Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EST - Friday, June 4, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EST - Thursday, June 3, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EST - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EST - Tuesday, June 1, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Monday, May 31, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution Paul didn't beat around the bush. When he sat down to write the book of Romans, a letter about the gospel, he decided to take the gloves off, to call a spade a spade, and to say it straight. He wasted no time getting to the core of our problem: SIN. Of course, he didn't stop there, because the gospel provides incredible hope. But in order to get to the good part, he knew it was necessary that everybody understand, accept, and identify with the bad part: we are sinners, totally and completely separated from inner goodness. Whether we're out-and-out vile and shameless or we're pious and self-righteous, we're still sinners - still as bad off as we can be before a righteous, holy God. But Paul wasn't through! Next he addressed the super-religious Jew, who believes that his or her traditions, works, and privileged position before God put him or her on a higher plane than all others on the planet. "Not so," said Paul - even the superreligious are sinners! Romans 2:17-29

Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Friday, May 28, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution Paul didn't beat around the bush. When he sat down to write the book of Romans, a letter about the gospel, he decided to take the gloves off, to call a spade a spade, and to say it straight. He wasted no time getting to the core of our problem: SIN. Of course, he didn't stop there, because the gospel provides incredible hope. But in order to get to the good part, he knew it was necessary that everybody understand, accept, and identify with the bad part: we are sinners, totally and completely separated from inner goodness. Whether we're out-and-out vile and shameless or we're pious and self-righteous, we're still sinners - still as bad off as we can be before a righteous, holy God. But Paul wasn't through! Next he addressed the super-religious Jew, who believes that his or her traditions, works, and privileged position before God put him or her on a higher plane than all others on the planet. "Not so," said Paul - even the superreligious are sinners! Romans 2:17-29

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Thursday, May 27, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution We learned in Romans 1 of God's judgment against those who are guilty of more obvious sins - idolatry, immorality, and other blatant forms of iniquity. God has declared that the guilty are "without excuse" (1:20) and "worthy of death"” (1:32). But there is another segment of depraved humanity that is equally guilty, who also "have no excuse" (2:1), yet they look on "sinners" in a judgmental and self-righteous way. These are the clean-living, morally upright, sweet-smelling, law-abiding, legalistic, and conceited sinners who boast of their ethical values and wrap themselves in pride. As we will see, this group is just as bankrupt before God and no less guilty than the overt, shameless sinners who openly despise God. Romans 2:1-16

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Wednesday, May 26, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution We learned in Romans 1 of God's judgment against those who are guilty of more obvious sins - idolatry, immorality, and other blatant forms of iniquity. God has declared that the guilty are "without excuse" (1:20) and "worthy of death"” (1:32). But there is another segment of depraved humanity that is equally guilty, who also "have no excuse" (2:1), yet they look on "sinners" in a judgmental and self-righteous way. These are the clean-living, morally upright, sweet-smelling, law-abiding, legalistic, and conceited sinners who boast of their ethical values and wrap themselves in pride. As we will see, this group is just as bankrupt before God and no less guilty than the overt, shameless sinners who openly despise God. Romans 2:1-16

Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Tuesday, May 25, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution We learned in Romans 1 of God's judgment against those who are guilty of more obvious sins - idolatry, immorality, and other blatant forms of iniquity. God has declared that the guilty are "without excuse" (1:20) and "worthy of death"” (1:32). But there is another segment of depraved humanity that is equally guilty, who also "have no excuse" (2:1), yet they look on "sinners" in a judgmental and self-righteous way. These are the clean-living, morally upright, sweet-smelling, law-abiding, legalistic, and conceited sinners who boast of their ethical values and wrap themselves in pride. As we will see, this group is just as bankrupt before God and no less guilty than the overt, shameless sinners who openly despise God. Romans 2:1-16

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Monday, May 24, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution Paul pulled no punches as he exposed human depravity in the last half of Romans 1 - it's ugly, dark, scandalous, and sometimes downright shocking. As we read, we feel as if we've entered a courtroom with Paul as he, the prosecuting attorney, builds his case against godless humankind. The strokes of his pen scratch heavily across the papyrus. He introduces damaging evidence. He presents accurate, even shocking, information. He describes the lowest levels of religious practices, sexual activities, and criminal acts. Here, depravity parades before us; here we witness sinnerama in panorama. Romans 1:24-32

Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Friday, May 21, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution Paul pulled no punches as he exposed human depravity in the last half of Romans 1 - it's ugly, dark, scandalous, and sometimes downright shocking. As we read, we feel as if we've entered a courtroom with Paul as he, the prosecuting attorney, builds his case against godless humankind. The strokes of his pen scratch heavily across the papyrus. He introduces damaging evidence. He presents accurate, even shocking, information. He describes the lowest levels of religious practices, sexual activities, and criminal acts. Here, depravity parades before us; here we witness sinnerama in panorama. Romans 1:24-32

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Thursday, May 20, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution Paul pulled no punches as he exposed human depravity in the last half of Romans 1 - it's ugly, dark, scandalous, and sometimes downright shocking. As we read, we feel as if we've entered a courtroom with Paul as he, the prosecuting attorney, builds his case against godless humankind. The strokes of his pen scratch heavily across the papyrus. He introduces damaging evidence. He presents accurate, even shocking, information. He describes the lowest levels of religious practices, sexual activities, and criminal acts. Here, depravity parades before us; here we witness sinnerama in panorama. Romans 1:24-32

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Wednesday, May 19, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution After giving the good news that God's righteousness is available to all who believe, the apostle Paul turned his attention to the bad news: the sinfulness of humanity sets in motion God's wrath, which leads to His response of judgment. The sinner sinks ever deeper into a life of idolatry, immorality, and iniquity. Sadly, this is not simply the response of a few people, guilty and shameful in their thoughts and actions. Instead, it characterizes the whole world - we are all guilty, all lost, and all equally evil down to the core of our beings. The vivid examples Paul used in these verses represent the most extensive statement in all of Holy Scripture describing the totality of depravity. Romans 1:18-32

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution After giving the good news that God's righteousness is available to all who believe, the apostle Paul turned his attention to the bad news: the sinfulness of humanity sets in motion God's wrath, which leads to His response of judgment. The sinner sinks ever deeper into a life of idolatry, immorality, and iniquity. Sadly, this is not simply the response of a few people, guilty and shameful in their thoughts and actions. Instead, it characterizes the whole world - we are all guilty, all lost, and all equally evil down to the core of our beings. The vivid examples Paul used in these verses represent the most extensive statement in all of Holy Scripture describing the totality of depravity. Romans 1:18-32

Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Monday, May 17, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution Thanks to newscasts that flood the media, all of us are accustomed to bad news. We witness it every day of our lives. If it's news from abroad, it invariably includes reports of death and tragedy. If it's about life at home, we can count on one story after another to trouble our minds. Not even the weather report makes us smile! Maybe this iswhy many of us find such delight in reading the Bible. While it doesn't skip past life's dark side or ignore painful realities, the Word of God offers hope beyond all this . . . reasons to go on in spite of disappointments and disease, headaches and heartaches, suffering, shame, and sin. Why? Because at the core of the message, when everything in life seems sad and bad, there is always the good news. And as we'll learn in this message - it's good news not for just a few special, select individuals but for the whole world. Romans 1:14-17

Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Friday, May 14, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution Thanks to newscasts that flood the media, all of us are accustomed to bad news. We witness it every day of our lives. If it's news from abroad, it invariably includes reports of death and tragedy. If it's about life at home, we can count on one story after another to trouble our minds. Not even the weather report makes us smile! Maybe this iswhy many of us find such delight in reading the Bible. While it doesn't skip past life's dark side or ignore painful realities, the Word of God offers hope beyond all this . . . reasons to go on in spite of disappointments and disease, headaches and heartaches, suffering, shame, and sin. Why? Because at the core of the message, when everything in life seems sad and bad, there is always the good news. And as we'll learn in this message - it's good news not for just a few special, select individuals but for the whole world. Romans 1:14-17

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Thursday, May 13, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution Thanks to newscasts that flood the media, all of us are accustomed to bad news. We witness it every day of our lives. If it's news from abroad, it invariably includes reports of death and tragedy. If it's about life at home, we can count on one story after another to trouble our minds. Not even the weather report makes us smile! Maybe this iswhy many of us find such delight in reading the Bible. While it doesn't skip past life's dark side or ignore painful realities, the Word of God offers hope beyond all this . . . reasons to go on in spite of disappointments and disease, headaches and heartaches, suffering, shame, and sin. Why? Because at the core of the message, when everything in life seems sad and bad, there is always the good news. And as we'll learn in this message - it's good news not for just a few special, select individuals but for the whole world. Romans 1:14-17

Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Wednesday, May 12, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution Familiar terms sometimes carry unfamiliar meanings. Take the term gospel. We Christians have heard (and used) this term often. We refer to loving the gospel, giving the gospel, spreading the gospel, and believing the gospel. We have gospel churches, gospel messages, gospel hymns, gospel ministries, and gospel crusades. Pastors are officially known as ministers of the gospel, and missionaries take the gospel abroad. But can you define the word? And where does it come from? How could Paul say he was "set apart for the gospel" (Romans 1:1)? Are all Christians "set apart" or just a few spiritual leaders? As we get underway in our study of the letter to the Romans, let's get a good grasp of this term as well as its importance to our faith. Romans 1:1-13

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Tuesday, May 11, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution Familiar terms sometimes carry unfamiliar meanings. Take the term gospel. We Christians have heard (and used) this term often. We refer to loving the gospel, giving the gospel, spreading the gospel, and believing the gospel. We have gospel churches, gospel messages, gospel hymns, gospel ministries, and gospel crusades. Pastors are officially known as ministers of the gospel, and missionaries take the gospel abroad. But can you define the word? And where does it come from? How could Paul say he was "set apart for the gospel" (Romans 1:1)? Are all Christians "set apart" or just a few spiritual leaders? As we get underway in our study of the letter to the Romans, let's get a good grasp of this term as well as its importance to our faith. Romans 1:1-13

Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Monday, May 10, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution Familiar terms sometimes carry unfamiliar meanings. Take the term gospel. We Christians have heard (and used) this term often. We refer to loving the gospel, giving the gospel, spreading the gospel, and believing the gospel. We have gospel churches, gospel messages, gospel hymns, gospel ministries, and gospel crusades. Pastors are officially known as ministers of the gospel, and missionaries take the gospel abroad. But can you define the word? And where does it come from? How could Paul say he was "set apart for the gospel" (Romans 1:1)? Are all Christians "set apart" or just a few spiritual leaders? As we get underway in our study of the letter to the Romans, let's get a good grasp of this term as well as its importance to our faith. Romans 1:1-13

Fri, 07 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Friday, May 7, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution The letter to the Romans is a premier document of Christian truth. What the Constitution is to the United States - the foundational rule of law for the country - the letter to the Romans is to the Christian faith. Those of us who hope to grow deeply in our understanding of God's truth must ultimately anchor our minds in the letter to the Romans. So, as we approach this book for the first time in this series, let's get a handle on some of its basic features and consider how we might apply its principles to our own relationships with Christ. Romans

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Thursday, May 6, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution The letter to the Romans is a premier document of Christian truth. What the Constitution is to the United States - the foundational rule of law for the country - the letter to the Romans is to the Christian faith. Those of us who hope to grow deeply in our understanding of God's truth must ultimately anchor our minds in the letter to the Romans. So, as we approach this book for the first time in this series, let's get a handle on some of its basic features and consider how we might apply its principles to our own relationships with Christ. Romans

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Wednesday, May 5, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Insight on Romans: The Christian's Constitution The letter to the Romans is a premier document of Christian truth. What the Constitution is to the United States - the foundational rule of law for the country - the letter to the Romans is to the Christian faith. Those of us who hope to grow deeply in our understanding of God's truth must ultimately anchor our minds in the letter to the Romans. So, as we approach this book for the first time in this series, let's get a handle on some of its basic features and consider how we might apply its principles to our own relationships with Christ. Romans

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Tuesday, May 4, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Mother's Day Messages We all know Moses, the Law-giver, the leader of the exodus, the one who shepherded the Hebrew people for forty years in that vast wilderness of Sinai. But have you met his mother? In a forgotten ghetto of Goshen, Jochebed, along with her husband, preserved her son's life by acting in risky and creative faith. In a great twist of circumstances, Jochebed's plan landed her son in the top royal home of the nation. Jochebed was invited to raise Moses during the nurturing years of his life and was able to instill in him a love for God and His people. She then released him to Pharaoh's court in time to get the best education of the Egyptians, preparing him for the day when he would be the Hebrews' long-anticipated deliverer. Exodus 2:1-10

Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 EST - Monday, May 3, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Mother's Day Messages We all know Moses, the Law-giver, the leader of the exodus, the one who shepherded the Hebrew people for forty years in that vast wilderness of Sinai. But have you met his mother? In a forgotten ghetto of Goshen, Jochebed, along with her husband, preserved her son's life by acting in risky and creative faith. In a great twist of circumstances, Jochebed's plan landed her son in the top royal home of the nation. Jochebed was invited to raise Moses during the nurturing years of his life and was able to instill in him a love for God and His people. She then released him to Pharaoh's court in time to get the best education of the Egyptians, preparing him for the day when he would be the Hebrews' long-anticipated deliverer. Exodus 2:1-10

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST - Friday, April 30, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Mother's Day Messages Get ready for a winsome, wonderful, biblical look at what it means to be a woman of noble character. She is rare and invaluable in every generation, and what makes her stand head and shoulders above others is her pattern of walking with God. In this survey of the last twenty-two verses in the book of Proverbs, we'll get a panoramic view of the pillars of a virtuous woman's life: her pattern of raising her children in the way of the Lord; her loving commitment to her husband; and the lasting legacy of her character, borne out of making godly choices. Proverbs 31:10-31

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST - Thursday, April 29, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Mother's Day Messages Get ready for a winsome, wonderful, biblical look at what it means to be a woman of noble character. She is rare and invaluable in every generation, and what makes her stand head and shoulders above others is her pattern of walking with God. In this survey of the last twenty-two verses in the book of Proverbs, we'll get a panoramic view of the pillars of a virtuous woman's life: her pattern of raising her children in the way of the Lord; her loving commitment to her husband; and the lasting legacy of her character, borne out of making godly choices. Proverbs 31:10-31

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST - Wednesday, April 28, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Getting Through the Tough Stuff: It's Always Something! Most people do everything in their power to ignore or deny the finality of death. Due to modern advances in science, some people can spend years without being exposed to death's harsh reality. But no one can live a full lifetime of escape and denial. Eventually, we are forced to face the inevitable. When struck with the loneliness brought on by death, we need help. Fortunately, there is One who both understands our grief and gives us the power to ensure. John 11

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST - Tuesday, April 27, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Getting Through the Tough Stuff: It's Always Something! Most people do everything in their power to ignore or deny the finality of death. Due to modern advances in science, some people can spend years without being exposed to death's harsh reality. But no one can live a full lifetime of escape and denial. Eventually, we are forced to face the inevitable. When struck with the loneliness brought on by death, we need help. Fortunately, there is One who both understands our grief and gives us the power to ensure. John 11

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST - Monday, April 26, 2010 Host: Chuck Swindoll Series: Getting Through the Tough Stuff: It's Always Something! Disqualified. The mere mention of the word stirs up strong emotions. No matter the situation, the word smacks the shame, humiliation, and the worst kind of failure. The Scriptures call us to be like Christ, but they also offer warnings regarding disqualification. Some of us wrongly claim immunity from such attitudes; others of us believe we are beyond help. Paul reminds us that God's faithfulness provides a way through the temptations that lead to disqualification. 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:13

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It's impossible to overestimate the impact of a godly mother. In this two-message series, Chuck Swindoll doesn't hold back the praise to God for women who have helped to shape our lives, who have taught us faithfully and enduringly loved us. "Thank you for every hour you spend in things that matter," he says, "Thank you for the significant, often quiet, role you fill." Soak in the encouragement if you are a mom or pass it along to someone who has impacted your life with her character.

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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: you'll see The Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany, which is performed only once every 10 years! Visit www.insight.org/reformation for details.

This is an article every new student of the Bible should read. It answers basic, practical questions about the different Bible translations available and how and why they differ. It also describes various approaches to Bible reading and how reading differs from studying. It helps you learn how to find help for specific issues and problems, and it gives helpful questions to ask in order to personalize and apply the passages you read.

This article offers a survey and basic outline of the book of Romans, which has been referred to as the Christian's manifesto. In writing his letter to Roman Christians, the apostle Paul spelled out basic Christian doctrine in clear, understandable terms and then anticipated and answered questions that he expected his Jewish readers to have. This overview will whet your appetite for delving into this deep but satisfying treatise of the gospel of faith.

Using verses from the book of Proverbs, Chuck Swindoll explains three tools that our Master Builder, God, has given us to help build solid, lasting marriages. Instead of dwelling on the ways our mate could change or improve, we need to work toward increasing our own understanding of our mate and his or her needs and perceptions.

Reflecting upon his father's lingering grief after his mother's death, Chuck Swindoll gives valuable suggestions on how to help someone walk through the stages of grief and see beyond it to a hopeful future. If you have lost someone dear or know of someone who has recently suffered loss, this article gives perspective to help you grieve in a healthy manner by seeing both the past and the future appropriately.

Chuck Swindoll explains that the satanic forces of death and evil were working up to the climax of Jesus’s crucifixion on the cross, where it seemed they had won the final victory. But the resurrection of Jesus proved God’s power over the very heart of evil. The varied responses to the news of Jesus’s resurrection mirror the kinds of responses Chuck says he sees today when he presents the gospel message. How have you responded to the call for a new life in Jesus?

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