Insights Magazine: November

November 2010

Beauty

for

Ashes

In Defence of the Helpless 3 Preventing Sexual Abuse 14

in this issue “Christians are not

perfect people

and bullying is one of the ways that imperfection rears its ugly head.”

3 In Defence of the Helpless Charles R. Swindoll pressure points

6 Pit Bulls in the Parish Steve Johnson lifetrac

9 Out from the Ashes Robyn Roste moment of insight

12 Come to Him Charles R. Swindoll lifelines

13 Our Not-so-Secret Identity Steve Johnson strong family

14 Preventing Sexual Abuse in Children Rebecca Mitchell laughing matters

16 While I Was Watching Phil Callaway 19 A Work of Art Ben Lowell

Copyright © 2010 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.

In

Defence

of the

Helpless

by Charles R. Swindoll

3

T

he Church of the 21st century needs to awaken from its moral slumber. In this age of “enlightenment,” we have been taught to be tolerant.

We have gone soft on the exposition of the Scriptures. We have learned to ignore sin rather than deal with it. We have adopted the flawed notion that God’s grace somehow covers a carnal lifestyle. What a horrible misunderstanding of grace!

Let me be blunt. Far too often within the Christian home, wives are battered, husbands are neglected, children are abused, and dark, shameful forms of sexual depravity occur. As the Prophet Jeremiah said of the people of Judah: “Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush” (Jeremiah 6:15 NIV).

The one vestige of hope in the home used to be the innocent child. But now, not even children are safe. Many are used for sexual exploitation. Children are raped by relatives, girls are abused, boys become victims of incest. In their own homes, helpless children are molested—and by the very ones who should be protecting them!

Even Scripture reveals such awful carnality among God’s people. After King David’s adulterous affair with Bathsheba, David’s son Amnon lusted after his halfsister, Tamar. Amnon faked an illness and requested that Tamar bring him food in his bedroom. When she arrived, he grabbed her and—because he was stronger—raped her in spite of her resistance (2 Samuel 13:6–14).

Following this abhorrent act, this dear girl was awash in her grief. “Tamar put ashes on her head and . . . put her hand on her head and went away, weeping aloud as she went” (2 Samuel 13:19). When her father David heard of it, “he was furious” (13:21). But that’s it! He only got mad.

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In Defence of the Helpless continued from p. 3

It is time we speak up in defence of the helpless.

David never got involved in the crisis.

When Tamar’s other brother Absalom heard of it, he told her: “Be quiet now, my sister; [Amnon] is your brother. Don’t take this thing to heart” (13:20). Can you believe those words? What stupid counsel! Don’t say anything? Keep silent when God’s law says Amnon should be stoned? But what could she do? Her brother said to hush, and her father did nothing. Tamar had no person to go to with her pain.

Both then and now, when such violations occur—with no one to act in defence of the helpless—the child faces a threatening future of moral confusion, personal shame, spiritual disillusionment, emotional scars, and family anger.

It is time we speak up in defence of the helpless. The innocent victims of sexual abuse need a safe place to share their stories and they need direction toward the emotional and spiritual healing found in Jesus Christ.

The world has never provided a safe and secure place from those who would abuse children. That’s why the Church must be that place. Yes, it is possible, in spite of the negative headlines. It is the responsibility of church leaders to make sure the Church of God remains a place of trust and respect.

A haven where no one is touched inappropriately. A refuge where hurting individuals can confide in a teacher, in an elder, in a pastor, or in an older friend. Shepherds must protect the sheep.

Many today are living like Tamar did, with ashes of shame and humiliation on their heads, weeping aloud with no one to hear. My prayer is that reaching out to someone for help will be the beginning of a new chapter for you.

When the

unimaginable

Happens

Chuck Swindoll discussed molestation with Dave Carder, a licensed professional counsellor at the First Evangelical Free Church in Fullerton, California. Chuck asked Dave some pointed questions, which provide some guidelines on how to respond to such an experience.

Chuck: Dave, what are some signs of molestation?

Dave: Precocious talk—sexually developed language that’s inappropriate for their age. Children may use terms for bodily parts or functions or sexual activity that reveal knowledge beyond their age. Look for changes in mood, a sudden rise of incidents of nightmares, or crying, or clinginess. Be aware of a child’s anger, hostility, fighting, or hurting himself or herself.

Chuck: What do you do if you suspect your child has been molested?

Dave: Pray. And then seek professional advice. When you do talk with your child, don’t overreact; remain calm and ask your child if anybody has touched him or her inappropriately. Affirm your child’s feelings. Make sure you give him or her unconditional support and encouragement, both verbally and with written notes. And when the times seem appropriate, give him or her lots of hugs.

Chuck: What can you do if you were molested and months or years have passed and you never told anyone?

Dave: You never really begin to heal until you begin to talk about it. What happened is part of your story. Don’t deny it, hide it, or try to bury it. Bring it to light and take a look at what actually happened to you. How did it happen? What were your

feelings then, and what are your feelings now? And what do you want to do about it? The healing process takes time—a lot of time—but keeping abuse secret keeps it alive and painful inside. If you’re an adult and you’ve never talked about it, do so now. And tell your spouse.

Chuck: Do you believe it’s a good idea to confront the perpetrator, even though years have passed?

Dave: I think it can be helpful. Most victims want three things. First, they want an apology without rationalizations. Second, they want a guarantee it’ll never happen to another person. Third, they don’t want to be victimized twice by having to pay for their own counselling.

The benefits of sharing your story with a safe person are innumerable. Remember this promise from Psalm 40:1–2: I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me and heard my cry.

He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.

Healing is available for all who have experienced sexual abuse. God can lift you out of the miry clay and set your feet on stable ground.

Photograph of Chuck Swindoll © 2010 by David Edmonson

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by Steve Johnson

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M

y son was bullied when he was in first grade. The first clue was his proud declaration that he was a fast runner. “What makes you say that?” I asked.

“I can outrun this other kid who is always chasing me” he replied.

The second clue was arriving home with his jacket torn. Turned out he spent most of his recess times running away from the class bully and succeeding…most of the time. The bully always wanted to fight and thought my son was an easy target.

School isn’t the only place we encounter bullies in life. We find them in our families, workplaces, and even, believe it or not, our churches! After all, Christians are not perfect people and bullying is one of the ways that imperfection rears its ugly head.

I grew up in the Church and even now as I reflect on this subject the faces of those who bullied in the churches I attended as a child and pastored as an adult come flooding to mind. Things haven’t changed.

Some bullies use their wealth or community influence, others throw around the weight of their tenure, and still others use their position as a board member or teacher to push their agenda. And yes, there are even those who have no position, affluence, or power, but still bully through their personality, words, and behaviour.

Turning to the Scriptures we discover there were bullies in the Early Church. The Pharisees that Jesus dealt with were bullies who fought

to maintain their evil control and subjugation of people. Some in the Galatian church bullied others by using the Law to force people into Judaistic submission. There were those in Corinth who claimed authority and sought control by demeaning Paul’s person, apostleship, methods, and message. Paul writes 2 Corinthians 10-12 to defend himself and combat the bullies. John wrote about one and his abuse of authority: “I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church” (3 John 1:9-10 NIV).

Regardless of when and where it happens it still amounts to the same thing: bullying is any kind of intimidation designed to silence or hurt another. Intimidating behaviour, put downs, manipulation through guilt, threats to gain control, obsession with, and repeated abuse of, one’s authority, power and control, and conversely, a lack of servanthood and submission to authority. Bullies usually have their own agenda and their cause is the only cause.

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In churches today, this can take the form of commandeering the microphone at church meetings, manipulating congregational votes, nonverbal expressions of contempt, dominating committees, the use of Scripture to oppress and silence others to name a few things. It may be those in leadership, or not.

2. Learn and cultivate respectful, assertive ways to disagree. Love…“is not rude…

“Do we allow bullying to happen because church people are supposed to be “nice” and we want to avoid conflict?”

3. Churches must develop anti-bullying policies and procedures. Senior staff need

What is the answer? Do we simply “turn the other cheek”? Do we allow bullying to happen because church people are supposed to be “nice” and we want to avoid conflict? What do we do with these pit bulls in the parish? Let me suggest three things:

1. Learn to identify and name bullying when you see it. It’s the silent, ineffective, bystander who empowers bullies to continue their destructive behaviour. Bullies feed off what appears to be the consent or complicity of bystanders. Jesus, Paul, and John all called attention to the bullies to expose them and identified their behaviour so it could be seen for what it was.

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8

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self-seeking…easily angered…does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13: 5, 6). Learning basic conflict resolution training—how to communicate your viewpoint, and listen openly to others—is also helpful.

to be open and accountable, and complaints must be investigated promptly and impartially. Doing nothing is functionally equivalent to condoning bullying behaviour. Finally, appropriate support must be given to targets, and perpetrators must be subjected to appropriate discipline. Visible action must be taken.

Because people will never be perfect this side of heaven I don’t think we’ll ever eliminate bullying. But like a dangerous dog, we can control it. By the way, we taught our son how to deal with his bully and the bullying stopped. He could spend recess without running his legs off, and we could finally send him to school with the confidence that his clothes would stay intact.

Steve Johnson is the communications director at IFLC.

Out from the

Ashes

by Robyn Roste On insightforliving.ca/lifetrac and facebook.com/lifetrac this month: How to Trust God in the Dark Days by Robyn Roste

A

re you one of the fortunate few who have never endured heartache, loss, misery, loneliness, guilt, or shame?

I’m not either.

If most people are broken, needing God’s help and healing, why do we act like we’re fine even when we’re not?

Despite the command in Galatians 6:2, to “share in each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ” (NLT), we tend to avoid sharing our burdens and hurts with others. Instead we allow fear, insecurity, and pride to hold us back.

But maybe we should be afraid. People are mean. Sometimes telling others could risk our safety or someone else’s. Sometimes we are judged or rejected. And sometimes our secrets are shocking—disgusting even. It’s scary but if we don’t seek help and confront our pain, we risk being chained to our past and our relationship with God and others could suffer.

Tamar’s story begins as a fairy tale—as a beautiful princess (2 Samuel 13:1)—but certainly doesn’t end happily ever after. The last time we hear about her she’s described as a “desolate woman,” (2 Samuel 13:20). What happened in those 20 verses?

“Maybe your life is a huge mess right now.

Give it to God. Trust Him to bring good out of your situation.”

Simply and bluntly, her half-brother rapes her and casts her out, refusing to right his wrong. She then tears her clothes, puts ashes on her head, and goes away crying. She was abused, rejected, and shamed.

It’s a disturbing story, but I can’t get the Out from the Ashes continued from p. 9

torn clothing and ashes out of my mind—a public announcement of Tamar’s shame. We deal with brokenness so differently today!

I don’t know anyone who publically airs his or her dirty laundry as Tamar did (at least not by choice). Often we are humiliated and embarrassed, and don’t want to think about it. To cope we ignore the bad feelings, and pursue the good ones. We ask God to take away the negative and strive to make ourselves feel good again.

Larry Crabb’s book Shattered Dreams explains how many of us believe—consciously or not—that God made us to be happy. Then, when bad things happen and we don’t feel good, we find ourselves wondering if God really cares about us, or if He’s even there. We begin to lose faith.

Crabb says we have much to learn in the midst of our pain and offers three lessons about brokenness and faith from Ruth 4:11-12: 1. The journey to God will always, at some point, take us through darkness where life makes no sense. Life isn’t easy; it’s hard, sometimes very hard 2. The felt absence of God is a gift to gratefully receive. During those seasons of darkness He is doing His deepest work in us 3. Feeling good is not the goal. When we feel bad, we have the opportunity to do battle against the enemy within that keeps us from entering the Presence of God with no greater passion than to glorify Him1 Maybe your life is a huge mess right now.

Give it to God. Trust Him to bring good out of your situation. Don’t know what to say?

Romans 8:26-27 says the Holy Spirit will help you pray. Don’t think God can possibly make your situation good? Romans 8:28 says He can and will.

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be

Hope Ever been hailed one day and then nailed the next?

Ever spent all night struggling with a decision?

Ever felt so alone that you could just die?

Who hasn’t? You’re not very far along in life before you struggle with one or more of those questions. It’s at times like these we really need hope.

Subscribe or listen free online at insightforliving.ca/life-trac

Psalm 31:24 (MSG)

Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up.

Expect God to get here soon.

expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:26-28).

We live in a sinful world, not a good one.

And we are sinners, not saints. We make mistakes and we do things we regret. Sometimes bad things happen that aren’t our fault but we have to live with the consequences anyway.

It’s not fair, but it doesn’t mean God isn’t good.

We need to stop trusting in ourselves to put

Tamar’s public display in 2 Samuel 13:19 was her way of showing that what happened was not her fault.

It was also her way of calling for justice from her father, King David.

things back together and give control to God. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to get rid of every weight slowing us down and to keep moving forward. How do we accomplish this?

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Accept the challenge to allow God to use your brokenness to increase your faith.

“Life is not an opportunity for things to go well so we can feel good. Life is an opportunity for us to be forgiven for requiring God to make us feel good and for turning from Him when He doesn’t” (Crabb, 145). Are you ready to come out from the ashes?

Crabb, Larry. Shattered Dreams: God’s Unexpected Pathway to Joy. Colorado: WaterBrook Press, 2001 (160-161).

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Robyn Roste is the LifeTrac coordinator at IFLC.

Listen carefully.

Can you hear the quiet voice of Jesus calling you?

“Come to me.”

Nothing complicated in that invitation.

No big fanfare No trip to Mecca No hypnotic trance No fee to pay No special password to say

Just come. Unload. Unhook the pack

that’s been dragging you down.

He’ll take the stress while you take a rest.

Hear His words again,

“Come to me all you who labour and are overburdened and I will cause you to rest.”

In other words, “I will ease and

relieve and refresh your soul.” ~ Charles R. Swindoll

View © istock.com/weible1980

Copyright 2010 by Charles R. Swindoll Inc. All rights are reserved worldwide. Adapted from “Come to Him” in the Insights short feature series.

Our Not-so-Secret

Identity

by Steve Johnson

B

eing a victim of sexual abuse is devastating in so many ways. One of which is the confusion that results over personal identity. When a person is abused essentially they are dehumanized and treated as an object for another’s personal gratification.

The abused seek to numb their pain by psychological agreement with the abuser. In other words their thinking about themselves becomes distorted—“I was treated like dirt, therefore I must be dirt.”

Satan takes advantage of abuse. He tells us the lie that our identity comes from what has happened to us and what we have done. In contrast, God’s Word says our identity is based on what God has done for us in declaring us righteous in Christ and what He says about us.

This is why it is so important for a person to have a relationship with Christ. It is through Him their image of themselves can be restored. They can renew their mind according to the truth of God’s Word and be transformed by the power of His Spirit.

God says we are accepted as His child (John 1:12), and His friend (John 15:15). We are saints (Ephesians 1:1), justified (Romans 5:1) and belonging to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20), complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10).

God also says we are secure in Him. We are forever free from condemnation and any charge against us; nothing will ever separate us from His love (Romans 8:1-2, 31-34, 35-39). God works in all things for our good and the good work He has begun in us will be perfected (Philippians 1:6). Furthermore, the evil one cannot touch us (1 John 5:18).

Because of these great truths God says we are significant human beings. We are His workmanship, seated in the heavenly realms with Christ (Ephesians 2:6,10) able to freely and confidently approach God (3:12). We are co-workers with Him (2 Corinthians 6:1) and as ambassadors for God given the ministry of reconciliation in the great work of human redemption.

When the going gets tough we are able to do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

Armed with these truths and others like them, we do not need to continue being a victim. Learning the truth of our true identity in Christ helps move us past abuse to become who we really are: victors through Christ.

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Preventing Sexual Abuse In Children

by Rebecca Mitchell, M.A., R.C.C., IMH cert.

S

exual abuse in children is unthinkable but unfortunately a reality. There are simple steps parents can take to help prevent sexual abuse—although for many parents talking about matters involving sexuality, sex, and sexual abuse can be awkward and uncomfortable.

Children need proper information in order to be both aware and to make good decisions. Experts in the field strongly recommend that children participate in sexual health education programs, which are often provided within the school environment. This can be concerning for some families who are either uncomfortable with the topic of sexuality alto-

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gether or have concerns that their beliefs around sexuality are different than what may be taught in sexual health education programs. However, proper information around sexuality is one of the strongest prevention strategies when it comes to risk of sexual abuse. Information is power and must not be mistaken for promotion.

When my son was in fourth grade he learned about human bodies, private parts, and sex. The response from the crowd of children was one of disgust of course and the sexual health educator had such a great reply. She stated, “That’s OK to say gross, that is nature’s way of letting you know those things are not supposed to happen

© istock.com/backhanding parent and child

to you.” And there is born the beginning of talking to children about sexual abuse.

Children need to know directly that it is not OK for an older child or adult to touch them in certain ways.

Prevention measures begin early and certain age appropriate topics are recommended. For children 18 months of age it is recommended that you teach your child the proper name for body parts. As uncomfortable as that might be, it is critical.

When your child is between the ages of three to five years, they need to be taught about “private” body parts. And don’t forget that the mouth is considered a private body part as well. Children of this age need to know under what circumstances and who might touch their private parts such as a doctor examination or a caregiver doing diapering activities.

Children need to be given straightforward and matter–of–fact answers about sex. Children aged five to eight should be discussing safety away from home as they may begin to do sleepovers or head off to overnight Bible camp. They need to know the difference between “good touch” and “bad touch” and should be encouraged to talk about scary or uncomfortable situations. Stressing personal safety is important with your eight to 12-year-olds as they are becoming more independent, perhaps walking to school or to a friend’s house on their own.

As early adolescence and puberty is beginning to develop, discussions around sexual conduct and family rules need to happen. In the adolescent years continue to stress personal safety, talk about rape and date rape so children are aware as well of sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy. The facts do not change but family rules and values definitely vary.

So along with the facts talk about your

family values. Again, do not mistake information for promotion. Information is critical and with it our children are able to make better decisions and are better able to protect themselves through awareness.

“proper information around sexuality is one of the strongest prevention strategies when it comes to risk of sexual abuse.”

The book of Proverbs speaks a great deal to parents and their role as parents.

It emphasizes that parents are not meant to be adversaries but allies in life. This speaks to what many child and family therapists work toward, building strong parent-child relationships—ones filled with conversations, encouragement, and genuine enjoyment. When children experience this kind of a relationship they are more open to coming to a parent when something does not feel right. When a family has an atmosphere of openness and comfort about sexuality, children are more likely to ask questions and share.

When this kind of a parent–child relationship exists parents are more attuned to their children and are likely more attuned when something is off. Observe and listen to your children, reflect back for them what might be going on in their emotional world rather than simply reacting to the outward behaviour.

In conclusion, it is important to know that steps can be taken to prevent sexual abuse of children and what those steps are. The formula involves the sharing of information and just as importantly the strengthening of the parent-child relationship.

Rebecca has supported children and families for 17 years, both within the Child and Youth Mental Health system as well as private practice.

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While I was

watching

by Phil Callaway

We laid you to rest on a Wednesday under the wide Alberta sky. I was hoping for a stray rain cloud to disguise my tears, but I wasn’t alone in that department.

Saying goodbye to one you’ve admired since you were knee high to a tricycle isn’t easy. But one who read you bedtime stories? Taught you to ride a bike?

And loved you enough to say so? It is positively heartbreaking. Teenagers don’t hang out in cemeteries much, but your grandkids refused to leave that Wednesday.

The night before you passed away, they crowded your bed and sang the hymns you loved to hear.

Twice you took my daughter’s hand and tried to raise it to your lips. When at last you succeeded in kissing it, she began to weep from sadness and joy and the delight of another memory she’d carry for life.

And that’s what you were about, Dad. Memories.

When I was a lad, I loved to sneak up on you and watch what you were doing when you didn’t know I was there. That’s when you became my hero, I suppose.

When you thought no one was watching I learned how to treat a woman. I learned to honour her and open doors for her and when to tip my hat. I learned that we’re toast without the ladies, so put them first in line at potlucks. I learned to let them stroll on the inside of the sidewalk so when we’re hit by an oncoming truck they’ll still be around to care for the kids.

When you thought no one was watching I learned what was worth chasing. You avoided the deceptive staircase promising “success,” investing in memories instead. You never owned a new car, but scrounged to buy tent trailers for family vacations.

Watching your life, I learned that simplicity is the opposite of simple-mindedness, that those who win the rat race are still rats.

Going through your dresser I found your glasses, heart pills and a reading lamp. I suspect you’re doing fine without them. In a file marked “Will” you’d misplaced a note Mom gave you listing your attributes. She made you sound like Father Teresa. “On time for work. A gentleman. Filled with integrity. Wholesome in speech.

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Loves family. Loves God.” It’s the best inheritance a child could hope for.

When you thought no one was watching I learned how to bring God’s Word to life. Hours before you passed away I had you to myself. You were struggling to breathe and my singing didn’t help, so I told you I loved you and thanked you for being a good dad. Then I opened the old Bible I watched you read when I was a boy.

You’d underlined some glorious verses in Revelation 21 and I read them to you nice and loud, of that place where our tears will be wiped dry and our question marks straightened into exclamation points. By the time I reached the promise that your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, you were sound asleep. Friday morning the sun rose on your face and you simply stopped breathing. No more tears. No more Alzheimer’s. Home free.

We sat by your bedside and your daughter Ruth said, “Do you suppose he’s saved?” And we laughed—from the deep assurance that you’re with Jesus. Someone said, “I’m sorry you lost your dad,” and I said, “Thank you, but I haven’t lost him. I know exactly where he is.”

When you thought no one was watching I learned how to die. With relationships intact, with nothing left unsaid.

Four of your five children were there.

When we went to tell Mom of your pass-

ing, Tim asked, “Do you know why we’re here?” “Money?” said your wife of 62 years. You’d have been proud of her.

She held your hand then, clinging to the last of your warmth. For the longest time she didn’t say anything, just stared out the window. I asked what she was thinking and she smiled. “I’d like to take one more stroll in the grass with him.”

Wouldn’t we all? When they came to take you away, she simply said, “Thanks for all the years, Sweetheart.”

“I loved to sneak up on you and watch what you were doing when you didn’t know I was there.”

I’d like to thank you too.

Thanks for hunting trips and fishing lessons. Thanks for majoring on the majors. And for a thousand timeless memories. Most of all, thanks for giving me a glimpse of what God looks like.

Tonight I’ll lay flowers on your grave once again, and past the tears I’ll determine to keep that twinkle alive. To live so the preacher won’t have to lie at my funeral. As you cheer me on, all the way Home.

Phil Callaway is an award-winning author and popular speaker. Visit him online at www.philcallaway.com

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A Work of Art

by Ben Lowell

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ou’ve all seen one, or even someone who regrets one. You know, the smitten young man who, out of misdirected passion, has a young lady’s name tattooed on his arm for all to see. It’s a testimony to true love—or so it seemed last week when they met. Now it’s just a reminder of a foolish impulse.

This is not a commentary on the merit of tattoos, but a reflection based on viewing a television program about tattooing. In this particular episode a forlorn, semi-embarrassed gentleman enters the parlour looking to correct such a misdirected romantic gesture. On his arm in beautiful script was permanently inscribed the name Ida for all to see. His remedy: to have a tattoo artist create a larger tattoo concealing Ida. The challenge was laid and the artist began his restorative work. I was skeptical at best. In fact there was a little bit of me thinking that’s what you get for being stupid. But over the next few time–elapsed minutes I was amazed at the work being done, along with the ability of the artist to completely transform Ida into the image of a lifelike bird.

The once ill–conceived romantic gesture was redeemed and what took its place was undeniably a work of art.

The term redemption is powerful, one that carries great personal meaning for my life journey. I have often said God is in the business of redemption. Nothing is beyond His ability to redeem: a relationship, someone’s character, even someone’s life. Redeem defined means to buy back; to free from distress, captivity or harm; to release from debt, blame or the consequences of sin; to make good, to atone.

It is more than a covering up. To be redeemed is to be made free—free from the bondage of poor choices, actions, and decisions. Redemption’s consequence is renewal; the old has gone, the new has come. Available to the whosoever, we can experience a new beginning and a new position as a child of God, all as a result of a Child.

This Christmas consider the redemption story, a Child who came, given freely that we might be made free. Given that we might be redeemed, released from the consequence of sin, regret, remorse, and made new to live life in His image.

Now there’s a work of art.

Just a thought…

Ben Lowell is the executive director of IFLC.

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Sale! reg. $31.00

Christmas in Wildwood Set 4 CD episodes + DVD

Your kids can join all their Wildwood friends in discovering the true meaning of Christmas. Set includes four 30-minute episodes on CD and a two-episode animated DVD.

2175

$

Sale! reg. $29.00

November’s Featured Resources

Christmas Gift Ideas!

order/donate at insightforliving.ca or call 1.800.663.7639 offer expires December 31, 2010

A Bethlehem Christmas radio theatre CD, approx 1 hour

The Christmas story is brought to life through this captivating radio theatre production, based on Chuck Swindoll’s book, A Bethlehem Christmas.

1200

$

Sale! reg. $16.00

Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership 16 CD messages + Bible companion

$

3975

Chuck Swindoll brings us insights from Nehemiah and applies them in areas like handling promotions, dealing with discouragement, and prioritizing our lives.

Sale! reg. $53.00

The Church Awakening: An Urgent Call for Renewal 9 CD messages + Bible companion

$

2660

How can the Church fulfil its original purpose as determined by its originator, Jesus? What does the Church need? An awakening! Chuck Swindoll provides that wake-up call in this message series.

Sale! reg. $38.00

David: A Man of Passion and Purity hardcover, 304 pages

David’s life shows that God loves us in spite of our weaknesses and can do extraordinary things through lives wholly devoted to Him.

$

1350

Sale! reg. $18.00

This Month's Gift first copy

FREE! additional $ copies:

12.00

Sale! reg. $16.00

A Promise Kept: A Pictorial Journey of the Coming of Christ softcover, 70 pages

Thirty devotionals and spectacular photographs combine to tell the story of Christ’s birth from a fresh perspective.

Celebrate God’s loving promise of the Saviour.

A Life Well Lived Gift Set DVD, Bible companion and hardcover book.

Examine your life in light of Micah 6:8 and experience a life well lived.

$

3600

Sale! reg. $48.00

Living Above the Ragged Edge 24 CD messages

Solomon kept a journal of his dark and desperate journey as he searched for meaning and came to terms with reality.

$

5025

Sale! reg. $67.00

Golfing with the Master Phil Callaway paperback, 195 pages

Even better than golf lessons from a pro, these life lessons will help you improve your game and live with more effectiveness and joy on and off the course.

$

1200

Sale! reg. $16.00

Wit and Wisdom: Stories of Love & Laughter for the Seasons ofMarriage single CD

Laugh and learn together as you listen to this collection of stories that blend the best of Chuck’s light-hearted humour with strong-hearted biblical wisdom.

900

$

Sale! reg. $12.00

Wisdom for the Way: Wise Words for Busy People paperback devotional, 399 pages

A devotional collection of some of Chuck Swindoll’s most classic insights divided into daily bitesize readings.

525

$

Sale! reg. $7.00

Special

Holiday Messages In these four significant reflections, Chuck Swindoll leads us into the Christmas season with a prayerful and God-honouring spirit rooted in the truth of His Word.

What if You Had Been Mary?

Consider How Joseph Must Have Felt Imagine Being One of the Shepherds Think of Yourself as a Temple Rabbi

December 9, 10 & 13 December 14–16 December 17, 20–21 December 22–24

info@insightforliving.ca • insightforliving.ca • 1.800.663.7639