Insights Magazine: August 2013 by Insight for Living Canada

AUGUST 2013

In this issue

8 3

Needed Today: A Ministry of Encouragement Charles R. Swindoll

6 Clothed in Kindness Robyn Roste 8

Is it ever OK to judge?

11 The Encouragement Cycle Peter Tyrrell 14 Q & A Steve Johnson

LAUGHING MATTERS A Letter to Blaine Phil Callaway

Copyright ÂŠ 2013 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 IFLC staff. Printed in Canada.

by Charles R. Swindoll

. . . how many prodigals are kept out of the Kingdom of God by the unlovely character of those who profess to be inside?1 Will you allow me, in this private chat with you, to pick out one “unlovely characteristic” frequently found in Christian circles… and then to develop it from a positive point of view? I’m thinking of the lack of encouragement in our relationships. To illustrate the point, when did you last encourage someone else? Be honest: when was the last time you said something or gave something or wrote something or did something with the single motive of encouraging someone else? I firmly believe that an individual is never more Christlike than when full of compassion for those who are down,

needy, discouraged, feeling unappreciated, or forgotten. How essential is “the ministry of encouragement”! Woven into the fabric of the book of Acts is the quiet yet colourful life of a man who is a stranger to most Christians. Barnabas came from the island of Cyprus, destined to an obscure role of “minister of encouragement.” In fact, the name, Barnabas, was actually his nickname, which means “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). In comparison to the brighter lights of this book—Peter, Paul, Silas, James, and Apollos—Barnabas is virtually unmentioned… but, oh, how essential he was! Let’s stroll together through Acts 4. The young, persecuted believers in Jerusalem were “under the gun.” If ever they needed encouragement, it was then. They were backed to the wall, emotionally bruised, and, financially broke. Many were pressed; their needs were desperate. When Barnabas arrived from Cyprus, he gave them all

Needed Today: A Ministry of Encouragement continued from p. 3

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he had. Proving that he was living for others, he brought the entire proceeds from the sale of some property to this band of believers (4:32-37). Let’s call that, encouragement in finances. The next time he appeared, Barnabas is at it again! In Acts 11, the body of Christ was growing, and the Word was spreading like a flame. It was too much for one leader to handle alone. What did Barnabas do? He searched for and found the gifted teacher, Saul of Tarsus (11:25), who was at that time an outcast because of his former life. Not afraid to stick his neck out for a new Christian who was suspect in the eyes of the public, Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch and gave him a boost upward… in the very place where Barnabas had been experiencing remarkable blessing (11:22–23, 26). Without a thought of jealousy, he later allowed Saul to take over leadership and set the pace of the first missionary journey (Acts 13). It is interesting that soon their names were switched from “Barnabas…and Saul” (13:1) to “Paul and Barnabas” (13:42). This is the supreme test. It takes a great person to recognize that someone else (especially someone younger) has Godgiven abilities and to encourage him or her to move ahead of you with your full support. This we might call encouragement of fellowship and followship. The curtain comes down on Barnabas’s life in chapter 15. The second missionary journey was about to begin. He and Paul discussed the possibility of taking John Mark, a young man who had deserted them on the first journey (13:13). Because of that, Paul insisted that Mark not be invited, thinking that Mark was a quitter and would fail again. Barnabas refused that kind of thinking. He stood his

ground, believing in Mark, in spite of what had happened before. You know the outcome (15:36–39). Barnabas demonstrated encouragement in spite of failure. Encouragement is so important! Do you know of someone in need of financial encouragement? A student away at school…a young couple up against it…a divorcee struggling to gain back selfacceptance…a forgotten servant of God labouring in a lonely and difficult ministry? Step up! Encourage generously! Do you know of someone who could and should be promoted to a place of greater usefulness but is presently in need of your companionship and affirmation? Go to bat for this person! He or she needs your fellowship. How about someone who is better qualified than you are? You would be amazed at the blessing God would pour out upon you if you’d really back him or her with followship. And let’s not forget the failures…those who need a second chance. The Lots, the Samsons, the Jonahs, the Demases, the John Marks, the Peters. Yes, they failed… they blew it. Are you big enough to offer a hand of encouragement and demonstrate genuine love? Lift up with encouragement the person who failed! It pays off! It did in Mark’s case. He later wrote the gospel that bears his name. In fact, Mark later proved to be very useful to Paul’s ministry (2 Tim. 4:11). To Henry Drummond’s indictment, I suggest a solution. It is a new watchword:

ENCOURAGEMENT! 1.Henry Drummond, “The Greatest Thing in the World,” in Addresses (Philadelphia: Henry Altemus, 1891), 42. (Accessed on Google Books, May 15, 2013.) Photograph of Chuck Swindoll © 2012 by Luke Edmonson

f you've written an article or essay before then you understand the battle it can sometimes be to form a concept. Even with all the plotting, outlining, and researching coming up with a solid point can be a struggle. Or worse! My first journalism article felt a lot like torture. I was in my third year of university and finally I had the opportunity to write something where I interviewed real people—not just classmates and friends. So of course I wanted to write the best article ever presented to anyone ever in all of history. The assignment was to choose a theme and then find sources to interview about the theme. Simple right? Write about anything.

“As Christians being kind to others should be second nature, shouldn’t it?” Not simple. I had no idea what to write about. And worse still, my professor dismissed all my ideas so I started from scratch 6

each and every class. For weeks this continued until I was instructed to “Just pick something from your list and go with it.” So I did. I chose Acts of Kindness. Beside the topic my professor had written “Not strong.” But what else could I do? I had no more ideas and no more time. Although I hadn’t seen the movie Pay it Forward I don’t doubt the concept sparked my interest in the topic. And as I dug into it I discovered random acts of kindness can change a person’s life. I spoke with people who had experienced kindness when they needed it most, and people who had built their lives on the foundation of showing kindness to others. The stories were inspirational, but I also noticed the people I spoke with seemed surprised that someone had treated them so well. I wonder why we’re so surprised when people are nice to us. As Christians being kind to others should be second nature, shouldn’t it? Here are a few ways the Bible speaks about kindness: • We are to clothe ourselves in kindness and forgive one another (Col. 3:12)

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by Robyn Roste

• Kindness is evidence of the Holy Spirit in us (Gal. 5:22) • We are saved because of Christ’s kindness, despite our sinfulness. We are to treat others in the same way (Rom. 11:22; Eph. 2:6-8) So why do we hold back our kindness from others? Maybe it’s because as a society we seek after our own interests first, and others’ interests second. Or lower. Maybe it’s because it means giving ourselves without expecting anything in return. It’s not an easy attitude to adopt. Or maybe we have been kind in the past and it ended up hurting us. Now we’re shy. We are afraid to give because we’ll get taken advantage of. Whatever the reason, kindness isn’t something we expect from others or ourselves anymore. I would like to think I’m a nice person but this probably isn’t true. Sure I can be nice when people are nice to me first but what about when someone is trying to cut in line, or when my neighbour is loud, or when my sibling is demanding attention?

Am I clothed in kindness then? In thinking about where I can improve I’ve challenged myself to make kindness my first response, not an afterthought. Here is my motivation “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you,” (Eph. 4:32 NIV). There are lots of ways we can show kindness to others. Here are a few easy ways to make it a part of our everyday lives. • Hold a door open for someone • Donate gently used items to people who could use them • Pick up litter around the neighbourhood • Return a shopping cart • Thank a bus driver/cashier/etc. Being kind is a risk, we could be misunderstood or taken advantage of, but it is worth it. When we take the time to help someone else we’re allowing God to work through us. Who knows the ripple effect our kind acts will cause! ▪ Robyn Roste is the Living Bridge Media manager at Insight for Living Canada.

LAUGHING MATTERS

by Phil Callaway

Dear Mr. Callaway, I enjoy your books and your sense of humour. In my early teens laughter was easy. I’m 17 now and the joy is gone from my life. How do you live a life of joy? PS Here’s a cheesy joke for you. There were two peanuts walking down the street. One was a-salted. Signed, Blaine

Dear Blaine, Thanks for your honesty. The first thing you need to do is find a new joke. I’ve been peppered many times with the one about the peanut being a-salted. Replace it with this one: Did you hear about the fire at the circus? It was intense. OK, maybe the peanut joke isn’t so bad. First let me say, I’ve been 17. It’s not easy. I was skinny, pimply, had girl trouble, and my car sounded like a cat with hiccups. Seventeen is hard. Fifty-one is better, but you don’t have to wait that long to bring the joy back. Here are some steps. First, realize that joy is a bit like those missing socks from the dryer: it’s something you may not find by looking for it.

Joy comes from walking in obedience to God, making small decisions to choose the best when the worst shows up, and knowing that He is accomplishing amazing things behind the scenes even when life seems messy. So, wake up right each day. If you have to crawl back into bed and start over, that’s OK. Go ahead. Take a deep breath. Remember to let it out. Grin. Say a quick prayer of thanks. You woke up in a bed. Breakfast is 20 steps away. Too many people don’t have either. Next have a wake-up song ready. One that’ll focus your mind on things that last forever. Sing it or play it. Back in the 1400s when I was 17, I listened almost every morning to a guy named Chuck Girard singing, “I love the feeling when I get up in the morning and my heart is beating fast with gladness. Oh what a feeling when I rise and think about You, You wash away all morning sadness.” When we fix our eyes on Jesus we find there’s nothing—not even girl trouble—that the two of us can’t handle together that day. Next, say something nice to the first person you see. Maybe it’s Mom or Dad or a sibling. Try a compliment about food or clothes or hair. Go slowly at first. The shock may be too much for them. When you leave the house, remember to go M-A-D. Go Make A Difference. Like Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker you’ll have opportunity all day

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to choose the dark or the light. Brighten the world for others and the sun will shine on you. People will try to drive you crazy; you won’t let them. Remember everyone on earth is at least just a little bit lonely, so befriend a lonely, uncool person. Make friends who love the right things, who have great attitudes. If you hang out with guys who suck lemons, you’ll look really ugly and wrinkly by the time you’re my age. Don’t blame others. And don’t be afraid to get a job flipping burgers. Use half the money to support a needy child. It’ll change your life. Remember your teachers aren’t so bad. You’ll appreciate them once you get a boss. Don’t listen to lies grown-ups tell. Here’s one: “You can do anything you set your mind to.” Sorry. You can’t. Have you watched American Idol? But you can do anything God wants you to. His script for your life is better than anything you will ever write. So talk to Him about it. Trust Him. And find that one thing you love to do. Here’s another lie: “You’ll never amount to anything.” You already have. You’re a

much-loved child of the living God. I was not a model in high school. One teacher had had enough of me and said, “Callaway, you’ll never amount to anything.” The second said, “You have a gift. I want you in my Communication Arts class tomorrow morning.” Guess which teacher literally transformed my life? The other one? Well, I send him my books whenever they’re translated into Chinese. (Just kidding.) Read the book of Proverbs. It gives guidance on relationships, money, and the future. It teaches discernment, confidence, work ethics, and sexual purity. This book will shape your life. And a Godshaped life is a joy-filled life even when tough times show up. PS Don’t stop telling jokes. Here’s another one for you: What do you call an alligator wearing a vest? An investigator. Actually, your peanut joke is sounding better all the time. ▪ Phil Callaway is an author and speaker, and fan of Insight for Living. Visit him at laughagain.org

ON THE AIR IN SEPTEMBER

LIVING ON THE RAGGED EDGE Like a carrot on the end of a stick, fulfilment eludes us…regardless of how we fill in the blank. Chuck Swindoll examines King Solomon’s vain quest for satisfaction, recorded in the book of Ecclesiastes. In this straightforward study, we discover the ultimate secret for the “good life”—a life of meaning and satisfaction in a world on the ragged edge.

UPCOMING MESSAGES INCLUDE: Confessions of a Cynic The Lonely Whine of the Top Dog Straight Talk to the Money-Mad Interlude of Rare Insight

by Peter Tyrrell

s I approached 40, and my eyesight started to go blurry, I realized I needed to start investing time in protecting the temple God had given me (1 Cor. 6:19). A good friend suggested I join him in training for a bicycle ride…from Melbourne to Adelaide…to raise money for Rotary health research. The training regime wasn’t too difficult but it was constant. Within a few months I was ready for the 726 km marathon. I learned an amazing amount from the trip preparation and from the ride itself. We hear in the New Testament of Paul exhorting us to strive for the finish in life’s grand race to eternity. I was never a great sportsman because of the consequences of injuries in my early teen years, but I learned to be like the tortoise…slow, steady, and a finisher. While Paul talks about keeping our eyes on the prize, for me the prize would be to actually get there! The toughest physical challenge of my life was the third day, a 161 kilometre ride from Hamilton in Victoria to Mt Gambier in southeastern South Australia. It was a killer. The final 20 km travelled through undulating roads of expansive pine plantations of the border region. At the time I rode a hybrid bicycle, a cross between a mountain and road bike. My co-riders were more professional, riding sleek, light racing bikes. I’ve got strong endurance but that day nearly saw me out. As we crested each hill I fell back a few paces. And because I‘d lost the pack’s momentum I struggled to regain the ground. Within a few hills I was back 100 metres or more. There was one rider, Jim, who came to my rescue. As I lagged I’d see his head turn to keep track of my position and then, when the next trough came, he’d slow, 12

The Encouragement Cycle continued from p. 11

looping back to ride next to me. Jim would ask how I was doing, provide a few words of encouragement and then draft me back to the pack. I couldn’t have completed Day 3’s gruelling 161 km without Jim. While the ride started out as a personal marathon, Jim’s encouragement taught me the most important lesson I’ve encountered about teamwork.

The Early Church was so much like me, like all of us really. It had its ups and downs as many of us have experienced in our personal lives. In 1 Thessalonians Paul talks to his church planters about the need to encourage each other, and the importance of receiving encouragement. Encouragement is a two-way street. It should be given and received.

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I know that if Jim had not encouraged me, I’d still probably be on that road somewhere! And if my response to Jim was “Get lost!” out of pure vanity, that would have created in him a reluctance to help another rider in trouble. Likewise the fledgling church needed to be taught why they should encourage each other. In 1 Thessalonians, chapter 4, verses 13 to 17, Paul retells the story of the Lord’s coming to strengthen the resolve of the church builders. It’s almost like Jim saying, “Come on, Peter. You can get up there. It’s not that far!” While these words confirm what we know in our hearts, they take on a new power when we hear someone we trust utter them. And then in chapter 5, verses 4 to 10, Paul provides words of affirmation for the journey—“you are not in darkness” (5:4); “You are sons of the light” (5:5); “He died for us” (5:10); “we may live together” (5:10). Comments like these lift up our spirits and propel us into ministry. I’m sure you can remember a time when such positive statements gave you the strength to go that extra mile. William Barclay in his book The Letter to the Hebrews writes, One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement…It is easy to laugh

at men’s ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others. The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word.1 If you go to the first few verses of the first chapter of each of Paul’s letters you will see a trend, where Paul is one of the great encouragers of the Bible. His writing style provides a model for encouragement that we should strive to emulate. By the end of Day 3 I reached Mount Gambier, tired and very fatigued. The physical stress of that sector took its toll with my knee cartilage tearing the next morning. But I finished the ride, right up to the famous dressing rooms at Adelaide Oval. It was only through the encouragement of people like Jim that I made it. ▪ 1. William Barclay, “The Letter to the Hebrews,” in Swindoll’s Ultimate Book of Illustrations and Quotes (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1988), 179.

Peter Tyrrell is the former executive director at Insight for Living Australia. Peter and his wife, Cornelia, have dedicated their lives to helping others apply God’s principals to everyday life.

by Steve Johnson

QUESTION: Jesus said, “Do not judge” (Matt. 7:1). But Matthew 18:15-17 says we are to confront our brother when he sins. Doesn’t this require judging? ANSWER: Whenever we come across passages of Scripture that seem to contradict each other the first thing to do is read the verses in context. Context can alter how we understand individual words. In Matthew 7:2-5 Jesus contextualizes His statement about judging in verse 1 by noting the absurdity of removing the speck from a brother’s eye while having a log in one’s own eye. The word picture helps portray how ridiculous such hypocrisy is. Jesus was speaking against two things. First, He was telling us not to be censorious in our attitudes to others. “Censorious” means disapproving, hypercritical, and stern. Often Christians are accused of this attitude when speaking against something. It is not wrong to speak out against 14

something wrong—Jesus did it all the time. But He was full of grace and truth when He did. Second, Jesus was speaking against hypocrisy. He said we should refrain from judging others who commit the same sin we’re engaging in or when we’re sinning even worse than they are. For “with the judgment [we] pronounce [we] will be judged” (Matt. 7:2). This exhortation is similar to the point made by the Apostle Paul when he asks, “Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?” (Rom. 2:3). These verses are a warning against hypocrisy and, at the same time, an exhortation to right living.

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Jesus was not teaching that judgments should never be made. We know this because other passages require making judgments in the sense of assessing, evaluating, and discerning. Sometimes we need to make general judgments. Christians must “judge” to distinguish between good and evil. In Hebrews 5:14 we read, “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” We are also to effectively guard our hearts against error and sin. “But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others” (1 Cor. 2:14-15 NLT). Other times we must make specific judgments of the words and behaviours of people. There are a couple reasons for this. First, it may need to be done with a view to righting wrongs. This is the idea in Matthew 18:15-17. If a believer sees another believer sinning, it is his Christian duty to examine himself first (Gal. 6:1), then

lovingly, humbly, respectfully, and in a non-censorious way confront the person with the sin. This is not judging but rather pointing out the truth with a view to bringing repentance and restoration in the other person (Jas. 5:20).

“It is not wrong to speak out against something wrong—Jesus did it all the time.” Specific judgments may also be necessary because Jesus commanded us to be fruit-testers of false teachers and any who come in the name of Christ but who, by their actions, deny Christ (Titus 1:16, Matt. 3:8). “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:15-16 NASB). I hope this helps. - Steve Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada.

THIS MONTH’S FEATURED RESOURCE

In this insightful book author Jerry Bridges helps you see what to accept responsibility for in the pursuit of holiness and what you should rely on God to do. A must-read for any Christian who believes that a relationship with God means more than being nice and going to church. See enclosed form for ordering information

Join us for the grand opening of our new online store! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve worked hard to create the best shopping experience possible. Our online store has great new features and now offers mp3s!

To celebrate,

all mp3s are on sale, starting at just $1.50. Visit store.insightforliving.ca to see for yourself!

ON SALE IN

AUGUST Encouragement Served Family Style single CD message

Imagine being part of a church family where everyone builds each other up. If encouraging words and actions were to pulse through our church community, a superficial fellowship would be transformed into something significant: a family.

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Symphony of Survival in the Key of “C”: Keeping Marital Commitment Strong booklet by Charles R. Swindoll, 42 pages

Every marriage encounters challenges that threaten its survival. In this booklet Chuck teaches profound truths about commitment and shows you where true hope for every marriage begins—in a right relationship with Jesus Christ.

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$ 50 reg. $5.00

Meet Me in the Library: Readings from Eight Writers Who Shaped My Life paperback selected & introduced by Charles R. Swindoll, 140 pages

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Meet Chuck in his library and learn the lessons of faith from those who influenced him. He introduces you to nine of his favourite books and explains how God used the authors to grow him into greater knowledge and faith.

order/donate at insightforliving.ca or call 1.800.663.7639 offer expires SEPTEMBER 30, 2013

Travelling Home: What the Other Travel Guides Don’t Tell You 5 CD messages

Has your hope for a strong marriage and family been lost? Anchor yourself firmly to the biblical principles from five messages Chuck delivered during an Insight for Living family conference.

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10-Minute Time Outs for Moms

Job: A Man of Heroic Endurance

How Can I Begin the Christian Life?

paperback devotional by Grace Fox, 256 pages

paperback by Charles R. Swindoll, 371 pages

booklet by Charles R. Swindoll, 38 pages

God wants to give you everything you need to be the mom He’s designed you to be. New mothers and moms raising children of any age will find refreshment and comfort among these welcoming pages as they spend each time-out wrapped in their Father’s love.

“What did I do to deserve such suffering?” Through unexpected answers from God, Job gained new insights on suffering, patience, and endurance. In this illuminating study of Job’s life, Chuck guides you through the fog of confusion, anger, blame, and that gnawing silence you feel in the midst of suffering.

What does it mean to become a Christian? What does it mean to live as a Christian? This booklet provides guidance to help you find answers to these significant questions.

this month’s FEATURED RESOURCE FIRST COPY

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additional copies: $9.00 reg. $12.00

The Pursuit of Holiness paperback by Jerry Bridges, 159 pages

LifeMaps set of 7 paperbacks by Insight for Living

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These Bible study guides focus on spiritual growth in the areas of anxiety, evangelism, leadership, parenting, purity, stewardship, and suffering. LifeMaps are suitable for personal or group study.

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STAFF PICK “It’s no secret that what Chuck says, he says well! Interwoven through the book is my favourite part—Chuck’s transparency in overcoming many challenges. He demonstrates God’s mercy, grace, and sovereignty in his life.” Lori Cross Listener Services Supervisor

Saying it Well: Touching Others with Your Words hardcover by Charles R. Swindoll, 268 pages

Whether you’re giving a speech or simply talking one-on-one this book teaches foundational principles of communication. Filled with techniques and personal stories, Chuck shares practical secrets on how to talk so people will listen.

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on the air THIS MONTH! Living on the Ragged Edge: Coming to Terms with Reality 24 CD messages + workbook

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Do you want to find joy and peace in a world gone mad? In this study of King Solomon’s quest for satisfaction, discover the ultimate secret for the “good life”—a life of meaning in a world on the ragged edge.

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Character Counts: Building a Life that Pleases God 12 CD messages + Bible companion

In a world that says private character is not as important as public performance, God begs to differ and impresses upon us that character does count. This study will help you develop character qualities that glorify Christ.

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THE TRIP OF A

LIFETIME

Hear Chuck Swindoll speak at amazing locations— forever bonding these significant sites with lessons from God’s Word—and be a part of Insight for Living Canada’s 30th anniversary celebration.

Join our Canadian bus headed by executive director Steve Johnson and Dr. Dave Currie as we tour the Holy Land March 10-21, 2014.

Visit insightforliving.ca/events for more information

info@insightforliving.ca • insightforliving.ca • 1.800.663.7639