SEPTEMBER 2015
Experiencing
TRANSFORMATION
In this issue
6
8 3
The Real Reason We're Doing What We're Doing charles r. swindoll
6 An Attitude of Genuine Thanksgiving charles r. swindoll 8
Five Reasons We Complain robyn roste
What are the Keys to Answered Prayer?
11
11 30 Days to Finding the Freedom of Forgiveness steve johnson 15 Beyond the Broadcast: Straight Talk to the Timid and Reluctant
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 2015 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 photo Š stocksy.com certified member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Printed in Canada.
by charles r. swindoll
ust last month, my wife Cynthia and I were engaged in a cruise conference to the Greek Isles with some friends of Insight for Living Ministries. As we disembarked at Athens, we were near ancient Corinth, one of the sites where the Apostle Paul ministered untiringly on his journeys. Anyone who visits Corinth’s marketplace will observe a raised platform of carved stones—the city’s judgment seat. Twenty centuries prior, Paul stood at this very spot as Roman Governor Gallio sat on the judgment seat (Acts 18:12–17). When Paul later wrote to the believers in Corinth, he compared his appearance at Corinth’s judgment seat to the appearance each Christian will face before “the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). That moment won’t be a judgment for sin since sin was judged at the cross. Instead, it will be a judgment to determine our rewards based on how well we have followed Christ. On that day, Jesus will examine and reveal our motives and the quality of our service (1 Corinthians 3:10–15; 4:5). My mind goes back years ago to the day I asked my sister Luci, whose art skills far exceed mine, to print a simple, three-word question on a small card. Just black letters on a white card, with a bold question mark at the end: WHAT’S YOUR MOTIVE?
J
I no longer have that card, but the question remains indelibly etched on my mind. It’s one I ask myself almost every day. It has proven to be an essential checkpoint of my life: • Why am I planning this? • Why was I involved in that? • Why did I say yes (or no)? • Why did I write that letter? • Why am I preaching this message? • Why did I respond like that? • Why did I mention that person’s name? All those questions force me to face my motive. Here’s one more: Why do we do what we do at Insight for Living Ministries? What’s our motive? I can answer that in five words: so lives may be transformed. That’s it. That’s what it boils down to. What began on a handful of radio stations more than 35 years ago has grown—by God’s grace and to our amazement. We are now an international outreach ministry that delivers God’s Word around the world in multiple languages every day. How very exciting! Focusing on our God-given motive for doing what we do is what we’re all about. We want to teach the Bible—and help others teach the Bible—in all 195 countries of the world. And the motive behind our vision? To teach the Bible so that lives may be transformed…all around the world. Charles R. Swindoll serves as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.
This Month’s Featured Resource
How do you trust God when He’s silent? For ordering information visit insightforliving.ca or view enclosed flyer.
AN ATTITUDE OF
Genuine Thanksgiving by charles r. swindoll
P
aul had an attitude of genuine thanksgiving: "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak" (Colossians 4:2-4). Here's a man in his 60s who has been preaching for years asking for prayers for a clearer delivery. There was no pretence with Paul. No degree of success or number of years in the ministry gave him a false sense of ultimate accomplishment. He knew he had not yet arrived. He was convinced his preaching could be improved. And so with a genuinely thankful heart, he entreated his fellow believers for their prayers. Can you see the power of that kind of attitude? Very refreshing. No wonder the man had such lasting impact for Christ. His secret bled through every one of his letters. He had learned to be content in all things. But we can't leave the ink of these truths to simply sit and dry on the page. We must embrace the
same secret for ourselves if we are to have the same lasting impact. Some personal reflection is in order. Let's turn the spotlight away from the man housed in Rome back then and focus it on you and your life, wherever you find yourself right now. Are you making a difference in the lives of those closest to you by the way you respond to your circumstances? Are others inspired by your faith, or are they discouraged by your fears? Are the attitudes of unselfish humility, joyful acceptance, strong determination, and genuine thanksgiving evident in the way you respond to circumstances? Maybe it's time to make some changes. Let's see if I can help. Start by refusing to let your situation determine your attitude. When your attitude overshadows your situation, transformation really begins. As we saw in Paul, the power to transform stubborn attitudes of fear and bitterness, anger and defeat, comes from Christ. The Lord our God stands ready to pour His strength in you. He alone has the power to deliver you from those relentless foes and send you soaring. Keep an attitude of genuine thanksgiving.
Taken from Charles R. Swindoll, Great Days with the Great Lives, p. 339. Copyright 2000 By Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Published by W Publishing Group, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission.
GOD LOVES ME. HE LIVES IN ME (Galatians 2:20)
I AM COMPLETE IN CHRIST (Colossians 2:10)
I AM CHOSEN BY GOD (Ephesians 3:4-6)
I AM JUSTIFIED THROUGH FAITH AND THROUGH MY FAITH I FIND PEACE (Romans 5:1)
I AM A NEW CREATION— MY OLD LIFE IS GONE (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I AM A CHILD OF GOD (John 1:2; Galatians 3:26)
GOD WORKS ALL THINGS TOGETHER FOR GOOD (Romans 8:28)
GOD DOES NOT TREAT ME AS MY SINS DESERVE (Psalm 103:10)
GOD FORGIVES MY SINS AND REDEEMS MY LIFE FROM THE PIT. HE CROWNS ME WITH LOVE AND COMPASSION (Psalm 103:2-4; Matthew 26:28)
GOD FORGETS MY SINS (Psalm 103:12; Hebrews 10:17)
WANT TO BECOME MORE THANKFUL? Put these truths up somewhere you will see them and repeat them to yourself over and over. Thank God for His hand in your life and find ways to extend kindness to others.
by robyn roste
Y
ou know those times when you know you’re supposed to be thankful but there’s nothing to be grateful about? And at the end of a no-good rotten day where everything goes wrong and nothing will be right ever again…isn’t there something so satisfying about giving in to the negative thoughts you’ve worked so hard to push aside and bask in all your self-righteous “why me” glory? After a good pity party I wonder why I cycle like this. Why is it so difficult to be grateful for what I have instead of focusing on what’s wrong and what I lack? I have a friend who is never negative. Not ever. No matter what happens she has something positive to say about her situation. It drives me crazy. On one hand I think it’s great she can find something good to say about everything in life—not many of us have that skill. On the other hand you can’t go around avoiding the negative just because it’s negative. Bad things happen. You have to acknowledge it or you’re not living in reality. But, I’m learning, you don’t have to complain about it. Chuck Swindoll takes a direct look at this in his sermon It’s Time to Celebrate— Not Complain. Based on the Israelite’s experience of wandering through the desert found in Numbers 10-12, he highlights five main reasons we complain.
1. We complain because we have formed the habit of fussing 2. We complain because we are not trusting God to provide 3. We complain because we listen to others who are complaining 4. We complain because we are focused on what we don’t have 5. We complain because we are not grateful for what God has provided
“Consider challenges a sheer gift. This is the only way you won’t question your faith when things go sideways.” Popular blogger and leadership speaker Michael Hyatt has an interesting perspective on complaining. He doesn’t suggest avoiding or over-spiritualizing negative situations like many of us would be tempted to do. Instead he suggests asking ourselves a question when something negative happens: What does this experience make possible? Asking this kind of question not only banishes self-pity and complaints from your demeanour but it forces you to confront the situation, look at it head-on, and see the good that can come from it.
Could this be my friend’s approach? Perhaps she sees what’s possible in spite of the negative. Maybe it’s me who has the problem—I mean, I’m sitting here complaining because she isn’t complaining. I’m reminded of a conversation I had with a good friend who is not a believer. She asked me why Christians seem to question their faith when they face hard times. My hunch is many people have an unspoken belief the Christian life means freedom from pain and hardship—so then when trials come (not “if they come” but “when”) they’re left confused and conflicted. “This isn’t what I signed up for! Why do bad things happen to good people?” Faith is not a free pass from hard times. In fact, it’s ridiculous to think there’s a magic cure-all protector bubble you can jump into to shield yourself from life. So how should we react to hard times? Be thankful. But don’t take it from me—go to the source. Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under
pressure your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1:2-8 The Message) Consider challenges a sheer gift. This is the only way you won’t question your faith when things go sideways. This is the only way you will be able to avoid complaining, whining, and feeling sorry for yourself when life gets tough. This is the only way you can praise the Lord with all your heart when nothing makes sense and everything goes wrong. As Thanksgiving approaches I challenge you to think about all the blessings you do have…and praise God for the hardships you’re facing as well. Ask yourself: what does this experience make possible? Write out your answers and revisit them whenever you feel like there’s nothing to be thankful for. See where it takes you. Robyn Roste is the Media and Marketing manager at Insight for Living Canada.
We have hundreds of Bible-teaching articles, audio programs, and other resources designed to help you grow in your faith. Visit insightforliving.ca today!
dancing girl
Š istock.com
TO FINDING THE FREEDOM OF FORGIVENESS
This article is designed to create a better understanding and application of forgiveness. For the next 30 days read the questions, look up the verses, and allow them to spark deeper personal reflection and life change.
L
iving in a fallen world of people where we all sin and have been sinned against means we all need forgiveness and to grant forgiveness. Although they are not always easy tasks doing so is worthwhile bringing freedom and blessing.
DAY 1
God is holy. Habakkuk wrote, “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing” (1:13). But we’re all sinners. What are the consequences of your sin being a barrier between God and you?
DAY 2
Because of His holiness God reacts to sin with wrath (Romans 1:18). Unless the sin is removed or covered God must punish the sinner. When you are hurt or offended how do you react?
DAY 3
Forgiveness is the act of releasing an offence and reconciling with your offender. God does this for you through Jesus’ death (Romans 3:23-26). How does Christ’s death atone (cover) your sin?
DAY 4
One biblical image of forgiveness is covering sin, putting it out of sight, blotting it out (Psalm 32:1; 51:9). How does this imagery change how you view your offender?
DAY 5
God delights to show mercy. The biblical imagery Micah 7:18-19 describes is God’s forgiveness casting our sin into depths of the sea. What does this teach you about the finality of His forgiveness?
DAY 6
According to Psalm 51 (verses 2, 7, and 10) what is the biblical image used to convey forgiveness? Ponder this: In Exodus 12:22 hyssop was used to apply the blood to the doorposts.
DAY 7
In the New Testament, forgiveness is described as cancelling a debt (Matthew 6:12; 2 Corinthians 5:19). Jesus’ death provided payment for your sin, but who pays the debt if you reject Christ?
DAY 8 DAY 9 DAY 10
According to Acts 3:19 and 1 John 1:9 what must you do to receive payment for your sin and God’s forgiveness?
God is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Exodus 34:6). How does the word “abounding” characterize how God forgives? How does the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) portray God’s lavish forgiveness for repentant sinners? How is that a model for your forgiveness?
Finding the Freedom of Forgiveness
DAY 11
In what way does the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) portray God’s heart and the restoration of sinners?
DAY 12
Matthew 18:21-35 says you should be ready to forgive no matter what, but reconciliation requires the offender be accountable for his offence. What are ways you can forgive an unrepentant offender?
DAY 13
Repentance precedes reconciliation. Once the offender repents the relationship can be restored and fellowship enjoyed. Why is it sinful to not forgive someone who is repentant?
DAY 14
In some cases reconciliation isn’t wise due to the nature of the offence or isn’t possible due to death. What are ways you can experience forgiveness without having the closure of reconciliation?
DAY 15
Matthew 6:14 says, “if you forgive people their sins, your Father in heaven will forgive your sins also,” (NLT). What is the connection between forgiving others and God’s forgiveness in Matthew 6:15?
DAY 16
You can’t receive forgiveness without acknowledging your need for it. And because of your own imperfection what right do you have to withhold forgiveness from anyone else?
DAY 17
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Forgiveness is the very essence of your faith—how should this characterize your life?
DAY 18
Colossians 3:13 says, “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Forgiving is a deliberate choice not based on emotions. Who in your life are you holding back from forgiving because of hurt feelings?
DAY 19
Emotions are a response to what you do or think so shouldn’t influence your decisions. Why is a deliberate choice to forgive and to continue forgiving essential to emotional healing?
DAY 20
God loves you as well as those who hurt you. How can remembering God loves your offender so much He died for him or her help you find forgiveness?
TIP: Keep your Bible handy and refer to it as you read the questions
DAY 21
Read Romans 8:28. Even offences are included in the “all things” allowed by God in His sovereign plan for your good. What good purpose can being hurt and extending forgiveness achieve?
DAY 22
In John 20:22-23 Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit!" His next instruction was about forgiving people. What is the connection?
DAY 23
If the Spirit of Jesus who forgave all your sins lives in and through you, how will living under His influence daily enable you to forgive others?
DAY 24
People think some offences are impossible to forgive. How should Jesus’ words, “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26) impact your dependence on God to help you forgive?
DAY 25
People often repeat their offences. What, according to Jesus in Matthew 18:21-22, is the limit to how many times should you should forgive your offender?
DAY 26
Forgiveness is hindered when you dwell on hurts. How would committing yourself to letting go after choosing to forgive help you heal?
DAY 27
According to Hebrews 12:14-15 what damage can you cause to yourself and others by harbouring unforgiveness in your heart?
DAY 28
Esau forgave Jacob (Genesis 33:4); Joseph forgave his 10 brothers (Genesis 50:19-20); Jesus sought forgiveness for those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). How do these show you nothing is unforgivable?
DAY 29
Healing from hurts comes when you forgive and then pray for your offenders. Prayer helps complete the act of forgiving. What will prayer do to your heart?
DAY 30
Emotional healing requires the decision to forgive, the commitment to not dwell on it, prayer, and time. What is holding you back from moving forward and committing to forgive?
Finding the Freedom of Forgiveness
STRAIGHT TALK TO THE TIMID AND RELUCTANT
“The Apostle Paul clearly determined to die well. He fought the fight and kept the faith. Let’s do the same.” - CHARLES R. SWINDOLL
Following Christ ought to come with a warning label: Christianity is a battleground, not a playground. For 30 years Paul suffered for the cause—and his heroics make it easy for us to conclude every believer should be just like Paul. Not so. Some of God’s choicest saints were reluctant (like Moses), rebellious (like Jonah), and fearful (like Timothy). Despite his timidity, Timothy was called to follow God onto the battleground. To do so, he needed courage to stand for Christ, even if it meant suffering. In 2 Timothy 1:8-12 Paul outlines five action steps to help stiffen Timothy’s resolve, steps we can apply to our lives and faith as well. Step 1: Don’t be ashamed of the name of Christ (2 Timothy 1:8)
Step 2: Don’t be ashamed of the people of God (2 Timothy 1:8) Step 3: Be willing to suffer for the sake of the Gospel (2 Timothy 1:8) Step 4: Be sure your life is anchored in sovereign grace (2 Timothy 1:9-11) Step 5: Be convinced God will vindicate your life (2 Timothy 1:12) Paul’s message to Timothy was a call to courage, but it’s important to recognize we can’t be courageous apart from God. Are you willing to give God your very best? If you’re willing to begin or continue giving God your very best, read the following passages and write out the resolutions you discover in each. Begin your week resolving to live by these new goals. Proverbs 6:16-19, Micah 6:8, Philippians 4:4-8, 2 Peter 1:5-8
“Straight Talk to the Timid and Reluctant” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series Paul’s Swan Song. You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.
Great deals on selected products during our Warehouse Sale now through December 4, 2015. *While supplies last.
Visit insightforliving.ca/sale for detailed product information.