Insights Magazine: September 2014 by Insight for Living Canada

SEPTEMBER 2014

In this issue

8 3

The Secret of Letting Go charles r. swindoll

6 Possessed by Possessions steve johnson 8 Confessions of a Sports Nut phil callaway

What are the Keys to Answered Prayer?

11 Finding God's Presence in the Midst of Chaos robyn roste 14 Q & A steve johnson

Copyright ÂŠ 2014 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. Insights is published by IFLC, the Bible-teaching ministry of Charles R. Swindoll. IFLC is an autonomous ministry and certified member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages are taken from the NASB. Unless otherwise noted, photography and illustration by Laura Vanderwel. Printed in Canada.

by charles r. swindoll

’ll never forget the day my brother Orville dropped by my parents’ house before he and his family headed to South America as missionaries. Now, you have to appreciate the kind of man my father was. Look up the word responsible in the dictionary, and I’m surprised his picture isn’t there! To him, risks are for those who fail to plan. Responsible people leave nothing to chance. As far as he was concerned, faith is something you exercise when your three backup plans fall through and you have run out of every other option. My brother, on the other hand, is stimulated by faith. He has lived his entire adult life on the raw edge of faith. To Orville, life doesn’t get exciting until God can get him through some specific challenge. That drove our Dad nuts! After supper, my mother and sister went into the kitchen, leaving my father at one end of the table, Orville at the other, and me sitting on one side. Then it started. “Son, how much money do you have for your long trip?” “Oh, Dad, don’t worry about it. We’re gonna be fine.” The Secret of Letting Go continued from p. 3

Before he could change the subject, my father pressed the issue. “Son, you’re gettin’ ready to go down to South America! How much money have you got?” With that, my brother dug into his pocket, pulled out a quarter, set it on its edge on his end of the table, then gave it a careful thump. It slowly rolled past me all the way to my father’s end of the table and fell into his hand. Dad said, “That’s all you’ve got?” Orville broke into a big smile and said, “Yeah. Isn’t that exciting!” That was not the word my father had in mind at the moment. After a heavy sigh and a very brief pause, Dad shook his head, looked up with a frown, and said, “Orville, I just don’t understand you.” My brother grew serious. Looking Dad in the eyes, he answered, “No, Dad, you never have.” I like to picture my brother and father as two ends of a pole used by a tightrope walker for balance. My brother leaned on faith alone and made very few hardand-fast plans. I don’t know how he actually made the trip or how he and Erma Jean took care of all their little kids, but

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they never went hungry. And they served in South America for more than three decades. My father, on the other hand, was a man who emerged through the Great Depression. He lived in fear of poverty his whole life and never experienced the joy of trusting God in faith—the kind of faith that made my brother smile so big that day. My father was a believer, but he never understood the life of faith. Sometimes balancing these two extremes between faith and fear causes us as Christians some apprehension as we walk the tightrope of life. However, if God requires you to fall off the wire, fall on the side of faith. It won’t be easy. Sacrifice doesn’t come naturally. It’s a discipline that requires faith—a trust that the Almighty will look after your needs in ways that you will never see until you allow Him the opportunity. By the way, this principle of sacrifice extends into every area of our lives. Consider Abraham, for example. The Lord commanded the old man to sacrifice his only son—the very one through whom God had promised to fulfil His promises. When we read Genesis 22, we see that this faithful servant said by his actions, “Lord, You’re more to me than any relationship ever will be. If You tell me to put the most important person in the world to me on an altar, I’ll do it…I’ll sacrifice him.” Unlike my brother, when Abraham rolled his quarter across the table, as it were, it landed in the hands of One who fully understood—and even rewarded— Abraham’s act of faith. You may have someone who means a great deal to you, whom you need to give up. God asked Abraham to lay his son on a literal altar; yours will be figurative—an

altar of the will. Sometimes, this sacrifice is more difficult than going without food or shelter. To give up someone we love often feels like the most senseless sacrifice of all, which only intensifies the pain. Perhaps you have cultivated a relationship with an individual, and during that time your relationship with God has declined. Still you cling to that person, hoping your relationship with the Almighty will somehow improve. God may be saying to you, “Choose Me. Sacrifice him/her!”

"YOU MAY HAVE SOMEONE who means a great deal to you, whom you need

You may be clinging to one of your adult children or a grandchild. She is moving in a direction that’s not your plan. Or, frankly, you may be afraid that she will do just fine without you. Either way…let her go. Release your grip. The word is sacrifice. It is doubtful that God will expect you to surrender your life all at once. Instead, He patiently waits for you to sacrifice yourself in small amounts, one decision at a time, one day at a time, one person at a time, so that you might enjoy an ever-increasing intimacy with Him. Why do you hesitate? Charles R. Swindoll serves as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.

by steve johnson

iving in a material world, and especially in capitalistic North America, the pressure to be caught up in materialism is enormous. Comedian Jeff Foxworthy has made a living out of redneck jokes beginning, “You know you’re a redneck if….” Allow me to change it to, “I know I’m a materialist if….” I know I’m a materialist if…I love things more than Christ and His Word. Like the

rich young ruler who did not follow Christ because he valued his many possessions more than Christ (Matthew 19:16-22), I must examine my heart. Do I treasure my stuff more than God and His Word? I know what I love by what I think about, and give my time and money to. I know I’m a materialist if…my definition of self and success are my possessions. Somewhere there’s a line between what I call “me” and “mine.” As long as things

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define my identity rather than Christ I’m a materialist. In God’s realm success in life is not defined by stuff. I know I’m a materialist if…I love my stuff more than people. Some people love their stuff, and use people. God’s way is to use stuff and love people. People will outlast this material world. The stuff will disappear.

"Did Christ die for me so I can accumulate and look after temporal stuff?" I know I’m a materialist if…I think things will make me happy. I’m a materialist when I foolishly think stuff will fill the God-shaped vacuum in my heart. The proof things don’t make people happy is if they did, we wouldn’t feel the need to keep collecting. I know I’m a materialist if…the stuff I own owns me. Stuff requires attention, maintenance, and repair. Things consume time, energy, and resources. Is that what my life is about? Did Christ die for me so I can accumulate and look after temporal stuff ? There are two antidotes to materialism. The first is found in Colossians 3 where we are told to set our hearts and minds on things above “where Christ is…. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God,” (vs. 1, 3). The first antidote to materialism is keeping my focus on Christ. When I was born into this world the default of my heart was set on things of this world. But then God saved me and united me with Christ in His death and resurrection. Realizing I died to the things

of this world and my life is now at home in Christ, I must make a deliberate decision to earnestly centre my life in spiritual, not material, things. This does not mean material things are bad, but I must view them in relation to my position in Christ to keep them in proper perspective. The second antidote is found in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 where it says, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (NIV). The second antidote to materialism is generosity. I brought nothing into the world, and I can take nothing out of it (1 Timothy 6:7 NIV). But between the coming into and going out of this world I do need material things such as clothing and shelter to survive. Given man’s sinful propensity to idolatry I know my legitimate need for material things can get distorted in my heart and expressed as materialism—the interest and desire for money or possessions, rather than spiritual and eternal things. If material things distract me from concentrating on Christ or giving to Christ and His kingdom, then possessions have possessed me. And I need to repent because this world isn’t my home anymore. If you are in Christ, it’s not yours either.

Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada.

by phil callaway

"Give me a choice between time with God or time on the golf course and I threw my clubs in the trunk."

first got involved in organized sports back in fourth grade when I was forced by my older brothers to join organized hockey. In organized hockey we played a game closely resembling real ice hockey, except that in real ice hockey players skate with grace and shoot the puck into the net. We plowed headfirst into the boards, tripped over each other, and received so many concussions that we forgot…um, now, let’s see, where was I? Oh yes…I have had a love affair with sports all my life. If it bounced, slid, rolled, or flew, I chased it. Sports were my obsession. I immersed myself in statistics and scoreboards and would sooner worship at the shrine of sport than anyplace else. How can you know if you’re obsessed with sport? Here are three signs. 1. You proposed to your wife at a sporting event. You said, “Sweetie, you’re more gorgeous than Maria Sharapova. You mean more to me than Diego Maradona meant to Argentina in the 1986 World Cup. Marry me and I’ll be happier than Miguel Cabrera when he signed that $292 million contract.” 2. You forget birthdays but remember Paul Henderson’s goal. 3. You have played golf in the snow, in lightning, or on your anniversary. My friend Gord can tell you about my

obsession with golf. In those days the two of us appeared to be normal and rational males. But take us to a golf course and the “competition gene” kicked in, forcing us to go to almost any length to win. One summer day, I lined up an important putt and Gord whispered, “Those are nice pants, Phil. Too bad they didn’t have your size.” I missed my putt completely. So, on the final hole I pointed out a mythical deer in the woods, and when he looked, I stepped on his golf ball, squashing it a quarter inch into the green. Gord lost by a single stroke that day. I think he’s still scratching his head wondering how he managed to bounce an eight-inch putt. At times my obsession with sports brought out the worst in me. Give me a choice between time with God or time on the golf course and I threw my clubs in the trunk. And then God used a simple phone call to change my priorities. Gord called. “You want me to beat you again?” I asked. There was silence. “I’ve…well…I’ve just been to see the doctor,” he said. “I’ve had this scratchy throat for months, and it’s only getting worse. The doctor says it looks like lymphoma, a rather deadly sort of cancer.” I didn’t know what to say. “When will you find out?” I finally stammered.

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“The results don’t come back till Tuesday.” Gord’s voice was shaky. “I could tell by the doctor’s face that the news won’t be good.” There was silence. “I’m so sorry,” I said at last. “Tell you what. If the news is the worst, I’ll take you golfing anywhere you want.” “Australia?” “You’re on. “Will you let me beat you?” “Not a chance,” I laughed. “I’ll be praying for you.” The next week was one of the longest of my life. I lived on my knees, praying for my friend. I couldn’t imagine life—and golf— without him. And as the week dragged on, I was increasingly convicted that I needed to take action myself. I had been worshipping at the shrine of sport for far too long. As I read the words of Exodus 20:3, I took it as a promise, “You shall have no other gods before me.” So I gave my golf clubs to God. It sounds strange, I suppose. But I offered Him my obsession and asked Him to be number one in every area of my life. To fulfil the promise

of Proverbs 3:6, “In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success,” (TLB). “Lord,” I prayed, “I don’t want anything to take the place You were meant to be.” On Tuesday the phone rang. It was Gord. “Bad news,” he said. My heart stopped. “I guess we don’t get to golf in Australia,” he laughed. “It’s not as serious as we thought. I’ll be fine!” To celebrate, Gord and I golfed together. I can’t remember who won. What mattered more was the conversation, the stories of our children, and our walk with God. I’ve enjoyed few rounds of golf more than that one. I had finally discovered a simple but profound truth: Hold onto things tightly and we lose them. Place them in God’s hands and He will bring us great joy—sometimes returning them to us. And so I am scheduled for nine holes of golf with Gord later today. I can’t wait. I think I’ll try to help him with his putting. Phil Callaway is the editor of Servant magazine.

ON THE AIR IN OCTOBER

Abraham lived in a world at odds with God. But when told to go, he went. When promised, he believed. When commanded, he obeyed. Abraham wasn’t called the friend of God because of his intellect or fortune but because of his faith.

UPCOMING MESSAGES INCLUDE:

When God Says, “Let Go!” The Pleasure of Passing God’s Exams On Finding Your Lifelong Companion What a Way to Go!

by robyn roste

wo years before the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, I applied to be a volunteer. It was an easy decision; I had graduated from university and was working odd jobs while travelling. My commitments were minimal at best. By the time February 2010 arrived my life looked different: full-time job, new home, tight financial situation, conference and travel plans, and limited social opportunities. In summation I was busy, broke, and burdened. But it was the Olympics! I worked my regular job as long as I could before taking time off to volunteer at the Olympics. In order to meet my daunting deadlines I worked evenings after my volunteering was complete each day. Then I cut my volunteering short to make a redeye flight for my conference commitment.

"In the midst of our chaotic lives, and in this chaotic world, and in these chaotic times,

GOD IS PRESENT."

The month was a blur of public transit, text messages, and apologies. Technically, I fulfilled every commitment, but deep down I knew nothing was up to my usual standards. I came into March feeling horrible and guilty for letting everyone down. While the rest of my life eased back into a regular pace I couldn't shake a lingering cold, which progressed into my lungs. After a few weeks I went to the doctor and was surprised by his diagnosis. “Robyn, you are getting yourself all

worked up about everything wrong with you. You need to rest.” My reaction to the news wasn’t fantastic—I expected cold medication and instead was told I was responsible for prolonging my own illness. It felt harsh. My eyes narrowed and my jaw set to grind. I was about to pout when I remembered I’m an adult, so I opted to listen to my doctor’s words. Upon reflection I concluded he had a point. I wasn’t taking care of myself. My stress and prolonged illness could be explained by my lack of rest. And, when I was honest with myself, I could see how my choices and unrealistic expectations were the root of my guilt, which had caused my stress, which had caused my prolonged illness. I needed to rest. RESTING IN CHRIST It’s critical for our bodies to get the rest they need to be physically healthy. Our minds and spirits need the same care to keep spiritually healthy. Although I understand how to get physical rest—by going to bed earlier, taking more time to relax, and slowing my pace— the concept of finding spiritual rest is difficult to wrap my head around. Psalm 46:1-3 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.” I try to imagine what it would be like to stay calm while witnessing mountains slipping into the sea—is it possible I can trust in God to the point my fear is erased? Is this what resting in Christ looks like?

Finding God's Presence in the Midst of Chaos continued from p. 11

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Hebrews 13:5 takes the idea of finding rest in God’s presence a step further. “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.’” But what if, in the midst of my chaos, I can’t feel God’s presence? How do I know I’m in it? How do I know for sure He won’t leave my side? I don’t think my questions and doubts are uncommon. The Bible is filled with the stories of people who wrestled with faith and relied on God’s faithfulness. So, maybe discovering God’s presence and resting in Christ are more about having faith than about feeling Him around me. To put it another way: I must choose to believe God is present, even if my current situation and feelings suggest the opposite. Even if the mountains are slipping into the sea. Even if everything is going wrong and nothing seems right. Jesus said He will reveal Himself to those who love Him and obey His commands (John 14:21), so I must not only make sure

to do so, but believe He will reveal Himself to me. Looking at faith this way, I understand I can find rest in God’s presence by knowing Jesus and having faith He will do what He says—regardless of whatever else is happening. In the midst of our chaotic lives, and in this chaotic world, and in these chaotic times, God is present. What if, instead of giving in to the stress of busy and hectic lives, we sought to find God in the midst of the trouble we cause for ourselves? What if we rested in God’s promise to be with us in every moment and let it be enough to get us through the day? Verse 10 of Psalm 46 says, “Cease striving and know that I am God....” Next to this verse I have written: Robyn, cease striving. CEASE. Stop. Rest. Know God. Stop. Rest. Now. This article is an excerpt from A Woman’s Joy, a collection of devotional articles written by 14 women in ministry.

A WOMAN’S JOY Loving the Life God Gave You Featuring devotionals from Luci Swindoll, Colleen Swindoll, and others! See this month’s flyer for ordering information or visit insightforliving.ca.

by steve johnson

How can I learn to be content?

Contentment comes through choices we make. The Apostle Paul said he had learned how to be content (Philippians 4:1113). Following Paul’s teaching and example can help us learn how to be content. 1. Be grateful for what we have. Paul wrote: “Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” and “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6b,18 NLT). Expressing true appreciation and gratitude to God and others for what we have instead of focusing on what we don’t have cultivates contentment. 2. Accept differences and stop comparing. When we compare ourselves and our situations to others we create fertile ground for discontent and its fruits: bit-

terness, resentment, envy, coveting, pride, and a sense of entitlement. No two people are the same—we differ on so many levels, including our situations and circumstances. All this diversity is sovereignly planned and purposed by God. Paul compares the diversity within the Church to the diversity of a human body with its differing parts. “But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it” (1 Corinthians 12:18 ). If the Church is full of differences, how much more is that true of the rest of the world? 3. Trust God for what we need. Before running out and buying things pray about it. Ask God to supply your needs. Paul says it like this, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything,” (Philippians 4:6a).

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This means that we need to have confidence in the sovereignty and providence of God. He orders everything for His own holy purposes and for the ultimate good of those who love Him. So we can rest in God to meet our needs. That’s why Paul, in the context of talking about learning to be content could say to the Philippians “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NIV). We must learn to trust God completely if we intend to enjoy contented living. 4. Value eternal and spiritual things more than temporary and earthly things. Paul told Timothy, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness,” (1 Timothy 6:6-11).

Ultimately contentment is related to what we value. If we pursue eternal and spiritual things—things that truly satisfy—then we will find contentment. Valuing and pursuing things that can’t satisfy will always result in discontentment. It was Saint Augustine who said, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” It’s possible for us as Christians to learn to be content, no matter the situation, because we value eternal things more. “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Paul endured many horrific circumstances but through them he learned contentment by choosing an eternal perspective. Our circumstances are temporary, but our eternal reward is forever. Contentment—it’s our choice. I hope this helps. -Steve

Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada.

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on the air THIS MONTH Abraham: One Nomad’s Amazing Journey of Faith 22 CD messages + Bible companion

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