The empowering emotion ofjoy

on the coverSunflowers are among the happiest of blossoms—a bright field full of them can really cheer your heart. Unfortunately, though, they are typical of worldly pleasures, as they don’t last very long. In contrast, the joy our Father gives us never fades, but endures for all eternity. As David declares in Psalm 16:11, “In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”

—Charles F. Stanley

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 magazine@intouch.org.For 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, AUGUST 2010, Vol. 33 No. 8. © 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.

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DR. STANLEy PORTRAITS By DAVID SMITh.

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the empowering emotion of joy

b Y c h A r l e S F . S t A n l e Y

Don’t confuse joy with happiness. It is possible—and strengthening—to rejoice,

even in the midst of heartache.

early lightExperience how faith leads to blessing,

with the help of these devotions from Dr. Stanley’s sermons.

eyes wide openb Y D A v I D l I v e r m o r e

Billions of dollars go to short-term missions each year, but is their impact as positive as we think?

d e p a r t m e n t sby faithMy Chance to Be the Change b Y P A I g e h A S t I n g S

The world has big problems, but sometimes small efforts demonstrate God’s love the most.

family roomConnecting in Real Lifeb Y k A Y h A r m S

Are your relationships missing that personal touch? Give up the gadgets and get some face time.

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solving problemsPositively Complainingb Y b A r b A r A n e A l v A r m A

Speaking one’s mind often gets a bad rap, but these practical tips can yield better results.

strong in spiritThe Superhero Mentalityb Y D A n I e l D A r l I n g

No matter how capable you feel, activity for God is never a worthy substitute for intimacy with Him.

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Move Forward by Going Back

SOMETIMES the only way to move through a spiritual slump is by going back to the basics. In this series, Dr. Stanley helps both the seasoned Christian and the new believer understand the foun-dational principles of godly living.

Back to Basics u8-CD Set | $26 (U.S.)

“Would you like to have an intimate eternal relationship with the One who made you and loves you unconditionally? If so, tell Him in your own words or use this simple prayer:

Lord,I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus died in my place, paying the sin debt I owed, and then rose from the dead. I receive Him as my personal Savior and surrender control of my life to You. Please show me how to live for You, walk with You, and know You better each day. 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 chosen to believe in Jesus Christ and follow Him?

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

WA Right View of Yourself

When we think of what steals our joy, unfortunate circumstances come to mind. But there’s another spoiler that can strike you anywhere you go—its name is inferiority.

The struggle with inferiority is common— particularly in today’s competitive world—and it can be all-consuming. It not only colors the way we view ourselves and relate to others but even affects our fellowship with Christ. The lower one’s opinion of himself, the more grueling his emotional journey through life. I know this from experience.

An unstable childhood deposited layers of inferiority in my thinking and behavior, which left me discouraged for many years. Quite honestly, I did not know how to deal with this until my mid-forties, when I began to understand

that the truth of God really does set men and women free from emo-tional baggage, as well as from sin.

First, I realized that inferiority is just a feeling, nothing more

or less. What others say or do or how the past affects us may cause us to feel that we don’t measure up; but God doesn’t measure by worldly standards. From His perspective, we are fully adequate, competent, and worthy. He loves unconditionally—without referencing our performance—and declares that we are “His workmanship” (Eph. 2:10).

Shifting our mental focus from feelings to the truth of Scripture is a sure way to overcome the emotional punishment of inferiority. When feelings of worthlessness surface, silence them with truth: God says we are His children. We have His Spirit within us; we have His help for every challenge, His for-giveness for every blunder, and His hope for our future.

Joy is one aspect of spiritual fruit (Gal. 5:22-23). But it doesn’t come from external influences; it comes from within. When we have a right view of ourselves and live in harmony with God, our circumstances become irrelevant. When we believe what God declares about us, feelings of inferiority diminish. Read the Scriptures today, and listen to what God is saying. It works—you’ll experience peace that chases away darkness. The Lord has an important plan for you because you are somebody very special to Him.

From His perspective, we are fully adequate, competent, and worthy.” “

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O u r s u r p r i s i n g s o u r c e o f s t r e n g t hB y C h A R L E S F . S T A N L E y

T h e e m p o w e r i n g e m o t i o n o f

Is your life an exciting, cheerful journey, or has it become more drudgery than delight? Have your expectations of pleasure, peace, and contentment been dashed by disappointment and difficulties? Maybe you have seasons of happiness when everything is going well, but trouble inevitably returns, bringing stress and discouragement. For a believer, such experiences are deeply troubling because this doesn’t seem like the abundant life Christ promised (John 10:10).

Most of us must admit that we don’t know very many people who are truly full of joy, yet God calls believers to be joyous people. Throughout the Old Testament, the Lord commanded the Israelites to rejoice; He even instituted feasts—some of which lasted seven days—for celebrating before Him. These were times for praising, dancing, and singing to God with thanksgiving for His provision and deliverance.

We find that the same attitude carries over into the New Testament. In Philippians 4:4, Paul issues this instruction to believers: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” Obviously, God’s will is for us to be joyful people. In fact, that attitude should be the natural and normal way of life for Christians.

Bibl ica l joy. In order to understand the life-style God desires for us, we need to know the difference between joy and happiness. Both can be defined as gladness, delight, and pleasure in something, but happiness has an external cause. When circumstances are favorable and delightful, we are naturally happy, but when events take a downward turn, so do our spirits.

Joy, on the other hand, has an internal cause and is not dependent upon outside conditions. As believers, we can keep our contentment in good times and bad

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because our delight is in the Lord, not in our fluctuating circumstances. Since its source is our relationship with Christ, the joy that the Bible describes is available only to Christians.

The indwelling Holy Spirit produces this fruit of the Spirit in all Christians who allow Him to control and guide their lives (Gal. 5:22). Although every believer has access to joy, only those who are actively living in obedience to the principles of God’s Word will consistently experience it. That is not to say we have to be perfect, but if our hearts are yielded to the Lord, we will be quick to confess and repent after a fall.

Contagious joy. A cheerful heart not only lifts our spirits; it also influences others. A pessimistic attitude ruins a Christian’s testimony. If unbelievers see us anxious and grumbling, why would they want to follow our God? In contrast, a display of peaceful contentment when there’s no circumstantial reason for it is like a magnet to a lost world.

Our attitude is likewise contagious to fellow believers. We can encourage one another with our confidence that God is sufficient and there for us, no matter what. Even in the midst of heartbreak, our deep, abiding pleasure in the Lord can strengthen both ourselves and others.

Rejoice always. Paul told the Philippians specifically when to rejoice—always! It’s easy to be cheerful when every-thing is going our way, but how can we possibly do this in times of suffering and pain? In our seasons of difficulty, does God really expect this of us? Yes, He does.

Everybody has times of hardship and suffering; that’s just part of living in this fallen world (John 16:33). But believers don’t have to be despondent when life is hard. In fact, James 1:2 tells us, “Consider it all joy,

my brethren, when you encounter various trials.” Some people become indignant when they hear this verse, because they think God is telling them to rejoice in the event that’s causing their pain. But by reading a little further, we will see this is not the case.

Our rejoicing is based on the promised outcome—“knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect [or mature] and complete, lacking in nothing” (vv. 3-4). Trials challenge our faith in God’s wisdom, goodness, or power. But these verses reassure us that His purposes are good, and if we endure with trust and joy, we will lack nothing.

By now you may be wondering how practical all this is. We’re talking not about some idealistic philosophy but about reality—where you and I live, in a world of pain and suffering. When Paul told the Philippians to rejoice, he was declaring a deep conviction of his soul because he had repeatedly tested its validity. He wrote that letter while sitting in a Roman prison. According to his circumstances, he had no reason to rejoice. But because of his relationship with Christ, he could.

It wasn’t the only time the apostle had practiced what he preached. During his first visit to Philippi, he and Silas were beaten and thrown into the local jail (Acts 16:23-34). That night, while sitting in stocks, they began singing and praising God. Paul and Silas didn’t wait for condi-tions to improve; rather, they demonstrated love and faith in the Lord by offering a sacrifice of praise. As a result, the other prisoners heard, and eventually, the jailer and his entire family were saved.

I still recall how God gave me an inter-esting “opportunity” to put this principle into action. After baptizing 45 people one week, I had a mild backache. A few days later, while writing a sermon about

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this topic, I reached down for something I had dropped—and pulled a muscle. Now I was really in pain. My first response was, “Now wait a minute, Lord. You know what this message is about.” Initially, I felt unhappy and complained about my situa-tion, but then I chose to rejoice in the Lord.

During that backache, I lived the truth of Nehemiah 8:10: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Joy is an empowering emotion that build us up and gives us the ability to endure hardship. By choosing to rejoice when I didn’t feel like it, I noticed something happening inside me. The moaning and complaining stopped as my focus shifted to the Lord. I began to delight in Him and remember all His blessings, even though I was hurting.

Enjoy God. Christians are told to rejoice, not in the event that causes their suffering, but in the Lord. This is not a denial of our pain, but an opportunity to trust and praise God in it. Instead of focusing on the situation causing our misery, we fix our eyes on Christ. Then we will see the blessings that can cheer our hearts.

First of all, we can delight in our relation-ship with the Lord—our sins are forgiven and our names are forever recorded in heaven (Luke 10:20). The suffering of this life is incomparable to the glory that awaits us (2 Cor. 4:17-18). Praise God, we are heaven-bound.

Second, we can exult in the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. He empowers us to walk through any difficulty or loss and produces His spiritual fruit in the lives of

all who yield to His control. We can praise God for the transformation He is working in our character as He develops our faith and obedience through adversity (Rom. 5:3-5).

But the greatest focus of our rejoicing is the Lord Himself. When we consider His unconditional love, unfailing faithfulness, and compassionate understanding, how can we do anything but praise Him with glad-ness? He has given us amazing promises and will never fail to fulfill them. Every time His Word is spoken or read, it’s an occasion for celebration. Jesus told His disciples, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (John 15:11).

Lost joy. If our eyes are on the Lord, we will never lack reasons to rejoice, but if we lose sight of Him and begin to focus on our feelings or circumstances, our spirits will plummet. I’ve met many Christians who have lost their joy. Sadly, some never even had any, despite the fact that they are saved. Some gloomy-natured people have told me, “Well, this is just my personality. It’s the way God made me.” But knowing that Christ wants us to have fullness of joy and that Scripture commands us to rejoice, I’ve reached this conclusion: Joyless believers have chosen that lifestyle. The Lord did not make them that way. However, He can transform pessimistic attitudes and change negative dispositions.

Christians can lose their joy for a variety of reasons. Some people become downhearted because of suffering. When feelings over-whelm and cause us to focus on our pain or

We can encourage one another with our confi-dence that God is sufficient and He will be there for us, no matter what. Even in the midst of heartbreak, our deep, abiding pleasure in the Lord can strengthen both ourselves and others.

difficult situation, life seems hopeless. But the way out of despair is through an act of faith—choosing to praise God when it’s the last thing you feel like doing. Strength to endure comes when we find our pleasure in God instead of in good circumstances.

When a loved one is suffering, we may think it’s inappropriate to feel joyful. However, since God calls us to rejoice in Him during our own trials, we can certainly continue to delight in Him when a friend is hurting. In fact, displaying pleasure in the Lord during times of affliction can help others turn their eyes toward Jesus as we walk with them through their difficulty.

Living in the past or the future is another way to lose your joy. Some people can’t get over prior failures or mistakes, while others live with fears about the future. Both of these approaches steal contentment and peace. God calls us to live in His present grace, not to dwell on the if onlys and the what ifs of life. Recurring regrets can be silenced by accepting Christ’s forgiveness and moving on to live in His grace. Fears are conquered through faith in the Lord’s promise to take care of our tomorrows (Matt. 6:33-34).

One of the greatest inhibitors of joy is sin. A believer who lives in willful dis-obedience to God cannot experience the delight that obedience brings. He may encounter some periods of happiness, but peaceful contentment will be absent. The remedy for sin is always the same—sincere repentance. Joy awaits those who humble themselves and turn back to the Lord.

It is God’s will that you delight in Him. If each day has become a struggle, and your circumstances are dragging you down, by faith claim the joy of the Lord, which is available to every Christian. Begin living in His promises instead of under your circumstances. Make a decision to rejoice in Him regardless of your situation. And in time, your feelings will follow.

Questions for further study It’s not the presence or absence of trouble but rather our response to it that determines whether we experience the joy of Christ.

1. How did the Israelites respond to adver- sity (Num. 14:1-4)? What happened as a result of their attitude and behavior (vv. 26-33)?

2. Read Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, and 1 Peter 1:3-8. How are believers told to respond to trials? What benefits does God want to produce through our difficulties?

3. Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-18. What does God display in us during times of affliction (v. 7)? What eternal perspective do you see in verse 16-18? How can this knowl- edge shape your response to hardship?

4. Read Psalm 13:1-6. What was David thinking and feeling in verses 1-4? How did his attitude and perspective change when he focused on the Lord (vv. 5-6)?

5. Jesus is described as a man of sorrows (Isa. 53:3). What was His focus during His most severe suffering (Heb. 12:1-3)? Where did He place His trust (1 Pet. 2:20-23)? How can you follow His example?

6. Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. What was Paul’s source of strength for endurance through pain? What was his attitude toward weakness and difficulty?

Energize your life. In this series, Dr. Stanley explains how confidence produces healthy emo-tions like joy and courage.

Empowering Emotionsu4-CD Set | $26 (U.S.)

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See order form or visit www.intouch.org.

hCreation’s Testimony>> A Glorious Display of God’s Character and Power

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Heaven and earth provide a constant display of evidence concerning God’s existence, power, and character. However, many people have lost their capacity to hear its message (Rom. 1:18-22). Even nature’s most obvious exhibit of the Lord’s omnipotence leaves the doubter unconvinced, because without faith, no one will accept the truth (Heb. 11:3). But for those who can hear the voice of God speaking through creation, the proof is overwhelming (Ps. 19:1-6).

Consider how creation testifies about the Creator, man, sin, and the future.The creator’s Attributes:uSovereignty and power (Job 37:1-13; Isa. 40:21-28)uWisdom and knowledge (Isa. 40:12-18) uCare and kindness (Matt. 6:26; Ps. 147:7-9)

After we gain an understanding of God’s greatness, recognition of our own limitations follows. One severe storm or earthquake is enough to open our eyes to the evidence that He is God—and we are not.Mankind’s Limitations: uImpotence (Job 38:31-41)uIgnorance (Job 38:1-30; 37:14-20) uDependence (Ps. 46:1-3; Hab. 3:17-19)

Even while marveling at the majesty and beauty of our world, we are also keenly aware that something has gone terribly wrong. Death, disease, and natural disas-ters are all results of the curse of sin that wreaks havoc on God’s creation.Sin’s Effects:uHardship and death (Gen. 3:17-19) uFutility and corruption (Rom. 8:20-21)

The preponderance of disaster movies reveals the fear that people feel living in a world they cannot control. But God’s sovereignty over the future gives hope to believers. Creation offers evidence of His plans for restoration. Future’s hope:uSigns of Christ’s return (Matt. 24:3, 7-8, 29-30)uFreedom through redemption (Rom. 8:18-23)

God’s sovereignty over the future gives hope to believers.”

Questions for Reflection1. Have you been spending too much time focusing on work or indoor activities? How could some time outdoors help you connect with your Creator? Take a walk and rejoice in the words of the hymn “This Is My father’s World.”

2. Does the display of God’s power in cre- ation fill you with fear or comfort? What does His control of the stars and His provision for the birds tell you about His ability and desire to care for your concerns?

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opentThanks to short-term missions, “missions” is no longer the exclu-

sive domain of seminary-trained professionals who spend years studying cultural anthropology, raising support, and figuring out how to pack all their belongings in a few suitcases. These days, a 15-year-old teenager and a 67-year-old retiree can send out a few letters, save or raise the funds to buy a plane ticket, and they’re off to serve as missionaries for a few weeks.

What’s not to celebrate about missions being expanded to include everyday church members? Plenty of us have experienced firsthand some of the amazing opportunities that come with traveling abroad on such a trip. However, a growing body of Christian researchers are raising some indicting questions about short-term missions. I’ll tip my hand: I’m “for” short-term-missions. But I do think we need to put down our carwash placards and passports for a moment and rethink a few things. It’s when we learn to serve with our eyes wide open (rather than blindly charging ahead) that God can better enable us to make a truly lasting impact on our world for His glory.

Changed lives—here and thereThe most frequently stated reason for doing short-term missions is that it changes lives. Most team leaders I talk with are pretty honest about such trips: they often bring about more change in the lives of the participants who go than in the lives of those who receive them. And that can be a great outcome, especially if there’s good debriefing that helps each individual translate the experience into living with a missional mindset at home.

If a trip is oriented primarily around changing the participants’ lives, though, is it really “missions?” Historically, missionar-ies have always experienced life change as a result of their work; however, investing billions of dollars in mission work that is mostly focused upon the transformation of the missionaries is a radical shift from the movement throughout church history. If the trip is mainly about our own growth, then perhaps we would be more honest in calling them “service-learning opportunities” or “spiritual formation journeys.”

And what about those on the receiving end? Can we do anything in such a short

period of time that will actually change the lives of those we encounter overseas? Some say there’s not enough time. I share the concern that we often aren’t doing as much as we think we are. But I’m fully convinced of God’s power to use the mys-terious wonder of a regenerated person to serve in another part of the world to advance what He’s doing there.

We can’t go assuming we’re “bringing God” to that place. God is already there and already working. Instead, our focus should be in discerning what it is that God’s already doing there and how we get to join Him.

Serving with “eyes wide open” begins with making the effort to understand what God is doing globally and what He’s doing in the locale where we’re traveling. Let’s commit to discerning how, if at all, we can serve in the context of what’s happening in the body of believers in the designated location.

The way forward There’s much to be gained for the church everywhere when we do short-term mis-sions with cultural intelligence in a balanced way that will truly bring glory to God. Here

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10 things to think aboutAs part of my job, I’ve spent many years researching and participating in short-term missions. One thing I’ve learned throughout this journey is this: The perspectives of us North Americans who participate on these trips are radically different from the perspectives of national pastors and churches that receive us. Yet we often plan our next big trip without actually hearing the voices of the non-Western church on these matters.

The following list doesn’t include any statements that came up only once or twice during my conversations with nationals—these are the ten most common concerns non-Western pastors voiced about our missions projects:

You act as if the American church is the true trendsetter for how we should all “do” church.

You’re so concerned about the evil spirits ruling our land when so much evil breeds in your own backyard—as if our country is “darker” than yours because it’s unfamiliar to you.

You live so far above our average standard of living and behave in our country as if you’re still at home—you say you’re not American but biblical in your values, and yet are completely insensitive to our culture.

You conclude that you’re communicating effectively because we’re paying attention when we’re actually just intrigued to watch your foreign behavior.

You’re obsessed with picture taking and making videos during our evange-listic programs, when this can really be quite embarrassing for us.

You underestimate the effectiveness of our local church leaders.

You talk about us to your churches back home in such demeaning ways without realizing it.

You too quickly get into the action without thinking through the long-term implications on our churches.

You view our country as backwards for not catering to or valuing all the cultural things you like and consider “normal” and good—whether food, transportation, dress, music, or technology.

We are not naïve and backward—we are your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Given that “saving face” is a driving value among so many non-Western cultures, even the boldest pastor will find it difficult to tell you anything negative. Therefore, I’m incredibly grateful for this honest information. We can learn to do short-term missions in a way that doesn’t elicit these feelings of frustration in our non-Western brothers and sisters. We can begin by slowing down, acknowledging some of our potential pitfalls, and being willing to truly listen and learn. This is part of our journey alongside the rest of the family of God. Each step opens more doors, revealing more of Christ’s love for the world and fulfilling the desires of His heart.

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are a few crucial starting points:Ask what’s needed. Then ask again.

And again. One of the biggest mistakes is doing things that locals don’t really need or even want. It takes perseverance to assess if and how we might truly serve the mis-sion of a local church in another part of the world. The bottom line is that we need to slow down and learn to hear what’s really being said. By working in partnership with others who understand the cultural context, we can learn to assess if and how a short-term trip can really meet the needs of a local church and its community.

Don’t do there what you’re not willing to do here. The tendency is to run overseas and “fall in love” with the people we serve for a few weeks. We take lots of pictures, promise to write, feel good about our charity, and fly home feeling we can check off “missions and service” for the year. In reality, this is low-cost missions—low-cost in terms of life-changing commitment.

I’ve heard too many stories of white sub-urban youth groups “loving on” Mexicans for a week, only to return to their local high schools and ignore, or worse, demean their Latino classmates. We need to deliberately create opportunities for students to engage in committed cross-cultural relationships at home. We must call our congregations to be just as committed to dealing with social injustice in our own neighborhoods as we may be to tackling injustice in parts of Africa. God wants to grow values within our churches that are consistent and long-term in mentality.

Make “debriefing” a priority. A growing number of churches are spending more time preparing short-term teams with training and orientation before going overseas. I’m a big fan of taking the time to do pre-departure training, but post-trip debriefing may actually be even more important. Just as seminary education is most valuable when combined with minis-

try experience, cross-cultural training for short-term service is of greatest value once it moves beyond theory and talk. We must create a discipleship plan for incorporating what we’ve learned into everyday life.

Don’t overestimate—or underesti-mate—the impact of your efforts. In our attempt to validate our pursuits, we sometimes overstate what we’re doing. I’ve heard things like, “We have a chance to bring Spirit-filled worship to Indonesia,” or “We’re bringing God to Ireland.” Is the worship in Indonesia not Spirit-filled? And are we really bringing God to Ireland?

On the other hand, we must not under-estimate the power of God to do amazing things through our simplest efforts of service. Short-termers who go to Zambia to hold orphaned babies or who visit leper colonies in China to wash the stumps of people who haven’t been touched in years—these are the kinds of acts recounted by national pastors as having deep, lasting significance among their people. Eating meals together, praying together, and sharing testimonies with each other—these acts might not wow donors, but they’re exactly what national pastors describe again and again as being significant. May we never underestimate the power of what God can do through His presence in us.

There’s never been as much reason to celebrate what’s happening in the world-wide church as there is today. The church of Jesus Christ is growing faster than ever before—in parts of the world we might consider unlikely, including Indonesia, Iraq, and Cuba. When we commit to becoming more thoughtful about how we engage, there’s tremendous potential in short-term missions to connect us with the worldwide revolution of what God is doing.

xTo purchase David Livermore’s book Serving With Eyes Wide Open, visit www.intouch.org.

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Why ministering to others ministers to me w O R D S A N D P h O T O S

B y P A I G E h A S T I N G S

byfaith

3-year-old Njeri, whose name means “pretty” in her tribal dialect

Wchange

When I met Violet, she couldn’t walk. She lay all day in her house, a

single room the size of my bathroom. My guide had to

translate her whispered remarks so I could understand:

Violet and her husband both had HIV, she was too

sick to work, and she didn’t know how they were going

to feed their young daughter who, at age five, was

HIV-positive also. Violet stopped talking then, but

I caught her inconspicuously wiping away a tear. I just

sat there. I’m an American woman with a healthy family

and a good income. What could I possibly say to her?

The second time I visited, I offered to massage her

feet. “Violet,” I explained, not knowing whether she would

understand, “back in the U.S., I was a reflexologist. That

means I rub people’s feet to help them feel better. Would

you like me to do that for you?”

In the U.S., I had been volunteering at the local women’s

shelter, where I had a special reclining chair for my

clients, fleece blankets to keep them cozy, and relaxa-

tional CDs. In Kenya, I held Violet’s foot in my lap as I 3-year-old Njeri, whose name means “pretty” in her tribal dialect

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Adhiambo and her baby Samwell

sat on the narrow bed that her family of four sleeps in together. Chickens squawked in the alley outside, and radio static blared through the thin sheet metal wall separating us from the neighbors on either side.

For years it had been my dream to volunteer in Africa. With millions suffer-ing in the AIDS epidemic, many projects on that continent are HIV-related, so I opted for a home-based care program for infected women. The women’s shelter I’d experienced back in the States had been a challenging place to volunteer. But nothing prepared me for Violet’s tiny, stuffy room, the stink of sewage from the ditch running alongside the house, or the look of despair on her emaciated face. It was discouraging to see people living such desperate lives and to know there was nothing I could do to fix them.

The third time I visited Violet, she was walking. “I feel better,” she said, and I real-ized she spoke English—she had simply been too weak before. She came to the door to welcome me, and for the first time I saw evidence that something I’d done had made a difference. I hadn’t gotten Violet out of poverty. I hadn’t found a cure for her HIV. But two weeks ago she’d been too weary and discouraged to walk or talk, and now she could. What had changed? Only her friendship with me—a privileged Western woman willing to sit on a dirt floor and share plain food with a dying African woman in order to show her that she still had value, to God and to me.

In a culture where HIV is still widely stigmatizing and where a poor woman like Violet is shunned for having the disease,

a Westerner like me coming to visit would be like Miss America showing up each week at the women’s shelter back home. My simple act of spending time with her and being her friend made a very real difference in her life. I was Miss America to Violet. This has been my most important realization about volunteering in the developing world: the smallest effort to show God’s love is big enough.

I ended up staying in Kenya. Living here has required me to make a lot of adjustments. In the U.S., I was a profes-sional with marketable skills, but here, by Kenyan standards, I’m borderline useless. “You must teach me to make chapati,” I sigh, watching my friends Grace and Lilian adeptly spinning the thin, delicious dough on a cast-iron skillet. And they laugh, delighted to be good at something I’m not. They have no idea how many items are in that category. I can’t bend over a basin for hours, hand-washing my clothes so they’re cleaner than my GE ever got them back in the United States. I can’t carry a 20-liter jug of water on my head. I can’t slaughter a goat, and I can’t feed a family by selling a few tomatoes every day at a little vegetable stand. The one useful thing I’ve learned is to cook over a small charcoal stove, called a jiko, and even that took me weeks to master.

“Look, I got the jiko burning in only ten minutes,” I exclaim, proud of myself. My friends smile patiently. Their littlest daughters can do it in half the time.

These African women aren’t so dif-

x

x

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x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

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x“ . . . I’m quicker to give things away—

I’m learning to

as Africans do.”

give till it hurts,

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Adhiambo and her baby Samwell

ferent from the women I know back home. They’re hardworking and enterprising, many of them juggling motherhood—the ultimate source of Kenyan female pride—with a job in order to provide extra incomes for their families. And no one understands the value of community like African women. They are unfailingly generous with their neighbors and friends, because the person who is asking for help today may be the person they’re asking for help tomorrow. Adhiambo, a widow who was literally starving to death when I met her, fed me gener-ously each time I visited, immediately turning my gifts of vegetables and beans into meals for me. At first I was horrified, but I quickly learned to accept her generosity, realizing she needed to give me something in order to accept my gift with dignity. For the desperately poor and the dying, being able to live with dignity is priceless.

These are the kinds of gifts I’m learning to value. Loving someone, helping that person access basic human services and education, taking the time to be a friend, praying with him or her—these things really do make lives better. Adhiambo spoke no English at all, but she would raise her arms high in welcome each time I arrived. We didn’t need a common language to shake our heads over the sores on her skin or to laugh at the antics of her tod-dler. Our being a witness to people’s lives is a gift they cherish.

After living here for a year and a half, I’m more convinced than ever that the smallest, simplest things we do have the most impact. I brought my American standards to Kenya with me, and I still spend money sometimes on getting a massage or going out for a nice dinner with friends.

But I’m more careful about accumulating junk, and I’m quicker to give things away—I’m learning to give till it hurts, as Africans do. A Kenyan colleague of mine was killed by carjackers for his cell phone, leaving his wife and baby destitute. I know street children who have been denied life-changing sponsorships to school because a greedy intermediary gobbled the money. There are a thousand ways to suf-fer, to be abused, to go without. I haven’t experienced many of them, but living around so many people who have gives me a better perspective on what I really “need.”

Take Joseph. He’s one of 750,000 Kenyans living in a crowded half-mile-wide Nairobi slum called Mathare, struggling to survive in a cramped community of tin shacks with intermittent power and no running water. Joseph lost nearly his entire family to violence or disease but still had a heart soft enough to take in three street children and raise them as his own. Once a semi-pro soccer player with a promising career in the international sports world, he gave up playing to coach youth soccer full-time. Hundreds of high-risk teenagers from the slums have pursued their dreams under his encouragement. But if you ask him about his work, he just shrugs: “I love football. And I want these children to have some-thing they love too. They matter to God just as much as anyone else does.”

Joseph strikes me as what’s best about Kenya, all bundled into one person—kind, honest, hardworking, laid-back, invested in the well-being of others, full of hope for better times to come. I could work here till I die and still never give Kenya what its own people do. They suffer, yet they continue to share. Their poverty is great, but their faith is greater, every time.

I never make the mistake of romanti-cizing Kenya. It’s a desperate place, full of desperate people. Thieves caught in the act are beaten to death on the spot. Children

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die of curable diseases every day. Foreign aid money abounds but is often stolen long before it reaches the mouths of the country’s starving millions. I can’t speak to the struggles of Kenyans. They have little hope of significantly better lives, whereas if things ever get too much for me, I could hop a plane and be sipping a latte in my home-town Starbucks 20 hours later. Unlike these people, I don’t know the taste of despair.

But I have been privileged to see despair lightened by hope. “I feel happy,” Violet smiles as we sit on her saggy bed, her feet in my lap for another reflexology treatment. She’s begun tutoring me in Swahili.Viatu: shoes. Ufunguo: key. “Stima!” her daughter

Elizabeth giggles, pointing to the light bulb. Elizabeth, seven now, has been cough-ing a lot—it’s likely she has tuberculosis, the disease that kills many AIDS victims—but she’s smiling as she wraps her arms around my neck and sings to me, “Who made the stars? Our Father Lord! Who made the butterfly? Our Father Lord!” Violet watches with adoration, a mother destined for one of two unthinkable outcomes: that of dying first and leaving her young child alone, or living long enough to watch her only daughter die.

We don’t talk about that, though. We just smile at each other while her little girl sings.

“This has been

my most important

realization about

volunteering in the

developing world:

the smallest effort

to show God’s love

is big enough.”

“Sho-Sho,” the village grandmother

WA

TC

HIN

GWatching a TV western, I sympathized with a young bride being carted out West in a covered wagon by her adventurous husband. The young woman grew up surrounded by a large, boisterous family but wouldn’t see or talk with them again for a long time—perhaps forever. They would correspond only through letters delivered weeks after they were written.

As the couple traveled to their new home, I realized I had something in com-mon with this brave young woman. I, too, left my family of origin and my hometown to build a life out West with my husband. In fact, I now live almost 2,000 miles from my parents and brother. But the similarities stop there. Unlike the bride in the movie, I can communicate with my family at any time and in multiple ways. In fact, to touch base with most anyone, all it takes is a few key strokes or a flip of my cell phone. If I’m going to mail someone a note, it won’t take weeks, but only seconds to reach them—via cyberspace, that is. Keeping in touch is

simply not an issue any more. Or is it? A recent Barna Research Group update

revealed that while most adults, especially those under 30, connect frequently through-out the day with others through modern communication devices, those connections leave something to be desired. Although we seem to be investing more than ever in the act of communication and in equipment that helps us get in touch, the returns on that investment feel dismally disappointing to many. Cryptic text messages and hasty e-mails do not foster depth and intimacy. In fact, most of our efforts at staying in touch seem to miss the personal touch.

Due to a high divorce rate and deferred marriages, more people than ever live alone. Today 25 percent of America’s households have only one person in them, while only one in every ten were single- person households in the 1950s. And whether a single person or a family of five lives next door to you, it’s likely you only see them through the windows of their

familyroom

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automobile as they drive in and out of their garage. Our neighborhoods certainly are not the hub of relationships they once were.

When you calculate our heightened use of faceless communication, the increasing number of people living alone, and the time we spend indoors in front of electronic devices, the loneliness quotient is under-standable. Many of the living conditions which foster close community have simply vanished. While the young bride in the TV western may have journeyed far from her family, she eventually plugged into a tight-knit community with whom she and her husband shared meals, raised barns, worshipped, and celebrated. She enjoyed honest, transparent relationships built on face-to-face communication. She shared her joys and sorrows, and the community laughed, wept, and prayed with her. She may have been out of touch with her faraway family, but she experienced the personal touch of people who grew to know and love her.

God created people for relationship—first with Him and then with others. In fact, Scripture teaches that the quality of our relationship with God can be affected by our relationships with others. When we encourage one another (1 Thess. 5:11), forgive each other (Eph. 4:32), comfort one another (2 Corinthians 1:4), and worship alongside others (Heb. 10:25), we grow closer to God. When we hold each other accountable and gently guide each other back from a wrong path taken (2 Tim. 2:25), our connection with God stays on track.

God also intends for our relationships to mutually satisfy. When we let people draw close to us and are authentic with them, we experience personal growth, joy, and con-tentment. Conversely, relating on a shallow level leaves us lonely, lacking purpose, and investing in things of less significance.

Ours is a highly mobile, technologically charged, and fast-paced culture. As a result, we may need to make some serious changes and concessions in order to build the kind

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of relationships that go below the surface and touch our deeper needs.

look at M eIf you’re craving true intimacy, don’t settle for faceless communication all the time. Even though it may be easier to zap an e-mail or text message your friend, occasionally we all need to sit across from someone with skin, look that person in the eyes, and share our dreams, plans, concerns, and struggles. Yes, that means I’ll have to contend with some awkward silences, some hard-to-interpret facial expressions, and a peculiar mannerism or two, but that’s what relationships are made of. I’ll also have to move things around on my calendar, drive across town, and give up some precious time, but those are the sacrifices worth making when you deem a relationship important.

However, sitting across from someone just doesn’t cut it for all of us. In our high-speed world, some of us have become accustomed to constantly moving. Ask a friend or co-worker to join you for an activity. Whether you arrange a daily walk with a neighbor, a weekly tennis match with a friend, or a monthly service project with another family, you’ll find that engaging in mutual activity intensifies the ties that bind. Just remember, texting back and forth doesn’t count as a joint activity!

take it hoM eAs much as I love meeting a friend at a good restaurant, it’s when I step into her home that I really get to know her. Conversely, if I want people to know me, I’ll open the door of my house for them, granting them a more personal glimpse into my life.

Raising two teenagers and working from home provide me with ample excuses for not inviting guests to my quarters. The house is rarely spotless, and my husband

and I always have a list of things that need to be repaired, installed, or painted. Still, we’ve found that when we invite friends into our home for dinner, Bible study, games, or relaxed conversation, the dividends are noticeable. Somehow, sitting on a well- worn sofa with your feet propped on a shared ottoman breeds more transparent conversation than yelling across the table at each other in a sleek but noisy restaurant. Go figure.

foRM a gRouPMy husband and I began hosting our first small group Bible study about a year ago. Each week our diverse members gather in a home, share a meal, linger over dessert, and discuss a Scripture lesson. We’re all amazed at how quickly we developed intimate and meaningful relationships. Even though we’re all busy people, none of us miss our weekly meetings if we can help it. They energize, refresh, and connect us.

While Bible study groups seem to develop intimacy more quickly than many other “brands” of meetings, there are plenty of good reasons to gather. You might meet monthly for breakfast with an accountabil-ity group where you ask each other some tough questions. Or you could form a single moms’ group, a knitting circle, a hiking group, or a book club. Groups are safe environments to interact with others and slowly build relationships that endure—something we’re all longing for in our transient and constantly changing culture.

Finally, keep in mind that relationships take work. Just as the young woman in the western undoubtedly had to go out of her way to cultivate meaningful connections with her not-so-close neighbors, we’ll have to decide if we’re willing to pay the price of time, vulnerability, and involvement to foster friendships. And we’ll probably need to turn off our BlackBerrys long enough to have a real, personal conversation.

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i If you’re thinking about selling a highly appreciated asset such as stock, real estate, or maybe even a business, consider the advantages of a Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT). Created with the Tax Reform Act of 1969, a Unitrust is a flexible gift plan that allows you to provide income to yourself or others while making a generous gift to charity. If structured properly, a CRUT is a tax-exempt trust that can sell appreciated assets without any tax.

Let’s look at an example to illustrate the benefits. John and Jane Doe, both 70 years of age, are considering the sale of stock worth $400,000, which they purchased over a year ago for $100,000. They want to use this investment to supplement their retirement income and provide additional support for Christian ministries. If they sell it, capital gains taxes will amount to $45,000 or more.

After meeting with their professional advisors, they decide to irrevocably transfer the stock to a

CRUT, where the shares are sold and the proceeds reinvested without any capital gains tax. They also receive a charitable income tax deduction of about $140,000, which, in their tax bracket, results in potential tax savings of over $40,000.

According to the terms of their Unitrust, they receive 6 percent of the trust principal, as revalued annually, for the rest of their lives. Their income—which in the first year is about $24,000—varies from year to year, based on the annual value of the trust’s portfolio.

After John and Jane pass away, the remaining balance in the Unitrust will be distributed to their designated ministries for the furtherance of the gospel. In summary, the CRUT benefits are:u No immediate capital gains tax u Charitable tax deduction u Income for life or term of yearsu Support for gospel ministries. For more information about Charitable Remainder

Unitrusts, please contact In Touch Foundation. We are here to assist you with gift planning options that offer significant financial and tax benefits while supporting the Great Commission.

This article is not intended to provide specific legal, tax, or accounting advice. Please consult qualified professional advisors about your specific situation.

The Unitrust Advantage>> Bypassing Capital Gains Tax

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ely

A Unitrust is a flexible gift plan that provides income while making a generous gift to charity.”“

B y w A y N E J O N E S , C F P ®

foundation@intouch.org www.intouchfoundation.org800-967-2200

’ll always remember my 78-year-old mother’s deep embarrassment when a hurried nurse’s aide stripped her of her street clothes and got her into a

medical gown, right in front of the hospital room’s broad window.

Tears welled in Mom’s eyes as she told me about it the next morning: “I asked her to please close the blinds but she was in a hurry. I even tried to pull the sheet from the bed to cover up.”

My heart grieved, imagining my ever-modest mother tugging at her dignity while the aide treated her like a Macy’s mannequin on display. Mom whispered the rest: “She said, ‘Don’t worry; no one cares.’”

I saw red. Sure, we were on the fourth

floor, high enough to discourage any prospective Peeping Toms, but still, what would it have taken—three, maybe five seconds to pull the shades and accommo-date my mother’s modesty?

I gently brushed back the snow-white hair from her brow, assured her no one could have seen a thing from the window’s vantage point, and made a quick mental note to self: Find the guilty aide and give her a piece of this loving daughter’s mind!

Only one problem. Along with her round brown eyes and dimpled smile, I’d inherited my mom’s deep dislike of conflict and its cousin: confrontation. I simply wasn’t one to complain—yet Mom’s recovery from a bout with the flu would keep her in the

PosiTiVelY ComPlAining

Four ways to say what

you need to say

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hospital a few more days. How could I make sure something like this didn’t happen again?

PaSS On thE WhinE. Robin Kowalski, psychology professor at Clemson University and leading expert on the art and science of complaining, says there are definite times when situations warrant and even benefit from candid objection: when the new car stalls right off the lot, when a recent “bargain” bath-room repair spouts a new geyser, when a loved one is not handled with care in a cold and unfeeling hospital. Indeed, despite society’s finger-wagging at complaining in general, Kowalski and her colleagues’ research proves there are good sides to a good gripe—from simple catharsis even to positive global and social change.

As with most things in life, strategy and motivation are key. Use complaints, the experts say, to make something right, not tear something—or some-one—down. “It’s a difficult balance,” Kowalski admits, “but if you can manage to raise your concerns without crossing over into whining, your words will be better received and attended to.”

Technique counts. The words you choose when presenting your complaint can be just as important as the delivery, especially if the goal is not simply to get something off your chest but to right a perceived wrong. Kowalski advises, “Express your dissatisfaction in a way that is non-threatening yet strategic, and you’re more likely to get what you’re going for.”

SEEk Out thOSE in authOrity.First Peter 1:13 reminds us that in this life, we are to prepare our minds for action. So before I went to find the aide who’d mishandled my mom, I mentally practiced what I would say, even phoning my husband first to rehearse my lines. As usual, he had a good suggestion: Instead of confronting the young woman in question, talk to the supervisory nurse instead. “She’ll have control over what happens on the floor,” he said.

Roger that. Communication experts agree that for

best results, you need to be strategic when voicing your concerns. You need to know exactly what you’re complaining about, what you want to see happen, and as my savvy spouse said, who can help you achieve that outcome. Kowalski notes that while it’s true the number one reason we complain is

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to vent, people with legitimate objections would do well to be more selective with their audience. “If you want to solve a problem,” she says, “then go to someone who can offer more than just a sympathetic shoulder to cry on.”

The psychology professor recommends a three-step method: First, clearly state what you are complaining about to reduce the chance of misunderstanding. Next, decide what it is you want or would like to see happen in the situation. And finally, as Kowalski advised, approach only those who have the power to do something about it.

takE cOuragE.I admit the whole thing made me queasy. Walking towards the mammoth circular nurses’ station with its precarious stacks of files, charts, and the occasional Starbucks cup was reminiscent of buckling up for my first roller coaster ride at the age of nine. Like mother, like daughter, I thought. Whether it was a generational or genetic trait, Mom’s tendency to avoid mak-ing waves was carried on in me, her only daughter. No doubt she’d be worried to know I was heading straight into the valley of dispute, but the memory of her fear and embarrassment pushed me forward. I knew this was one battle I had to face.

Social scientists say that if you want to play the complaint game and be a serious contender—one your audience will con-sider credible, confident, and ultimately right—then do so with courage. Although these situations are not comparable to the war Joshua faced, we can apply God’s advice for him to our own situations: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9 niv).

Despite that timeless wisdom, complaint studies show most folks will avoid openly dicey dialogue, approaching instead a per-son they know will not cause a scene—in

other words, someone who is not the offender or even involved in the offense but who knows enough about the situation to offer cozy commiseration. That’s all well and good if you simply want to bend some-one’s ear, researchers say. But if you want to change the world (or defend your mommy), you’re better off running the risk of conflict than losing the opportunity to speak out for a common good.

BE Of gOOd chEEr.“How may I help you?” the lead nurse asked, shaking my hand. She was dressed in the same colorful cotton smock as the rest of her crew but the clipboard she clutched at her side and the stray strands of hair escaping an otherwise tidy bun bespoke a woman in command.

I took a deep breath. “My mom’s a patient here,” I said, starting with the who’s who. “She’s 78 years old and has spent most of those 78 years being shy and modest.” (Gentle humor to engage rapport.)

The nursing supervisor smiled and regarded me with patience and understand-ing. Perhaps she had an ultra shy mom too. Encouraged, I forged on and explained about the gown, the aide, and the window, careful to keep my comments clear of any blame that might distract from my message. I ended with the call to action: “I’d like to request that when they dress my mom, they take the time to draw the privacy curtain around the bed and also close the blinds.” Toes clinched, I resisted adding any dis-claimers like “if that’s all right with you.”

The head nurse nodded. “Of course, and, actually, from what you told me, I think it would be best if I assigned a new attendant to her room—someone who’s more used to caretaking our seniors.”

“Oh, we’re not wanting to get anyone in trouble—“

“It’s fine,” she assured me. “We often rotate the staff according to patients’

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needs.” She reached out to touch my arm. “I’m glad you said something. You’re a good daughter.”

Her simple praise made me want to cheer and burst into tears all at the same time, one of my many talents.

Professor Kowalski, also a wife and mom, says taking a stand requires balance. “Remember to pick your audience for both what they can offer you—sympathy, empathy—and what they can do for you in the end. Be cheerful. If you can learn to express your dissatisfaction in a way that is positive, you’re likely to get more of what you’re going for.” And as Zechariah 8:16 (niv) says, “These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts.”

The next morning mom greeted me with an easy grin. Once again I brushed her hair back from her brow. “So how are you feeling this morning?”

“Better,” she said, confirming the return-ing sparkle in her eyes.

“Any more undressing dramas?” I asked softly.

Her face brightened even more. “You know, there was someone new last night—Elena, I think. She was very nice.” Then, as if sharing a secret, she said: “She closed the blinds before I even asked.”

I smiled with relief. Thank you, Lord. Mom squeezed my hand. “And how are

you this morning?”I just shrugged my shoulders, smiled

my mom’s smile. “Absolutely great,” I said. “Got no complaints.”

WhineRs v. WinneRs—WhiCh ARe YoU?

WhinErS

• Bring other people down

• Expect others to cater to them

• want others’ opinions to be what they want to hear

• Are pessimistic

• Try to justify their complaining

• Interrupt discussions to make personal comments

• Complain about things over which they have no control

WinnErS

• Inspire others to take action

• Expect others to do the right thing

• Are willing to hear dissenting opinions

• Are optimistic

• have a valid reason behind their complaint

• Listen to others’ responses in turn

• Complain about things they perceive to be out of control

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Weakness is not the first word that comes to mind when you think of Elijah. That’s because Elijah did things nobody else did.

Like accurately predicting a three- year drought.

Like calling down fire from heaven. Like outrunning a king’s chariot. But the book of James reminds us that

Elijah had a “nature like ours” (James 5:17). It’s tough to imagine Elijah as an ordinary man, but a story in 1 Kings 19 sheds light on the humanity of the most feared man in Israel.

Here we find Elijah fresh off a stunning victory on Mount Carmel. He defeated the practitioners of Baal worship. He persuaded all of Israel to swear allegiance to Jehovah. And after his appeal, God opened the floodgates of heaven, ending

a year-long country-wide drought. Not a bad day. And yet, do we find Elijah

celebrating his successes? No. No post-game party for Elijah.

Instead, we find him miles from the epicenter of victory, brooding under a shade tree—a mere shadow of the man we saw on Mount Carmel. And he’s begging the Lord to take his life.

From Courage to FearSo what happened? How did this bullet-proof superhero suddenly crack? And if Elijah can lose it, what does that say to lesser men and women?

It was a perfect storm. Three-and-a-half years of intense ministry. Threats from an enraged and unstable political leader. And a flaw in Elijah’s theology.

Here’s what you and I can learn from

superheroThe

menTaliTyWhy god doesn’t need us to Be more than human

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Elijah’s downward spiral into discourage-ment: the prophet bought into a common spiritual myth that still plagues believers today. I call it the “superhero mentality.” Others have labeled it the “missionary mindset” or the “martyr complex.” It’s the mistaken idea that activity for God is a worthy substitute for intimacy with God. Along the way, we begin to assume responsibility for results and act as if normal human weaknesses don’t apply to Christians.

Honestly, I see a little of the superhero mentality in myself. Granted, I won’t ever be a hairy-chested, Baal-challenging, never-say-die prophet. I sip lattes, attend Weight Watchers®, and prefer to hunt my meat at the local supermarket.

But I have adopted the superhero men-tality by acting as if the entire kingdom of Christ depends on my working another 16-hour day at church or pounding out another Christian book or scheduling another ministry meeting.

And so God allows us who think we’re superhuman to come to the end of our abilities. Then He is there to receive with grace another burned-out prophet.

praCtiCal ministrySo what was God’s cure for Elijah’s super-hero mentality?

Another Bible study? Another Christian best-seller?Another three-day seminar?Those are things we’d suggest. And we

have the four-color brochures to prove it. But God didn’t tell Elijah to pray more, read additional Scripture, or build an altar.

No, God did something so practical, it would almost seem unbiblical. He brought food. And not stale cafeteria sandwiches or day-old carryout, either.

This was a fresh meal, cooked to perfection by a heavenly chef and served to Elijah in his shade tree motel.

When was the last time Elijah had eaten? I’m guessing he skipped a few meals because he had “important ministry to do.”

But the Creator of the heavens and the earth—the same One who designed Elijah’s body to be nourished and rested—knew better what His servant really needed.

After Elijah polished off that meal, guess what God did? He brought another. I think there is some important theology tucked away in this story. You don’t even need a degree in Hebrew to pluck it out.

Sometimes physical needs have to be addressed before we can minister spiritually.

The truth is that God doesn’t intend for us to try to be superhuman. He delights in our humanity. He shines in our weakness. His glory is revealed when we’re so frail. And we need to lean on Him for strength.

The psalmist writes, “For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust” (Ps. 103:14 niv). Funny that God remembers, but we forget.

We often worship in an evangelical culture that’s in love with measurables, so we can see the good we’re doing spiritually. But isn’t our weakness—our inability to produce anything good—at the very heart of the gospel message?

Are we really doing God a favor by neglecting the normal, natural care of our bodies? This is man-centered, performance-based theology. As if God sits aloft in heaven, crossing His fingers and hoping one more saint puts in a 16-hour day.

Here’s the naked truth that revitalized Elijah’s life and equipped him for years of fruitful ministry: God wasn’t dependent on Elijah; God wanted Elijah dependent upon Him.

Under that shade tree, Elijah wasn’t a superhero. He was helpless. He was weak. He was right where God wanted him.

Unfortunately, it often takes a meltdown of biblical proportions for us to come to this place.

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This story of the Lord’s encounter with a Samaritan woman is a wonderful

example of His loving response to hurting individuals. Jesus is always reaching out in love, even when we do not recognize His extended hand.

Although this meeting may have appeared accidental, it was really a provi-dential appointment with the Messiah. As the woman reached the well, Jesus initiated conversation by asking for a drink of water. His direct approach surprised her and opened the door for a dialogue that would change her life forever.

Throughout the exchange, Jesus’ goal was to help the woman recognize her greatest need so He could supply her with the only gift that would meet that need: salvation and the forgiveness of her sins. She had spent her life trying to find love and acceptance in all the wrong places. Christ offered her the living water of the Holy Spirit—the only thing that would quench her spiritual and emotional thirst.

Like the Samaritan woman, we can at times be so intent on getting our immedi-ate needs met that we fail to see God’s hand reaching out to us in love, offering what will truly satisfy. Only Christ can fill our empty souls for eternity and provide for our essential emotional needs now.

This world is filled with wells that promise to provide love, acceptance, and self-worth but never fully satisfy. When your soul is empty and the well runs dry, look for Jesus. He has a divine appointment scheduled with you, and He will quench your thirst with His Spirit—if you let Him.

read | John 4:1 -42

isaiah 31-35

God’s Loving Outreach

One Yeart h e b i b l e i n

Without faith, it isimpossible to please

God (Heb. 11:6). And our heavenly

Father wants to pour blessings into the life of everyone

who places trust in Him.

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Believers are called to be compassionate, (Col. 3:12), but we must show discern-

ment even when practicing kindness. At times, stepping into another person’s life puts us in God’s way. I learned this lesson the hard way. In times past, I have: met a need when the Lord was trying to draw someone into a life of spiritual dependence; offered comfort when our Father intended that a heartbroken believer seek His solace; and bailed a desperate person out of trouble before he learned God’s lesson. (The fellow from this last example was shortly in the same bad situation again.) Nowadays, I pray before acting upon sympathetic feelings.

Peter once allowed feelings to cloud his discernment too. Attempting to interfere in the divine plan for Jesus Christ was an experience that he likely never forgot.

Though Peter knew exactly who Jesus was—namely, the Messiah and Son of the living God (Matt. 16:16)—he also held common Jewish misconceptions about the Messiah’s mission. Many Israelites awaited a king who would overthrow Roman rule. Consequently, Peter refused to accept Jesus’ warnings of the judgment, mistreatment, and death He anticipated. After trying to convince the Lord that such an end was impossible, the disciple was rebuked for attempting to subvert God’s will.

Peter had a narrow view of God’s plan. The Lord’s priority was to liberate hearts from sin rather than bodies from tyranny. Peter’s wrong perceptions led him into open rebellion. Do not make his mistake. Seek God’s will before offering compassionate aid, lest you block His unfolding plan.

Getting In God’s Way

isaiah 36-40

read | Matthew 16:21-23

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The moment we trust Jesus as Lord and Savior, we enter into a life of faith. That

is, we live by the assurance that God is all He claims to be and will do all He prom-ises. Salvation is instantaneous, but it takes a lifetime to learn and understand what that entails.

So as soon as we are saved, God begins the process of sanctification, teaching us to be like Him. This is a process, as it takes time to learn to walk by faith, trusting what we cannot see.

Even with God’s Holy Spirit living inside of us, we nonetheless battle our “flesh.” We desire to do what God says and to see as He sees, but because we have behavior patterns left over from our old sinful nature, we will falter and do things in our own strength, according to our own rationale. We must choose daily to follow His way.

One of the most important ways to grow in godliness is by learning to listen to our Father. Since doing so is not a natural tendency, self-discipline is needed. It is best to set a specific time each day to meditate upon God’s Word. Eagerly expect Jesus to speak to you, and listen to what He is saying. Write notes in your Bible with the date and what the Lord has impressed upon you. Then, apply the truth you learn, and observe the results.

Hearing God’s voice and being in tune with His Spirit are a vital part of walking in faith. But these things don’t just hap-pen; they require determined persistence. As with physical exercise, the more we strengthen our spiritual “muscles,” the more the process becomes part of who we are.

3 The Requirements of Faith

isaiah 41-44

read | genesis 12:1 -8

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Our Father in heaven desires that we grow spiritually from infancy to

maturity. He puts us in a school of faith, so to speak, teaching us to follow Him. Yesterday, we talked about the discipline of listening to God. Today, let’s look at four more practices necessary for living a life in Christ.

First, the Lord desires that we obey Him. Some of His teachings are easy to follow, while others are difficult. Choosing our own way might feel good at first, but the end result is always regret. On the other hand, every act of obedience builds faith.

Second, the Lord teaches us to depend upon Him. In fact, He sometimes calls us to action in areas that seem humanly impossible. For instance, forgiving an atrocious act feels beyond our ability. But when we cannot achieve what He requires, we rely upon His strength to enable us.

Third, our heavenly Father wants us to wait upon Him. We want everything to happen according to our preferences and timetable, but manipulating circumstances only makes a mess. God’s way is best, and He desires for us to trust and be patient.

Fourth, Scripture teaches us to confess failures, repent, and learn from them. God doesn’t expect perfection, but He does want to see a healthy response to shortcomings.

The heavenly Father wants His children to have abundant, meaningful lives. For this reason, He sent His Holy Spirit to indwell, equip, and empower believers so they can reach their God-given poten-tial. We can choose to cooperate with this plan or to live independently of His best.

4read | hebrews 5:12-14

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isaiah 45-49

Growing in Faith

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We all know of people who suffer from deteriorating health, financial

reverses, and other troubles. How are we to process such situations in terms of what Scripture teaches about God’s goodness and the expression of His benevolence towards us?

First, God’s character is perfect, and everything He does is right (Deut. 32:4 niv). He is “compassionate and gracious, . . . and abounding in lovingkindness” (Ps. 103:8). By His very nature, God is good. Second, our heavenly Father expresses His goodness based on His purpose of conforming us to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29). From the Lord’s perspective, everything that fits into His plan is beneficial for us.

The greatest demonstration of the Lord’s goodness is seen in His Son’s life and death. Jesus left His heavenly home, took on the form of man, suffered, and died in our place so we might be forgiven (Phil. 2:6-8). Because of what our Savior endured, we have been adopted into God’s family, and heaven is our eternal home.

At the time of Christ’s crucifixion, the disciples could not see anything beneficial in it. They knew only great sorrow. But we understand that God gave His own Son so that He might accomplish our salvation (Rom. 8:32).

Our definition of the good life would prob-ably include material success, good health, and the absence of trouble—things that make us happy right now. But God has an eternal perspective, and He always works to fulfill His long-term plan for us. We can trust in His goodness, even in dark times.

read | PsalM 100

t h u r s d a y

isaiah 50-55

The Good Life

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Most men and women desire “the good life,” which they picture as a

measure of material success, a minimum of troubles, and a degree of happiness. To achieve this dream, some people live simply in a quiet setting, while others work long and hard to amass financial security. Yet, satisfaction and contentment remain elusive for many. That’s because the real key to the good life is to seek hard after our heavenly Father.

In pursuing the Lord, we are to have a relationship-oriented goal—that is, to grow in intimacy with Him. Increasing our knowledge and understanding of His char-acter will deepen our connection to Him.

As we study God’s Word, His Holy Spirit will open our minds and hearts so that we can comprehend the Lord’s beauty and perfection. That will lead to our rejoicing over His kind, compassionate nature and the depth of His love for us (Eph. 3:17-19). Our minds will be in awe of His just and merciful character that enables Him to be both a righteous judge and our all-sufficient advocate (Job 16:19).

The better we know the Lord, the closer we will want to draw near. What’s more, studying His commands and implement-ing them in our life will also strengthen our relationship with the Creator.

The key to the abundant life is found in pursuing God. He wants us to know Him in increasing measure, give Him first place in our lives, and do what pleases Him. Then He will give us the good things of life—namely, everything that fits into His plan and purpose for us.

The Key to Life’s Good Things

isaiah 56-60

read | PsalM 34:1 -10

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As God’s people, we’re called to do His work wherever we are. Because we’re

His children, all of our labor has a spiritual component—our actions, attitudes, and speech testify about Him.

The Israelites had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, but many people opposed their efforts. Their detractors used a variety of tactics to prevent them from succeeding (Ezra 4:1-5). After a while, discouragement set in, and eventually, the opposition forced them to stop the work. Like the Israelites, we may be under great pressure and unable to discern how to keep going. God told their leader, Zerubbabel, how to proceed, and we are wise to follow His counsel: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit (Zech 4:6).

When we encounter obstacles, our ten-dency may be to figure out the solution for ourselves. This attitude of self-reliance is not appropriate for God’s children. While an independent spirit is prevalent and even admired in our culture, it is contrary to the way Scripture tells us to live. Dependence on the Holy Spirit is to characterize our way of life: giving up control and allowing Him to direct our actions will result in doing God’s work His way. Our lives won’t be free of trouble, but we will experience many victories through Him.

When we’re depending upon God’s Spirit, certain things will be evident: without Him, we would fail, and our constant compan-ions would be worry and distress. But with Him, we receive true wisdom and divine power. Then, peace and joy accompany us, even amidst hardship (Gal. 5:22-23).

Doing God’s Work God’s Way

isaiah 61-66

read | Zechariah 4 :6 -7

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Israel’s enemies were clever in their fight against rebuilding the temple. First, they

offered to help. What better way to cause things to go wrong than to get involved in the work? When their aid was rejected, they set out to discourage the workers and make them afraid. They even hired counselors to fight against the Israelites. The opponents were successful in stopping the work.

Yesterday, we saw that God wanted the work carried out in dependence upon the Holy Spirit. The people were also to reject self-reliance and instead look to the Lord. He offered them encouragement and hope by promising to take care of the mountain of opposition before them. Sometimes that means He will remove the problem; at other times He walks us through it.

We, too, are to rely steadily on God’s Holy Spirit. Doing so will allow us to:• Patiently love our spouse when there is turmoil in the home.• Wisely guide our children toward godli-ness in our self-centered culture.• Follow scriptural principles about giving, saving, and spending in a society that urges us to get what we want now. • Experience divine contentment in our current circumstances—single or married, employed or out of a job, healthy or sick. • Do God’s work His way.

Being led by the Spirit is to characterize how we work (Gal. 5:16). While that mind-set is counter-cultural and not pleasing to the flesh, it’s the only way to live as a child of God. Seek out others who are trying to practice dependence on the Spirit, and spur each other on to live it out.

9read | eZra 4 :1 -5

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JereMiah 1-4

Relying on the Spirit in Our Work

One Yeart h e b i b l e i n

e a r l y l i g h t

Right timing is critical in a believer’s walk with the Lord. However, trusting

His timing in important decisions, uncertain direction, or pressing needs is extremely difficult when everything within us cries, “Do something!” Because we want action, waiting for God seems so passive.

To wait for the Lord means to pause for further instruction while remaining in the present circumstance. It is a purposeful, expectant focus on God—a choice to be actively still and quiet in our hearts, listening for His voice and watching for His intervention. The wait is not for events to work out as we want, but rather for God’s will to be done.

The Lord’s voice often comes to us through His Word. Because this is His instruction book for our lives, quiet medi-tation on Scripture is essential. Sometimes when I read my Bible, a passage will jump out at me. The guidance I’m seeking is right there, almost as if it has my name written on it.

At other times, God will use changed circumstances to redirect us, or He will motivate another person to give guidance. However, always remember that any voice offering us direction must align with the Lord’s will as revealed in His Word; other-wise, it is not from Him.

The first step in waiting for the Lord is submission to His choice of how and when He will act. What are you hoping God will do? Are you seeking Him or the thing you want from Him? Because He alone knows what is best for you, let go and trust His choice.

read | PsalM 130:5-8

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JereMiah 5-7

Wait for the Lord

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Our culture is not one that teaches patience. Just watch the frustration

of drivers behind a car that doesn’t start moving the instant the traffic light turns green. Because of a two-second delay, tempers flare and horns honk. Living in a fast-paced culture programs us to expect everything instantly, and that includes answers to our prayers.

At times, I have been very impatient and frustrated with the Lord when He hasn’t operated according to my sched-ule. I’ve even tried to manipulate the circumstances so I could present Him with the solution and ask for His blessing. But delayed timing from my perspective is perfect timing from His viewpoint. An omniscient God who is the Creator and Ruler of time can never be late.

Waiting on the Lord requires faith. Just because we can’t see what He’s doing does not mean that He is inactive. Our heavenly Father works outside of our visible realm, arranging and orchestrat-ing events to bring about His plan for our lives. His work is like a seed that is planted deep in a garden—we cannot see the underground process. But just as a plant eventually appears, we can likewise trust that in time, the Lord’s ordained outcome will become evident.

The solution to whatever problem you are facing is in God’s hands. By steadfastly clinging to the truth of His love for you, His knowledge of all things, and His power over every obstacle, you can confidently walk by faith and not by sight. In time, your eyes will see proof of His faithfulness.

Waiting in Faith

JereMiah 8-10

read | PsalM 33:18-22

w e d n e s d a y

Because thinking shapes beliefs, and beliefs in turn determine lifestyle, a

biblical mindset is vitally important in our Christian walk. Each day we choose to let either the world or God’s Word shape our thoughts. Although most of us are quick to say we believe the Bible, sometimes our actions do not match our words.

Where do you go when you want advice about a big decision or lifestyle choice? Websites, blogs, and the media offer a wealth of information that can be either beneficial or harmful. Co-workers, fam-ily, and friends are also readily available sources of counsel, but do they speak with worldly reasoning or godly wisdom? Our only sure resource for true and wise guidance is Scripture. Yet sadly, we do not always seek direction in its pages but instead rely on human intelligence and personal preferences.

Hebrews 4:12 describes God’s Word as ”living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword” and piercing into the deepest parts of the soul. Those who are reluctant to surrender to its penetrating work essentially dethrone the Lord by their refusal to listen and obey. But those who are willing to be nourished by Scripture, accepting its reproof and correction, will discover the riches of a life of faith.

Letting the Word be your guide requires costly changes in thought, attitude, and behavior. Yet any lifestyle adjustments, sacrifices, or disciplines that produce godli-ness also result in eternal profit. A solid foundation of faith and wisdom starts with going to Scripture for direction.

12 Where Do You Go for Advice?

JereMiah 11-14

read | 1 t iMothy 4 :4 -10

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To understand the purposes and ways of the Lord, we need to comprehend

His perspective of mankind. So often, we rely on our human viewpoint instead of trying to see ourselves through His eyes. All that He does on earth is guided by His care and love for the human race. Consider three elements of God’s perspective of humanity:

created in God’s image. Of all the crea-tures that the Lord fashioned, only the man and woman were made in His image. They had a mind, will, and emotions as well as a spirit, which enabled them to worship and relate to God. Being sinless and perfect, they were destined to live forever in intimate relationship with their Creator.

corrupted by Sin. But an act of disobe-dience broke their relationship with the Lord. The divine image was marred by sin, which infiltrated human nature and corrupted every person born thereafter. Mankind stood spiritually dead, without hope, and condemned before a holy God.

Worthy of Redemption. Yet the Lord considered them worthy of restoration. Through the redemptive work of His Son, all who believe in Jesus are made spiritually alive again, and the broken relationship between God and man is reconciled. One day—in heaven—sin will be no more, and a perfect environment will be reinstated.

Amidst life’s pace and trials, we easily lose sight of divine viewpoint. When we’re over-whelmed by criticism, trouble, or suffering, it’s vital to recognize our worth in the Lord’s eyes. That realization can energize our service and renew our love for the One who gave Himself to bring us back to God.

13read | hebrews 2:6 -18

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JereMiah 15-18

God’s View of Mankind

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Many of us have heard since child-hood that God loves us. Yet it isn’t

until we begin to understand the true nature of His love that our lives start to change dramatically—exchanging anxiety for peace, depression for joy, and fear for confidence.

Today’s Bible verse tells us that while we were still living in rebellion against God, His love sent Jesus to the cross to pay the ultimate price for our redemption. In other words, He didn’t wait for our recognition of Him or for our apologies. No, the Almighty loved us so completely that He sent His Son to die for us while we were steeped in sin.

This doesn’t mesh with our human understanding of love. Much of our con-cern for others is conditional, hopefully with the exception of care for our children and immediate families. We oftentimes project this imperfect image onto the Lord. It is hard for us to imagine that there actually exists a greater love than what we ourselves can give.

Thankfully, God is not restricted by our view of Him. So great is His care, in fact, that when we trust in Him, He calls us His children and adopts us! And our Father promises that nothing can separate us from Him (Rom. 8:38-39).

As you read Scripture, focus on verses about God’s love. Ask Him to help you start to grasp how great His love is. Document what you learn so that it is available to review when guilt or doubt creeps into your mind. What peace there is for Christians in the Almighty’s unfailing, unconditional care!

read | roMans 5:8

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JereMiah 19-22

The Unconditional Love of God

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In today’s passage, Paul prays that the Ephesians will grasp the depth of Christ’s

love. Though divine care is beyond human comprehension, the apostle states that God will give spiritual understanding so we can experience Him more fully.

What keeps us from getting a handle on His love and resting in it? First, as we saw yesterday, we think God’s acceptance is imperfect and conditional like ours. Yet the Bible tells us that His compassion comes from His character and is not dependent upon our morality, choices, or thoughts.

Second, when we recognize our sin, we often experience guilt. Sometimes this leads to feeling unworthy of the Father’s ultimate love. Instead, let a guilty conscience lead you back to God so that you can repent. Realize that His love and forgiveness is greater than any sin. He promises that there is no condemnation for His followers.

Third, there are some teachers who encourage legalism, which traps a person into feeling that he or she must earn God’s favor. This contradicts divine truth: Our Father loves His children without condition.

Fourth, some people have a difficult time reconciling God’s love with His discipline. These can exist together, however. His correction flows from compassion, just as loving parents must redirect their children.

Recognizing God’s love will bring peace and joy to your life. At the same time, it doesn’t give license to sin. Like any caring father, He will discipline in order to bring you back to Him. Instead, why not let His love motivate you to walk in a holy and obedient manner before Him?

Experiencing God’s Love

JereMiah 23-25

read | ePhesians 3 :17-19

m o n d a y

Praying effectively isn’t something we all naturally know how to do—for most

Christians, it must be learned. In fact, one of the disciples who had walked with Jesus asked for help in this area (Luke 11:1).

So often we hear requests to bless, pro-tect, and provide for a person. While these are fine to ask of the Lord, there is another, more powerful way to pray. When we speak to Him using Scripture, our conversation contains the authority of almighty God.

The apostle Paul wrote today’s passage to the Colossian church. From this, we know the specific requests he brought before God concerning his brothers. These are applicable to us today as well. Let’s focus on the first two requests today and the remaining four tomorrow.

First, Paul asked for the believers to understand God’s plan for their lives. Now, the Lord often does not reveal everything at once, but He gives seeking hearts enough information to trust and follow His way.

Second, the apostle prayed that the Colossian Christians would conduct themselves in a manner worthy of Christ and pleasing to Him; Paul longed to see their lives prove consistent with their true spiritual identity. A follower of Jesus is evident to other people because of lifestyle and spiritual fruit (Gal. 5:22-23).

One of the greatest gifts we can give is to lift a person in prayer. And there is no more powerful way to do this than to speak Scripture on his or her behalf. Colossians 1:9-14 is a beautiful example of a passage to pray as we bring loved ones and ourselves before God’s throne.

17 The Pattern of Powerful Prayer

JereMiah 26-30

read | colossians 1 :9 -10a

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Let’s continue using Paul’s prayer for the Colossians as a model. Yesterday, we

made note of the first two requests—under-standing God’s will and living a worthy life. Now let’s consider the other four:

• To bear fruit in every good work (v. 10b)—The Lord desires that our actions bring Him glory. We all seem to be very busy, but are the activities that fill our time eternally valuable?

• To grow in the knowledge of God (v. 10b)—Through books, sermons, and technology, a wealth of information about the Bible is available. But the apostle’s request is not merely for believers to gain facts regarding Christ. He speaks of an understanding in the heart, not simply a mental grasp of knowledge.

• To be strengthened according to His power (v. 11)—We are weak when relying upon our own strength. Sometimes it takes being driven to our knees before we relinquish control and instead trust in God’s awesome power. Having endurance and focus in the midst of life’s trials requires energy beyond our own.

• To walk in gratitude (v. 12)—When we realize where all good gifts originate, we can live with thankfulness. Contentment and joy comes from a grateful heart, not from circumstances.

In the busyness of life today, prayer often gets squeezed out of our schedules. But communion with the Lord is vital to a healthy, vibrant relationship with Him. Remember that lifting our loved ones before God’s throne is far more important than many tasks which seem more pressing.

18read | colossians 1 :10b-14

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JereMiah 31-33

A Model for Prayer

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How do you view your life? Is it an excit-ing challenge filled with contentment

and joy? Or does it feel more like a ditch that has you trapped and struggling?

Sadly, many people drift through life without taking hold of God’s terrific plan for them. Our Creator gives each person the specific gifts, abilities, and circumstances necessary to live according to His purpose. Instead, many try to squeeze pleasure out of their lives, not realizing that the Almighty’s best is where true fulfillment is found.

Sadly, a number of saved individuals walk with the Lord for a time but then get off track. This can happen for many reasons. Some become faint-hearted and lose the desire to endure through difficult circumstances. For others, worldly ideas and goals become distractions. Or perhaps certain people influence them to lose focus. Sports, hobbies, or simply busyness can also envelop a believer and cause his heart to stray from Christ.

No matter what the cause, any life sepa-rated from the only true anchor—Jesus—is in danger. God offers believers a full life in Him. But the Bible teaches that Christians will not thrive if they are living apart from His Word, godly principles, and a close relationship with Him.

Do you feel that you are walking closely with Jesus? Or have the cares of life entangled you? Pray for wisdom as you consider these questions, and tell the Lord you desire to surrender whatever it is, apart from Him, that has your passion. Commit to pray, to read the Word, and to obey.

read | hebrews 12:1 -3

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JereMiah 34-37

Getting Your Life Back on Course

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Today’s passage encourages us to stay connected to Jesus. The image of Him

as the vine and believers as the branches helps us understand that apart from Him, we can do nothing. It is possible to accept His salvation yet still act out of the “flesh,” distracted or separated from His direction and power. All believers find their focus wandering at times, but some have strayed so far that it’s hard to see their way back.

If you find your heart loyal to something besides Christ, it is vital to acknowledge that this has happened. Identify which attitudes or activities are drawing you away from Jesus. Then repent and get whatever help is necessary to set aside diversions, insecurity, worldly desires, or anything else that draws your attention away from the Lord.

Once the distraction is gone, refocus on Jesus by reading the Word, praying, learn-ing from biblical messages, and spending time with godly friends who will encourage you. After living outside of God’s best for a while, it can be hard to discipline yourself to function as the Lord desires. But He promises to walk by your side to strengthen you and supply all your needs (Phil. 4:19).

As Hebrews 12:1 urges, let us “lay aside every encumbrance . . . and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

Don’t delay. Acknowledge any area, sin, or stronghold that is keeping you from living passionately and fully for Christ. Following His plan—with His strength—is the way to peace, joy, and contentment in life. Ask for His help and commit to action. There is nothing like living “at full throttle” for God.

Refocusing Life on Jesus

JereMiah 38-41

read | John 15:4 -6

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Motivated by love, God provided a way for our sins to be forgiven. He

sent Jesus to be our Savior; when we trust in His substitutionary sacrifice on our behalf, we receive His gift of forgiveness.

Before placing faith in Christ, we were dead in our sins and objects of divine wrath (Eph. 2:1-3). But our merciful heav-enly Father sent His Son Jesus to redeem us. At the cross, the Savior took our sins upon Himself and experienced God’s fury for our sake. His death secured a pardon for us—there was nothing we could do to acquire God’s acceptance. We are saved by grace—through faith in Christ and what He accomplished (Eph. 2:8-9). Our salvation is a free gift from the Father.

God’s will is that we, as forgiven people, show mercy to those who wrong us—to the same degree that He forgave us in Christ. But the human tendency is to attach conditions when extending mercy. We think, I will forgive you only if you apologize satisfactorily. Or, You must fix the problem before I will stop being angry. Or even, I expect you to make restitution before I will let this go. That is not what our Savior did. Romans 5:8 expresses it this way: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Depending on how much hurt we’ve expe-rienced, we may require time and healing before we can truly forgive. But we are to remember that showing mercy is God’s will. We’re called to pardon those who have caused us pain. Through reliance on God’s Spirit, we can become like Jesus and forgive.

God’s Gift of Forgiveness

JereMiah 42-45

read | colossians 3 :12-14

t h e w e e k e n d

One Yeart h e b i b l e i n

One Yeart h e b i b l e i n

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Showing mercy to those who hurt us does not come naturally—it’s easier to

get angry and remain that way. We justify our lack of forgiveness by pointing to the injustice that took place or harm that was done. But God commands us to be merciful (Luke 6:36). We, who have been shown divine mercy, are to practice a lifestyle of forgiveness.

So why don’t we obey? Sometimes our pride gets in the way. We become angry when treated with disrespect, passed over for a job opportunity, or ignored despite our accomplishments. At other times we get focused on other people’s refusal to change, and we withhold mercy until they improve their behavior. Then, some of us have been badly hurt or unjustly treated. Our minds are so filled with pain that we become stuck in the past. We cannot see how we can forgive.

An unforgiving attitude can have all sorts of unwanted consequences, including broken relationships, emotional bondage, and indifference toward the Lord. The longer we hold onto our anger, the more it will affect our fellowship with other people as well as with our heavenly Father. Over time, we may become bitter and hostile, which certainly does not fit who we are in Christ.

It is hard for us to pardon those who tell lies about us, treat us badly, or cause harm to our loved ones. And yet, their behavior towards us is not a reason to withhold mercy. God calls us to forgive just as He forgave us—and with His help, we can do just that.

23read | ePhesians 4 :29-32

m o n d a y

JereMiah 46-48

A Lifestyle of Forgiveness

One Yeart h e b i b l e i n

e a r l y l i g h t

If we could design an ideal life, most of us would skip over times of hardship. But

Scripture teaches us that God has purpose in the storms of life.

cleansing. When problems press in on us, ungodly attitudes and habits tend to surface. Impatient behavior, a quick temper, or reliance on something or someone other than God may become apparent. In a crisis, the bad habits we had ignored can show up in ways too obvious to overlook. The Holy Spirit will use tough times to smooth away our rough edges and produce the fruit of the Spirit in us (Gal. 5:22-23).

companionship. When life is good, we may spend less time with the Lord and start taking our relationship with Him for granted. We may even drift off His chosen path. Crises help us see our need for Him as well as our inability to help ourselves. Hard times bring us to our knees in prayer and drive us to seek opportunities for His companionship.

Our heavenly Father’s desire is for us to develop Christ-like character and grow in intimacy with Him. He wants us to experience the richness of His love and wholeheartedly show Him devotion. He will use trials and difficulties to accomplish His good purposes for us.

Life brings trouble to us from many sources. But the common thread in all trials is the Lord’s desire and ability to use them for our good and His glory. Through these experi-ences, we can let go of ungodly traits and experience sweet communion as we walk in intimacy with Him.

read | roMans 8:28-29

t u e s d a y

JereMiah 49-50

God’s Purposes in Difficult Times

One Yeart h e b i b l e i n

42 | A U G U S T 2 0 1 0 I n T o u c H

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When life gets hard, we tend to get upset and wonder how soon the

difficulty will end. But God wants us to focus on Him in times of trouble. As we do, we will discover He is doing important spiritual work during these “storms.”

Beliefs. The Bible contains what we need to know about our life in Christ and following Him. When circumstances are beyond our control, what we really believe will surface. The depth of our faith in God’s character and promises will become evident, as will any doubts or uncertainties we may have. For example, Joseph revealed strong belief when he acknowledged that God intended his hardships for his good (v. 20). There are bound to be times when we don’t succeed—like Peter, whose fear led to deny-ing Christ—but we should think of trials as opportunities to grow and deepen our faith.

Transformation. As God’s children, we are to live our lives in a way that displays Christ’s character. But we are more like jewels in the rough, aren’t we? The heavenly Father can use the storms of life to trans-form us into His Son’s image.

comfort. This blessing is not only for us but also for others. Our Father comforts us in our sufferings and asks that we share what we have received with other people (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

Difficult times can come from our own mistakes, the schemes of the Enemy, or the hurtful actions of others. They can even be ordained by God. Regardless of the source, our Father works in them to benefit us and to bless others. What testimony about Him can you give to a hurting world?

The Storms of Life

JereMiah 51-52

read | genesis 50:15-21

w e d n e s d a y

John’s first epistle is not about salvation, even though it speaks of the need to

confess sin. This letter is written to people who already have a relationship with God but need a reminder of how to remain in fellowship with Him. The Father intends for believers to enjoy His presence, but in order to do that, they must first deal with sin.

Although Christians have been made new in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), they are not yet perfect and therefore still transgress. We are humans in a physical body that retains all of its natural tendencies—yearning for food, sex, rest, and pleasure. When those desires are under the Holy Spirit’s control, we live joyful, God-honoring lives. However, should we give in to the temptation to appease the flesh, then we have invited darkness into our lives (1 John 1:6).

It is important to understand that “walk in darkness” does not mean a believer can lose his or her salvation—those who have received Jesus Christ as Savior can never be driven from the light of His love. But we can choose to get out of God’s will and veer off to a dark pathway of sin for a time. Since dark and light cannot exist together, doing so will fill our spirit with tension. Confessing our sin lifts the darkness and restores peace.

A believer in right fellowship radiates peace and joy. We are supposed to delight in the Lord (Ps. 37:4) by spending time in His presence, thinking about how to please Him, and sharing Him with those around us. Confessing our sin keeps our fellow-ship strong and glorifies the Lord.

26 The Confession of Sin

laMentations 1-2

read | 1 John 1:5 -7

t h u r s d a y

One Yeart h e b i b l e i n

One Yeart h e b i b l e i n

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John used the metaphor of darkness and light to describe a life of sin versus

a life in Christ (1 John 1:7). God is pure and perfect light (v. 5) shining through an obedient person. However, when we invite darkness—sin—into our life, there is immediate conflict. Darkness and light cannot mix.

The way to keep a pure spirit in this dirty world is to confess sin. Let’s be clear. We are made clean by Jesus Christ’s work on the cross. Nothing can change a redeemed believer’s identity as God’s holy child. However, wrongdoing does interfere with the fellowship between us and the Lord. Left unchecked, sin can so thoroughly choke our spirit that only thin shafts of the light of Christ can squeeze through.

Confession breaks the stranglehold. We agree with God that our actions, thoughts, or words are in violation of His law or will. While it is tempting to confess in a gen-eral sort of way—“I’m sorry if I’ve sinned against You”—that isn’t a helpful method of chasing out darkness. We must be specific about our wrongs. The Holy Spirit isn’t general in His conviction—He points to the exact problem. And God expects that we’ll deal with sin promptly so that we are neither tarnished by it nor tempted to continue on that path.

Believers who honestly acknowledge their sin and take responsibility for it stay in right relationship with the Lord. John’s letter confirms God’s desire to cast out darkness and keep us fully in the light of His love. Our part is to deal promptly with the dirt that Satan and this world throw at us.

27read | 1 John 1:8 -2 :2

f r i d a y

laMentations 3-5

Staying in the Light

One Yeart h e b i b l e i n

e a r l y l i g h t

Moses had some tough times in his long life. He fled from a murder

charge, spent years in the desert, stood toe to toe with a king who scorned him, led a grumbling nation through 40 years of hardship, and saw those same people run hot and cold in their allegiance. Yet once Moses learned the secret to dealing with trials, he faced every one courageously.

Though he returned to Egypt with an unmistakable call from the Lord (Ex. 3:10), appearing before Pharaoh must nonethe-less have been intimidating. And Moses had to plead with him ten times for the release of the Israelites. The ruler was not fazed by locusts or convinced by boils or softened by water turning into blood. In fact, he made life even harder for the slaves by forcing them to find their own brick-making materials. In turn, the Hebrews heaped ingratitude on their leader.

In spite of all the opposition, Moses kept returning to the palace until he had achieved God’s purpose—the release of His people. As the former prince led the exodus from Egypt, “he endured as seeing Him who is unseen” (Heb. 11:27). With a stack of trials behind and despite a hint of more to come leading this unruly people, Moses moved forward, aware that he was walking in God’s presence.

God had pledged to be with Moses every step of the way (Ex. 3:12). The Israelite leader fixed his focus upon that promise and the One who made it. He had the wis-dom to trust that I AM (v. 14)—the eternal sovereign of the universe—would guard his way and bring him victory over trials.

read | hebrews 11:23-29

t h e w e e k e n d

eZekiel 1-4

Overcoming Trials

One Yeart h e b i b l e i n

44 | A U G U S T 2 0 1 0 I n T o u c H

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Tough times have a way of separating the “wheat” from the “chaff.” That is,

when two people face similar dilemmas, one grows closer to God, bears spiritual fruit, and becomes more peaceful. The other, meanwhile, becomes anxious, bitter in spirit, and full of secret doubts about the Lord’s faithfulness. The difference has to do with how each one responds to hardship.

We all know that hardship is part of life. Becoming a Christian does not change that fact (John 16:33). What shifts is our under-standing of God’s sovereignty—nothing touches our lives unless He permits it. The Lord allowed a murderous king to pursue David for years (1 Sam. 23). But the fugitive responded to adversity with faith and called God his stronghold and refuge (Ps. 59:16).

We are confronted with challenges for many reasons. God intends for them to grow our faith, change our perspective, or deepen our compassion. Sometimes believers reach heaven before they under-stand why they’ve had to endure suffering. But whatever the trial or God’s intention for it, He is available to help us in our affliction (Ps. 46:1). We can turn toward Him for comfort, guidance, and support. Or we can get angry and resentful that we are not being rescued from our shadowy valley (See Ps. 23:4).

When affliction strips away every crutch, one has only the Lord to depend upon. Can you think of a better position to find yourself in than to be undergirded by our faithful and sovereign God? Though some people are destroyed by that kind of situa-tion, others are built into stalwart believers.

Responding to Tough Times

eZekiel 5-9

read | Proverbs 3 :5 -6

m o n d a y

The church I grew up in could sum up much of its theology in one statement:

“Thou shalt not . . .” I don’t recall hearing about a Father’s love or how to live the Christian life. What I learned was that a wrathful God would punish me if I didn’t follow all the rules. And there seemed to be rules for everything—including what I could read, what I could wear, and what I could do.

As a teenage boy, I spent a lot of time begging the Lord to forgive me for one foolish thing or another. And I carried a constant weight of guilt and worry around with me everywhere I went. I just couldn’t seem to be good enough. In truth, the rules were a burden to me, and since I thought God made them, He was a burden too.

In my young adult years, I learned that my perception of God was wrong. He is gracious and loving. The commandments that He gave were designed to keep us safe and free from shame. But even when we do mess up, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Rom. 8:1). That means He forgives our sin and “wipes out . . . transgressions,” remembering them no more (Is. 43:25). We may have to live with consequences but never with the weight of guilt.

God is not a burden. He is the burden-bearer (Ps. 68:19), who placed our sins on Jesus Christ, thereby relieving us of that heaviness. Don’t keep staggering under the load of guilt. Lay it down before a loving, gracious Lord who offers a yoke that is easy and light (Matt. 11:30).

31 Releasing Guilt

eZekiel 10-13

read | isaiah 55:7 -8

t u e s d a y

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