Insights Magazine: September by Insight for Living Canada

September 2011

Lighten Up

in this issue “Some would

say humour,

like music,

defies analysis.”

3 Laugh It Off Charles R. Swindoll

pressure points

6 Free to be Funny Steve Johnson

lifetrac

9 Road Warrior Robyn Roste STRONG FAMILY

12 The Power of Our Words Rob Flood laughing matters

14 The Fruit of the Spirit is not Lemons Phil Callaway Help Me Understand

17 Grief Insight for Living Canada

Copyright © 2011 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. Balloons © istockphoto: YuriyS

by Charles R. Swindoll

Let’s have some

fun.

It’s overdue.

ife’s been getting a little tight; it’s much too serious lately. With more deadlines, too many meetings (all of them too long!), not enough relaxation, more emails than I can handle, and the feeling that I gotta do more to keep all those weak marriages together, it’s enough to make a grown man sigh. Or curl up in the fetal position and whimper. Or (perish the thought!) work more hours. A guy considers a lot of dumb solutions when the pressure mounts. His own esteem fights for air too. Sometimes, I feel about as competent and co-ordinated in this position as a violinist wearing boxing gloves. And so, instead of blaming others or feeling sorry for myself, I’m gonna laugh for a while. If you don’t feel like laughing with me, fold this baby up into your own specially designed airplane and sail it into your favourite recycle bin without a second thought. Far be it from me to force you to smile if you don’t feel like it.

It seems appropriate that we laugh at the stuff that drives us nuts instead of letting it sting our ulcers or irritate our hemorrhoids. Here are just a few: • A day without a crisis is a total loss • The other checkout line always moves faster • Leak-proof seals—will. Self-starters— will not. Interchangeable parts—won’t. Fail-safe solutions—aren’t • Inside every large problem is a series of small problems struggling to get out • Whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed • Not until you stand up in front of a group will you realize your fly is unzipped • Friends come and go, but enemies accumulate • The repairman will never have seen a model quite like yours before • Any tool dropped while repairing a car will roll underneath to the exact centre • No matter how long or hard you shop for an item, after you’ve bought it, it will be on sale cheaper somewhere else • There’s never enough time to do it right, but there’s always time to do it over • Ninety per cent of everything is crud • Once you open a can of worms, you are never able to re-can them • A Smith & Wesson beats four aces • You will remember you forgot to put the trash out front when the garbage truck is two doors away and you’re in the shower • The chance of the bread falling with the peanut butter and jelly side down 4

Laugh it Off continued from p. 3

is directly proportional to the cost of the carpet • Not until you finish walking to work will you discover that the bottom of the back of your dress is stuck in the top of your pantyhose • Everyone has a scheme for getting rich that will not work • If you try to please everybody, nobody will like it • The light at the end of the tunnel is the headlamp of an oncoming train • Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clear to the bone • When a broken appliance is demonstrated for the repairman, it will work perfectly • No good deed goes unpunished • Nature always sides with the hidden flaw • If you fiddle with anything long enough, you will break it • Celibacy is not hereditary • Not until you get home from the party will you realize you have a string of spinach between your front teeth • There’s a committee meeting somewhere right now planning your future, and you were not invited • No one’s life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session • You’re well into the mid–life crisis when you wake up in the morning and discover your waterbed broke . . . then you realize you don’t have a waterbed

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“If you don’t feel like laughing with me, fold this baby up into your own specially designed airplane.” There are hundreds more, but that’s enough for now. I feel better already. Don’t sweat the small stuff—in fact, the big stuff isn’t worth the sweat either. Reminds me of the lady who wrote me and told me she had decided laughter was the best medicine she’d ever taken in her life. She said it had helped her raise her 12 kids, all of whom had been born to her since she was 32. She said she met and married her husband at 31, and she had never even worried about finding a husband. Here’s how she handled that. She got a pair of men’s pants and hung them over the foot of her bed and knelt down and prayed: Father in heaven, hear my prayer, And grant it if you can; I’ve hung a pair of trousers here Please fill them with a man! It worked. Laughter does too.

This Month’s Gift

Laughter Volume 3

Chuck’s Formula for Family Fun What better place to learn how to laugh at life than at home! Catch the contagious joy-bug from Chuck Swindoll as he reflects on family life in his fun illustrations and stories. You’ll laugh out loud right along with him.

See enclosed form for ordering information

single CD 5

Pressure Points

ext to musical tastes among believers the use of humour has got to be one of the most controversial. As a pastor and as a Christian I have had almost as many discussions about what is acceptable and funny as I have had about music. Some would say humour, like music, defies analysis. It is too complex, diverse, and personal. Others say humour is too frivolous and is incompatible with religious faith. Still others would like to draw lines and dictate that only certain kinds of humour are acceptable for a Christian. Who is right? What is biblical? How do we decide if we have the freedom to be funny?

In trying to decide these questions myself, there are three things I considered. The first is God’s own inclusion of humour in His Word. Looking through the pages of Scripture I see things that tickle my funny bone. For example there is the situation comedy of the story of Jacob gaining Rachel for his wife (Genesis 29). Read the story over and you’ll see that it’s reality television material! There’s also the story of Boaz who wakes up to find a woman at his feet (Ruth 3:8). The whole scene is laughable. The Bible also contains satiric humour, exposing and denouncing human vices or follies through rebuke or ridicule. Some

of the best examples are found in Proverbs. Laziness is ridiculed by portraying the sluggard so lazy he can’t take his hand out of the dish to feed himself (19:24). The nagging wife is like a constant dripping (19:13). There is humorous sarcasm. Elijah was sarcastic with the prophets of Baal as he taunted them “By noon, Elijah had started making fun of them, taunting, “Call a little louder—he is a god, after all. Maybe he’s off meditating somewhere or other, or maybe he’s gotten involved in a project, or maybe

he’s on vacation. You don’t suppose he’s overslept, do you, and needs to be waked up?” (1 Kings 18:27 MSG) I love Job’s sarcastic words to his “comforters.” “I’m sure you speak for all the experts, and when you die there’ll be no one left to tell us how to live” (Job 12:2). Humorous irony—where one thing is said while another is meant—or asserting something that is obviously contrary is found in the story where King Saul assures Samuel that he had destroyed the

“If there is anyone in the Bible with a great sense of humour it is Jesus.”

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Amalekites livestock. “As Samuel came close, Saul called out, ‘GOD’s blessings on you! I accomplished GOD’s plan to the letter!’ Samuel said, ‘So what’s this I’m hearing—this bleating of sheep, this mooing of cattle?’” (1 Samuel 15:13-14).

“You may like funny one-liners like me...” The second thing I considered is Jesus’ own use of humour. If there is anyone in the Bible with a great sense of humour it is Jesus. He is a master of irony, satire, and preposterous exaggeration. He talks about straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel, removing a speck out of someone’s eye but having a log in your own eye, and lighting a lamp and then putting it under a basket or bed. The last thing I considered was what the Bible taught about our use of humour. But when we look at Scripture we neither find a theology of humour nor explicit directives about humour itself. The closest thing we have is what Scripture says is right and wrong in relation to our speech. When applied to humour it means there

is some humour that would definitely be “out” for the Christian. For example the Bible warns, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV). We are also told, “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving” (Ephesians 5:4). The principles that govern a believer’s speech therefore apply to a believer’s use of humour. When I distil all this it means apart from that which is obscene and hurtful, we have freedom to use any and all types of humour. It then becomes a matter of personal preference. And that brings us back to music. Just as we all have different tastes and different things appeal to us in music, the same is true in humour. You may like funny one-liners like me, or perhaps puns, cartoons, or slapstick. The point is, that within the boundaries set out God in His Word as noted above, we have freedom to be funny, but we must use it wisely and lovingly. Steve Johnson is the interim executive director at IFLC.

on the air in october: Volume Four: An Invitation to Return —A Survey of Hosea-Malachi

Welcome to the Minor Prophets! Though dead, they speak today—telling us what matters most to God and revealing His tender care. Listen attentively to these 12 major instruments in the symphony of God’s Masterwork.

Upcoming messages Include: Jonah: The Prodigal Prophet Micah: Advocate for the Poor Nahum: The Consequences of Negligence Habakkuk: Wrestling, Waiting, Praying, Praising

by Robyn Roste

man driving

(2) © shutterstock.com/ Vladimir Mucibabic

Road Warrior On lifetrac.ca and facebook.com/lifetrac this month: How do You “Laugh it Off?” By Robyn Roste

ach weekday at 7:40 a.m. and again at 4:30 p.m. my stress level rises considerably. This stress can last anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on—you guessed it—how traffic is. Yes, I’m talking about my work commute. My guess is if I were to track my heart rate for a period of time, it would show increased activity in those times—and if it was a road rage monitor, it might show how dangerously close I come to crossing the line some days. The definition of road rage is someone being possessed by violent anger due to stress or frustration while driving. “Possessed” in this context means the rage has power over the person—it is controlling their actions. And according to Galatians 5:19, fits of rage fall into “acts of flesh,” which only serve to separate people from God. Backing up in Galatians, Paul instructs us to “… live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just the opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict,” (Galatians 5:16-17 NLT). When the Holy Spirit possesses us the words of Christ are behind our actions and His power helps us control our sinful nature.

Road Warrior continued from p. 9

Looking at road rage in a biblical context, it fills my heart with conviction and questions—I don’t want to be controlled by anger. How do I deal with my frustration? I still have to drive to work!

“Looking at road rage

in a biblical context, it fills my heart with conviction & questions.” Living according to the Holy Spirit doesn’t mean I decide to do it and then everything that stressed me out before magically disappears. My commute doesn’t suddenly become pure bliss. However, the Spirit will give me the strength to face my emotions, my situations, and my stressors with God’s power. It’s the power to not give in to frustration, and to choose joy instead. Essentially, it’s the power to laugh at life, rather than react to it. In my situation, allowing the Holy Spirit to be a part of my commute has changed the way I drive. I’ve never been an aggressive driver on the outside, but my mind definitely has opinions about how other people are behaving on the road. Over the past few months I’ve noticed some ways I’m contributing to my rage… and how it might not be “all the other drivers” after all. This realization has led to three ways I’m learning to take responsibility for my own emotions.

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1. Trying New Things. One day while sitting in traffic I was inspired to take a country road just to see where it went. From there I’ve become more adventurous and have explored many different ways to get from A to B. And I’ve discovered things about my city I wouldn’t have known before. Just the adventure of going a new way helps me lighten up. 2. Letting Go. At some point I figured out I have a secret expectation that my commute should take 15 minutes. Then if it doesn’t, I’m angry because my expectation is unfulfilled. I realized although at some times in the day this can be achieved, a 15-minute commute is never guaranteed. So why am I getting bent out of shape over things I can’t control? By letting go of time expectations my drive has been much more pleasant. 3. Snacking. I’ve noticed I’m a lot more partial to rage when I’m hungry. Now I bring a snack with me to and from work and, well, I’m a lot nicer as a result. I know this isn’t a journey with an end point. City driving is always challenging and unpredictable so I will have to constantly be on guard. And some days will be more frustrating than others. But by allowing the Holy Spirit to be a part of my commute I know I will have the strength to choose laughter instead of anger. I’m looking forward to the fruit that will come out of this relationship: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22). The best advice I can give to anyone experiencing road rage, or any rage, is it’s really easy to blame your problems on everyone else instead of looking inwards. The truth is, you are responsible for your actions and reactions, no matter who cuts you off, drives slow in the fast lane, or decides to break down in an intersection. And the sooner you come to terms with that, the sooner you can invite the Holy Spirit to join you on your commute, and start seeing the fruit from following those desires instead of your sinful nature’s.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23 Four Types of Friends

There are four types of friends: acquaintances, casual friends, close friends, and intimate friends. While we may only have one or two intimate friends, they’re the people who help to make the journey a little easier.

Subscribe or listen free online at lifetrac.ca

Free mp3 It’s easy to be happy when times are good... but what about when life is tough? How do you find joy in those times? The answer comes right from Philippians 4:6: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” Easier said than done. We battle anxiety all our lives. The antidote is contagious joy that comes from being confident that Christ is in full control. Such joy leads to a worry-free life. In this month’s free mp3—Don’t Forget to Have Fun as you Grow Up —Chuck teaches about maturity and distinguishes between growing old and growing up. Download this joyful message today at lifetrac.ca

Robyn Roste is the LifeTrac coordinator at IFLC.

Strong Family

When we discipline our children,

When we discipline our children, we need to use words that have the power to heal and restore. by Rob Flood

our words often speak louder than our actions. Yes, the rod stings and can hurt. But the wounds our words leave behind last far longer than any physical discomfort our children experience. Here are some examples of what not to say: • “You always…” or “You never…” If our purpose is to build up and restore our children, these will thwart our efforts. Phrases like these are rarely true; they are often spoken out of anger or frustration, neither of which restores our children. • “Your brother / sister never does this…” If Christ determined our worth in the same way, how would we stand up? There is always someone better than we are. But this phrase is doubly destructive. In one statement you tear down the disobeying child and puff up with pride the obeying one— building a wall of resentment between them. • “What are you, stupid?” Your children’s intellect is not the issue here. Smart people sin just as much as anyone else— maybe even more. The source of your child’s bad or foolish decision was their heart, not their head. • “You’re hopeless.” Not only does this communicate what

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kids

you think of your child, it also is wrong. Can you think of a more hopeless case than Saul of Tarsus? He became Paul and was used to write one third of the New Testament. Can you think of a more hopeless leader than Peter? How about a more hopeless orator than Moses? They all had one thing in common—God. “With God, nothing is impossible” (Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37; Luke 18:27). Do not steal from their hearts what God has preserved in Christ. These words cannot restore a child. They cannot walk them to wisdom. At best, they are ineffective. At worst, they are verbally abusive. And as parents who love Christ and have been charged with the welfare of our children, we must be more careful with our lips. Also, saying nothing at all during discipline can often hurt more than any words you say. Silence robs your children of the love they need following a fall. Imagine the Prodigal Son returning to a silent father; that story of grace would become a great tragedy. If you cannot think of something kind to say, just admit something like this, “Daddy needs to pray and ask God’s forgiveness for what’s happening in my heart … I’ll be back in a minute.” If your God is the same as mine, He will give you something to say while you pray— He’s never let me down.

you communicate to your children that your love for them has nothing to do with their performance. It lets them know that you are not standing above them but you are in it with them. • “Do you understand what we’ve just talked about?” Ask this question and then listen. If they say “no” or “I’m not sure,” you have a chance to explain it in another way until they do understand. • “I struggle with the same thing.” The key here is helping your children know that dealing with sin is a life-long process. Let them know this and pray for God’s power together to change the two of you. • “You are a blessing to me and our family.” Though God responds to our actions, we are still a blessing to Him and His family. We need to share that type of encouragement with our children. Once discipline is over, stop talking about it—especially in front of others. This builds great trust between you and the offending child. They know they can trust you and share honestly with you because they never see you share what happened with others. Words like these will reassure your children of their value to you. They will underscore that the foundation of your relationship is bigger and stronger than any wrong act they could perform. Words like these mirror how God the Father loves you.

Important words to use when disciplining On the other side of the spectrum are words that have within them the power to heal and restore. Here are some examples: • “I love you.” With these three words,

Rob serves on the pastoral team of Covenant Bible Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, PA. Rob and his wife Gina have five children. Copyright © 2011 FamilyLife® Used By Permission. All Rights Reserved. www.FamilyLife.com

Laughing Matters

TheisFruit of the Spirit not

Lemons

Yesterday a gentleman phoned to tell me he did not like my sense of humour. “What does laughing have to do with being a Christian?” he asked. “Is that you, Dad?” I replied, joking. He was not amused. So I got his address and stuffed a potato in his exhaust pipe. Not really. But the thought did occur to me. My son Jeffrey seems to think laughter is a good idea. His laugh is contagious. One that spills out of his room, down the street, and even into the church. When he was very small, he took to screaming during a sermon, so I whisked him out the back. As I did, he yelled over my shoulder, “Pray for me!” He’s been making us laugh ever since. I am convinced that few weapons are more important in fighting discouragement and difficulty these days than a good sense of humour. Laughter, stress, and worry cannot co-exist for long. Stress inflates our balloons to the popping point; laughter slowly releases the pressure. Laughter is cholesterol free, contains no MSG, no fat, and no negative side effects. Although it got me into a ton of trouble in fifth grade, laughter 14

by Phil Callaway

never committed a crime or started a war, and there is no record of anyone who died laughing. I have seen laughter disarm, revive, motivate, encourage, and cheer. It is the shortest distance between two people, and one of the few things the government does not yet tax. But laughter is not always easy to come by, is it? Life is difficult. Times are tough. While speaking at a retreat, I noticed one couple sitting in the front row at each of my sessions (speakers don’t forget such things). The wife was a brilliant and witty woman who laughed at all of my jokes! But her husband merely glared at me. For three days he did this. His lips were puckered. He looked like he’d been sucking rivets off a skateboard. After the final session, his wife approached me with a smile and an extended hand. “I just want to thank you,” she said. “I haven’t seen my husband laugh this hard in years.” My wife’s sister Miriam provides a startling contrast. Miriam suffers from Huntington’s disease, a rare genetic disorder causing rapid mental and physical deterioration. Doctors who treat thousands of Huntington’s patients are amazed at how slowly this awful disease is growing in her body. The reasons are numerous: a loving husband and family, a positive attitude never ceasing to amaze us, and perhaps

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below it is another one: “If you can’t make most noticeably, an easy laugh. Those who me thin, make my friends look fat.” have every reason to cry and yet choose to Children who see such an attitude are laugh seem to have a jump-start on life. A changed forever. doctor told her husband Jim “Miriam’s atAs a humourist, it is my privilege to titude has reduced the symptoms of Hunspeak to thousands of people each year. tington’s by 50 per cent.” Many are Christian groups; some are “It seems your belief in a higher power not. But I’ve made a surprising discovhas helped you,” a psychologist said to Mirery lately—Christians laugh harder. I iam and Jim one day. Miriam smiled. “That have seen them fall off benches, ask for would be God,” she said. oxygen, and hyperventilate. Perhaps the Hers is the laughter of one who has disworld laughs to forget, covered the art of Chrisbut Christians laugh betian living: giving thanks cause we remember. We for what we can see and remember that the most not complaining about that few weapons are more serious issues were dealt what remains in the important in fighting with at the cross. Death dark. At the very core, Miriam knows that she is discouragement & difficulty was swallowed up. Eternity was promised. Surely loved by God, held in His these days than a good the greatest punchline in arms, and promised the sense of humour.” all of history is this: that eternal joys of heaven. a holy God could love the She has learned that God likes of me. This truth bids me live life gives us enough light for the next faltering with thanksgiving. And sometimes you step, so she rejoices in the little light she’s may see me laughing. It is the laughter of given, not asking for some great spotlight one who deserves the worst and is offered to take all the shadows away. the best. It is the laughter of the forgiven. For Miriam, laughter has plugged the Speaking of forgiveness, the next time springs of bitterness, put a permanent that gentleman calls about my sense of cork on tension, and soothed the criphumour I won’t put a potato in his exhaust pling pain of disappointment. She could pipe. But I may consider stuffing fiberbe pinned to the mat, but instead she pins glass insulation into his pyjamas. this magnet to her fridge: “In the world Phil Callaway is a popular speaker and the author of you will have trouble, but be of good numerous books including Making Life Rich Without Any cheer, I have overcome the world.” Just Money. Visit him at www.philcallaway.com

“I am convinced

GRIEF

“How can I go on?”

In the past I’ve heard people say you can never fully comprehend what it’s like to lose someone close to you until it actually happens. I didn’t really get it before but now I do. They’re right. It’s unlike anything else you’ll ever experience. I feel like nobody really understands what I’m dealing with and I am exhausted from repeating myself. The idea of a normal life doesn’t exist anymore and the things I thought were important no longer hold any value. My world, my life, my reality has flipped around and I’m barely holding on. God feels far away… a distant spectator in the storm, which now defines my life. Why isn’t He nearby? Why isn’t he rescuing me? Why can’t I move on? How can life carry on from here? What do I do with myself? Who can I trust? Where is my refuge, my place of comfort? When will I feel whole again?

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Our Problem — Part of our created humanness is that we form natural emotional and psychological attachments to people and things. But when lose them—such as in the death of a loved one—we experience the process of grief. The greater the loss the deeper the grief. Our problem comes when we don’t process our grief allowing proper healing from the loss to occur. We end up stuck. Some inadequate responses include not grieving at all, delayed grief, incomplete grief, and responding with bitterness.

God’s Answers — God accepts the fact that we grieve and that it is part of the human condition. Paul commanded, “Mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15). He also wrote we grieve but not in the same manner as those who do not have hope (1Thessalonians 4:13). When we have Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we still grieve, but the nature of that grief is changed so that we grieve with the sure hope of heaven and the restoration of all things. God knows grief is normal and His answer to us is, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).

“...the nature of that grief is changed so that we grieve with the sure hope of heaven...” Isaiah 53:3-4 describes Jesus as “A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” In John 11:33-35 Jesus wept greatly at the death of his friend Lazarus. When John the Baptist was killed Jesus withdrew to a solitary place (Matthew 14:13). Seeing Jesus grieve shows us grief is not sin and it is OK to feel pain at loss.

God’s answer to grief and loss is to provide: 1. The presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit for power to endure 2. The promises of His Word to strengthen and give hope 3. The people who can encourage and comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

The Solution 1. Understand that grief serves a purpose in our life. Properly experienced it is a catalyst to emotional and psychological healing and spiritual growth 2. Realize that although grief is a four-staged process of Denial, Anger, Depression, and Acceptance, everyone is unique in how they process it 3. In your time of grief, remember that God has not forsaken you. As a believer you have the indwelling Holy Spirit. Rely on and pray for His power even when you don’t feel like it 4. In times of wavering faith, meditate on the truths of God’s Word that speak of: • God’s presence (Psalm 23, 46, 71:20, 21; 73:23; Romans 8: 38,39; Revelation 21:3-4) • God’s goodness and love (Mark 10:18; Matthew 7:9-11; Genesis 50:19-21) • God’s wisdom (Romans 11:33-36; 16:27) • God’s sovereignty (Psalm 115:3; Daniel 4: 34-36) 5. Do not isolate yourself from people, particularly other believers. Although they may not have words to say, their presence and listening ear can be a source of encouragement. Talking to someone about your loss is helpful 6. Keep moving toward accepting that everything we have in this life is temporary and must eventually be surrendered. In acceptance there is peace. by

Insight for Living Canada

19 23

A Pirate’s Life

Halloween Handout! Arghhh! It’s a pirate’s life for CJ and the gang in this Paws & Tales audio episode, now available to you for only $1! It’s our way to help you minister to your community and share Christ’s love with your neighbours. Order 20 copies or more to receive this amazing deal and hand them out to every princess and cowboy who knocks on your door! See enclosed form for ordering information or visit pawsandtales.ca

Pass out a lot of loot…but not a lot of cavities!

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r $1 40.0

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On Sale in September!

Bring on the Laughter Laugh Again: Experience Outrageous Joy paperback, 250 pages

Paul’s letter to the Philippians declares that authentic, abiding joy—genuine laughter deep within the soul— is available to all. This classic book by Chuck Swindoll will help you to experience this outrageous joy!

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Hallowe en Samp ler!

A Pirate’s Life: Halloween Sampler Paws & Tales audio episode, set of 20 CDs

For a limited time we’re offering the Paws & Tales audio episode A Pirate’s Life for only $1 each when purchased in groups of 20. This CD makes a great Halloween handout!

S e t of 20 for $20! Regula

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God’s Masterwork, Volume Three: Poets, Prophets, and Promises — A Survey of Job-Daniel

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11 CD messages

Chuck guides us across the landscape of the Wisdom Books and Psalms and into the priceless truth-telling books of the Major Prophets. God’s Masterwork, Volume Four: An Invitation to Return—A Survey of Hosea-Malachi 12 CD messages

Welcome to the Minor Prophets! Though dead, they speak today. Listen attentively to these 12 major instruments in the symphony of God’s Masterwork.

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It’s Always Darkest Before the Fridge Door Opens paperback by Martha Bolton and Phil Callaway, 186 pages

Has your sense of humour dried up? Yes, it’s a busy, troublefilled world, but the authors contend that God’s plans for His people include joy in the midst of it all.

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Living Above the Level of Mediocrity 20 CD messages

In this study in excellence, Chuck Swindoll helps you to confront, overcome, combat, and resist mediocrity. Pick up the challenge and glimpse horizons you never knew existed.

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This book will help you learn and apply God’s timeless truths as you steer your family through whatever rocks or reefs you may be navigating these days.

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Saved Forever: You Can Rest Assured booklet, 36 pages

Can you ever lose your salvation? If you’ve questioned your eternal security, you’ll find definitive and comforting assurance in this pastoral teaching from Chuck Swindoll.

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Moving From Fear to Freedom: A Woman-to-Woman Conversation NEW! DVD by Grace Fox 7 teaching sessions, approx. 30 minutes each

If left unchecked, fear can rob us of life’s full potential. Dealing with it appropriately brings personal freedom. Packed with insightful teaching, this seven-part DVD series provides the keys to unlock fear’s grip.

Moving From Fear to Freedom: A Woman-to-Woman Conversation NEW! small group study guide by Grace Fox 7 lessons, 53 pages

This seven-week guide promises to lead its readers from fear to freedom. It includes conversation starters, questions to explore treasured truths found in God’s Word, and leader’s notes. Designed for use with the DVD.

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Laughter Volume 3: Chuck’s Formula for Family Fun single CD

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600

Sale! reg. $25.00

Sale! reg. $8.00

Chuck’s Best Humorous Stories

Untying the Knots in Your Family’s Air Hose

3-CD set (purchase individually online or by calling)

single CD message

Bringing together Chuck Swindoll’s unique sense of humour, infectious laugh, and practical insight, this three-CD set is a compilation of his best stories.

It often takes a “thousand” reminders before the truth sinks in. That’s one reason God placed us within families—to prepare us for the world, even if takes hearing the truth “a thousand times.”

Looking for new Bible study material? Insight for Living Canada’s During September these Chuck Swindoll study guides are only

$ .e0ac0h!

• The Darkness and the Dawn:

• Can One Person Make a Difference?

• Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit

• Changing Wanderers into Worshipers

Empowered by the Tragedy and Triumph of the Cross

• Flying Closer to the Flame: A Passion for the Holy Spirit

Stock up now! To order call 1.800.663.7639 or order securely online at insightforliving.ca

info@insightforliving.ca • insightforliving.ca • 1.800.663.7639 info@insightforliving.ca • insightforliving.ca • 1.800.663.7639