Charles Stanley- Lord the Provider!

n o v e m b e r

2 0 1 0

G o d’ s Promise to

Provide

Empowering Ministry

through

Powerful Prayer

Would you like to be part of In Touch’s mission? Here’s a

valuable way to make a difference. Visit www.intouch.org, click

on the “community” tab, and learn how you can intercede for our ministry by joining the Impact Prayer Team.

features by

God’s Promise to Provide

c h a r l e s

f.

s ta n l e y

N O V E M B E R

2 0 1 0

6

The Lord provides for our needs and even cares about our desires—but He won’t bless a disobedient spirit.

12

Exceeding Etiquette

b y

t o n y a

s t o n e m a n

Writing thank-you notes can be a tiring process. But if you look beyond the chore, you can find a hidden blessing.

early light

32

This month’s devotions from Dr. Stanley’s sermons can help us reflect on our indebtedness to God.

departments

18 by faith

Rethinking the American Dream b y

j o a n

b a l l

She traded the stability of a life focused on herself for the uncertainty of a life surrendered to Jesus. Would you?

22 solving problems Her Blessing b y

l a u r i e

r u s s e l l

Jealousy made it onto God’s “Thou Shalt Not” short list. Here’s why.

26 family room

Daddy’s Shoes b y

B e t h

F o r t u n e

When we grieve the loss of a loved one, material things left behind often hold special memories.

28 strong in spirit

Grateful for God’s Givers b y

a l l e n

h a r r i s

Are we looking for supernatural wonders but missing the miracles God performs for us every day?

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 All prices are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted. E-mail magazine-related comments to [email protected]. For Customer Care, call 800-789-1473 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.– 8 p.m. (et)­. For Canadian telephone orders, call 800-323-3747.

Dr. Stanley portraits by David smith.

EVANGELICAL PRESS A SSOCIATION

To discontinue receiving this magazine, or to report receiving multiple issues, call 800-789-1473, or e-mail [email protected]. Please include your name and address. In Touch ® magazine, NOVEMBER 2010, Vol. 33 No. 11. © 2010; 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.

Stay

in the

Loop!

A Publication of

to the Glory of God

Dr. Charles F. Stanley PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

C. Phillip Bowen c hie f e x e c uti v e o f f i c er

John E. Courtney, Jr. VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT

Tonya Stoneman EDITOR D I R E C T O R OF P U B L I C A T I O N S

Linda M. Canup A ssistant E dit o r

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

Visit www.intouch.org to sign up and stay connected with In Touch. You’ll receive a monthly e-mail with: Unique content to strengthen your walk with Christ Descriptions of new ministry initiatives n Special offers on great resources.

Cameron Lawrence c o py edit o r / W riter

Lisa Dyches Creati v e D I R E C T O R

n n

Jeff Gregory ART DIRECTOR

Joey Tindell

Have you decided to trust Jesus as your personal Savior? 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 simple prayer:

God, I acknowledge that I have sinned before You, but I receive Jesus’ substitutionary death on the cross as payment-in-full for my sin debt. I believe He rose from the dead, and I trust Him as my Lord and Savior. Thank You for forgiving me, for making me a new person, and for including me in Your family. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen. We will gladly send you our New Believer’s Kit to help you take the next step in your walk with God. Contact our customer care department at 800-789-1473, or visit www.intouch.org.

MARKETING PROMOTIONS PLANNER

Steve R. Lindsey DIRECTOR RESOURCES AND FULFILLMENT

David Blahnik P r o du c ti o n M anager

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

e

It Is Good To Give Thanks >> Thanksgiving Was an Important Part of Israelite Culture

“

Every morning and evening, the Levites sacrificed a thank offering to the Lord. This was to keep the people’s focus on their true provider—God. Psalm 92:1-2 tells us, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night.” We would do well to imitate the Levites in this way, giving thanks in the morning and evening. When I think of what I am grateful for each day, two things immediately come to mind: I am alive, and I am saved. If I think of nothing else to be thankful for, I can always praise God for these things. But thanking the Lord goes far beyond appreciating what He gives us and does for us. When we thank Him, we honor Him. A humble attitude of gratefulness refocuses our attention on the things that really matter in this life. When we have this mindset, our gaze moves away from self-centered anxiety to genuine contentment. The apostle Paul knew this well. He writes, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7). Thanking the Lord each day refreshes our relationship with Him and reinforces our faith. So how do we express our thankfulness to God? By simply saying “Thank You.” Prayers of appreciation are a blessing to our Father. “He who offers the sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; and to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God” (Ps. 50:23). We can also demonstrate gratitude by singing, praising Him in public, giving generously, and living a godly life. Even if you never get anything in return, you can honor God through actions in your everyday life that demonstrate thankfulness for His incredible generosity to you. In doing so, you will experience closer intimacy with Him. It’s my prayer that you emulate the Levites in this way—and receive the blessing that comes from a grateful heart.

When we thank [God] . . . our gaze moves away from self-centered anxiety to genuine contentment.”

P

G o d’ s P r o m i s e t o Thanksgiving is a special opportunity to express our gratitude to God for His provisions and blessing throughout the year. But let me ask you a question. Are there any needs in your life that have not yet been met? Maybe after months of looking for a job, you are still unemployed. Or could it be that you are facing a lingering health issue that is still unresolved? Perhaps you are longing for a spouse, but the Lord has not yet led you to that special person. I often meet Christians who tell me they have prayed about a certain matter, asking God to provide for their need, but He hasn’t done it. They are confused and wonder why the Lord didn’t answer their prayer. After all, doesn’t He say in Philippians 4:19, “My God will supply all your needs”? If you find yourself in the same situation, do you think the problem is with you or with the Lord?

The Expectation

To gain some understanding of this dilemma, let’s consider the basis for our expectation that God will supply every necessity. First of all, we have His promise, but its validity depends upon His ability to fulfill it. Does the Lord have the power to provide for you? Yes, He does. Everything in heaven and on earth belongs to Him (Ps. 50:10-12). Since He is able to keep His promise, then we have to ask another question. Does He have the integrity and willingness to do what He said? Again, the answer is yes. He is always faithful to His Word and wants to give us what we lack (2 Cor. 9:10). Therefore, since we have a God who is interested in every area of our lives and has the ability

Provide U n d e r standing His Ways a n d P r iorities b y

c h arles

f .

stanle y

www.intouch.org

| 7

and willingness to fulfill His pledge, the problem of our unmet needs must rest with us. Let’s consider some common mistakes we make.

Our Mistakes

Sometimes we fail to distinguish between needs and desires. First of all, I want to clarify that having a desire is not necessarily a sin; however, some things we want are not really essential, and many times, they may not be good for us. What gets us in trouble is expecting God to supply things we long for which are not necessities in His eyes. When I can’t tell the difference, I surrender my desire to the Lord, asking Him to show me if it’s important. Because I don’t want anything outside of His will, I ask Him to take away my longing if it is not from Him. Whenever I do this, He replaces it with something that is His will for my life. However, some things we yearn for do line up with God’s plans for us. Whenever we want something that will contribute to the development of a Christlike character, He delights in giving it to us. That’s what Psalm 37:4 is all about. “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Our goal should always be to take such delight in our relationship with the Lord and in His plans for us that we want only what pleases Him. A second mistake we make is isolating a scripture from its context. Many people will claim the Lord’s promise of provision in Philippians 4:19 but fail to take into account the context of that verse. This guarantee was given to believers in Philippi who were actively involved in supporting Paul and his ministry: “I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your 8 |

NO V EMBER 2 0 1 0

In Touch

needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (vv. 18-19). The principle of God’s faithfulness in providing for those who give generously is found throughout Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments. And according to verse 19, He’s going to meet our needs “according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” We cannot afford to overlook the context, because it gives the background of the promise and reveals that His resources come to us as a result of our relationship with Christ.

God’s Conditions

Let’s look at the requirements that the Lord has established as boundaries around His promise to supply all our needs.

Obey. We cannot live in sin and disobedience to almighty God and expect Him to give us everything we request. Psalm 84:11 says, “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Those who walk uprightly are not sinless or perfect, but rather, their hearts are bent toward the Lord, and they want to please Him. God assumes full responsibility for meeting the needs of those who obey Him, but sin blocks His blessings. He will not support the sinful lifestyles of His children, because that is not in their best interest and will not bring Him glory. Sometimes for their own good, He lets them do without in order to bring them back to Himself (Luke 15:11-24). Ask. Be willing to ask God to supply what you lack. What is your first response when an unexpected problem arises? Do you immediately bring it to the Lord, or do you resort to worrying, maneuvering, or trying to figure out how to handle it yourself? We are told repeatedly in the Scriptures to come to God with our requests (Phil. 4:6). Asking Him for help

shows that our attitude is one of humble dependence and not prideful self-reliance. Even if we have the resources to take care of ourselves, we should still recognize that everything we have comes from Him.

Believe. Jesus often spoke about asking

with faith: “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you” (Mark 11:24). Christ wants us to be so confident in the Father’s prom-

Lord to provide a sermon for next Sunday, but I put in no effort during the week to study and pray. Do you think the Lord would just drop a message into my head on the following Sunday morning? No. He has work for me to accomplish, and He expects me to do it. Laziness does not merit any blessing from God. If He has given you the capability of earning a living, He expects you to work. I am speaking not about those who want to work and can’t find a job, but

“Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” ise to meet our needs that we count it as already accomplished before we even see the answer. However, I want to caution you about trying to use this verse to get whatever you desire from God by simply “having enough faith.” Prayer must always be initiated with pure motives, or it is worthless. James 4:3 says, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” Also, the requests that we offer must be in accordance with the Father’s will (1 John 5:14-15). Remember what I said about context. Never take one verse of the Bible and try to make it say what you want. Only by considering the whole counsel of God can we gain an accurate understanding of His promises. When faith stands upon truth and works itself out in obedience, then we have the full assurance that He will grant our requests.

Participate. God is not going to do

anything for you that He has equipped you to do. Suppose I decided to trust the

about those who expect the Lord to supply their income while they make no effort to support themselves.

Wait. God not only knows what we need;

He also knows when to give it. Some of the things we’ve requested have already been answered by the Lord and are simply awaiting the ordained time for delivery. He has every provision planned and settled in heaven and is never late or early. He always knows the best time to grant our petitions. If you become impatient and try to rush ahead of Him by doing things your own way, you’ll miss all that He planned to give you. According to Isaiah 64:4, He “acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him.” Although it may seem that He’s forgotten you, if you keep trusting and waiting, He will move heaven and earth to take care of you.

Accept. God’s way of meeting your needs

may not be what you envisioned or hoped. Have you ever come to the Lord in prayer with an urgent request and found yourself telling Him exactly how He should interwww.intouch.org

| 9

vene? We must be open to whatever way He chooses to provide. His path of intervention may make no sense to us, but by trusting in His omniscient perspective, we can often look back with amazement at the wisdom of His divine strategy (Isa. 55:8-9).

Prioritize. We must keep our eyes on the Lord, not on our needs. The proper focus is found in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Our top priority in life is spiritual in nature—not material or physical. If our main concern is what we need, then we are not seeking the kingdom of God. In fact, we can reverse this divine order by trying to use God to get what we desire instead of placing all our requests under His authority, acknowledging His right to give or withhold. Since the Lord’s priority in our lives is spiritual, we can know with certainty that He is working in the unseen realm even when we don’t see anything changing in our outward situation. Sometimes the externals have to wait while He accomplishes internal work in us or others. Although He is committed to meeting all our needs, He always does so in a manner that contributes to His ultimate goal of transforming us into the image of His Son. Remember, our greatest needs are not the most obvious ones, but those that have to do with the development of godly character, selfless attitudes, renewed minds, and surrendered wills. That’s what we should be seeking and asking the Lord to produce in us. This Thanksgiving season, spend some time thanking God for His less obvious blessings in your life. For example, even though He may not have given financial prosperity, He might have produced trust and contentment within you. Instead of healing physically, perhaps He taught you that His grace is sufficient in your 10 |

NO V EMBER 2 0 1 0

In Touch

weakness. And through loneliness, maybe He gave you the comfort of a closer relationship with Him. By focusing on the Lord’s spiritual provisions, you will gain a new understanding of His ways, and your gratitude will overflow.

Questions for

Further Study

Since the apostle Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote the promise recorded in Philippians 4:19, let’s examine his life and see if he really believed the Lord would supply all his needs. As you read, look for ways God provided when it seemed as if He wasn’t doing a very good job of taking care of Paul. 1. Material Needs: Read Philippians 4:10-13. What was Paul’s attitude toward seasons of deprivation? How did he cope? What valuable spiritual provision helped him endure (v. 13)? 2. Physical Needs: Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Describe Paul’s physical condition. Why didn’t God do what he asked? What spiritual provisions did He give instead? What was Paul’s attitude about the Lord’s answer? 3. Emotional Needs: Read 2 Corinthians 1:8-11. Describe Paul’s emotional state. What impor- tant spiritual lesson did he learn (v. 10)? How did others help him during his difficulty? 4. Relational Needs: Read 2 Timothy 4:9-18. List the various needs Paul experienced at the end of his life. What did the Lord do for him when others failed him? Where was his hope placed—on his present situation or future blessings? Trust God to provide. It’s sometimes easy to confuse a want with a need. Dr. Stanley’s four-CD set explains that the Lord always supplies the believer’s necessities according to His purposes. Our Unmet Needs set | $14 (U.S.)

u4-CD

See order form or visit www.intouch.org.

“

15-minute Bible study

Removing Self from Self-Righteousness

>> Unmasking the Invisible Sin

s lu k e 6 : 3 9 - 4 2

“

Self-righteousness is one of the most difficult sins to recognize within ourselves, because it disguises itself as obedience to Scripture and firm convictions about the truth. That’s why Christians are particularly prone to its deceptive lure; after all, we know right from wrong and have a genuine desire to obey the Lord. This “invisible sin” is overcome only through exposure and repentance. The Pharisees were glaring examples of self-righteousness. By examining their lives, we can glean an understanding of the inner workings of this manifestation of pride that still entraps many believers today. Let’s strip off our blinders and allow God’s Word to reveal any false righteousness in us (Heb. 4:12-13). Characteristics: uThe self-righteous are blind guides who lead people astray. They are quick to point out the sins of others but can’t see their own (Luke 6:39-42). uTheir focus is on good behavior, not on a pure heart. They appear outwardly righteous but are inwardly full of hypocrisy (Matt. 23:25-28). Dangers: uThey reject God’s purpose for their lives by refusing to repent (Matt. 3:1-11; Luke 7:29-30). uTheir hearts are far from Questions for Reflection the Lord (Matt. 15:1-9). 1. Does your familiarity with Scripture or success uThey will be judged by their in obeying God lead you to compare yourself with others who are less knowledgeable or who own standard (Luke 6:36-38). struggle with certain sins? If so, why do you Remedy: think you do this? uAsk the Lord to search your heart and reveal any 2. Are you more prone to find fault with others or hidden self-righteousness to extend mercy and grace? What does Christ (Ps. 139:23-24). mean when He says that you will be judged by uConfess your arrogance the same measure that you use for others (Luke 6:38)? (1 Cor. 8:1-3). uIn repentance, humble 3. Are you reluctant to ask the Lord to examine yourself (James 4:6-12). your heart? What do you fear He may find? uPursue an intimate relation- What are the benefits of bringing hidden areas ship with Christ, not your own into the light? righteousness (Phil. 3:3-16). uExtend grace, not judgment, to others (Rom. 14:1-13).

Self-righteousness is overcome only through exposure and repentance.”

www.intouch.org

| 11

Exceeding v Etiquette b y

ton y a

stoneman

h g e When I got married,

I had to write several hundred thank-

you notes. The endeavor took me nearly six months. A year after the

wedding, my husband and I visited family friends for dinner, and our

hostess retrieved one of those notes to share with everyone present. She read the simple message: “Thank you so much for the lovely . . .” and

paused where I had left a blank space to insert the appropriate gift. At

some point in the grueling process, I had begun churning out the notes en masse and had neglected to run hers through the second phase.

After that, I searched for ways to avoid writing the dreaded notes. Wouldn’t a simple phone call suffice? I could call my friends while driving to work in the morning and leave messages on their voice mail if they didn’t pick up. “Hey, Ruth. Thanks for the . . . terrific gift. I really like it. Okay, call you later. Bye.” I could send e-mail. Draft one message and fill in the blank for each different benefactor. Risky, though: offended hostesses might forward it to everyone in the family instead of merely embarrassing me in front of a few people. I could just not say thanks—a lot of people do this. It’s implied, isn’t it? But I remember my sister-in-law telling me why she decided to withdraw her name from the family Christmas gift swap— nobody ever thanked her for her presents. My husband adheres to tradition, so we buy thank-you cards whenever we’re in a gift shop and keep a healthy supply on hand. We send dozens of them out and never know what their recipients make of them. And I rarely receive any, even when I spend a good amount on birthday gifts for other people’s kids.

Still, I have come to appreciate the importance of this tried-and-true display of etiquette. I remember watching an interview with Princess Diana in which she said that, as a child, she sat down to write thank-you notes immediately after opening her Christmas presents. That inspired me to pack the cards when we travel during the holidays, or leave them out on the breakfast table the night before Christmas. I think what discourages us from sending these notes is that most of us don’t know what to say. “Thanks for the blue and green sweater, Grandma,” sounds so trite. And there’s the underlying feeling of guilt—maybe we don’t even like the sweater to begin with. But the point is, it doesn’t really matter how eloquently you state your gratitude. The simple act of saying thanks is enough. When we take a moment to express our appreciation, we acknowledge the efforts of other people who give generously when they don’t have to. And this is no small thing. When we do it, we bless the giver in return. And sometimes that blessing comes back and blesses us twofold. www.intouch.org

| 13

A friend recently shared an example of this with me. She’d read an article urging readers not to wait for a eulogy to sing praises of the deceased. The author pointed out the advantage of expressing gratitude while there’s still time for the recipient to hear your appreciation. “Miss Wetherell immediately came to mind,” my friend told me. “My 12th grade French teacher was ‘old school’ figuratively and literally—her style was traditional and authoritative, and she’d been teaching for ages (my father had been her student). She had high standards, both for her students and for herself, and learn French we did! I’m sure she wouldn’t have tolerated any funny business in her classroom, but she commanded so much respect that no one ever even tried. “Motivated by the article, I looked her up and made the pleasant discovery that she’d moved to the suburbs and lived about three blocks from our new home. My call—thanking her for insisting on and inspiring excellence—resulted in a delightful visit, with many more to follow. Over tea and her famous meringues, we’d reminisce, share stories about our families, and discuss something we discovered we had in common: a love of Scripture. She took me on tours of her garden, her sister’s artwork, and her collection of antique and international bells. And she invited me to the senior center, where, at 90, she led an exercise class in swinging Indian clubs. “When I moved out of state, visits were replaced by the occasional phone call, and Charlotte remained a sharp conversationalist right up until her death at 102. The African cowbell she gave me reminds me of that great lady—and how blessed I was by saying ‘Thanks.’” I’ve found the same thing to be true in my life. About ten years ago a Bible study leader encouraged our class to go beyond the traditional thank-you notes for gifts

received and catalog our thankfulness for everything. She gave each of us a brown paper bag with the words “Bag-oBlessings” written on it. We were to keep it for one year and then go through the bag on Thanksgiving Day. When the following year rolled around, my family delved into the bag and was positively regaled with blessings: Thank You, God, for sparing us in our car accident. Thank You for a healthy baby. Thank You for a new job. Thank You for money to replace appliances. Thank You for friendly neighbors. Thank You for a wonderful evening with good friends. Thank You for my favorite song on the radio. Thank You for allowing my son to score a goal—he needed that today. On and on the list went. By the time we finished, I had no more words. My tears told God how truly thankful I was. But our next challenge was to put the pen to paper and begin actively thanking the people who had made a difference in our lives. In doing this, I discovered a wonderful tradition called Boxing Day. This public holiday is celebrated in the United Kingdom and various other countries on the day after Christmas. It involves giving money or gifts to those in service positions. Have you ever left a present on your garbage cans to thank the guy who takes away your rubbish every week? Ever drop by the police station and thank the cops for keeping you safe on the highways and patrolling your neighborhood at night? What about the custodian who vacuums your office and cleans up the bathrooms? Have you ever stopped to thank them? Do it, and see what happens. In my years of writing these missives, I’ve learned to really enjoy the process. And as time goes by, more people come to mind. I currently need to thank my high-school English teacher. She taught me to love Shakespeare. I need to thank

o 14 |

NO V EMBER 2 0 1 0

In Touch

f

a man named Larry Mason. He saved my dad’s life in Vietnam. Without his selfless act, I wouldn’t even be here. I need Establish a daily practice to thank the woman who noticing the gifts and grace taught my children to sail. I can already tell this activity is going to be a huge part of their lives. When I stop to think about it, I owe thank-you notes to a lot of people. It has been said that actions speak louder than words, but sometimes words are necessary. The right words are Even Jonah thanked the Lord from the an action in and of themselves. We see belly of the whale: “But I will sacrifice to this often in the Bible. You with the voice of thanksgiving. That Paul routinely let those around him which I have vowed I will pay. Salvation is know how much he appreciated them. He from the Lord” (Jonah 2:9). told Timothy, “I thank God, whom I serve And Jesus certainly was not remiss in with a clear conscience the way my forethanking His Father: “So they removed the fathers did, as I constantly remember you stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, in my prayers night and day” (2 Tim. 1:3). ‘Father, I thank You that You have heard David wanted to express appreciation Me’” (John 11:41). to the men of Jabesh-gilead who had What we learn from these great stories buried Saul. So he sent messengers saying, is that people did not merely thank the “Now may the Lord show lovingkindness Lord or others because it was polite or and truth to you; and I also will show this socially expedient to do so. Gratitude goodness to you, because you have done was an innate part of their lives. And we this thing,” (2 Sam. 2:6). see clearly in the Scriptures that humble Boaz did not hesitate to thank Ruth thankfulness yielded blessings. David for working in his field: “May the Lord became a King. Boaz married a wife. reward your work, and your wages be full Daniel got promoted. Jonah was released from the Lord, the God of Israel, under from the whale. whose wings you have come to seek refuge” So how can we take a cue from our (Ruth 2:12). biblical ancestors? Establish a daily pracDaniel thanked the Lord for enabling tice noticing the gifts and grace that you him to interpret the king’s dream. “To You, receive. Set aside time to recall those O God of my fathers, I give thanks and moments and your appreciation of whoever praise, for You have given me wisdom is responsible for them. And, by all means, and power” (Dan. 2:23). take the time to write thank-you notes.

that you receive.

www.intouch.org

| 15

There’s always a reason to write a thankyou note . . .

“ 16 |

NO V EMBER 2 0 1 0

In Touch

building wisely

The Charitable Bequest

>> Opportunity for Kingdom Impact

W “ By

wa y ne

jones ,

C F P

®

We are very grateful for all those who partner with In Touch to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. The ministry receives financial support in a number of ways, one being the charitable bequest. This is an estate gift, distributed after the death of the owner, to a charity by will, trust, or beneficiary designation. The bequest may be for a specific amount, a certain asset, or a percentage of the residual estate. What are the benefits? A bequest preserves flexibility by allowing an individual to maintain full control and use of property during one’s lifetime. It can be altered or revoked if circumstances or family needs change. And it’s a way to impact future generations with the gospel. In addition, a bequest to charity can bypass taxes. Tax deferred accounts such as traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement plans are subject to income tax when distributed to individual heirs. These assets may also incur estate taxes, if applicable. The potential combined tax rate on tax deferred accounts can approach 60 percent or higher for larger estates. This high taxation may be avoided as retirement assets can pass to charitable beneficiaries tax-free. A bequest of all or a portion of one’s retirement funds can be accomplished by completing the plan’s beneficiary form. With proper planning, this can be a cost-effective way to provide significant support for ministry. Getting started A well-developed estate plan is part of wise stewardship. We offer a complimentary estate planning guide [email protected] to prepare you for meeting with a lawyer to complete www.intouchfoundation.org your will. Before setting up a charitable bequest, make 800-967-2200 sure your family is well provided for—this is in line with the teachings of the apostle Paul, who wrote, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Tim. 5:8). Please let us know if we may assist you.

A bequest preserves flexibility and is a way to impact future generations with the gospel.”

This article is not intended to provide specific legal, tax, or financial advice. You should seek the advice of qualified professionals in planning for your family’s future.

www.intouch.org

| 17

byfaith

Reth i n k i n g the

ame r ic an

dr eam

B

“But how did you know it was God?”

I paused for a moment, wondering how it was possible that another person who’d been a Christian since childhood could be asking me, a former atheist, about hearing and following the leading of the Holy Spirit. “Well,” I said, “I knew and I didn’t know . . . ” This certainly wasn’t the first time I’d found myself sitting in a coffee shop describing the haphazard journey my husband and I had embarked upon in the years since my unanticipated conversion to Christianity. Still, it was hard for me to understand why so many Christians were surprised and fascinated by our decision to sell our home, leave our careers, and pursue this uncertain path in the heart of our prime earning years. Granted, our radical change of lifestyle was out of step with the arc of the American Dream we’d been successfully traveling, but when amazing grace blew in unexpectedly, it rocked our world and changed everything. Despite my rather abrupt conversion to Christianity in 2003 at the age of 37, the change of life that followed didn’t happen all at once. I’m not sure how eager I would’ve been, had I known what taking one obedient 18 |

NO V EMBER 2 0 1 0

In Touch

step after another would result in: a major transition from the stability of a life lived for myself to the uncertainty of a life surrendered to Jesus. Thankfully, I was spared knowing the end from the beginning, as God laid out His plan in bite-sized pieces—one challenge or sacrifice at a time. And then, we woke up seven years later with a new life we’d never dreamed of having. Sometimes, the changes we were prompted to make in the weeks, months, and years that followed my conversion appeared to make sense. Walking away from a hard-earned 15-year career in public relations (something I never thought I’d do) coincided with my teenage son developing serious health issues. If God was really behind such a huge lifestyle change, I could see the wisdom in it; considering that He was up to something important behind the scenes made it easier to pull the trigger. But there were other times, when following the Holy Spirit seemed to make no practical sense. Like when I woke up in the middle of the night and told my husband that we were supposed to sell our 4,000-square foot dream home with no idea why (or where we’d move). Only

What if letting go of everything you wanted led to dreams you didn’t know you had? b y

J oan

B all

www.intouch.org

| 19

byfaith

because Martin was so convinced that my conversion of faith and these subsequent promptings to make changes were real was he willing to go with it. A few years later, we were similarly compelled to open the doors of our home and sell everything we didn’t truly need. We ran ads, posted flyers, and watched while strangers—from soon-

I was desperate to know what it meant to truly

follow Him. to-be-married couples to empty-nesters— snatched up and made offers on furniture, art, jewelry, and other cherished treasures. At the time, it just seemed nuts. Yet later, we eventually saw that these experiences were exercises in letting go and recognizing that everything we owned was a gift rather than a right. Hence, my friend’s question in the cafe. How did we know it was God? Why would a reasonable, rational couple with three kids choose to trade comfort for an unknown future—with nothing more to go on than an intangible but firm sense that it was what He wanted us to do? I can’t blame her or anyone else for questioning our decisions. Before all this happened, I’d scoffed at the suggestion that Jesus be my Lord and Savior, not to mention that He was actually hearable. Sure, in my early 30s, I’d traded the rabid atheism of my 20s for the possibility that there might be something out there. I’d even come to believe that it might be to my benefit to learn more about this “something” and its 20 |

NO V EMBER 2 0 1 0

In Touch

potential to help me live a more sane life in a program of recovery. But this “powergreater-than-myself” certainly wasn’t going to have a hand in my pocket—much less decide where I lived! Yet then came my unexpected, unsought, and supernatural encounter with an unseen Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which radically changed my faith in an instant. I was not only ready to listen; I was desperate to know what it meant to truly follow Him. Aside from the Ten Commandments, Christmas, and Easter, I had no context whatsoever in the early days of my journey for what it meant to follow Jesus. All I knew was that I felt absolutely compelled to read the Bible. Perhaps “reading” is too tame a word. I was like a castaway bellied up to a sumptuous buffet— reading multiple translations side-by-side and breaking down passages using dictionaries to translate the original Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic text. I cut my spiritual teeth on stories of ordinary men and women who went beyond a Sunday-morning kind of religious routine and put their lives on the line to do whatever extraordinary thing they were called to do on moment’s notice. Along with Jesus Himself, these biblical heroes were my first models for what it meant to live a genuine life of faith, and their stories prompted me to question everything. And that included asking myself what success might look like through the Savior’s eyes. It seemed clear that I should find out what it would mean to offer my life as a “living sacrifice” (Rom. 12:1) in suburban New York in the 21st century. So I was confounded when I discussed these stories with Christians who told me they felt a call on their lives but were waiting for the time to be right, the money to be there, or their kids to graduate from college before they’d consider pursuing it. That made no sense to me. If God was the same yesterday, today, and forever

S

(Heb. 13:8), why would He operate differently just because we had laptops and cell phones? Why would the God who called people out of the mundane and into the extraordinary suddenly view our comfort to be more important than building His  kingdom? It didn’t add up. I was eager to learn more, but when I turned to the Christian community for help, my questions multiplied. The more I connected with spiritual leaders (I talked with everyone I could) or read their writing, the more I saw that “following Jesus” meant very different things to different people within the body of Christ. For some, social justice and serving the poor were paramount. Others stressed the importance of “family values” and moral teachings. There were those who felt it was about discovering one’s unique purpose and embracing a calling; still others said it was a matter of practicing “spiritual gifts.” I was fascinated to find that, according to the Bible, each group was “right,” at least in part.

S

So I kept reading, watching, and listening to anything and everything I could get my hands on. I was a sponge for any insight I might glean from the faith experiences of others—from the ancient patriarchs to modern megachurch pastors. Digging into Scripture, I prayed Proverbs 1:1-7, asking God for “prudence, knowledge, and discretion”; I requested that He help me attain wisdom and discipline, equip me to understand words of insight, and show me how to discern what was “right, just, and fair.” That’s when the Holy Spirit began nudging me with questions about my dayto-day life—and got deep into my business. I began thinking about things like, How much house is enough house? How much money do I really need to spend on a car? Are expensive music lessons for my child top priority, or should I be factoring in the

family across town who badly needs food? As I explored these questions, I could see I’d stumbled into a supernatural treasure hunt. No ten-step to-do list for living the Christian life, particularly through my own power, could replace surrender to real transformation in the hands of the living God. My prayers shifted from “help me, give me” to asking that I be changed from the inside out—that every desire would be conformed to His desire (Rom. 12:2). Instead of praying around my desired outcome for things, I prayed for doors to open and close however He wanted. That I’d feel contentment only when I was pleasing Him and be agitated when off-track. Slowly, I began to welcome a “no” as much as a “yes.” I began to understand and accept that He is God and I am not, and that the “fear of God” (which is “the beginning of wisdom”) is about awe and worship, not fear of punishment or condemnation. I prayed for faith to trust that He would help me recognize His answers to these prayers—and for the courage to follow with complete abandon. And then I let go, choosing to follow the Lord wherever He might take me. Years later, I am living a different “American Dream.” One in which who I’m becoming means more to me than where I’m living. One in which the people I’m impacting matter more than my title or salary. One in which I’m fulfilled and content, even in the face of disappointment or difficulty—and know I’m loved even when circumstances say otherwise. So, how did I know it was God? At the time, I both knew and didn’t know. But now, I can say this: My life and my state of mind are nothing like they once were. And only God can take away our most prized dreams for our lives and replace them with a reality infinitely better. Joan Ball is the author of the memoir Flirting With Faith: My Journey from Atheism to a FaithFilled Life. www.intouch.org

| 21

solvingproblems

Her

BLESSING How jealousy can st e a l j o y

In

B y

L aurie

In amazement, I looked from my seat. Was that really Tammy? A few years ago, while visiting my family back home, I decided to attend my old church in the city. Up on stage, leading worship in front of thousands of people, was my old friend. How did she get there? When we were younger, Tammy and I were part of a coffee group that met together twice a month. Back then, she dreamed of leading worship and signing record deals. As I watched her sing, it was obvious that God was using her to do both. One part of me wanted to celebrate and praise God for allowing her to fulfill her dreams. But another part of me, a darker part, was less than excited. I found myself wondering, Why not me?

22 |

NO V EMBER 2 0 1 0

In Touch

R ussell

God was using me in my work and ministry, but I wanted to be part of that kind of blessing. The battle of emotions tugged and tore at me. I didn’t like feeling this way. As Tammy’s sister in Christ, I knew I should be excited that God was using my friend and happy to see His hand working in her life. And I was . . . kind of. I didn’t want to appear “unspiritual,” so I pretended to be happy for her, boasting about her performance to my husband. But beneath the façade, jealousy circulated through me like poison, making its way to my heart. I tried harder, praising her with a fake smile that I hoped would neutralize my emotions. Maybe if I faked it enough, I could sincerely be happy for her.

No such luck. The more I bragged about her to my husband, the more I thought about it. The more I thought about it, the more it ate away at me. What was happening? Jealousy was destroying my joy.

Jealousy craves status

I wasn’t jealous of Tammy’s stuff —her clothes, her house, or even her talent. My battle wasn’t a desire to be the one on the stage leading worship. It was her blessing I wanted. I was living out a modern day version of Jacob and Esau. God had blessed my sister in Christ with an incredible ministry, and I wanted it. I wanted to be the one chosen by God. I craved a glamorous calling that

met all of my specifications. Why was God fulfilling Tammy’s personal requests and not mine? After the service, I spoke with Tammy. As we caught up with each other, I was tempted to exaggerate what was going on in my life and ministry. I felt the need to “one up” her, to let her know I was doing something special too. Jealousy often seeks to self-gratify. And in the process, someone else is diminished. John the Baptist modeled how to respond to this temptation. His ministry was to prepare the way for Christ. For a season, he drew the largest crowds. However, when Jesus began His ministry, life changed for John and his disciples. In John 3:26, John’s disciples expressed www.intouch.org

| 23

their concern for his drop in ratings. They were upset that the people preferred to be baptized by Jesus instead of John. The faithful disciple could have fought the shifting tide of popularity in order to stay in the game. He could have yelled louder or fasted from locusts to gain more attention. But he understood his true purpose. His job was to prepare the way for the Messiah. He was not the Messiah, and he knew when it was time to step back. So to his fellow disciples, he replied, “He must increase; but I must decrease” (John 3:30). A covetous heart craves status and fights to maintain it. John’s heart was committed to promoting God rather than himself. So when the time came for him to step down, he was able to humbly do so.

Jealousy distorts reality

As Tammy led worship, I enjoyed the music and sang along. However, I was just going through the motions. Instead of focusing on God and His greatness, my attention was on Tammy and her success. I thought about her upbringing, schooling, and support system. It angered me. It felt as if everything had been handed to her with ease while I had continually worked and waited. These thoughts snowballed, and before I knew it, I was a victim of circumstance—or at least that’s how I perceived it. In reality, none of this was true. Tammy worked hard and gave her talent completely to the Lord, and therefore He was able to use her. James warns us, “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil” (3:14-15 niv). This “wisdom” of being a victim does not come from God. The Enemy uses this subtle tactic to provoke us to shift our 24 |

NO V EMBER 2 0 1 0

In Touch

focus from the Lord to self. Envy skews our vision, preventing us from seeing the truth. But when I am honest enough to focus on God and get my heart right with Him, I see clearly the numerous ways He’s blessed me and used me.

Jealousy steals joy

The irony in this story is that, at time of this incident, my husband and I were missionaries home on furlough. One of my greatest joys as a missionary was watching others follow Christ and serve Him with their talent. This was Tammy. It baffled me that seeing her ministering in this way triggered jealousy instead of joy. Jealousy is one of those intruders that can begin as a random thought and within minutes spread to infect our minds and hearts. If we stop it before it takes up residence, we can win the battle. If not, evicting this no-good trespasser will be very difficult. I know from experience. Rather than delight in my friend’s success, I harbored begrudging feelings, which grew within me. What took only a moment to begin required days to overcome. I cringe as I write this—it’s not one of the “missionary stories” I enjoy sharing with others. However, it’s a struggle that continues to re-emerge, so I must learn to how to fight it. Proverbs 14:30 (niv) warns, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” And unfortunately, it doesn’t take much time for the “rotting” to begin. To defeat the green-eyed monster, we must go on the offensive and think positive, praiseworthy thoughts. Philippians 4:8 (niv) encourages us with this: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Paul’s prescription is the perfect anti-venom.

j a n u a r y

2 0 0 9

gifts bless 2010 In Touch Christmas Catalog

Life Principles Life Principles Study Guides Need a workbook for personal or small group Bible study? In the Life Principles Study Series, Dr. Stanley covers topics ranging from eternal security to discovering your identity. uStudy

guide | $7 (U.S.) See chart below

for a complete list of titles:

Advancing through Adversity | ADVSGRV Becoming Emotionally Whole EWSGRV Developing a Servant’s Heart SHSGRV Developing Inner Strength | ISSGRV Discovering Your Identity | ICSGRV Experiencing Forgiveness | EFSGRV Exploring the Depths of God’s Love DGLSGRV Feeling Secure in a Troubled World STWSGRV Leaving a Godly Legacy | GLSGRV Listening to God | LGSGRV Overcoming the Enemy | OESGRV Practicing Basic Spiritual Disciplines PSDSGRV Preparing for Christ’s Return | CRSGRV Protecting Your Family | PFSGRV Relying on the Holy Spirit | RHSSGRV Sharing the Gift of Encouragement GESGRV Talking with God | TGSGRV Understanding Eternal Security | ESSGRV Understanding Financial Stewardship FSSGRV Winning on the Inside | WISGRV

The NASB Life Principles Bible Learn to apply the same biblical truths that have shaped Dr. Stanley’s walk with Christ. The Life Principles Bible offers special features highlighting God’s promises, answers to relevant questions, life lessons that explain key Scripture passages, and much more. uHardcover

| LPNASHC $39 (U.S.) bonded leather | LPNASN $59 (U.S.) uNavy bonded leather, indexed | LPNASNI $69 (U.S.) uBurgundy bonded leather | LPNASBR $59 (U.S.) uBurgundy bonded leather, indexed | LPNASBRI $69 (U.S.) uBlack genuine leather | LPNASBL $89 (U.S.) uBlack genuine leather, indexed | LPNASBLI $99 (U.S.) uNavy

“. . . God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

30 Life Principles Study Guide If you already have a favorite Bible but still want to explore the 30 Life Principles, this workbook is the answer. Each lesson features questions for reflection or discussion, corresponding Scripture, and tips for practical application. uSoftcover

| LPSG $9 (U.S.)

U.S. 800-333-5849 Canada 800-323-3747 www.intouch.org Orders must be received by December 10 for deliver y by Christmas.

Life Principles Life Principles Daily Bible If reading through the Bible in a year seems like a daunting task, don’t fret. This resource provides a daily reading plan with Dr. Stanley’s helpful notes and applications to keep you on track. uSoftcover

| LPDBI $19 (U.S.)

“Every good . . . and perfect gift is from above.” james 1:17

Life Principles for the Graduate How can you be sure that you—or the graduate you know—will walk in God’s will? Dr. Stanley offers some practical tips in this gift book. uHardcover

| LPGRAD $15 (U.S.)

In the Bible, God has given us the promises and precepts necessary to become mature followers of Jesus Christ. Dr. Charles Stanley faithfully lives by 30 scriptural principles and has taught them throughout his 50 years of ministry. Now, in volume three of his Life Principles sermon series, Dr. Stanley offers in-depth teaching on five more truths that will help you grow in love, knowledge, and service to the Lord.

In the Bible, God has given us the promises and precepts necessary to become mature followers of Jesus Christ. Dr. Charles Stanley faithfully lives by 30 scriptural principles and has taught them throughout his 50 years of ministry. Now, in volume four of his Life Principles sermon series, Dr. Stanley offers in-depth teaching on five more truths that will help you grow in love, knowledge, and service to the Lord.

MeSSaGe tItLeS INCLuDe: • the Key to Continuing Peace • God Works on Our Behalf • When Plans turn to ashes

MESSAGE TITLES INCLUDE: • Standing Tall and Strong Through Prayer • The Principle of Sowing and Reaping • Overcoming Discouragement

• Listening to God–Walking With God • the unreasonable Will of God • Bonus CD

Do you want to know God better? Learn to walk in the center of the Father’s will as you begin to understand the lessons in His Word better than you ever have before. embrace these principles today and begin your journey to life at its best.

• Victim or Victor? • Holding Too Tightly • Bonus CD

Do you want to know God better? Learn to walk in the center of the Father’s will as you begin to understand the lessons in His Word better than you ever have before. Embrace these principles today and begin your journey to life at its best.

Dr. Charles F. stanley has served as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of atlanta since 1971. he is the founder and president of In touch Ministries and is known internationally for his radio and television program “In touch with Dr. Charles stanley.” a new york times best-selling author, Dr. stanley has written more than 35 books.

DR. CHARLES F. STANLEY has served as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta since 1971. He is the founder and president of In Touch Ministries and is known internationally for his radio and television program “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley.” A New York Times best-selling author, Dr. Stanley has written more than 35 books.

®

®

P.O. Box 7900 • Atlanta, Georgia 30357 In Touch Ministries of Canada Box 4900 • Markham, Ontario L3R 6G9 800-789-1473 www.intouch.org

P.O. Box 7900 • Atlanta, Georgia 30357 In Touch Ministries of Canada Box 4900 • Markham, Ontario L3R 6G9 800-789-1473 www.intouch.org

LPCB3 LPDB3

LPCB4 LPDB4

Life Principles Series, Volumes 1-4 In the Bible, God has given us the promises and precepts necessary to become mature followers of Jesus Christ. Dr. Charles Stanley faithfully lives by 30 scriptural principles and has taught them throughout his 50 years of ministry. Now, in volume three of his Life Principles sermon series, Dr. Stanley offers in-depth teaching on five more truths that will help you grow in love, knowledge, and service to the Lord.

In the Bible, God has given us the promises and precepts necessary to become mature followers of Jesus Christ. Dr. Charles Stanley faithfully lives by 30 scriptural principles and has taught them throughout his 50 years of ministry. Now, in volume four of his Life Principles sermon series, Dr. Stanley offers in-depth teaching on five more truths that will help you grow in love, knowledge, and service to the Lord.

MeSSaGe tItLeS INCLuDe: • the Key to Continuing Peace • God Works on Our Behalf • When Plans turn to ashes

MESSAGE TITLES INCLUDE: • Standing Tall and Strong Through Prayer • The Principle of Sowing and Reaping • Overcoming Discouragement

• Listening to God–Walking With God • the unreasonable Will of God • Bonus CD

• Victim or Victor? • Holding Too Tightly • Bonus CD

For more than 50 years, Dr. Stanley has been teaching the same biblical principles that his grandfather taught him to live by. This series highlights 20 practical truths for a powerful relationship with Christ. Do you want to know God better? Learn to walk in the center of the Father’s will as you begin to understand the lessons in His Word better than you ever have before. embrace these principles today and begin your journey to life at its best.

Do you want to know God better? Learn to walk in the center of the Father’s will as you begin to understand the lessons in His Word better than you ever have before. Embrace these principles today and begin your journey to life at its best.

Dr. Charles F. stanley has served as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of atlanta since 1971. he is the founder and president of In touch Ministries and is known internationally for his radio and television program “In touch with Dr. Charles stanley.” a new york times best-selling author, Dr. stanley has written more than 35 books.

DR. CHARLES F. STANLEY has served as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta since 1971. He is the founder and president of In Touch Ministries and is known internationally for his radio and television program “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley.” A New York Times best-selling author, Dr. Stanley has written more than 35 books.

®

P.O. Box 7900 • Atlanta, Georgia 30357 In Touch Ministries of Canada Box 4900 • Markham, Ontario L3R 6G9 800-789-1473 www.intouch.org

LPCB3 LPDB3

®

P.O. Box 7900 • Atlanta, Georgia 30357 In Touch Ministries of Canada Box 4900 • Markham, Ontario L3R 6G9 800-789-1473 www.intouch.org

LPCB4 LPDB4

uVol.

1: 6-CD set | LPCB1 $20 (U.S.)

uVol.

1: 6-DVD set | LPDB1 $30 (U.S.)

uVol.

2: 6-CD set | LPCB2 $20 (U.S.)

uVol.

2: 6-DVD set | LPDB2 $30 (U.S.)

uVol.

3: 6-CD set | LPCB3 $20 (U.S.)

uVol.

3: 6-DVD set | LPDB3 $30 (U.S.)

uVol.

4: 6-CD set | LPCB4 $20 (U.S.)

uVol.

4: 6-DVD set | LPDB4 $30 (U.S.)

U.S. 800-333-5849 Canada 800-323-3747 www.intouch.org Orders must be recei ved by December 10 for deliver y by Christmas.

dailyLiving living Daily 2011 Wall Calendar Yours free with orders of $50-$99! If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this calendar filled with Dr. Stanley’s photography says a lot about the Creator’s power and serene majesty. Taken in Hawaii, each photo features a corresponding scripture on peace. 13” x 11” uWall

calendar | CAL11 $12 (U.S.) *While supplies last

2011 Small Calendar Here’s another great gift idea— this smaller calendar, featuring the same beautiful photography by Dr. Stanley, is designed to fit inside a Bible, book, or purse. 6” x 8” uSmall

calendar | CAL11DK $8 (U.S.)

*While supplies last

Inside, look for captivating photos and scriptures to inspire you throughout the month!

God’s Way Day by Day This beautifully designed devotional in two formats features daily readings from Dr. Stanley. The softcover gift book fits in almost any purse, briefcase, or tote. And our perpetual flip calendar is an attractive and helpful addition to your desktop or work area. uSoftcover uCalendar

| GWDBKP $7 (U.S.) | GWDCAL $9 (U.S.)

I Lift Up My Soul Yours free—in addition to the 2011 wall calendar—with orders over $100! The most important thing anyone can do is to spend time with Christ. This devotional offers 365 daily readings to take you into the Word— and presence—of God. uHardcover

| LIFTBK $19 (U.S.)

In Touch Note Cards Your family and friends will love receiving notes that feature Dr. Stanley’s photography. Each set includes four images—a walking path after summer rain, autumn in the forest, and two different mountain streams. uBoxed

set of 16 cards ITNOTE8 $12 (U.S.)

Greece Note Cards These note cards feature Dr. Stanley’s original photography from the Journeys of Paul cruise. uBoxed

set of 16 cards ITNOTE9 $12 (U.S.)

U.S. 800-333-5849 Canada 800-323-3747 www.intouch.org Orders must be recei ved by December 10 for deliver y by Christmas.

music Music for Worship First Baptist Church of Atlanta Orchestra awakens your heart to worship through the arrangements you enjoy on our In Touch broadcast. uCD

|MFWCD $10 (U.S.)

A Skaggs Family Christmas This album features Christmas classics with a light and airy bluegrass flair. Legendary musician Ricky Skaggs, members of Kentucky Thunder, The Whites, and many third-generation family members perform on this inspirational album. uCD

| SFCCD $14 (U.S.)

WOW Gospel 2010 This two-CD set is filled with worshipful songs that have stayed at the top of the charts in 2010. Artists include Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Fred Hammond, and many more! If you’re a fan of the WOW series, be sure to add this album to your collection. u2-CD

set | WOWG10 $14 (U.S.)



Journeys with the Messiah

Compelling images by renowned photographer Michael Belk testify to Christ’s power and presence in our lives today. Visit www.intouchbookstore.org to watch a video about Michael and his vision behind Journeys. uPhotobook JWMBK $55 (U.S.)

*While supplies last

What Hath Darwin Wrought? Wretched TV ’s host Todd Friel and expert guests attempt to answer the question, “If ideas have consequences, what has been the result of evolution?” u2-DVD

set | WHDDVD $19 (U.S.)

America’s Godly Heritage Does our nation really have a godly heritage? Author David Barton explores the Founding Fathers’ views on the role of Christian principles in education, government, and public affairs. uPaperback

| AGHBKP $8 (U.S.)

U.S. 800-333-5849 Canada 800-323-3747 www.intouch.org Orders must be received by December 10 for deliver y by Christmas.

Spiritual Growth spiritual growth My Assurance: God Is in Control We live in tumultuous times, and without proper perspective, it’s easy to become fearful. In this four-part series, Dr. Stanley explains that peace and assurance can be ours because our sovereign God rules throughout the universe. u4-CD

set | MACD $14 (U.S.) 4-CD set | EDNCD $14 (U.S.)

uSpanish

In Search of Peace The Lord doesn’t just give us peace; He is our peace! In this six-CD set, Dr. Stanley explains that real contentment comes from knowing Christ. uSpanish

u6-CD set | ISPCD $20 (U.S.) 6-CD set | EBDPCD $20 (U.S.)

Unshakable Faith in Uncertain Times A storm can either shake you or make you stronger. Dr. Stanley’s powerful series reminds you that hope is available in the Lord. u8-CD

set | CMFAITHCB $26 (U.S.)

Handbook for Christian Living Finding clear, in-depth commentary quickly is easy with this comprehensive reference by Dr. Stanley. Whether you need clarity on a certain doctrine or wisdom for a particular issue, this handbook is an invaluable tool. uSoftcover

| GLOBKP $19 (U.S.)

Letting Go of Anger Unless you deal with unresolved and deepseated bitterness, it can destroy you. This series by Dr. Stanley helps you recognize and defuse this controlling, damaging emotion. u4-CD

set | ANGERCB $14 (U.S.) set | ANGERDB $30 (U.S.) uSpanish 4-CD set | CDECD $14 (U.S.) uSpanish 4-DVD set | CDEDVD $24 (U.S.) u4-DVD

How to Reach Your Full Potential for God Why settle for a mediocre life when you can reach your full potential? In this book, Dr. Stanley explains seven essentials to help you become all that God intended. uHardcover

| PTNLBK $19 (U.S.) | PTNLWBKP $9 (U.S.) uSpanish softcover SCASMPDBK $13 (U.S.) uWorkbook

U.S. 800-333-5849 Canada 800-323-3747 www.intouch.org Orders must be received by December 10 for deliver y by Christmas.

children Life Principles Coloring Books These 56-page activity and coloring books teach valuable life lessons in a fun way. uVolume

1 | LPACBKP $5 (U.S.) 2 | LPACBKP2 $5 (U.S.) uVol. 1 Spanish | PVLCABKP $5 (U.S.) uVolume

The Jesus Storybook Bible This beautifully illustrated children’s Bible helps boys and girls see that Jesus is at the center of God’s great salvation story. Ages 4–7 uHardcover

JSBI $15 (U.S.) Big, colorful illustrations draw children into the Bible’s stories and closer to Jesus.

Drive Thru History: Discovering America’s Founders While introducing the key founders of our country in an entertaining way, this DVD by Drive Thru History also presents historic material from a Christian perspective. uDVD

| DTHDVD $20 (U.S.)

Chronicles of Narnia Boxed Set This classic series by C. S. Lewis takes you and your children into the wonderful world of Narnia. The set is a great way to teach your children Christian themes. u7-book

set, softcover CNSET $50 (U.S.)

Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader Journey back to Narnia for adventure on the high seas! C. S. Lewis’s classic book makes a great gift—even more so this season because of the film’s timely release (opens in theaters December 2010). uSoftcover

| CNVDT $6 (U.S.)

U.S. 800-333-5849 Canada 800-323-3747 www.intouch.org Orders must be received by December 10 for deliver y by Christmas.

christian living How to Let God Solve Your Problems In this encouraging book by Dr. Stanley, you’ll learn how God can restore joy and bring about good from even the most overwhelming circumstances. uSoftcover

| HLGBKP $7 (U.S.)

When Your Children Hurt It’s natural to feel frustrated, angry, or guilty when our kids hurt. Dr. Stanley delves into Scripture to help you cope with these emotions. uSoftcover

| WCHBKP $7 (U.S.)

“. . . the free gift of God is eternal life in

Christ Jesus our Lord.” ROMANS 6:23

God Has a Plan for Your Life Dr. Stanley helps you know how to make right choices and discern when God opens and closes doors. You can be confident that God has a plan for your life. uSoftcover

| GHPYBKP $7 (U.S.)

All Six Books! Get a great deal on all six books for gifts or for your personal library!

u6-book

special | SET6BKP $39

(U.S.)

Ten Principles for Studying Your Bible How do you get God’s Word to “stick” in your life? Dr. Stanley’s practical book provides ten principles for understanding and applying biblical truth. uSoftcover

| 10PSBKP $7 (U.S.)

Stuck in Reverse God didn’t create you to live with fear, low selfesteem, disbelief, or disappointment. He made you to enjoy Him and live freely. Find out how in Dr. Stanley’s encouraging book. uSoftcover

| SIRBKP $7 (U.S.)

The Power of God’s Love Do you know that God loves you? Your immediate response may be “yes,” but are you secure in His love? Dr. Stanley’s 31-day book will help you experience the unconditional acceptance we have as believers in Christ. uSoftcover

| PGLBKP $7 (U.S.)

U.S. 800-333-5849 Canada 800-323-3747 www.intouch.org Orders must be received by December 10 for deliver y by Christmas.

christian living

Classic Book Set This classic set is a treasure of foundational truth that will bless you for years to come. These principles from some of Dr. Stanley’s most popular books are absolutely essential if you desire to grow in Christlike character. Titles Include: uEternal Security | ESBKP $12 (U.S.) uHow to Handle Adversity | ADVBKP $12 (U.S.) uHow to Listen to God | HTBKP $12 (U.S.)

uThe

Gift of Forgiveness | FGBKP $12 (U.S.) the War Within | TEMBKP $12 (U.S.)

uWinning

Get the entire set of Dr. Stanley’s classic books! Classic book set PBKSET $49 (U.S.)

u

U.S. 800-333-5849 Canada 800-323-3747 www.intouch.org Orders must be recei ved by December 10 for deliver y by Christmas.

modernpsalms

A poem by Nicholas Samaras

This poem by Nicholas Samaras reminds us that nothing rises to the measure of God’s glory. Not even pious speech or reverent silence can adequately express or contain the fullness of Him who is wholly other. In His great mercy, the infinite Lord makes Himself known to us, receiving the lowly offering of all we are, good and bad mingled together. How else can we say “thank You” but with our very selves?

Offering the Vast and the Mere   My Father in Heaven, and Lord Jesus Christ,   I have reviewed my whole life, every moment, every praise,   every mistake, every willful ignorance, every amnesiac forgetting.   All I can offer is the totality of my longish life to You, in gratitude.   All I can offer is the totality of myself, without the mereness of words,   to You who are beyond words and beyond silence.   You are beyond summation, further than description.

reading tip If reading poetry feels foreign to you, here’s a little help: Try slowing down, read the poem aloud a few times, and let the words simply make impressions on your heart and mind. Eventually, as you reread, you’ll find that layers of meaning you didn’t notice before start coming into focus. And don’t worry—a good poem never means just one thing.

All language to You is mere. I am every human language that fails to fully express.   All I can offer is my soul, cleansed of myself in death,   cleansed of my willful ignorance by Your breathless compassion and mercy. All I can offer—my breath singing over my vocal chords.   All I can offer—my breath and vision upon this mere page.

  Nicholas Samaras is the author of Hands of the Saddlemaker— winner of the Yale Series of Younger Poets Award. His individual poems have appeared in numerous publications. www.intouch.org

| 25

Daddy’s Shoes familyroom

M

M e m e n t o s of life, and a gli mpse beyond B y

B et h

My dad’s side of the closet was

filled with shoes that reflected his love of life. He had polished wingtips for walking the pavement of many cities, office buildings, and textile plants at home and around the world. The golf shoes came out on weekends or any other day he could sneak away to the course. If he wasn’t playing golf on a Saturday, he could be found wearing his mud-caked brogans while working in his showy flowerbeds— which were the envy of our neighborhood. Docksiders were worn when the weather was good for fishing, and hunting boots were always dug out from under the pile when deer season began. In his earlier years, he also wore basketball high-tops, cleats for baseball or softball, and boating shoes for our many picnicking, skiing, and tubing trips at the lake.

26 |

NO V EMBER 2 0 1 0

In Touch

F ortune

But then the call came. “Daddy went to the doctor today, and they have found a spot on his lung.” An awful weight bore down upon me, and the room began to spin. Everything around me felt different, and I wondered if the earth had just rotated off its axis. In the months that followed, Dad’s side of the closet stayed full and disheveled with a dozen pairs of shoes, but some began to collect dust. After his June diagnosis, the effects of chemo kept him from going on a much-anticipated hunting trip with his buddies that fall, so the sportsman boots were the first to fall into disuse. Although he continued wearing his wingtips, they no longer travelled pavements around the world. As he grew weaker, they covered only a small area of the parking lot where he still worked—especially after a new sign

was added near the entrance: “Mr. King’s Parking Spot.” Forever the optimist, Daddy put on his brogans and tried to keep the weeds out of his once pristine flowerbeds. He even carried his golf shoes to the course in an effort to play. But those, too, soon began collecting dust. We eventually bought him a pair of slippers to accommodate his new sedentary lifestyle. He wore them as he shuffled down the hall where, years before, he had chased us as children. And then, on a very ordinary day in March, a hospital van drove through our circular drive to deliver his new bed. Daddy no longer wore any of the shoes that had been his companions through the years. Now only thick socks kept his feet warm as they were gently placed on small white pillows the hospice nurse brought to the house for his comfort. The week before Daddy’s death, I sat by his bed, cradling his feet, and thought of the scripture that reads, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news” (Rom 10:15). I knew my father’s feet were beautiful because whatever life brought him, whether joy and happiness or the pain and suffering he now endured, he continued to share his testimony and the good news of Jesus Christ with family and friends. My father had no need of shoes the spring night he died. He slipped peacefully away from the voices of his loved ones whispering, “Daddy, we love you” to the sound of

Jesus saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant ” (Matt. 25:21). No shoes were needed as his feeble cancer-ridden frame was replaced with a new glorified body. The dust-collecting array of shoes in his closet bore testimony to an active and vibrant man who lived his life well. As I looked them over, a startling thought occurred to me: They were just a temporal covering for his journey here on earth. He had reached his final destination—heaven. And streets of gold require no shoes at all. Daddy left behind his earthly possessions, but more importantly, he left something I can carry with me as I continue my journey. He taught me as much in his dying as he did in his living—especially, how to trust God in all circumstances, even difficult ones like cancer (Prov. 3:5-6). He also demonstrated that only God can give us “peace . . . which surpasses all comprehension” (Phil. 4:7). And he showed me in a tangible way that “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). I look forward to the time when I can walk hand in hand with him again. For one day my shoes will also collect dust and be left behind.

stronginspirit

GRATEFUL for God’s Givers

Paul crafts the perfect thank-you note. B y

A llen

Harris

here’s an old story that goes something like this: There was once a devout believer whose home was endangered by a flood. Let’s call him Tom. Early that morning, Tom heard a radio announcer broadcast an urgent message instructing all residents to abandon their homes and seek safer ground. Tom replied with quiet confidence, “Leave? No, I’m going to stay. God will take care of me.” At noon the storm was raging, and giant puddles had formed all over neighborhood. The local sheriff drove his squad car to Tom’s house, knocked on the door, and offered to drive him to safety. Tom replied, “No, I’m going to stay. God will take care of me.” By 3:00 p.m., rainwater had completely covered the ground, and a strong current was raging down the street. A neighbor paddled by on a boat and pleaded with Tom to come with him. Tom replied, “No, I’m going to stay. God will take care of me.” As of 6:00 p.m., Tom’s house was all but submerged. He had retreated to his roof, where he sat watching the water rise even higher. A search and rescue pilot spotted Tom from his helicopter and swooped down to get him. Tom shouted back, “No! I’m going to stay! God will take care of me!” At 8:00 p.m., Tom drowned. When he came face to face with the Lord, Tom was shocked and heartbroken. He said, “Lord, what happened? I lived in complete confidence that You would take care of me. Why didn’t You help me?” The Lord replied, “I gave you a warning on the radio, a car, a boat, and a helicopter! Didn’t you recognize Me?”

Making Sense of God’s Provision This imaginary story demonstrates an issue many believers struggle with: how and when to accept the help of others. Oftentimes, we seem perfectly willing to

bother our neighbors with every tiny favor we can think of, from borrowing a cup of sugar to sharing babysitting; however, we aren’t as willing to trust our neighbors with bigger, more significant needs. It is almost as though there is a dividing line in our progression of needs. We’ll trust a friend to make us dinner when we’re sick, but if our car breaks down and needs a $3,000 repair, that size request belongs to God alone. No friends allowed! The truth is, it sometimes seems as though we simply don’t know how to view God’s provision coming through our friends. He provides the cup of sugar; He provides the $3,000 gift a friend may give for a car repair; He provides the helicopter to save us from a flooded rooftop. He provides all these needs, big and small. And He often chooses to meet those needs through other people. Why don’t we see His hand in all of this provision? And, why do we struggle to accept His help when He’s using someone else’s hands?

An Uncomfortable Exchange If that question stings you a bit, if you think you may have trouble receiving God’s help through human hands, then take heart— you’re in good company. Some scholars believe that even the apostle Paul struggled with how to respond to God’s provision when it is offered as human help. What we find tucked away at the end of Philippians is a surprising inner conflict as the apostle tries to conclude his letter to one of his favorite churches. What is the problem? His friends have given him a gift, and He is trying to say thanks. Why in the world does he have such a hard time with that? Paul enjoys a special relationship with the Philippian church. They have stuck with him during good times and bad. As Paul writes this letter, he is experiencing some hard times. He’s been imprisoned www.intouch.org

| 29

during his missionary journey, and his Philippian friends have responded by sending him a generous gift through their messenger, Epaphroditus. One of Paul’s chief reasons for writing this letter is to thank them. However, he can’t seem to just say thanks. If you read Philippians 4:10–19 with this in mind, you’ll notice something surprising. Paul actually gets caught in a loop of essentially saying, “Thanks. I don’t need it. Thanks. I don’t need it.” He goes back and forth four times! First, he thanks them, but then he tries to explain that God’s provision was enough for Him. Even Paul struggled with God bringing comfort through other people!

Thanks, But I’m Content In verses 10–13, Paul offers his first attempt at thanks by saying, “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me.” Even here, we can see Paul’s primary concern: He’s thankful that they have been led to give, not necessarily for the gift they sent. It may seem rude that Paul doesn’t specifically thank them for whatever they sent, but it represents a sensitive inner conflict for the apostle. Throughout his life, he refuses to accept payment for his ministry work (although he believes churches have a responsibility to pay ministers well). He makes the decision for himself to earn a living by a trade—making tents—and provide his pastoral care at no expense. Therefore, when presented with such a large gift by the Philippians, it seems as though he doesn’t know how to thank them without setting an expectation for other churches to give him money. So, Paul is quick to sidestep the appearance of impropriety with a subtle redirection: “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” From there, Paul 30 |

NO V EMBER 2 0 1 0

In Touch

presents one of the clearest, yet shortest, lessons on contentment in the Bible. For Paul, contentment is a way of life. It is his declaration that he will never be mastered by outward circumstances. Whether he is in the loftiest palace or the lowliest dungeon, Paul’s contentment comes from the Lord he serves. As such, no enemy can steal it—and no friend can add to it. Like many disciplines, contentment is a spiritual reality with social consequences. He genuinely appreciates the gift, and he doesn’t want to be rude to his friends. As such, Paul takes great care to express his gratitude while still directing his real thanks to God, thereby honoring his Philippian partners and teaching them why his personal contentment never seems to ebb and flow with outward circumstances.

Thanks, But It’s Better for You With the issue of contentment resolved, Paul again thanks his friends in verse 14: “Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.” He then makes the bold claim that no other church has ever cared for him as much as the Philippians. But then again, starting in verse 17, Paul interrupts his message of thanks with a morality lesson: the gift of giving. Here, Paul seems more concerned with the Philippians’ heart of generosity than with the gift they sent. He says, “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account . . . [your gift is] a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (emphasis added). And Paul finally concludes this unique thank-you note with a reminder of the source of all good gifts: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (verse 19, emphasis added). Paul’s emphasis is clearly not on the physical gift. He instead seems overwhelmingly motivated to communicate two truths.

The truth is, it sometimes seems as though we simply don’t know how to view God’s provision coming through our friends.

First, he wants them to know that all gifts come from God. Over and over, it is the Lord who intercepts Paul’s life with everything he needs, from food to healing to miraculous near-death escapes. Sometimes these gifts are delivered miraculously; sometimes they’re delivered by human hands. However they arrive, Paul is convinced that every blessing is directly sent by the Lord to meet a specific need, and he wants the Philippians to know that God will meet their needs the same way. Second, Paul emphasizes that the biggest blessing in this transaction is not for himself, but for the Philippians. The call to give is an honor, and the willingness to give is the mark of a mature, vibrant, and growing faith. Paul is most touched by the fact that the church members have gone out of their way, even sending a messenger to handdeliver the gift, to support and encourage him in his distress. The prevailing theme throughout is love: the love of God in providing, the love of the Philippians in responding, and the love of Paul in expressing gratitude and redirecting the praise to God. In this touching—albeit awkward—closing, Paul paints a picture of God’s church at its very best.

Accepting God’s Helping Hands These nine verses had enormous personal and relational potential for Paul and the Philippians. If he thanked them personally too much, it could damage his ministry relationships by setting up false expectations for future gifts. If he failed to thank them at all, he would no doubt come across as rude and snobbish, snubbing his nose at their generosity. So in the end, his response had to be careful, measured, and handled with great care—and prayer. The result is a masterpiece, a balance of thanksgiving, contentment, and encouragement. What a fantastic testimony to those of us who struggle with how to appropriately and respectfully accept the help of other people. We should never take and take and take, all the while encouraging others to give us even more. And certainly, we should also never slap their hands away, proclaiming, “No! God will take care of me!” like old Tom, sitting on his roof as the flood waters rose. Instead, we have to strike that same balance Paul demonstrates and stand alongside our generous friends to thank God for His gift—and for His givers. www.intouch.org

| 31

1

read

|

monday

Wandering from the Word

Psalm 119:9-16

S

True thanksgiving involves awareness that we are indebted to God for blessings— both large and small—in our life.

tan bought his grandchildren a new toy. After glancing at the directions, he set the booklet aside to get busy building. A few frustrating hours later, Stan humbly opened the instructions again and followed the steps to assemble the toy. Soon he was done, and the grandkids were playing happily. Stan knew that the manufacturer had a plan for putting together the toy. But he’s a smart fellow, so he assumed he could figure it out too. Many people take the same approach to the Scriptures that Stan took to those directions. Instead of treating God’s Word like a manual to live by, they glance at it occasionally when they aren’t sure what to do next. The Bible is like the Father’s diagram of Himself. He teaches believers who He is, what He thinks, and how He acts. Knowing the ways of the Lord ensures that we make wise decisions, which honor Him. The Bible is also God’s instruction book for living. I emphasize reading it every day because believers cannot be spiritually successful or victorious without it. In today’s passage, we read that if a person wants to be righteous, his or her life must comply with the principles of Scripture. Of course, the only way to know what those principles are is to read, study, and meditate upon the Word. e a r l y

l i g h t

God’s Word is our most valuable possession. Casting it aside is as foolish as tossing away a wallet full of money. Among the Bible’s riches are stories teaching us how to serve the Lord and principles about pleasing Him. And there is a wealth of instruction for building a righteous and meaningful life. One Year the

bible

in

Luke 23-24

2 read

T

|

3

tuesday

How to Apply Biblical Principles

Psalm 119:17-24

he idea of applying biblical principles is often misunderstood. It is not so simple as hear, believe, apply—as if one were putting on a new doctrine like a borrowed overcoat. Two steps are missing between believe and apply: explore and discover. To explore a biblical principle means studying Scripture to understand 1) what the surrounding context is, 2) what the principle means for you, and 3) what it reveals about God. Furthermore, we must consider how this lone principle relates to rest of the Bible. Digging in the Word softens hearts and minds so that the new doctrine gets planted deep. As we plow further into Scripture to explore, the new concept rises off the page and becomes real to us. We discover how the principle works and the way to apply it properly in our life. In this way, the rich truth becomes our own. It isn’t simply tacked onto our actions as an external influence; rather, we take the truth into our hearts and minds so that it impacts us from the inside out. Making God’s principles an integral part of our lives is a delightful experience. Instead of feeling a passing fancy for a new concept, people who make an idea their own rejoice in it. And they dig back into the Word to learn more of the Lord’s statutes. e a r l y

read

O

|

wednesday

How to Develop Unwavering Faith

1 Peter 1:6-7

n occasion, every one of us will go through troubling times, and when that happens, it’s easy to get disheartened. But the Bible indicates that even during periods of challenge and adversity, God expects His children to respond correctly. And His word equips us to do so. What does a right response look like? Today’s passage teaches us to rejoice during difficulty. Of course, this does not mean that we must be glad about the hardship. But we can be joyful because we know that God is using the circumstances to prepare and grow us. Even though having a positive attitude during something so negative does not seem logical, it actually makes sense for several reasons. First of all, through difficult experiences, the Lord teaches us endurance. Our natural reaction to pain is oftentimes to run in the opposite direction—and as fast as possible. However, God wants us to “hang in there” so that we can derive the full benefit of whatever lesson He has for us. Second, the heavenly Father uses trials as a refining fire to purify His children and bring them to greater spiritual maturity. He has a plan for each believer, and hardship is one of the tools necessary to prepare us to do His will. In the process, we will find that our faith has been strengthened. e a r l y

l i g h t

l i g h t

A believer who has little to say about God’s work in his life is probably not applying Scripture. Simply hearing and believing doesn’t make a concept yours. A principle is yours when you explore the truth, discover its place in your life, and apply the concept so that God can make it work.

As we realize God brings benefit from our adversities, we’ll begin to face challenging times with confidence that He always has our best interest in mind. This leads to joy, because we know He is building our endurance, purifying our hearts, and making us people with unshakeable trust in Him.

One Year

One Year

the

bible

the

in

John 1-3

bible

in

John 4-5 www.intouch.org

| 33

4

read

|

5

thursday

When Faith Falters

Mark 9:17-29

J

ames 1:5 tells us that God offers wisdom to anyone who asks. However, he goes on to warn that if we doubt, our prayers will not be answered. But at times, don’t all of us struggle with some degree of doubt? Let’s explore some reasons for our disbelief. First, faith usually defies human reasoning. For example, when we are in financial difficulty, logic says to save every penny, whereas God says He will bless the generous giver. Second, feelings of fear, inadequacy, or guilt can interfere with trusting biblical truth. Third, we often focus on the circumstance rather than our heavenly Father. He is at work, yet we fail to notice His hand. And finally, uncertainty about God’s will can lead us to doubt Him. Wavering faith has severe consequences: missed blessings, lack of peace and joy, and a heart that is easily thrown off course when difficulty arises. How, then, can we avoid faltering in our faith? In Mark 9, a man pleaded with Jesus to rebuke the spirit possessing his son. When Christ replied that “all things are possible to him who believes,” the father said, “I do believe; help my unbelief” (vv. 23-24). And Jesus granted his request. Like that man, we can ask the Lord to increase our faith. But we should also spend time reading God’s Word and meditating on His promises. e a r l y

read

|

friday

How to Get the Most Out of Your Work

Matthew 20:25-28

A

ccording to Scripture, work is to be part of the believer’s life. We all have daily tasks, and many Christians hold jobs outside the home. Some people view these as drudgery. Others wake up excited to face the day’s challenges. What is your outlook? There is an important biblical principle to follow if you are going to enjoy your work: View yourself as a servant. This might be hard if you feel unappreciated or your coworkers are difficult. But consider the example that the Lord set for us. He was rejected, tortured, and crucified. Yet Jesus was willing to serve even His tormentors with His attitude and, ultimately, with His life. Colossians 3:23-24 states, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men . . . It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” When I was in college, this proved to be a valuable perspective. I worked in the bleachery, which was the hottest and most uncomfortable job at the local textile mill. At first, I focused on how much I disliked this position. But I decided to change my attitude and look for opportunities to serve Jesus through my work. For the first time, the heat did not bother me. In fact, I was eager to share my faith with those around me. People listened and responded because they noticed my demeanor.

l i g h t

e a r l y

l i g h t

From the story in Luke, we know that doubt is common—and that God is patient and understanding. Faith comes from Him. So when you are at a crossroads and the right response requires faith, or when you pray and notice doubt, ask Him to help you believe.

No job is perfect; each position has negative aspects. But we can find joy and excitement even in the most menial task when we decide to work for God. Choose to serve Christ in all you do. After all, why face each day with dread when you could experience excitement and anticipation?

One Year

One Year

the

34 |

bible

in

the

John 6-7

N ovembe r 2 0 1 0

In Touch

bible

in

John 8-9

8

the weekend

Christians in the Workplace read

O

|

P h i l i pp i a n s 2 : 5 - 8

ne of the greatest hindrances to the gospel’s effectiveness is Christians who act one way at church and another way elsewhere. The way we live for God should permeate all areas of life. The workplace is no exception. The way we act reflects our faith. So if we claim to be Christians, our coworkers, bosses, and employees will equate our attitudes and actions with Jesus. Do those around you at the office see a positive reflection of God in your work ethic? Let’s look at a scriptural model for the believer to follow. For one thing, we should view ourselves as servants. Next, our true boss is Christ; therefore, we work diligently and with integrity, knowing that our reward is from Him. Then, since all authority on earth is God-given (John 19:11), we should obey our superiors gladly—unless, of course, our boss tells us to do something that goes against Scripture. And finally, all those we work with and for have worth from the Creator, and we should treat them with respect. Think about how the golden rule—“Do unto others as you’d have others do unto you”—applies here. Putting it a different way, imagine yourself as the boss and ask, How would I like employees to work, even when I wasn’t watching them? e a r l y

monday

Recognizing God’s Voice

READ | J OHN 1 0 : 1 4 - 1 6

C

hildren seem to have special hearing when it comes to their parents’ voices. They recognize when their mother or father is talking, regardless of how many other people are around. In a similar way, Jesus assures us that we will be able to distinguish His voice among the insistent cries and conflicting opinions of our world (John 10:27). He promises we will be able to “hear” Him, even though He doesn’t speak in audible words—one reason is that He has given us His Holy Spirit, who knows exactly what Christ is saying and will provide us with the wisdom to understand. Have you ever noticed the way some children pretend not to hear their parents so they won’t have to obey? Sometimes we can be like that—we might fail to recognize the heavenly Father’s direction because of our own self-centeredness. We intently focus on what we want and ignore any opposing instruction. There is another obstacle to hearing the Lord: impatience. Just like the culture we live in, we want answers right now. This tendency can cause us to listen to the wrong speaker. Surrendering our personal desires and fixing our attention on what matters to God will make it easier for us to discern His voice. e a r l y

l i g h t

l i g h t

Even when jobs or coworkers are hard to like, we are to work as though God is our boss. That means doing tasks with joy, a servant attitude, respect for others, diligence, and obedience to those in authority. Imagine what the workplace could be if all believers approached their jobs this way.

When Peter acted on his own ideas, he encountered difficulty. But when he gave up his way and listened to Jesus, he became a disciple to whom Christ could entrust kingdom work (John 21:17). Have you learned to distinguish the Lord’s voice from the noise around you?

One Year

One Year

the

bible

the

in

John 10-12

bible

in

John 13-15 www.intouch.org

| 35

9

read

|

tuesday

Instruction from the Lord Matthew 16:21-24

A

t times we may struggle with directions we receive from the Lord. We question whether they are from Him because they . . . Clash with our personal desires. The mother of James and John asked that her sons sit beside Jesus in heaven. The Lord said no to her selfish ambition and called her sons to a life of humble service to others (Matt. 20:20-28). Conflict with our human reasoning. Some of the disciples expected Jesus to rule as the long-prophesied King. When He told them He was going to be killed by the religious leaders, His words didn’t line up with their thinking about the future. Challenge our faith. Christ told the disciples that He would be resurrected on the third day (Matt. 16:21). Peter and the others had to accept Jesus’ words even though many people of the day—including some religious leaders—did not believe in the resurrection of the body (Matt. 22:23). God’s direction may call for courage as well. We see this clearly in Joshua’s life. The Lord appointed him as the leader who would take Israel into the Promised Land (Josh. 1:1-6). Our heavenly Father may ask us to become a leader in our local church, to participate in a missions trip, or to serve those who are hard to love. He wants us to step forward bravely and obey. e a r l y

10 read

|

wednesday

Assurance of Salvation

1 John 5:10-13

M

any of the people who call In Touch have questions about their salvation. They are frustrated to feel uncertainty about such an important issue. Today’s devotion is a three-part salvation assessment. Answer yes to every question, and you can be sure that you are in God’s family and destined for an eternity in His presence. Answer no, and you’ll know exactly what issue to talk over with your pastor or a spiritual mentor. 1. Do I trust Scripture? Salvation is a simple process: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Either we trust that Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world (including ours), or we don’t (John 3:16). 2. Do I accept the witness of the Holy Spirit? Anyone who believes in Jesus has the witness dwelling within his or her being. That is, the Spirit testifies to our identity as God’s children (Rom. 8:16). It’s not about whether we feel saved; God’s Spirit offers an abiding conviction that we are. 3. Do I walk like a follower of Jesus? Those who are in Christ are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). If we have been transformed, there are going to be changes in our life. Simply put, true believers are creatures who seek the things of God—they desire to read and understand His Word, they want to gather with His people, etc.

l i g h t

e a r l y

l i g h t

Following God shouldn’t involve guesswork. Scripture is a good source for confirming divine direction, as our Father won’t give any guidance that is contrary to biblical principles. Receiving godly counsel from a pastor or mature believer can also reassure us that we’ve heard correctly (Prov. 15:22).

Confirmed Christ-followers still sin. Some even backslide for a time. No matter how crooked our walk of faith, the Holy Spirit continues to convict. He cannot allow us to be satisfied with wrongdoing. That tug of guilt over sin is yet another assurance that you have placed yourself in God’s grip.

One Year

One Year

the

36 |

bible

in

the

J o h n 1 6 - 18

N ovembe r 2 0 1 0

In Touch

bible

in

John 19-21

11 read

G

|

thursday

The Wages of Sin

Romans 6:21-23

od sent His Son to take your punishment by dying in your place. Unless believers understand this provision, they will doubt their salvation. We can’t be good enough to earn heaven. Man is born with a corrupted nature; therefore, we will at times sin, no matter how hard we try not to. The Bible compares our attempts at righteous deeds to filthy rags (Isa. 64:6). On its own, mankind has but one option with regard to sin: to die in it and spend eternity separated from God. But the Father so loved the world that He chose to punish His Son in our place (John 3:16). It was a severe price to pay. Holy God cannot look upon the filth of sin, so when Jesus became sin for all mankind, the Father had to turn away (2 Cor. 5:21). The physical suffering of crucifixion was terrible, but nothing compared to Jesus’ wrenching horror when the Father turned His back. The devastated Messiah cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:34). Throughout eternity past, the Father and Son had never been separated. Jesus accepted this ultimate punishment so we wouldn’t have to. When Paul said that the wages of sin was death, he was referring to eternal separation from God (Rom. 6:23). We are saved and live forever with the Lord because of what Jesus has done. e a r l y

Satanic Attacks 12 Enduring friday

read

E

|

Ep h e s i a n s 6 : 1 0 - 1 4

very believer faces temptation. Take a moment to recall a particularly enticing situation involving something that would displease God. Did you realize you were involved in a satanic battle? The Devil is real. Scripture reveals that he leads an army of fallen angels and is prideful enough to think he can gain victory over God. By definition, a satanic attack is a deliberate assault upon an individual, which is designed to cause spiritual, physical, material, or emotional harm. Satan desires to thwart the Lord’s purpose in believers’ lives, to rob them of joy and peace, and ultimately to deny God the worship He receives through yielded followers. As in any war, knowing the enemy’s plan helps us prepare for the attack. First, be aware that the battlefield takes place in our minds. To walk in a godly manner with Christ, we must first be sure that our thoughts are in submission to His Spirit. This takes daily surrender and time in God’s Word. Second, Satan tempts us during vulnerable moments. Be cautious when you are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired (This is often known as the H.A.L.T. warning). Third, he is deceptive; we won’t recognize the trap as an evil scheme. Instead, it will seem good, and we’ll likely wrestle with some sort of doubt. e a r l y

l i g h t

l i g h t

The Savior took our place and accepted humanity’s punishment for sin. He and the Father have done the hard work of salvation so we can reap the benefits and rewards of faith. If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He died for your sins, then you are saved.

As Christians, we should walk closely with Jesus. Satan desires to lure us into destructive actions that rob us of God’s plan for a good, full life. Stay connected to the Savior: read the Word, pray, and fellowship with other believers. These are weapons we use against the Devil in spiritual war.

One Year

One Year

the

bible

the

in

Ac t s 1 - 3

bible

in

Acts 4-6 www.intouch.org

| 37

the weekend

Standing Firm with Jesus read

|

John 10:7-10

I

n our daily routine, it is easy to live with a worldly mindset. When our thoughts turn away from God, we can become dangerously self-dependent. In such situations, there is a spiritual battle ensuing, with high stakes. Victory demands more than floating through each day. This war requires our alert and purposeful reliance upon Christ. First Peter 5:8 warns us, “Be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” The Enemy knows our nature and weaknesses. He whispers doubt and deception in order to accomplish his goal. We know that the ultimate victory is God’s, but Satan’s traps still lead many astray. How can we avoid giving in to the temptation that leads away from God’s best for our lives and causes devastation? Jesus was tempted during His 40-day fast in the wilderness. Consider how He stood firm against the Enemy: He stayed connected to His Father and submitted to God’s will. We can likewise surrender daily to the Father’s way, dying to our own desires and plans. And notice that when our Lord encountered a temptation, He resisted Satan with Scripture. The best weapon for fighting falsehood is truth. And we can emulate Jesus, who knew He had authority over Satan and commanded him to flee. e a r l y

15 read

|

monday

God’s Pathway of Brokenness 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

T

o the human mind, the word “brokenness” can mean something needs to be fixed, is not as good as it was, or is no longer usable. In God’s kingdom, the word refers to a key element of the sanctification process—one that is beneficial for us. At salvation, we received a new nature that desires to please God, but we still have our old selfish ways. These ingrained habits, attitudes, and values are based on a common theme—an inward desire to act independently of the Lord. To become effective servants for God, we must let go of our self-righteousness that says, “I know what is right,” our self-will that claims, “I know what is best for me,” and our self-centeredness that declares, “What I want is most important.” Brokenness is one of the Lord’s tools for replacing self-serving attitudes with Christlike ones. During this difficult but vitally important process, the Holy Spirit works to remove every obstacle that prevents our complete surrender to Christ’s lordship and obedience to Him. Why do we resist letting go of our own plan and embracing God’s? Sometimes we’re wrapped up in worldly entanglements and don’t want to release them. At other times we may fear what will happen if we follow God’s way.

l i g h t

e a r l y

l i g h t

Don’t let the world lull you into managing life on your own. There’s a battle raging, and you have an enemy whose goal is to take your eyes off Christ, to destroy your life, and to steal glory from God. Our King has the victory, but we must remain alert and connected to His truth.

When we resist the Holy Spirit’s leading, our relationship with the heavenly Father will suffer, and our influence and service will be negatively affected. But if we cooperate with the transformation process, we’ll discover that God’s power to change lives will be visible in our brokenness.

One Year

One Year

the

38 |

bible

in

the

Ac t s 7 - 8

N ovembe r 2 0 1 0

In Touch

bible

in

Acts 9-10

16 read

T

|

tuesday

Surrendered to God Ep h e s i a n s 5 : 1 5 - 1 7

o make us useful servants for His kingdom. God desires to break our self-will—our independent streak that puts “self” first. He doesn’t want to break us; He just wants to transform those parts of us that do not reflect Jesus Christ. Our heavenly Father sees who we really are, so He targets those areas in our life that will hinder Christian growth. Attitudes of pride, jealousy, anger, and unforgiveness need to be dealt with so that His divine love and truth will flow through us to others (Eph. 4:31-32). To promote change, He will bear down on us and maintain pressure until we respond. The Lord desires what is good for us and will do what is necessary to bring transformation in our thought life, attitudes, actions, and priorities. I remember when our church staff were few in number. We had two live television programs to produce along with the rest of the responsibilities, so we all worked very hard. Eventually, great weariness forced me to stop serving for three months. I wondered what would happen in the congregation during my absence. It turns out the church grew in attendance, giving, and serving without me. The Lord knew that pride in my pastoral position would be a hindrance to future service. So He took steps to change me. e a r l y

17 read

O

|

wednesday

Why Wait?

Psalm 25:4-5

n life’s road, crucial decisions are like intersections that call for a choice of direction. If we barrel through without seeking the mind of Christ, the road we pick may lead to regret and heartache. Although the Lord is ready and willing to offer clear direction, He doesn’t always give it quickly. Knowing that He has very good reasons for withholding immediate instruction can help us wait patiently at the intersection for His guidance. At times God leaves us in our confusion because He wants to get our attention. When everything is running smoothly, we tend to forget the Lord. But uncertainty draws us back to Him like a magnet. By aligning our steps with His and walking in submission to the Spirit, we open our ears to hear His voice. Our waiting time is God’s preparation time. In bringing about His sovereign purposes, He may put us on hold while He coordinates events to line up with His will. Sometimes the Lord has work to accomplish in us before we are ready to handle what He has planned for our future. If we instantly received His direction, we would never grow in faith. Spiritual maturity is evidenced in the ability to wait in peaceful confidence, trusting that in His time, we will know what to do. e a r l y

l i g h t

l i g h t

Through that time of brokenness, the Lord taught me a great lesson. Being yielded and obedient to God is what makes my service valuable to Him. Have you been cooperating with His work in your life? Transformation will take place when you surrender to the Father and cooperate with His Spirit.

If impatience tempts you to jump ahead of God’s timing at a crossroad of decision, you risk stepping outside of His will and missing His blessings. But by waiting until He gives clear direction, you will walk in His peace with certainty, instead of stumbling around in anxiety and confusion.

One Year

One Year

the

bible

the

in

Ac t s 1 1 - 1 3

bible

in

Acts 14-16 www.intouch.org

| 39

18

read

|

thursday

Strength Comes with Waiting

Isaiah 40:28-31

E

xhaustion is a by-product of overcommitted schedules and never-ending responsibilities. In an effort to accomplish all that is expected, we often try to move faster and cram in more by multitasking. But in the process, we end up emotionally and physically fatigued. The Lord offers a radically different mode of living and grants renewed strength and stamina. Those who wait upon the Lord are promised His supernatural energy. In fact, Scripture says it will surpass the natural strength and endurance of the young. Access to this divine power is achieved not by moving faster but by going slower— stopping to take time to focus on the Father, seek His direction, and ask for His strength to accomplish what He is calling you to do. Earlier in my life, I wore myself out by impatiently pushing ahead, trying to do ministry in my own way and time. Since then, I have learned that when I pause and humble myself, admitting that I have no strength without Him, the Lord sustains me with both emotional and spiritual energy. There is no human explanation for what God is willing and able to do in a yielded human body. His Holy Spirit is like the wind beneath our wings, enabling us to soar like eagles. e a r l y

19 read

|

friday

The Ultimate FatherSon Relationship

John 5:19-20

G

od is called by a variety of names in the Bible, and each one sheds light on an aspect of His nature. Jesus’ favorite title for Him was Father. Surprisingly, this name for God is used only 15 times in the Old Testament, but in the New Testament, it’s recorded 245 times! Many of God’s names speak of His majestic and lofty attributes that separate Him from mankind, but Father conveys intimacy. Jesus used this name not only because He was God’s Son, but also to help people realize that Jehovah isn’t some unapproachable Deity gazing down on them from a distance. Rather, He is their loving heavenly Father, who cares about them and wants to be involved in their everyday lives. Throughout His time on earth, Christ revealed by example what this kind of love relationship was like. He depended completely on His Father for daily direction, power, and provision and obediently carried out every instruction. He often left the demands of ministry just to find a secluded place to be alone with Jehovah. We know Jesus successfully conveyed the riches of this relationship to His disciples, because in John 14:8, Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father”—he wanted to know Him the way Christ did.

l i g h t

e a r l y

l i g h t

The next time you are at the point of exhaustion, take some time out to focus on the Lord. Are you walking in step with Him, or have you gone ahead on your own? Align your pace with His, and take the energy He freely offers to those who walk obediently in His will.

Do you long for that kind of intimacy with God? He wants to relate to you as a Father to His child, and He’s given you the privilege of drawing near to Him. In fact, He chose you before the foundation of the world and waits with open arms for you to enter His loving embrace.

One Year

One Year

the

40 |

bible

in

the

Ac t s 1 7 - 19

N ovembe r 2 0 1 0

In Touch

bible

in

Acts 20-22

the weekend

Our Heavenly Father read

W

|

Matthew 6:8-13

hen Christ taught His disciples to pray, He told them to address God as “Our Father.” They had previously heard Jesus say, “My Father,” but now they, too, shared in that privileged family relationship. All of us who has been born again into the household of God have this same right. Since our concepts of God are shaped by our earthly fathers, we all have different perceptions of Him, but Jesus is the only one who has a completely accurate understanding of the heavenly Father. Consider some of the ways He cares for His children: • Loves: God’s love is unconditional, since it’s based on His nature rather than our performance (1 John 4:16). • Listens: When we pray, He gives us His full attention (Ps. 55:16-17). • Provides: The Father assumes responsibility for meeting all our needs (Phil. 4:19). • Guides: He is the one who directs our path when we trust in Him (Prov. 3:5-6). • Protects: The Lord shields us spiritually, emotionally, and physically, sifting every experience through His sovereign fingers. (Ps. 121:1-8). • Stays: He’s not an absentee parent, since He’ll never leave or forsake us (Deut. 31:8). • Disciplines: The Lord disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness (Heb. 12:5-11). e a r l y

to Listen to God 22 Failing monday

read

T

|

Genesis 3:1-13

oday’s passage offers a picture of what happens when believers don’t listen to God. Eve knew the Lord’s instructions so well that she repeated them almost verbatim to the serpent. However, pride and fleshly appetites got the better of her, and she was deceived. Eve stopped listening to God and opened her ears to the wrong voices. Think about how many voices we hear in a given day. Media, billboards, and even friends and family bombard our minds with ideas and philosophies. We hear vain and ungodly messages wrapped up in pretty language. It’s easy to fall prey to deception unless we keep scriptural principles always before our eyes and heart. Eve got into trouble simply by pausing long enough to take in the serpent’s words. Satan twisted God’s meaning sufficiently to tempt her away from truth and into error. He assured Eve that instead of falling over dead, she would become like God: her eyes would open, and she would know truth! In one way, the Devil’s words were accurate, but they weren’t true. Eve’s eyes were opened; however, the knowledge wasn’t as wonderful as the serpent implied. She was awakened to her own sinful nature and the chasm that had developed between her and God. Moreover, Eve’s physical body would undergo death as a result of her sin. e a r l y

l i g h t

l i g h t

Though experiences with our earthly dads may have distorted our view of the heavenly Father, we can learn to see Him as He truly is. By viewing Him through the truth of Scripture instead of our preconceptions, we will see evidence of His loving care and discover a security we’ve never known before.

Exercise caution when messages vie for your attention. Satan, who is as crafty today as he was in Eden, dresses up deception so that it sounds like truth. But the Evil One lies when he speaks (John 8:44). Tune into God and the principles of His Word instead. He speaks only what is right.

One Year

One Year

the

bible

the

in

Ac t s 2 3 - 2 5

bible

in

Acts 26-28 www.intouch.org

| 41

23 read

|

t u e s d a y

Resisting Fleshly Appetites

Ep h e s i a n s 2 : 1 - 7

T

he Holy Spirit guides believers to make wise and righteous decisions. But when Christians fail to listen, they can make choices that appeal to the flesh instead. After the serpent spoke to Eve, she no doubt took a long look at the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:17; 3:3). Whatever she might have thought about the tree before, she now saw it with new eyes— flesh-focused eyes. Genesis 3 tells us that the forbidden tree appealed to Eve in three ways: 1) it was good for food, 2) it was a delight to the eyes, and 3) it was desirable to make one wise. In other words, the tree could fulfill three legitimate human appetites: the desire for tasty meals, beauty, and wisdom. There is nothing wrong with these God-given yearnings. The Lord created a variety of food and an earth packed with breathtaking sights so that people could enjoy them. He also offers the Holy Spirit as a source of His true wisdom and knowledge. In fact, it is the Spirit who teaches believers to keep fleshly appetites under control and in balance. Meanwhile, Satan works very hard at corrupting healthy desires. He abhors seeing people’s appetites satisfied. What he wants is to watch a person lusting after a good thing until he or she is controlled by the impulse to have it. e a r l y

l i g h t

The Devil is pleased when people make themselves slaves to a desire that—in the proper context—the Lord intended to be enjoyed freely. A believer walking in the Holy Spirit rejects gluttony, preferring desires that are within God’s boundaries instead. That’s how we get His very best. One Year the

42 |

bible

in

R o m a n s 1-3

N ovembe r 2 0 1 0

In Touch

thanks

on giving

“Jesus Christ is not valued at all until He is valued above all.” —Augustine “In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” ­—Dietrich Bonhoeffer “It is the highest and holiest of the paradoxes that the man who really knows he cannot pay his debt will be forever paying it.” —G. K. Chesterton “Thou hast given so much to me . . . Give one more thing—a grateful heart.” —George Herbert “Count your blessings; Name them one by one. Count your blessings; See what God hath done.” —Johnson Oatman, Jr. “You say, ‘If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.’ You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.” —Charles Haddon Spurgeon “Saying ‘Thank You’ to God helps us recall how loving, caring, and faithful He is—as a result, our intimacy with Him deepens. And often, when others hear us express gratitude to Him, they are reminded that the Lord is their source for blessing as well.” —Charles F. Stanley “From David learn to give thanks for everything—every furrow in the Book of Psalms is sown with the seeds of thanksgiving. “ —Jeremy Taylor

Contentment in 24 All Circumstances 25 wednesday

read

T

|

P h i l i pp i a n s 4 : 1 0 - 1 3

hink about the times when you have felt truly satisfied. What caused you to feel that way? For most people, a sense of well-being comes when their environment is just the way they want it, but that wasn’t the case with Paul. He learned to be content in every circumstance, good or bad. We’d do well to learn a few lessons from him. After all, we can’t avoid all difficult situations, so we might as well discover how to face them with a tranquil, settled spirit rather than with frustration and anxiety. Contentment isn’t governed by external circumstances. Changing the situation may bring temporary relief, but satisfaction based on circumstances will always be sporadic and fleeting. It’s a matter of how you think, not what you have. Contentment flows from an inward attitude. The apostle’s inner calm came from a mind set on Christ. Choosing to trust the Savior no matter what, Paul allowed the Holy Spirit within him to rule his emotions and shape his responses. Contentment is learned experientially. You cannot acquire it from a book or a sermon because it’s a process that must be lived out. Paul learned contentment on the road—in persecution, suffering, and prison. The Lord used every difficulty to transform him. e a r l y

read

A

|

thursday

Gratitude in Affliction

Psalm 119:65-72

t Thanksgiving, we typically express gratitude for God’s blessings. But did you ever consider thanking Him for something that doesn’t seem like a blessing—such as a trying circumstance you want Him to remove or change? A grateful heart is most precious to God when, humanly speaking, our situations don’t warrant giving thanks. By making four foundational decisions, we can begin to see the value of our adversities and respond with appreciation. Believe and trust the Lord. Only by viewing life from a scriptural perspective can we understand His purposes in our trials and trust His wisdom in allowing them. Accept the situation as coming from God—either directly sent or permissively allowed. If we truly believe He’s working for our good (Rom 8:28-29), we can choose to receive each difficulty as coming from His loving hand. Then we can say “Thank You.” Submit to God in the circumstance. Although we may not like the situation, knowing that God “[is] good and does good” (v. 68) allows us to confidently place our lives under His authority. Draw from Him the strength to endure. No one has the ability within himself to endure hardships with gratefulness. Only by relying on the Lord can believers go through adversity with an appreciative heart. e a r l y

l i g h t

l i g h t

Situations that cause frustration, anxiety, and dissatisfaction are also the ones God uses to produce contentment in us. When you are fed up with your own grumbling, disappointment, and dissatisfaction, then you are ready to let the Lord teach you His new way of living—in joyous trust!

Now, think about that circumstance you would like changed, and with a new mindset, offer this prayer to God: “Lord, I accept this situation as coming from You. In faith and trust, I place myself under Your loving authority, and draw from You the strength I need to endure with gratitude.”

One Year

One Year

the

bible

the

in

Romans 4-6

bible

in

Romans 7-9 www.intouch.org

| 43

26 read

|

friday

the weekend

Inseparable from Christ

Romans 8:18-39

W

hen pain and adversity enter our lives, it’s easy to conclude that God has abandoned us. After all, we think, if He were there, He would have done something by now. However, today’s passage says that nothing can separate us from Christ’s love. Let’s consider the vast scope of this promise. No events. Not a single distress can remove us from divine love, but rather, we can “overwhelmingly conquer through Him who love[s] us” (Rom. 8:35-37). Today’s verses also teach that our present sufferings cannot be compared to the coming glory (v. 18) and that God’s good purpose is our transformation into Christ’s image (v. 29). When we understand this, we gain a victorious eternal perspective which produces hope and perseverance (vv. 24-25). No time. Nothing we have gone through in the past, are dealing with at present, or will encounter in the future can take us away from Christ. He is with us every step of the way (v. 38). No power. The unseen powers of evil that try to deceive and entrap us are no match for the Lord, who holds us securely in His omnipotent grasp (v. 39). No created thing. Only our triune God is self-existent, and if He calls you His own, nothing and no one—not even you—can break that relationship (v. 39). e a r l y

The Road of Discipleship read

|

Galatians 1:11-17

A

fter Paul’s conversion, he disappeared into the desert for three years, during which time the Holy Spirit instructed him in the ways of God. He emerged, ready to communicate divine truth. The Lord speaks to believers so that they will comprehend the truth, conform to the truth, and communicate the truth. These same steps form a roadmap to discipleship. What happened during Paul’s desert years was only the beginning of a life-long process—God renewed his mind and transformed him into the image of Christ. For the apostle, that change began with connecting his rich biblical knowledge to the revelation that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. Paul knew Scripture thoroughly, but the truth that Jesus was the promised Messiah made him reconsider the foundation he’d been trusting. Everything he knew about God had to be reevaluated in light of this new information. Paul had a history of wanting to please God, so the Holy Spirit no doubt found him a willing pupil. The apostle’s spirit had to be shaped according to the Father’s will. And the Lord kept working on him long after Paul left the desert and began his ministry. Every person who reads his letters is a witness to the work of God in a submissive man.

l i g h t

e a r l y

l i g h t

This promise of security in Christ isn’t a license to sin without consequence. Instead, it should motivate us to fall on our knees in gratitude and praise. As we truly grasp the greatness of this gift, our love for Christ will increase and result in obedience and perseverance, no matter what difficulty we face.

The Lord’s discipleship roadmap looks similar for every believer. Like Paul, you are the Holy Spirit’s student, and the knowledge you reap from Scripture should be changing your life. Be like the apostle in this way too: become a disciple maker by sharing what your learn with others.

One Year

One Year

the

44 |

bible

in

the

R o m a n s 10-13

N ovembe r 2 0 1 0

In Touch

bible

in

Romans 14-16

29 read

F

|

monday

Our Labor of Love

2 Corinthians 9:8-11

aith and works go hand in hand. A Christian is one whom Christ uses to carry out His work on earth. Therefore, serving God is more than just something we do; working for the Lord also defines who we are. After joining God’s family, believers are recognizable by their fruit, which includes the services they perform for Him and for others. In fact, the Lord rescues people from sin so that they can do the work He has planned (Eph. 2:10). It has often been said that we are God’s hands and feet in this world. The same Father who calls us to work in His name also provides the necessary resources. As Paul said, the Lord makes grace abound to His children so that they have an abundance for every good deed (2 Cor. 9:8). Moreover, we are equipped by His Word and strengthened and guided by His Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16-17). From these sources, Christians learn lessons about relating to others so they can help, encourage, and give to them. Let’s be clear that works have nothing to do with salvation. We are saved by grace alone through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Period. After that happens, a believer is motivated to do good in the Lord’s name in order to please Him. e a r l y

30 A City on a Hill tuesday

read

G

|

Matthew 5:14-16

od displays His children to the world like a city on a hill (Matt. 5:14). The light from a thriving metropolis can be seen for miles. Likewise, believers are to “shine” in such a way that others will observe our good works and honor God. A Christian’s “faith light” is evident through his deeds. We want co-workers, friends, and others in our sphere of influence to sit up and take notice of the way that we live. The reason? Because once they see we’re not simply “out for number one,” they’ll want to know why. And that’s when they will begin to connect the dots, with thoughts like: He helps others even when it’s difficult. . . . He says he does this because he’s a Christian . . . His God must by worthy and good. The more people see believers doing good works, the more glory goes to God, who is the Author of our service record. To balance the command to shine, however, the Lord did give an admonition in Matthew 6:1: “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them.” In other words, be mindful of the motive. If we’re performing in order to get a pat on the back or the attention of others, we will lose out on a heavenly reward. That fleeting bit of worldly appreciation is all we’ll get for our efforts. e a r l y

l i g h t

l i g h t

We are called to act out our faith every day. God works through us to reach those who may never otherwise open the Bible or enter a church. What’s more, He borrows our voice to tell His story and uses our life to demonstrate His grace and glory. Good deeds are a believer’s labor of love.

Believers are here to point others to the Lord whom they serve. We are a reflection of His light and glory. It is He who not only gives opportunity to shine but also equips us with the strength and gifts to work for the kingdom. As bright as we may be, we are nothing apart from the Lord.

One Year

One Year

the

bible

the

in

1 C o r i n t h i ans 1-4

bible

in

1 Corinthians 5-8 www.intouch.org

| 45

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” Psalm 136:1

My name is Hannah, and I thank God now for a healthy son.

My name is Kevin, and I thank God now for removing fear.

I recently took my son to a local children’s hospital for some routine blood work for his 18-month checkup. I chatted with a mom who had been coming to that hospital for over ten years because of her child’s organ transplant issues. I was overcome with emotion as I walked out of my quick appointment, thinking how blessed I am to have such a healthy son. Every parent hopes and prays for a healthy child, but I do not think I fully understood and appreciated this until that moment. My husband and I are expecting our second in January. I pray with a little more awareness now for the health of this child. Ultimately, I know that God will provide for and protect our family in whatever way He sees fit.

I used to think it would be wonderful to go to college, but I was afraid because I had trouble keeping up in school. Then I came across one of Dr. Stanley’s Life Principles that truly touched my heart: “God will move heaven and earth to show you His will.” So I began to pray, “Lord, move heaven and earth to show me Your will!” It didn’t take God long. His Spirit spoke to my heart, urging me to go back to school. A few weeks later, I was taking classes to prepare for technical college and an EMT program. I realized I loved to learn and didn’t want to stop. So I moved on to Firefighting Academy. The day of my graduation was a great victory. The seed of fear and doubt the Devil had planted years ago was crushed.

As we enter this season of thanksgiving, many of us face difficulties and hardships. Nevertheless, the Lord can empower us with a spirit of joy and gratitude. Here are a few people who have agreed to share their stories of thankfulness to God, despite living in a world of great challenges. Share your story at www.intouch.org/thankgodnow.

My name is Wayne, and I thank God now for His peace.

My name is Kimberly, and I thank God now for His perfect plan.

One day last year, I woke up feeling fine but soon sensed a brief tingling all over my body. Concerned, my wife and I went to see the doctor. After checking my vital signs and EKG, the nurse practitioner said, “I know you don’t want to hear this, but you’re having a heart attack, and we’ve already called 911.” The ambulance took me straight to the Heart Lab, where an angioplasty and three stents corrected blockages of more than 90 percent in two arteries and 80 percent in a third. I really felt God’s peace throughout the entire procedure. I knew my life was completely in His hands. Since then, I have been to the doctor twice for checkups, and he is amazed at my progress. I thank God every day for His divine protection during that time.

Eleven years ago, my perfect plan and heart’s desire came to an end. I went through a painful divorce and experienced a broken marriage. In my mind, there was no hope or future. However, it was through that painful loss that I gained so much more. After rededicating my life to Jesus Christ and allowing Him to be my husband and Lord over my life, I found the greatest love a woman could have and learned that His faithful love was everlasting. As I continued to surrender to God’s plan, the Lord once again was faithful. He gave me the desire of my heart: to be married to a godly, faithful man. We were two lives united in friendship, two friends united in love, and on June 5, became One love united in Christ.

Free PO Box 7900 Atlanta, GA 30357

Christmas with Dr. Stanley u4-CD Set | $14 (U.S.) Also available in Spanish

Did you know that the “big picture” of Christmas begins in Genesis? This series explores how Old Testament history and culture are related to Jesus’ birth.

Christmas with Dr. Stanley

has always been

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

Free PO Box 7900 Atlanta, GA 30357

Christmas with Dr. Stanley u4-CD Set | $14 (U.S.) Also available in Spanish

Did you know that the “big picture” of Christmas begins in Genesis? This series explores how Old Testament history and culture are related to Jesus’ birth.

Christmas with Dr. Stanley

has always been

our magazine

Free of Canada P. O. Box 4900 MARKHAM, ON L3R 6G9

Christmas with Dr. Stanley u4-CD Set | $14 (U.S.) Also available in Spanish

Did you know that the “big picture” of Christmas begins in Genesis? This series explores how Old Testament history and culture are related to Jesus’ birth.

Christmas with Dr. Stanley

has always been

our magazine