NUMBER NINE, 2020
In this issue 3
A Joyful Heart...It’s Good Medicine!
5
A Reason to Smile
charles r. swindoll
insight for living ministries
7 Prophecy
steve johnson
9
What Happens When We Live God’s Way?
robyn roste
Bumper Sticker Theology 12 You Can’t Out-Give God!
steve johnson
Beyond the Broadcast 14 Tranquil Words for Troubled Hearts
Puzzle 15 Spiritual Gifts Contest entries are limited to one per household, per puzzle. Open only to legal residents of Canada who are of legal age of majority in the jurisdiction in which they reside, and at least 18 years of age at the time of entry. Not open to Quebec residents. Not open to Insight for Living Canada staff or their immediate family. Mathematical skill testing question to be answered correctly to win. No purchase necessary. Puzzle solutions will be posted at insightforliving.ca/puzzle at a later date. 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 © 2020 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 Council of Christian Charities. Printed in Canada.
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few things in life are absolutely tragic. I also find a host of funny material in Some are mysteriously strange. Many, Scripture. Many of the scenes are a crackhowever, are just plain funny. up! And that is exactly as God planned There isn’t a day that passes in which it. He would never author a colourless, I fail to see, hear, or read something that dry, or boring Book. He is the One, you’ll makes me smile. And because laughter recall, who led Solomon to write: is such an effective therapy, I’m grateful A joyful heart is good medicine, that God dispenses this divine medicaBut a broken spirit dries up the bones. tion so frequently. (Proverbs 17:22 NASB) For instance, rules and statutes aren’t To which I shout a hearty “Amen!” havmeant to be amusing...but sometimes ing been around many a broken spirit they are. I find some of them downright with dried-up bones in my lifetime. hilarious. Some examples? My plea is not that we read the comics, • In Danville, Pennsylvania, fire watch mindless sitcoms, or tell a lot of hydrants must be checked one hour silly jokes to each other. That’s external, before all fires superficial, and shalA few things in • Oklahoma law low. I’m suggesting requires that drivers that we become more life are absolutely involved in fatal lighthearted, relishing tragic. Some are accidents stop immelife more as our confimysteriously strange. dence in the sovereign diately and give their Many, however, are Lord grows. After all, names and addresses to those who were He gave us humour just plain funny. struck to enjoy and genuine • In Lakefield, Ontario, smiles when we take legislation permits birds to sing for pleasure in His gift. 30 minutes during the day and 15 Let’s lighten up rather than surrender minutes at night to intensity and worry. A truly cheerful Religious stuff can also get a few chuck- face radiates from a relaxed, joyful heart. les out of me. Some church architecture A few things in life are absolutely tragic, is out-and-out unusual—and odd! Not no question about it. But a joyless Christo mention what happens when I find tian...that’s ridiculous! myself in an ultra-sombre meeting...I Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will occasionally have to bite my lip when say, rejoice! (Philippians 4:4) I realize that a silent smile could make scandalous waves. Taken from Charles R. Swindoll, “A Joyful Heart... Furthermore, we preachers are an It’s Good Medicine!” Insights (March 2001): 1–2. incredibly funny lot. When I study the Copyright © 2001, Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. lives of the pulpiteers of yesteryear, I chuckle to know that many of them were wild and crazy characters.
of knowing Christ (Philippians 2:17). Next oy—it makes people wonder at your time you read Philippians, picture Paul’s secret. Yet joy is no secret to the trustjail cell...and his face. ing Christian. When we choose to grow closer to God, resting in His character and 3. Joy is a choice “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when provision, joy spills over into our lives so you encounter various trials” (James 1:2 that others can’t help but notice. NASB). Here’s the reality—read it careDo you want to be a person of joy? Silly fully. Life’s painful trials are not joyous in question, isn’t it? We would love to live above themselves, but when we walk through our circumstances. Or have a great attitude. them, we should be filled with joy. Why? Or laugh a lot. But joy goes beyond all these Because of the good things. Let’s learn from Joy becomes a transaction God is developing in God’s Word the lovely us and in the situation. facets of joy: between you and God that can know real joy 1. Joy is the fruit of others can’t help but notice. We while in the scariest God’s Spirit It’s God’s life spilling over storm when we fill our More than a great attiminds and hearts with tude or an indomitable the brim of your life and into truth about God. spirit, joy comes from others’ lives. Joy becomes a transacGod (Galatians 5:22). Our joy increases in direct proportion to tion between you and God that others can’t our intimacy with Christ. And when sin help but notice. It’s God’s life spilling over keeps us from that relationship, it also robs the brim of your life and into others’ lives. When you trust Christ with the details of us of our joy (Psalm 51:8, 12). your life, you experience His life in won2. Joy doesn’t depend on circumstances Paul wrote Philippians—often called derful excess, and it can’t help but give you “the book of joy”—from a jail cell. He was reason to smile. criticized, tired, and misunderstood. But instead of allowing his horrible circum- Adapted from “A Reason to Smile: Cultivatstances to choke out God’s Word and God’s ing a Fruitful Life,” Insights (March 2001): 1, 3. Spirit (as Mark 4:19 describes they often Copyright © 2001 by Insight for Living. All rights reserved worldwide. can), Paul chose to concentrate on the joy
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hen many of us think of biblical prophecy we think it only applies to things to come. There is that aspect, but future things are only a small part in comparison to the rest of biblical prophecy. Prophets were divinely-appointed individuals who received God’s messages through dreams, visions, angels, and direct encounters with the Lord. They related these messages—called prophecies—in oral, visual, and written form. The majority of these prophecies are found in the Old Testament. The Major Prophets (called major because of their size) were Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. The last 12 books of the Old Testament were the Minor Prophets (Hosea to Malachi).
Biblical prophecies consist of two kinds of messages. Forth-telling Spiritual insight: exhortation, reproof, correction, and instruction. These were God’s word of judgment on the ungodly— sword, famine, disease—calling for heartfelt repentance and loving obedience to God. The prophets exhorted God’s people to remain faithful to the Covenant and reminded God’s people of the blessings and curses of Deuteronomy 28. Foretelling Spiritual foresight: prediction of God’s immediate and distant plans in response to human choices and events to come. These were God’s words of promise of
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future hope for the faithful remnant. of Israel occur repeatedly in prophecies. They promised physical restoration after Similar images and symbols also occur. As with all biblical interpretation, the exile and spiritual restoration when the Messiah came. These were not meant assume that the face value, plain sense to satisfy curiosity but to show that God of the passage is the prophet’s meaning. When the plain sense of Scripture makes is in sovereign control over all of history. Most of these predictions have already common sense, seek no other sense. Take been fulfilled because they concerned the every word at its primary, ordinary, usual, judgment of various nations, including literal meaning unless the immediate conIsrael and Judah. Some anticipated the text, related passages, and fundamental coming Messiah and were fulfilled in the Scriptural truths indicate clearly otherwise. Remember these things about foretellfirst advent of our Lord. Others await fulfilment in the events associated with His ing prophecies: 1. Most have already been fulfilled second advent. How do we interpret prophecy? 2. The New Testament interprets the Old. Look for passages where it shows Look carefully at the language used. the fulfilment of Old Determine the meaning Testament prophecy, and significance of all Look carefully at the especially concerning proper names, events, language used. Determine the nations and Israel geography, customs, the meaning and (Amos 9:11–12; Acts and culture. significance of all proper 15:16–17) L o o k a t p ro p h e t s and prophecies within names, events, geography, 3. They addressed the situation of the peotheir historical context, customs, and culture. ple of the time they knowing what state were written and pointed forward to Israel and Judah were in politically, ecothe coming of the Messiah nomically, and spiritually. Remember that they were words from God into a specific 4. Mostly written as poetry, containing many figures of speech historical situation in the nation of Israel or the surrounding nations and can only 5. They’re usually not arranged systematically in their sequences. The future be understood in that context. may appear present, or nearby, or indefPay close attention to the context and initely remote. Widely separated events flow of the discussion in the passage and on the prophetic calendar may appear book. Chapter and verse divisions were together in the prophetic sequence not in the original writing. Rather, look for the natural breaks and changes in the 6. They are progressive. Prophecies later in time often disclosed elements omittext. For example, to understand Malachi ted from earlier ones. And the sum total 3:1 properly one must go back to 2:17 to of what God discloses never comprises pick up the line of thought. a complete picture Search the entire body of prophetic Scripture to find what passages parallel each other. Concepts like The Day of the Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Lord, the remnant, and the re-gathering Living Canada.
ver the past few months I’ve found as a result of a close relationship with myself waff ling back and forth Christ and the Holy Spirit working from between adrenaline-fuelled panic and the inside out. overwhelming despair and apathy. The But what happens when we live God’s pandemic brought up many internal anxiway? He brings gifts into our lives, eties I thought I had dealt with in the past. much the same way that fruit appears But, as it turns out, they were just buried. in an orchard—things like affection for I spent the first couple weeks of March others, exuberance about life, serenity. in a daze. Every day I went through the We develop a willingness to stick with motions of regular life but felt distant things, a sense of compassion in the from myself. I didn’t engage with much heart, and a conviction that a basic of anything and I kept fighting the feeling holiness permeates things and people. like what was happening wasn’t real. We find ourselves involved in loyal After the initial shock of our entire commitments, not needing to force our world changing, maybe forever, I deterway in life, able to marshal and direct our mined to stay strong. I focused on gritting energies wisely. (Galatians 5:22–23 MSG) my teeth, pushing through, and toughing I love the question posed in this transit out. But, of course once lation, but what happens the adrenaline wore off I when we live God’s way? My way was so noticed how human my It’s so straightforward. exhausting. As I read response was. Rather But as I consider it in light these beautiful verses of the pandemic and subthan reaching out to God from the Apostle Paul, sequent global issues I’m in prayer and through reading the Bible I I’m struck with how thinking...maybe not so defaulted to relying on simple. much better living my own strength to get What happens when God’s way is. through each day. we live God’s way? Now, while I’m sure my actions and/or In good times, spiritual fruits like affecreactions were quite normal, it also showed tion for others, exuberance about life, me where I have room to grow in my rela- and serenity are perhaps a little easier tionship with the Lord. In the upheaval, I to come by. We’re happier and therefore allowed my fear and uncertainty to take demonstrate love for others and feel over and rule my emotions. Now I must both calm and excited about the future. learn how to demonstrate trust in God’s However, when times aren’t so good, our provision through every situation. natural response is to look for ways to This emotional roller coaster has protect ourselves. We look inward and reminded me of how important the Fruit stop noticing others. We feel fear so we of the Spirit is in times like these. Love, stop looking forward to the future. And joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, serenity? Not as easy to be at peace when and faithfulness. These are developed the world turns upside down.
But despite it all, the question still gnaws at my mind: what happens when we live God’s way? When we live God’s way, we experience the Fruit of the Spirit in good times and bad. Because it’s a supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit, this fruit is not tied to things of the world, emotions, health, or anything else. It’s beyond our human comprehension and allows us to see past our current situation, hurts, habits, frustrations, and any other distraction. Again, the Message paraphrase puts it so well. “We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people.” I think back to the Spring and wonder how different things would have been if I had had the presence of mind to rest in God’s Word and allow the Holy Spirit to further develop His fruit in me rather than digging in and trying to be strong. My way was so exhausting. As I read these beautiful verses from the Apostle Paul, I’m struck with how much better living
God’s way is. It’s so obvious looking back, so how do I make this lesson stick moving forward? Here’s my plan to keep my heart and mind focused on God so I won’t be so caught off guard in the future and revert to my old, human responses. • Make Bible reading and prayer a daily habit • Carve quiet moments into my day and ask the Lord what He wants to show me • Write my thoughts down and be open to inner promptings • If my mind begins spinning, use that as a signal to slow down and give my cares to God I’m grateful to be shown this weakness. Because now that it has been brought to light I am able to recognize it and work— with God’s help—towards change and transformation. Robyn Roste is the media and marketing manager at Insight for Living Canada.
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Bumper Sticker
Theology
’m going to state at the outset that I believe you can’t out-give God. My proof is John 3:16, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” No one in the history of the world has ever or will ever out-give that gift. Scripture abounds with statements about how God will meet our needs if we give (see 2 Corinthians 9:6–11). The truth is that if we give to others generously as an expression of love for them and because of the grace that God has shown to us, God will generously provide for us. If that is what you think when saying, you can’t outgive God, then great. But often that isn’t the
case. This and two other issues can make this saying problematic. One issue is Scripture-twisting. Malachi 3:10 is probably one of the most misinterpreted and misapplied Old Testament verses of our day. I have heard or read countless testimonials where people claimed Malachi 3:10 and put God to the test. “’Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,’ says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, ’I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!’” The problem is that this does not teach that Christians are to give tithes or that God
The other issue relates to the motive will bless you abundantly if you do. This is about the Israelites breaking their covenant behind saying, “You can’t out-give God.” obligations to God and not bringing their Some people say this thinking only in terms required offerings to the temple. Because of of money and things. Their motive becomes their disobedience, God judged them (see giving in order to get so this becomes a mantra for greed and materialism. Deuteronomy 28). True giving means giving to God with So the Lord commands them to bring the full tithe of grain sacrifices (Leviticus no expectation of return. It’s a mark of real 6:14–23) and see that He would bless them faith, because though we are giving to a viswith an abundance of future crops as prom- ible person or organization, we are doing it ised. The “storehouse” mentioned in verse in a way that signals our mind and heart is 10, is a place to store grain in the temple and surrendered to an invisible God. We are not to give to get earthly reward, the tithe was required as part of the temple expecting God to always worship. Applying this The truth is that if we give us back in this life command about temple giving to the idea you give to others generously what we invest in the Kingdom. Jesus says, give can’t out-give God disas an expression of love without expecting to be torts this passage entirely. In Luke 6:38 the Lord for them and because of repaid (Luke 6:35). He the grace that God has then goes on to say, when tells us “Give, and you we give in hopes of gainwill receive.” The context shown to us, God will nothing but God, our is actually about giving generously provide for us. ing reward from heaven will forgiveness not money. Using the illustration of a measuring cup be very great. In other words, give without filled to overflowing with grain His point is care for the earthly reward of financial that the heart overflowing with nonjudg- prosperity. Instead, seek the heavenly mental generosity and forgiveness to oth- reward of God Himself. At times, God does reward faithful giving ers will be rewarded with divine generosity by returning to us more than the financial and forgiveness. Besides giving forgiveness He also talks gifts we’ve given for the sake of the Gospel. about giving a cup of water (Matthew 10:42), But don’t make the mistake of expecting or healing care as in the case of the parable our reward will always be a financial return. of the Good Samaritan. John writes that we We give because Jesus, “...though he was “ought to give up our lives for our brothers rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so and sisters.” That may mean giving our that by his poverty he could make you rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). time or talent (1 John 3:16–17). The wealth we gain through giving is not Jesus also told us when we put on a luncheon or banquet, “...invite the poor, the a fatter bank account. We grow rich in God crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at by giving ourselves. the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for not repay you,” (Luke 14:13–14). Note: the Living Canada. reward won’t be given until eternity and it won’t be in cash.
Tranquil Words for Troubled Hearts
“You’ve counted on Jesus for your eternal security. Now count on Him for your daily needs. He invites you, ‘Trust in Me’.” — CHUCK SWINDOLL
The disciples’ hearts were troubled... tranquil words that turned their thoughts understandably so! Jesus had just told them toward a place of safety and love—the He would remain with them only a little presence of God in His heavenly home. Chuck Swindoll sums up the applicawhile longer and that where He was going, tion of this passage with three easy-tothey could not follow (John 13:33). Worrisome questions swirled through remember principles: their minds: Where is He going? Why can’t • Knowledge of the truth removes fear Jesus faced death, the most fearful of we follow? What are we to do now? For about three years, they had devoted their lives to all adversaries, with peace because He following Jesus. They had abandoned their knew He was secure in the Father’s love. jobs and left their families when He had Truth steadies the nerves. said to them, “Follow me” (1:43), and now • Application of knowledge reduces anxiety Obeying Christ’s commands through any He said they couldn’t follow Him? The next words from Jesus must have trial keeps our hearts calm and focused. sent shivers up their spines. Upon hear- • Love for the Lord releases guilt Peter released his guilt when, later, he ing Peter’s bold pledge of loyalty, Jesus predicted Peter would deny Him—not declared his love for Jesus (John 21:15–17). once but three times (13:36–38)! If the When we’ve strayed from the path of righbravest among them was going to break teousness, the way back is declaring our love under pressure, what would be their fate? for the One on whom our life depends. Sensing the troubled hearts within His disciples, Jesus calmed the men with “Tranquil Words for Troubled Hearts” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series Following Christ...The Man of God. You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.
Puzzle — Crossword
Spiritual Gifts Difficulty ● ● ● ● If you find yourself stuck turn to 1 Corinthians 12-13, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4 for clues (NIV suggested).
ACROSS 1. Restoring well-being
DOWN 2. Gift of encouragement
4. Sophia
3. Gift of helping and aiding
9. Needed for 20-across
5. “The same Spirit ______ them”
11. Trust
6. Works of power
13. Gift of guidance
7. All gifts used to ______ God
16. Generosity
8. Often listed first among the gifts
17. Great empathy
10. Understanding
18. Distinguishing ______ spirits
12. Fore/Forth-telling
19. Instructing and instilling doctrine
14. “If it is to lead, do it ______“
20. Languages
15. Resounding gong without
____________________
____________________
____________________
First and last name
Email address
Phone number
INSIGHT FOR LIVING CANADA PUZZLE CONTEST RULES
Insights magazine subscribers are invited to submit their completed puzzles by mail, email, or fax for a chance to win a Swindoll Study Bible. Each month from January 15, 2020 to October 31, 2020 there will be a new puzzle challenge with another opportunity to gain a contest entry. Completed puzzles received before November 13, 2020 will be entered into a draw. One grand prize winner will be selected by random draw and notified by email or phone. Further details can be found on page 2 of this issue. Mail: 1-30445 Progressive Way Abbotsford BC V2T 6W3 // Email: info@insightforliving.ca // Fax: 1.604.870.8743
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