charles stanley- be still and know i am god!

BusynessB e a t i n g

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KnowB e S t i l l A N D

Finding quiet and solitude in your day may seem impossible. But taking time to be still and develop an intimate walk with the lord is essential to a peace- ful, stress-free life. Dr. Stanley explains how in this three-sermon series.

Meditation: The Power of Silenceu3-CD Set | $11 (U.S.)

See order form or visit www.intouch.org.

on the coverThis photograph was taken in Wisconsin during the fall. Although the brightly colored leaves are beautiful to look at, they’re actually dying. As the days grow shorter, decreased daylight prevents photosynthesis from taking place. When this happens, leaves stop producing food, and their green color fades away. It’s interesting to observe their lack of productivity, which brings about such a stunning festival of color. When the leaves “rest” from their busy work, they become more radiant!

—Charle s F. Stanle y

on the cover

IN TOUCH MINISTRIES® INC., P.O. Box 7900, Atlanta, GA 30357IN TOUCH MINISTRIES OF CANADA, Box 4900, Markham, Ontario L3R 6G9NEW ZEALAND OFFICE, Box 33-1260 Takapuna, Auckland 1332 0-800-446868www.intouch.orgAll prices are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.E-mail magazine-related comments to [email protected] Customer Care, call 800-789-1473 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.– 8 p.m. (et) .For Canadian telephone orders, call 800-323-3747.

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In Touch® magazine, SEPTEMBER 2010, Vol. 33 No. 9. © 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.

DR. STANLEy PORTRAITS By DAVID SMITh.

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beating busynessb y c h A r l e s f . s t A n l e y

Trying to do too much not only wears us out but also affects our closeness

with God.

early lightIn times of trouble, lean upon the Lord with the help of these devotions from

Dr. Stanley’s sermons.

there and back againb y t o n y A s t o n e m A n

Kristen Jane Anderson found extraordinary hope after a fatal choice. She wanted to die, but God had other plans.

d e p a r t m e n t sby faithCrossing the Finish Line b y s A n d I e l z I n g A

The last leg of the race was the hardest for this husband and wife, but victory was waiting.

family roomDon’t Take the Baitb y A l l e n h A r r I s

It’s time to be honest. Are you struggling with one of these common pitfalls of a man’s married life?

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solving problemsNo More Manipulationb y f r e d r . l y b r A n d

There’s no formula to find the right person for a romantic relationship, but there is one thing you can do.

strong in spiritThe Aftermath of Failure b y e r I n g I e s c h e n

Failure doesn’t have to define you, even when consequences are life-altering.

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Stuck in a

Rut?Many chRiStianS find that their walk with Christ is more about routine than relationship. If that’s your story, this daily devotional by Dr. Stanley will help you get out of the rut and into God’s presence.

Into His Presence uSoftcover | $14 (U.S.) “

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:

Heavenly Father,I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of Your forgive-ness. I believe that Jesus fully paid the penalty for all my sin by dying at Calvary, and that He rose from the dead. Thank You for Your grace to save me even though I am undeserving. I surrender my heart to You. Please show me how to start living for You. I ask 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.

Have you decided to trust Jesus as your personal Savior?

A Publication of

to the Glory of God

Dr. Charles F. Stanley P R E S I D E N T / P U B L I S H E R

C. Phillip BowenE X E C U T I V E V I C E P R E S I D E N T

C H I E F o P E R A T I N G o F F I C E R

John E. Courtney, Jr.S E N I o R D I R E C T o R

M A R K E T I N G A N D D E V E L o P M E N T

Tonya StonemanE D I T o R

D I R E C T o R o F P U B L I C A T I o N S

Linda M. CanupA S S I S T A N T E D I T o R

Sandy FeitS E N I o R C o P Y E D I T o R

Erin GieschenA C q U I S I T I o N S E D I T o R

Cameron LawrenceC o P Y E D I T o R / W R I T E R

Lisa DychesC R E A T I V E D I R E C T o R

Jeff GregoryA R T D I R E C T o R

Joey TindellM A R K E T I N G P R o M o T I o N S P L A N N E R

Steve R. LindseyD I R E C T o R

R E S o U R C E S A N D F U L F I L L M E N T

David BlahnikP R o D U C T I o N M A N A G E R

the mission of in touch ministries

To lead people worldwide into a growing relationship

with Jesus Christ and to strengthen the local church


pSlow Down and Listen

People often ask me, “Do you think God still speaks today?” My answer is always “Yes.” However, there was a time in my ministry when i was too busy to hear God’s voice. i was preaching six times a week, taping two television programs, traveling across the coun-try, writing a book, pastoring a church, and administering a large church staff. the result of this activity was a stay in the hospital.

As i look back on that time in my life, i realize that the lord was trying to get my attention—not because He wanted to scold me, but because He loved me. His deepest desire is not that we would do great work, but that we would desire

His fellowship above everything else. this is the primary reason He speaks to us today.

God loves you and wants you to experience the peace and freedom that come from knowing Him intimately. But that can happen only if you spend time with Him. You can’t hear the Father’s voice when you’re rushing from one place to another. You can’t discern His directives for your life if

you are listening to Him and talking on the cell phone at the same time. You cannot understand the truth He has stored in the Scriptures if you are reading your Bible while sending messages via iPhone.

it’s easy to get wrapped up in all of the things we think we have to do today. But trust me, spending quality time with God is the most important. there is no substitute for this. And when you make the conscious decision to put away all of the gadgets and worries that distract you and then focus your whole attention on the lord, He will bless you beyond measure.

He is ever-present in every circumstance and will bring His light of wisdom into your heart when you seek His guidance. You simply have to slow down and listen.

[god’s] deepest desire is .. .that we would desire his fellowship above everything else.” “

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Beating

Busyness

When we’re sidetracked from the will of God

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Busyness is highly regarded in our society. Ambitious men and

women are admired and rewarded for their dedicated focus

on their careers. Mothers who juggle all their kids’ activities while

caring for the home and pursuing an occupation are labeled “super-

moms.” Overloaded students who run from school to sports to

enrichment activities are promised bright futures for their efforts.

It seems that we have bought into this world’s value system

and hopped on the “busy bandwagon,” hoping to find rich and

meaningful lives. But how many of us fall into bed each night

completely exhausted, only to get up the next day and start the

race all over again?

why am I so busy? Maybe it’s time to step off our treadmills of endless activ-ity, grab our Bibles, and sit down with the lord for an honest time of self-examination. People overload their schedules for a variety of reasons, but perhaps the chief one is that we live in a fast-paced culture. there is simply more to do in one day than there is time to do it. Many of us feel overwhelmed by our hectic lifestyles yet don’t know how to slow down.

But some people with driven personalities actually thrive on overcommitment. they find great personal satisfaction in completing each task and are always eager to add more challenges to their day. every accomplishment gives a sense of purpose and meaning to their lives. then, there are others who stay busy to avoid dealing with painful experiences or unconfessed sin. By keeping themselves active, they hope to silence the ache and emptiness within.

what does God think about busyness? Regardless of the reasons, we need to pause and consider what God thinks about our unceasing activity. By stepping back and viewing our lifestyles from His perspective, we can determine whether we are living according to His will or have gotten off track.

First of all, let me point out that being busy in not always a bad thing. God has entrusted each one of us with responsibilities, such as providing for our families, min-istering at church, and serving the community. Although we are not to neglect these

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duties, we must guard against letting them push aside the most important things.

to determine what God considers top priority, let’s examine His purposes for mankind. He created us to enjoy a personal relationship with Him—to really know and love Him. He also planned specific tasks for us (eph. 2:10). Christians usually refer to these individually designed responsibilities as “the will of God for your life.”

Knowing all this, we need to consider whether our busyness is helping or hindering us in fulfilling the lord’s desires. Does your schedule include time for building a deep relationship with your Creator? How about your activities—are you doing the work God planned for you or just muddling along, unsure of what His will is? if you want a life that the lord can bless and reward, take some time to evaluate your pursuits.

what are the consequences of busyness? Overcommitment damages our relationship with the Lord. Have you ever considered how your busy schedule makes God feel? He longs to have a close connection with us, but when our activities crowd Him out, His heart is grieved by our lack of interest.

Although an intimate relationship with Christ is available to every believer, each one has a responsibility to actively pursue it. to help us understand what this requires, let’s consider what it takes to destroy a relationship. that’s very simple: don’t meet with or talk to the other person. Sadly, this is what many of us are doing when we let the things of this world take priority over time with God. the only way busy people will grow in relationship with the Father is by giving Him their most precious commodity—uninterrupted, unhurried time alone in His presence.

even serving the lord is not a substitute for quiet moments of intimate communica-tion with Him. in luke 10:38-42, we read

that when Jesus dropped by to visit His good friends, “Martha was distracted with all her preparations,” but Mary “was seated at the lord’s feet, listening to His word.” Although Martha was doing a good thing in serving Christ, she had lost sight of the best part—being still and listening to Him. As Christians, it’s easy to become so busy doing God’s work that we no longer have time for simply being with Him.

Busyness also keeps us from partici-pating in God’s will. Remember, the lord has personally designed specific tasks for believers to undertake during their stay on earth. However, there are two ways that we can miss what He has in mind for us to accomplish. First, if we are too busy to set aside a quiet time to seek the lord’s direction for each day, we will have no idea whether we are doing what He wants. Second, if we are intent on achieving only our own plans, we will have no time for His.

Who is controlling your schedule? Have you let the values of the culture determine your agenda? God’s plans for you will never align with the plans of the world, which is Satan’s domain (2 Cor. 4:4) and managed according to his goals and values. Society’s influence is powerful, stimulating our desires and promising pleasures and rewards that seem irresistible. But if we fall for such lies, the world will dictate our activities and enslave us to unproduc-tive busyness.

in addition, some people yield control of their agendas by letting others have too much influence over their choices. Since we are all inundated with requests for our time and energy, the ability to say no is invaluable. Not every opportunity is God’s will for you. that’s why staying connected to Him is so important—then you can discern His good and perfect will.

As strong as outside forces can be in contributing to a hectic lifestyle, self-will

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may be the biggest culprit. We all have this inner urge to be our own boss and determine our own schedule, but the only way to live in God’s will is to surrender our calendars into His hand. Just keep in mind that His plans are always good and perfect, which is much

more than you can say about your own. Although the lord’s plan may not be easy, you can know with certainty that following it will produce a sense of well-being and fruit that lasts throughout eternity.

what is the cost of my busy lifestyle? the world believes that busy people are productive people, but this is not always true. From God’s perspective, busier does not necessarily mean more fruitful. Unless we are occupied with the tasks He has for us, our efforts will have no lasting value. After working our fingers to the bone, we could arrive in heaven only to discover that we’ve lost rewards because our time and energy were wasted on worthless activities (1 Cor. 3:10-15).

Busyness is a thief that steals precious

opportunities to enjoy and serve God. it would be tragic to disobey the lord and then wonder for the rest of our lives what He might have done in and through us. How much better to submit our time and plans to Him now and know the fulfillment

that comes from accomplishing what we were created to do.

how do I get off this tread-mill? Many people feel trapped by the speed of life but see no way to slow down and escape the maddening pace of this world. Some basic biblical prin-ciples can guide us

as we learn to say no to busyness and begin to live in the freedom of God’s will.

Become very familiar with Scripture. One of Satan’s most effective tactics to keep us entrapped is ignorance of God’s Word. if we are too busy to read the Bible, we will automatically follow the flow of our culture and spend our lives chasing after its hollow treasures. How can we make good choices if we never seek the lord’s guidance? Only by knowing the truth will we be able to discern the enemy’s lies and recognize his snares.

Wait on the Lord. this is a difficult assignment for a busy person, but rushing ahead without clear direction from God will put you right back on the treadmill—going nowhere fast. if you want to invest in that which is eternal, get your Bible and set aside time to be alone with the Father. Ask Him to evaluate your present activities and show you what He desires for your life.

Obey and leave the consequences to God. Once you have received clear direction

Some people yield control of theiragendas by letting others have too much influenceover their choices.

A Life of Impact Want your life to count? In this book, Dr. Stanley gives seven principles that can help you reach your full potential for Christ.

How to Reach Your Full Potential for GoduHardcover | $19 (U.S.)


from the lord, step out in obedience. Our human tendency is to want the entire plan revealed before we move an inch, but that’s not God’s way. He says His Word is a lamp to our feet (Ps. 119:105), not a searchlight.

if your car was in a parking lot at night, you wouldn’t sit there waiting for the sun to come up so you could see all the way home. No, you would turn on the lights and drive in their beam without knowing what lies ahead in the darkness. in the same way, the will of God usually comes to us in small increments. After we take one step, He reveals the next.

the lord’s goal is to teach us to trust Him for every step of our journey. One of the greatest advantages of such dependent obedience is the freedom of leaving the consequences to Him. Once we obey, He assumes full responsibility for what happens next. Because we can never lose when we are following in the will of God, there is no need to fear.

However, the moment you commit to follow the lord by slowing your pace and doing things His way, Satan will shoot anxious thoughts into your mind: If I give God the first part of the day, how will I ever get everything done? If I take a less demanding job, how will I provide for my family and pay my bills? But by relying on the truth of Scripture, you will always have a powerful answer: “My job is to obey; God is responsible for the consequences. He is faithful and will provide.”

Although altering a busy lifestyle may not be easy, it’s worth the effort. the quest for acceptance, fulfillment, and purpose can drive us to overload our schedules. But the frenzy will end when we find the joy of an intimate relationship with Christ and the thrill of pursuing His will for our lives. let’s get off the treadmill and go for a long walk with the lord. the end result will be a life well lived.

Questions for further studyThe most important pursuitWhat is the most important pursuit in life (Jer. 9:23-24)?How did Jesus stay connected with His Father while He was on earth (Mark 1:35; Matt. 14:23)? Who determined His schedule of activities for each day (John 5:19-20, 30; 8:28-29)?Read Luke 10:38-42. Are you more like Mary or Martha?What did Jesus recommend as a remedy for weariness (Matt. 11:28-30)?

God’s evaluation of our workWhat does James 4:13-17 say about planning presumptuously without giving thought to God’s purposes?According to Luke 8:11-15, how can preoccu-pation with the things of this life affect your fruitfulness (v. 14)?What was God’s assessment of a man who spent his life pursuing his own plans (Luke 12:16-21)? How will Christ determine whether your work has been productive or wasted (1 Cor. 3:10-15)?

Living in God’s willHow did Paul fulfill the Lord’s purpose for his life (Phil. 3:7-14; 2 Tim. 4:6-8)? What was the apostle’s highest priority and chief pursuit?According to Ephesians 2:10, what has the Lord planned for you? How can you discover His will for your life (Rom. 12:1-2)?


CJesus Loves the Little Children>> Great Kingdom Lessons from Little Ones

Childhood experiences help shape our character, yet once we are grown, their significance is often forgotten. Since childish matters seem so trivial when com-pared with adult-sized problems and responsibilities, we tend to discount them as unimportant. But by marginalizing children and their concerns, we miss the opportunity to invest in their lives and learn valuable spiritual lessons from them.

Children hold a special place in Christ’s heart. When the disciples saw the young as a nuisance and hindrance to ministry, the lord sharply rebuked them. in stark contrast to the culture’s value system, He granted little ones honor and respect. to understand Jesus’ perspective, we must view them through His eyes.

Their Value:uthe kingdom of heaven belongs to “such as these” (Matt. 19:13-15).uJesus gives a stern warning to anyone who causes one of them to stumble (Matt. 18:5-7).

utheir angels continually see the face of God (Matt. 18:10).uthe Father is not willing that any of these little ones perish (Matt. 18:14).Their Example:uWe are called to emulate their childlike humility (Matt. 18:1-4). uthey show us that greatness comes by being “last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:33-37).uChildren are an example of the kind of people God chooses and uses (1 Cor. 1:26-29).Their Contribution:uUnencumbered by adult dignity, they praise Jesus with wholehearted abandon (Matt. 21:15-16).uA child’s gift is never small when placed in Jesus’ hands (John 6:5-13).ueven the very young can serve the lord (1 Sam. 3:1-19).our Responsibility:uBring your little ones to Jesus (Mark 10:13-16).uteach them scriptural truth (Deut. 6:5-9; eph 6:4).uPass on a spiritual heritage by living in obedience (ex. 20:5-6; 2 tim. 3:14-15).

In stark contrast to the culture’s value system, [Jesus] granted little ones honor and respect.”

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Questions for Reflection1. How have your childhood experiences shaped you? What can you do to value and influence a child in your life?2. Jesus tells us to become like children, yet they aren’t always humble, selfless, and obedient. What is the difference between childlikeness and childishness? 3. Considering your example and words, what kind of spiritual heritage are you passing down to your children?

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L U K E 1 8 : 1 5 - 1 7


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back&there

again

Kristen Jane Anderson lives just a couple of blocks from the train tracks that changed her life forever. When she looks out of her living room window, she can see the Wisconsin Central Railway, which runs through the village center. it’s a heavily used freight line that also carries commuter rail traffic from Antioch, illinois, to the Chicago loop. if she’s not near a window, she can hear the train’s low whistle and steady rumble. Amazingly, these constant reminders don’t bother her. She’s steadfast and philosophical about the whole thing. She’s 26 now, and 17 was a long time ago.

She’d been spiraling down-ward for a couple of years, and her parents didn’t know what to do. there was the death of her grandmother, the suicide of a good friend, and two other losses. She was raped and bullied at school. When the stress became unmanageable, Kristen’s body retaliated. She began throwing up every day and crumbling inside. Counselors offered gentle rebukes and antidepressants that did little to help. Her parents took her on vacation and tightened the reigns on their defiant daughter. Still, the misery of

everyday life pressed her until she broke.two days after New Year’s eve, Kristen

went for a walk in the park near her house and decided not to come back. She sat on a swing for an hour or so contemplating life and death and ultimately concluded nothing could take away her pain. it was the sound of an approaching train

that propelled her into action. Without much forethought, she went to the tracks, laid her body across them—face down, fists clenched, eyes closed—and waited for the end.

Fifty-five freight cars rolled over her body. According to the laws of physics, she should have been sucked up and pulled into the train’s steel undercarriage, yet she vividly recalls a heavy force pushing her into the ground. And she remembers the song “Amazing Grace” ringing in her ears—a sure indica-

B y T O N y A S T O N E M A N

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?. . . If I make my bed in the depths, you are there” (Psalm


tion she was in heaven, she thought.But when the train had passed, she sat up,

dazed, and looked at her legs lying about ten feet away. the shiny white sneakers she’d gotten for Christmas confirmed they were hers. Unable to process the information her eyes registered, Kristen reached down to where her legs would have been and brought up a bloody hand. that’s when unimaginable pain shot through her body. Awake to the awful reality of her circum-stances, she began crying for her mother the way a small child would.

Her mother didn’t hear her, though. She’d gone out looking for Kristen when it got late. there was a commo-tion of police cars and people down by the railroad tracks, and talk that someone had tried to take her own life. Struggling to force foreboding thoughts out of her mind, she told an officer there about her missing daughter. When he gave a description of the victim, she rushed to the hospital.

Although Kristen had lost several pints of blood, she remained conscious throughout the entire ordeal until a doctor later sedated her for the first of numerous surgeries. She remembers the face of a fireman looking into her eyes and his hand brushing the hair from her forehead. She remembers the ambulance, the hospital room, the looks on people’s faces—particularly her mother’s.

Fragments of conversations with doctors and visitors stand out in her mind.

“i’m so glad we found you, honey.”“But they cut off my new clothes, Mom.”“that’s okay, sweetie. We’ll buy more.”“Am i going to live?”“Maybe. We’ll know more soon.”“My legs are gone.”

“You don’t need your legs. You’ll be just fine without them.”

The next three years were really hard for Kristen. initially, she couldn’t accept the fact that she had tried to commit suicide. Friends and family rallied around her and provided everything they could to make life “normal” again. During her first outing to church, a woman she’d never met walked up to her and said, “it’s a good thing

you didn’t die. You’d have gone to hell if you did.”

Maybe it was the resi-due of shock, or perhaps she’d been through too much trauma to take offense, but Kristen chose to allow that statement to provoke a search within her. She knew that, logically speaking, she should have died and began to seriously contemplate what would

have come next, had that happened.A soft-spoken seminary student helped

steer her toward answers that rang true. He told her she had been created by God to spend eternity with Him—we all were—but sin had separated her from Him, and that’s why Jesus died for her. He explained that Christ died for every single one of us. He paid the penalty for our sins so we could be forgiven. But we have to choose to accept His priceless gift.

Kristen says she knew that something really important was missing from her life and that if she accepted Christ’s sacrifice for her, a lot would change. She sat on the floor in her parents’ dining room that night, broken and humble, and said a simple prayer. She told God that she realized her life wasn’t hers to take—and asked Him to come into her heart.

For the first time, she felt true forgive-

When I lost my legs, I found my

value in Him.

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ness. She felt free. that was three months after she lost her legs, and while the struggle against suicidal thoughts and depression continued, Kristen moved closer to God each day. Her recovery came about through years of counseling, one day at a time, one issue at a time until, five years later, she broke her silence and began speaking honestly about her life.

that mountain, and a thousand others, were climbed as she learned to walk spiri-tually. When God asked her to depend on Him more than on her friends and doctors, she did. When He extended an invitation of friendship, she accepted. And when He steered her toward college and ministry, she eagerly pursued those avenues.

Kristen says she doesn’t need her legs anymore—she’s complete in spite of losing them. “Being in a wheelchair honestly doesn’t bother me. i’ve learned how to live without them, and my life is a lot better,” she says.

initially, her biggest fear was what other people would think. that, and how she’d maneuver without legs. “i’m able to get around in my wheelchair,” she says. “God has taught me a lot in my wheelchair—a lot about life and about me. When i lost my legs, i found my value in Him. He’s shown me how special i am, how beautiful i am, and how differently He sees me than i see myself. i don’t need my legs because they don’t make me who i am.”

Kristen says God used her pain to bring her to where she is now. “How could i not be happy with the change He has brought about in my life?”

today, ten years after her suicide attempt, Kristen dedicates her time to helping others who find themselves in the place she once was. Statistics tell us that 18 percent of teenagers seriously think about or attempt suicide. And the num-bers are no better in Christian homes. A graduate of Moody Bible institute, Kristen founded Reaching You Ministries,

an outreach to those struggling with depression and suicide. “i don’t want to wait until people are suicidal,” she says. “i want to help them now—before they get to that point—while they’re struggling with discouragement and depression.”

though she can’t walk, Kristen has trav-eled all over the country, telling her story and ministering to others. She’s appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and Larry King Live, driven alone from illinois to Montana to reach out to others, published a memoir, and been featured by numerous media outlets all over the country. the joy in her is radiant and contagious. She’s not even 30, yet the wisdom Kristen shares with others carries a weight of authority. She has gone all the way down to the bottom of life’s darkest place and emerged with power and purpose. She has allowed God to completely transform her life.

it’s strange that the depths of loneliness have brought Kristen so much renown. But her life is still simple and straightforward. She sits by the window in the home where she grew up and gives the press an inter-view. the train goes by on schedule. She pauses and asks a teary-eyed journalist if she’s okay. When the lights and cameras are taken down, she climbs piggyback onto her boyfriend’s shoulders, and he carries her out to the sidewalk, where he helps her into her wheelchair. they make their way, hand-in-hand, toward the park in the glow of a setting sun.

Read more about Kristen Jane Anderson and how she discovered hope after hardship.

Life in Spite of MeuSoftcover|$17 (U.S.)


Learn more of the story—visit our online magazine at www.intouch.org for a video feature on Kristen Jane Anderson.x

modernpsalms

A Poem by Todd DavisThe people of God are no strangers to poetry. Just look at the pages of Scripture, which

arguably express the most beautiful language in response to life and God available to

us today. Sadly, this aspect of our Christian heritage is often neglected. But faithful

poets of our day continue in the same spirit that led David to write psalms—drawing

out the riches, beauties, and complexities of our faith in a way that nothing else can.

And so we present this new occasional section, Modern Psalms, featuring Christian

poets and brief thoughts on their work.

f rom the poetthe writing of “Nicodemus’s Complaint” is, at least in part, shrouded in mystery. i think many artists have that response to their work: How in the world did this come into being? Having said that, part of being a writer is the act of attention. the first

three stanzas are the result of paying atten-tion to the natural world that surrounds us. i live in the Ridge and Valley province of central Pennsylvania. in May and June, we often have days of rain. the earth here is heavy with clay, and when we get a storm, the streams on the mountains fill and flood the valley rivers with their runoff.

But how did the poem then turn to Nicodemus? i’m attracted to many characters in the Bible who are flawed, like him. the reason for this attraction is comfort, i suppose. Comfort in knowing that thomas needed to touch the wounded side of Christ to believe in the resurrection; that David struggled with lust and vanity and power; that Paul, even in his piety, had a thorn in his flesh; that Peter’s exuberance and faithfulness failed after a few steps on the water.

Jesus wasn’t the easiest teacher. What sacred wisdom ever comes easy? And so we have Christ speaking in what might be characterized as unexpected metaphors, like telling Nicodemus one must be “born again” to enter the Kingdom of God. i think some Christians today have taken much of the mystery out of the lord’s words. We toss off phrases like “born again” as if it were the easiest thing to com-prehend. But if we can put ourselves in the sandals of someone like Nicodemus, we might discover that the idea of a second birth is more mysterious and, perhaps, more troubling than we’ve dared to imagine.

Poetry itself is built on metaphor because the things we attempt to say about love or the soul or evil are bigger than anything we humans can get our minds around. We make gestures toward the unknowable, the unseeable, and metaphor is a good tool for such gestures.

reading tip If it’s been a while since you’ve read the story of Nicodemus, revisit John 3:1-21. Then read the poem a few times slowly, with attention to the words and images the poet uses.


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Q: How would you like a reader to approach this or any poem?Far too few of us have encountered poetry outside the classroom, and because of that, we immediately do what many teachers have trained us to do—to ask the ques-tion, “What does the poem mean?” Poetry’s true life is not in the classroom, but in the human mouth and mind and soul. A poem is both aural and oral. it should be read aloud so the words vibrate in the mouth and in the chest. Our ears and tongues need to be involved. if you are unsure what a poem “means,” don’t worry. Read it again for the simple pleasure of reading it. if some meaning begins to take shape, wonderful. But a good poem will continue to evolve in its meaning and in its being over the course of your lifetime.

Nicodemus’s ComplaintWind steps heavy on us. trees tilting. Grass tossed. A muddy green scroll impossible to read.

i know the soul is a knotof limbs, a ripple on the river’s surface.

eventually light disappearsand stars go out. eventhe waters must recedeafter the rainy season.

the body is pushed out of a woman once, soul broken and scattered.

How can anyone enterthe womb a second time?And why won’t you speak plainly of the kingdom to come?

todd Davis is the author of three volumes of poetry, most recently The Least of These (Michigan State University Press, 2010), in which “Nicodemus’s Complaint” appears.

OOn nOvember 19, 2001, my hus-band Bill, a veteran marathon runner, ran his last race. By mid-December, he clung to the walls of our living room for support, while his right foot swung out at an odd angle with every step he took. Before anoth-er month had passed, he sat, slumped in a wheelchair, and then lay in a hospital bed at Johns Hopkins, while a paralysis continued to creep up the right side of his body.

i blanched at the depth of sorrow i saw in his eyes. Our tears mingled as i held him; his depression mirrored mine. When his speech became distorted, i felt his frustra-tion in the marrow of my bones. He’s just tired, i told myself, shifting my mind into neutral. Bill moved through anguish to acceptance far sooner than i was able.

“Why aren’t you mad at us,” one doctor blurted out after three weeks of tests with no diagnosis. “Anyone else would be yelling at us by now.” Bill lifted his eyes and the one hand he could still move toward the heav-ens. “efreythin is in God’s hands.”

Before long, there was nothing left to schedule except a potentially fatal biopsy of his brain. the verdict? Glioblastoma Multiforme, stage four. three malignant tumors on his brainstem. Prognosis: three months to two years. i locked in on two years.

the doctor’s voice was gentle as he took me aside. “this is a dying man. i’m sorry.”

“But Bill has a strong heart. Don’t you

understand? He’s a marathon runner.”the doctor’s prediction proved true over

the next few weeks. Bill fought the damag-ing effects of infections, pneumonia, and a mini-seizure, while the paralysis gathered speed and charged down his left side.

He began contemplating heaven with longing—even joy—in his earth-weary eyes. i ran in circles, trying to force him to keep up with his physical therapy, bringing him to rehab in spite of his lethargy and enticing him with applesauce when he no longer wanted to eat.

“Do you really want me to postpone Life?” Bill asked. the little energy i still had, drained out through my pores. A month later, i buried his body in the sodden ground during the chill of an early spring rain.

i walked on, limping in pain and emptiness. Grief rolled over me in waves: Shock. Disbelief. Hasn’t he just gone on a business trip? My mind couldn’t grasp his death, while my body

CrOSSInG THe FInISH LIne WhEN yOU hAVE TO RUN ThE RACE ALONE


byfaith

CrOSSInG THe FInISH LIne WhEN yOU hAVE TO RUN ThE RACE ALONE B y S A N D I E L z I N G A

wouldn’t let me forget. Not with that ever-present clog snaking its way down my throat to my stomach. i battled tears too deep to shed, too intense to hold back.

And a nameless anger i hadn’t known was there, until i came close to throwing the mini-vac through my bedroom window, when a friend developed an incurable cancer. Despite my exhaustion and sleepless nights, i mentored women in my church, blunting my sadness by looking for and lingering over their problems, large or small.

i wobbled around in emotional turmoil, at times feeling numb, certain

i’d conquered my sorrow. At other times, i hit

myself in the face of my grief by

studying the photos my daughter took of her dad while he was ill: in his wheelchair, no longer

able to hold his head up

without support; in his hospice

bed, surrounded by our four grown children

(agony was obvious in all five pairs of eyes. How could I not have known this?); and near the end of Bill’s life, his pain blunted by morphine—yet with an unmistakable radiance flooding his face.

even so, i fought against our life after Bill. Over and over, i hit the invisible barrier between heaven and earth, bounc-ing against its course texture, bruising my flesh.

Oh, God, I can’t stand how Bill suffered. I’ve got to know: Is he okay now? if i could, i would have broken through the celestial

divide with my bare fingers, turning them into raw nubs. Won’t someone stop this suffering before i bleed to death?

every night, i faced the empty pillow. No indentation. No lingering scent of Finesse shampoo. No one to get me up in the morning way before i wanted to.

“let’s go out for coffee,” Bill would say with a teasing smile, pulling my covers back. in snow time, the car was already warmed up for me by the time i got in.

No more. i was alone.i felt less so at the cemetery. i walked its

hills and valleys often. One afternoon how-ever, as a large cloud cast its shadow over Bill’s monument, i noted a settled look to the grass over his grave. “You’re not going to come back, are you?” i whispered to the silent form lying six feet deep.

i returned home, crawled into bed and sunk, headfirst, to the bottom of a yawning pit of reality. Broken.

Where are you, Jesus? I can’t do this on my own.

My lord stood over me, a refuge. My only refuge. He lifted me up and held me to His heart. in these depths of my sorrow, the following life-giving anchors stabilized me and carried me through to the other side of my grief. they will do the same for you.

God’s prescence “Do not fear, for I am with you . . .” (Isa. 41:10a).

this is the rich heritage for all of us who follow Jesus. Whether we sense His presence or not, He is there. As i rested in God’s strength, i began to saturate myself in my CDs of praise and worship music. While pacing from my bedroom to my kitchen and back. While driving home from the grocery store in Bill’s Olds, now mine. And while enduring the long nights of insomnia. When i was too grief-weary to tolerate audible sound, God’s Spirit sang in my soul. these words of comfort

my LOrd

STOOd Over

me, a reFuGe.

my OnLy

reFuGe.

solvingproblems


sustained me, at the same time touching my wound of loss. Bringing me to tears so the infection could pour out. Softening my sorrow, making it bearable.

God’s provision“And my God will supply all your needs . . .” (Phil. 4:19a).

You and i have different needs. God will provide for us according to His riches. in His time and in His way, He will give us what we truly need. How fine-tuned is His love for us.

During the first year after Bill’s death, i often strolled the shores of lake Michigan. in summer, its cool water caressed my bare feet, while dozens of seagulls soared above, dipping down into the rippling current for food to satisfy their hunger.

in winter, the waves stood in frozen arches. i stared up at a sky as ever-changing as my mood, and tried in vain to picture heaven somewhere beyond, where Bill now lived.

“Oh, God,” i cried out against the raging winds within and without, “what about Bill’s suffering? Why can’t i get past this?”

i tried to picture Bill as the rugged athlete he had been, yet i could visualize nothing but his hollow cheeks and emaciated body, stilled for his last four months on earth. i would have understood if he had been crabby about it all. But his peace and calm in the midst of his insurmountable obstacles shredded me inside. How could he not be screaming?

i went back to the warmth of my living room and opened my Bible. i looked up all of its references about heaven and let God’s Word soak into the depths of my spirit: “And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain . . .” (Rev. 21:4, emphasis added).

My music played in the background: “The

Son of God is calling . . . and He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own. And the joy we share . . . ”1

Wait. is this what life is like for Bill in heaven? in a moment’s time, God’s truths tumbled down from my head to my heart.

God’s promise“ . . . And so we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:17b).

As Christians, you and i have this blessed assurance of being in heaven with our loved ones who have died in Christ. We will see them again. i look forward to sharing with Bill all the things i wished i had said to him while he was still on earth—and all the things that have happened since. i’ll have plenty of time.

On the first anniversary of Bill’s death, i stood at his gravesite, reliving his burial in my mind. i saw again the weeping sky, its teardrops plopping on black umbrellas. i could almost smell the red rose i laid on top of Bill’s casket just before his body disappeared into the gaping earth. i recalled the pastor’s final words on death as being a “severe, but temporary separation.”

What if . . . ? i thought. What if Bill hadn’t belonged to Jesus? He would still be suffering. instead, Bill ran the race marked out for him. He fixed his eyes on his lord and Savior who kept him in perfect peace. He finished with a Personal Best.

Not long after my husband’s death, a friend stated, “Bill’s no longer lame. i’m sure he’s back to running in heaven.”

is he? i have no idea. But i do know he’ll come to greet me with Jesus when i near heaven’s gate. And i picture Bill with a glad light in his eyes, cheering me on as i cross the finish line, as he used to do with those who came in after him in a marathon: “Way to go! You can do this, Sandi—you’re almost there!”

1 C. Austin Miles, “in the Garden”, 1912.

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DON’T T A K E T H E

BAIT!How to Avoid Three Traps Married Guys Fall For

B y A L L E N h A R R I S

familyroom

every day. God's magnificent handiwork is everywhere, and each man and woman is beautiful to others in his or her own way. that's not a bad thing! However, it can be a serious trap for men and women who tend to be led by their eyes rather than their hearts and minds.

“it's okay to look, but not touch, right?” Wrong. that's a lie spread by the Devil. Jesus could not have been clearer in teaching about a man's wandering eyes. in Matthew 5:28, He equated lustful stares with adultery: “everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” that is a sobering, not to mention fright-ening, indictment.

But let's not allow ourselves to be overcome with guilt because we've noticed a cute girl in the next cubicle. the act of seeing isn't the issue; it's the intent, and maybe the duration, of the look that can lead to trouble. A glance probably isn't a problem, but a full-on stare may indicate danger. As Martin luther once said, “You cannot keep birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.”

How do you know if you've got a prob-lem? i can sum it up in one word: respect. Does the way you look at her show her respect? More importantly, does it demonstrate your respect for your wife? We carry our wives with us wherever we go, whatever we're doing. that's what the preacher meant when he said, “And now you are one.” Don't let your wife (or your Savior) catch you in an inappropriate stare-down. Keep an eye on your eyes.

TrAp #2: The Man Handles the Money. period.Some guys have a misunderstanding of what it means to be the head of the household. too often, especially in homes where Dad works and Mom stays home

Guys,

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it's time to deal with a few things we don't like to discuss with our wives. Not that we're keeping secrets or anything. in fact, we are convinced we're doing the right thing—in some crazy, misguided, machismo-driven delusion, we honestly feel as if we're protecting them when we choose to keep certain things quiet.

Big mistake. the enemy has scattered little land mines all around our marriages, and when we keep our struggles to our-selves, we're navigating blindly. So let's talk about these things out in the open, okay?

there are thousands of traps that married men get tangled up in every day. But three specific ones seem to trip us up more than others.

First, we've got the cute girl at work. that's no good. Second, we've got the wrong-headed notion that the man han-dles the finances, period. that one will land you in the poor house. third, we've got a thoroughly “stuff-driven” idea that nothing says “i love you” more than a ton of overtime hours at the office. Big-time mistake. let's say these out loud so we can recognize how off-base some of our assumptions are and finally move past these roadblocks for good.

TrAp #1: The Cute Girl at Work “What do you mean, honey? There aren't any cute girls at the office. Not that I've noticed, anyway . . .”

Right. Unless you work as an apprentice bread maker in an Augustinian monastery, there's a high statistical probability that at least one attractive young lady is milling around your workplace. Your wife knows this. in fact, chances are pretty good that your wife spotted her as soon as she got out of the car for last spring's company picnic. trust me, this is not an area in which you want to play dumb.

We're all going to see attractive people


with the kids, the husband develops an undue sense of sole ownership of the finances. this one is a budget buster and marriage killer, guys.

even in single-income families, every dollar that comes in the door is a dollar for the family, not for the income-earner. there's no “my money” and “your money.” there's only “our money”— which means that the hard-working husband is not solely responsible for the budgeting. in fact, far too many men wreck the family finances because they think they're supposed to manage that task themselves but simply aren't any good at it. the wife may be incredibly gifted at budgeting and long-range planning, but the husband might never give her a chance, claiming, “it's my job.” this is a misguided, disrespectful, and at times catastrophic assumption.

Men, if you try to manage your money or make any other big decisions without including your wife, you're using only half your brain. “And now you are one,” remember? Proverbs 31:10-11 makes this perfectly clear: “An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. the heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.” Say that out loud: “And he will have no lack of gain.” You want a recipe for financial success, gentlemen? include your wives in the bookkeeping. it's God's economics, and it works.

TrAp #3: Love = Overtime As guys hit their groove in a career and make a little money, something strange happens. We begin to think that love equals money. Since overtime brings more earnings, overtime must mean more love, right?

Most young couples start their relation-ship dirt poor. A trip to Walmart, a rented DVD, and frozen pizza can constitute

an incredibly good date during those years. Why? Because the evening wasn't about the “stuff”; it was about the time. Some of the best dates i've ever had with my wife took place at the grocery store, because she saw i was more concerned about spending time with her than spend-ing money on fancy dinners and exotic locales. Sure, those can be fun, but so can holding hands while buying vegetables. limited savings didn't detract from our time together.

However, somewhere along the way, certain men start to think that their wives “deserve” better than that. Sure, our wives deserve more, but at what cost? Would my wife be happier if i worked 80 hours a week for six months to pay for a special one-week vacation? Would she give up seeing me at all for half a year so she can see me a lot for one concentrated week of togetherness? i don't think so.

My marriage is a daily journey with my best friend. i'm not trading our best years for some future time called “retirement.” What's the point of working non-stop for 40 years if, at the end of it, you're a stranger to the person you've “been working for”? i work hard, and it's important to me to provide for my family. However, i know that providing for them includes being present and available. if that means more time with a video rental and less time touring Broadway, so be it.

Moving past the TrapsMaybe you don't struggle with any of these three traps. Maybe you struggle with a completely different set of chal-lenges. Chin up, fellas. We all struggle with this stuff. the mark of maturity isn't just avoiding the traps; it's how we deal with them after our foot gets stuck in one. Don't ignore the danger zones in your life. Face them, name them, and then get past them.

i

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in Romans 10:14-15 (niv), Paul writes, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?” Several people are mentioned in these verses, but do you see who starts the process? it is the sender. Without the one who sends, the gospel is not preached or heard. Providing financial support to get the good news to all nations is an important part of helping to fulfill the Great Commission.

One of the ways in touch Foundation assists Christians in their efforts to financially support the furtherance of the gospel is through a Donor-Advised

Fund. A DAF is a flexible charitable giving account that can be established with an irrevocable gift of cash, securities, or other property of $10,000 or more to in touch Foundation. With one contribution, you can support in touch as well as other ministries or charities.

A DAF is easy to establish, and there are no set-up fees. You can name the fund and have distributions sent in the fund’s name or anonymously; in touch provides the record keeping and administration. On your timetable, you recommend which charities are to receive distributions from the fund. Once approved, in touch makes the distributions and provides you with confirmation.

A DAF offers significant tax benefits as well. You receive an immediate income tax deduction for gifts to the fund. if long-term appreciated securities are contributed, your tax deduction is for the full market value of the stock. in addition, these securities can be sold in the DAF without incurring any capital gains tax, so there is more to give away. Your contributions may also be invested, providing opportunity for tax-free growth to support future giving.

Our DAF is a convenient, tax-advantaged way to support in touch and other Christian ministries, churches, and charities. For more information, please contact us.

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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.

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800-967-2200

ow do you find the right person for a romantic relationship? Once you’ve found that individual, how do you figure out if he or she is the one God ultimately wants you to marry? And for that matter, how do you learn to relate authentically

so you can actually get to know each other and decide whether you belong together?

these questions have eternal implications. if you get mar-ried, so many major elements of your future—your place of residence, work, children, and grandchildren (not to mention

the dreams, joys, suffering, and hopes you’ll experience) are all connected to this one “simple” factor: the person who will be your partner in building a life together.

Since the stakes are high, it’s no surprise that for many, the focus of dating (or court-ing) as well as prayer about a future spouse tend to be on trying to secure guarantees, even from God. You might find yourself hoping that compatibility on personality tests, family background, and degrees or jobs, along with a by-the-book courtship and engagement will insure the success of your marriage—and that it will be better than other marriages. Or, because you’re so focused on guaranteeing the future with the person you feel is “the one,” you begin to treat dating like marriage. this presumes a depth of commitment and relational identity that isn’t appropriate and, in turn, invites jealousy and possessiveness.

i’ve known far too many people who focused on doing all the “right” things but

manipulationno more

the key to authentic relationshipsB y F R E D R . L y B R A N D

hsolvingproblems


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whose courtship or marriage didn’t work out. the truth is, no one formula comes with a surefire guarantee. And that’s because relationships, contrary to what many would like to think, aren’t built on formulas.

the way to counter such misconceptions is to focus on truth. if you’re sincerely open to what the lord wants for your life, you can relinquish trying to be in control. then you’ll be free to relate genuinely to others and will enjoy healthier, more authentic relationships. You’ll also experience greater freedom as you walk on the path God opens up for you.

Lie #1: If you follow the right process, you’ll have a successful marriage.TruTh: When you fall into the trap of trying to guarantee how your partnership will go, the future becomes the focus in everything you do. But then you stop living in the present, where relating really happens. this is not to say that thinking about the future is bad; it’s actually important. But if it’s the main focus, and you spend all of your energy planning and scheming, you’ll likely miss out on truly connecting.

Married couples can actually do the same thing in a different way. if they concentrate all their energy and time on securing their future retirement, it’s easy to miss out on enjoying and working on their relationship in the present. if something doesn’t go as planned (like a health crisis or collapsed investments), they might not even get to enjoy their saved wealth or free time—and nothing can buy back the years they missed out on each other.

Only the lord knows your future. By coming to terms with that truth, you can start to rest in Him and give up on manipu-lating the outcome. You may even start to enjoy the friendship as it is in the present!

Lie #2: If we act just the right way and say just the right things, we can get

others to respond the way we want.TruTh: Control-free relating derives from simply speaking the truth in love (eph. 4:15), with no agenda. truth is the lifeblood of real relationships. When you’re not preoccupied with what to say next or how to elicit a certain response, you can start connecting effectively and actually get to know each other.

Often, people chain relationships to per-sonal goals. When this happens, you are motivated by an agenda that is self-serving, and the partnership is no longer balanced. Furthermore, if you use the other party to achieve a personal goal but don’t admit it to yourself or that individual, your friendship becomes dishonest. this is fertile ground for problems.

Manipulation occurs when you’re not acting truthfully and as a result aren’t sup-porting the other person. if you insist that he or she act or react a certain way, you harm the possibility of genuine connection (something which can occur only when you both speak truth).

it takes two people for manipulation to happen, though. even if only one person is overtly controlling, the other is enabling. Both types of dysfunction are serious hindrances to a healthy union.

in order to connect genuinely with someone else, it is essential that you communicate what you honestly think, and that you act without any pretense. And allowing the other person to do likewise produces trust—which is the key ingredient for healthy love. truth, love, and freedom are the basis for strong, successful relationships.

Are you inadvertently derailing healthy friendships and romance? Dr. Fred Lybrand offers insight and advice.

GlaenuSoftcover | $15 (U.S.)

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stronginspirit

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ailure is in the eye of the beholder. After all, thomas edison is said to have experimented at least 1,000 times before powering the first light bulb.

You’ve probably heard this bit of trivia, and possibly in church. When Christians talk about failure for the sake of a spiritual pep-talk (“God can redeem anything!”), we like to focus on the stories with endings we already know are happy. But when you’re dealing with your own life, hearing some chipper anecdote about edison’s 1,000 failures doesn’t make you feel any better—his eventual success is literally displayed in neon all around us. Because as you’re staggering up from that moment of defeat, you don’t know the rest of the story.

We might get some encouragement from a sermon about the other side of Peter’s deny-Christ-not-once-but-three-times disaster (read, going on to pretty much change the world). But we tend to focus on this aftermath: that Peter became something of a spiritual giant—and we certainly can’t imagine that

future for ourselves as we watch the floor crumble beneath us, courtesy of our own mistake/incompetence/stupidity/sin.

We might draw greater encouragement— and insight—from the more complicated life of King David.

defining momentsthink of a high-profile person who’s had a very public downfall in the past few years. if you were to say his or her name and ask what immediately comes to mind, most people will automatically mention that particular disgrace.

David is often associated with one of his most blatant failures—a scandal that would have provided any tabloid fodder for months (adultery plus murder!). Yet thousands of years later, his sin is usually outweighed in our minds by all the other, more positive defining points of his life: as a teenager, he triumphed over his people’s worst enemies; he was israel’s greatest king; he wrote poetic masterpieces that have been a hallmark of Christian worship for millennia; he was a forebear of the Messiah; and most notably, he was “a man

w h o s e n a r r a t i v e d e f i n e s y o u ?B y E R I N G I E S C h E N

ThE AFTERMATH OF FAILURE


after [God’s] own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14).Because of that, we often see him as an

exceptional success story whose victories outweighed his offenses. But we don’t realize how his story more closely mirrors our own lives in the wake of major failure. it’s rare that we don’t have to reap the consequences, particularly when sin is involved. And often, the weight of those consequences feels so overwhelming that we begin to see ourselves in light of how we’ve blown it. David not only experienced the many painful results of his failure; he also struggled with whether or not it would define his life.

truth and consequencein our world, adultery doesn’t exactly make you the star role model at church; as a matter of fact, people might even stop singing the worship songs you wrote. And even if you repent for murder, no matter how much you get things straight with God, you’re probably going to spend the rest of your life in prison. You can’t take back what you did; your life choices just got irrevocably narrowed down. today, we’d see David’s actions as having in effect ended his own life.

it’s true that in his world, he seems to have gotten away, to a degree, with murder, theft, and unfaithfulness; in the aftermath, he kept all his earthly privileges and freedom as king. He even married the woman he’d lusted after and killed for. And we know that when he repented, he was forgiven and restored by God. But here’s what we need to consider: in “the rest of the story,” he suffered for his

actions a hundred times over. He paid his dues. the dismal consequences of his offenses set his family up for dysfunction of soap opera proportions.

Many of David’s later years were spent watching his family implode—his children by different mothers turning on each other and even on him—which eventually ripped the kingdom apart. Much of what he’d worked so hard to build seemed to unravel twice as fast, and continued to come apart even after his death. Had he known that Solomon, the son of his affair, would outdo him in the realm of illicit relationships, David would have been devastated. He’d undoubtedly have swapped his “Best King ever” title in a second to go back and do things over.

a lifelong struggleClearly, David’s repentance and his acceptance of God’s forgiveness were wholehearted. Yet it also seems that he struggled for quite some time with the temptation to allow his failure to define him. Considering the way he managed his family, it’s very likely that he continued to see himself as a failure in the personal realm of his life, and didn’t fully recover from that perception for a long time. He may have felt that whatever strife and anguish his children brought about was due punishment for his sins, and that there was nothing to do except bear it.

But had David heard the pronounce-ment that, even generations later, God wanted him to be known as the “man after My own heart” (Acts 13:22 nkjv), would he have seen his life differently? Might he

FAILURE ISN’T hOW GOD DEFINES yOU. hE DEFINES yOU By yOUR HEART.

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have taken the consequences to the lord and dedicated himself to discovering the redemption that might be found within them? Could he have more fully experi-enced grace that would have empowered him to lead his family with confidence and wisdom?

One thing is for sure: throughout it all, we can clearly see his genuine passion for God—no less in his later psalms than in those he wrote as a younger man. David never stopped reaching toward Yahweh, never stopped loving Him.

the real narrativeWhile David retained his reputation as a great warrior king and highly spiritual worship leader, his redemption wasn’t really in his outward story, as if the good merely outweighed the bad. God’s famous words about him meant this: external failures aside, He still wanted David’s heart above everything else. A torn-apart kingdom, He could handle; what He still cared about more than politics or power were the unseen souls of men.

When we talk about our lives, we tend to focus on the things we’re doing. if we don’t want to look dysfunctional, we give a rundown of our positive or neutral activities. to a close friend, though, we might also vent about everything that’s going wrong. Yet both the over-positive and anti-Christmas-newsletter versions are alike: we look at the outside. God’s narrative, on the other hand, would sound very different. it would be a detailed story about our hearts.

We often hear that the reason God isn’t constantly disappointed in us is that He sees the perfected person of the future. But is that really what the Bible reveals? When the lord spoke to Moses from the burning bush, was He just speaking to the future Moses who would boldly lead his people out of slavery, rather than the Moses who

stuttered out nothing but doubt in himself and fear of everyone else? When Jesus dealt with Peter, was He speaking only to the future Peter who would lead the early church and actually embrace martyrdom, rather than the Peter who’d just been cow-ering on the sidelines? it doesn’t appear so. While He knows who we will become, God deals with us just as we are, right where we are.

He sees us in our perfected state, even as He comes directly to us in our imperfection. And what we see as mere potential, He sees as reality—because His Spirit lives in us, waiting to enable us in each present moment to become who we were created to be. So while we live in a broken world and are at war with the power of death and darkness, we have the power of light and life working in us, which we can choose to embrace and unleash at any given moment. And that’s never truer than during the aftermath of our own failure.

With that in mind, perhaps the bottom line about failure is this: Whose narrative will you choose to believe about yourself? And beyond that, your initial choice comes down to the same thing: What will you do now? Sometimes this simply looks like trying again. Sometimes that isn’t an option—the clock may have run out; that particular game may be over. But there’s always something you can do.

When you fail, will you run away, hide, try to cover yourself, overcompensate, and live forever in the shadow of your actions? Or will you accept what you have or haven’t done—and choose to take an inward look without defining yourself by your mistakes? Because failure isn’t how God defines you. He defines you by your heart. And if, because you keep reaching for Him, He sees you as a man or woman after His own heart, then that is who you truly are.

e a r l y l i g h t

As Joshua stepped into Moses’ giant-sized sandals, he faced the biggest

challenge of his life—bringing the Israelites into the Promised Land. The responsibility was huge, and we can surmise from the Lord’s repeated commands to “be strong and courageous” that he was probably not feeling up to the task.

At one time or another, we all face obstacles that seem insurmountable. The question is, How will we respond? Some people try to push through or manipulate their way around the barriers, while others wallow in hopelessness and give up in defeat. But the Lord wants us to trust Him to remove each impediment.

Every obstacle that stands between us and God’s purpose is subject to His super-natural power. Most of us would readily agree that nothing is too difficult for the Lord, but fear and worry reveal our doubts. By focusing on the problem, we allow it to grow and block our view of almighty God.

Knowing the difficulty of Joshua’s assignment, the Lord assured him that he would be successful in completing the mission. God’s responsibility was to remove every hindrance that stood between the Israelites and the land He’d promised to give them. Joshua’s job was to believe the Lord and carefully obey all His commands.

Obstacles are one way that God strengthens faith. When you are confused and cannot see how He could work out your situation, do not walk away in defeat and miss His blessing. He wants to teach you His way of obedience, trust, and courage. Believe Him; He always keeps His promises.

read | Joshua 1:1 -9

ezekiel 14-16

Facing Life’s Obstacles

One Yeart h e b i b l e i n

Coming to the Lord with humility

and an attitude of total

dependence can lead to

a fresh encounter with Him.

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1 2

e a r l y l i g h t e a r l y l i g h t

w w w . i n t o u c h . o r g | 33

Jericho was the first city that the Israelites needed to conquer in their quest for

the land of Canaan. When Joshua sent a pair of spies to check it out, he probably didn’t realize that he would receive a glimpse of God’s impressive behind-the-scenes activity.

God wants us to look at every obstacle through the lens of His unlimited strength and resources. Anything that appears to block His plans is an opportunity for Him to demonstrate His sovereign power. Just because we don’t see anything happening, that doesn’t mean He’s inactive.

Always remember that God is at work on the other side of our obstacles, arrang-ing the details and bringing His plans to fruition. When the spies returned to Joshua, they reported that the people of Jericho were scared to death. Having heard about the Jews’ deliverance from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea, they were gripped by fear of the Lord.

The stage was set for the conquest, yet by that point, Joshua had done nothing. Sometimes we think we need to be involved in the solution to our problem, but God is not limited with regard to whom or what He can use to accomplish His will. In this case, He worked in the hearts of the enemy by instilling demoralizing fear.

For Christians, great obstacles need not be reasons for discouragement. Although much of the Lord’s activity is silent and invisible, we can be sure He is dynamically working out His will for our lives. When the pieces of His plan are in place, He will move us on to victory.

Seeing Obstacles through God’s Eyes

ezekiel 17-19


t h u r s d a y

Before overcoming a challenging situa-tion, God often brings us through a

time of spiritual preparation. Such was the case prior to Israel’s conquest of Canaan. As Joshua—the commander of the Hebrew army—stood near Jericho contemplating the battle ahead, God appeared to him.

Joshua’s reaction to this fresh encounter with God can help us learn how we should respond when He speaks to us in our hearts through His Word and His Spirit. • He approached the Lord in order to speak with Him.• He fell on his face in humility and submis-sion to His authority.• He asked for further instruction—“What has my lord to say to his servant?” (v. 14). • He obeyed immediately.• He feared God and treated Him as holy.

The Lord is always waiting to meet with us, but sadly, we are often too busy to make the effort to approach Him. By neglecting His presence, we miss the opportunity to receive His encouragement, strength, and direction for our challenging situations.

Our attitude during times of Scripture reading and prayer is very important. A humble, submissive, and teachable spirit enables us to hear God, and immediate obedience to His instructions reveals our awesome respect for Him.

If you’re struggling with a difficulty and wondering why the Lord hasn’t intervened, maybe He’s waiting for you to meet with Him and—like Joshua—to humble yourself before Him in absolute dependence. Only then will you be in a position to hear God’s voice and follow His instructions.

3 A Fresh Encounter with the Lord

ezekiel 20-22

read | Joshua 5:13-15

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2

e a r l y l i g h t

Joshua needed guidance as he faced one of the most crucial moments of his life.

Because the Lord had promised him success in conquering Jericho, he knew the outcome of the battle, but as the day of combat approached, he needed a specific strategy for victory. What he heard the Lord say must have made his jaw drop.

Can you imagine the soldiers’ thoughts as they carried out this bizarre battle strategy? In confusing times like this, it’s good to remember three requirements for benefiting from God’s instructions. We need:

• Faith to believe the Lord • Courage to obey Him• Patience to wait for His timing.When God gives us clear instruction

through His Word or His Spirit within us, our response shows how much we trust Him. If we truly believe Him and His prom-ises, precise and complete obedience will follow. His victory in any area of struggle is available only to those who act upon His directions.

Submitting to the Lord’s timing is also an essential part of obedience. What would have happened if the army decided to bypass God’s plans for the first six days and skip straight to the seventh day’s march around Jericho? They would have missed the victory.

How often do we beg the Lord for guid-ance, yet hesitate to obey when He finally gives it? Living by faith can seem like a huge risk when His instructions make no sense or require a lengthy wait. But knowing His eternal perspective and unlimited power can strengthen our resolve to obey.


t h e w e e k e n d

ezekiel 23-25

God’s Clear Instructions


e a r l y l i g h t

Standing on the edge of the Promised Land, the Israelites were overcome by

fear. The size and strength of the enemy contrasted sharply with their own weakness and inability. Because we’re human, every-one at times will experience inadequacy and the uncomfortable feelings that accompany it. The issue you and I face is not whether we are sufficient for a task, but how we will respond when a challenge is beyond our capabilities.

Like the children of Israel, we can give in to fear and then focus on the expectation of certain failure. As the obstacle grows in our minds, our feet run in the opposite direction, away from the challenge and toward safety. However, turning away from the task that God has given us will lead us not to security but into bondage. By allowing fear to control our choices, we’ll become chained to feelings of inadequacy, which will shape our future decisions and, ultimately, our destinies.

As a result of their refusal to trust the Lord and move forward to conquer the land, the Israelites were consigned to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. The men who did not believe God’s promise never saw the land that He wanted to give them. Opportunities are always lost when we let fear overrule our faith.

When God calls you to a task beyond your abilities, instead of giving in to your feelings, choose to rely on what you know about Him and His promises. By moving forward in faith despite your inadequacy, you will discover the Lord’s faithfulness. He always empowers us for the works He assigns.

read | deuteronomy 1:19-36

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ezekiel 26-28

The Burden of Inadequacy


34 | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 0 I n T o u C H

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Life is filled with struggles that reveal human inadequacy. Physical problems

leave us weak and unable to cope, relational troubles bring confusion and stress, con-tinual battles with bad habits and addictions make us feel defeated, and financial or job demands damage our self-worth. No one likes the frustration and fear of facing challenges which are too big to handle, but God can use them for our good.

Maybe you have never considered inadequacy a blessing. After all, it arouses all sorts of uncomfortable emotions that make us feel useless, insignificant, and weak. But God can turn all the negatives into blessings if we acknowledge our help-lessness, depend on His strength, and step into our challenges with confidence in Him.

Inadequacy can be a blessing since it . . . 1. Drives us to God as we recognize our helplessness. 2. Relieves us of the burden of trying to do God’s will in our own strength.3. Motivates us to live in the power of the Holy Spirit.4. Provides the Lord an opportunity to demonstrate what He can do.5. Increases our usefulness to God by humbling our pride.6. Allows Christ to receive all the glory.7. Gives peace as we rely on Him.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers have the ability to endure dif-ficulty or accomplish whatever the Lord calls them to do. By claiming the adequacy of Christ, we can face every circumstance with a sense of awesome confidence, not in ourselves but in God, who is totally capable.

The Blessings of Inadequacy

ezekiel 29-31

read | 2 Corinthians 3 :4 -6

t u e s d a y

After I’d witnessed an eagle in flight, I understood why God used this

bird to describe a relationship with Him. The eagle—which simply opens its wings and soars—is wholly dependent upon air currents to keep it aloft.

In contrast, we often beat our wings trying to be better Christians. We resolve to read the Bible more or to improve at keeping our temper. We strive to escape old habits and temptations. But instead of flying to the mountaintops, we remain on the valley floor with tired wings. This is because believers sometimes get confused about what a spiritually mature person looks like. The godly believer isn’t someone who tries and tries to do well. I’ve been a believer long enough to know that I can’t live the Christian life. This flesh of mine isn’t any better today than it was the day I was saved.

Spiritual maturity means recognizing that we do not change ourselves. Flesh is corrupt, and its vices cannot be suppressed by any human means. But our omnipotent Father subdues believers’ human impulses through His Spirit. For example, God’s indwelling Spirit calms anger and wields His strength to weaken the lure of old temptations. While others tire from trying to be good, the mature believer relies upon God and will “mount up with wings like eagles” (Is. 40:31).

Isaiah reminds us that even young men stumble and grow weak. Anyone trying to change himself into a model Christian will burn out beating his wings against the world system and his own flesh. God didn’t make these human bodies, minds, or spirits to fly solo. He created us to soar on His strength.

8 On Eagle’s Wings

ezekiel 32-34

read | isaiah 40:28-31

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e a r l y l i g h t

The Christian life is just that—a life, not a lifestyle. Sadly, a lot of churches preach

Christianity as a list of dos and don’ts. Then faith looks like a formula: Jesus’ saving grace plus doing good things minus doing bad things = righteousness. Most of us have enough problems without worrying about whether we’re following the extra-biblical rules of one church.

A man-made formula for righteousness runs counter to scriptural teaching. In fact, Jesus condemned the Pharisees for such heavy-handed religion (Matt. 23:1-4). He, on the other hand, offered liberty through grace. Neither keeping God’s Law by self-effort nor adhering to extra rules makes a person free. Legalistic believers are in bondage and growing ever weaker.

When a person accepts the saving grace of Jesus, he or she receives a new life (Rom. 6:4). This is not an uptight lifestyle of doing good works. A believer is a changed person—same body but a transformed mind and heart. Christ lives through you. His Holy Spirit flows into your spirit as sap runs in a grapevine. It’s like getting a spiritual blood transfusion! Strength pumps into places where weakness once prevailed. Why rely upon your frail self when the courage and power to follow God’s will is available through Christ?

I know what it feels like to burn out from trying to do good in my own strength. My desire for you is that you’ll surrender to the Lord. Depend upon Him to change you from the inside out, and trust that He will. Jesus is your life. He will never get tired of transforming you.

9read | titus 3 :4 -7

t h u r s d a y

ezekiel 35-37

The Source of Our Strength


e a r l y l i g h t

Jim saved for a long time to take an Alaskan cruise. At last he was on board

with two carefully packed suitcases. The first evening, when he heard “Dinner is served” announced over the loudspeaker, he took peanut butter crackers from his suitcase and sat at the table in his small cabin. Every day at mealtime, he repeated the ritual. It wasn’t that Jim didn’t like the ship’s tasty banquets. He simply didn’t know that his meals were included in the price of the ticket. For two weeks he enjoyed beautiful scenery off the decks but ate dry, stale food in his cabin.

This sad story is a metaphor for how some believers live the Christian life. God has promised to meet every need of His children—His riches are included in the price Christ paid for their salvation (Eph. 1:18). Yet many folks are trying to live out of their own resources. They don’t know that the wealth of God’s love, power, and provision is on their menu.

A believer’s relationship with the Lord is one of complete unity. Jesus is our life. His Spirit lives through us. Therefore, everything that is available to Him is also available to the brothers and sisters in Christ—all power, strength, and endurance, as well as whatever is required to fulfill physical and emotional needs.

Jim didn’t know he had the right to satisfy his hunger in an extravagant way. Learn from this exaggerated example. Read your Bible to learn what riches you are entitled to through faith. God offers believers everything required for living well and wisely. Trust Him for all your needs.

read | PhiliPPians 4 :19

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ezekiel 38-40

Our Needs



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Our Father’s concern about us is not confined to spiritual matters. He

is interested in the details of daily living as well. People tend to divide their lives into categories, distinguishing between issues related to work, home, faith, etc. Yet the Lord sees us as whole persons.

God’s Word shows that He is in the business of keeping bodies fed (Luke 12:29), minds wise (James 1:5), and hearts at ease (Phil. 4:7). And since believers are in union with Jesus Christ through His indwelling Spirit, every aspect of a Christian’s existence has a spiritual connection. There is not a time in the day when the Christian’s life separates into “sacred” and “secular” com-ponents. The anxious heart that distracts us from prayer is as much God’s concern as the tired mind that easily drifts into temptation.

Scripture stresses God’s commitment to believers’ whole selves: “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3 ).The Lord doesn’t limit Himself to building godliness in us. Day-to-day particulars of life matter too. We need never wonder if God can or wants to meet our needs. El-Shaddai, the all-sufficient One whose kindness never ceases (Lam. 3:22), gives believers whatever is required to grow their faith—whether that is food, comfort, knowledge, or peace.

The loving heavenly Father sees His chil-dren as whole people rather than physical beings with a spiritual life on the side. We cheat ourselves when we think God is interested solely in our spiritual needs. He has many kinds of blessings to offer, if we will but ask.

The God Who Meets All Needs

ezekiel 41-44

read | ePhesians 1 :3 -8

t h e w e e k e n d

There was a time when I was so disheart-ened that it made me wonder whether

I should remain in the ministry. How could I tell people that Jesus would give them peace and joy when I felt discouraged by my own failure to be godly? I understood what “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23) meant but was never sure which of those qualities, if any, would be apparent in me from day to day.

God let me stew in my anxiety until I was fully committed to finding out if His Word was true or not. I encountered my answer in a biography of Hudson Taylor, the founder of China Inland Missions. For a long time he, too, felt that his efforts fell short of the Lord’s expectations. But Taylor came to realize that the Lord wanted believers to trust Him fully and rest on His promises. So when Jesus said to abide in Him, He meant that His followers were to stop striving and struggling. Instead they were to trust Him to subdue their flesh.

As a child, I was taught that a person got saved and then went to work for God. You did the best you could to act godly, think right, and speak wisely. When your best wasn’t good enough, well, you tried harder. Such an impossible expectation was wearing me out. This idea of letting Jesus Christ work through me sounded both biblical and liberating.

A grape branch doesn’t bear fruit because of its determined efforts to get sunshine; rather, it simply abides in the vine, and fruit appears. The vine does all the work. In the same way, believers are to be in union with their Savior so that spiritual fruit can grow in their life.

13 The Spirit-Filled Life

ezekiel 45-48

read | 1 John 2:3 -6

m o n d a y



e a r l y l i g h t

Yesterday I shared with you about the time when God reminded me

that I am not the vine—He is. For years I had tried to accomplish by myself what Jesus Christ wanted to achieve through me; in other words, I attempted to produce fruit by doing good works. My desire was to impress God and earn His approval. His goal, on the other hand, was for me to act like the branch that I am and just abide.

The Holy Spirit’s job is to live the life of Christ through us. This process is known by a variety of names, including the exchanged life, the Spirit-filled life, and the abiding life. All of these monikers describe the joyful existence Paul spoke of in Galatians 2:20: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God.” The apostle meant those words literally.

Seen from the outside, a branch does not appear to be doing anything. But don’t get the idea that the abiding life is passive. Jesus was the perfect example of a Spirit-filled life, and He certainly didn’t sit around! He worked hard out of a reservoir of divine energy (John 8:28). All of Christ’s wisdom, knowledge, and courage was drawn from God through the Holy Spirit.

The fruit of the Spirit does not pop out of believers through effort; Christians bear fruit through surrender. We “take root” in the Lord by meditating on His Word, pray-ing, and serving. We reserve nothing for ourselves to control but fully rely upon Him. That’s not passive living; it’s an abiding life.

14read | John 15:1 -5

t u e s d a y

daniel 1-3

The Abiding Life


e a r l y l i g h t

Learning to listen to God is an essential part of following His will. The Lord

regularly speaks to His followers through four resources:

1. The Bible. Scripture is God’s guide-book to His thoughts and actions. It is the primary source for His followers to consult about everything in their life. This means that we ought to aim for more than just reading a bit every day. Our goal is to absorb the message—listening for God to offer instructions on how and where to apply His Word.

2. Prayer. Like all real friends, the Lord desires give and take in His relationships. Therefore, prayer is not complete when I’m done talking. I must quiet my mouth and thoughts so that my spiritual ears can open.

3. Circumstances. The Lord often revealed His ways to the biblical saints through their circumstances. He still works that way today. Situations differ but God does not. He uses everyday life to reveal errors in thinking, open or close doors of opportunity, and prove His promises true.

4. others. Pastors, friends, and mentors can all speak truth into a person’s life. The Lord placed believers in community so they could be supported and helped by those nearby. He doesn’t hesitate to send a mes-sage from the mouth of someone we know.

God does not use just one or two of these methods to reach a believer. He speaks through all of them. We need to attune our spiritual ears, always remembering that a message from the Lord must agree with His holy Word. God is talking to you. Are you listening?

read | James 1 :22-25

w e d n e s d a y

daniel 4-6

Listening to God



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Early in life, I learned to listen to the Lord, and this most important lesson

is the foundation of my confidence in God. Moreover, because I pay attention to the Father, He has given me courage in my convictions, strength in times of trouble, and unspeakable joy.

I opened my spiritual ears because of my grandfather’s words to me. Oh, he didn’t say, “Now Charles, you’ve got to listen.” Instead, he described what the Lord was saying to him and how He was speaking. The powerful evidence of Grandfather’s faith gave me a burning desire to hear the Lord too.

No person can hear without actively listening. God taught me how, and it is this important lesson that I pass on to you. Heeding the Lord begins when I meditate upon His Word. I listen prayer-fully for what He is saying to me through the passage, and I am expectant. The Lord is not secretive. He clarifies Scripture to those who desire to know its meaning and are willing to abide by it. Often I have to be patient. God reveals His truth when a believer is ready to hear. I continually return to a portion of the Bible until His message to me is clear. Sometimes that means going over the same passage for days at a time.

God will speak with clarity to anyone who listens prayerfully and submissively. He wants to speak to you! His great desire is for you to know Him as intimately as did Moses, David, Paul, and others like them. Dig into the Bible every day, and listen to the words the Lord impresses upon your heart.

A Lesson in Listening

daniel 7-9

read | luke 6 :46-49

t h u r s d a y

We have become so accustomed to this hurried world that we’ve begun

to demand speed in our spiritual life too. However, God “acts on behalf of those who wait for him” (Isa. 64:4 niv). Wise believers endure until the fruits of His labor appear.

In this devotion, we’ll look at three reasons believers are called upon to wait. First, God may be preparing us to receive His blessings. Perhaps we need new skills or greater maturity. Sometimes people require fresh spiritual insight before their hands are ready to hold what their hearts desire. For example, David waited years to sit on his appointed throne. But when he did, he was a wise, strong, and battle-tested king.

Second, the Father is often teaching His children to have confidence in Him. How would believers ever learn faith if God immediately fulfilled their every request? In my own life, the Lord has often said two words: “Trust Me.” And He has never been late to meet my needs. No matter how we justify rushing ahead of God, doing so amounts to saying, “I don’t trust You.”

Finally, the Lord will at times withhold blessing to protect us from harm we can’t see. We may never find out what caused the delay. But be assured that God exam-ines the object of our desire closely before placing it in our hands.

Waiting is rarely easy, particularly in this instant-everything world. But rushing ahead of the Lord short-circuits His plan. Believers who do are left unsatisfied, and they often must live with terrible conse-quences. Be patient while the Lord works out details. His best is on the way.

17 God Acts On Our Behalf

daniel 10-12

read | PhiliPPians 4 :6 -7

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e a r l y l i g h t

Practicing patience is hard work! This is especially true when we are waiting

upon the Lord, who keeps to His own timetable. But believers who trust God to deliver are richly rewarded with the desires of their heart.

A person’s willingness to wait reveals the value of what he or she desires. Imagine, for example, a young woman who yearns for a husband. She must decide whether to place greater importance upon a) getting married or b) waiting patiently for a mate chosen by God. If her priority is the former, she may accept an offer that is less than the Lord’s best for her. The fellow in question might be a good Christian but not a man suited for this particular young lady.

No one goes wrong waiting for the Lord to send His best in His perfect timing. Of course, believers don’t receive everything they request. At times God simply says no. In other cases, He adjusts our desire to match His own. In our humanness, we can’t possibly know all the details of a situation. So we ask for what we think we need, based on our limited information. A submissive heart accepts the omnipotent Father’s gentle redirection. When the awaited object of desire comes, it may not look like what the believer originally requested, but it will be exactly what he or she needs.

Waiting patiently on the Lord is an awesome witness. When He responds, others see the reality of God, His faithfulness, and the wisdom of our commitment. In addition, our own faith is strengthened. Fools rush to seize their prize. But wise believers know that blessing will come in God’s good time.

read | Psalm 40:1

t h e w e e k e n d

hosea 1-7

Wait Upon the Lord


e a r l y l i g h t

After his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul had much to

learn about salvation and following Christ. Throughout his life, the apostle shared what he was discovering. In his letter to the church at Philippi, he wrote about a very important life lesson—the secret of being content.

What kind of life do you think brings contentment? You might assume it is one with few troubles or great success. You may want good health, financial security, and a loving family. Paul’s life was not at all like this. He was in danger from both his own countryman and the opposition (2 Cor. 11:23-26). Sometimes the people listened, but more often, they were hostile to his message. He also had a “thorn in the flesh” which God refused to remove (2 Cor. 12:7-9). And Paul even spent considerable time in prison, chained to a guard. Yet he boldly wrote, “ I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Phil. 4:12 niv).

The secret he discovered was to live on the basis of his position in the Lord, not his feelings. As God’s child, Paul knew he was spiritually rich—“blessed . . . with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3) because he had a loving Father and the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Contentment in our media-driven age is hard to find and harder to keep. There’s always something newer, bigger, or better to buy and someone else who has what you want. When you feel unsatisfied, try basing your response on your position as a co-heir with Christ (Rom. 8:17) rather than feelings.

read | PhiliPPians 4 :10-13

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hosea 8-14

The Secret of Contentment



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Too often we let our circumstances determine our attitude. If life is going

smoothly, then we feel good about our-selves; when it gets hard, our mood drops. But we don’t have to live this way. Like the apostle Paul, we can learn and practice the secret of being content.

Contentment means accepting things the way they are—in other words, not wanting anything more or different. This requires developing an “I can through Christ” attitude. It means learning to bring God’s power into our weakness so we can accept and adapt to changing circumstances. When we respond to life with that kind of thinking, we move beyond our feelings to living by faith (2 Cor. 5:7).

Submission and trust are needed for such a lifestyle. First, we must surrender our will to God’s: in every situation, we are to yield what we want and accept whatever He allows. Our desire to control events is replaced by reliance on Him. This option becomes more appealing when we realize that the alternative—fighting against our circumstances—brings anxiety and distress. The second step is to trust God to oversee our specific situation. If we believe He is working out His perfect plan for us, then we will experience the joy that comes from trusting Him. Contentment will be ours.

Paul submitted his life to God and trusted Him. He faced insults, rejection, and many difficult trials but was still content. When we surrender control to the Lord and believe He has our best interest at heart, we will experience contentment too. Who is in charge of your life?

Finding Contentment

Joel 1-3

read | Proverbs 3 :5 -6

t u e s d a y

Is God involved in everything that happens throughout the world? How you answer

that question is important. What people believe about the Lord’s sovereignty affects both their trust in Him and their reactions to struggles. Moreover, believers’ thoughts on God’s dominion influences their compli-ance with His requirements. For instance, “in everything give thanks” (1 Thess. 5:18) would be an impossible standard if God were only partially in control of what’s going on.

Believing God is present in the positive aspects of our lives is easy. Reconciling hardship to His promises of provision and love is tougher. But think about this: If the Lord has reason to provide a job promotion, might He not also have reason to orchestrate a job loss? If He gives good health, might He not also allow sickness, as He permitted in Job’s life (Job 2:6-7)?

The Bible says that the Lord’s ways are not like our ways (Isa. 55:8). He has a master purpose for involving Himself in every aspect of believers’ lives—namely, conforming them to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29). Jesus’ life was not easy or sweet. He suffered shame, abuse, ill will, and persecution even before He faced the cross. If we are to be like Him, then we must expect that God’s loving hand will sometimes hold a tool for reshaping us.

Every believer is encircled by God’s pro-tection (Psalm 34:7), so nothing touches our lives unless He permits or directs it. Bitterness and blame cannot take root if we accept that every good and bad thing comes with God’s knowledge and permission. We can trust Him to do right by us (Rom. 8:28).

22 Is God in Everything?

amos 1-4

read | romans 8:28-29

w e d n e s d a y



21

e a r l y l i g h t

Yesterday’s reading affirmed that God is in everything from natural disasters to

family disputes. Nothing touches a believer’s life unless it comes through His permis-sive hand. And He brings about good from even our worst experiences (Rom. 8:28). But believing in divine sovereignty over all the events of earth implies a connection between holy God and our sin. Then, just how are they related?

Read this carefully: God neither instigates sin nor leads anyone into temptation. He is holy, so He can’t be in the presence of sin. He is just, so He demands payment for wrongs. And He’s loving and merciful, so He desires that all people know Him and His saving grace. To lure people into wrong-doing and then judge them for disobedience would be contrary to His character.

At times people point out the King James translation of Isaiah 45:7, which says that God makes peace and creates evil. While I love the KJV’s poetic language, I teach from the New American Standard Bible because I believe it’s the most accurate translation. The NASB says God is the One “causing well-being and creating calamity . . . ” Even before we make a wrong choice, the Lord knows what the repercussions will be. And He uses the evil circumstances related to our sin as a teaching tool.

We have a certain amount of free will—the Lord allows us to step out of His will and pursue our own agenda. He knows that sin reveals the flesh’s weakness and arrogance. Once we realize our frailty, He teaches us to die to self and to rely upon Christ’s strength (Gal. 2:20).

23read | isaiah 45:6 -9

t h u r s d a y

amos 5-9

Does God Cause Us to Sin?


e a r l y l i g h t

All of us make tracks through the valley of failure. The question is, How are you

going to respond? Plenty of people give up and exchange a vibrant kingdom-serving life for a defeated existence. But failure need not be an end. It’s a chance for a new beginning living in Christ’s strength.

Peter had a life-altering failure. Jesus warned that Satan had asked permission to “sift” the disciple like wheat (Luke 22:31)—vigorous shaking is required to separate wheat kernels from debris. The Enemy wanted to shake Peter’s faith hard in hopes that he’d fall away from Jesus like chaff.

Peter fervently believed the promise he’d made to Jesus: “Even though all may fall away, yet I will not” (Mark 14:29). But Satan knows a few things about the power of fear. What’s more, he realized that the disciple would be wounded by his own disloyalty. A man with tattered pride can’t help but question his usefulness.

When Satan sifts believers, his goal is to damage our faith so much that we’re useless to God. He wants us shelved far from the action of the Lord’s kingdom. Therefore, he goes for our strengths—the areas where we believe ourselves to be invincible, or at least very well protected. And when the Devil succeeds, we are disappointed and demoral-ized. But we don’t have to stay that way.

If we are willing, God can use failure to do spiritual housecleaning. Peter laid down his pride and instead put on the Holy Spirit’s courage. Thereafter, he risked humiliation, persecution, and death to proclaim the gospel. Failure was the catalyst that brought forth greater faith and true servanthood.

read | luke 22:31-34 , 54-62

f r i d a y

obadiah; Jonah 1-4

Satan’s Strategy



24

e a r l y l i g h t

w w w . i n t o u c h . o r g | 43

“The Devil often transforms himself into an angel to tempt men, some for their instruc-tion, some for their ruin.”

—Augustine of Hippo

“The deceit, the lie of the Devil consists of this, that he wishes to make man believe that he can live without God’s Word.”

—Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“The existence of the Devil is so clearly taught in the Bible that to doubt it is to doubt the Bible itself.”

—Archibald G. Brown

“The Devil can counterfeit all the saving operations and graces of the Spirit of God.”

—Jonathan Edwards

“The Enemy will not see you vanish into God’s company without an effort to reclaim you.”

—C. S. Lewis

“For where God built a church, there the Devil would also build a chapel.”

—Martin Luther

“That there is a Devil is a thing doubted by none but such as are under the influences of the Devil.”

—Cotton Mather

“The more God uses us, the more Satan will attempt to harass us.”

—Charles F. Stanley

“The Devil is a better theologian than any of us and is a devil still.”

—A. W. Tozer

“The Devil does not tempt unbelievers and sinners who are already his own.”

—Thomas à Kempis

On two separate occasions, the Bible records that Satan petitioned the Lord

to test a believer (Job 1:6-12; Luke 22:31-34). In both cases, God agreed. The Devil did his best to break the faith of first Job and later Peter, but he failed both times.

Do you suppose that Christ and Satan have ever discussed you? I think most people are too humble to assume such a conversation has happened. So let me ask the question a different way: Is your life making an impact worth talking about? I had to ask this of myself—am I serving God sufficiently to make Satan feel threatened?

Preachers and missionaries aren’t the only people who make the Enemy nervous. Any believer who is determined to obey the Lord is a threat to the Devil, particularly when sharing the gospel. God calls on you to witness to certain people because you have just the right knowledge, story, or tem-perament to reach them. Fearing that the unbeliever might choose salvation because of your testimony, Satan gives you plenty of opportunities to fail. He hopes you’ll be too discouraged to continue serving the Lord. The Enemy would like nothing better than to thwart God’s plan for believers’ lives by undermining their faith. That being the case, we might all be surprised how often our names pass between Jesus and Satan!

Although you may think you aren’t impor-tant, God knows your true value. Friend, as a Spirit-filled believer, you have amazing potential to serve the kingdom. Satan sees that, and he will try to make you stumble. If you fall, lean on the Lord as you get to your feet and carry on.

Are You a Threat to Satan?

miCah 1-5

read | 1 Peter 1 :6 -7

t h e w e e k e n d


o n t h e enemy

e a r l y l i g h t

Where there are mountains, there must also be valleys—it’s a simple fact of

the created world. The same is true in our spiritual life. To reach the place where God is leading us, we must sometimes traverse “the valley of the shadow of death” (Ps. 23:4).

Spiritual mountaintops are wonderful spots to rest awhile. At such times, we feel close to God and sure of His love. But we get to those high places by toiling through the valley, where we discover His character, the truth of His promises, and our own weakness. There are aspects of the Lord that we see only as we journey through shadow.

God is a jealous shepherd—He wants His followers relying entirely upon Him. He draws us through valleys in order to remove every habit, thought pattern, or external crutch that we use instead of trusting Him. In the low places, those suddenly seem inadequate. We discover whether our faith, courage, and wisdom are self-created or from the Lord.

While walking in valleys is an inevitable part of life, believers aren’t left comfort-less. Verse 5 is about having needs met, including the desire to be soothed. Here is the image of a tender shepherd rubbing oil onto an animal’s scraped skin. God promises assurance, healing, and safety, even in hardship.

Believers can shout, “I trust God,” from the mountain because they have learned to live by faith in the valley. Walking in the shadow of evil is difficult and frightening work. But when we surrender to whatever the Lord has to teach us in this dark place, our spirit is quieted and our faith is strengthened.

27read | Psalm 23

m o n d a y

miCah 6-7; nahum 1-3

The Believer’s Valley Experiences


e a r l y l i g h t

If a sermon is worth listening to, make it a habit to write down the important points.

Writing etches wisdom deeper into your heart and mind, which is where you build a foundation of biblical theology.

Christians cannot afford to let a message wash over their ears and drift away: believers who aren’t listeners may panic upon walking into a spiritual valley. Since they’ve retained very little teaching, their understanding of the Lord will be limited. People with a shaky theological foundation don’t realize: 1) God is upholding them through their difficulty (Isa. 41:10); 2) it has purpose (Rom. 8:28-29); and 3) they must surrender to His work in their life or be set aside—still a believer but useless to the kingdom (Rom. 12:1-2). Consequently, a believer without a solid bib-lical foundation may seek out counsel from worldly “problem solvers” who offer only temporary release from pain and fear.

David, the psalm’s author, said that he did not fear evil (Ps. 23:4). He knew God. What did he have to be scared of when the One who controls everything was on his side? How could he be stifled by anxiety while in the Spirit’s comforting presence? The writer held God to His promises and God delivered (Ps. 23). But the psalmist had to know those pledges in order to believe that the Lord would keep them.

A spiritual relationship heavy on emotion but light on facts falters in a valley. Believers must know how Scripture applies to life. Unless you have a belief system that can withstand pressure, pain, and criticism, you are at risk. Start building your biblical foun-dation so it will help you in times of need.

read | Psalm 27:11-14

t u e s d a y

hab. 1-3; zePhaniah 1-3

Equipped for the Valley



2928


w w w . i n t o u c h . o r g | 45

No one gets through life without trials. Realistically, you are either in a

storm, just getting out of a one, or about to enter a turbulent time. That is the bad news. Thankfully, we serve a good God who provides beautifully—especially during the dark periods of life.

Today’s passage tells of a stormy night on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus provides for us today just as He did for His disciples in that unsettling situation. Today, we will focus on ways that He does this.

First, the Father gives Christians His presence and the promise that He will never leave (Heb. 13:5-6). This is, perhaps, the greatest gift because from this aware-ness, He offers a sense of comfort, courage, and confidence.

Second, the Lord blesses His children with a pathway through trouble. He is in total control of our storm and will use the trial for His purpose. We may not understand, but we can trust His hand to guide us and accomplish good. Sometimes the reason and benefit of a difficulty will becomes obvious, while in other cases, it may never be clear.

Third, the Father offers believers the potential to grow. Hardships are exercises in trust and times to learn more fully who God is and how great His power and love are.

No one enjoys trials. But remember to express gratitude for God’s hand in your life and the way He will use the adversity. Hardships are chances to trust your Creator and to know Him better. Of course, they are painful, but don’t waste the opportunity to become all the Lord has planned for you.

God’s Provision

haggai 1-2; zeCh. 1-3

read | matthew 14:22-34

w e d n e s d a y

If you are not in a difficult time, you likely will encounter one soon. Jesus promised

that we will have many hardships in this life (John 16:33). And was He right.

As unpleasant as trials are, there’s still much reason for giving thanks. Yesterday, we looked at three provisions believers can count on during adversity: God’s presence, a pathway through the trouble, and potential to grow. Today, Let’s explore two more.

Protection. God doesn’t necessarily keep believers from suffering or disappointment. Stopping the storms may be our goal, but from His point of view, the adversity may be necessary to mature us spiritually. But the Father offers protection by staying with us in the struggle. Once we receive Jesus as our Savior, we are promised that God indwells us and will never leave. What’s more, we have assurance that nothing can separate us from His love (Rom. 8:38-39). So our ever-present God walks with us through the hardships, providing guidance and speaking truth into the situation.

Peace. While difficulties cause many peo-ple anxiety, believers have God’s peace. This inner serenity does not depend on whether circumstances improve. Rather, it’s a result of our relationship with Him. Our main focus shouldn’t be on fixing the problem but on our dependence upon God.

As we recognize the Lord’s provision during trials, we can genuinely express gratitude. Doing so will enable us to fix our eyes on Him rather than on our circumstance. We often don’t know what the purpose is for each ensuing trial, but we do know that our God is good and trustworthy.

30 Gratitude in the Storms of Life

zeChariah 4-9

read | 1 thessalonians 5 :18

t h u r s d a y



29

Discover Your Strategy for Victoryin this series by Dr. Stanley, discover how triumph in the battle for your mind begins with the Word of God.

The Real Waru2-CD Set | $8 (U.S.)

Turn Failure into SuccessNo one feels good about missing the mark. Yet

God brings about some of life’s greatest successes through our failures. Find encouragement in

this message by Dr. Stanley.

Failure: The First Step to Victory uSingle CD | $5 (U.S.)

Are You On Edge?Anxiety can wreak havoc on your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Dr. Stanley teaches that peace can be yours, even in stressful situations.

All Our Anxieties u2-CD Set | $8 (U.S.)

resourcecenter

Failure: The First Step to Victory

Take Every Thought CaptiveGuarding your mind and achieving spiritual victory may seem an impossible task. But it can be done, and Dr. Stanley teaches how.

Winning the War WithinuSoftcover | $12 (U.S.)

Know Your EnemyAs a believer, you are influenced by the world, your flesh,

and Satan. in this study guide by Dr. Stanley, you’ll discover the resources God has provided to overcome these foes.

Overcoming the EnemyuStudy Guide | $7 (U.S.)

You Are Not AloneUnderstand that you’re not the only one who wrestles with temptation. Dr. Stanley explains how accountability and other steps can help you resist its lure.

How to Triumph Over TemptationuBooklet | $1 (U.S.)

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charles stanley- be still and know i am god!

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