Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST - Tuesday, March 9, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Getting Through the Tough Stuff: It's Always Something! Almost without exception, people and anxiety go hand-in-hand. Though we should know better, we continue to manufacture worries and nurse fears. Yet anxiety is nothing more than wasting today's time and resources to clutter up tomorrow's possibilities with yesterday's struggles. In spite of that, it remains for some a continual preoccupation. This message takes a straight look at this energy-draining reality. By seeking it at work in another's life, we may gain sufficient perspective to get through the tough stuff of anxiety. Luke 10:38-42

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST - Monday, March 8, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Getting Through the Tough Stuff: It's Always Something! Being misunderstood is one of the most common problems a Christian must face. People fail to understand our motives. Some jump to false conclusions. Others assume things about Christians that grow out of feelings rather than facts. Misunderstanding should not surprise Christians, however, when you stop to consider that Christ's journey to the cross was in many ways the result of being misunderstood. Take comfort in the fact that, as His disciples, we can connect with the One who can truly sympathize with us through the tough stuff of misunderstanding. Mark 3:1–12, 20–35

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST - Friday, March 5, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Getting Through the Tough Stuff: It's Always Something! Being misunderstood is one of the most common problems a Christian must face. People fail to understand our motives. Some jump to false conclusions. Others assume things about Christians that grow out of feelings rather than facts. Misunderstanding should not surprise Christians, however, when you stop to consider that Christ's journey to the cross was in many ways the result of being misunderstood. Take comfort in the fact that, as His disciples, we can connect with the One who can truly sympathize with us through the tough stuff of misunderstanding. Mark 3:1–12, 20–35

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST - Thursday, March 4, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Getting Through the Tough Stuff: It's Always Something! Being misunderstood is one of the most common problems a Christian must face. People fail to understand our motives. Some jump to false conclusions. Others assume things about Christians that grow out of feelings rather than facts. Misunderstanding should not surprise Christians, however, when you stop to consider that Christ's journey to the cross was in many ways the result of being misunderstood. Take comfort in the fact that, as His disciples, we can connect with the One who can truly sympathize with us through the tough stuff of misunderstanding. Mark 3:1-12, 20–35

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST - Wednesday, March 3, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Getting Through the Tough Stuff: It's Always Something! Although Christ's life was marked by trials, He never succumbed to temptation. At each pressure point, He turned to His Father and to God's Word for strength to pass all of life's tests. With Christ accompanying us on life's journey, things that others might interpret as a tragedy or seduction to evil take on a different appearance. Both by His example and through His power, we, too, can get through the tough stuff of temptation. Matthew 4:1-11

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST - Tuesday, March 2, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Getting Through the Tough Stuff: It's Always Something! Although Christ's life was marked by trials, He never succumbed to temptation. At each pressure point, He turned to His Father and to God's Word for strength to pass all of life's tests. With Christ accompanying us on life's journey, things that others might interpret as a tragedy or seduction to evil take on a different appearance. Both by His example and through His power, we, too, can get through the tough stuff of temptation. Matthew 4:1-11

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST - Monday, March 1, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Getting Through the Tough Stuff: It's Always Something! Although Christ's life was marked by trials, He never succumbed to temptation. At each pressure point, He turned to His Father and to God's Word for strength to pass all of life's tests. With Christ accompanying us on life's journey, things that others might interpret as a tragedy or seduction to evil take on a different appearance. Both by His example and through His power, we, too, can get through the tough stuff of temptation. Matthew 4:1-11

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Friday, February 26, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Family Matters: Investing In the Things That Last Think hard about this question for just a moment: What in your life will endure the test of time; what will withstand the ups and downs of the future? Life is lived in the present, but there is a future coming, even if many live as if the future doesn't matter, as if the choices we make today will not echo into tomorrow. Each of us will leave a legacy after we've passed on to eternity. Memories of your life and your character, for good or for ill, will linger in the lives of your family and friends, making each choice, each word, each moment an essential one. So, what legacy will you leave when today's present becomes tomorrow's past? Genesis 1:26-27 2:18,24

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Thursday, February 25, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Family Matters: Investing In the Things That Last Think hard about this question for just a moment: What in your life will endure the test of time; what will withstand the ups and downs of the future? Life is lived in the present, but there is a future coming, even if many live as if the future doesn't matter, as if the choices we make today will not echo into tomorrow. Each of us will leave a legacy after we've passed on to eternity. Memories of your life and your character, for good or for ill, will linger in the lives of your family and friends, making each choice, each word, each moment an essential one. So, what legacy will you leave when today's present becomes tomorrow's past? Genesis 1:26-27 2:18,24

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Wednesday, February 24, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Family Matters: Investing In the Things That Last Think hard about this question for just a moment: What in your life will endure the test of time; what will withstand the ups and downs of the future? Life is lived in the present, but there is a future coming, even if many live as if the future doesn't matter, as if the choices we make today will not echo into tomorrow. Each of us will leave a legacy after we've passed on to eternity. Memories of your life and your character, for good or for ill, will linger in the lives of your family and friends, making each choice, each word, each moment an essential one. So, what legacy will you leave when today's present becomes tomorrow's past? Genesis 1:26-27 2:18,24

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Tuesday, February 23, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Family Matters: Investing In the Things That Last It's one of those little quirks of life: you can pick your friends, you can pick your spouse, but you can't pick your family! No one asked you if you wanted your particular parents or grandparents or siblings or aunts or uncles or cousins, but they're all yours. Being thrown into such a mix inevitably leads to friction because none of them is just like you, and all of you are imperfect. Family relationships are bound to strain at times and in many cases fracture, leading to feelings of failure and guilt, but there is a way to repair and rebuild damaged relationships - whether or not you've chosen them. Isaiah 58:1,4-12

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Monday, February 22, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Family Matters: Investing In the Things That Last It's one of those little quirks of life: you can pick your friends, you can pick your spouse, but you can't pick your family! No one asked you if you wanted your particular parents or grandparents or siblings or aunts or uncles or cousins, but they're all yours. Being thrown into such a mix inevitably leads to friction because none of them is just like you, and all of you are imperfect. Family relationships are bound to strain at times and in many cases fracture, leading to feelings of failure and guilt, but there is a way to repair and rebuild damaged relationships - whether or not you've chosen them. Isaiah 58:1,4-12

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Friday, February 19, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Family Matters: Investing In the Things That Last It's one of those little quirks of life: you can pick your friends, you can pick your spouse, but you can't pick your family! No one asked you if you wanted your particular parents or grandparents or siblings or aunts or uncles or cousins, but they're all yours. Being thrown into such a mix inevitably leads to friction because none of them is just like you, and all of you are imperfect. Family relationships are bound to strain at times and in many cases fracture, leading to feelings of failure and guilt, but there is a way to repair and rebuild damaged relationships - whether or not you've chosen them. Isaiah 58:1,4-12

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Thursday, February 18, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Family Matters: Investing In the Things That Last Rights: we all have them, and we all love to claim them. Teenagers who are well past the hatching stage but not quite ready to leave the nest especially love to claim their rights. And when the rights of teens clash with the rights of parents, the nest invariably becomes messy. So how do parents who want to parent with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge maintain a relatively peaceful home when everyone is claiming their rights? And how do teens who want to try out their wings keep from jumping out of the nest too soon? The answer is simple, though rarely easy: surrender. Proverbs 1:8-11,15 9:10-11 12:1 24:3-4

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Wednesday, February 17, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Family Matters: Investing In the Things That Last Rights: we all have them, and we all love to claim them. Teenagers who are well past the hatching stage but not quite ready to leave the nest especially love to claim their rights. And when the rights of teens clash with the rights of parents, the nest invariably becomes messy. So how do parents who want to parent with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge maintain a relatively peaceful home when everyone is claiming their rights? And how do teens who want to try out their wings keep from jumping out of the nest too soon? The answer is simple, though rarely easy: surrender. Proverbs 1:8-11,15 9:10-11 12:1 24:3-4

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Tuesday, February 16, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Family Matters: Investing In the Things That Last Rights: we all have them, and we all love to claim them. Teenagers who are well past the hatching stage but not quite ready to leave the nest especially love to claim their rights. And when the rights of teens clash with the rights of parents, the nest invariably becomes messy. So how do parents who want to parent with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge maintain a relatively peaceful home when everyone is claiming their rights? And how do teens who want to try out their wings keep from jumping out of the nest too soon? The answer is simple, though rarely easy: surrender. Proverbs 1:8-11,15 9:10-11 12:1 24:3-4

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Monday, February 15, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Family Matters: Investing In the Things That Last "If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times!" How many times did you hear that growing up? How often have you said that - or something like that - to your own children? It's funny, but no matter how bright you were as a child or how intelligent you are as an adult, if often takes a "thousand" reminders before the truth sinks in. That's one reason God placed us within families - to prepare us for the world, even if it takes hearing the truth "a thousand times". Deuteronomy 6:1-14

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Friday, February 12, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Family Matters: Investing In the Things That Last "If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times!" How many times did you hear that growing up? How often have you said that - or something like that - to your own children? It's funny, but no matter how bright you were as a child or how intelligent you are as an adult, if often takes a "thousand" reminders before the truth sinks in. That's one reason God placed us within families - to prepare us for the world, even if it takes hearing the truth "a thousand times". Deuteronomy 6:1-14

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Thursday, February 11, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Family Matters: Investing In the Things That Last "If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times!" How many times did you hear that growing up? How often have you said that - or something like that - to your own children? It's funny, but no matter how bright you were as a child or how intelligent you are as an adult, if often takes a "thousand" reminders before the truth sinks in. That's one reason God placed us within families - to prepare us for the world, even if it takes hearing the truth "a thousand times". Deuteronomy 6:1-14

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Wednesday, February 10, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Family Matters: Investing In the Things That Last The cultural ground upon which the "traditional" family stands has become soft and uncertain, especially since the counter-cultural quake of the 1960s. Regardless of the shifting sands of time and societal mores, God's original design for the family begins with establishing a stable foundation with the marriage of two individuals - male and female. Once the foundation of the marriage is firmly laid, six pillars should be built, which will give any family resilience to withstand the erosion caused by the influence of culture. Genesis 1:26-28 2:18-25 Matthew 15:1-5 Mark 6:31

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Tuesday, February 9, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Family Matters: Investing In the Things That Last The cultural ground upon which the "traditional" family stands has become soft and uncertain, especially since the counter-cultural quake of the 1960s. Regardless of the shifting sands of time and societal mores, God's original design for the family begins with establishing a stable foundation with the marriage of two individuals - male and female. Once the foundation of the marriage is firmly laid, six pillars should be built, which will give any family resilience to withstand the erosion caused by the influence of culture. Genesis 1:26-28 2:18-25 Matthew 15:1-5 Mark 6:31

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Monday, February 8, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Family Matters: Investing In the Things That Last The cultural ground upon which the "traditional" family stands has become soft and uncertain, especially since the counter-cultural quake of the 1960s. Regardless of the shifting sands of time and societal mores, God's original design for the family begins with establishing a stable foundation with the marriage of two individuals - male and female. Once the foundation of the marriage is firmly laid, six pillars should be built, which will give any family resilience to withstand the erosion caused by the influence of culture. Genesis 1:26-28 2:18-25 Matthew 15:1-5 Mark 6:31

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Friday, February 5, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Living Right In A Wrong World Isn't it great to know something for sure? For example, to know that you are loved...to know that your physician found nothing suspicious following a thorough examination...to know that your son or daughter has now safely arrived back home following those longs months in combat...or to know that you passed your final exams, having finished the academic requirements, and will soon receive your diploma at the commencement service. On the other hand, isn't it difficult to not know something for sure? Such as not knowing if the surgery removed all of the malignant cells...not knowing that your spouse is faithful...not knowing why your teenage daughter failed to return home last night...not knowing if you have enough fuel to make it to the next gas station...or not knowing where your wallet and keys are. If is very interesting that when John came to the end of this letter, he underscored the things every believer can know with absolute assurance. 1 John 5:13-21

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Thursday, February 4, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Living Right In A Wrong World Isn't it great to know something for sure? For example, to know that you are loved...to know that your physician found nothing suspicious following a thorough examination...to know that your son or daughter has now safely arrived back home following those longs months in combat...or to know that you passed your final exams, having finished the academic requirements, and will soon receive your diploma at the commencement service. On the other hand, isn't it difficult to not know something for sure? Such as not knowing if the surgery removed all of the malignant cells...not knowing that your spouse is faithful...not knowing why your teenage daughter failed to return home last night...not knowing if you have enough fuel to make it to the next gas station...or not knowing where your wallet and keys are. If is very interesting that when John came to the end of this letter, he underscored the things every believer can know with absolute assurance. 1 John 5:13-21

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Wednesday, February 3, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Living Right In A Wrong World Isn't it great to know something for sure? For example, to know that you are loved...to know that your physician found nothing suspicious following a thorough examination...to know that your son or daughter has now safely arrived back home following those longs months in combat...or to know that you passed your final exams, having finished the academic requirements, and will soon receive your diploma at the commencement service. On the other hand, isn't it difficult to not know something for sure? Such as not knowing if the surgery removed all of the malignant cells...not knowing that your spouse is faithful...not knowing why your teenage daughter failed to return home last night...not knowing if you have enough fuel to make it to the next gas station...or not knowing where your wallet and keys are. If is very interesting that when John came to the end of this letter, he underscored the things every believer can know with absolute assurance. 1 John 5:13-21

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Tuesday, February 2, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Living Right In A Wrong World God's people are identified throughout the Bible by various titles. Among them are Christians, disciples, followers, saints, sheep, salt, light, ambassadors for Christ, members of the body, a royal priesthood, aliens and strangers, servants of Christ, and the people of God - just to name a few. Like a diamond being turned under a bright light, each designation reveals yet another facet of our character, role, position, and/or privilege. Near the end of John's letter, he introduced two additional titles: "believer" and "overcomer". And he made readers aware of "three that testify" in full agreement regarding God's Son (1 John 5:8). All of this deepens our understanding of what it means to be a child of God in His forever family. As we arrive at the last two verses in this section, we come to one of the clearest statements of the gospel found in all the Word of God. 1 John 5:1-12

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST - Monday, February 1, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Living Right In A Wrong World God's people are identified throughout the Bible by various titles. Among them are Christians, disciples, followers, saints, sheep, salt, light, ambassadors for Christ, members of the body, a royal priesthood, aliens and strangers, servants of Christ, and the people of God - just to name a few. Like a diamond being turned under a bright light, each designation reveals yet another facet of our character, role, position, and/or privilege. Near the end of John's letter, he introduced two additional titles: "believer" and "overcomer". And he made readers aware of "three that testify" in full agreement regarding God's Son (1 John 5:8). All of this deepens our understanding of what it means to be a child of God in His forever family. As we arrive at the last two verses in this section, we come to one of the clearest statements of the gospel found in all the Word of God. 1 John 5:1-12

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST - Friday, January 29, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Living Right In A Wrong World Of all the things John learned from Jesus during those years he walked alongside Him as one of the disciples, love was paramount. John's gospel mentions love much more than those of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. When John recalled the Savior's final words to His disciples in the Upper Room, he remembered how often Jesus both spoke of love and demonstrated it. The power of Jesus' love transformed John's life. We should not be surprised, then, that when the apostle came to the end of his life and wrote a letter to the church, his major theme was to love one another. He underscored it repeatedly. As we examine today's section, we return to the same subject for the third time in this letter. (See also 1 John 2:7-10 and 3:11-18). 1 John 4:7-21

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST - Thursday, January 28, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Living Right In A Wrong World Of all the things John learned from Jesus during those years he walked alongside Him as one of the disciples, love was paramount. John's gospel mentions love much more than those of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. When John recalled the Savior's final words to His disciples in the Upper Room, he remembered how often Jesus both spoke of love and demonstrated it. The power of Jesus' love transformed John's life. We should not be surprised, then, that when the apostle came to the end of his life and wrote a letter to the church, his major theme was to love one another. He underscored it repeatedly. As we examine today's section, we return to the same subject for the third time in this letter. (See also 1 John 2:7-10 and 3:11-18.) 1 John 4:7-21

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST - Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Living Right In A Wrong World Of all the things John learned during those years he walked alongside Him as one of the disciples, love was paramount. John's gospel mentions love much more than those of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. When John recalled the Savior's final words to His disciples in the Upper Room, he remembered how often Jesus both spoke of love and demonstrated it. The power of Jesus' love transformed John's life. We should not be surprised, then, that when the apostle came to the end of his life and wrote a letter to the church, his major theme was to love one another. He underscored it repeatedly. As we examine today's section, we return to the same subject for the third time in this letter. (See also 1 John 2:7-10 and 3:11-18.) 1 John 4:7-21

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Would you like your vacation next summer to be inspired by some heroes of church history? Join Insight for Living on our 2010 Reformation Tour July 28–August 9, 2010 as we retrace the spread of the Protestant Reformation through Czech Republic, Germany, and Switzerland. One highlight: yo'll see The Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany, which is performed only once every 10 years! Visit www.insight.org/reformation for details.

Temptation. Anxiety. Divorce. Shame. On life's journey, critical crossroads confront us all. It's always something! In this series, Getting Through the Tough Stuff, Chuck Swindoll takes a closer look at pivotal moments in the life of Jesus. How did Christ respond to temptation? How did He cope with anxiety? What did He say about divorce? How can He release you from shame? You'll learn the answers to these questions and many more in this hard-hitting series. Chuck invites you to encounter the Master just where you need Him most.

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This article was written to answer this specific question, and it explains clearly the theology behind Jesus’s substitutionary death to pay the penalty required for our sins. It explains how God’s holiness and righteous standard require justice and cannot merely overlook our sin. And it helps us understand exactly what Jesus went through when He died to secure our salvation.

Chuck reminds us that the window of opportunity in which a parent can truly influence a child and shape his or her character does not stay open forever. That's why parents have to be willing to make the sacrifices necessary to prioritize meaningful time with their children during the years their children most need them. Nothing else in our schedules could possibly be as important!

The Gnostics (pronounced näs-tik) were some of the earliest heretics to infiltrate the church with their poisonous doctrines, arising shortly after the gospel began penetrating the Roman world near the Mediterranean Sea in the first century.

Some may think that joy is an emotion that you either feel or you don't. Chuck Swindoll suggests that joy is more of an intentional attitude that we have a lot of control over. He lists seven practical principles that, when practiced regularly, will be sure to help us put negativity and worry behind us and develop the joyful, steady character God desires of us.

Scholars and historians have debated for centuries whether Jesus of Nazareth was simply another human being or if He was truly divine. This article provides evidence from several different angles to support the truth that Jesus was fully God and fully man. As a man, He was able to take on the punishment for our human sin. And as God, He was able to triumph over sin and death, rising from the dead and offering salvation to all.

Have you ever thought about giving something away every day of the year leading up to Christmas?

In a humorous spin of the well-known "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" poem, Wayne Stiles reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas by lamenting what it has become for so many, in spite of our best intentions. Chuckle as you read his poem, and recognize the guilt most of us feel for getting carried away with the wrong priorities.

In this age of entitlement, personal responsibility isn't often discussed. Neither is the concept of sin. But just how many of our wrong choices can we blame on outside forces and influences? In this hard-hitting, convicting article, we are reminded to humbly acknowledge our own sins so we can learn to resist them, while also experiencing the cleansing from them that we have received through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

The word grace means many things to many people.

Citing Moses's, Peter's, and David's ragtag followers as examples, Chuck Swindoll reminds us that the people God uses in significant ways don't always fit the world's mold of a natural-born leader. When a leader's heart belongs to God and he or she is allowing the Holy Spirit to work through him or her, personal eccentricities and weaknesses cease to matter; this leader will be able to accomplish the ministry God has set before him or her. That should be good news to all of us!

There is a pattern found in Scripture of how God chooses to minister to His servants when they get beaten down by opposition. His method can be described in a word: friendship. Chuck Swindoll gives several accounts of how God provided human relationships to keep people from giving up at their lowest points. We all need to find that kind of support in our lives and be willing to provide it to close friends when they need a place of rest and acceptance.

This article addresses the sad, unfortunate situation when a Christian leader is willingly violating God's standards without a repentant heart. It outlines how, when, and why to discipline the offender and thus helps you to go beyond the conflicting emotions involved. The apostle Paul gave some specific directions on this topic so that the sacredness of God's ministry and His calling could be protected.

Chuck Swindoll clarifies in this article what true forgiveness must involve to be complete and in obedience to God's Word. We can't be expected to erase our memories of offenses against us, but we can and must make the willful choice not to hold a grievance over another's head and hold him or her captive to the debt owed us.

Chuck Swindoll reflects on the strong faith of his older brother, Orville, and on Orville's ability to trust in Jesus to meet the needs of his family. We live in a materialistic society, where our security seems to come from what we own and have stashed away. Chuck suggests that whether we have abundance or are seeing lean times, our security must come only from God and His promise to provide for all of our needs. Only then can we be truly generous.

Using a rather extreme example, Chuck Swindoll illustrates the pointlessness of being stingy with our wealth and possessions in this life. He asserts that whoever is reluctant to part with some of his or her assets is also one who doesn't dare to dream big dreams or attempt great things for God. This article challenges us to evaluate our generosity and our vision of what God can accomplish through our faith.

At the heart of life's major struggles is a theological issue.

"God has the whole world in His hands." Remember the old gospel song?

Drawing from the apostle Paul's example of how he accepted his own weaknesses and hardships, Chuck Swindoll reminds us of what we often don't want to hear: our life on earth is for the purpose of making us more like Christ. Unfortunately, nothing does that better than the trials and pains we suffer. But if we, like Paul, can keep our eyes on the ultimate goal of letting God work through us, we'll learn to accept joyfully whatever God brings us and not seek the easy, pain-free life instead.

Why did God propel the young girl named Esther to the position where she alone could influence the fate of the Jewish people? Chuck Swindoll suggests that it's because God knew Esther had a teachable heart and a humble and obedient spirit. He knew she would not be swayed by the trappings and all the temptations of kingdom life but would remain grounded in the teachings and faith that Mordecai had modeled to her. How would you do today if God tested you? Would you have a teachable spirit as Esther did?

Most of us have struggled at times with our prayer life and with understanding how and when God answers prayer. This article gives a unique and valuable perspective to keep in mind when we aren't seeing the results we'd like from our times of prayer. The three suggestions made here may help you pinpoint any errors you may have in your own thinking when it comes to prayer.

I was on a scriptural safari. Prowling through the Ephesian letter, I was tracking an elusive, totally unrelated verse when God's sharp sword flashed, suddenly slicing me to the core.

Few people in the first century had a deeper understanding of God's grace than the apostle Paul.

Through confessing an area of weakness in his own life and marriage, Chuck explains the necessity of allowing grace into your marriage relationship by trusting your spouse and setting him or her free. Jealous, controlling thoughts and behavior that merely reflect one's own fears and insecurities will smother and stifle your spouse and, therefore, your marriage.

Just as in David's day, we tend to evaluate people based too much on the external characteristics we can see: appearance, stature, poise, demeanor. Chuck Swindoll reminds us that it's the size and quality of our faith that makes us great in God's eyes. When we remember this, we don't have to try to fit into others' molds or define ourselves by their expectations.

This is a reflective article Chuck wrote after celebrating his fiftieth anniversary with his wife, Cynthia. He reminisces on the many shared experiences over the years, the joys and the hardships they both endured, and the transitions they faced as they both learned and developed as people and as Christians.

Throughout his more than forty years as a pastor, Chuck Swindoll has seen many believers who have started out strong in their faith but who have been beaten down over time through difficult circumstances and life events that didn't turn out as expected. Using Scripture, he reminds us of how the promises in the Bible are not just for the future but of great benefit to us right here in the present.

On May 24, 1965, a thirteen-and-a-half-foot boat slipped quietly out of the marina at Falmouth, Massachusetts. Its destination? England.

Deep within, we imagine ourselves as a mixture of Patrick Henry, Davy Crockett, John Wayne, and the prophet Daniel!

In this article, Chuck Swindoll makes a strong correlation between godly contentment and joyful generosity. He describes four benefits that will result for a person who can remember that God is the author of divine resources and gives generous gifts to His children.

Is it possible to have peace and calmness when the events all around you are telling you that you can't? Chuck Swindoll states that the way to this peace - shalom - is through a simple but complete trust in God's promises of support. That's why the world cannot understand this kind of inexplicable peace. It can't be manufactured apart from a willingness to release our cares into God's loving care.

This actually happened years ago.

Chuck Swindoll recalls the scene in Scripture where Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" After reporting to Him what other people around them were saying, it was their turn to state just who they believed Him to be. Peter passed the test with flying colors by recognizing Jesus as the Son of God. Who do you say that He is? Your answer will change your life and define your future.

Sometimes life hits us so hard that we begin to doubt all we've learned about God and the Bible. Our circumstances loom large and crowd out our view of anything else. At those times, this is a very practical and helpful article to read. Chuck Swindoll encourages us to remain hopeful by relying on our all-powerful, loving, and never-changing God.

Chuck Swindoll centers on some much-quoted verses in Scripture that are, nevertheless, often too infrequently applied. He says that the need for Christians to fellowship together in an atmosphere of acceptance and empowerment has never been greater. The times we live in are growing more and more hostile to those who wish to stand firm for holiness. So we need to be careful not to add to that environment but to counter it with love and grace.

Chuck Swindoll points out that the idea of worship has become too vaguely understood in the church today. Many liken worship to a particular style of music or teaching. Many think it has to do with a certain feeling. After recognizing these and other misconceptions, Chuck explains what worship really means and encourages us to focus on it more regularly.

Chuck Swindoll sees the Old Testament character Elijah as an unlikely choice for the one to stand up to a king and speak out for biblical truth. But God chose him for his commitment and his heart for God in the face of evil. In the same way, God has an important calling today for anyone who is willing to stand alone for Him.

Chuck Swindoll recalls all of the sudden losses Job experienced, within just a few days, through no fault of his own. Chuck challenges us to think of how we would respond after such unjust circumstances, when we then couldn't hear the voice of God through our turmoil.

Solomon once wrote: "He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out" (Proverbs 10:9).

I had lunch recently with a businessman who runs his own company. As we talked, the subject of wisdom kept popping up in our conversation. We were agreeing on the value of certain qualities that cannot be learned in school - things like intuition, diligence, integrity, perception, consistency, loyalty - when he, again, mentioned wisdom.

I don't often recommend a volume without reservation, but I think every man should read Temptations Men Face by Tom Eisenman. ...

Psalm 78 Remember when men were men? Remember when you could tell by looking? Remember when men knew who they were, liked how they were, and didn't want to be anything but what they were?

Several years ago, someone interviewed the contemporary artist Marc Chagall for a PBS program. The young, arty interviewer started the session with a question about influences.

If there's one attitude families are guilty of more than any other when it comes to mothers, it's presumption . . . taking them for granted . . . being nearly blind on occasion to the load moms carry.

For the next few minutes, imagine this scene:

Childbirth is something no man can completely appreciate.

When I was growing up in Houston, our family lived across the street from a man and woman who had married later in life.

One of the most effective evangelists I have ever known was a fellow who ran a service station on Arlington Avenue just outside Boston.

God's presence is not as intriguing as His absence. His voice is not as eloquent as His silence.

When God scans the earth for potential leaders, He is not on a search for angels in the flesh.

I often smile when I read the Gospel of Mark. He loved the word "immediately." It appears again and again.

With the dawning of a new year comes a deluge of resolutions, reminders, and exhortations.

In our pocket of society where pampered affluence is rampant, we are often at a loss to know what kind of gifts to buy our friends and loved ones on special occasions.

Joseph's life offers us a magnificent portrayal of the grace of God as He came to our rescue in the Person of His Son, Jesus.

What is your final authority in life?

These facts from biblical prophecy about Christ's return may surprise you.

I must tell you that I have been troubled regarding the face of things in our country and within the family of God. My major battle has had to do with one word, one concept. My battle has to do with integrity.

When I was growing up, I never knew cursing, drinking, divorce, or what people commonly call "the wild life." And believe it or not, at the time I didn't know the rest of the world was any different.

I remember a fun 'n' games night around the supper table in our house. It was wild. First of all, one of the kids snickered during the prayer (which isn't that unusual) and that tipped the first domino.

A Close Look at Jesus' Friendships Know That Jesus is Your Friend Indeed