NUMBER NINE, 2021
In this issue 3
6
Character: It’s Been Buried Long Enough
charles r. swindoll
God Is Faithful
charles r. swindoll
Leaders: Lives and Lessons 8
Daniel and Courage
11
The Three-Second Pause
colleen swindoll thompson
steve johnson
Purposeful Living 12 Purpose to Daily Wait on the Lord steve johnson
Beyond the Broadcast 14
Sustaining an Attitude of Gratitude
Puzzle 15 God’s Faithfulness 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.
CHARACTER: IT’S BEEN BURIED LONG ENOUGH by charles r. swindoll
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onsider the words of Solomon: “He rhetoric? Wrong again. We can dream up who walks in integrity walks securely, a half dozen other possibilities that some But he who perverts his ways will be found cynic might suggest, but they would be as out” (Proverbs 10:9 NASB1995). Before far off target as the four I've mentioned. What they had in common was charreading on, go back and read that again. By the time Job had reared his family, acter. Each man I have selected from the established himself in the business world, Scriptures had high moral character. It is and gotten up in years, he had become easy to overlook that essential ingredient “the greatest of all the men of the east” among leaders in our times...especially during an election year. (Job 1:3). Unfortunately, we have grown accusJoseph became Potiphar’s personal servant and later was put in charge over all tomed to shrugging off secretive and Potiphar owned (Genesis 39:5). Whether deceptive lifestyles. We have heard so before the workers or handling huge often that finding people who value sums of money or serving a large group honesty and model responsibility, who promote fairness, of guests or all alone Call me oldaccountability, loyalty, in the home with Mrs. and respect for othPotiphar, Joseph could fashioned or be trusted. idealistic if you wish, ers, and who hold to strong, upright convicDaniel also comes to but my passionate tions is not possible, mind. He came up for plea is that we it's not realistic. As one promotion to prime minister, and those who unearth and restore air-headed soul said recently, “We’re voting envied him “began trythe importance for a president, not the ing to find a ground of of character. pope.” To such an analaccusation against Daniel” (Daniel 6:4). They struck out. There was ogy I reply, “Hogwash.” Call me old-fashioned or idealistic if no dirt...no cover-up. After every attempt to dig up some questionable issue, “they could you wish, but my passionate plea is that find no ground of accusation or evidence of we unearth and restore the importance of corruption” anywhere (6:4). Like Job and character. It’s been buried long enough. It Joseph, Daniel walked securely in his integ- belongs first on our list when searching for employees in the workplace. It must rity. He never feared being “found out.” What is it that these men had in com- be a nonnegotiable among those we place mon? Perfection? No, each person I have into leadership positions in our schools, named was far from perfect. Easy times? our cities, our state...and, absolutely, in Hardly. A closer look will reveal heart- our churches and in our nation. Charaches and hardships that would make acter is what wholesome parents strive your head swim. Well, how about an to cultivate in their children. It is what impressive presence, carefully choreo- great moms and dads look for and long graphed by a public-image department? for among those their teenagers date. It Don't make me laugh. So, how about slick is the foundational quality that all of us
expect from the circle of professionals and labourers who serve us. We may not say it every time, but deep down in our souls, we long for and expect character. When it is lacking, we feel it; we resent it. Character is the “given” in greatness. Then why, may I ask, is it so seldom mentioned? Could it be because most have come to believe we have no right to expect it? After all, “nobody’s perfect.” It is character we require, I repeat, not perfection. From our nation’s beginnings, back when great men and women, albeit imperfect, occupied places of leadership, when public officials exhibited true virtue...dignity, self-mastery, resoluteness, determination, strength of will, moral purity, personal integrity, and sacrificial patriotism. They were selected and elected because they were examples in public leadership and in private life. Because some have failed to live up to the minimal standard does not change the ideal.
Solomon was right. Those with integrity walk securely...with no fear of being “found out.” If men such as Job and Joseph and Daniel could demonstrate character in the worst of times, you and I can too—today. And because we can, we must. Adapted from Charles R. Swindoll, “Buried Long Enough,” in The Finishing Touch: Becoming God’s Masterpiece (Dallas: Word, 1994), 332–334. Copyright © 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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GOD IS FAITHFUL by charles r. swindoll
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Remember, at this time Esther cannot be hen God scans the earth for potential leaders, He is not on a search more than 20 years old or so, and she could for angels in the flesh. He is certainly not have been even younger. This is the chance looking for perfect people, since there are of a lifetime for her to have whatever she none. He is searching for men and women wishes. Instead, she remains true to what like you and me, mere people made up of she has been taught and abides by the flesh, bone, and blood. But He is also look- counsel of Mordecai, believing he knows ing for certain qualities in those people, like what’s best for her. Esther does not succumb to the tempthe qualities He found in Esther. What did God see in Esther? Esther sus- tation around her—the superficiality, tained a continually teachable spirit. Our the selfishness, the seduction, and selfacute need is to cultivate a willingness to centredness. She knew who she was. She learn and to remain teachable. Learning knew where she was coming from. To use from your children. Learning from your one of my favorite expressions, she had her stuff together. friends. Learning even from our enemies. Frankly, I’m convinced Esther remains a sterling example for women today. What is God looking that Esther went in to the Some women are wonderfor? He is looking king without fear because had no driving ambifully gifted teachers. You for men and women she tion to be queen. Again, may have the ability to whose hearts are she knew that God’s hand stand before a group and to open the Scriptures. Others completely His— was on her life. If it was His pleasure that she be here, may distinguish themselves completely. if it was part of His plan, in public service. You may be well-travelled and well-educated. But let then she would willingly accept it. If not, me ask, has that changed your teachability? she would willingly relinquish it. She was Are you, like Esther, still willing to listen modest about her own person, she was authentic, and she was teachable. and learn from others? What is God looking for? He is looking The Hebrew word sakal means “instructed.” The sakal person is teachable. for men and women whose hearts are comNo matter how fast the promotion or how pletely His—completely. God gives extraorhigh the exaltation, we are never to lose our dinary tasks to ordinary people to reveal teachability. We never reach a level where His faithfulness. Do you long to please we are above criticism or we no longer need Him in your actions? Do you care about the motives behind your actions? Do you have a the input of others. Esther did what Mordecai told her as she heart for God? Are you teachable? had done when under his care (Esther 2:10, 20). She stood before the king for one rea- Adapted from Charles R. Swindoll, Great Days with son: because she knew that the hand of God the Great Lives (Nashville, Tenn.: W Publishing was on her life, and through circumstances Group, a division of Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2005), 102, 119, 196–197. and Mordecai’s wisdom, she had been brought to this place for a reason.
DANIEL AND COURAGE by steve johnson
said, “How then could I do such a wicked Dare to be a Daniel thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9 Dare to stand alone NIV), Daniel’s reverence, awe, and love Dare to have a purpose firm for the Lord and His Word conquered Dare to make it known fear of the king and consequences. Dan—Philip P. Bliss, 1873 Although I sang these lyrics as a child, iel believed the precepts of the Lord are it has far more relevance to me now as right and were given by a higher authoran adult and leader. Daniel exemplifies ity than the king. He chose to obey God courage—that quality of being ready rather than man. He honoured God and and willing to face dangerous or painful God blessed him and his efforts with the situations. The tests we face may not be as result that Daniel was 10 times better than the other captives. dramatic as the ones the The great heroes of the D a n i e l’ s e x a m p l e Old Testament character Daniel faced but they Bible and church history shows us that it is always right to do right. We may still require courage and have been people see evil-doers prospercentre around the same with the courage to ing and are tempted to three things. say “No” to sin. They do the same. But we need Precepts to remember that temThe first test was didn’t condone it or porary prosperity is not whether Daniel would compromise with it. lasting success. There is have the courage of his convictions—the confidence to act in no eternal prosperity by doing wrong and accordance with his belief that the pre- true success is measured by God. cepts of the Lord are right (Daniel 1). The Provision The second test of courage involved food from the king’s table was identified with Babylonian gods and Daniel saw that solving a great problem (Daniel 2). eating the food would sanction idolatry. The king had a troubling dream and He determined he would not defile him- demanded that his wise men not only self in that way. Even though partaking interpret the dream but also tell the king might have gained him some advantage what his dream was. Failure would result and refusing could bring negative conse- in death to all the wise men including quences he chose to honour God and obey Daniel and his three companions. To save the situation Daniel went to the His precepts. One element Daniel’s courage was king offering to recall and interpret the rooted in was his desire to honour and dream. It took courage to trust God for please God above all. Like Joseph who the provision of an answer. The courage
in this instance came from the fact that Daniel already had proven God trustworthy when he dared to do right. Previous victory bolstered present courage and faith to tackle this problem. Daniel asked his three friends to pray and God answered by providing Daniel wisdom for the solution of the problem. Prayer is another element in Daniel’s life that resulted in courage and it is a necessary element for leaders today. Personal prayer and prayer support emboldens us to trust God for provision of solutions to problems we encounter. God’s promise is, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you” (James 1:5). Protection The third and final test of courage came when Daniel was past 80 years old and the object of jealousy (Daniel 6). His enemies sought to turn his devotion to God against him by getting the king to issue an edict that all prayer to anyone other than the king himself should cease for 30 days. The penalty for disobedience was death by lions. Daniel knew the penalty but courageously continued his devotion to God by praying three times a day in front of an open window. This wasn’t about
snubbing his nose at the king in some sanctimonious arrogant act. It was about the priority of his devotion to God. He never feared the consequences because he believed God would protect him. As 1 Peter 3:14–15 says, “But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life.” When Daniel was caught praying and thrown into the lion’s den He trusted in the Lord’s protection. He gave God the glory when he acknowledged this protection saying, “My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me” (Daniel 6:22). The great heroes of the Bible and church history have been people with the courage to say “No” to sin. They didn’t condone it or compromise with it. The root of Daniel’s courage was his trust in the Lord and His precepts, provision, and protection. He stands as an example for all believers. Will you dare to be a Daniel too? Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada.
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THE THREESECOND PAUSE by colleen swindoll thompson
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he exercise of this discipline called self-control prevents desire from becoming a dictator. For the person without Christ, the desires dictate and he or she obeys. Those in Christ, living under the authority of His Spirit and ruled by Him, are able to defy this once-powerful dictator. As a result, we experience a transforming change that others notice. As for the tongue, we exercise verbal restraint. Where our diet is concerned, we exercise restraint at the dinner table. (And I leave the ice cream in the freezer!) Pertaining to the temper, we exercise emotional restraint. As it relates to our thoughts, we exercise mental restraint. In terms of sexual lust, we exercise moral restraint. All of us have areas that tempt us more than others, so we must give ourselves over to the Spirit’s authority. He steps in and empowers us to hold back before we take steps to satisfy our impulse or our desire. Let’s get practical. I have found that a three-second pause can make all the differ-
ence. Just as an impulse hits me, I decide to wait just three seconds before taking any action. During that pause, I do a quick assessment of what the consequences might be. Would this action be something that I would be embarrassed about later? Not all impulses are bad; some are good. Those three seconds have kept me out of a lot of hot water over the years.1 A Note from Colleen: Pausing instead of reacting is one of the initial steps of living an authentic life. I’ve referred to this process as “becoming real.” In difficult situations, instead of responding quickly, pause a few moments in order to consider choosing a different, better response. During this pause, recall what “becoming real” looks like, and offer a genuine reply. 1. Adapted from Charles R. Swindoll, The Strength of Character: 7 Essential Traits of a Remarkable Life (Nashville: J. Countryman, 2007), 34–35. Copyright © 2007 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
PURPOSE TO DAILY WAIT ON THE LORD by steve johnson
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variation on Murphy’s Law states that the length of time you have to wait in the doctor’s office is directly proportional to the boringness of the magazines there. That’s what most of us think when we think about waiting. But in the Bible waiting on, or for, the Lord means something very different. Many times in the Bible we are commanded to wait for the Lord. “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14). And many times we are told of the benefits of doing so. “Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” (Isaiah 40:31 NASB) What are we waiting for when we wait on the Lord? Answering that needs some context. The Christian life is sustained by the grace of God, “…it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). It’s God who gives us both the desire and the power to live as we ought. Defining it in practical terms, grace is the desire and power for Christian living. Waiting on the Lord means we are looking to Him for grace—the desire and power needed in a situation. For example, sometimes we know the thing to do, but
don’t want or desire it. We need to wait Action This is the third aspect of waiting and on the Lord to supply even the desire to do the right thing. We may know we need involves two kinds of action. The first kind of action is the daily use to forgive someone but we don’t want to. We need to wait on the Lord for the desire of the means of grace God has given us. and the power and strength to forgive. In We need to be spending time in the Word, other situations, we may need grace in studying, seeking answers, and claiming the form of wisdom needed for a decision promises. We need to pray about our situaor in the form of the desire and power to tions asking Him for wisdom and discernment (Matthew 7:7). And we need to reflect love the unlovely. Here are three aspects to waiting for the on who God is and what He wants to do in and through us. We need to do this daily— Lord for the grace to live as Christians. even moment by moment—and we need to Attitude Waiting on the Lord begins with an atti- be purposeful and intentional about it. We tude of dependence on Him, which is rooted always need the desire and power to live the in knowing who God is and what He is Christian life. The second kind of capable of and in knowing Waiting on the Lord action is acting in reliance we are weak and powerless. means we are looking on the grace God provides. “The LORD is the everlasting God, the to Him for grace—the Some might think that if we are to wait on the Lord Creator of all the earth. desire and power for grace, we then just He never grows weak needed in a situation. keep on waiting passively or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. as if waiting for some divine download of He gives power to the weak and strength desire and power. Instead, we are to wait on the Lord and to the powerless.” (Isaiah 40:28–29) Waiting on the Lord begins with a hum- then act in faith believing that God will give ble mindset that recognizes the need to that which we need. For example, we want look away from my own inadequacy to His to share our faith with someone but we are sufficiency. It is important because “God fearful. Wait on the Lord for His grace in opposes the proud but gives grace to the the form of courage to share our faith and then, believing God will give the grace as it humble” (James 4:6). is needed, we open our mouth and speak. Anticipation Purpose to daily wait on the Lord and The second aspect of waiting on the Lord is confident trust in Him with the enjoy the unimaginable blessings God has expectation and hope of a positive result. in store. “For since the world began, no ear It is anticipating that He will provide the has heard and no eye has seen a God like desire and power we need because He is you, who works for those who wait for him!” loving, gracious, and faithful. Anticipation (Isaiah 64:4). is when we put our mind in gear, looking to Him for a change in circumstances, or Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for deliverance from a difficulty, or healing for Living Canada. an infirmity. We are anticipating grace for the situation.
“I think an attitude of gratitude is one of the most contagious of all attitudes we can sustain. Being around a person who is grateful and frequently uses those two marvellous words, ‘Thank you,’ often is just good therapy.” — CHUCK SWINDOLL
Have you noticed the happiness of grateful people compared to the unappreciative? Gratitude and happiness seem to stick together, like two tight-stitched friends. Where we find one, we find the other. Those who speak the language of gratitude will regularly find happiness. But what can fuel our gratitude? Let it be your connection with Christ, our closest of friends. Because of Him, we can speak with a grateful heart. “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love?” asked the Apostle Paul (Romans 8:35). Nope...Nothing! Jesus has secured us a future with Him after this vale of tears, and, no matter the calamities we face, Christ promises He is with us through it all. It’s that Spirit-driven, eternal union with Christ, which begins in the present, that empowers us to follow Paul’s otherwise impossible appeal, “Be thankful in
all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). In his sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:12– 18, Chuck Swindoll calls to our attention that imperative to be thankful. Chuck encourages all of us—particularly those in ministry—to sustain an attitude of gratitude. In doing so, you will see how, in fact, Jesus uses it to sustain you. The commands of 1 Thessalonians 5:12–18 need little exposition to understand the plain meaning and, therefore, the plain application. All serve as timeless principles to pursue from morning to evening, day to day. When we see the bigger picture of God’s plan for us through Jesus Christ, we can’t help but give thanks. God has given us so many blessings through Christ. Yet, they present only a foretaste of what we look forward to when He returns!
“Sustaining an Attitude of Gratitude” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series Straight Talk for Seminary Students. You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.
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Sustaining an Attitude of Gratitude
Puzzle — Crossword
God’s Faithfulness Difficulty ● ● ○ ○
Each verse emphasizes a way in which God is faithful, read them to find the answers to the crossword puzzle. The words were pulled directly from the NLT translation (2015), if you would like a challenge use a different translation to solve the puzzle!
ACROSS: 1. Psalm 57:2 7. Philippians 1: 6 (3) 8. Psalm 91:4 11. Hebrews 2:17–18 (2) 13. 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 (3) 15. Psalm 119:89–90 (2) 16. 2 Chronicles 7:14 18. Isaiah 49:7 19. Jeremiah 23:1–3 20. Deuteronomy 7:9–11 (2)
DOWN: 2. Exodus 34:6–7 (2) 3. Revelation 1:4–5 4. Psalm 23:3 (2) 5. Galatians 3:14 6. Colossians 1:15-22 9. Lamentations 3:22–23 (2) 10. 1 Kings 8:56 (2) 12. Hebrews 6:18–20 14. 1 John 1:9 (2) 17. Psalm 13:5–6
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