July08 by sjsamauy

the international version of the In Touch Messenger will put the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ into the hands of people around the world who may never have heard it. Each Messenger can reach more than just one person—it can easily be shared or passed on. In Touch Ministries’ goal is to produce 60,000 of these audio players in 2008 for distribution through a network of missionaries and partner ministries. • • • •

Durable, water-resistant, and solar-powered Comes with headphones; also equipped with an external speaker for group listening Each device contains 35 of Dr. Stanley’s sermons Current languages: English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Mandarin

Join us on this exciting mission today!

Note: The International In Touch Messenger is not for sale. It will be distributed through our ministry partners only.

U.S. 800-333-5849 Canada 800-323-3747 www.intouch.org

July 2008

Features

6 Reflecting the Savior’s Light

What if every church body were a lighthouse? How would that change communities? The nation? The world?

12 Liberty and Justice for All

Many people think slavery is a thing of the past. But tragically, it still exists in our world—and even in our neighborhoods.

32 Early Light

Looking for a word of encouragement? You’ll find it in these daily devotions from Dr. Stanley.

Departments When Your Kid’s Kids Come Over...to Stay Sometimes a devastating situation can actually turn into an opportunity to bless and be blessed in return.

family room

by faith

solving problems

Through the Painter’s Eye Sit in as we talk with Ron DiCianni, and learn how he paints you into his canvas. No More SuperChristian Running yourself ragged trying to be the perfect Christian? Maybe that isn’t what God intended for His children. The Reluctant Heroine Some biblical champions weren’t all that excited about being radically used by God. Just consider Esther’s story. mighty in spirit

IN TOUCH MINISTRIES® INC., P.O. Box 7900, Atlanta, GA 30357 IN TOUCH MINISTRIES OF CANADA, Box 4900, Markham, Ontario L3R 6G9 NEW ZEALAND OFFICE, Box 33-1260 Takapuna, Auckland 1332 0-800-446868 www.intouch.org E-mail magazine-related comments to magazine@intouch.org. For Customer Care, call 800-789-1473 Monday–Friday, 7 For U.S. telephone orders, call 800-333-5849.

am– 7 pm (et). EVANGELICAL

PRESS ASSOCIATION

For Canadian telephone orders, call 800-323-3747. To discontinue receiving this magazine, or to report receiving multiple issues, call 800-333-5849, or visit www.intouch.org. Click on “contact us,” and use the “contact form” to send your request. Please include your name and address. In Touch ® magazine, July 2008, Vol. 31 No. 7. Copyright © 2008; all rights reserved. No unsolicited manuscripts accepted. Printed in the USA. In Touch magazine is neither responsible nor liable for any part of the production or distribution of international editions, whether translated or in English, unless the edition has been licensed and authorized by the governing staff of the domestic In Touch magazine. Scripture quotations, unless otherwise notated or quoted from a secondary source, are from the New American Standard Bible, 1995 Update. ©Lockman Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1994. Quotations marked “NIV” are from the New International Version, ©International Bible Society 1973, 1978, 1984.

A Publication of

to the Glory of God

Dr. Charles F. Stanley PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

C. Phillip Bowen c hie f c o m m uni c a ti o ns o f f i c er

J. Dale Weller SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF C o ntent D E V E L O P M E N T

Tonya Stoneman EDITOR

Linda M. Canup Assist a nt E dit o r

Sometimes pain and heartbreak can be so devastating that you can’t imagine ever feeling whole again. But what if God was at work in the middle of your brokenness? In Dr. Stanley’s six-part series, you’ll discover how to develop greater intimacy with the Lord right where you are. Brokenness—The Way to Blessing

CD / $38

Credit Card Orders: US 800-333-5849 Canada 800-323-3747 www.intouch.org

Sandy Feit S E N I O R CO P Y E D I T O R

Erin Gieschen A c q uisiti o ns E dit o r

Lisa Dyches Cre a tive D I R E C T O R

Jeff Gregory ART DIRECTOR

Steve R. Lindsey

Have you decided to trust Jesus as your personal Savior?

S E N I O R MA N A G E R OF R E S O U R C E S & F U L F I L L M E N T

Suzanne A. Millen MA R K E T I N G P R OMO T I O N S P L A N N E R

Do you desire a personal relationship with the One who created you and loves you no matter what? If so, tell Him in your own words or use this sample prayer:

Father in heaven, Until now, I have been living life my own way, but I want to start living for You. I realize I’ve sinned against You, but I understand that Jesus fully paid my penalty by dying on the cross. I receive the sacrifice He made on my behalf and trust Him as my Savior. Thank You for forgiving me and making me Your child. Amen. We will gladly send you our New Believer’s Kit to help you take the next step in your walk with God. Contact Customer Care at 800-789-1473, or visit www.intouch.org.

the mission of in touch ministries To lead people worldwide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and to strengthen the local church

a word from Charles F. Stanley

the freedom of grace

D We are called to receive Christ, to follow Him, to belong to Him.

o you judge yourself harshly when you do not live up to impossibly high expectations? Do you feel close to the Lord when you are doing something religious, and distant when you are not? Many people today live in this manner—they lack the assurance that they have pleased God and strive to earn His fellowship. But the Bible says that we are accepted entirely by His grace, without consideration of any merit on our part. In the Old Testament, only the high priest could be in the presence of the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God’s presence. Think about all the thousands of people on the outside, unable to get anywhere close to Him personally. Their whole concept of relating to God involved living up to rigorous laws and achieving acceptance on the basis of performance. Forgiveness of sin was attained only through animal sacrifice. Thankfully, Jesus came in order to die for our sins as a permanent, substitutionary sacrifice. In so doing, He initiated an entirely different lifestyle than the one that God’s people had been experiencing. On the day of His crucifixion, the veil hiding the Ark was split from top to bottom, symbolizing God’s opening of the door to an intimate relationship with Him. Now, animal sacrifices are no longer required. The Lord has made it possible for us to talk directly to Him and to know we are being heard. That relationship is the difference between grace and law. Jesus’ death settled the basis of our acceptance once and for all. Though our conduct sometimes is not what it ought to be, we are nonetheless embraced as children of God. To enjoy the Christian life, we must accept the gift of freedom procured by Christ on our behalf. People trying to live up to an impossible standard in their own strength never know when they have pleased God. But pleasing Him isn’t the point. We are called instead to receive Christ, to follow Him, to belong to Him: in short, to fellowship with Him. The life of grace is free and eternal—and it’s available to everyone who will call upon God.

Reflecting the

S av i o r ’ s Light Kindling Hope in a Dark World Aren’t lighthouses beautiful? I have traveled around the world and have seen all kinds of amazing, breathtaking scenes, but a quaint lighthouse remains one of my favorite sights. I suppose that’s why I have taken so many photographs of them over the years. To me, there’s just always been something peaceful, something lofty about a lighthouse. Let me ask you: What purpose does a lighthouse serve? Who benefits from its light? What would happen without it? Well, I can think of two crucial functions. First, a lighthouse identifies a safe harbor. In the black of night, the piercing light points weary sailors to the comfort of home. Second, its beacon shines a clear signal to avoid shipwreck. That is, the light alerts ships to the pending danger of rocks or unexpected landfall. Without this beam, the vessels would surely crash and break apart. With this image in mind, isn’t it interesting what Jesus says in Matthew 5:14-16? He proclaims, “You are the light of the world . . . [Therefore] let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” W o r d s

a n d

P h o t o g r a p h y

b y

Charles F. Stanley 6

July 2008 In Touch

www.intouch.org

(emphasis added). This is true, not just for individual believers but for churches as well. Think about that image for a moment. What if every church body in the world were actually a lighthouse? What would that look like in the community? How would that change the nation? The world?

the resource and responsibility

In this passage, I believe that the Lord is stressing two things: our resource and our responsibility. It is as if He is saying, “You are not powerless. I’ve given you everything you need. You already have the light within you. Now, you have the responsibility of shining that light before all men. It is your job to send out the beam of truth in your family, workplace, social circle, and community. I’m sending you out to point others to Me.” I see the church in exactly the same position. God has established His church to send out a light—the light of truth—into every heart. He wants us to point to Him, to identify Him, and to represent Him in all that we do. That’s our responsibility as a body of believers.

a light to the nations

When the church has this kind of vision, it makes a tremendous impact on the world around it. As an American, I see that quite clearly in the founding of our country. The heroes who laid the foundation for this great nation were men and women who had a strong faith in God. Moreover, it was their intention that subsequent generations would also understand and embrace the Word of God, by whose principles this nation was established. 8

July 2008 In Touch

A simple tour of Washington, D.C. proves these founding principles. In the nation’s Capitol building, Psalm 16:1 is inscribed in the congressional prayer room. In the Supreme Court, the Ten Commandments are depicted several times. The Library of Congress, House, and Senate all have biblical inscriptions, as do most of the key monuments proudly displayed around the city for

Listen carefully: The church of the Lord Jesus Christ offends by nature. Either we will

offend almighty God by living in rebellion, or we will

offend the wicked who walk in darkness.

millions of visitors. There was a time when our biblical heritage was a thing of honor and pride for Americans. But that time, I’m afraid, has passed.

a fading light

Today, you get a much different picture of America when you look at our leaders or the actions and attitude of the average man on the street. Those in other countries may ask, “If you were founded on Christian principles, why is the nation in such turmoil?”

Regardless of what some people believe, I do not think America has taken a turn for the worse overnight. I believe that we’re just now witnessing the bitter fruit of a generation of bad decisions. We have a new crop of leaders who are sworn in with their hands on the Bible, and yet we see little to no evidence of the Bible’s hand on their lives. These are the men and women who were raised under a more liberal educational system. They are of the generation that was told prayer had no place in school, unborn babies could be killed as a matter of convenience, evolution adequately explains the universe, and God’s Word isn’t really reliable. Today’s leaders have been told their whole lives that God doesn’t have a place in “the real world,” and we’re now seeing the consequences of this generational slide. They make decisions in their own best interests, not the best interests of the people whom they serve. They are leaders, but they are leading us nowhere. And it is little wonder why—those who walk in darkness simply do not know where they’re going. We are in a bad pattern of short-term, immediate-gratification thinking. And sadly, decisions that are being made today will have lasting consequences. Our children, grandchildren, and their descendants will live with the full-grown fruit of today’s decisions, but we aren’t looking long-term. What if our forefathers thought that way? Suppose they had considered doing only what was good for themselves—what would bring them wealth, popularity, or re-election. Many of these founding fathers gave their lives for the cause, knowing that they would never see it come to pass, but sacrificing everything so that we could. Where are these great leaders today?

scared to offend

I will tell you what has happened. We’ve reached the point as a nation—and as a

church—where we are scared to offend anyone. We want to be accepting. We want to be open, non-judgmental, nonconfrontational, and inoffensive. But listen carefully: The church of the Lord Jesus Christ offends by nature. Either we will offend almighty God by living in rebellion, or we will offend the wicked who walk in darkness. As believers in Jesus Christ, you and I—no matter where in the world we live— have to make a decision. We can lie down and bow to the world, or we can stand up, speak out, and take action in the name of Christ. It’s time that we, as the church, made a decision about whom we’re going to offend. You see, we believers cannot blame politics or the media for what’s wrong with this country and the world around us. If we want to make things right for our children, we have to lay the blame where it is most uncomfortable—on ourselves. The church has not only allowed these things to happen but has actively participated. The message of “acceptance no matter what” has crept into the sanctuary and polluted the pulpit. When a pastor stands before the congregation and preaches a little sermonette for fear of talking too long or saying anything too strong, he has just weakened the church and the nation. I say this to you now, just as I have told my own church for years: When the man in the pulpit does not open the Word, does not believe the Word, and does not proclaim the Word in its full truth and power, you need to replace him immediately—and your scrutiny should begin with me.

a dirty lighthouse

What happens when the windows of a lighthouse become layered with filth and soot? It’s quite obvious: the light is still there, but it cannot shine through as brightly. That is, others cannot see the www.intouch.org

7. Irreverence. We as a people have lost glorious light, because it is obscured by the dirt. In the same way, the grime in our a sense of the sacred, whether it involves churches, Scripture, God’s name, or even lives dims and blocks out the radiance of human life. Christ in our hearts. What causes this filth in our lives? I will give you seven examples: 1. Sexual Immorality. We’re often so Friend, you may be sitting anyplace in driven by the desire to satisfy our physithe world right now, cal longings that we be it America, Asia, dismiss or ignore the Africa, the Middle spiritual and practical East, or anywhere consequences. The grime in our lives else. It doesn’t matter, 2. Greed. As a nation because this applies to and as a church, we can dim and block out every one of us. It is are driven by the time for believers of need for more—more all nations to stand up wealth, more power, and speak out in the more possessions—no name of Jesus. matter the cost. First Peter 4:17 3. Pride. We’re motideclares that repenvated by a false sense tance doesn’t begin of confidence in our with the wicked, accomplishments. We but rather, with the want to succeed so church. We must turn that others will think away from the bad better of us because choices of the past century and turn back of what we have done. toward God. The United States can become 4. Indulgence. We want happiness at any cost, whether or not it robs others of their a mightier nation—any nation can become a mightier nation—if the church will lead the joy and fulfillment. 5. Slothfulness. We’ve become lazy, thinking charge. But it depends on you—not the universal church, not your local congregathat the government owes us a living. Or tion, but you. What will you do? How will we jump at any opportunity to take someyou turn the tide? one else’s wealth through petty lawsuits. God’s light is still shining strong within 6. Ungratefulness. We have an “entitlement mentality,” whereby we completely overlook His children today. Clean the filth and distractions from your life, and become a the sacrifice others have made to provide beacon of hope—a lighthouse—once again. our freedoms and security.

change begins right here

the radiance of Christ in our hearts.

Get grounded in your faith. In this extensive series, Dr. Stanley guides you through six essential building blocks of the Christian life. While perfect for new believers, this teaching is relevant at any stage of your walk with God. 120-page workbook included.

resource) 10

A Firm Foundation CD Kit | $44.99

July 2008 In Touch

See order form or visit www.intouch.org.

{15-minute bible study}

Jesus, the Giver of Life

john 2 0 : 3 0 - 3 1

Jesus Christ came to earth to reconcile man to God and to demonstrate that He was the promised Messiah. The Savior was moved with compassion to help those separated from the Father by sin—He healed the Jesus loved sick, cast out and mankind demons, performed all the way many other miracles to the cross. through His supernatural power. Jesus’ many powerful displays shocked the communities through which He traveled. The entire time, His motivation remained completely tethered to the perfect will of the Father. God’s love, as shown through the earthly ministry of Jesus, gives us the hope of salvation and the assurance of forgiveness. Jesus our Redeemer is the One who loved mankind all the way to the cross. The Gospels reveal that Jesus . . . n Healed the sick (Matt. 9:20-21; Mark 5:25-34). n Brought the dead back to life (Matt. 9:18-19, 23-26; John 11:1-44). n Cast out demons (Matt. 8:28-34; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 8:26-39). n Walked on water (Mark 6:45-56). n Fed hungry masses (Matt. 14:13-21; 15:29-39; Mark 6:30-44).

n Turned water into wine, at the request

of His mother Mary (John 2:1-11). n Caused a fish to provide coins needed for

taxes (Matt. 17:24-27; Luke 20:20-26). Our Savior performed these miracles so we would believe that . . . n He has the power to forgive sins (Matt. 9:2-8; Luke 5:32). n He is the One who fulfilled the messianic prophecies (Matt. 8:14-17; Luke 4:17-21; 24:44). n Jesus is the Son of God, and He brings life (John 5:16-30; 11:25-26; 20:31). n The Father has given Him this authority (Matt. 28:18; Luke 10:22). n He has been resurrected from the dead (Luke 24:13-35; John 20:24-29).

Questions f or Ref lection 1. Think about your relationship with Jesus Christ. Do you consider Him a miracle worker as well as Savior? 2. What miracles from today’s study surprise you the most? Why? Do you or someone you know need to experience this same power from God? 3. What areas of your life need a special touch from the Lord? Pray for Him to meet you at your point of need and provide His solution to your problem. www.intouch.org

| 11

o The shocking truth about modern-day slavery...and what you can do about it.

Liberty and Justice for All by John Coleman

One hundred fifty years ago, the cold granite face of Stone Mountain oversaw one of history’s great atrocities. As the Civil War loomed larger, this Atlanta landmark towered above a slave society. The Historical Census Browser estimates that there were more than 462,000 slaves in Georgia in 1860, their owners held hostage to the belief that man should have dominion over man.1 Times, of course, have changed. Nearly one million people died in America’s Civil War; four million were freed. The dishonor of slavery has since been supplanted in Southern mythology by a black preacher from Georgia named Martin Luther King Jr., who, with words of truth that “rushed down like a mighty stream,” challenged the bigotry of segregation and prevailed, even in his untimely death. Racial slavery has been officially abolished in every nation on earth for more than 100 years. Now it is nothing more than a shameful remnant of humanity’s troubled past. Or is it? Just two years ago within sight of that same Atlanta monument, police arrested a man nicknamed “Mike Spade” on charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. Spade lured young girls from the area into “modeling” contracts and then forced them into prostitution with beatings, threats, and blackmail. He didn’t just abuse women; he enslaved them. This is shocking, but not so uncommon. Twenty-one hundred years after Spartacus battled Rome for its freedom and two centuries after Toussaint L’Ouverture led the slaves’ revolt in Haiti, more people are now enslaved than at any other point in history. The International Labor Organization estimates that more than 12 million people now live in forced labor around the world (other estimates range as high as 27 million).2 Traders move more than 2,000 new bodies across international borders every day;3 and a full century after Brazil became the last colonial power to outlaw slavery, it has

become a worldwide epidemic. So how are those freed in Christ to respond when so many are held in chains? In simple terms, modern slavery is what the U.S. State Department refers to as “human trafficking,” defined as “modernday slavery, involving victims who are forced, defrauded, or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation.” According to the American Bar Association, human trafficking makes billions in profits yearly and “is the fastest growing and third largest criminal industry in the world (after the arms and drug trades).”4 It takes many forms and threatens people of every race, gender, ethnicity, and creed. Forty-three percent of the trafficking is sexual in nature, thirty-two percent is forced labor, and the remainder is some combination of the two.5 Eighty percent of those trafficked across borders are female; fifty percent are children.6

Every enslaved person has a face and a name.

Francis Bok, author of his memoir Escape from Slavery, is known as an international freedom fighter. But two decades ago, as a seven-year-old Sudanese boy, he was kidnapped into slavery after militias slaughtered the adults in his village with machetes. He spent ten years in captivity—living in a barnyard, beaten, and abused—before he finally risked a daring escape.7 Mende Nazer, another Sudanese slave, was kidnapped at age 12 under similar conditions. Living in the Nuba Mountains, Mende was plucked from her village in the middle of the night by raiders from the north. Savagely beaten, raped, and forced to sleep alone in a locked room, Mende spent the next six years of her life enslaved—first to a wealthy family in Khartoum and then to the Sudanese ambassador in London.8 And halfway around the world, a little five-year-old Cambodian girl named Srey was recently sold into slavery to suit the depraved www.intouch.org

| 13

appetites of so-called “sex tourists”— men who visit her country for the sole purpose of abusing boys and girls stolen from their homes. For one long year, Srey was passed from man to man until she was saved by Somaly Mam, a 53-year-old former prostitute who now runs shelters for children rescued from this industry.9 In Cambodia, Srey is a statistic. In reality, she’s a six-year-old with more than a lifetime of nightmarish memories. Around the world, the stories are as endless as they are nauseating—tales of stolen lives, broken bodies, and strangled hope—a problem so overwhelming that it can make us turn away. But Christians are commanded to vanquish this darkness with light: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21). And there are things we can do to challenge the scourge of modern-day slavery:

embarked on his crusade against slavery in the 19th century, it was a 6,000-year-old institution in virtually every part of the world. Wilberforce fought it in his corner of the globe, and within decades, every government had changed course. Now officially illegal, the slavery that remains is shadowy, fragmented, and expansive. It impacts more than 130 nations, affecting every continent except Antarctica. It can feel like a problem with no solution, a game we can’t win. But in order to end global slavery, we must fight it one person at a time—face by face, name by name. We must realize that when we view the problem locally, through the eyes of its individual victims, it becomes something smaller and easier to defeat.

3.We must act.

Here are ways you can make a difference: Spread the word. For every slave trader, there must be one motivated 1. We must develop a distinctly individual willing to spread the gospel of Christian view of slavery. human dignity. Countering “Mike Spade” Two centuries ago, Christian activists such is a young Georgia activist named Zach as William Wilberforce and John Newton Hunter. At the age of 12, Zach founded in England and the Quakers in the U.S. the organization Loose Change to Loosen fought to abolish the Western slave trade. Chains (www.lc2lc.org) to fight human They recognized that the core message of trafficking and bonded labor. Now 16, Christianity is the immense personal worth he has written a book on the subject, of every human being. The truth that Generation Change, and speaks at schools, our Creator loves us equally is inspiring festivals, and churches to enlist the help to those of us outside the institution of of his peers. Zach described his motivation slavery, and it’s even more empowering to for starting the campaign: “If it was my those fighting from within. “I saw God as family or my friends who were in slavery, I a protector of people like me,” Francis Bok would want somebody to free them. It’s the says, “lost, away from those who loved me, Golden Rule. Also, my faith obligated me and living among those who did not seem to do something because Proverbs 31:8-9 to care whether I lived or died.”10 talks about speaking up and using your voice to help the poor and needy.” 2. We must resist the urge to be Invest your resources. People like overwhelmed—and reduce the Zach are doing more than communicating; problem to manageable terms. they’re committing time, work, and money When William Wilberforce, the youngto the cause. Christians around the world est member of the British Parliament, have made the fight against slavery a top

July 2008 In Touch

priority, and there are plenty of ways in which you can contribute to ministries already in place. Washington, D.C.-based International Justice Mission (www.ijm.org) is a key player. A cadre of Christian lawyers dedicated to the eradication of human trafficking, they fight through the legal system, often putting their own lives on the line. President Gary Haugen, author of Good News About Injustice, started IJM after completing his time as Officer in Charge of the UN’s investigation into the Rwandan genocide. Those atrocities were a wake-up call

of slavery’s abolishment in Britain (and the release of Amazing Grace, the movie about William Wilberforce and John Newton), is a hub for schools, families, and youth groups to get involved. You can also sign an important petition there. “Pray without ceasing.”11 Modern slaves live in deplorable, soul-crushing environments, and those who work to free them must operate in secrecy, at great risk, and with the utmost care. We make an inestimable difference when we devote our energies to petitioning God for His justice. In 1858, Abraham Lincoln closed a speech saying, “I leave you, hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in bosoms until there shall no to end global your longer be a doubt that all men slavery, are created free and equal.” we must From the small towns of fight it to the refugee camps of America one person Sudan, Christians hold the key to at a time— liberation—the profound belief that we are all equal, all children face by face, name of God. Two hundred years ago, it was this belief that launched by name. the first abolitionist movement in the Western world, and it is the same belief that propels abofor Gary, and now his team partners with litionists today. Around the world, we have local authorities to free enslaved women brothers and sisters denied their dignity and children in several countries around and bound by fear. In some small way, the world. He explains, “We have learned will you help them find the same freedom that, in reality, violence against the poor you’ve been given? is not driven by the overwhelming power For further information on human trafficking, of the perpetrators—it is driven by the utter visit our Web site at www.intouch.org. vulnerability of the victims. We have seen that if you give the poor a strong, consistent National Geographic, September, 2003. Ibid. advocate who won’t go away, the oppressor “2006 Trafficking in Persons Report,” U.S. State Department. will simply leave them alone.” ABA Journal, March, 2006: Section, “Your ABA.” Kapstein, Ethan B., “The New Global Slave Trade” Foreign Other worthy charities like Free the Affairs, 85 no. 6. Slaves (www.freetheslaves.net) and U.S. State Department, “Trafficking in Persons Report,” 2006. ChildVoice (www.childvoiceintl.org) all Bok, Francis and Edward Tivnan, Escape from Slavery, 2003. Nazer, Mende and Damien Lewis, “Slave,” PublicAffairs, 2003. need your help. The Amazing Change Rivers, D., “Girl, 6, Embodies Cambodia’s Sex Industry,” CNN.com. campaign (www.theamazingchange.com), Bok and Tivnan, p. 54. 1 Thess. 5:17 founded in honor of the 200-year mark 1

2 3 4 5

6 7 8

www.intouch.org

| 15

familyroom

Grandparents who become parents again have a unique opportunity to impact God’s kingdom

by Pamela McMilian

Once

in a while, some genuinely positive soul encourages me with a wink: “Raising your grandson will keep you young.” That, however, is the rarest of comments. Most people, upon learning of my newly acquired dependent, express that “you poor thing” kind of sympathy reserved for those whom life has burdened most unfairly. Little do they know that my so-called burden was actually an answer to my prayers. After losing my daughter in a tragic car accident, I was unsure of what my grandson’s future would hold. The decision of where he’d live was out of my hands, and it consumed my thoughts. I pleaded with God to intervene: “Please, Lord, make a way for Aaron to live with me. How can I bear losing him too?” My prayers were answered when Aaron’s father called me. “I want you to know my decision,” he said. “I think

July 2008 In Touch

it would be best if he lives with you.” Within a week, the necessary legal paperwork was drawn up and signed. Four months later I became the courtappointed legal guardian of my grandson.

Challenges, Changes I’m certainly not the only one in this role. Over 4.5 million grandparents in the

U.S. alone are raising their grandchildren, with the numbers steadily increasing. The tragic circumstances behind these numbers reflect the condition of our world. Divorce, abandonment, incarceration, financial or emotional instability, addiction, abuse, teen pregnancy, or a parent’s death are common reasons “grandfamilies” form. Unfortunately, grandparenting support materials are limited and often present a negative view that focuses on difficulties rather than blessings. Combing through these resources, I found myself subconsciously defending the grandparents presented in the impersonal statistics. Did researchers overlook the sad circumstances that triggered most of the situations in question? Did they fail to consider the repercussions and issues that tragedies leave in their wake? If grandparents are involved, isn’t that a good thing (as opposed to foster care, for example)? And isn’t parenting tough for everyone? Still, I know that grandparents who reenter the parenting cycle face dramatic changes and new sources of stress. Reevaluating and altering career and retirement plans at midlife or later in order to meet a child’s physical and emotional needs can be daunting. Social activities diminish, and friendships shift as time constraints enter into the equation. New schedules and financial issues arise unexpectedly, complicating life. Plus, the heartbreak of your grandchild being forced to work through grief or emotional trauma from a previous living situation

consumes much of your time and energy—commodities already low in supply. Just weeks after my daughter’s funeral, my grandson returned to school. Every evening, the emotions he held in check during the day overflowed. Aaron was inconsolable, alternately raging and sobbing. “It’s not fair!” he’d cry. “Why, why did she have to die?” Although I knew the episodes were a natural and necessary phase of his grieving, each left me feeling drained. Still, there was nowhere else I would’ve wanted him to be than with me, where I could pray with him, support him, and love him. I found that the clinical studies I’d read failed to reveal that the heartaches and challenges of rearing a grandchild pale in comparison with the privilege of influencing his or her life for eternity.

Serving Him by Serving Them I have often contemplated God’s plan for my life, asking Him what He desired me to do in His service. I longed to know how I could make a difference, what I might do to play a role in transforming His kingdom here on earth. And the answer, at least in part, came with the addition of a freckled little face in my home. Many children now in their grandparents’ care came to them emotionally wounded or with special needs resulting from pain, loss, or unstable homes. Yet we have a Great Physician who can fully and www.intouch.org

| 17

perfectly fulfill our grandkids’ needs and heal their hearts, building them into the men and women He intends them to be. Jesus instructed His disciples, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Then He took them in His arms and, placing His hands on their heads, started to bless them (Mark 10:14, 16 niv). We emulate Christ when we take children into our home, pray for them daily, and teach them to pray. We have the awesome privilege of serving them with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. It’s an incredible blessing to be an instrument of His healing as together you confront each emotional obstacle hindering them from fully experiencing His love. When children begin to mature spiritually—whether they grasp a biblical principle or recognize God’s presence in their lives—you know the difficulties are worth it. For the longest time, my grandson recited the same words every time he prayed. I often explained to him that he could talk to Jesus personally about anything; I gave him my best kid-friendly explanation of prayer and also prayed aloud with him. Still, he continued to stick with the same little prayer. Then, surprisingly, one day he set aside his familiar recitation and began talking to God from his heart. As we knelt together, I could hear that he was starting to develop an understanding that God is real—that He’s worthy of praise and is an accessible friend. It’s often difficult for us to view what we do on a daily basis as anything more than part of our routine. Those commonplace tasks hardly seem noteworthy. However, when we’re invested in our grandchildren—and other children in 18

July 2008 In Touch

our sphere of influence—and our actions are powered by God’s direction, every little thing we do amounts to ministry.

Walking the Walk The most powerful lessons are often taught with few words, simply by modeling a consistent example. And each time we take advantage of an opportunity to share Christ’s love with our grandchildren, we make His truth more of a reality to their young, impressionable hearts. In so doing, we plant seeds that will prepare them to serve the Lord and bring others into His kingdom. This special relationship has tremendous potential for growth, and not just for your grandchild. I find myself learning and relearning to walk as God’s servant in my new role. Only by diligence in reading His Word, praying, and seeking direction from the Holy Spirit am I prepared to meet all the daily challenges that arise in this second round of parenting. Lessons in humility, forgiveness, and grace abound as my young grandson’s blunt honesty holds my feet to the fire—like all children, he watches me closely in my role as authority figure, testing everything I say to see if it rings true. The dramatic life changes that brought Aaron into my care weren’t a surprise to God. While I never would have chosen those circumstances, Job’s words say it best: “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” (2:10) Our heavenly Father knows each child’s present needs as well as what lies ahead. He’s chosen us as grandparents—even those who aren’t primary caregivers—to fill a crucial role in our grandkids’ lives: to serve Him by serving them.

{spotlight}

Natalie Grant & The Home Foundation B y linda C anup

The entertainment industry gets blamed for many of society’s evils. Critics say it desensitizes us to violence, overexposes us to sexual immorality, and excessively glorifies fame and fortune. But it can also do the Americans might opposite by think such bringing the overlooked horrors exist only and underin distant lands. publicized issues of the But they’d be world to our sadly mistaken. attention. For Natalie Grant, Gospel Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year, one episode of Law and Order accomplished the latter. The plotline featured the worldwide epidemic of “human trafficking,” or modern-day slavery. Shocked by the injustice, she chose to get involved in the fight against it. Natalie flew to Mumbai, India, where she and members of a human rights organization went to see the city’s infamous red-light district. Dark, dirty hovels house young sex slaves, and small children wait, tethered nearby, while their mothers “work.” Whenever a poor woman dies of AIDS (or other disease), the kids are thrown into the streets with their mother’s body, left to starve because no one wants a dead prostitute’s orphans. Even if Americans know of tragedies like these, they might think such horrors exist only in distant lands. But they’d

be sadly mistaken. One mile from Natalie’s home in suburban Tennessee, police broke up a brothel where 15 girls under the age of 12 were forced to participate in unthinkable acts. “It’s on the rise in America in a way that most people can’t even fathom,” she says. In response to the problem, Natalie established The Home Foundation (www.thehomefoundation.net). The organization aids helpless women and children by educating communities, building shelters and orphanages, and providing medical equipment to victims of trafficking. The singer is modest about her role. “I am not the hero,” says Natalie, “but there are some unbelievable organizations that are the heroes we support.” The Foundation recently instituted an internship program for college students. This summer, the first three interns will travel to join the frontlines against traffickers. Most importantly, though, the organization stresses awareness. “It’s so dirty [no one wants] to talk about it,” Natalie says. “But it’s real, and if you have a heart beating on the inside of you, once you learn, you cannot turn away.” To read more about Natalie’s trip to Mumbai, visit www.intouch.org. Natalie’s newest CD Relentless CD | $18.99

www.intouch.org

| 19

byfaith

The painting stopped me cold. I’d been casually browsing through the Wheaton College museum, passing

time till my daughter finished class. And suddenly, the image grabbed me.

Since I’m seldom pulled so emotionally into a canvas, I wondered at my

reaction. Perhaps it was the unusual iconography: mother-and-child pictures

are common, but this newborn lay in the arms of an elderly man—why was I

feeling such a connection with him? Though I’d ordinarily have locked eyes

with the baby, only the back of the infant’s head was visible. So maybe it had to do with my gaze being drawn straight to the old man’s expression of amazed

ecstasy—the translation in paint of “At last! At last! Can it really be?”

That was it! I’ve occasionally known a

rare moment like that, when a cherished

hope finally became reality. The artist had nailed the emotion, and its familiarity was riveting. He’d in essence painted me.

yet seen the title.) Though clues were

few—white beard, prayer shawl, baby,

unutterable joy—this was unmistakably

the righteous and devout Simeon. As promised by God’s Spirit (Luke 2:26), he

was seeing for himself and even touching

the long-awaited Messiah. The Salvation of Israel. The Son of the living God!

I stood there as long as possible,

fully engaged with the image that was etching itself into my memory. When I finally left to meet up with my daughter, I realized I’d forgotten to notice the artist’s name. And all I could remember of the title was “Simeon.”

Ten years later, I was assigned three interviews at an upcoming Christian

publishers’ conference. Recognizing the first name only as the cover illustra-

tor for Frank Peretti’s Darkness series, I typed “Ron DiCianni” into the search

engine to learn more. Unbelievably, the next click produced . . .

Simeon’s Moment !

July 2008 In Touch

But who was the old man? (I hadn’t

A Conversation With Ron DiCianni by Sandy Feit

In Touch : It’s hard to look at a DiCianni painting without becoming “involved.” How do you achieve that compelling quality in your work? Ron DiCianni: What I’ve tried to do is straddle the truth of the ages and show how it relates to today. In other words, I could show angels at the cross. But I can also show a father praying over his son and two angels fighting outside the window for the soul of that child. This brings eternity into today. Most people look at Scripture and think, Oh great! Stories of 2,000 years ago. What does that mean to me today? I’m sitting at my computer—what does this have to do with the Bible? It has everything to do with the Bible, because man has not changed in 2,000 years. He hasn’t changed in 10,000 years! We wear different clothes. We have eyeglasses and computers, but inside we’re still the stinky old guy who would love to cheat on his income tax if he had the chance— except for the grace of God, who comes and makes us a new creation. IT: How do you pull a modern viewer into your art? RD: The Prodigal shows a father from biblical times with a young man in Levis

kneeling before him. And the houses are somewhere between today and his day. At first people don’t see the time warp. They see the biblical father, so they think, Oh, a typical 2,000-year-old scene. Then they notice, Wait a minute; he’s got Levis on! I painted the parable this way because that scene still happens today. I try to put a central theme in my paintings, then a secondary and a tertiary theme. I get so many letters saying things like, “Five months later, I walked past the print in my hallway and noticed he’s got Levis on!” Or “Until today, I never noticed the cross on the ground!” IT: So you purposely add surprises to be discovered later? RD: I like that effect. Then people don’t just think, Okay, thanks—done with that one. Too much fine art throws itself at you. You “get it” and then walk on, saying, “It’s pretty. It’s nice. Matches my drapes.” IT: Simeon’s Moment had quite an effect on me. RD: Want to hear a great story about that? My family got to pick the paintings they wanted. So my son Grant chose The Prodigal, and Warren picked Spiritual Warfare, because he’s the little boy in it. www.intouch.org

| 21

I don’t believe that excellence in and of itself will ever show God to anybody, but the lack of it will keep people from seeing Him. 22

July 2008 In Touch

Now, some years before, I had a doctor who wanted to buy Simeon’s Moment. But my wife prefers that I hold onto my paintings, so I rarely sell originals. When I told him, “Not for sale,” he said to let him know if I ever changed my mind. Years later, Grant enrolled in college, which, as you know, costs a pretty penny. When tuition was due, I decided to call this doctor. I said, “I don’t know if you’re still interested—that painting is almost double the price now, but do you still want to buy it?” He said, “I’ll have a check for you today.” When I came home, I announced, “Honey! I sold Simeon’s Moment. We’ve got money for Grant’s tuition.” And my wife said, “That’s one you gave to me.” IT: Oh! What did you do? Ron (laughing): I said, “Do you like any of the others?” (She picked The Legacy. I thank God I have an understanding wife!) IT: Tell me, do you have a personal favorite? RD: That’s like asking, “Which is your favorite child?” It’s hard to choose. I will say, though, that the ones which have become most important to me may not be the ones where I felt I excelled artistically. But they’re the ones God did the most with. For example, I’ve got letters about Simeon’s Moment, I think, from every country of the world. And In the Wilderness—oh my gosh! People everywhere are going, “That’s me. I’m in the wilderness and don’t know how to get out.” IT: Are you ever surprised at how a painting turns out? RD: I’ll answer that in two ways, because there’s a yes and no. God gives me the painting as clear as day before I ever start—because I go to the Scriptures. So it’s not my idea. But the bad part is,

I never can do it quite as good as I saw it. Sometimes I do stand back and go, “God! I don’t believe how it came out!” Like my friend, who wrote a famous song, said one day, “God, I don’t believe I wrote that song!” And God said to him, “You didn’t.” I’m reminded of that all the time. IT: What are you working on now? RD: About 16 years ago, I got the idea to do the gospel story as a legacy I can leave to my children. I want them to understand that God is promising not a Rolls Royce, but love and truth. So I’ve done two “Tell Me” books with Max Lucado, two with Joni Eareckson Tada, one with Michael Card, and one with Randy Alcorn. Tell Me Why deals with questions like, Why is there death? Why did Jesus have to die? Why do we go to church? Then, in Tell Me the Truth, we take a lie—like the world saying greed is good—and then present God saying it’s better to give than receive. That gets kids thinking, Hey, wait a minute . . . IT: Are these books just for kids? RD: Oh no! Our hope was that families would read together. Lots of us have said, “Hey kids, let’s have devotions,” only to get a blank stare. So we thought, Let’s give parents something kids are begging to read. Right away, we received letters about kids insisting, “Don’t stop! Read the next one.” IT: How do the paintings in the books impact the reader? RD: Back in the golden age of illustration, people like N.C. Wyeth and Robert Louis Stevenson would hook up and do Treasure Island, Kidnapped, Robin Hood. The words and pictures meant you were seeing and you were reading—it’s like magic. Somewhere we dropped that, and for 50 or 60 years, there weren’t many illustrations. But especially now, we live in a sight and sound generation. Kids

don’t want a book that has just words; they want pictures. IT: What was it that led you to do Tell Me About Heaven? RD: The world has done a great job of telling our kids about Santa Claus and the North Pole, but the best of all places gets the worst rap. It wasn’t until I read Randy’s big book on heaven that I realized we won’t be floating, disembodied spirits with harps—and this misrepresentation is pandemic. Heaven is a place of amazing things. And it’s all biblical. So we did the book to help kids picture what it’s really like. There was a study that asked fathers, “Do you do devotions?” The vast majority said no. Their reason: “I’m afraid my kid’s gonna say, ‘Tell me about Revelation.’” They don’t know how to answer and are scared to admit it. Then the study asked, “If you had a resource, would you do devotions?” And hundreds said yes. That’s why the series has been so successful—now parents think, It will all be answered right here—with Scripture notations they can look up. In fact, Tell Me About Heaven has a great salvation resource for parents who aren’t sure where their child is spiritually but are uncertain how to ask. The section at the end helps Mom or Dad go from talking about this life to discussing life in heaven— and then asking if the child knows how to get there. What could be better than a book that gives parents a way to sit down with their kids and say, “Let me tell you what’s waiting for you”? IT: Are you planning any future projects? RD: One lady called my paintings a “visual translation” of Scripture. In fact, someday I’d like to do the whole Bible. IT: How do you see yourself as an artist? RD: I’d like to think that I’m growing artistically, becoming more sensitive to www.intouch.org

| 23

July 2008 In Touch

what God wants and less sensitive to what I think will win a prize. I’ve given up on the award thing. And as soon as I gave up, I won all kinds of awards. I thank God that He’s helped me to be excellent. I don’t believe that excellence in and of itself will ever show God to anybody, but the lack of it will keep people from seeing Him. For too long, outside of the Renaissance, the church has settled for mediocrity. Whether it’s about piano music, art, or anything else, [there’s an attitude of] “It’s only for the church, so it doesn’t have to be great.” No! Malachi 1:8 says, “‘But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you present the lame and sick, is it not evil? Why not offer it to your governor? Would he be pleased with you? Or would he receive you kindly?’ says the Lord of hosts.” That verse haunts me. IT: Art can be a hard career. Was your family supportive? RD: Actually, back in 1951 when my mom was pregnant with me, the whole family was cramped into one little apartment. She decided another baby would make life too hard, so she went to end the pregnancy. She said that at the last minute when the needle was coming to her arm, God told her, “Don’t do this; I have a plan for this baby.” She

wasn’t a Christian yet, but I believe my grandmother from Italy was praying. So my mom was very supportive. She would always say to me, “God has a purpose for you. Don’t ever forget it.” For more about Ron DiCianni’s art, visit www.tapestryproductions.com. Illustrated by Ron DiCianni, Randy Alcorn’s story for children explains the reality of life after death in a way they can grasp. Tell Me About Heaven Hardcover / $19.99 See order form or visit www.intouch.org.

{building wisely}

Donating Life Insurance to Charity B y G eorge M . H iller , JD, LLM, MBA, CFP®

Can you make a gift of life insurance to charity? The answer is yes, and there are many different ways that life insurance can be used to support In Touch Ministries and help spread the gospel around the world. The most common way is to name a charitable organization as beneficiary. For example, Tom has a $250,000 life insurance There are policy. He wants to be many ways able to make a that life significant gift Christian insurance to ministry in can be used the event of death, to help spread his so he names the gospel In Touch as around the Ministries the beneficiary world. of his policy. Another way is to donate life insurance that has a current value—oftentimes referred to as a cash surrender value—to charity. Susan has a $10,000 whole life policy that her father purchased for her when she was a child. The policy is paid up and has a cash surrender value of $8,000. Susan decides to gift the policy to In Touch Ministries and gets a charitable deduction. When a life insurance policy is paid out, a portion of the death proceeds can

be given to charity. Mary’s husband David passed away recently. He had a $500,000 life insurance policy naming Mary as his beneficiary. She decides to gift $50,000 of the life insurance proceeds to In Touch Ministries and gets a charitable deduction for the value of her gift. You may want to name In Touch Ministries as a beneficiary of a life insurance trust. George has $2,000,000 in life insurance owned by an irrevocable life insurance trust. His primary objective is to make sure that his wife is taken care of in the event of his death, but he also wants to make a significant legacy gift to ministry. The trust pays out income for life to his surviving spouse, with the remainder interest passing to In Touch Ministries as the beneficiary. Life insurance can be an affordable way to meet your charitable giving objectives. If you would like to know more about this estate planning option, please contact In Touch Foundation.

In Touch Foundation 800-967-2200 foundation@intouch.org

In Touch Foundation helps individuals with estate and gift planning as they support the Great Commission. We do not provide specific legal, tax, or accounting advice. www.intouch.org

| 25

solvingproblems

Is your reputation more important to you than your relationship with Christ?

No More SuperChristian by Mary E. DeMuth

ears ago, in the throes of college life, I battled perfectionism. I wanted people to see me as a strong Christian, a potential Third-World missionary, a girl so bent toward the ways of the martyred Jim Elliot that she memorized Scripture while walking to class. I voluntarily put myself under the microscope in reaction to a difficult upbringing—when I met Jesus at 15, I vowed I would put the past behind me by being blessedly perfect. In the midst of my frenzied pursuit to become SuperChristian, God spoke quiet words and stopped my misguided quest: “Mary,” He said, “are you more concerned about your reputation or your relationship with Me?” Initially, I wanted to say, “Sure, Jesus, it’s all about You.” But my real motives betrayed me. Why did I follow Him? To look holy? So others would applaud my flawless life, never knowing the stains 26

July 2008 In Touch

of my true past? I realized how deeply entrenched I was in managing my outward appearance. God’s questions set me on a painful journey where I’ve learned the joy of giving up, letting go, and surrendering to His paradoxical ways. God has used the everyday stuff of life to teach me the hollowness of living for my own image. In my first year of marriage, I underwent a “soul crisis.” When I looked back to college—a season when I had a daily quiet time, prayed for campus revival, and saw any opportunity as a divine appointment to share the gospel—my current life as a schoolteacher and wife seemed terribly, unforgivably normal, not nearly radical enough. The irony was that I felt as if I had backslidden, even though I was finally beginning to grasp the Father’s agape love

for me through the unconditional love of my husband Patrick. I finally felt whole and peaceful—elusive gifts I seldom experienced in my frenetic rush to look like the SuperChristian. During that time, Patrick helped me grasp the importance of heart—how God was more interested in making me whole from the inside out than He was in showing off my outward “perfection.” The words of Oswald Chambers encouraged me: “I am called to live in perfect relation to God so that my life produces a longing after God in other lives, not admiration for myself . . . God is not after perfecting me to be a specimen in His show-room; He is getting me to the place where He can use me.” 1 Chambers’ words made perfect sense to me. But when children came hollering into my ordered world, I forgot all that. Because I was raised in a home that I didn’t want to duplicate, I was determined to be a perfect mother. As a “pioneer parent,” I devoured all the right child-rearing books; I pestered friends I admired who seemed to be raising their kids right; I worried incessantly about my mothering skills or lack thereof. I constantly felt inferior, which made me work harder. I was forgetting to lean on my perfect parent—God. During my struggle, the Lord reminded me of this verse from Jeremiah: “For My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, to hew for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water” (2:13). I was guilty of both things— forsaking God and His living water, and doing things in my own strength. Eventually I learned to go to the Lord with my stress and feelings of inadequacy, allowing Him to be strong in my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9-10). But none of that

prepared me for a difficult period of my life when people I loved suddenly turned on me, believing the worst, and spreading their perceptions around our community. Through the painful process of losing my reputation, I learned to keep my mouth shut, entrusting everything to the Lord. During that time, I felt like King David, who wrote, “I carry in my heart the insults of so many people” (Ps. 89:50 nlt). How I wanted to right the misinformation being spread. How I wanted to run around correcting all the rumors, but like a spent toothpaste tube, I couldn’t push

Eventually I learned to go to God with my stress and feelings of inadequacy, allowing Him to be strong in my weakness. all the words back in. I learned to give the entire situation to Jesus, letting Him hold those terrible comments, and trusting Him in the midst of it all. Through that trial, I finally rested. I believed God’s words to me in the Book of Daniel: “‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said, ‘for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!’” (Dan. 10:19 nlt). Funny how God’s question to me in college about reputation still resonates with me. I’ve spent nearly two decades wrestling with my need to be seen as SuperChristian, only to finally find peace when I let her go. And maybe that’s the point. As long as I’m preoccupied with my own perfection and how I’m viewed by others, I’ll miss the most important part of following Jesus: Christ Himself. 1

Chambers, Oswald, My Utmost for His Highest, December 2. www.intouch.org

| 27

mightyinspirit

the

w reluctant

heroine When we think of the Bible’s unexpected heroines of the faith, usual suspects like Rahab or Mary Magdalene probably come to mind. But Esther, the beautiful Jewish girl who saved her exiled people from genocide, isn’t typically on the short list. We seem to think she was born with uncommon grace and courage. But the truth is, Esther didn’t set out to undertake noble acts of bravery when she joined the Persian King’s harem. She actually blended so well with the culture around her that no one could tell she was one of God’s people. In fact, while we usually think of her as a righteous, God-fearing woman from the get-go, the Bible suggests she wasn’t initially so self-sacrificing. To rise to a level of greatness, she needed some prodding. You can run, but you can’t hide. During the reign of Cyrus the Great, the Jews were allowed to leave the country and return to Jerusalem. Yet Esther and Mordecai, the cousin who raised her, chose to stay, along with many other exiles who had assimilated into Persian culture. The name “Esther” means “star”—a derivative of Ishtar, the Babylonian love goddess. Esther’s Hebrew name was “Hadassah.” On one hand, it wasn’t unusual www.intouch.org

| 29

in that day for a Jew living in exile to have a “secular” name in addition to a Hebrew birth name. A few generations earlier, Daniel received such a name (Belteshazzar) from the royal court that forcefully recruited him. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego,

move in society for a minority girl with no parents and possibly no dowry. While in captivity, Daniel refused to compromise his Jewish faith by eating meat sacrificed to idols (Dan. 1:5, 8). But there’s no record of Esther making any

In reading the Bible, I discovered that the Lord can use anything and anyone—from food-carrying ravens to a talking donkey and an insecure beauty like Esther. as most of us remember them, weren’t actually the real names of these three young men. All were Babylonian names praising Babylonian gods. But Esther went by her “pagan” name before living in the Persian court (Est. 2:7). And Mordecai—whose name is thought to be a derivative of the Babylonian god “Marduk”—doesn’t seem to have been identified by a Jewish name at all. When King Xerxes arranged a beauty contest so he could find a new queen to replace the dismissed Vashti (1:19; 2:4), Esther’s extraordinary physical beauty made her a prime candidate for the competition. In fact, some scholars speculate that her recruitment into the king’s harem might have included some coercion, though the Bible offers no comment on this detail. But it does say that Xerxes’ officials went on a search for the most beautiful virgins, who had the prospect of being chosen queen—wife of the wealthiest and most powerful man in the land (2:1-18). All these young women would spend a year indulging in beauty treatments and then, on their appointed night, would essentially compete for the king’s affection. Not a bad 30

July 2008 In Touch

such stand. She was trying to keep her Jewish identity a secret (Est. 2:10), so she may have thought that following any of God’s lifestyle mandates might jeopardize her standing in the royal household.

It’s not where you start out; it’s where you end up.

n this displaced Hebrew girl, we find a heroine who initially didn’t want to be one. When Mordecai said she must use her influence on the king to save her people, she responded, in essence, “You’re kidding, right? I could die! Xerxes hasn’t summoned me for a month. And remember what happened to the last wife who displeased him?” Mordecai didn’t offer one word of comfort. Instead, his response was blunt: “If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die” (4:14 nlt). He didn’t leave it there. Mordecai suggested that an invisible hand had woven together all the events that led to Esther’s

position of influence. His words hint for the first time at the possibility of God’s sovereign involvement: “Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” (v. 14). Given a second chance, Esther responded differently. She made the choice to go far beyond herself, acknowledging her people and asking them to fast with her, presumably to seek divine direction. Her words divulge a turning of the heart: “If I must die, I must die” (4:16 nlt). Esther went on to intercede for the Jews, risking her life to expose the plot of Haman, a powerful official who secretly sought to destroy the people of God. Until now, the word “queen” appears only occasionally. Yet once she donned her royal robes and acted like the regal personage God called her to be, the text is repeatedly sprinkled with “Queen Esther” and “Esther the Queen.” Although God’s name is noticeably omitted in the biblical account (as is any record of prayers that were said), the message is clear: He has power over history. And that includes a sovereign plan for every individual’s life. In this case, He worked through a flawed woman He’d gifted with the potential to be a shrewd, courageous heroine who would literally change the world.

Every day is a new day.

e’re not all that different from Esther. We are imperfect, yet the Lord still uses us—not because we’re good, but because He is. When I was a new Christian, people warned me that if I disobeyed God, He wouldn’t be able to use me. Eventually, I learned otherwise. Of course, I knew it was important to keep walking with Him, or I’d lose out on the peace, joy, and blessings

that come with obedience. Yet in reading the Bible, I discovered that the Lord can use anything and anyone—from food-carrying ravens to a talking donkey and an insecure beauty like Esther. He’s used imperfect, even disobedient, people ever since Adam and Eve left Eden—and He won’t stop doing so until the end of time. As her story opened, Esther was afraid to expose her true identity. But when she eventually cooperated with the Lord, He took the very thing she wanted to conceal and used it to save her people. Even during her period of anxiety, He worked with the threads of her choices to weave the very circumstances that would ultimately glorify Him. And once she did the heroic thing—putting her life on the line for her people—He flipped the tapestry over to reveal the intricate, beautiful design He’d been creating all along. Only God can graciously fashion our flaws into the good story of His faithfulness. The Book of Esther is about such a reversal. It tells us that the Lord can use anyone, often choosing the most unlikely and imperfect people—like you and me. What this means is that no matter how deep our regrets are, we can still offer Him our past, present, and future choices—including our failures and weaknesses—and move forward in faith and obedience. It means that when we choose to say “yes” to God’s direction, He will deliver extraordinarily in His own way. Maybe a “yes” for us means exposing ourselves as Christ-followers or taking a stand in our sphere of influence on behalf of others. What opportunities lie before you? Maybe you’ve been reluctant. Perhaps you’ve already said “no” to God’s leading. Esther did the first time too. But that’s not where her story ends. And the rest of your story is still waiting to be written. www.intouch.org

| 31

Tuesday

The Believer’s Passion

READ | 2 Timothy 1:1-11 fire will not continue to burn strongly unless it’s stoked. Similarly, a believer’s fervor, if left untended, can diminish. New Christians often share their faith passionately and sense God’s joy and peace. Yet this zeal can fade unintentionally. From today’s passage, we gather that Timothy had let his flame of faith cool slightly (vv. 6-7). Believers can experience “cooling” for several reasons. When tragedy strikes, a person may feel that his prayers went unanswered and that God doesn’t care. If he then prays less, it’s easy to drift away from the Lord. At other times, Christians can be sidetracked by the world’s priorities—Timothy’s enthusiasm wavered because of false teaching and fear. Whatever the apparent trigger may be, Satan is the underlying cause; he lures believers away from single-minded devotion to Jesus. Drifting can be subtle and hard to detect. Six questions can help you assess whether your enthusiasm for God remains strong: 1. Do you have joy in the Lord and a desire to serve Him, share the gospel, and help others in need? 2. Do you spend time in the Word daily? 3. Do you pray, knowing that God is listening and working in your life? 4. Do you faithfully attend church and tithe? 5. Do you experience joy, peace, contentment, and hope in Jesus? 6. Do you stand firm in your godly convictions? E A R L Y L I G H T | If some of your answers recently changed from “yes” to “no,” your fire may be diminishing. Acknowledge this to the Lord. Ask for His help to fuel your passion.

Jesus had to die because God accepts Jesus Christ is the only a perfect sacrifice source of genuine as paymentwhich for sin.He freedom, Have you receivedto makes available Him as yourwho Savior? everyone trusts Him as Savior.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Psalms 98-104

Wednesday

Rebuilding Passion

Thursday

A Citizen’s Responsibility

READ | 1 Timothy 4:15 ust as people are drawn by the warmth and appeal of a fire on the hearth, nonbelievers will be attracted to Christians who are passionate for Jesus Christ. The Lord wants His followers to be a “city set on a hill” and the “light of the world,” shining brightly in the darkness with His love and message of redemption (Matt. 5:14-15; 28:19). Yet, as we saw yesterday, it is possible for our “fire” to cool, which affects our witness. If this should happen to you, take steps to rekindle the flame of passion for your relationship with the Savior. First, be aware of where you are. Is your walk with God less dynamic than it used to be? Then, recall where you once were—think back to what it was like when you had zeal for the Lord. Next, acknowledge that you’ve drifted. Ask God to speak to you, and read His Word expectantly. Spend time daily in prayer; don’t just list things you want, but express a desire to really know your heavenly Father. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you refocus your attention. Think about what life can be like when Jesus is at the center, and you will no longer be content with anything less than God’s best. The apostle Paul gave Timothy instruction on living a life pleasing to the Father. Then He added the reminder to be “absorbed” in these things. We, too, should saturate our minds with the principles of God. E A R L Y L I G H T | The Lord desires that your faith have excitement and fervor. He will use your “fire” to draw others to Himself— and to bless you in the process.

READ | Deuteronomy 5:7 everal movies have explored the idea of operating in the present while knowing the future. Wouldn’t we all love that? We could avoid driving down a certain street if we knew a truck was going to hit us. And stock market fluctuations would cause no anxiety if we were sure of high returns. Our loving Father wants His children to act with confidence concerning what is to come. That’s why He gives clear direction, promises, and warnings in His Word. For instance, Micah 5:15 says, “I will take vengeance in anger and wrath upon the nations that have not obeyed me.” In contrast, Psalm 33:12 states, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Which country, knowing these truths, would choose to live in disobedience to Him? It seems that only a people set on self-destruction would dare! Yet we’ve done just this by pushing God out of schools, removing the Bible and prayer from government meetings, and making laws that defy divine commands. Sadly, godless ways are making huge inroads in our country, and many Christians don’t fight this trend. Clearly, the Lord will punish nations who disobey Him or follow other gods. This truth should not make believers fear. Rather, it must prompt us to take a stand for what is right. We have serious responsibilities as both citizens and Christians. | First, pray. Ask God EARLY LIGHT for leaders who follow His statutes. Then explore your sphere of influence—what can you do to impact these people and exemplify Christ in our country?

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Psalms 105-109

Psalms 110-118 www.intouch.org

| 33

Friday

The Weekend

True Freedom

Breaking Free From Sin

READ | Romans 6:11-18 n New York Harbor stands the Statue of Liberty. This world-renowned icon symbolizes the freedom that Americans cherish and seek to spread to the oppressed around the globe. Yet even in the “land of the free,” many individuals are held captive by sinful habits and mind-sets. A country’s liberty usually depends upon military might and governmental decrees. However, personal freedom has to do with a decision to protect the heart, mind, and body from evil influences. In a nation built upon independence, we call ourselves “free” as long as we aren’t incarcerated or somehow prevented from pursuing our interests. But is the man bent upon revenge “liberated”? Is the woman addicted to painkillers “free”? The Enemy’s arsenal contains all kinds of temptations that shackle one’s time and attention. The need to attend to these habits, substances, and attitudes consumes a person and draws his or her focus away from God. Then, as the Devil distracts, he also employs one of his greatest deceptions: he convinces people that their chains don’t really exist. He teaches them how to rationalize (“Just a little won’t hurt”) and outright deny (“I can stop anytime I want”). E A R L Y L I G H T | According to the Bible, men and women are either slaves of God or slaves to sin (Rom. 6:16). There is no middle ground. The latter serve Satan by feeding their own selfish impulses. Meanwhile, the “slaves of God” enjoy true freedom. They honor the Lord by keeping away from those things that imprison the body, emotions, or thoughts.

READ | Luke 4:14-21 hatever a man depends upon is his master. Unless he recognizes God as the authority in his life, he will operate on the basis of needs and personal desires. For example, one person may be motivated by approval while someone else is driven by a dependency on alcohol or cigarettes. Fulfilling a craving can quickly become a destructive habit. A person will likely come to despise this controlling “master” because it repeatedly fails to make him truly happy. And even worse, the most catastrophic potential consequence of satisfying “self” is eternal separation from the Lord. Perhaps this dangerous path sounds all too familiar. If so, don’t despair—Luke 4:18 records a promise meant for you. Reading from the book of Isaiah, the Lord said, “[God] has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives.” Jesus is the great liberator, who came to set you free. Our Savior’s sacrificial death breaks the chains of sin. Those who trust in Him receive the Holy Spirit and are transformed into new creatures with the desire and capacity to serve Him. Some believers will feel instant freedom from enslaving needs and habits. Others experience liberation over time and through the aid of Christian counselors. But no matter how deep or wide the pit of wrongdoing, Jesus will rescue whoever calls upon His name in faith. | Freedom is yours for EARLY LIGHT the taking because Jesus Christ has already paid the price. Ask for His forgiveness, and He will break your bondage to sin.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

July 2008

Psalm 119 In Touch

Psalms 120-131

Monday

The Desires of Your Heart

Tuesday

Dealing With Wrong Desires

READ | Psalm 37 he Lord has given us many wonderful promises in His Word. But, sadly, one of them is frequently misunderstood. It’s not uncommon for someone to tell me about a prayer request and then add, “God promised to give me the desires of my heart.” This makes the Lord sound more like a toy store than a wise Father. But when Psalm 37:4 is taken in context, we can understand God’s principle for ensuring that we have right desires. To delight in the Lord (v. 4) means to take pleasure in discovering more about God and following His will. Spending time with the Father—learning what pleases Him and praying for discernment to make wise decisions—has two results. First, the Holy Spirit aligns our heart’s desires with Scripture; and second, we set ourselves up for blessing. Delight in God derives from dedication to Him. When we commit our way to the Lord (v. 5), we allow His will and mandates to shape our thoughts, goals, and lifestyle. In other words, we acknowledge His right to determine whether our longing fits His plan. Perhaps the hardest part of receiving the desires of our heart is waiting for them to materialize. Yet God’s Word insists that we rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him (v. 7). This means relying on Him to work out circumstances even when achieving our desire seems impossible. Taking matters into our own hands is not “helping Him out.” E A R L Y L I G H T | God promises to give us our heart’s desires in His time when our requests are aligned with His will. Claim the promise as written, and He will bless you.

READ | Psalm 145:18-21 elievers can have wrong desires. In fact, if we work hard enough—by pressing ahead of divine timing, manipulating our circumstances, and even acting dishonestly—we may be able to make those wishes reality. But anything gained apart from God will prove to be empty and disappointing. Having desires is good—goals drive us and set the direction for our life. But we want our objectives to match the ones God has for us. Longings contrary to His purposes have the power to corrupt the body, mind, or spirit and can also cause believers to fall into temptation (2 Peter 2:9-10; 1 Tim. 6:9). How can we be sure our desires are right? A godly ambition is usually specific and fixed, and it will stand up to evaluation through prayer and Bible study. In contrast, a wrong desire fails to meet these criteria. For instance, some people may have only a vague sense of what they want from life. Or their yearning changes easily as circumstances shift or time passes. Most dangerous is that goal which is pursued despite its incompatibility with a righteous lifestyle. In such cases, the believer has neglected to consider two vital questions: Does God want this for me? and Can I follow Christ and this objective at the same time? | Many of the things EARLY LIGHT we desire are not specifically addressed in Scripture as “thou shalt” or “thou shalt not.” That’s why the Lord gives us access to the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and discernment. We must prayerfully evaluate our longings to ensure that we are within God’s will and pursuing His purpose for our life.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Psalms 132-140

Psalms 141-150 www.intouch.org

| 35

Wednesday

God’s Surprise Visits

Thursday

No Exceptions to God’s Love

READ | Exodus 3:1-6 recall a time when I was faced with a particularly difficult decision. Everything about the opportunity in front of me seemed wrong—the timing, the circumstances, etc. Choosing to pursue the prospect didn’t really make sense at all. Though I simply wanted to turn it down, I understood the importance of praying first. As I spent time with the Lord, He gave me a clear vision of what He expected next from my life. I accepted that seemingly illogical, ill-timed offer and reaped great blessing for my obedience. As Christians, we expect the Holy Spirit to direct our thoughts through prayer and Scripture. But sometimes He may choose to intervene more directly in a person’s life, as He did with me that day. God has been visiting people since the beginning, when He walked with Adam and Eve in the garden. The way He reveals Himself is different in each instance. Moses saw a burning bush (Ex. 3:2), whereas Samuel heard a voice at night (1 Sam. 3:1-14). Yet each was clearly a divine encounter. When the Lord visits someone, He comes for a purpose. Joshua received specific—and unusual—instructions for defeating Jericho (Josh. 5:13-6:5). Saul of Tarsus was called into ministry (Acts 9). Others were warned of danger through dreams (Matt. 2:12-13). E A R L Y L I G H T | God’s personal calls are rare and unexpected. We cannot pray or fast to make Him come. He simply makes His presence known in a believer’s life when He chooses. So be prepared with an open heart and willing spirit if He visits you.

READ | Romans 5:6-9 oftentimes preach, “God loves you, and He has a plan and purpose for your life.” Yet whenever I do, it seems that someone in the crowd believes he or she is an exception. I have heard many reasons why people decide that verses like “For God so loved the world . . . ” don’t apply to them (John 3:16). Sadly, they have bought into Satan’s lie that they aren’t important enough to be singled out for blessing from among the billions on earth. Or they listen to the Deceiver when he insists they are too weak, sinful, or scared to merit the Lord’s love. How do I know that God thinks you are special? Jesus Christ died for you. Because of the Father’s love for the world, He sent His Son to die on the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of everyone living in the past, present, and future. None of us deserve the Father’s care and protection, but thankfully, deserving isn’t the basis for His love. In fact, God’s very nature is love, which He demonstrated through Christ’s death “while we were yet sinners” (1 John 4:8; Rom. 5:8). God cares so much for His children that He gives each one a place in His plan for the world. Believers are gifted with the talents and attributes needed to carry out His purpose (1 Cor. 12:11). However, Christians who consider themselves exempt from His love aren’t looking for the opportunities He sends. They are too distracted by Satan’s lying voice. E A R L Y L I G H T | The Lord loves you. He says so again and again in the Bible. Don’t take my word for it. Read His Word for yourself and see how much He cares.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

July 2008

Proverbs 1-4 In Touch

Proverbs 5-7

Friday

The Weekend

Can God Use You?

READ | Luke 10:38-42

Our Purpose in God’s Plan

artha of Bethany welcomed Jesus into her home. Her act of service may seem small compared to works like the apostle Paul’s missionary trips and letters. But she and her family provided a place of rest and refreshment for the Savior, which must have been a welcome pause in His busy week. It’s true that Jesus once corrected Martha for placing too much emphasis on the details of hospitality (v. 41); nevertheless, when He visited her home, He no doubt anticipated food and fellowship with people He loved. God’s plan for every believer is made up of a lifetime of small opportunities. No matter what our career or calling may be, we should each seek ways to serve the Lord daily. We do this by ministering wherever we are to family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Since the Lord gives His children gifts and talents suitable for fulfilling His purpose, we know that He wants to use us. The question we should be asking is, “Can God use me?” That is, have we made ourselves available to follow Him in any circumstance? The areas of service set aside specifically for us are waiting. No one knows ahead of time exactly what God will require, but we can be sure He will equip us with the right tools for the task. E A R L Y L I G H T | Are you ready to say, “Yes, God can use me”? Tell the Lord that you are available to work for Him in any way He desires. He will respond by placing people and opportunities in your path. Through His strength, you will do more to further the kingdom than you ever imagined—one day and one small act of service at a time.

READ | 1 Peter 4:9-11 od does not need the help of any man or woman to accomplish His purposes. However, He has chosen to spread the gospel by means of His children. As one person tells another the good news of Jesus Christ, the story of hope and love spreads around the globe. Consider that each modern Christian is a spiritual descendant of the original believing disciples. Those men spent several years with Jesus. After His ascension, they preached what they’d learned from Him to anyone who would listen and also offered a helping hand where needed. The grace and mercy demonstrated in word and action had a ripple effect—spreading outward from those first followers of Christ across distance and time to hundreds, then thousands and even billions of individuals around the world. But some people still have never heard that Jesus loves them and died for their sins. This is why we are called to serve family, friends, and neighbors. Loved ones see God’s grace lived out when we offer a helping hand, share the gospel, or lift them up in prayer. To deny this call is to sin against the Lord. Our purpose is to serve God (Eph. 2:10), and the primary way we do that is by caring for those around us. | We can offer God EARLY LIGHT many reasons for not serving Him—such as weakness, inadequacy, and fear. But no excuse changes the mandate of Scripture. We are the Lord’s feet, hands, and voice on earth. We go where He wills, help those in need, and tell all about the love of Jesus.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Proverbs 8-10

Proverbs 11-14 www.intouch.org

| 37

Monday

The Spirit of the Antichrist

Tuesday

Standing Against the World

READ | 1 John 4:1-3 hen the word “antichrist” is used, the reference is usually to the Antichrist, who will spread rebellion across the earth. However, two additional meanings are found in 1 John 4. First, the expression alludes to a spirit or attitude opposed to Jesus; second, it describes men and woman who embody that spirit by contradicting scriptural truth. An anti-Christ mindset is active in our culture. Newspapers, movies, and books dispute the Lord’s deity and then cast doubt on the truth of His death and resurrection. Instead of embracing Jesus as God’s Son and Savior of the world, antichrists seek to recast Him as a wise teacher or good man with high ideals. Such denials of Christ are not logical. In John 14:6, the Lord said of Himself, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” If Jesus is something other than what He claimed, He must be either a fraud or a lunatic—in which case, the antichrists would be holding up a most undesirable person as a “wise teacher.” Denying Christ’s deity is also spiritually unsound. If Jesus were not the Son of God, then His death would have been permanent— and without His resurrection, there could be no such thing as salvation by faith. Some antichrists, while denying Jesus, nevertheless claim to believe in God and heaven. Yet their denial will keep them from eternity with the Father (Matt. 10:33). E A R L Y L I G H T | The Bible insists that Jesus is God’s Son, who died for our sins and rose again. To combat the spirit of antichrist, we must read Scripture and believe it.

READ | 1 John 4:4-6 n example of the antichrist movement is the campaign to remove Christian symbols from public places. Advocates use buzzwords like “religious freedom” (by which they mean freedom from religion), and those listening—even many believers— are fooled into agreeing that worship should be private. The subtle motive often goes unnoticed: to push Jesus out of society. The world finds Christ offensive. Many people today claim that we each can design our own belief system. But Jesus said that faith in Him is the only way to a relationship with the Father (John 10:9). Another worldly idea is that doing what feels right is fine, as long as no one gets hurt. Yet Jesus taught that sin—any action, thought, or attitude contrary to God’s principles—has consequences. Antichrist philosophies will often sound persuasive because Satan designs lies that appeal to human nature. Therefore, believers must know right from wrong. The Lord has provided three guides for safely navigating through life. First, the Holy Spirit enables us to discern God’s facts from Satan’s fiction. Next, Scripture explains the truth about the Trinity and the divine plan for mankind. Finally, we have access to righteous people who preach and teach authentic Christianity. E A R L Y L I G H T | Even if unbelievers try to erase Jesus Christ’s name from society, they cannot remove all of His followers. As long as we stand firmly rooted in Scripture and proclaim the gospel, God can work through us and win souls for His glory.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

July 2008

Proverbs 15-17 In Touch

Proverbs 18-21

Wednesday

Reflecting on God’s Faithfulness

Thursday

God’s Continuing Faithfulness

READ | Lamentations 3:22-23 ur heavenly Father is always faithful to His promises. We can be certain of this because He made them based upon His unchanging character (Heb. 6:13-14) and His Son Jesus Christ. Many times over the years, I have been the beneficiary of God’s faithfulness to His Word. For example, Romans 10:13 says, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” At age 12, I believed in Jesus as my Savior. Despite my lack of Bible knowledge, I recognized that I was a sinner. Once I trusted the Lord to forgive my sins, He saved me, just as His Word said. Around age 14, I began thinking about my future and wondering what direction it would take. On the basis of God’s promises, I believed He would speak to me and reveal His plans for my life (Psalm 16:11). In time God made it clear that He wanted me to become a preacher, so I began putting money away for college. My source of income was a paper route, which meant my savings account grew by very small increments. When I looked at its balance, I didn’t see how I could ever afford to enroll. The Lord then brought Proverbs 3:5-6 to life for me. He orchestrated a series of events that led to my receiving a full scholarship. If I had depended on my own thinking, I might have given up on my dream of college. Because I trusted in Him, He provided what I needed to fulfill His plan. E A R L Y L I G H T | Think about how God has worked in your life. What testimony could you give of His faithfulness to you?

READ | 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 od does not lie. What the Father says He will do, He always accomplishes. His many promises are recorded in the Bible—and He keeps every one. Yesterday I wrote about God’s faithfulness in directing me to become a preacher and providing a college scholarship. After I was enrolled in the university, He continued to provide, perhaps not as much as I wanted at times, but always enough. I remember kneeling by my bed in the dorm room, telling the Lord how little money I had, and asking for His help. In the mail came a letter from a neighbor back home—with a check that would cover my expenses! God supplied what I needed, just as He promised (Phil. 4:19). Later, when I was a seminary student, I was invited to preach at a local church. That Sunday, when church was over, the leaders of the fellowship asked me to become their pastor and indicated a willingness to wait a year until I graduated. What a surprising turn of events. I started to pray about it, confident that the Lord would answer because He had promised (Psalm 91:15). Under the Spirit’s guidance, I said yes to their offer. God’s faithfulness has continued throughout my life. I could not have imagined at the beginning that I’d preach for over 50 years. But the Holy Spirit has always been with me, teaching me what to say each time I prepared and delivered a sermon (John 14:26). E A R L Y L I G H T | The God who leads us is ever faithful. That’s why you and I can confidently carry out His plan, even when it surprises us.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Proverbs 22-25

Proverbs 26-28 www.intouch.org

| 39

Friday

The Weekend

God’s Perfect Love

A God of Love

READ | 1 John 4:7-9 e were created to be members of God’s family and recipients of His perfect love. Through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus, He demonstrated just how much He loves us. When we receive Christ as our Savior, we become His children and experience His unconditional love. Divine affection for us does not vary in quality or quantity. It will never end or even diminish. No circumstance can cause the Lord to stop loving us. We see these truths lived out in the lives of three people in the New Testament: 1. Consider the Roman centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant. Was the soldier’s request ignored because he wasn’t one of God’s chosen people—the Jews? No. Seeing the man’s genuine faith, the Lord granted his request out of love for him (Luke 7:2-3, 9-10). 2. Jesus extended His forgiving love to the crucified thief who confessed his guilt and expressed faith in Christ (Luke 23:40-43). 3. Before his conversion, the apostle Paul was convinced that Jesus was not the promised Messiah and His followers must be stopped. To that end, he persecuted the Christian Jews and uttered murderous threats against the church. God’s love did not even skip over one so violently opposed to His children. On the road to Damascus, the Lord appeared to him with an offer of salvation and gave him a great work to do—evangelizing the Gentile world (Acts 9:15). E A R L Y L I G H T | The human mind can’t fully comprehend divine love. In Christ, thieves, persecutors, and those who may look like outsiders are all equally loved.

READ | Ephesians 3:17-19 he Lord does not base His love for us upon our character or achievements. We know this because of God’s promise in John 3:16 and His action in sending Jesus to die in our place (1 John 4:10). The Savior’s dealings with people show us the depth of God’s love. Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ disciples, ministered closely with the Lord for three years but in the end chose to betray Him. Even though Jesus knew what Judas would do, He never rejected him. In love, the one betrayed forgave the betrayer. In another example, a woman was about to be stoned for committing adultery. She was condemned by the religious leaders, but Jesus stepped in to protect her. Then, in love, He commanded her to sin no more (John 8:11). Next, consider Peter, who loved Jesus and desired to follow Him always. In a moment of weakness, however, he denied even knowing Christ. Though Jesus knew in advance the disciple would do this, His love for the man didn’t waver—a fact He proved by appearing to Peter after the resurrection and giving him a prominent place in the developing church. Two final illustrations are Zacchaeus, the greedy tax collector who took advantage of his fellow citizens, and the Samaritan woman who, after a string of broken relationships, was involved in an immoral lifestyle. These facts did not stop Jesus from approaching each of them and offering His forgiving love. E A R L Y L I G H T | None of us is beyond the reach of God’s love. Through faith in Him, everyone—even the worst of sinners—can experience its richness as His children.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

July 2008

Proverbs 29-31 In Touch

Ecclesiastes 1-6

Monday

Mighty in Spirit

Tuesday

A Mighty Servant of God

READ | Ephesians 3:14-16 n order to become physically fit, we need to exercise our muscles vigorously and regularly. If our goal is to be stable in soul (thoughts, will, and emotions), then we must apply our minds to learning and train ourselves to be self-controlled. However, to become mighty in spirit requires something more than self-effort. You see, none of us were born with a spiritual connection to God. Because of Adam’s rebellion, we were all dead in our sins and separated from the Lord (Eph. 2:1). No amount of personal effort can bring an individual to life spriritually. Although we are unable to change this condition for ourselves, nothing is impossible for God (Matt. 19:25-26). By accepting Jesus’ sacrificial death as payment for our sins, we are forgiven, reconciled to Him, and made alive in our spirit (Eph. 2:5). This is the beginning step of the Christian life. Once we are born again, the indwelling Holy Spirit teaches us how to view life as Jesus did, embrace His values and priorities, and follow His example. The more we yield to the Spirit’s control, the sooner we’ll be transformed into Christ’s image, equipped to carry out the Lord’s will, and strengthened in our inner spirit to serve Him. E A R L Y L I G H T | God desires followers who will dedicate themselves to His plan and serve as ambassadors for Christ to a lost and hurting world. He doesn’t expect that we will train ourselves for this task—He has given His Holy Spirit to prepare us for the work ahead. Have you answered His call to service?

READ | Ephesians 4:17-24 o become God’s mighty servants, we must decide whether we will base our life on His priorities or the world’s. The two are incompatible. Before salvation, people typically live according to whatever the flesh desires, which includes indulging themselves with food, entertainment, and material goods. Promoting self-gratification, our culture maintains that we are each the center of our own universe and can decide what is right for ourselves. Our Savior tells us just the opposite—He commands us to put God first and ourselves last. Jesus tells us to love Him with all our heart and soul, deny ourselves, and follow Him (Matt. 16:24). Rather than encouraging us to acquire money and possessions, He teaches that giving brings many more blessings than receiving (Acts 20:35). How can we know we are becoming spiritually stronger? First, we’ll be less attracted to the ungodly practices of our world and will yearn to be more like Jesus. Second, we will start replacing ungodly habits with activities that please the Lord. Third, we’ll begin to comprehend some of the deeper biblical truths and apply them in our lives. Last, our spiritual discernment will improve. With the Spirit’s help, we will more easily recognize unrighteous ideas and behavior. E A R L Y L I G H T | Do you want to become mighty in spirit? If so, then spend time in the Scriptures learning what is important to God. Ask Him to transform you into the person He has designed you to be.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Ecclesiastes 7-12

Song of Solomon 1-8 www.intouch.org

| 41

Wednesday

The Landmine of Fear

Thursday

Moving Beyond Our Fears

READ | Psalm 27:1-4 ear has been a part of man’s emotional makeup since the fall. When Adam and Eve rebelled against the Lord, they hid themselves from Him and were afraid (Gen. 3:10). Things haven’t changed much. Anxiety often affects our thinking and controls our actions. It can keep us boxed in and unwilling to venture into unknown territory. Let truth help you defeat fear: God is . . . • Almighty. Through the Savior’s perfect life and His sacrifice on the cross, our two greatest enemies have been defeated—Satan and death. Jesus set us free from slavery to sin; the Devil has lost control over our lives. What’s more, we no longer face eternal separation from God. Jesus’ physical death has become the gateway to heaven, where we can live with the Father forever. • Always with us. God called Abraham to move away from all that was familiar, but He Himself promised to remain nearby. In Matthew 28:20, we are similarly reassured by Jesus. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, we as believers have God not only near us but also in us. Nothing can ever separate us from Him—not past mistakes, present circumstances, or difficult people (Rom. 8:38-39). • Actively involved. God promises His help, and He always keeps His word. He knows what is happening in our lives and can turn hardships into a time of spiritual growth and ultimate blessing. E A R L Y L I G H T | God Himself is the reason we should not be afraid. Grasp the truth of His power, presence, and involvement, and use them to disarm the landmine of fear.

READ | Luke 1:68-75 he Scriptures distinguish between two kinds of fear: healthy and unhealthy. For example, a protective type of anxiety helps prevent avoidable harm by warning us not to touch a hot stove or walk on thin ice. We are also commanded to have a proper fear of God, which includes: 1) an overwhelming sense of awe because of who He is—Judge and sovereign King; and 2) a lifestyle of respectful obedience which honors Him. Unhealthy fear causes us to feel uneasy, uncomfortable, or threatened. Its source may be a childhood experience or an adult’s repeated negative words. The feeling of distress becomes rooted in our thinking and colors our decision making. As adults, we no longer have a basis for this anxiety, yet it may continue to inhibit us. The imagination is also a source of fear. We can get caught up in “what if” thinking, such as, What if something goes wrong? or What if the outcome I want doesn’t come true? This kind of agitation can block the Lord’s best in our life. His purposes often require that we move beyond where we feel most comfortable. Learning new skills, changing jobs, or trying a different way of ministering to others could be part of what He expects. Such challenges present the opportunity to trust God and obey His request. E A R L Y L I G H T | Fear doesn’t come from God (2 Tim. 1:7). Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you from a place of disquiet into the freedom that is ours in Christ. There you’ll discover the ability to follow His plan without being hindered by overwhelming fear.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

July 2008

Isaiah 1-4 In Touch

Isaiah 5-8

Friday

The Weekend

Releasing Our Burdens to God

Letting God Handle Your Burdens

READ | 1 Peter 5:7 hether our burdens are relational, emotional, or financial, they can weigh us down. The longer we carry them, the heavier they seem. Unless we deal with them properly, they can cloud our thinking, interfere with work, and affect family life. The world’s answers are temporary at best: Live for today. Do what feels good. Drown your sorrows with pleasure or work. Jesus Christ offers the only permanent solution. He invites us to come to Him and receive rest from the weight of our troubles. His wonderful invitation is all-inclusive and ongoing, covering believers and nonbelievers alike. We all were born with a “flesh” nature that separated us from God and placed us under His judgment—we bore a heavy load of guilt (John 16:8). But for those who have trusted Jesus as Savior, the sin-debt is marked “paid,” and all guilt has been removed (Rom. 8:1). The first time anyone comes to Christ in faith, the Lord takes on the weight of that person’s sins. Then He asks His followers to develop a lifetime habit of bringing their cares to Him—this is an offer motivated by Jesus’ profound love. At the Father’s request, God the Son left His place in heaven and became a man; He endured persecution and was crucified in our place (Phil. 2:6-8). Christ demonstrated His love for us in everything He did. As a result, we can have confidence that He will never turn us away (Heb. 4:16). E A R L Y L I G H T | Every day Jesus invites us to draw near in order to find rest from our burdens. Have you said yes to Him today?

READ | Matthew 11:28-30 s the Son of Man, Jesus experienced firsthand the difficulties of life and the heaviness of our burdens. He knows what it is like to live with meager financial resources (Matt. 8:20) and to be under great emotional distress (Luke 22:42-44). He understands about our broken relationships as well: Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, betrayed Him. Our Savior offers to help us with every difficulty we face. In today’s passage, we are invited to come to Jesus, take His yoke upon us, and learn from Him. What He’s describing is a lifelong process that encompasses getting to know Him—His perfect character, His priorities for life, and His plans for us and the world. For the entire passage to make sense, we must understand the image that the Lord is using (vv. 29-30). A yoke is a bar that fits over the shoulders of people or animals. When a heavy load has to be transported, two oxen or other creatures carry one yoke, which distributes the weight evenly across the shoulders of both. In the Christian life, Jesus is asking us to place ourselves under the “yoke” of His lordship. He promises that a life of submission to Him will fit us well and provide us with relief. Sometimes God removes the difficulties; at other times He lifts the burdensome feelings that accompany our trials. | Are you struggling EARLY LIGHT under the pressures of daily living? Come to Jesus, confess your inability to carry this burden alone, and ask Him to lift the weight from you.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Isaiah 9-12

Isaiah 13-18 www.intouch.org

| 43

Monday

God Uses the Wicked

Tuesday

Finding a Local Church

READ | Genesis 37-39 hen evil people affect our lives, we often wonder how God could permit such a thing. Humanly, the question makes sense, though it’s possible we won’t ever understand the reason wickedness was allowed to touch us. However, the Lord gives several assurances to sustain us during these times. First, God reminds us that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isa. 55:9). Then, He provides insight into His character, reminding us that “the Lord is good; His loving-kindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations” (Ps. 100:5). And finally, our heavenly Father promises to work all things for the believer’s good (Rom. 8:28). We can also be reassured by the biblical record. There we often find the plans of the wicked actually furthering the Lord’s purpose. For example, when Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, God used a seemingly impossible situation for good. The young man was sold to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials. Joseph found favor in his service and was promoted. Again the Hebrew servant suffered when Potiphar’s wife had him imprisoned on false charges of adultery. The Lord also worked this circumstance for good. In time, Joseph’s actions in jail resulted in recognition, release, and promotion to a high position. He then was able to spare Egypt and his own family from the devastation of a severe famine. E A R L Y L I G H T | We live in a fallen world, and all of us will be affected by evil people. Knowing God’s Word and understanding His character give us hope and endurance to persevere during those times.

READ | Ephesians 4:11-16 n some cities, there are church buildings on practically every corner. It would seem easy, then, to find a place where Christians can worship, encourage other believers, and reach out to those who don’t know Jesus. But unfortunately, this is not always the case. Many churches preach doctrine that does not align with Scripture. Others are distracted by programs or campaigns and have forgotten their real purpose. Therefore, it’s critical that believers ask the right questions before joining a fellowship. Namely, learn whether the church teaches these six truths: 1. The Bible is infallible divine revelation given to mankind so that individuals can have a personal relationship with God. 2. Jesus Christ was born of a virgin. 3. Our Savior was fully human and fully God. 4. After His crucifixion and burial, Jesus was bodily resurrected. 5. Heaven and hell exist. 6. Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus. In addition, a fellowship’s message should center around redemption, specifically teaching that man is sinful and separated from God (Rom. 3:23). Since we all come short of His glory, our penalty is death (Rom. 6:23). Yet the Father redeemed us through His Son’s shed blood, saving all who receive Jesus as Savior (John 3:16; 1 Peter 1:18-19). E A R L Y L I G H T | What we are taught will become our belief system and “filter” for all information and opinions set forth by the world. It is vital to find a church that holds to God’s Word as the final authority, and to reject any teaching that contradicts Scripture.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

July 2008

Isaiah 19-24 In Touch

Isaiah 25-29

Wednesday

Foundation of Unwavering Faith

Thursday

Jesus, Our Rock

READ | Hebrews 13:8 n our ever-changing world, families move, friendships drift, allegiances shift, and technology advances by quantum leaps. If we seek security in people, possessions, or positions, we’re doomed to disappointment. Yet we all need somewhere to turn during the storms of life. The one true anchor for our soul is Jesus Christ, who Scripture assures us will not change. To find comfort in Him, we must learn who He is, what He does, and how He works. Today we will explore a few details about His life and character. John 1:1 reveals that Jesus was Deity from the beginning. Fully God and fully man, He was born of a virgin, lived 33 years on the earth, was crucified despite His innocence, and rose after three days. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—the Christ, the Son of the Living God (John 14:6; Matt. 16:16-17). Our Lord fulfilled countless prophesies in the Old Testament, such as Isaiah 53. Like us, Jesus has feelings—He wept for hurting people and felt angry when people misused the temple. Most importantly, His resurrection defeated death, and He still lives today. God’s character never varies. Of course, as situations change, He acts accordingly. But the merciful, loving, compassionate, and holy Jesus we know in Scripture is the same Messiah we can cling to today. | Where do you turn EARLY LIGHT in trying times? Difficult circumstances are inevitable. Prepare yourself for them by learning who Jesus is—He’s the only true shelter and rock that will not change. What a wonderful Savior!

READ | Malachi 3:6 eople sometimes say, “The only constant is change.” Fortunately, this is not true. There is One who never changes. Jesus Christ always remain the same. What a comfort for believers! But it’s hard to find refuge in someone we don’t know well. So let’s explore the Lord’s actions to learn more about His nature. • Jesus forgave others. He showed mercy, not judgment, to those who recognized their sin. For example, Jesus had compassion on the woman caught in adultery and stopped her death penalty with a few wise words. Then, instead of pronouncing condemnation, He said that her sins were forgiven (John 8:1-11). • Jesus comforted the hurting. He visited Mary and Martha, who were mourning the loss of their brother Lazarus (John 11:1-45). • Jesus provided for needs. After spending three days healing all kinds of disabilities, He was concerned that the large crowd hadn’t eaten. He could have sent all 4,000 away to find their own food, but He provided more than enough to satisfy their hunger (Mark 8:1-9). • Jesus interceded for His disciples. Just before He was crucified, He asked the Father to protect and sanctify His followers, including you and me (John 17:15, 17, 19-20). • Jesus strengthened believers and gave them power to do God’s work. In Acts 1:8, the Lord sent His disciples out to share the gospel, assuring them, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” E A R L Y L I G H T | Jesus still forgives, still comforts, still provides, still intercedes, and still empowers. What a blessing that we can find refuge in our amazing Lord!

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Isaiah 30-34

Isaiah 35-39 www.intouch.org

| 45

Created for Excellence Ever wonder if you really matter? Here’s the truth: You have an extraordinary role in God’s master plan, and no one else can fill it the same way you can. Learn as Dr. Stanley shares essential principles that have shaped his faith and can help you live life to its fullest. Living the Extraordinary Life Softcover / $14.99 CD / $51 DVD / $50

Uniquely Gifted Even if you think you know what your spiritual gifts are, Dr. Stanley’s fascinating eight-part series will energize you to serve with purpose and confidence. Learn how God has specifically equipped you to minister to others through the Holy Spirit’s power. God’s Children—Gifted for Ministry CD / $51

At the Crossroads It isn’t always easy to know when to go full speed ahead with a decision and when to pause—or even when to come to a full stop. In this two-part series, Dr. Stanley shows you how to discern God’s directions and wait proactively on Him. When It Is Wise to Wait CD / $12

The Greatest Thing of All We were created to love and be loved, yet we often feel empty and unable to give the very thing everyone wants most. In this six-part series, Dr. Stanley takes you on a journey toward a life of connectedness and peace with God, yourself, and others. Liberated to Love CD / $38

The Desires of Your Heart Have you ever wondered why God still hasn’t blessed you by answering your deepest longings? In this two-part series, Dr. Stanley unpacks Scripture to help you understand the Father’s heart for you—and all He wants to accomplish in your life right now. God’s Promise for Blessing CD / $12

A Fresh Wind in Your Sails Know where you’re heading? Or do you find yourself floating through life from one weekend to another? In this two-part series, Dr. Stanley shows you how to take inventory of your inner and outer life to regain a clear sense of purpose and direction from God. The Danger of Drifting CD / $12 DVD / $25

Free IN TOUCH MINISTRIES® P.O. Box 7900 Atlanta, GA 30357

NON-PROFIT ORG. U. S. POSTAGE PAID IN TOUCH MINISTRIES, INC

n n n

Peace With One Another Peace With Ourselves How to Protect Our Peace

n n n

Peace in Times of Trouble

Unshakable Peace

Is Peace Possible in Bad Times?

Titles includ e:

Credit Card Orders: US 800-333-5849 • Canada 800-323-3747 • www.intouch.org

Messages on Peace—CD / $38.00

If you’re feeling stressed out or full of insecurity and fears, you’ll find these six classic messages from Dr. Stanley liberating. Learn how to experience the extraordinary, lasting peace that only Christ offers.

Experience freedom —in any situation.

has always been

our magazine

Free IN TOUCH MINISTRIES® P.O. Box 7900 Atlanta, GA 30357

Unshakable Peace n n

Peace With Ourselves How to Protect Our Peace

n n

Peace in Times of Trouble

Is Peace Possible in Bad Times? n

Peace With One Another n

Titles includ e:

Credit Card Orders: US 800-333-5849 • Canada 800-323-3747 • www.intouch.org

Messages on Peace—CD / $38.00

Experience freedom —in any situation.

has always been

our magazine

Free IN TOUCH MINISTRIES OF CANADA P.O. Box 4900 MARKHAM, ON L3R 6G9 3017710

Unshakable Peace n n

Peace With Ourselves How to Protect Our Peace

n n

Peace in Times of Trouble

Is Peace Possible in Bad Times? n

Peace With One Another n

Titles includ e:

Credit Card Orders: US 800-333-5849 • Canada 800-323-3747 • www.intouch.org

Messages on Peace—CD / $38.00

Experience freedom —in any situation.

has always been

our magazine