and to goodness, knowledge” (2 Peter 1:5). knowledge of the Bible does not matter. Turn off the tube more often and instead The Christian faith, they argue, is a matter make time to read, study, and learn what of faith and the Spirit—not reason or theol- your Bible says. Finally, by resolving again not only to learn, ogy. The facts of the Bible are the stuff of acabut to live, the Truth. Yes, demic exercises, reserved Yes, God’s Word is God’s Word is our weapon, for leaders of the church. our weapon, but but its truth must permeate But it does matter. The our own lives too. The greatBible is the Word of God, its truth must the sword of the Spirit, the permeate our own est argument for, and against, the Truth of Christ is the way source of the Truth by which lives too. we, His followers, live. we attack lies and error and We are given the Sword of the Spirit to “…demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of wield in the battle for Truth. How’s your swordsmanship? God…” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV). By disregarding the Bible we surrender the chief authority for our faith. The solid 1 Hope for Our Troubled Times, pp.10,11 citing Gary M. Burge, “The Greatest Story Never footing upon which we evaluate our or Read: Recovering Biblical Literacy in the another’s experience turns to the quickChurch,” in Christianity Today, August 9, 1999, sand of relativism. And the chief weapon http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/1999/ of our warfare is lost. august9/9t9045.html. How do we respond to this situation? Not with despair, but with resolve. First, resolv- Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada. ing to constantly remember that we are in a
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TRUSTING GOD by robyn roste
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hen I think about trusting God and “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or walking with God wherever He tomorrow we will go to this or that city, leads, it reminds me of a game I used to play. spend a year there, carry on business Maybe you’ve played it before. You’re wearand make money.’ Why, you do not even ing a blindfold and someone else leads you know what will happen tomorrow. What through an obstacle course with nothing but is your life? You are a mist that appears their voice. Success or failure depends on the for a little while and then vanishes. quality of instructions, the obedience of the Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the blindfolded party, and, of course, teamwork. Lord’s will, we will live and do this or Thinking back, I’m not sure I ever made that.’” (James 4:13–15 NIV) it through the course without peeking, just James isn’t saying we don’t make our own a bit. For many reasons, I just couldn’t quite decisions or we aren’t personally respontrust the other person to sible. But he is saying we give me the right direc- We don’t know what’s don’t have divine knowltions so I wouldn’t get hurt, around the corner. We edge. Only God has that so embarrassed, or otherwise. have no idea what’s we’re far better off trusting Trusting someone else to God for our future. going to happen get you through an obstaI’ve learned when I live cle course you can’t see is tomorrow. In fact, we in the light of trusting uncomfortable, scary, and can’t see the obstacle God’s Will, walking with difficult. Why bother playGod isn’t so intimidating. in front of us. ing when you can just avoid In fact, if I need guidance the blindfold and potential pain altogether? all I have to do is ask. Even if the game is a bit silly, it brings up “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should an obvious parallel to trusting God to guide ask God, who gives generously to all my footsteps through life. As much as I love without finding fault, and it will be given to have the future figured out and my fiveto you.” (James 1:5) year plans mapped out, in truth, we are all Of course the hitch is after asking for going through life blindfolded. We don’t guidance and hearing God’s instructions, know what’s around the corner. We have no it’s time to trust in God and take those idea what’s going to happen tomorrow. In steps forward. fact, we can’t see the obstacle in front of us. That’s why James tells us boasting about Robyn Roste is the communications director at Insight for Living Canada. our upcoming plans is pure foolishness.
GIDEON AND CONQUERING INSECURITY by steve johnson
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he story of Gideon begins in Judges mighty hero with strength even though 6. He lived at a time when Israel had he was insecure and fearful. Jesus called forsaken the worship of their true God for Peter a rock even though he was a pebble that of false Amorite gods. Consequently, and kept crumbling. God called Abraham God handed Israel over to Midianite “father of many nations” when he had no oppression. For seven years they attacked children. Sarah was called a “noble woman” the Israelites, stealing their food and live- even when she mocked the Lord. stock, and reducing them to starvation. God does the choosing. Self-seeking or self-promotion is not God wanted to bring about change using the path to leadership in God’s kingdom. Gideon to do it. And God’s choosing Here are a few of the many wonderful leader- This is why He will often often comes unexpectedly. Gideon was just ship and life lessons that put us in seemingly emerge from this story. impossible situations, so going about his work when God calls him. God The Lord doesn’t see us the way we that when the victory is knew where he was and achieved no one can say what he was doing and see ourselves. We m e e t G i d e o n that it was anything but interrupted him. Gideon was neither looking for threshing wheat in a God’s doing. a leadership role nor sitwinepress, insecure, and cowering in fear of the Midianites. The ting around waiting for God’s call. Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty Consecration to the Lord is hero, the LORD is with you!... Go with foundational. The initial turning point for Gideon the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!” was an altar, a place of renewal, depen(Judges 6:12, 14). But all Gideon saw was dence, dedication, and surrender (v.24). that he was from a small tribe, a poor fam- He got rid of the idol worship and then, ily, and he was the least of his clan (v.15). clothed by the Spirit, Gideon became He was the least of the least of the least so God’s instrument. It was then he perhow could God ever use Him? There was formed a task beyond his natural powers a sense of hopelessness, helplessness, and and abilities. He led in a way he had never futility as he looked at his own weakness done before. God doesn’t make mistakes. and insignificance. God’s call upon Gideon and the task God sees in us the things we cannot see. Gideon’s humble situation that disqualified He had for him was bigger than anything him in his own eyes was one of the reasons Gideon could’ve imagined. If God has God chose him. The Lord called Gideon a truly called you to leadership, He will not
fail you. He promises to be with you. And since He is with you He will grant you success in your assignment. God works to strengthen your faith as you walk with Him. Leading with God is about leading by faith, not strength. Gideon needed to have faith in these areas. 1. In the plan of God to select him as a leader when he didn’t see himself as capable 2. In the presence of God to be with him as He promised even though he thought God wasn’t with them 3. In the power of God to give him success in his leadership even though he was seriously outnumbered Gideon had difficulty believing these three things so the Lord gave him several signs: the meat and broth sign, the fleece sign (twice), and allowing him to overhear the conversation about the dream of a barley cake rolling into the Midianite camp and bowling over a tent, signifying that Gideon would have victory over the enemy. God graciously accommodated Gideon’s insecurity by performing signs, and then whittled away at the army—something Gideon would have placed his faith in.
It may be that early on God accommodated your lack of faith and did amazing things in spite of you. But as time passes and we journey further in our walk with Him, He wants to move us away from other things we are trusting in so that we will have to depend on Him even more. Gideon picked his army, and then God picked His army. The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of this world. When God selects His leaders He wants people who will not take the glory that belongs to Him alone. This is why He will often put us in seemingly impossible situations, so that when the victory is achieved no one can say that it was anything but God’s doing. In the end, God gave Gideon victory in a way that Gideon and the people could not boast it was their doing. And Gideon rightly gave God the glory—something every Christian leader must always do. Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada.
Insight for Living’s Bible-teacher Chuck Swindoll has spent more than 50 years emphasizing God’s grace alongside a commitment to practical application. Learn more about our pastor at insightforliving.ca/chuck-swindoll
PURPOSE TO MEDITATE ON THE CHARACTER OF GOD by steve johnson
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I will meditate on your precepts and focus about God. Disregard the study of God, and you sentence yourself to stumble on your behavior.” (Psalm 119:15 NET) I was 21 years old the first time I read a and blunder through life blindfold, as it book that would be one of the most sig- were, with no sense of direction and no nificant influences in my life. Since then, understanding of what surrounds you. I have re-read it numerous times. The This way you can waste your life and lose your soul.”2 book is Knowing God by J. I. Packer. God is a person and meditating on Him In the first paragraph, Packer quotes the then 20-year-old C. H. Spurgeon who will allow us to not only know about Him said, “…the proper study of a Christian but also to know Him and serve Him better. is the Godhead. The highest science, As we contemplate Someone so vast and the loftiest speculation, the mightiest deep it will expand our souls and minds philosophy, which can ever engage the more than a person who simply focuses attention of a child of God, is the name, on things of this world. It will drown our the nature, the person, the work, the pride and humble us in its immensity. And doings, and the existence of the great God it will comfort us in our griefs, refresh us whom he calls his Father.”1 After a life of in our weariness, and inspire us in our discouragements. The best study and ministry, I agree Purposing to thing in life bringing more with that statement more joy and contentment than than ever and believe it meditate on anything else is knowledge should be one of the key God’s character of God (Jeremiah 9:23). purposes of all Christians. is one of the most How does one meditate Purposing to meditate on significant and on God? I’ll let you in God’s character is one of the most significant and powerful things on a little secret: we all powerful things anyone anyone could do. know how to meditate already. That in essence is could do. Some of us may equate meditation what worry is, meditating on situations, with that great sculpture The Thinker by circumstances, and their hypothetical Auguste Rodin. It’s a man sitting on the outcomes. Meditating on God is like worworld with his elbow on his knee and fist rying only we are plugging in truth about under his chin. Some think he was con- God instead of “what ifs” and “if onlys.” If reading Scripture is like tasting food, templating the universe but I think he was just wondering, “Where did I leave meditation is like digesting it. It gets inside and transforms our minds, affectmy clothes?” In all seriousness though, “it makes ing who we are and how we live. Medino sense for us to try to live in this world tating on God’s character necessitates without knowing about the God whose reading Scripture by which we get specific world it is and who runs it. The world true knowledge of all God’s attributes and becomes a strange, mad, painful place, character. But meditation moves beyond and life in it a disappointing and unpleas- reading to reflecting, considering, ponderant business, for those who do not know ing, and contemplating.
We meditate by becoming like sheep and cows who are ruminants meaning they chew the cud. They eat something and then regurgitate it later to chew on it and digest it more fully to derive more nutrition out of it. When we mediate on God’s character we bring Scripture or one of God’s attributes to our minds and we chew on it. We deliberately fix our minds on God, His works, and His Word. We ponder those truths in light of our life and situation and vice versa. We mull it over, roll it around, and purposefully direct our minds to focus, concentrate, and reflect. Here are some practical suggestions for doing biblical meditation. • Select a time and place when you are alert and undisturbed • Choose an attribute or characteristic of God that is relevant to your life at this time • Select Scripture that speaks of that characteristic. (Hint: a Google search
of the topic will present you with a list of relevant verses) • Pray and ask God to reveal Himself to you in a deeper way through the verses • Jot down your thoughts, questions, and observations • In light of your meditation ask, “Is there something different I need to believe? Is there some action I should stop or start?” • Pray about what you learn and talk to God about applying it to your life • Share what you’re learning with others • Start today Pastor Swindoll says, “Today is a great day to pause and reflect on the holiness of God.” 1 J.I. Packer, Knowing God (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1973), p. 13. 2 Ibid., p. 15. Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada.
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THE ETERNAL I AM by charles r. swindoll
Who is He? He is Yahweh, the eternal I ntil your eyes are fixed on the Lord, you will not be able to endure those AM, the sovereign Lord of the universe. He cannot do what is unjust; it is against days that go from bad to worse. His nature. He has never Fix your eyes on the Until your eyes are lost control. He is always Lord! Do it once. Do it daily. Do it 10,000 times fixed on the Lord, you faithful. Changeless. All powerful. All knowing. 10,000 times. Do it conwill not be able to Good. Compassionate. stantly. When your schedule presses, when your endure those days that Gracious. Wise. Loving. prospects thin, when your go from bad to worse. Sovereign. Reliable. hope burns low, when people disappoint you, when events turn Taken from Charles R. Swindoll, Wisdom for the against you, when dreams die, when the Way: Wise Words for Busy People (Nashville: walls close in, when the prognosis seems J. Countryman, 2001), 391. Copyright © 2001, Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved. grim, when your heart breaks, look at the Lord, and keep on looking at Him.
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Puzzle — Crossword
Character and Attributes of God Difficulty ● ● ● ● Each of the verse clues speak of Godʼs character and attributes. Some will be clearly stated and others wonʼt be. The first word has been provided, if it is new to you we encourage you to look it up and learn more of who God is and what He is like.
ACROSS
2. Psalm 103:8–9, Luke 6:36 4. John 4:24, Genesis 1:2 6. Romans 2:5, Ezekiel 25:17 7. Isaiah 66:1–2, 1 Timothy 6:16 10. Revelation 1:8, Titus 1:2 13. Isaiah 41:22–23, 1 John 3:20 (2) 16. Hebrews 13:8, Malachi 3:6 17. 2 Timothy 2:13, Lamentations 3:22–23 18. Isaiah 60:1-3, Revelation 21:22–23 19. Zephaniah 3:5, 1 John 1:9 20. Romans 3:26, Psalm 7:9
DOWN
1. Psalm 139:7–12, Acts 17:25 3. Genesis 1:1, John 1:3 5. Romans 8:15–17, Revelation 21:3 6. Romans 11:33, 1 Corinthians 1:21–28 8. Jeremiah 32:17, Job 37:23 (2) 9. Leviticus 19:1–2, 1 Peter 1:15–16 11. Jeremiah 31:3, Deuteronomy 7:9 12. 1 Timothy 2:5, Deuteronomy 6:4 14. Psalm 145, Nehemiah 9:31 15. Exodus 20:5, Nahum 1:2
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