October 2012
SEARCHING FOR
CHARACTER
in this issue 3 Putting Integrity to the Test Charles R. Swindoll pressure points
6 Is Honesty the Best Policy? Steve Johnson lifetrac
9 Delaying Instant Gratification Robyn Roste STRONG FAMILY
12 Shaping Moral Character Joy McKee laughing matters
“If I could raise my kids again...”
14 Regrets, I Have a Few Phil Callaway Help Me Understand
17 Spiritual Warfare, Part 3—The Flesh 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.
Putting
Integrity
to the Test by Charles R. Swindoll
3
M
y friend Bob comes from a large and close-knit Italian family. He has fond memories of his father, watching him endure numerous and stressful tests, observing his integrity of character in the face of trying times. To a young boy, he was clearly a positive example of leadership worth following. Decisive, fair, kind, and humble— Bob’s father was a model of integrity. When his father suddenly died, Bob and his siblings were responsible for going through their father’s personal affairs and effects. A twinge of fear gripped Bob as he wondered what he might find. Would he uncover some secret sins? Would he locate evidence of private compromise? Would there be invoices he never paid, traffic tickets he had ignored, some “love note” from an otherwise unknown woman? Bob dreaded the thought of anything tarnishing the image of the man who had been not only a marvellous father but who had become his hero, his mentor, his model for life. Bob’s anxiety over discovering a proverbial skeleton in his father’s closet wasn’t irrational. Just a quick glance at the daily news reveals a world filled with compromise, scandal, and dark secrets. One thing lacking in so many of our would-be heroes and media-made mentors is integrity. It’s not sinlessness; it’s authenticity. It’s an honesty that one can probe and pierce without finding anything phoney. It’s an absence of veneer—what you see 4
Putting Integrity to the Test continued from p. 3
on the outside runs all the way through. A person with integrity isn’t divided…that would be duplicity. A person with integrity isn’t devious…that would be deception. A person with integrity isn’t merely pretending…that would be hypocrisy. People with integrity have nothing to hide and nothing to fear. We need leaders like that. We need mentors we can trust, heroes who radiate authenticity, who do what’s right regardless of the cost. We need true-blooded entrepreneurs, athletes, politicians, employers, employees, pastors, board members, artists, and musicians. In short, this world needs men and women of integrity. When I think of leaders, heroes, and mentors with integrity, I think of the prophet Daniel, who lived about 2,600 years ago. You remember him—for most of us, we think of him lying down in the lions’ den. But before that memorable event, Daniel had risen through the ranks of the pagan Medo-Persian government. In fact, King Darius—ruler of that sprawling
Comment on this article
empire—was so impressed with Daniel that he “planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom” (Dan. 6:3). With such recognition, of course, comes great jealousy. Before Darius made the appointment, Daniel’s envious opponents decided to do a little secret vetting of the candidate— dig deep enough and poke hard enough to expose Daniel’s dark secrets. Verse 4 tells the story: “Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs.” Unlike my friend Bob, who pored over his father’s past praying that he would find nothing to tarnish his father’s reputation, those ambitious politicians wanted nothing more than to find Daniel’s moral and/or ethical faults and expose them. The rest of verse 4 records the result of their futile investigation: “But they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him” (6:4). Talk about integrity! Try as they might, Daniel’s envious peers could conjure nothing unclean from his past or present. How about you? If critics went through your files, what would they find? If investigators interviewed your close friends, what dark secrets might be whispered? If people traced your Internet activity, where would it lead them? If you were to die today, would your spouse or children stumble over some secret in your life that would shock them and break their hearts? That brings me back to my friend, Bob. He diligently dug through the revealing relics of his father’s past, sifting through journal entries, photographs, and financial records. He thumbed through handwritten notes, examined letters, and combed through envelopes, files, and
folders. After meticulously searching through everything, Bob discovered nothing. There were no surprises. His father’s private life matched his public reputation. Like a modern-day Daniel, Bob’s father was “faithful…no negligence or corruption was to be found in him” (Dan. 6:4). At the end of his search, Bob began to weep audibly, overjoyed that the man he had admired all of his life was everything he had believed him to be.
“People with
Integrity have nothing to hide and nothing to fear.” From our earliest days as a ministry, Insight for Living has declared a no-compromise position on character. While we don’t pretend to be perfect, we do strive for the highest level of authenticity and truthfulness in every aspect of our work. As one who cares about Insight for Living, I’m pleased to tell you that close scrutiny of our personal and financial matters would draw nothing from you other than a smile of relief. Gratefully, by God’s grace, we have nothing to hide. No skeletons. No secrets. No scandals. We sleep very well at night! I don’t know where this article finds you in life, but let me remind you that it’s never too late to start doing what’s right. Maybe this is the time for you to renew your commitment to a life without duplicity, deception, or hypocrisy. Together, like Daniel, let’s continue a relentless pursuit of integrity. Photograph of Chuck Swindoll © 2012 by Luke Edmonson
5
Pressure Points
A
sk any Christian and she will tell you followers of Christ should always be honest. Simple. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
I’ve been thinking about honesty and concluded a couple of things. First, it’s a concept we need to understand better. I don’t think most of us have thought about it too much because it seems so simple. And second, to be perfectly honest, honesty is not as simple as I had first thought. It seems to me honesty is a core characteristic. The word “honest” originates from a Latin word meaning “honourable, respected.” It later came to mean, 6
“free from fraud” and now has the main modern sense of “dealing fairly, truthful.” Honesty is the quality of being genuine and uncorrupted. And from that core, like the trunk of a tree, it branches three ways: • Our speech—speaking truth and with sincerity, not lying. • Our behaviour—upright and fair in our dealings with others, not cheating or stealing, not deceiving others by the way we act (such as making things appear to be one way when they are in fact different), no façade or hypocrisy. • Our thoughts—not deceiving ourselves or think we are fooling God.
by Steve Johnson
So are we as Christians honest? In my opinion, I think most Christians are generally honest when it comes to big sins. Most aren’t blatant thieves out robbing banks and stealing cars. But I wonder if it might be a different story when it comes to income taxes, pilfering supplies from work, fudging on the time clock and giving an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. What about keeping up appearances of spirituality when the reality may be different? When it comes to honesty in our thoughts I believe we are all prone to some self-deception. We tend to not see our hearts and actions as God does. He
knows us better than we know ourselves. Although God gives us a new heart when we are born again, we still sin and might not even realize it. Honesty in speech is even more difficult. It means telling the truth without deceiving, so some Christians think that means you have to say what you really think all the time. They’re unfiltered because, after all, they’re just being honest. Other Christians are notorious because to them total honesty means total disclosure of their feelings—letting it all hang out as they vent to everyone in earshot. You may not like what they express, and it may even hurt, but, as they say, they’re just being honest. 7
Comment on this article
“To be perfectly honest, honesty is not as simple as I had first thought.”
Is that what being honest in our speech means? Is it always candid and unedited? Is that brutal honesty? Is total expression of one’s true feelings always necessary? Is it honest that because you think or feel it you have to say it and would it be dishonest if you didn’t? When it comes to honesty in speech should we be unfiltered and if not, what is the filter? Is total honesty in the sense of full disclosure always the best policy? When is it right to control information? Do people always have a right to know? Scripture has much to say about our speech (e.g. Jas. 3:1-9; 1 Pet.3:10). Most of it is about the need to control it. Like a horse needs a bit, so we need something to control our tongue. Having a free rein with our speech is not biblical, even if we
think it’s honest. And there are definitely lines drawn as to what is disclosed. The fact that Scripture doesn’t titillate us with salacious details tells us disclosure should be limited. We should also note that while feelings are real, they might not be valid. Feelings are usually responses to our perceptions, but our perceptions may not be true. Many think they are being honest when they express what they believe to be true perceptions. The problem is not with their honesty it’s with their accuracy. It almost seems it’s possible to be totally honest and yet dishonest at the same time. Summing it all up, here is the filter I believe we need to have on our sometimesbrutal honesty: we are to speak the truth in love and only that which will build others up (Eph. 4:15, 29). Love is our filter. Love for God and others. Simple, but not easy. So love God and say, do, and think, what you want. That’s the best policy. Honest. Steve Johnson is the executive director at IFLC.
on the air in november
Daniel
Volume 1: God’s Man for the Moment When you examine the life of Daniel, you consistently encounter amazing and irrefutable qualities of God. In the midst of corrupt surroundings and persecution, this intriguing prophet of the last days modelled a life marked with integrity. 8
Upcoming Messages Include: A Prophetic Collage The Final World Dictator The Living End True Confessions
by Robyn Roste
On lifetrac.ca/blog this month: When There’s Nothing to be Thankful For by Robyn Roste
L
ately I’ve had a visitor show up around 10:30 each night—hunger pangs. This gets on my nerves because I have a strict “no snacks after nine” rule and it’s frustrating when my body rebels against my instructions. Despite my conviction that 10:30 is not the time to be eating, my body is fully convinced I am in fact starving. And it puts up quite the fight. A quick glance at the story of Jacob and Esau leads me to believe the stomach has been the instigator of less-than-healthy choices before and must not be trusted. Here’s how The Message tells the story: One day Jacob was cooking a stew. Esau came in from the field, starved. Esau said to Jacob, “Give me some of that red stew—I’m starved!” That’s how he came to be called Edom (Red). Jacob said, “Make me a trade: my stew for your rights as the firstborn.” Esau said, “I’m starving! What good is a birthright if I’m dead?” Jacob said, “First, swear to me.” And he did it. On oath Esau traded away his rights as the firstborn. Jacob gave him bread and the stew of lentils. He ate and drank, got up and left. That’s how Esau shrugged off his rights as the firstborn. (Gen. 25:29-34) Most of us probably can’t imagine being hungry enough to make such a trade, and yet we can all probably think of a time we acted on impulse without considering the long-term consequences of our actions. In
fact I know we can because culturally we are victims of instant gratification. We hate waiting for things. I drove to a neighbouring town a few nights ago and decided to drive the speed limit the entire way (for once). What did I get for my effort? Three different times people driving behind me took issue with my undertaking and proceeded to honk and gesture at me. And, trust me, there are times I’ve behaved similarly. Instant gratification is an out-of-control character trait we need to rid ourselves of. Last December I wrote an article about why I don’t make resolutions and blamed instant gratification as one of the main reasons. My reasoning wasn’t great but it was truthful. “Let’s be honest, we’re more Mr. Noodles than ‘make it from scratch’ people these days. OK, well at least I am. And resolutions are a lot of work! Breaking a bad habit? That takes at least a month. Maybe more! And keeping resolutions? That’s hard work! And it’s thankless! And boring! Maybe if resolutions paid off quicker I’d be more motivated to make them.” Chuck Swindoll talks about Esau and the issue of instant gratification in his book Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives. “If I could shout these next three words to your face, I would: BEWARE INSTANT GRATIFICATION! It’s the first sign of desperation and forms a dangerous platform for making decisions,” (67). The flip side of instant gratification is deferred
Delaying Instant Gratification continued from p. 9
Comment on this article
gratification, otherwise known as self-control. Yes, that is a fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:23). Developing the habit of deferring gratification is no simple task, especially since we all seem to be multi-taskers these days. We live with the short term in mind. So how do we overcome those 10:30 p.m. hunger pangs when they strike? And what if they’re especially insistent? I have three suggestions: 1. Take the long view. I first heard this on one of those cop shows and it stuck with me. One character was upset because her suspect was getting off the hook and her partner said, “Take the long view.” In other words he told her to look at the bigger picture—the short-term gain of “getting her man” did not outweigh the long-term benefits of making a deal with the suspect. Taking the long view doesn’t mean you give up on your dreams or wants, it means you take time to gain perspective and acknowledge the benefits of waiting. 2. Let “future you” deal with it. This is not a new concept but at the risk of promoting procrastination I suggest sleeping on a decision before acting. Waiting even a day can curb your initial enthusiasm and save you from purchases or decisions you may regret later. 3. Think about the ends rather than means. Let’s say you’re like me and get the snacking temptation right before bed. If you have a goal of losing weight then you know snacking at night is not a means to this end. Making goals and thinking through how to achieve them makes you more likely to defer gratification and avoid temptation. The hardest part about buying into deferred gratification is you have to go against what your entire being wants to do. But it will do you good in the end—“Moderation is better than muscle, self-control better than political power,” (Prov. 16:32).
Sixty Seconds Everything we have is a gift from God and once you learn to appreciate what you’ve been given, giving back is a natural response. Generosity increases contentment and instead of striving for more, you enjoy what you have. Listen online anytime at lifetrac.ca
“culturally we are victims of
instant gratification.” Free mp3 We’ve all heard the phrase “garbage in, garbage out.” Well, Scripture backs up this adage! Ephesians 6:10-17 advises us to be strong in the Lord so we can stand firm against the Devil’s schemes. There is virtue in pursuing a life of discipline and character. This fierce battle for godliness is winnable with God. In fact, there is no power like the power of Jesus Christ to make a man or woman godly. However, that power is not automatic. The question is: What do we need to cultivate in order to draw upon this power? Chuck Swindoll’s answer is found in this month’s free mp3, Needed: A Godly Mind. Download this encouraging message today at lifetrac.ca
Robyn Roste is the LifeTrac co-ordinator at IFLC.
Strong Family
Shaping
Moral Character by Joy McKee
When I was about eight I stole something.
This event ranks as one of the top 10 of all my childhood memories, right up there with nearly drowning. I remember it so clearly. My friends and I had ridden our bikes to the local drugstore (children had more freedom in the sixties) and as we were leaving I saw some penny
12
Comment on this article
candies and took one. I’m not sure why I stole it—I certainly wasn’t starved for candy. Perhaps subconsciously I wanted to know what it felt like to steal. It felt awful. This is my first recollection of deliberately violating one of the Ten Commandments. I didn’t know it at the time, but this occasion also marked the beginning of connecting the Bible with my actions. Prior to this momentous event, I didn’t really think I was a sinner. My parents praised me for being quiet and well-behaved and I felt superior about not causing trouble. Not like some of my other sisters. Even at that young age I was proud of my good behaviour. I had all the makings of a gentile Pharisee. But with just one swoop of my hand into a candy bin, the stellar behaviour was wiped out. I could no longer consider myself good. It was a rude awakening to discover that I was capable of stealing. Growing up, my family was in church every Sunday. Early on I learned about the Ten Commandments in Sunday school and knew right from wrong. How thankful I am that the truth of Scripture was planted in my heart at a young age! It has guided, convicted, and protected me for over 50 years. When the Lord says, “You must not” He’s saying “You will harm yourself if you do that.” I believe that others harm us not so much as we are harmed by our own actions. Tragically, people all around us are hurting themselves and the sad thing is they don’t realize they’re doing it. Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” How true that is today. Instilling God’s Word in the hearts of children gives them the foundation for building a life of strong moral character. Knowing God’s truth is the firm footing
that helps them make wise decisions during the turbulent teen years and beyond. It also is the crucial key for living an abundant life. Psalm 19:7-9 lists the wonderful benefits of obeying God’s commands: refreshment to the soul, wisdom for the simple, joy to the heart, and light to the eyes. It is these inner qualities that make life rich and fulfilling.
“I had all the makings of a gentile Pharisee.” Recently I read we make up to 5,000 choices each day. Granted most of them are banal like “I choose to brush my teeth” and “I choose to eat breakfast.” But there are also numerous moral choices we make each day. How will our children make the right choices if we as parents and grandparents don’t take the time to teach them God’s Word? As a child, knowing God’s law wasn’t enough. I also needed to know the flip side—God’s grace. As we teach God’s commands to our children, it’s critical that we emphasize His love. They need to know that when they mess up, the Lord is waiting with outstretched arms to extend His infinite grace and forgiveness. Over and over again. No matter how often we fall. First John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The reassurance of knowing that our Heavenly Father’s love and forgiveness are limitless brings incredible peace to a young child’s heart. The task of shaping your child’s moral character may seem daunting. But don’t give up! Remember, you are not alone. The Lord is with you every step of the way. Joy McKee is the communications manager at Insight for Living Canada.
13
Laughing Matters
REGRETS, I HAVE A FEW
by Phil Callaway
W
hen my children were toddlers, we had an agreement that any of them at any moment could go limp like a noodle when they passed within a foot of me. It was my job, of course, to catch them before they crashed to the floor, or the sidewalk, or into the pool. This was great fun for all of us. Sadly, they thought this agreement lasted for life, and although two of them have reached my height and are closing in on my weight, they still play Noodle, which is a big bundle of laughs for everyone but me. I regret not being clearer with the ground rules when I invented Noodle. Thankfully laughter eases the pain in my calves. And lower back. And the fat I pulled in my left arm. Regrets. Most of us have a few. Unchecked, they lead to guilt, which Erma Bombeck called “The gift that keeps on giving.” Surely there is no other occupation so guilt-ridden as parenting, with the possible exception of dieting. Some of our parents have worked for decades as travel agents for guilt trips. We long for the days before the invention of the telephone when parents could not dial our number to nag, “It’s Mother’s Day. You’re the only one of the children who hasn’t called yet.
14
Are you OK? Did you fall down a well?” Syndicated columnist Sydney J. Harris wisely wrote, “Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable.” Oh I know that regret is 96 per cent useless. Wallow in it and life is yours to miss. Regret is painful and paralysing—like shooting yourself with a tranquilizer dart before the marathon. But we can learn from our regrets and the regrets of others. I did a survey of a few thousand people. Seventy-six per cent admitted to having their share of regrets. Here is a tiny sampling of their honest responses: “I regret wasting money playing the lottery.” “I regret marrying because I was lonely.” “I didn’t take time for my daughter. I was too busy with housework.” “Drifting apart from my wife after we lost a son.” Regret for past mistakes can help redeem the days ahead, if we learn from where we’ve been and avoid sitting around wasting time regretting. Here are a few of the lessons I’ve learned from regrets. For some reason they came out best in a poem.
If I could raise my kids again If I could raise my kids again I wouldn’t be so uptight this time. I’d let them jump on beds in hotels. And pick the cat up by the tail. That way they’d figure out a little sooner How life works. If I could raise my kids again I’d be a little goofier this time. I’d stand on the chair in our kitchen, And play the harmonica with my nose. I’d play more jokes on them too. Ones that involve expired milk. If I could raise my kids again I’d ask more questions and listen to the answers. I’d teach them to give by giving, to love by loving. They’d see me on my knees Praying more often. Not just looking for the remote control. If I could raise my kids again I’d play hooky from work sometimes. I wouldn’t sign up for the rat race. I’d enjoy things without owning them. I’d buy a bigger library. And a smaller television. 15
Comment on this article
If I could raise my kids again I’d relax a little more. I’d cut spankings by about 50 per cent. In number. In length. In enthusiasm. I’d place more importance on good character than good grades. I’d prepare them for life by letting them argue. By letting them fail. As it is, I’m glad I talked to them early about God. About money. About sex. I’m glad I spent way too much money on vacations, Necked in the living room with their mother, And took them to church.
“Regret is painful and paralysing— like shooting yourself with a tranquilizer dart before the marathon.” But if I could raise my kids again, I think I’d be better at it this time. I wouldn’t care so much about clean walls or clean feet. I wouldn’t celebrate nice grass, I’d celebrate grass stains. I’d tuck my children into bed each night Without checking my watch. The doctor tells me that it’s not about to happen. That I’m half way to one hundred. That we won’t be having children anytime soon. So I guess I’ll get to practice these things On my grandchildren. Phil Callaway is the author of 25 books and a popular speaker. Visit him online at laughagain.org
This Month’s FEATURED RESOURCE
TRAVELLING THE ROAD OF FAITH 2013 Insight for Living Canada Calendar Our 2013 calendar is a beauty! The gorgeous, full-colour images from across Canada, selected Scriptures, and words of wisdom from Chuck Swindoll will fill your spiritual tank for the journey ahead. 16
See enclosed form for ordering information
Spiritual warfare
part 3—the Flesh
Spiritual Warfare
part 3—the flesh
“This is the last time.”
To be perfectly honest I’m just about ready to give up trying to be a good person. It seems like every time I try to do the right thing something happens and I crash and make things even worse. And following each failed attempt I become more and more despondent. That feels awful! Romans 7:14 might as well be my life verse—“The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin.” I’m a slave to sinning and I can’t see a way to stop. So what’s the point in trying? It’s just like every time I try and eat healthier. I’ll do OK for a week or two, and then the temptation from the treats showing up at work overwhelms me and I have six donuts in one afternoon. Two weeks of hard work ruined by donuts! Maybe I can think of sins in the same way I now think of donuts: it’s OK to have them as long as I put in a few extra laps at the track.
18
Comment on this article
Our Problem—We battle the flesh
The flesh is our sinful nature we are born with, inherited from Adam (Ps. 51:5). Seeking to satisfy its own appetites and cravings it expresses itself in our thoughts and actions in a way that rebels against and opposes the spiritual nature and life of God.
Although we are Christians, we still struggle with sin in our flesh (Gal. 5:17-21). If we live according to the flesh we will reap dead works. Living in the realm of the flesh renders us powerless against our spiritual enemies, the Devil, and his kingdom. The battleground between the flesh and the Spirit is between the desires of the Spirit and the desires of the flesh.
God’s Answers
The flesh can never be reformed or improved. It must be executed and replaced by a new life in the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:57). Jesus came to condemn sin in the flesh. That not only includes sin’s penalty, but also sin’s power. When Christ was crucified your sinful flesh was too, freeing you as a believer in Christ to serve Him (Rom 6:6). We take hold of Christ’s victory over the flesh and overcome our selfish passions through the power of the Holy Spirit when we walk in the Spirit (cf. Rom. 8:13).
The Solution
1. Honestly acknowledge your sinful behaviour before God, agreeing with what the Bible says about your sin. Even though believers are born again through the Spirit of God, we still possess the old nature with
its desires that wars with the new nature and the desires that come from the Spirit. 2. Recognize that God made a provision to deal with your sin nature at the cross. Your old self was crucified with Christ so that its power would be broken and you would be free (Rom. 6:6). Now you are free to live the life that God intended as you live by faith in Christ empowered by the Spirit (Gal. 2:20).
“Although we are Christians, we still struggle with sin in our flesh.” 3. As a believer in Christ consider yourself dead to sin. (Rom. 6:11; Col. 3:5). You do not have to die, you have to accept the fact that you already died with Christ and so are now dead to the allurements of the flesh. You are alive with Christ because you died with Christ. 4. Put off sinful habits. From a practical standpoint, the Christian purposely avoids feeding the old, fleshly nature so it is starved of its desires and eventually dies (Eph. 4:21, 25). 5. Put on Christian character. In this the Christian practices new behaviours that are driven by the Spirit (1 Tim. 6:11; Rom. 13:14; Eph. 4:20-24; Gal. 5: 22-23). 6. Walk in the Spirit, which involves constant surrender to the control of God’s Holy Spirit Who empowers believers to live uprightly before God and not obey the flesh’s desires (Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6:11; Gal. 5:16; Gal. 3: 27; Eph. 5: 18). by
Insight for Living Canada
19 23
Prepare your heart for Christmas with the month-long devotional, A Promise Kept: A Pictorial Journey of the Coming of Christ. Twenty-five 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. Order now to have in time for the start of Advent on December 2.
CLEARANCE!
$8 reg $16
(see enclosed form for ordering information)
on sale in
OCTOBER Courageous Leadership in a Corrupt World paperback by Insight for Living, 88 pages
This book provides biblical principles for godly leadership and guides you through key issues facing Christian leaders like handling criticism and weathering the storms of moral corruption.
Pastor Appreciation gift idea!
CLEARANCE!
Sale!
600
$
reg. $12.00
NEW
!
Paws & Tales DVD 9: Playing by the Rules 2 DVD episodes, approximate running time 50 minutes
The newest Paws & Tales DVD includes two episodes, “Tiffany Cometh” and “The Tribe” based on 1 Sam. 13:23 and Prov. 21:21. Children will learn about playing by God’s rules.
Sale!
9
$ 00 reg. $12.00
CLEARANCE!
A Promise Kept: A Pictorial Journey of the Coming of Christ softcover by Insight for Living, 72 pages, 8”x11”
This beautiful gift books contains 25 devotionals and spectacular photos to tell the story of Christ’s birth from a fresh perspective. Includes questions for family and small group discussions.
Sale!
800
$
reg. $16.00
Order by November 16 to use as a family advent devotional.
order/donate at insightforliving.ca or call 1.800.663.7639 offer expires November 30, 2012
Freeing Yourself Up to Laugh Again
STAFF PICK!
single CD message
We could sum up our time as the “age of addictions.” And the most popular one of all? Anxiety. The good news is that God has provided an escape—a way of liberation to laugh again.
“Freeing Yourself Up to Laugh Again gave me practical tools to deal with my anxiety. I keep the notes from this sermon taped to my kitchen cupboard Sale! so I don’t forget!”
600
$
- Tanya Kieneker
Media & Marketing Manager Insight for Living Canada
Sale!
5
$
00
reg. $7.00
reg. $8.00
Sale!
12
$
75
reg. $17.00
Sale!
4
$ 50 reg. $6.00
Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus
Making Life Rich Without Any Money
God’s Sovereignty: God’s Hand in Our Hardship
paperback by Wayne Stiles, 192 pages
paperback by Phil Callaway, 210 pages
Retrace the windswept roads Jesus took during His earthly life and ministry. Wayne Stiles will help you experience the sights, tastes, and sounds of the Holy Land through this engaging personal travelogue.
Phil Callaway shows you how to find the happiness of a millionaire on the salary of a servant. He identifies six characteristics of rich people that have nothing to do with money and everything to do with wealth.
pamphlet by Joni Eareckson Tada 14 panels, 8.5 x 5.5 inches, unfolds to 38 inches long
this month’s featured resource first copy
$ 00
Travelling the Road of Faith: 2013 Insight for Living Canada Calendar
00
12-month wall calendar
49
additional $ copies:
reg. $12.00
Our 2013 calendar is a beauty! The gorgeous, full-colour images from across Canada, selected Scriptures, and words of wisdom from Chuck Swindoll will fill your spiritual tank for the journey ahead.
Jesus spent much of His life healing people. So why doesn’t our all-powerful God get rid of suffering? Joni Eareckson Tada answers the big questions about suffering and what we can learn from it.
ON THE AIR THIS MONTH Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives 14 CD messages + workbook
Do you want to be famous? Many people would answer—yes! But God, more often than not, does some of His most significant work through His forgotten few, as Chuck Swindoll reminds us in this Old Testament study.
Sale!
26
$
Sale!
3500
$
reg. $50.00
60
reg. $38.00
Daniel, Volume 1: God’s Man for the Moment 9 CD messages + Bible companion
Chuck guides you through the familiar events in Daniel’s life—the fiery furnace, the lions’ den, and the handwriting on the wall. He reminds us that God is sovereign—even when the unimaginable has happened in your life.
You and Your Conscience single CD message
Who hasn’t battled a guilty conscience? This silent voice within gives off signals we can’t ignore. The Apostle John addressed this struggle and offered advice that is not only helpful, it is inspired by God.
Sale!
600
$
reg. $8.00
Sale!
3225
$
reg. $43.00
Character Counts: Building a Life That Pleases God 12 CD messages + Bible companion
Character doesn’t just happen. Out of God’s Word, Chuck carves building blocks of character that you can fit into your life. This study will help you develop character qualities that glorify Christ.
Consider Having
Another Child Adding a "child called Charity" as a beneficiary to your estate redirects money to charities of your choice that would otherwise go to taxes. Partners of Insight for Living Canada, ADVISORS with Purpose, have created hundreds of custombuilt estate plans — at no charge — for people just like you to help make decisions about your estate, aligning your wishes with God’s purposes.
To find out more about planned giving call us at 1.800.663.7639. Or go to insightforliving.ca/gift-planning.
info@insightforliving.ca • insightforliving.ca • 1.800.663.7639