Insights Magazine: Number Seven, 2016

NUMBER SEVEN, 2016

Encouragement for Today

In this issue

11

8 3

Understanding Our Troubled Times charles r. swindoll

6

Encouraging Strangers laura vanderwel

8

Is This Real Life? colleen swindoll thompson

6 11 30 Days to Finding and Giving

Encouragement

steve johnson

Beyond the Broadcast 15 What If You Need a

Second Chance?

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 by tori nikkel certified member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Printed in Canada.

by charles r. swindoll

D

on’t you sometimes just shake your head and wonder, What on earth is happening in the world? Over the course of my lifetime, I have witnessed numerous changes in the broader culture. Unfortunately, not all have been for good. If Christians hope to make an impact in this world, it’s imperative that we first understand it.

So let’s take a look at three especially troubling changes that I see in our world.

First, I see a blurring of the line between right and wrong. In my lifetime, I have seen a move from a wholesome standard of morality to a wholesale and undiscerning emphasis on tolerance. Many in our world have replaced common sense with political correctness. We defend criminals more passionately than victims. Standing against same-sex marriage labels a person an “intolerant homophobe” and “out of touch with reality.” Stating that Scripture teaches for or against some behavior or attitude no longer carries the weight it once did. In this climate, holding to conservative moral standards makes one look foolish.

Why? Because there’s a blurring of the line between right and wrong.

A second troubling change is occurring these days: I see a growing ignorance of biblical knowledge. There was a time, even in recent years, when theological thinking, biblical understanding, and doctrinal truth were our culture’s standard guides for living. Politicians as well as educators quoted frequently from the Scriptures. Prayer was a part of every classroom experience in my elementary-school-age years. Pastors taught the Scriptures forcefully. Now? Sadly, in our times we have “a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the LORD” (Amos 8:11).

"If Christians hope to make an impact in this world, it’s imperative that we first understand it."

Third, I see an intensifying embrace of postmodernism. We have clearly shifted from a Christian era to a post-Christian era. We have postmodernism to thank for that.

Let me give you 10 quick signs to help you recognize postmodernism’s presence in our world.1 • No authority is valid. Those who hold this position challenge authority, asking, Who are you to tell me what to believe? Respect for authority is virtually non-existent • No rules are valid. This means that we should make up our own minds about right and wrong, following only those rules we feel are right for us • Style is more important than substance.

Here we get the idea that reality consists only of image or appearance, rather than substance • Morality is a matter of choice. This mentality suggests that it’s all right to live however we want • The cardinal virtue is tolerance. This kind of tolerance says that we must validate everyone’s beliefs…except the beliefs of those who aren’t tolerant. Ironic, huh?

• Words have no inherent meaning, so true communication is impossible. Words carry weight or they carry nothing, yet in our world the significance of words continues to erode

• Western culture is oppressive. This mindset says that someone else somewhere else always has an answer to improve culture that’s better than the West’s answers • The line between truth and entertainment is removed. So guess what? Hollywood becomes the source of truth rather than the Bible • Images and fantasy interpret reality. The unsavoury images in video games or television become reality for kids who are growing up under their influence • What people believe is right, so they can do anything to achieve a goal. Postmodern thinkers believe it’s acceptable to react any way they wish if they feel wronged, because whatever they believe is right Postmodernism presents numerous challenges for the believer in Christ. It’s imperative that you have a plan to live well in spite of these challenges. First, you need discernment. Discernment keeps you from being deceived, duped, and disillusioned. Discernment tells you, “This situation is leading to a bad conclusion, so I’m not going there.”

People of discernment can avoid many of the pitfalls of living in this world.

Second, you need direction. Direction provides you with a goal to pursue, showing you what you ought to do. But direction also forces you to make hard decisions.

Exhibit the courage to do the right thing in the face of opposition and discouragement.

Serious words…so much to think about. I know you care. But it is so easy to be swept along by the waves of our times. I urge you to become a serious student of the Scriptures. Let God’s Word be your guide.

Adopting this habit of relying on the Bible’s timeless wisdom will do amazing things, as it helps you hone discernment and develop direction in a world that has lost its way.

Note 1. I have been especially influenced in the area of understanding our postmodern world by Woodrow Kroll’s book Back to the Bible: Turning Your Life Around with God’s Word. I’d encourage you to read it as you deepen your understanding of our times.

Charles R. Swindoll serves as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.

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G N I G A R U O C EN

STRANGERS by laura vanderwel

T

he Internet once led me to a cheeky article written by someone called The Like Ninja. In it, he described his philosophy for social media: if there’s a like button, press it. Who knows what one like could mean to someone else?

The concept is funny, but got me thinking. By dishing out likes, the Like Ninja is one of the only people I know of who uses the anonymity of the Internet to encourage and build up others. I imagine his likes are the equivalent of smiling at a stranger.

Of course this doesn’t compare to quality time with a good friend, but have you ever managed to not smile back when a stranger greets you? The reality is, positive interaction of any kind feels good.

On the flip side, I once witnessed the online “stoning” of a woman who had made a mistake. She was trying to get her photography business off the ground and in a fit of desperation used another artist’s work to drum up business.

She got caught, called out, and the short of it is the day she gets hired again is the day Google searches stop. The hate I saw thrown all over her Facebook page actually made me ill. Horrible names, indignant outrage, and more than a few death wishes shocked my system. She issued a public apology, but her public flogging continued.

Yes she did something illegal and dishonest. But this average young mother who made a bad choice might have to change her name, leave town, and somehow learn to start over because of it.

How I wish for her sake we were standing in a dusty square holding rocks, watching Jesus draw in the dirt (John 8:3-11).

You’re probably familiar with the story. A woman who had led a life full of mistakes was pulled into a public space and ridiculed. The religious leaders were united in their opinion that she deserved to die for her sins as the law dictated. They were indignant and self-righteous. Hoping to trap Jesus between His teachings and the

Law, they asked Him to determine her fate.

In response, He stooped down and put His finger in the dust.

Reading this story centuries later, I’m just as confused as the crowd on that day. “What is He doing?” “Is He drawing? Is He writing?

Is He even listening?”

He didn’t answer as the religious leaders would have, “The Law is clear. Obey the Law!” He also didn’t answer as they expected him to, “The Law is antiquated. I am the Messiah and times are changing!”

He pressed pause, waited long enough to make everyone squirm, and then flipped the spotlight around. I imagine today it would be like the Internet suddenly freezing commenters mid-click with a popup saying, “Before submitting your comment, please verify that you have never made a mistake and are qualified to pass judgement.”

And as the proverbial microphone drops to the ground, Jesus says softly to the accused “Then neither do I condemn you.”

A few weeks ago I had a harrowing

I’m not suggesting jumping up behind Jesus yelling, “Yeah Pharisee, you religious scum! Bazinga!”

I’m saying we become active bearers of hope.

encounter with a bitter young woman in a parking lot who seemed primed to accuse the world of working against her.

For a long time, my philosophy has been “stay out of it!” I figured that as long as I wasn’t contributing to the problem I was helping. But Jesus’ example suggests that in order to actually help I need to take a more active approach. I’m not suggesting jumping up behind Jesus yelling, “Yeah Pharisee, you religious scum! Bazinga!” I’m saying we become active bearers of hope.

As I sat in my car stunned by her outpouring of hurt, I decided that I’ve stayed out of it for long enough. It’s time to start training. I’m going to become a real life stranger encouraging Like Ninja.

Laura Vanderwel serves as the senior design co-ordinator at Insight for Living Canada.

by colleen swindoll thompson

“How do you find meaning, purpose, and hope when things don’t turn out like you’d envisioned—when God’s plan is so very hard and nothing like you thought it would be?

What do you do to press on? ”

ave you ever felt overwhelmed because life made some twists and turns you didn’t expect?

I certainly have! Within a period of three months, this was my reality…

• A close friend of mine passed away • My husband had a bulging disc and surgery • One of my family members started therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder • My son with disabilities became severely depressed • Three of my family members faced serious illnesses • My health was compromised, requiring surgery and ongoing physical therapy • Our beloved family dog passed away And happily…but no less stressfully: • My daughter got married • My two older kids moved out and now live more than three hours away • Three of my kids entered universities Life isn’t supposed to be this complicated… or so we believe.

We expect life to go smoothly when we plan well, work hard, pray, pay our bills, drive the speed limit, pray more, have daily quiet times, are kind to others, and keep praying.

When we do the “right” things, we expect life to give us something back, such as peace, contentment, joy, relief, good kids, comfort… whatever that means for each of us.

H

Not necessarily!

When reality doesn’t match the plans we had in mind, we get anxious, irritated, frustrated, angry, stressed, tense, depressed… you name it.

Perhaps you can relate. Maybe you envisioned for your life: • A good marriage…but now you’re divorced • Healthy kids…but now your kids are “different,” diagnosed with a disability • Relatively good health…but now you’re in constant physical pain • No debt…but now you’re financially on the edge of ruin • A few close friends…but you have none • A little freedom from responsibility…but now the demands couldn’t be greater How do you find meaning, purpose, and hope when things don’t turn out like you’d envisioned—when God’s plan is so very hard and nothing like you thought it would be? What do you do to press on?

The book of Job is a great go-to when everything’s a mess. Job is the Bible’s poster child for one who endured relentless trials faithfully. When things fall apart, we find consolation in his words. Job had the very same questions and concerns that many of us have: • Where is God?…I’ve looked everywhere but can’t find Him (Job 23)

• Why do the wicked prosper and the righteous are left wanting? (Job 24) • I long for the past—when God was with me and people respected me (Job 29) • I am mocked, an outcast, rejected, helpless, fearful, physically sick, and emotionally dry; my grief is too deep for words (Job 30) We know the end of Job’s story, so we tend to focus on what we will get if we endure long enough. This is a thoroughly selffocused mindset. Job’s story is significant because it teaches us to focus not on ourselves but on God’s will and ways. We can see what Job lost, but we also can see what Job gained: intimacy with his heavenly Father like he had never known.

Pain and the unexpected are two of God’s greatest avenues to get our attention. How we respond to pain and unexpected circumstances reveals our truest soul condition. Like Job, transformation comes when we don’t try to control the end result but instead run to Christ for comfort, wisdom, and peace.

My family and I have done a lot of adjusting to God’s plan by reframing our beliefs according to God’s unchanging, solid truths. We’ve struggled and grieved and been very discouraged at times. Change is hard, and we’ve experienced the pain of the crucible. But we haven’t remained there.

Like many people in Scripture, our transformational process began with a mess and is moving toward a more God-centred mindset, where we recognize His ways are right and good.

Life brings to our paths many twists and turns—not to mention quite a few bonejarring, back-breaking potholes. But as you travel along your path, remember that God has a purpose for every single event He allows in your life. He has a plan, and though it can be both joyful and painful, He loves you and causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him!

Colleen Swindoll Thompson serves as the director of Reframing Ministries at Insight for Living Ministries.

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TO FINDING AND GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT

This inductive study is designed to create a better understanding of finding and giving encouragement.

For the next 30 days read the questions and allow them to spark deeper personal reflection and life change.

W

e do not live life in a bubble.

We battle sin, struggle with our human frailty, and navigate minefields of difficult choices and circumstances. Our trials take their toll on our bodies, emotions, minds, and spirits. In our walk of faith encouragement is a necessity, making it easier to endure the Christian life.

DAY 1

Read Psalm 42:5. Discouragement is feeling disheartened and dispirited in response to opposition or difficulty. Are all negative feelings sinful or can they be neutral?

DAY 2

Read Nehemiah 4:1-3. What did the Jews rebuilding Jerusalem encounter as they worked? Have you ever been belittled? What is it about mocking that discourages people?

DAY 3

Read Nehemiah 4:4-5. In all the situations the Jews faced Nehemiah continually encouraged them. What was the source of his courage?

Where does your courage come from?

DAY 4

Read Nehemiah 4:4-6. What was Nehemiah’s response to being mocked? What was the outcome and how is it an effective response to discouragement?

DAY 5

Read Nehemiah 4:7-9. How did Nehemiah respond to opposition?

How does his example show you the importance of taking practical steps in fending off discouragement?

DAY 6

Read Nehemiah 4:10. What is the relationship between discouragement and fatigue? Have you experienced this? If so, what steps did you take to overcome it?

DAY 7

Read Nehemiah 4:10. The Jews became discouraged when they focused on the rubble. What’s the connection between what we focus on and feeling encouraged?

DAY 8

Read Nehemiah 4:10. For the Israelites, fatigue and loss of vision led to a lack of confidence. How can confidence be restored in this kind of situation?

DAY 9

Read Nehemiah 4:11. Enemies threatened death. How does insecurity sap courage and lead to being disheartened? Have you experienced this? What did you do?

DAY 10

Read Nehemiah 4:12. Sometimes negativity comes from those around us. How does this work to discourage? What is the antidote to negativity?

30 Days to Finding and Giving Encouragement

DAY 11

Read Nehemiah 4:13. What practical steps did Nehemiah take to combat negativity? How can these steps help with insecurities and bolster courage? How can you apply them today?

DAY 12

Read Nehemiah 4:14. What did Nehemiah say to encourage the people? What differences does the reminder of family and the Lord’s sufficiency make in your situation?

DAY 13

Read Nehemiah 4:15-17. What principle is at work in this passage?

Why is it encouraging when leaders are involved with the people?

Where can you encourage with your presence?

DAY 14

Read Nehemiah 4:18-23. Nehemiah instructed the people to be vigilant. How does vigilance relate to staying encouraged? What opposition do you have to watch out for?

DAY 15

Read Nehemiah 4:21-22. Half the people worked while the other half stood guard. How does engaging in helping others help ward off discouragement?

DAY 16

Read 1 Kings 19:1-3. In 1 Kings 18 Elijah had a great spiritual victory and then became discouraged. What is the correlation between spiritual victories and discouragement?

DAY 17

Read 1 Kings 19:3. How is Elijah’s fear connected to his despair and discouragement? What was he focusing on? How do you react when frightened?

DAY 18

Read 1 Kings 19:3-4. Elijah went away alone, leaving his servant behind. How does having someone around help ward off discouragement?

DAY 19

Read 1 Kings 18:46; 19:3-5. Elijah had travelled far and was physically and emotionally exhausted. When you feel discouraged how does taking care of your physical and emotional health help?

DAY 20

Read 1 Kings 19:5-7. Elijah took time to eat and rest. Have you noticed a relationship between hunger and discouragement?

Why is it important to rest and stay well nourished?

TIP: Keep your Bible handy and refer to it as you read the questions

DAY 21

Read 1 Kings 19:10-13. At his lowest, the Lord revealed Himself to Elijah in a new way. How does seeking and experiencing the Lord help you move past discouragement?

DAY 22

Read 1 Kings 19:10,14. Elijah only focused on the negative aspects of his situation. In the midst of discouragement, how does Philippians 4:6-8 counteract a negative mindset?

DAY 23

Read 1 Kings 19:14-16. Elijah received a fresh assignment from the Lord. How is purposeful service an effective antidote to discouragement?

DAY 24

Read 1 Kings 19:16-21. The Lord provided Elisha to travel with Elijah. What role do companions play in staying encouraged?

Who are your trusted companions?

DAY 25

Read 2 Corinthians 7:6. Who is the ultimate source of encouragement? What is one means God uses to encourage discouraged people?

DAY 26

Read 2 Corinthians 13:11. Encouraging others is a choice and something you must be intentional about. What are some encouraging biblical truths you can share with others?

DAY 27

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. In verse 11 what command is given and why will it transform your life and relationships when you obey it?

DAY 28

Read Romans 15:4. What is a main source of encouragement and hope for believers? In light of this how can you be a source of encouragement to others?

DAY 29

Read Hebrews 12:1-13. What truths in these verses are meant to encourage you when facing adversity? What are ways you can encourage others with these same truths?

DAY 30

Read Acts 4:32-36. How did Barnabas, nicknamed Son of Encouragement, encourage fellow believers? What practical acts or gifts can you share that will encourage others?

30 Days to Finding and Giving Encouragement

WHAT IF YOU NEED A SECOND CHANCE? “Without a second chance, we would never grow to maturity.”

- CHARLES R. SWINDOLL

We’ve all said we would do something and not followed through. We started strong; we had every intention of doing it. And then, somewhere along the way, we got sidetracked.

When we don’t follow through we disappoint people. At this point, two things likely happen. First, having lost trust in us, some people determine not to rely on us again.

Second, having had time to think about how we would handle things differently, we long for a second chance.

The Bible includes several examples of people who blew it and later asked for a second chance. The adulterous woman needed a second chance to prove her character (John 8:1-11). Jonah needed one after he ran from God’s command to carry His message to Nineveh (Jonah 1-2). Esther needed a second chance to respond to Mordecai’s plea to help their people (Esther 4:10-17). In this message we focus on the young John Mark who needed a second chance to prove himself to Paul and Barnabas after deserting them on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:13; 15:37-38).

Paul and Barnabas were prominent teachers in the Antioch church whom God called to minister in other places (13:1-2).

John Mark came along as their assistant.

After ministering on the island of Cyprus,

the travellers sailed for Asia Minor and landed in port called Perga. It was in Perga John Mark left the group (13:13).

In Luke’s record of the event, he said nothing of Paul’s immediate reaction to John Mark’s leaving. However, we do know how it affected Paul later. Sometime after their return to Antioch, Paul and Barnabas explored the idea of returning to the churches they had started on their previous journey. They were eager about the prospect aside from one thing: John Mark.

Barnabas wanted to bring him along and Paul would have none of it.

We’re as likely to stand in John Mark’s shoes as we are Paul’s and Barnabas’.

People will fail us. And when that happens we must decide what to do. How do we respond to someone who has disappointed us? Here are four guidelines to help navigate those treacherous waters and make the right choice.

First, when in disagreement, work hard at seeing the other point of view.

Second, when both sides have excellent support, seek a wise compromise.

Third, when conflict persists, care enough to work it through rather than stomp it out.

Fourth, when you can’t reach a resolution and you must disagree, try not to become disagreeable.

“What If You Need a Second Chance?” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series What If...? You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.

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