MARCH 2016
THROUGH IT ALL
In this issue
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6
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The Benefits of Breakdowns charles r. swindoll
11 30 Days to Reframing Crucibles steve johnson
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Easter in Song annalisa patenaude
15 Beyond the Broadcast: What If You Suddenly Lose Everything?
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Clarifying Easter steve johnson
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Insights is published by Insight for Living Canada, the Bible-teaching ministry of Charles (Chuck) R. Swindoll. Chuck is the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Texas. His international radio program Insight for Living has aired for more than 35 years. We hope this publication will instruct, inspire, and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Copyright Š 2016 Insight for Living Canada. All rights reserved. No portion of this monthly publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages are taken from the NLT. Unless otherwise noted, photography and illustration by Laura Vanderwel. IFLC is an autonomous ministry and cover image Š shutterstock.com certified member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Printed in Canada.
“GREAT CHARACTER, LIKE MASSIVE ROOTS, GROWS DEEP WHEN WATER IS SPARSE AND WINDS ARE STRONG.”
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ho would’ve ever guessed it? Out of the blue came this nobody. He had spent his years away from the crowded streets of the city, working for his father in the quiet yet rugged outdoors. Had someone asked anybody in his day if they had ever heard of him, a blank stare and a quick “Who?” would have been the answer. Then suddenly, he was the most famous young man in the country…his name a household word. They even wrote a song about him, which everybody knew before long. He was the original skyrocket-success story. It should have swept the kid off his feet. If it did, nobody knew it. He couldn’t wait to retreat back to the hills where life was simple, uncluttered. That first night back under the stars must have been a restless one as he entertained mental flashbacks to the frightening scene of battle in the valley. The intimidating sound of the giant’s voice as it echoed across the vale. The rush of patriotic zeal through his veins. The grabbing of those smooth stones…the deadening thud as rock met forehead…the shout of triumph… the admiring look of dismay from the tall Israeli king. But now, all the stargazer
heard was silence. He was back where he belonged…back where he loved to be. Away from the heady limelight. He drifted off to sleep with a smile as the sheep lay all around him. Little did the young David know of the hellish nightmare he would encounter in the coming months. But there were slumbering chords within him that only the trials of life could vibrate. God’s way would lead him into dark valleys he would never have imagined. The events that followed that quiet night’s sleep defied logic. Even though David had conducted himself with humility, loyalty, and integrity, the man whose face he had saved turned against him. King Saul literally went mad. Displeased by a popularity that wasn’t his, insecure over his own eclipsed public image, possessed by demonic thoughts that ranged between rage and murder, Saul became a human savage. The king, driven by suspicion and jealousy, lived with one haunting passion— David’s death. In spite of this tragic twist in their relationship, David prospered. Three times in the biographical account we read that fact (1 Samuel 18:5, 14-15). In addition, David “behaved himself more wisely than all the
servants of Saul” (18:30). This led to even greater popularity, increased favour in the eyes of Saul’s inner circle, military victories, and enormous praise from the public. David wasn’t strutting, but the praise gushed in such a flood, he could not escape the fame. David found himself in a complicated jam, sandwiched between public applause and private horror. Saul’s sharp spear was never far away. For more than a dozen years, David was forced to run for his life and live like a fugitive. Someone has said: “For every one who can handle prosperity, there are a hundred who can handle adversity.” Before long, however, adversity became David’s constant companion. He must have wondered if he would ever be relieved of Saul’s threatening shadow. It is easy to forget that two magnificent and lasting benefits were born out of that womb of woe: first, the deepening of much of David’s character and, second, the composing of many of David’s psalms. The traits we remember and admire as being worthy of emulation were shaped, honed, and polished while David lived like a hunted animal in the wilderness. Great character, like massive roots, grows deep when water is sparse
and winds are strong. And the psalms we now turn to for comfort most often emerged from David’s broken heart while tears wouldn’t stop and questions went unanswered. Great music, like massive rivers, must come from torrential rains in order to keep flowing, leading to the splendour and vastness of ocean-like depths. And where are you today? Has there been a recent breakdown? A trust no longer there? A friend no longer near? A dream no longer clear? A future no longer bright? Fears now where there was once laughter and companionship? Misunderstanding now instead of support, affirmation, and admiration? Maybe a Saul stalking your steps, sharpening his spear, waiting for just the right moment to lunge? Take heart! It is in this precise crucible that God can (and often does) do His best work! Your lot, like David’s, may defy logic. But some of your best traits and some of your finest contributions will emerge from this incredibly painful period in your life. Ask David … who would’ve never guessed it.
Charles R. Swindoll serves as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.
paperback by Arthur Benn ett
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BY ANNALISA PATENAUDE
appreciate both contemporary and traditional styles of worship music but hymns hold a special place in my heart. As a child I was delighted on Sunday mornings to open my church’s goldcoloured hymnal with a cross stamped on the cover. Enthusiastic voices would fill the sanctuary. All generations sang out, unified in fellowship. Sunday’s were an opportunity to soak in the meaning of the words in each verse. I recall one particular Easter hymn. The upbeat tone and triumphant lyrics reveal who Christ is and what He’s accomplished for me. Although it’s been years since I’ve picked up a hymnal, I still appreciate the revelations of Christ encouraged by songs like Christ the Lord is Risen Today:
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Christ the Lord is ris’n today. Alleluia! Sons of men and angels say: Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth, reply: Alleluia! Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia! Where, O death, is now your sting? Alleluia! Dying once, He all doth save. Alleluia! Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia! The lyrics teach of Christ’s resurrection and triumph over death—truth straight from the Bible. When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:10-11)
The song urges me to celebrate with loud praises of joy. “Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth, reply,” gives a heavenly perspective of the joint effort of angels, man, and all creation offering praise. The Hebrew word “Hallelujah” translates to mean “boast in Yahweh.” Through a personal relationship with Him and knowledge of what He accomplished for me, I can say with confidence, “Where thy victory, O grave?”
My worship glorifies God when my focus shifts away from me to who He is and what He’s done. Although emotion in worship is necessary, I’m challenged to praise God beyond my feelings. Worship is not exclusively an emotional experience. In his Bible study guide, Flying Closer to the Flame, Chuck Swindoll reminds me, “True praise is not lip service; it is much more profound than that. It comes from deep within our hearts, from our innermost being.” Chuck emphasizes true praise encompasses our whole self: mind, heart, and soul. My worship glorifies God when my focus shifts away from me to who He is and what He’s done. By meditating on what hymns teach me about God, I’m led to greater knowledge and appreciation of Him. In this case, of the hope of salvation and forgiveness of my sins by Christ’s death and resurrection: Easter. 1. The Gospel Trumpet Company, Hymnal of the Church of God, 1953 (68).
Annalisa Patenaude is the development co-ordinator at Insight for Living Canada.
by steve johnson
have a dilemma. I‘m at the age where either the print is too fuzzy or my arms are too short. Words are blurry and indistinct. Reading things that matter is sometimes impossible and I get frustrated. The solution? Reading glasses! By looking through corrective lenses I can see the words. In a similar way God has given us corrective lenses through the resurrection of Christ. According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:12-32 the resurrection changes our vision and helps us clearly see three things.
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Christ’s resurrection clarifies our view of faith. Everyone has faith in something. But is it worthwhile faith? Jesus said He was God's Son and the resurrection and the life. If so, He was and is the only One qualified to die for our sins. Then He died. But three days later Jesus emerged from the tomb! He proved He was the Son of God! Paul said, "And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins" (v. 17). Can you imagine the despair that would hit us if Christ were still dead? Belief in a dead man is meaningless. His resurrection substantiated all His claims. Because Jesus did rise from the dead our sins are forgiven. Heaven is real. Faith in Him as the One who died for us isn’t worthless or pointless. Jesus' resurrection proves only faith in Christ is valid because only Jesus was ever resurrected.
Christ’s resurrection clarifies our view of life. In verse 19 Paul said, “And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.” The Apostle wrote this at a time when professing public faith in Christ could cost you your life. Many Christians lived with the threat of death or persecution because of their faith. In fact, throughout the 2,000year history of the Church, including this very day, Christians have suffered torture, abuse, persecution, mockery, and death. Now, if this life is all there is, one would have to be nuts to endure such mistreatment. If there is no resurrection and no eternal life then it would be foolish to be even slightly inconvenienced for the sake of faith. As Paul wrote in verse 32, “And what value was there in fighting wild beasts— those people of Ephesus—if there will be no resurrection from the dead? And if there is no resurrection, ‘Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!’”
“Can you imagine the despair that would hit us if Christ were still dead? Belief in a dead man is meaningless.” Jesus' resurrection proves that the afterlife is real, which leads us to change our view of earthly life. We begin to focus on things with eternal value instead of things without. Earthly things diminish in importance. Careers, financial security, pleasure—these are nothing in light of eternity.
Without the resurrection we wouldn’t take the afterlife seriously. We aren't apt to make any radical changes. Seeing the reality of eternity clearly means right now counts forever. And when Christians take seriously the reality of Jesus' resurrection and all it implies then they make serious changes to their lives. Finally, Christ’s resurrection clarifies our view of death. It’s human nature to have a deep, abiding fear of death. Paul referred to this fear when he wrote in verse 18 that, “In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost!” We can't keep thoughts about death from darting across our minds every once in a while, but they
are usually so discomforting we put them out of our minds as quickly as possible. This fear of death plaguing our generation comes from the blurred belief that what awaits us at the end of our lives is destruction and nothingness. But Jesus' resurrection takes away this fear. He came to “…free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying” (Hebrews 2:15). And at Easter we recall those first words Jesus uttered when He returned from death, “Fear not!” Jesus has clarified our view of death. As Paul said, He has taken the sting out of it by demonstrating that, for the Christian, death is not that which destroys what we call life. It is not the cement floor that awaits the falling light bulb. Because Jesus rose from the dead we put our faith in the risen Lord who promised, “Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying” (John 11:25). Because He lives we see clearly that death is not the end, it is the beginning. Jesus’ resurrection is God’s corrective lens. Like reading glasses, it helps us clearly see the truth about things that matter most. Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada.
Did you know Insight for Living airs on radio stations across the country every day? To find the program on your local station visit insightforliving.ca/find-station
TO REFRAMING CRUCIBLES
This article is designed to create a better understanding of how to reframe crucibles—your trials and negative life experiences. For the next 30 days read the questions and allow them to spark deeper personal reflection and life change.
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crucible is a vessel used for refining metals. It’s a fitting metaphor for trials. When we encounter trials we tend to see them in a negative way. But Christians have the opportunity to view them in the biblical frame of God’s redemptive work. This view results in peace, contentment, and spiritual growth instead of bitterness, anxiety, and stunted spiritual growth.
DAY 1
Think of a major crucible you’ve experienced, such as loss, death, or adversity. How have they impacted the way you view yourself, God, others, and the world?
DAY 2
We risk feeling bitter, anxious, or spiritually stuck because of trials. What impact have your crucibles had on your responses and behaviours? In what ways do you feel spiritually stuck?
DAY 3
Read Romans 12:3 and John 17:17. Renewing your mind includes viewing negative experiences through the frame of biblical truth. Why does biblical reframing change the meaning of these events?
DAY 4
Read Isaiah 53:2-3. From an earthly perspective Christ was merely a despised, crucified man. How does Isaiah 53:4-6 reframe Christ’s death and change its meaning?
DAY 5
Read Hebrews 12:2. From what perspective did Jesus view the cross and how did it help Him handle the shame of being crucified? What anticipated joys help you through difficulties?
DAY 6
Read 1 Peter 3:18. How does Peter reframe the purpose of Christ’s death? What are ways this perspective can form the foundation for all other reframing in your life?
DAY 7
Read Colossians 3:1-4. When Christ was raised and seated in heaven what also happened to you as a believer? How does this give you a new frame of reference for your crucibles?
DAY 8 DAY 9 DAY 10
Read 1 Corinthians 6:20. How does Christ’s death for you provide a new lens through which to view your life’s purpose?
Read Romans 6:2-11. How does your union with Christ change your relationship to sin and death? How does this provide a new perspective for you? Read Romans 6:12-14. How should reframing your relationship to sin and death change how you live and are controlled by sinful desires?
30 Days to Reframing Crucibles
DAY 11 DAY 12
Read Romans 8:1. How does your union with Christ reframe how you view your past sins? How does this prepare you for when Satan accuses you regarding your past sins? Read 2 Corinthians 5:15-17. How does viewing yourself from the perspective of a new person with a new life change whom you live for?
DAY 13
Read 1 Peter 2:11. How does reframing yourself as a “temporary resident and foreigner” change your relationship to worldly desires and values?
DAY 14
Read 1 Corinthians 3:12-15. Into what frame does Paul place the good works we do in this life? How does this change your behaviour and what you strive for?
DAY 15
Read John 9:2-3. What was the disciples’ perspective on the tragedy of the blind man? How did Jesus reframe it? Where is the power of God seen in your life?
DAY 16
Read Romans 5:3-4. How does Paul help reframe your present suffering? What does he say is an appropriate response to problems and trials? Why?
DAY 17
Read James 1:2-4. How does James reframe troubles you may encounter in life? What does he say is an appropriate response? Why?
DAY 18
Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. How does Paul reframe his thorn and the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles he suffered for Christ? How does he respond?
DAY 19
Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. How does Paul reframe suffering and the comfort God gives to those in the midst of suffering? How can your suffering help others?
DAY 20
Read Philippians 3:8-10. How does Paul reframe his sufferings in relation to knowing Christ better? How will reframing your difficulties help you know Christ better?
TIP: Keep your Bible handy and refer to it as you read the questions
DAY 21
Read Hebrews 12:5-11. How can these verses help you reframe adversity you may go through? What difficulties have acted as “divine discipline” and helped correct you as God’s child?
DAY 22
Read 1 Peter 4:2 and 1 Corinthians 10:13. What experiences do these verses teach are not unusual and have to be reframed as normal experience?
DAY 23
Read Acts 5:41. How were the apostles’ emotions and behaviour affected when they reframed their suffering? What did they discover about crucibles?
DAY 24
Read Genesis 50:20. In this verse, Joseph reflects on his brothers’ past evil actions toward him. Seeing God’s hand on his life, how does Joseph reframe their actions?
DAY 25
Read Romans 8:28. How does this verse help you reframe the negative things that have happened and will happen to you?
DAY 26
Read Job 1:6. Satan is an accuser of believers and is always trying to reframe God’s actions toward believers as unloving. How does Romans 8:28-39 refute Satan’s lies?
DAY 27
Read Job 2:10. Questions can help reframe situations. What question does Job ask to help his wife reframe his suffering? How can questions help you reframe your experiences?
DAY 28
Read Matthew 6:26-30 and 16:26. What questions does Jesus ask to help reframe your perspective on possessions and faith in God for provision?
DAY 29 DAY 30
Read Matthew 7:3-4. What questions does Jesus ask? How do they help reframe your perspective on your and others’ faults?
Read Matthew 19:26 and Philippians 4:13. How do these verses help you reframe limiting beliefs that hold you back from doing what God wants you to do?
30 Days to Reframing Crucibles
WHAT IF YOU SUDDENLY LOSE EVERYTHING? “Always ask: ‘What is there for me to learn in this, God? What are You teaching me?’ ” - CHARLES R. SWINDOLL
We all agree—life is difficult. Without warning, tragedy strikes and cuts our legs out from under us. It’s bad enough when such pain comes as the result of our wrongdoing. But how do we bear the pain of unjust suffering? Our biblical ally in these situations is Job. One day God gave Satan permission to take away Job’s children, belongings, and even his health (Job 1:12-2:6). In what seemed like the blink of an eye, Job lost everything! When this happened, Job experienced profound grief. Not hiding his pain, he expressed his sorrow before the Lord. Then Job worshipped God, accepting His sovereign plan over his life (1:20-22). In the midst of sudden loss and extreme pain, Job maintained discernment, stayed rooted in his theology, and submitted himself to the Lord (2:10). Through this study in Job we learn four lessons, which can prepare us for when tragedy strikes. 1. The Truth: Everything starts with what kind of people we are—our character. We can’t quickly prepare for sudden loss,
we must take time cultivating our dependence on God, developing solid theology, living in obedience to His Word, and learning to handle times of testing 2. The Future: James 4:13-16 reminds us we have no idea what tomorrow holds. But we do know the God who holds our future. Let’s begin to believe these words and rest in this knowledge 3. The Warning: When tragedy strikes, some people will give bad advice—about God, about the reason for our trials, and about what to do next. But as we stay rooted in sound theology and spend time with God, He’ll enable us to recognize bad counsel 4. The Response: When the unthinkable happens, let’s remember Job’s response. He freely grieved his losses but didn’t throw a pity party. Job accepted the fact God was in control, even though he didn’t understand God’s plan How will you respond the next time tragedy strikes? Think about your options. You can blame God and become bitter, or you can be like Job—grieve your loss and worship God for His sovereignty in your life.
“What If You Suddenly Lose Everything?” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series What If...? You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.
We have some amazing deals on recent CD sermons from Chuck Swindoll, popular Bible-study tools, and more! Visit insightforliving.ca/sale for full product descriptions. Great deals on selected products during our Spring Sale now through May 27, 2016.