NOVEMBER 2015
In this issue
6
8 3
What Must Change and What Never Will charles r. swindoll
6 Choosing to Remember robyn roste 8
What are the Keys to Answered Prayer?
15
11 30 Days to Making Wiser Decisions steve johnson 15 Beyond the Broadcast: Resisting Temptation
Experiencing the Book, the Land, and the Lord steve johnson
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 certified member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Printed in Canada.
by charles r. swindoll
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irtually every week, I come across people who long for the simple life of yesteryear. But I’ve learned that one’s perspective makes all the difference. Some look back and remember the best of times—an easier pace, closer ties, cleaner movies, and deeper, more honest relationships. Others remember only the worst of times—inconveniences, prejudices, and inefficiencies. When you stop long enough to think objectively, though, you realize that no time is ideal. The times are what they are, and either we learn to flex and thrive or we become rigid and irrelevant.
"Everything from modern inventions to global upheavals could be taken in stride because He—our faithful God—is in control. Nothing surprises or threatens Him. Nothing!" I mention the word flex, which makes some people cringe. Others resist, planting their feet firmly in the status quo. But because God is in control of our times, change is not to be feared or fought. If we truly believe that our times are in God’s hand, changes would not be so difficult to accept. Nor would they cause us such anxiety. Everything from modern inventions to global upheavals could be taken in stride because He—our faithful God—is in control. Nothing surprises or threatens Him. Nothing! No president takes the oath of office without God nodding and saying, “That is My will.” No advancement in technology or science catches Him off guard.
God is sovereign; He is never out of date. He is still in touch, always in control, and fully aware. As I’ve thought about the reality of God’s sovereignty, I can’t help but ponder His work at Insight for Living Ministries over the past 36 years. If there’s ever a context that required flex, our ministry is it. Just imagine the changes in technology we’ve seen in the past 36 years! However, at the same time, there are some things that we refuse to flex on. Let me give you a couple of thoughts. First, times may change, but our message never will. I think about that each time Cynthia and I journey to the Holy Land. Modern-day Jerusalem looks SO different than it did in Jesus’ day. But the message that Jesus shared in the Holy City is the same message we share today. The buildings of century-one Jerusalem are long gone, but the Word of God remains as alive as it ever was. Moreover, God’s truth, the Bible, is our foundation. If that collapses, everything is lost. David lamented: The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3) The foundations set down by people will indeed collapse, but God’s foundation will never crumble. Earthquakes may rock our cities, but there will never be a “truthquake.” There will never be a day when God will say, “You know, I’ve been rethinking My Book…. Some of those truths I preserved about Jesus, well, I need to have someone rewrite them. Also, a few of the character traits about Me and some of those doctrines in My Book need to be updated.” NO! He will never do that! His truth is more solid than a 10,000-ton mound of granite. At
Insight for Living Ministries, we refuse to flex on the unchanging truths of Scripture. Second, the possibilities that change brings are thrilling. Think of the excitement and efficiency of a missionary in a remote jungle using a palm-sized computer to record spoken syllables and then translating them into a tribe’s first written language. Think of the possibilities for the instant transmission of the Gospel through the Internet. In the first century, apostles had to travel for days (sometimes weeks) to preach about Christ to a handful of people. Not today. We can post the teaching of God’s Word on our Insight for Living Ministries website, and folks all over the world can access it at their convenience—instantly. For the last few years, Cynthia and I have focused our attention on laying the groundwork for the future of Insight for Living Ministries, which we base on Matthew 28:19-20: “Make disciples of all the nations…. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” Our passion is to fulfil the Great Commission in this generation just as Jesus’ disciples did in the first century. The technology of today
helps us accomplish tremendous things for Christ. Keeping that in mind, it is our goal to stay open to the need to flex our methods of communication. In all my years of serving God, I’ve never been more excited about life and ministry! Some things change, for sure. They must—otherwise, we get myopic and become out of touch. But remember…no amount of technology or innovations gives us permission to change God’s message. That must never happen! God’s timeless truths don’t flex with the times. His truths remain our sure foundation. They always have been…they always will be.
Charles R. Swindoll serves as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.
This Month’s Featured Resource
For ordering information visit insightforliving.ca or view enclosed flyer.
by robyn roste
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here are certain traditions I’ve always loved. Opening gifts on December 24 is high on my list. As well there’s a special place in my heart for anyone who overuses the word “festival” as it brings back so many memories from years past, which only my closest friends understand. Traditions are nothing new. In fact, it’s because they’re not new they hold any value whatsoever. They can originate from practically anywhere—passed down through the generations, originated from a memorable experience, or even created as a way to commemorate an event. However, now that I’m married I’m learning traditions aren’t always easily explained to someone who hasn’t been a part of them. The ones I’ve held dear for many years aren’t the same as the ones my husband
connects with. He certainly doesn’t dissolve into laughter when he hears the word “festival.” And I will never understand his strange phone conversations with high school friends, concluding with a made-up language. While much of the time our odd traditions don’t cause conflict, sometimes they do collide—especially when these traditions involve family or holidays. It’s in these times I’m learning we must fuse our traditions. We asked a few clarifying questions in order to observe traditions we could both live with. • Should one tradition replace the other? • Should both traditions be thrown out and new ones created? • Should we alternate traditions? • Should we even bother with traditions?
It took this discussion to make me realize how much I value tradition. For me, tradition contributes to who I am and I look forward to sharing my traditions with others to create special bonds and memories.
As a Christian, traditions help me keep Christ and what He’s done for me at the forefront of my mind. In my busyness it’s so easy to go through the motions and forget Him in the process. Before all this I thought of tradition as more of a legalistic and/or religious practice—something Jesus stood against in His ministry on earth (Matthew 15; Mark 7). However, tradition is so much more than rituals. The New Testament encourages Christians to not only repeat what we have been taught but to teach others as well (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25; 2 Thessalonians 2-3). Traditions also help me remember what God has done for me. If you’re into crime dramas you may have seen the show Unforgettable. In it Detective Carrie Wells has a condition resulting in an excessive memory (hyperthymesia). She has the ability to visually remember entire scenes of her life. Unfortunately for me, this condition is rare. In order to remember things I often resort to memory games and creating routines. I don’t mean to forget, my mind just can’t keep all the information intact. And it turns
out forgetting is a human condition. I suspect that’s why God instructed the Israelites to begin the Passover festival in Exodus 12. It’s a holiday designed to acknowledge and celebrate Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, and to remember what God did for them. I wonder how well the world would recall this event if there wasn’t a commemoration. As a Christian, traditions help me keep Christ and what He’s done for me at the forefront of my mind. In my busyness it’s so easy to go through the motions and forget Him in the process. In general, traditions are important because they help us remember, bind us together, and add significance to an event or a relationship. However, when traditions collide—especially in a new relationship— they could serve to do the opposite. Traditions must not be more important than a relationship, between you and your spouse, your family, or God. When fusing traditions something to keep in mind is the tradition itself is not what makes relationships meaningful. Romans 4:10-12 points out that God doesn’t accept us because we adhere to religious traditions, but because of our faith. The traditions are simply a tangible way of acknowledging the importance of relationships, family, or events. On the surface, the rituals and traditions we attend to may seem a bit strange. But when we think of the history behind them, and of why we bother, often we discover a great opportunity to remember and celebrate God’s blessings in our lives. Robyn Roste is the Media and Marketing manager at Insight for Living Canada.
EXPERIENCING the Book, the Land, and the Lord by steve johnson
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t was the final night of the Insight for Living Israel tour with Chuck Swindoll. I had journeyed many miles, examined countless ruins, and taken in much information. My head and heart were full. I turned to one of the 40 other Canadians travelling on my bus and asked, “So what did you think about the tour? Was it what you expected?” He thought for a moment and replied, “We didn't come on this tour to see piles of stones, we came to have an experience…and this has exceeded our expectations!” He summed it up well. A tour of the Holy Land is not just about what you see, it’s also about experiencing God and His Word in a whole new way. As I reflect on my own experience in Israel I note three things that occurred for me. First, my understanding of God's Word was deepened. One problem I’ve encountered when reading the Bible is trying to imagine the actual settings. After all, we are talking about events from thousands of years ago, on another continent, in a different type of civilization. Having grown up in Sunday school it is hard not to be stuck with a Sunday school imagination fuelled by Sunday school images. Being there helped me ground the stories in their geographical reality. Standing
on historical sites like the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized, sitting on the eastern steps of Jerusalem where Jesus walked, or sailing on the Sea of Galilee where Jesus taught put me there as a participant instead of a spectator.
“We didn't come on this tour to see piles of stones, we came to have an experience…and this has exceeded our expectations!” My understanding of the Word was deepened as I learned to appreciate the imagery of the Bible. Travelling throughout Israel I gained a whole new appreciation for how important water is to the people. References to water and rain take on more significance and I realized how meaningful it was when Jesus declared, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me!” (John 7:37). Second, my trust in the Lord Himself was increased. Viewing recently excavated archaeological sites of Biblical places whose existence was once questioned by scholars helped verify that my trust in the Lord and His Word is well placed. For example, scholars denied the existence of King David until the ancient city of Dan was excavated in 1994 and an inscrip-
tion in stone with the phrases, “House of David” and “King of Israel” was found. Visiting the excavation of Jericho reveals a once well-fortified city was levelled and burned but not plundered just as the biblical account in Joshua 2-6 says. And consider the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947. The Isaiah scroll, dated at 250 BC, is virtually identical to the book of Isaiah, which Jesus referred to and is in our Bibles today. The fact that God preserved His Word so well encourages me in my trust of Him and the accuracy of His Word. Having teachers explain God's Word while touching the stones where the ancients walked reinforced the truth of the Bible and the trustworthiness of Him who gave it to us. Third, I identify a little more with believers of the past. Israel is the birthplace of God’s people. That in itself makes it unique among all countries of the world. And so there is, as one travelling companion said to me, a
sense in which we as Christians are coming home. It’s where it all started. For thousands of years, believers have visited, lived, worshipped, and died in Israel. Now I have been where they had been, saw what they saw, and perhaps even felt what they felt. We are connected in our humanness in a way that goes beyond age, nationality, culture, or continent. Whether it is the Israelites of David’s day, the Christians of Jesus’ day, or pilgrims from Canada in our day, we share a common humanity. At the same time, I feel a kinship with them in our common faith. It is a connection that transcends time because it is anchored in the One who is eternal. Taking in the landmarks of their faith and devotion left behind—the buildings and monuments—I feel oneness with the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before me.
Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada.
Let Chuck’s teaching and warm pastor’s heart make the Holy Land an unforgettable experience for you. Visit insightforliving.ca/events for more information.
TO MAKING WISER DECISIONS
This article is designed help you make wiser decisions. For the next 30 days read the questions, look up the verses, and allow them to spark deeper personal reflection and life change.
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very day of your life you are called on to make decisions. Some are minor while others are life changing. Your goal in any decision-making scenario should be to make the wisest decision possible. From Scripture we find instruction for making wise decisions.
DAY 1
Read 1 Corinthians 10:31. Some decisions are easy because there are clear laws in the Bible. Other things aren’t so clear. What overarching principle is to guide your decisions?
DAY 2
Read Proverbs 2:6. Why is it foundationally important to understand the Lord is the source of all wisdom needed for you to make wise decisions?
DAY 3
According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, where does wisdom come from? What effect does this have on you, your daily life, and your decisions?
DAY 4
Read Psalm 119:105. “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” What effect on your decision-making does possessing an illuminated mind have?
DAY 5
If God is the source of all wisdom, then He defines what is wise. In a world where many claim to be wise how will this truth ground and guide you?
DAY 6
Wisdom is seeing life from God’s perspective. How does this provide a foundation of core values, eliminate unnecessary factors in decisionmaking, and simplify the process?
DAY 7
Read Proverbs 3:5-6 and 9:10. How does the orientation of your heart relate to gaining wisdom from the Lord? What is the starting point and what does it entail?
DAY 8
Read Proverbs 22:12. You want God to guide you in making wise decisions and having successful outcomes. What impact do your motivations have on this?
DAY 9
Read James 1:5-7. God promises wisdom if you ask Him for it. What is the condition accompanying the promise of wisdom? What are you not to waver about?
DAY 10
Wise decision-making requires you to define the decision. How will being able to accurately do this enable you to see the shape of the ideal solution better?
30 Days to Making Wiser Decisions
DAY 11
Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.“ What impact do your companions have on your decisions?
DAY 12
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” What benefits are there in getting to know and associating with people who are wise?
DAY 13
Read Proverbs 11:14. God says it is wise to have good counsellors when making big decisions. Why is it better to have the best counsel available versus mere Christian counsel?
DAY 14
Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.” Does this mean the more counsel you get the better? Does the quality of the counsel matter?
DAY 15
What criteria do you use when considering the qualifications of your advisors? What criteria should you use? Do you consider faith, education, or experience?
DAY 16
Read Nehemiah 1:2. Often others have information you need in order to make wise decisions. How can you obtain this kind of information?
DAY 17
Read Proverbs 14:15. Information can be gathered by hearsay, intuition, perception, and knowledge refined by analysis. How important is it to weigh the validity of the information by its source?
DAY 18
What part do feelings and impressions play in your decisionmaking process? How does “You will always harvest what you plant,” (Galatians 6:7) relate to this?
DAY 19
Proverbs 18:13 says, “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.” What can you do to make sure you take enough time to make wise decisions?
DAY 20
To make a wise decision, it’s essential to ask the right questions. What key questions should you always ask in order to make a wise decision?
TIP: Keep your Bible handy and refer to it as you read the questions
DAY 21
Luke 14:28 says, “...don’t begin until you count the cost.” What are ways you can calculate the cost of a decision before you act?
DAY 22
Proverbs 21:5 warns, “…hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” What needs to be considered before making a big decision?
DAY 23
Making wise decisions also depends on knowing yourself. Why is it important to ask, “Does this decision fit with how God made and gifted me?”
DAY 24
Read Proverbs 26:11. What wisdom do you glean when you consider your previous experience in related situations?
DAY 25
Since you’re human, you have made unwise decisions in the past. What are some ways you can learn from them?
DAY 26
Read Ephesians 5:16-17. How is asking, “Is now the best time or would waiting be better?” a key element of making wise decisions?
DAY 27 DAY 28
Read Proverbs 25:26. Your decisions impact others for better or for worse. Why is it important to consider the impact of your decisions on your integrity or witness? Read Proverbs 3:5-6; James 4:13-16. What are ways you can commit the outcome of your decisions to the Lord and acknowledge His sovereignty?
DAY 29
Proverbs 19:21 says, “You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” In this light, what attitude should characterize all your decisions?
DAY 30
Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.” What’s an appropriate response when your decisions succeed?
30 Days to Making Wiser Decisions
RESISTING TEMPTATION
“In resisting temptation, don’t allow the immediate results to confuse you. Think long-term.” - CHARLES R. SWINDOLL
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hen it comes to temptation, our culture offers little motivation to resist it. Yielding is much easier than resisting temptation, but for those who yield the path of life is strewn with the litter of remorse and shame. Everyone, including Jesus, has faced temptation. And everyone, except Jesus, has yielded to it. • Material temptation is the lust for things • Personal temptation is the lust for status • Sensual temptation is the lust for physical pleasure In Genesis 39, Joseph provides a sterling example of one who could have cuddled lust and enjoyed its warm embrace but instead chose to resist its offer in favour of righteousness. If we wish to avoid such
soul sickness, we must resist temptation. But how? Joseph’s life gives us four important insights to help us say no when lust says yes. • First, don’t be weakened by your situation • Second, don’t be deceived by persuasion • Third, don’t be gentle with your emotions • Fourth, don’t be confused by the immediate results When we face sensual temptation, we can’t reason with it. We can’t even stand there and quote Bible verses—all we can do is run! If we stay, we will probably give in. Under what circumstances are you most vulnerable to sensual temptation? Do you make yourself accountable to people who can spot a lie and who will call you out on it?
“Resisting Temptation” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series Joseph: A Man of Integrity and Forgiveness. You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.
Prices in effect now through December 4. Visit insightforliving.ca/sale for full sales flyer and product descriptions. *While supplies last.