Insights Magazine: January 2012

Page 1

January 2012

a wise man once said...


in this issue 3 Being Knowledgeable Charles R. Swindoll

pressure points

6 When Faith is Dangerous Steve Johnson

“Whenever I read

Proverbs I desire to become a

wiser person. But how?”

lifetrac

9 Gleaning Wisdom Robyn Roste STRONG FAMILY

12 All the Way My Saviour Leads Me Steve Johnson laughing matters

14 Look Who’s Turning 50 Phil Callaway Help Me Understand

17 Depression Insight for Living Canada

Copyright © 2012 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. Printed in Canada. Unless otherwise noted, photography by IFLC staff.


Being Knowledgeable by Charles R. Swindoll

3


Slice it any way you wish; ignorance is not bliss.

D

ress it in whatever garb you please; ignorance is not attractive. Neither is it the mark of humility nor the path to spirituality. It certainly is not the companion of wisdom. On the contrary, ignorance is the breeding ground for fear, prejudice, and superstition . . . the feeding trough for unthinking animals . . . the training field for slaves. It is blind and naked (Tennyson), the mother of impudence (Spurgeon); it brings despairing darkness (Shakespeare), never settles a question (Disraeli), nor promotes innocence (Browning). And yet it remains the favourite plea of the guilty, the excuse of the lazy, even the Christian’s rationalization for immaturity. We dare not fall into that trap! Our spiritual fathers didn’t. Trace your heritage back to Moses, and you’ll find that the people were given the Truth of God in written form that they might know and that their children might know the right path to follow. In Samuel’s day, there was established a “school of the prophets” to dispel ignorance among the people. This philosophy carried into the New Testament as Jesus frequently rebuked His listeners for not reading, for not knowing the underlying principles for living. How often Paul expressed similar convictions with such strong words as, I “do not want you to be ignorant” (Romans 11:25; 1 Corinthians 10:1; 12:1; 15:34; 1 Thessalonians 4:13 NIV). Dr. Luke record4

Being Knowledgeable continued from p. 3


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ed great commendation for the church at Berea because they were “examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). Our own nation saw the need for being knowledgeable . . . for perpetuating an educated, well-trained body of godly people who could proclaim God’s message with intelligence, authority, and conviction. The oldest institution of higher learning in the United States—founded only 16 years after the landing at Plymouth, Massachusetts— was established for the purpose stated on its cornerstone. It still remains etched in stone near an iron gate that opens to the campus of Harvard University: After God had carried us safe to New England and wee had builded our houses provided necessaries for our liveli hood reard convenient places for God’s worship and setled the civill government one of the next things we longed for and looked after was to advance learning and perpetuate it to posterity dreading to leave an illiterate ministery to the churches when our present ministers shall lie in the dust New England’s First Fruits This continued until European liberalism, with its subtle narcotic of humanism and socialism, began to paralyse the nerve centres of theological thought and weaken educational philosophy. Doubt and despair replaced certainty and hope. Mental discipline, honed on the wheel of exacting academic requirements and intellectual integrity, began to lag. Permissiveness became the order of the day. This has evolved into a postmodern mentality that now considers a commitment to

truth and a thorough study of God’s Word a joke. Thank God, there are some exceptions. But they are precious few . . . especially among clear-thinking saints.

“The better you know the Word of God, the more quickly you will recognize the path to help you find your way through the fog of our postmodern mist.” To be sure, there are dangers connected with being knowledgeable. Solomon warned us of the worst in Ecclesiastes— PRIDE—the wearying, futile pursuit of knowledge, a flesh trip that can cause a head to outgrow a heart. Mere intellectualism can be only “striving after wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:17). Our ministry is purposely named Insight for Living Ministries because that’s what knowledge is to be used for—for practical, life application. By the way, may I personally urge you to become a better student of your Bible? Familiarize yourself with its content. Filter today’s difficult times through its grid. The better you know the Word of God, the more quickly you will recognize the path to help you find your way through the fog of our postmodern mist. My single desire is to support the premise that knowledge, rather than being an enemy of the faith, is an ally . . . perhaps one of our strongest. Rest assured; we will forever remain committed to excellence in communicating biblical truth . . . and its application. That is Insight for Living Ministries. Photograph of Chuck Swindoll © 2010 by David Edmonson

5


Pressure Points

by Steve Johnson 6


In Judges 10 and 11 we find one of the most shocking stories in all of Scripture. It is the account of Jephthah. Although often overlooked, it has an important message for us today.

J

ephthah is a Judge in Israel at a time when Israel turns their backs on the Lord yet again and serves the gods of the nations around them with immorality and human sacrifice. God’s Word and obedience to Him is ignored for many years. For that God judges them and punishes them with oppression by these same nations. The result is they turn back to God and God raises up Jephthah. He is the result of a one-night stand between his father, Gilead, and a prostitute. As such he grows up under the scorn of his family. Finally his own brothers run him off. When forced out by his family Jephthah forms a gang and, because he is a great warrior, is approached by the elders to lead a campaign against their oppressors the Ammonites. On behalf of Israel as a whole and in reliance on the might of God the Judge, Jephthah challenges the Ammonites. But he makes a vow—should he be victorious, he will sacrifice to God whatever comes out of his house to meet him when he returns (Judges 11:31). The victorious Jephthah is met on his return by his “A Christian of personal daughter, his only child. faith and shallow theology Jephthah tears his clothes and cries, “Alas, my daugh- will be misguided at best, ter! You have brought me and dangerous at worst.” very low!” but is bound by his vow: “I have given my word to God, and I cannot go back on it” (Judges 11:35). The girl asks for two months’ grace, “. . . that I may go down on the mountains . . . and bewail my virginity” (Judges 11:37). And when she returns, Jephthah does the unthinkable, carries out his vow and sacrifices his daughter as an offering to God (Judges 11:39). Jephthah is a man who feared God. In the account he uses the covenant name of the Lord, Yahweh. He was a man of personal faith. Hebrews 11:32 even mentions him as a hero of faith. But despite his faith, his knowledge of God was lacking. Being a person of faith is essential but it isn’t enough. The reasons he lacked knowledge were because he grew up in a dysfunctional home at a time when Israel was neither following the 7


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Lord nor giving instruction in the law. Had he known the Lord better he would have known that human sacrifice was contrary to the character of God. His knowledge of God’s Word was also lacking. He didn’t know human sacrifice was forbidden by God (Leviticus 20:2-5). Had he read the Word of God he would have known that. He would also have known that for the sum of about $30 CDN he could have been relieved of keeping his vow (Leviticus 27). Instead he sacrificed his only daughter. I have heard Christians say they don’t think doctrine and theology are important. Faith and experiencing God are what is important. Knowing God’s Word and theology are not priorities and are unnecessary to have faith. They are right. But they are only half right. It’s true you can be a Christian and know very little about God and the workings of salvation. And one may be able to get by with that kind of ignorance for a while. But a Christian of personal faith and shallow theology, like Jephthah, will be misguided at best, and dangerous at worst. Here’s an extreme example: In 2008 Madeline Neumann of Weston, Wisconsin died of a treatable form of diabetes. Why?

Because her parents, people of deep personal faith, denied her medical treatment, going instead with prayer. Other believers physically abuse their children or spouse in the name of Lord. They claim a verse or two out of context, failing to regard the teaching of Scripture and the character of a loving God whom they claim to follow and aspire to be like. Hopefully your situation is not as drastic. But perhaps you make decisions based on a shallow or vague understanding of God’s Word and will for your life. You end up making poor relationship, work, and life choices again and again, and then blame God because faith in Him doesn’t seem to make things work out right. The reality is, true biblical faith is based on knowledge of God and His Word. You can’t believe in the promises of God if you don’t know what they are or trust a God whom you know little about. Jephthah’s faith, like any faith without knowledge, was misguided presumption. He was sincere, but sincerely wrong and paid dearly for it. Faith that is not based on the truth of God’s Word will always be misguided and possibly dangerous. Steve Johnson is the executive director at IFLC.

on the air in january:

In this no-nonsense study, Chuck Swindoll blows Upcoming Messages Include: the dust off the dull doctrines and breathes life The Remedy for our Disease into the practical side of theology. Filled with His Coming is Sure . . . Are You? down-to-earth applications, Chuck’s study reveals Until He Returns . . . What? how the practical side of theology is what helps Visiting the Real Twilight Zone us grow deeper in the Christian Life. An Interview with One From Beyond 8


Wisdom by Robyn Roste

On lifetrac.ca and facebook.com/lifetrac this month: Three Reasons You Should Have a Mentor By Robyn Roste


Recently I met a woman whose passion is to bring the art of etiquette back into the home.

A

Old Habits Die Hard

Old habits are hard to break. Sometimes we do what is wrong inadvertently, but sometimes we know we’ve done wrong but because we’ve done it so long we don’t stop—even though we hurt ourselves or others.

Subscribe or listen free online at lifetrac.ca

Free mp3 How long can you live without sinning? Believe it or not, it is possible to see sin coming and give it to God. In this month’s full-length message, Steps that Lead to Freedom, Chuck Swindoll teaches us what freedom in Christ really means. Start your new year out right. Download this inspiring message today at lifetrac.ca

Etiquette Tips for being the Perfect House-sitter (courtesy of Elizabeth Etiquette) Learn the homeowner’s expectations well in advance so there are no surprises Confirm house-sitting dates before you start Prepare an “in case of emergency” list just in case. This list should include: The homeowner’s destination information Contact numbers of other family members Contact number and password for alarm Location and instructions for water/gas shut-off

Gleaning Wisdom continued from p. 9

t the top of her etiquette to-do list: manners. In an age where “please” and “thank you” are viewed as old-fashioned formalities, she is still convinced children who are taught proper etiquette will be equipped with the knowledge to thrive as adults. Concepts like manners and etiquette perhaps aren’t valued the same as individualism and self-expression but the importance of these disciplines is (once again) becoming clear. It’s interesting to me in such a technologically advanced era the “old ways” are proving continued relevance, despite our best efforts to make them redundant. This reminds me of another conversation I had with a friend. She was relaying her experience of reading through the book of Proverbs and surprised at how applicable the concepts were to her life. “I’ve never read through the entire book before,” she said. “It’s like a guidebook for my life!” Despite being written thousands of years ago, Proverbs is still relevant. Intended to teach people how to live well, it focuses on five main themes: wisdom, relationships, speech, work, and suc-


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cess. The book is a collection of wise sayings repeated (again and again) in order to act as a guide to wise living. One of those sayings I think of often is found in Proverbs 4:25-26: “Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe,” (NLT). Many times I’ve found myself in a situation where this passage reminded me to fix my eyes on where I’m going, and not allow myself to be distracted by whatever else is happening. Whenever I read Proverbs I desire to become a wiser person. But how? A quick Google search reveals I’m not the only one wondering. Although obtaining wisdom is an ancient goal, it is no less important today. In short, a person who is wise has the ability to take what he or she has learned from literature, experience, or others and apply it to his or her life. This means traits like honesty, open-mindedness, self-awareness, and critical thinking must be developed in order to become wise. Wisdom comes from the application of knowledge—not just knowing how to be wise. If you have a desire to become wise, reading the book of Proverbs is a great start. But of course, there is no step-by-step formula or Wisdom for Dummies. Wisdom comes from a well-rounded life filled with experience, education, self-reflection, and self-confidence. It’s like the old practice of gleaning—timeconsuming and plain old hard work. The Old Testament book of Ruth talks about gleaning. This now obsolete task was intended to provide for the poor in ancient Israel. Harvesters left any dropped grain as well as the grain growing on the edges of the field for the poor to “glean” after the harvesters passed through the field. The gleaners gathered the dropped heads of grain off the ground, and scavenged for whatever they could. Gleaning is a concept based in the

belief that the land doesn’t really belong to anyone other than God. We could look at wisdom in the same way—Proverbs 9:10 says, “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.” Wisdom and knowledge come from God, it’s not ours to hold on to. Therefore, we should share our knowledge in order for others to glean. Since it never really belonged to us in the first place.

“Although obtaining wisdom is an ancient goal, it is no less important today.” If you’re wondering if you’re on the path to wisdom, here are some questions to ask yourself: • Do you have a personal relationship with God? “As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness!” (2 Peter 1:3). • Have you asked God? “If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking,” (James 1:5). • When criticized or rebuked do you retort quickly or do you listen to what is being said? “. . . If you reprove the wise, they will be all the wiser,” (Proverbs 19:25b). • Can you honestly list your strengths and weaknesses or do you hide behind a blanket of defensive insecurity? “Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses . . . For when I am weak, then I am strong,” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Wisdom is a lifelong journey. But in the same way as manners have the ability to equip children to thrive as adults; wisdom gives us the ability to thrive in life. Robyn Roste is the LifeTrac co-ordinator at IFLC.


Strong Family

All the Way My Saviour Leads Me An Interview with Harold Johnson

by Steve Johnson

Thinking about the wisdom of experience and a long life of learning I sat down with my dad, Harold Johnson, who just turned 85. I wanted to pick his brain about the important things he’s learned over the years about being a husband, father, and pastor. You have been married almost 60 years. What is one important lesson about marriage you have learned? I think the key is that verse, 1 Peter 3:7 “You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; 12

and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.” She is a fellow recipient of God’s grace. Honour her and be gentle with her. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger. Keep close accounts with God and your spouse. It is important to say, “I’m sorry.” Learn what frustrates her and don’t do it!


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What is one of the most important lessons about family you have learned?

As the patriarch of the family, what do you want to be known and remembered for?

Apart from my relationship with Christ, family comes first. That means not just going the extra mile, but laying down my life for them. I would do anything for any of them. I am not the central figure in our family. The key to the strong relationships in our family is mother. She is the catalyst. To put it another way I am the titular head, she is the heart. Families need both the wisdom of the head and the love of the heart to be strong.

Looking back I see that my life is a testimony to three things. First, God’s provision: Despite low pastoral wages while raising five kids we have never lacked, even now in retirement. Second, a testimony to His protection: There were at least four instances when the Lord protected me from dying. I almost drowned as a boy, I came out of two major highway accidents unscathed, and then I was stabbed in the heart. God preserved me each time.

You have five children, 14 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. What would you say is a key to developing and maintaining a strong family? One of the reasons our family is strong now is because of the praying mothers in it—now and in the past. We are closeknit now because we still do lots together just like we did when the kids were young. We played hockey together, played instruments, and sang together. We travelled and took annual family holidays together. Even now the family shows up for holidays and birthdays. Some of the grandchildren phone almost every day. Is there anything in life you didn’t do that you now regret not doing? Looking back I see how at times I drifted in my life and ministry. In Bible school and pastoral ministry I was so busy getting sermons and studies ready I neglected my own relationship with the Lord. I regret not being more intentional, consistent, and disciplined with it.

“One of the reasons our family is strong now is because of the praying mothers in it—now and in the past.” The third thing is that my life has been overshadowed by the presence of God: When I was stabbed, Hebrews 13:5 came to mind, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Then the hymn, “Jesus I am resting, resting in the joy of what Thou art.” I relish God’s presence in my life. I dwell on that. I try to practice the presence of God. In life I’ve learned to be content. And I want to be known as a faithful father. My prayer is, “Lord, dwell in my life, mould me like Christ.” The words of this hymn summarize how I feel about my life: All the way my Saviour leads me;/What have I to ask beside?/Can I doubt His tender mercy,/Who through life has been my Guide? Steve Johnson is the executive director at IFLC.

13


Laughing Matters 14

by Phil Callaway


Earlier today

my internal odometer flipped over to

50.

A

younger friend called and sang the B.J. Thomas song, “Hair Plugs Keep Fallin’ Off My Head.” I hung up on him. Everything’s funnier when you’re young and 50 is still a black hole, an undiscovered continent awash in snow, ice, and woolly mammoths. Sure I have a few rust spots, an over-inflated tire, and my headlights are a megawatt too dim. But today I feel pretty chipper and last I checked today was all they give you here at The Home. Even my dog is old. Moments ago Mojo III fell asleep sitting on my lap and were it not for my lightning reflexes, she would have hit the floor. I think I pulled some fat saving her life. I’m at the age where your muscles still don’t have the good sense to lie dormant. I play softball because my son asks me to then spend the winter nursing Achilles tendons that feel like they’re being chewed on by a pack of rabid Chihuahuas. The year I was born Mr. Ed, a talking horse, made his television debut, as did ads for the electric toothbrush, FM Stereo, and a redundant little accoutrement sure to fail: Pampers. In the fifties, people paid good money to watch nuclear explosions at close range, and more doctors smoked Camels than any other cigarette. But come the sixties, we got serious. We learned how to survive nuclear fallout by hunkering beneath school desks, and the Canadian Medical Association admitted that, by golly, smoking just may cause lung cancer and doctors should point the way by butting out. Two friends from my era just informed me they didn’t celebrate their birthdays this year—didn’t even have a wake, just opted to ignore the doorbell and see if the visitor would go away. Another friend calls it the 20th anniversary of her 30th, but I call it 50 and have decided to enjoy it for at least four reasons:

1.

I feel pretty good for an old guy. God knows how many days I have left, but today I’m able to get to the fridge and navigate most staircases. This is the only body I get so I might as well take care of it. I exercise three times a week because it’s the poor man’s Botox and it feels good when I stop. I opt for fruit over fruitcake and fresh veggies over fried ones. I am learning to enjoy a salad if it’s covered in cheese, and rarely eat more than I can lift. 15


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“A recent study Claims that

100%

of people

are DYING.

It’s epidemic.”

2.

My vices are meagre. I drink more cola than I should, knowing it contains all the goodness of radial tires, but believing it to be one of life’s delightful elixirs. I was once a pack-a-day smoker. But that was fifth grade and I quit the day I started.

3.

It’s my year of Jubilee. Biblically the 50th is a year of joy and pardon. Everyone is to return home, forgive debts, and set free any indentured servants. I am running into roadblocks trying to enforce this. Our adult children eagerly return home, but only for lavish meals. The killjoys at the bank insist I continue mortgage payments. And though I offered my wife the year off, she still cooks because she loves me and knows that

without her I will resort to subsisting on roots and pinecones and be dead within two weeks.

4.

I’m one year closer to Home. Look in the mirror and you’ll discover that gravity doesn’t tend to lift anything. A recent study claims that 100 per cent of people are dying. It’s epidemic. Thankfully this life is a dress rehearsal for the real thing. The thought of eternity with Christ brings me a wider grin than ever. In fact, it would make my hair stand on end. If I had some. This longing to be with Jesus doesn’t mean I do silly things to get there faster or that I’m content to leave the world as it is. But hope bubbles to the surface more quickly than it did even a year ago. C. S. Lewis wrote, “It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this one.” And so this hope beckons me to do something lasting here. I can truly say—without medication—that I love 50. I can stay up as late as I want now. Sometimes until 8 p.m. My parents don’t tell me what to do anymore, though other people do. Last week both the police and the doctor told me to slow down. Phil Callaway is the author of To Be Perfectly Honest. Visit him at laughagain.org

This Month’s FEATURED RESOURCE

Stuff I’ve

Learned That I’ll Never Forget 16

Sixteen Essentials from the Last 50 Years

After 50 years of studying God’s Word, Chuck Swindoll boils down his accumulated wisdom to 16 practical truths that can help you to manoeuvre life with insight and wisdom. Click here to order


DEPRESSION


DEPRESSION I don’t know, aren’t depressed people stuck “Life just inAmbedI depressed? for weeks at a time? seems too But, well, I feel really “blah” a lot, and my temper smoulders the surface, just waiting to catch flame. And sometimes I hard.” beneath have to force myself to leave the house, since I never seem to have much energy to do much of anything anymore. But depressed? I don’t know.

Sometimes I think I feel this way because I have something wrong with me, or because I’m being punished for all the wrong things I have done in my life. Then I wonder if God really loves me like He says He does. Life is difficult for everyone—but I seem to be the only one really struggling. Why is life so hard for me to deal with right now? Sometimes I wonder if it’s just easier to stay down here in the pit and wait for assistance rather than try to climb out on my own. It just seems too hard. 18


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Our Problem — We are imperfect people living among other imperfect people in an imperfect world. That has numerous effects. We do things contrary to God’s Word and experience guilt as a result. We also get angry but mishandle it by repressing it or becoming bitter. We suffer physically and emotionally. All these things can result in depression—feeling hopeless, dejected, and sad—becoming inactive and not being able to sleep or focus on normal tasks. Most of us experience this at one time or another. God’s Answers — The Lord knows depression is part of the human condition and provides answers to help us: • He gives biblical examples of people who experienced it. In His Word He shows us some of its causes and cures: Elijah (1 Kings 19); Jonah (Jonah 4); David (Psalm 69). • The Lord provides hope to the depressed. His Person (He is faithful, powerful, loving, and wise), His promises (to meet our needs, give strength, to protect), and His presence (He will never leave us or forsake us) all bring hope to the weary of soul. • God also gives reasons for suffering and pain—to teach us (James 1:3), strengthen us (1 Peter 5:10), discipline us (Hebrews 12:5-11), and make us like Christ (Romans 8:28-29), to name just a few reasons. • His unfailing love is also offered to comfort and encourage us when we are depressed (2 Corinthians 4:8-11; 7:6). The Solution

1. Do not turn inward and away from the Lord. Instead turn to Him. Express your thoughts and feelings to Him, even if they are negative.

2. Direct your thoughts to meditate on the promises and love of God. Through these you will experience hope (2 Corinthians 4:8-11). 3. Since some depression may be caused by physiological or biological factors have a medical examination to rule those out.

“We are imperfect people living among other imperfect people in an imperfect world.” 4. View yourself holistically. We are multi-faceted yet unified beings. That means when the reserves of one part of our self become depleted, it affects the rest of our self as well. For example, physical exhaustion or disease can cause emotional depression; mental stress can cause physical illness; spiritual guilt can cause physical sickness. Learn what things drain your emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical batteries and minimize them. Conversely, discover what recharges your emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical batteries and regularly engage in them. 5. Your difficulties are not meaningless. Remember that God will use your experience for good (Romans 8:28). Believe that but don’t insist on discovering why things happen. 6. Refuse to engage in self-pity, which only worsens the depression. Seek opportunities to help others (Colossians 3:13). 7. Remember that when we are down is when the enemy of our souls will attack. Be strong and resist Him in the Lord (1 Peter 5:8). by

Insight for Living Canada

19 23


As you ushered in the new year, was one of your resolutions to draw closer to God? Then Journey to the Cross: A Personal Reflection on the Cost of Salvation is for you. This 47-day devotional journal will help you prepare your heart during the seven weeks leading to Easter as you reflect on the Cross, God’s ultimate expression of love for you.

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Getting Past the Guilt of Your Past single CD message

Cynthia Swindoll shares her personal story about dealing with disappointment and self–doubt, discouragement and recovery, pain and forgiveness, and God’s faithfulness through it all.

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Bedside Blessings: 365 Days of Inspirational Thoughts hardcover devotional by Charles R. Swindoll, 388 pages

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The Grace Awakening paperback by Charles R. Swindoll, 304 pages

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Chuck Swindoll gives us a glimpse into how amazing God’s grace is and reminds us that where sin abounds, grace super-abounds! Don’t miss this chance to discover the true meaning behind God’s amazing grace.

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on sale in

January order/donate at insightforliving.ca or call 1.800.663.7639 offer expires February 29, 2012


This Month’s

FEATURED RESOURCE Stuff I’ve Learned That I’ll Never Forget: Sixteen Essentials from the Last 50 Years single CD

After 50 years of studying God’s Word, Chuck Swindoll boils down his accumulated wisdom to 16 practical truths that can help you to manoeuvre life with insight and wisdom. first copy

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Words of Wisdom The Wise and the Wild: 30 Devotions on Women of the Bible spiral-bound paperback by Insight for Living, 136 pages

Meet 30 women whose names and stories are told in the pages of the Bible. Some wise, others wild — all of them at crossroads of choice, confronting their culture and times.

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Great Days with the Great Lives paperback devotional by Charles R. Swindoll, 376 pages

Each daily insight offers a Scripture reference and devotional thought from the life of a biblical character that will inspire you in your own walk of faith.

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Selected Studies from Proverbs 14 CD messages

This practical study of Proverbs will transform your way of thinking, giving you a realistic picture of the spiritual life at work.


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Growing Deep in the Christian Life 22 CD messages + bonus audio interview with Chuck Swindoll and workbook

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Balancing Grace With Love 2 CD messages

We know the value of unity in God’s family, yet we cannot ignore the reality of diversity and the resulting conflicts that emerge and persist. The solution? Put grace into action.

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Journey to the Cross: A Personal Reflection on the Cost of Salvation 47-day spiral bound journal

Reflect on Easter with 47 meaningful devotions that will guide you toward a deeper awareness of the tremendous price Jesus paid for your salvation.

The Adventures of Jake

It’s Time to Embrace Grace

6 CD stories written and performed by Phil Callaway. Approximate running time: 1 hour, 10 minutes.

booklet by Charles R. Swindoll, 35 pages

Six dramatic adventures performed by Phil Callaway for ages 7–10 about fear and faith, honesty, and teamwork.

This booklet offers relational guidelines that will help you learn to appreciate others’ uniqueness and value their vital contribution to the body of Christ.


Did you know you can listen to hundreds of Chuck Swindoll’s messages online? Our audio library is packed with Chuck’s messages from as far back as 2007! So whether you missed a broadcast or want to hear it again, there’s a wealth of excellent Bible teaching from Chuck . . . at your fingertips. Just visit insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary to search and listen.

info@insightforliving.ca • insightforliving.ca • 1.800.663.7639


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