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T H O U G H T F U L FA I T H . D E V O T E D L I V I N G .
MYSTERY
Between Mothers and Daughters
Meditations From the Sermons
DA I LY D EVOT I O NA LS
by Becky Stanley Brodersen

Photo by Charles F. Stanley
Heartened Toward Hope

Torres Del Paine, Chile
Contents
An Anchor of the Soul
of Charles F. Stanley
O N T H E C OV E R
SPECIAL FEATURE
A WO RD F RO M
B I B L E ST U DY
D R . STA N L EY
5 - 34
IN TOUCH
A Willing Servant
S POT L I G H T
45
37
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RECALL GOD’S
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and His faithfulness. Makes great Christmas gifts for friends and family.
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and insights. 3) Find a quiet place in your home with minimal disruptions.
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From the Publisher
11
17
11
17 Features
EVEN WHEN
OUR FINITE MINDS
CANNOT COMPREHEND
GOD’S POWER, WE
CAN TRUST HIM.
obediently before Him, we find

comfort, guidance, and strength
in the knowledge that nothing
40
THE MYSTERY
OF GOD
can separate us from His love In our modern world, knowledge is

(Rom. 8:35-39). Even when our a few keystrokes away. But when it
finite minds cannot comprehend comes to faith, getting answers is less
Divine Presence His power, we can trust Him,

knowing that “His understand-
ing is inscrutable” (Isa. 40:28).
important than knowing the One who
has them. by Mike Cosper
God’s omnipresence is one of

WHERE IS GOD? This ques-
tion has many different contexts,
that God is everything. The Lord
and His creation are not synony-
the aspects of our faith that may
be difficult to grasp, but when we
46
O STA R O F
WONDER
COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY GETTY IMAGES/EyeEm; THIS PAGE ILLUSTRATION BY MUTI

doesn’t it? We wonder where He mous; He is above, beyond, and finally see Him face-to-face, it We may never understand what the
is when tragedy strikes, when outside His creation. will all become clear. I pray that star of Bethlehem was, but one thing’s
60
we’re overwhelmed and don’t How we respond to God’s this issue of the magazine will certain—it communicated to the wise BIBLICAL LITERACY SERIES
know which way to turn, or even omnipresence is determined by help you consider and appreciate men. And the heavens are still speak-
when we’re walking obediently our relationship with Him. If the many facets of our glorious ing. by Christie Purifoy
before Him but just can’t sense we’re living in a way we realize faith and the awesome wonder
Him with us. is sinful, it’s unsettling to know of God.
ADVENT WEEKLY RESOURCE
The theological term that that “all things are open and laid
answers this question is omni- bare to the eyes of Him with Prayerfully yours,
52
P R E PA R E H I M
R O O M
presence. Although the Bible
never uses the word to describe
whom we have to do” (Heb. 4:13).
There’s no use trying to hide our
C H A R L E S F. S TA N L E Y
Troubling Words
PHOTOGRAPH BY COREY LACK
The weeks leading up to Christ-

God, the whole of Scripture por- sins or run away from Him like mas usually pass in a blur, leaving us
trays Him as being all-present. In Jonah. No matter where we go, lamenting that—once again—we’ve Everything in Scripture is there for a reason—even the
other words, everything exists in He is there (Ps. 139:7-12). missed something. The practice of passages that make us uncomfortable. In this final install-
His presence. This is quite dif- But if Christ is our Lord Advent can help. ment of the Biblical Literacy Series, we tackle what’s often
ferent from pantheism, the belief and Savior and we’re walking termed “the hard sayings of the Bible.” by Heath A. Thomas
T H O U G H T F U L FA I T H . D E V O T E D L I V I N G . 02 03 INTOUCH.ORG
Departments 11 11
Contributors
09
17 17
14
IT IS AS IF GOD
9 FA I T H | WO R K S
PLUCKED OUR
This Is My Body 9
HEARTSTRINGS WHEN
by Charity Singleton Craig WE WERE CREATED,
1 Question, 4 Answers 12 AND THE THRUM
Forever Known 14 SENDS US SEARCHING
by Jamie A. Hughes
FOR THE HAND Joshua Ryan Butler (“Hidden in Christ,” p. 33), author of Mike Cosper (“The Mystery of God,” p. 40) is the founder
Simply Christmas
by Michelle Van Loon
17 17 THAT PROMPTED The Pursuing God: A Reckless, Irrational, Obsessed Love of Harbor Media and a writer, speaker, and podcaster liv-
A Human Touch 18 THE SOUND. That’s Dying to Bring Us Home, is Pastor of Local and ing in Louisville, Kentucky. His latest book is Recapturing
by Liuan Huska Global Outreach at Imago Dei Community in Oregon. the Wonder: Transcendent Faith in a Disenchanted World.
22 THE PULPIT
And It Was Night 22

by Charles F. Stanley
Viewfinder26
29 MARGIN NOTES
Squinting Toward Heaven

by John VandenOever
Chapter & Verse33

29
18
Christie Purifoy (“O Star of Wonder,” p. 46) is a wife, Heath A. Thomas (“Troubling Words,” p. 60) is Dean of
Hidden in Christ
mother of four, and author living in southeastern Penn- the College of Theology and Ministry at Oklahoma Bap-
by Joshua Ryan Butler
sylvania. Her first book is Roots and Sky: A Journey Home tist University. His scholarly writings include Exalting
A Closer Look36 in Four Seasons. Jesus in 1 & 2 Samuel.
To Think Like God
by Charles F. Stanley
68 IN FOCUS
Called Home
by Joseph E. Miller
68
22 59 ➝ Charity Singleton Craig (“This Is My Body,” p. 9), co-author of On Being a Writer: 12 Simple Habits for a Writing Life That
Lasts, is a freelance writer and editor from central Indiana. ➝ Liuan Huska (“A Human Touch,” p. 18) is a freelance writer
TOUCHING and editor who lives in the Chicago area. Her work can be found in CT Women, The Christian Century, and Sojourners
THE DIVINE Magazine. ➝ Joseph E. Miller (“Called Home,” p. 68) is the Senior Editor for Content Resources at In Touch Ministries.
There are moments when ➝ Debbie Way Paulding (“The Lord of Electric Bills,” p. 59) is the Copy Editor for the Marketing & Communications Depart-
“divine intervention” is the only ment at In Touch Ministries. ➝ Tim Rhodes (“Small Gifts,” p. 11) is an International Media Producer at In Touch Ministries.
explanation for the unexplainable. ➝ Michelle Van Loon (“Simply Christmas,” p. 17) is a writer, speaker, and communications consultant who lives in northeastern
ILLUSTRATIONS BY JEFF GREGORY
Illinois. Her latest book is Moments & Days: How Our Holy Celebrations Shape Our Faith. ➝ John VandenOever (“Squinting
Small Gifts 11
Toward Heaven,” p. 29) is the Associate Director of Content Resources for In Touch Ministries. ➝ Matt Woodley (“30 Min-
by Tim Rhodes
utes’ Difference,” p. 38) is Missions Pastor at Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton, Illinois, editor of preachingtoday.com,
30 Minutes’ Difference 38 and the author of several books, including The Gospel of Matthew: God With Us.
68
by Matt Woodley
Contributing Illustrators ➝ Adam Cruft, Grafilu, Jeff Gregory, The Mahoney Studio,
The Lord of Electric Bills 59
by Debbie Way Paulding
Muti, OverlapOneAnother, Armando Veve Contributing Photographers ➝ Ryan Hayslip, Jonathan Knowles,
Ben Rollins, Charles F. Stanley

11
17 Digital Edition
intouch.o rg/no v2017
In Touch Magazine
WHAT IF THE CRISES
PLAGUING ME WEREN’T
A RESULT OF MY
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Charles F. Stanley FAILURES? WHAT IF
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER C. Phillip Bowen THEY WERE SIMPLY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Tom Sabonis-Chafee
PART OF THE PROCESS?
AND COMMUNICATIONS I’D BEEN FAMILIAR
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cameron Lawrence WITH THE LANGUAGE
MANAGING EDITOR Jamie A. Hughes WE CHRISTIANS USE
DIGITAL EDITOR Aline Mello TO TALK ABOUT
SENIOR COPY EDITOR Sandy Feit SANCTIFICATION, BUT

ASSISTANT EDITOR Dallas Hazelrig
I NEVER EXPECTED
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Kayla Yerden
REFINING TO FEEL SO FEATURE
LIKE DESTRUCTION.

CREATIVE DIRECTION & DESIGN Metaleap Creative —Amy Hayes,

Coming to Our Senses
from “Flowers This Advent, slow down with John Blase and be fully present
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Allison A. Smith
Blossoming in Fire” in the Christmas season. Find a new installment every Sunday
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION & FULFILLMENT Steve R. Lindsey on intouch.org/senses.
DIRECTOR OF PRINT PURCHASING David Blahnik
EXCERPT
The Renewable Earth
The Ugliest Thing I Ever Planted Is our planet falling apart or will
If all I had known of the amaryllis plant was its bulb, I am sure I would never it be OK? Reflecting on our role
In Touch Magazine®, November/December 2017, Vol. 3 No. 6 © 2017; all rights reserved. No unsolicited manuscripts accepted. Printed in
have potted one at all. But first impressions matter, and my first impression as stewards of God’s creation,
the USA. In Touch Ministries® Inc., PO Box 7900, Atlanta, GA 30357, 1-800-980-0020; In Touch Ministries of Canada, Box 4900, of an amaryllis was rich color and diamond sparkle and my own astonishment. MICHAEL MORGAN says “Both.”
Markham, Ontario L3R 6G9, 1-800-323-3747 (when dialing in Canada); In Touch Ministries of New Zealand, PO Box 35525, Browns Bay, So on a gray November day, I found myself standing in our kitchen holding
PHOTOGRAPH BY GETTY IMAGES/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CREATIVE

Auckland 0753, 0800 44 68 68. All prices are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted. In Touch Magazine is neither responsible nor liable for a great, dirty bulb. It trailed fleshy roots the way an octopus trails arms. A By Rote: The End and
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 second-
bright light of fascinated horror shone in my young daughter’s eyes when Start of the Road
ary source, are from the New American Standard Bible, 1995 update, © Lockman Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, she first spied it in my hands. We covered the monster in dirt, watered it, and
As TANIA RUNYAN’S Scripture
1977, 1994. Quotations marked “NIV” are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used placed it on our windowsill. For several winters in a row, I’ve watched as water
by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. For subscription services, call 1-800-980-0020, or email partnerrelations@intouch.org memory project ends, she has
and winter sunshine awaken a bulb that looks as dead as stone. And what was
(intouch@intouch.org.nz in New Zealand). Please include name and address. ISSN 2379-4801 (Print) ISSN 2379-4828 (Online) more questions than answers—
the world’s first impression of Christ? A mother pregnant well before her
but that’s a good thing.
wedding, an animal feed trough, a small and vulnerable infant. The mystery
of the gospel was revealed to us in flesh that would bleed for us, yes—but
that flesh came barefoot and caked with dust. It was not a good first impres-
Truth and Fairy Tales
sion, and if I had passed the scene on a dusty road in Bethlehem, I may not KIMBERLY COYLE wonders why
have looked twice. we’re comfortable with the
 Read more from Christie Purifoy at intouch.org/nov2017. supernatural found in the Bible
but nowhere else.

11
17 Faith | Works
GREAT
FOR
GROUP STUDY !
Toward the end of the ser-

vice, the pastor invited the con-
gregation to take Communion
This Is My Body down near the front. Steve and
I held back, choosing instead
KNOW. GROW. GO. Communion is about our intimacy with God—and each other.
to observe since it was our
first time there. But we also
BY CHARITY SINGLETON CRAIG
noticed that Rick, the elderly
The 30 Life Principles Bible Study is a 90-day curriculum based on man we’d met just before the
Features PHOTOGRAPH BY JONATHAN KNOWLES
the 30 Life Principles which have personally guided Dr. Stanley service, wasn’t going forward
Three daily in-depth Bible studies to for more than 50 years. And now, it’s available as a resource for
help you explore the principles in Scripture
either. That’s odd, I thought.
your Bible study group. Didn’t he say he was a member
Summary points to help you remember the of the church?
key takeaways from each lesson RECENTLY, my husband and I attended church with my dad and For a minute or two, I felt a
$19 USD (LPBSBK) each or $90 USD (6LPBSBK) for set of six.
Additional insights, reflections, and notes stepmom when we were visiting them. It had been a stressful couple twinge of regret as I watched
GETTY IMAGES
on each of the 30 Life Principles of months of work and family obligations, and we were ready to blend men and women of all ages file
SHOP THE 2017 CHRISTMAS CATALOG, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. into a worshipping crowd to give our souls a break from the demands down to the table. I had eaten
of being known and needed back home. the bread and drunk Continued on pg 10
09 INTOUCH.ORG
FA I T H | W O R K S
T O U C H I N G T H E D I V I N E
IT SHOULD HAVE Small Gifts

from the cup in churches all tray of tiny cups, I took just one.
over the world. I should just go, Without a word between us, I
I thought. But for some reason, FELT AWKWARD, turned to face Rick and lifted BY TIM RHODES
this Sunday was different. ENTERING INTO SUCH the tiny cup to his mouth. “The
When Dad returned to his
seat, he whispered to me, “See if
AN INTIMATE MOMENT blood of Christ, shed for you,” I
said, raising the cup higher as he
Rick wants me to bring the ele- WITH A STRANGER. leaned his head back.
ments to him.” He’d just met Rick BUT PAUL SAYS WHEN When the cup was empty, I
that morning, too, even though
the two men had apparently
WE BREAK THE BREAD drew it away from his face and
set it down on the floor. Rick
been attending the same church AND DRINK THE WINE wiped his mouth with the back “WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT ARMENIA?”
together for months. But I had OF COMMUNION, WE ARE of his shaking hand and then “Everything.”
missed what Dad had clearly
seen: Rick couldn’t make his
PARTICIPATING IN leaned toward me.
“My wife used to do that for
The abrupt and definitive response caught
our small group off guard. A single word
way down to participate in the THE BODY OF CHRIST. me, but she died a couple of encapsulated scores of emotions—heartbreak,
Eucharist. I looked at him again, months ago,” he whispered. longing, despair, grief—and silenced the oth-
this time recognizing the signs Tears ran down both our faces. erwise lively apartment.
that Rick probably wasn’t in the We hugged tightly, strangers Though the Tonoyan family was living in an
greatest of health: He struggled who had never laid eyes on each asylum-seeker camp outside of Amsterdam,
to get up and down from his chair. other, but somehow united as their meager living conditions were no match
He also stooped a little, holding members of one body. It should for their boundless hospitality. Whether it was
tightly to the back of the seat in have felt awkward, entering into the vast Armenian dinner or the vulnerability
front of him to steady himself as such an intimate moment with of their candor, in the span of an afternoon I am Ani, from Holland. One year ago, you
he stood singing. a stranger. But Paul says when they had opened their doors and hearts to a have been visiting us. I lived with my family
I nodded, turning to Rick and we break the bread and drink group of complete strangers. in a refugee camp in the Netherlands. Today
whispering loudly in his ear: “Do the wine of Communion, we Ashot and Qristina, repressing tears, I found a note. On that note was your email
you want to take Communion?” caused it to fall. He watched it are participating in the body of shared their fear of the uncertain future. Five address. And I thought, I’ll send you a mes-
“I can’t get down there,” he con- land on the floor, and I knew he Christ (1 Cor. 10:16). And in that years earlier, they and their three children sage, to ask, how you doing?
fessed, glancing down at his legs. was embarrassed. I pinched a moment, though I would never Ani, Zhanna, and Narek were forced to flee As soon as I landed and dropped off my
“My dad could bring it back second wafer between my thumb be able to explain how, it no lon- their home outside of Yerevan, the capital of baggage at the hotel, I was on my way to visit
here,” I said. Rick nodded, and I and forefinger and held it out to ger felt as if Rick and I were two Armenia, and seek asylum in the Netherlands. them. While the location was different, it
gave Dad the thumbs up. him, gripping it tightly as his separate people sharing in a cer- The government had still not made a deci- was as if there had been no interruption in
Dad wound his way through shaking hand brushed against emony but more like a hand sim- sion on their case, and their lives remained the relationship.
the crowd to the table again. mine. “The body of Christ, broken ply moving the cup to a mouth in limbo as they waited to find out if they’d be Even after this experience, I continue to
Then, carrying the plates, he for you,” I whispered. He eventu- on the same body. forced to return to the danger that still exists struggle with the mystery of blessings and
headed back to where we were ally latched onto it, and with his Before the tears could stop, in their homeland. divine providence. The cynic inside continues
sitting in the rear of the sanc- other hand, grabbed his wrist to Rick raised his shaking hands in Long after we said our goodbyes, I would to poke holes in my beliefs, despite undeniable
tuary, the congregation sing- help guide it to his mouth. the air and began singing again: continue to ruminate on the Tonoyans and moments of grace. But that email provided a
ing Meredith Andrews’s “Not “After all You are constant. “Not for a moment did You for- their circumstances. crucial reminder: Sometimes the real miracle
for a Moment” all the while. After all You are only good. After sake me. Not for a moment did A year and a half later, while preparing for is God allowing us to be a blessing to others.
Since Dad’s first whisper, I had all You are sovereign ... ” You forsake me.” I patted him on a conference back in the Netherlands, I was So instead of asking God why He isn’t work-
remained quiet, anticipating The congregation sang as Rick the shoulder then moved back lamenting the fact that I had no way to contact ing in difficult situations, I’m trying to point
how it would work helping Rick closed his eyes for a few seconds near my husband, unable to do this amazing family. I didn’t even know if they the question at myself. How can I be at work
take Communion. to pray and then ate the wafer. more than mouth the words to were still in the country. But during my pre- in the lives of others? I’ve come to think of
ILLUSTRATION BY GRAFILU
Leaning over two rows of Tears welled up in my eyes. the song as the service ended. dictable pack-the-day-before-I-leave rush, I those opportunities as small gifts. And so, I’m
chairs, Dad first handed me the He’s never going to be able to The regret I felt earlier over not received an email from Ani, their eldest child: learning to keep eyes open—and the gifts just
plate of small wafers. I held it take the juice, I thought, as I eating and drinking the Eucha- How are you? Do you remember who I am? keep coming. 
out to Rick, but when he tried to handed the plate back to Dad. rist melted away, and instead, I
grab one, the tremor in his hand Instead of grabbing the whole realized how full I was. 
ONE QUESTION, FOUR ANSWERS proves His nearness with every shared pot-
luck, reluctant prayer request, and budding
friendship. I can be content with where I
am—or wherever I end up next—knowing
that God is with me, His church is with me,
and His people are with me. Through His
BE ENCOURAGED
body, I know God has made a place for me.
— Kate Shellnutt, Online Associate Editor,
EVERY DAY.
Christianity Today
Kick-start your day with an uplifting and
practical perspective on God’s promises
NEARING 70, I PRAY MUCH MORE OFTEN than
with our favorite daily devotionals.
I did when I was younger. Some of these
prayers are formal; most are not. Most of
them are very short: “Help me, Lord.”
“Thank You, Lord.” “In the name of the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” In the
morning, through the day, at bedtime, in the
middle of the night. I pray for loved ones,
near and far, for family, and for people I’ve
never met. Often I pray out of incompre-
hension: “There’s too much confusion
here.” If there are no easy answers here and
now, there is relief, consolation, hope, and
joy: “God with us.”
C
WHAT DOES “GOD WITH US” —John Wilson, Editor of
Education & Culture
LOOK LIKE IN YOUR DAILY LIFE? “GOD WITH US” LOOKS LIKE WORSHIP, for in
those simple words we acknowledge the A
I HAVE NOT SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT or had gratefully accept His gift and trust that it incredible reality that God became man and
a single pain-free day for more than 20 will be sufficient—not only today, but for all that God forever remains man. We marvel
years. Every morning, when I’m in that lim- of my tomorrows. with John Wesley at “Our God contracted
inal space between sound sleep and wake- —Dorothy Littell Greco, Speaker, to a span / Incomprehensibly made Man.”
fulness, I have a choice to make. Will I Photographer, and Author of With Paul, we worship the Savior who
grumble and descend into self-pity, or will Making Marriage Beautiful “though he was in the form of God, did not
I pray, “God be with me. Guide my thoughts, count equality with God a thing to be
my words, and my actions”? The day goes PLENTY OF CHRISTIANS DUCK IN AND OUT of grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the
much better if I choose option B. Sunday services, waiting months or even form of a servant, being born in the likeness D
For whatever reason, God has not years to get involved any further. I’m the of men” (Phil. 2:6-7 ESV). We worship the
released His healing power into my body. weirdo who signs up for a small group her one who, in the words of George Whitefield,
Though I continue to hope for a miracle, I first week. Living in a constant cycle of “was God and man in one person, that God
refuse to let my infirmity sideline me. moves as a Navy brat and Army wife, I’d and man might be happy together again.”
Creative ways to revive and refresh
ILLUSTRATION BY ARMANDO VEVE
There’s too much kingdom work to be done. rather try to settle in right away and make With the church of all ages, we bow our
your devotion time
It’s no exaggeration for me to write that the most of whatever time we have at this heads before the manger and we kneel A I Lift Up My Soul, $9 USD (LIFTCAL) B Wisdom from Above, $19 USD (WISBKH)
Snap a photo of a section of Scripture
God’s very presence sustains me. When I iteration of home. Whether at a brand-new before the cross. C Every Day in His Presence, $19 USD (EDPBKP)
that is meaningful to you and look at it
calibrate my internal compass toward duty station or visiting a far-off location for —Tim Challies, Blogger, Co-Founder throughout the day. D Praying With Purpose prayer cards, $9 USD (PWPCARD)
Christ every morning, I experience the real- work, I find God with me in the most tangi- of Cruciform Press and Author of Collect your favorite worship songs and
ity of God with me. His grace and His ble way: His body, the church. Visual Theology: Seeing and Understand- make a not-so-quiet-time playlist. SHOP THE 2017 CHRISTMAS CATALOG, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
strength come to me like daily manna. I Without fail, He answers prayers and ing the Truth About God Look up the different names of God INTOUCH.ORG/CHRISTMAS 1-800-980-0020
and reflect on how He embodies them
in your life.
T H O U G H T F U L FA I T H . D E V O T E D L I V I N G . 12
We are made in the image

of God. This fact imbues
us with great worth, and
it’s why we’re motivated to
honor the dead.
What was there besides the end- lost in the Vietnam War was
less sea of white marble head- identified in 1998, and his crypt
stones and perfectly manicured now stands vacant.) What made
grass? But I’d followed dutifully these men so special? I wondered
behind my dad, who had always as I watched the entire process a
wanted to visit the place, and second time. We were in a ceme-
hoped he’d repay the favor by tak- tery, after all, a place where more
ing me—ever the bookworm— than 400,000 people had been
to the Library of Congress. That laid to rest. Why was this quartet
was before we watched the guarded around the clock, rain
Changing of the Guard. or shine, and treated with such
I had gotten used to silence pomp and circumstance?
while we walked the cemetery’s It hit me when I read the
rows that afternoon, but the words inscribed on the sarcoph-
tomb was a hallowed place where agus where the WWI soldier lay:
decorum reigned supreme. The “Here rests in honored glory an
sentinels, dressed in pristine uni- American soldier known but to
forms and white gloves, glided God.” These brave men lost their
like wind-up toys at an even lives defending our country, but
cadence of 90 steps per min- unlike their brothers- and sis-
ute. And their every movement, ters-in-arms buried nearby—
THE SENTINEL and his com- map from his back pocket. from the heel clicks to the per- under headstones bearing a
mander walked off in silence, “I’m okay with it if everyone cussive inspection of the rifles, name, rank, birth and death
leaving a third man behind to else is,” he replied, looking at my was done with the precision of a dates, religious affiliation, and
Forever Known
PHOTOGRAPH BY UIG VIA GETTY IMAGES
continue protecting the Tomb mom and brother. Both of them jewel bearing. I stood enraptured branch of service—every distin-
of the Unknown Soldier. People nodded and sat down at the top by it all, moved by a feeling my guishing characteristic has been
In life and in death, it’s not who we are that matters, but whose. began speaking to one another of the steps to wait in the shade. 13-year-old heart couldn’t quite lost. The meticulous attention
softly now that the ceremony Arlington National Cemetery put a name to. to detail and propriety extended
BY JAMIE A. HUGHES was over, but I was loath to break was just one stop among many At the time, four men lay bur- to them was one small way to
the spell. “Can we stay and watch on our family vacation in Wash- ied at the site—one each from repay the debt. As one former
it again?” I whispered to my dad, ington, D.C., and not one I’d been World War I, World War II, Tomb Sentinel said, “I owe them
who was taking a dog-eared particularly keen on seeing. Korea, and Vietnam. (The soldier perfection.” Continued on pg 16
KNOWN AND UNKNOWABLE Our actions

don’t always show it, but many We who grope in earnest
people recognize that mankind
is set apart from the rest of cre- understand we were MY FIRST FEW YEARS AS A FOLLOWER OF JESUS, I spent
ation, and—though some might
not say it in so many words—we
made for fellowship with God, every Christmas alone without much to do. When I
came to faith in my Messiah at age 15, my Jewish
are made in the image of God. This
fact imbues us with great worth,
and to find the temple He’s parents forbade me to attend church and informally
extended the rule to include Christian friends’
and it’s why we’re motivated to
honor the dead. It’s the reason
built, we need look no invitations to holiday family gatherings.
we spend thousands of dollars further than our own head, So I spent my first three Christmases by myself,
listening to carols on the radio, reading my Bible, and
to prepare them for burial, speak
kind words over them, and tend shoulders, knees, and toes. wishing I could celebrate the holiday the way I
imagined all my Gentile friends did. Back then, I had no
their gravesites year after year. idea the holidays were difficult for so many. Instead, I
It’s also the reason we’ll fight conflated the images I saw in commercials and TV
for the dignity of strangers. For specials of joyous family get-togethers with what it
instance, in my adopted home- must mean to properly celebrate the birth of Jesus.
town of Jacksonville, Florida, My family celebrated Chanukah, and though I
county developers diverted a treasured the holiday’s story of heroism and miracles
road around a plot of land when (and the eight nights of presents), I felt I was missing
it was discovered to be an early
African-American cemetery. Himself gives to all people life In Pensées, French mathemati-
SIMPLY out on something essential to my walk with Jesus by
not being able to celebrate Christmas too.
The decision delayed a much- and breath and all things ... [We] cian, scientist, and philosopher CHRISTMAS It was only when I was free, as an adult, to jump into
needed street expansion and grope for Him and find Him, Blaise Pascal writes, “All men The beauty in paring down, the December frenzy that I discovered I hadn’t been
cost the county both time and though He is not far from each seek happiness … What is it then rather than piling on missing much. A schedule packed solid with parties,
money, but it was done with one of us” (Acts 17:23-25, 27). that this desire … proclaim[s] to BY concerts, baking, shopping, and church activities was
MICHELLE
little hesitation or grousing. A fine word, grope. It means “to us, but that there was once in VAN LOON stressful enough, but what made it worse was the
Something far more important feel one’s way; to search, floun- man a true happiness of which expectation that every bit of busyness was supposed
was at stake. der, or cast about.” Oh mercy, there now remain to him only to be A) fun, B) spiritually meaningful, C) important
As unique, beloved creations of don’t we do all these things as we the mark and empty trace … The for evangelism, or D) all of the above. In fact, as time
the most high God, we know we muddle through our days? It is as infinite abyss can only be filled went on, I found most of it was E) none of the above.
were formed by someone greater if God plucked our heartstrings by an infinite and immutable I discovered that those lonely holidays during my
than ourselves: the one who put when we were created, and object, that is to say, only by teen years were a fuller experience of worship than a
eternity in our hearts. (See the thrum sends us searching God Himself.” This “infinite women’s tea at church or a majestic cathedral concert
Eccl. 3:11.) The same was true of for the hand that prompted the abyss”—a God-shaped hole— was for most people. I even realized that sweet
the Greeks, who made an altar sound. That mysterious know- isn’t cause for anguish. Rather, Christmas mornings—when I’d watch my children tear
“to an unknown God”—mostly ing is woven into sinew and bone. it is a blessing to those of us who into brightly wrapped presents—had more to do with
to avoid offending any deity they It is the “work of the Law writ- have not seen and yet believed, memorable family time than with adoring the Giver
might have accidentally over- ten in [our] hearts” (Rom. 2:15), for it compels us to pursue a who gave Himself to us as a helpless baby.
looked. However, Paul praises the feeling that tells us while deeper relationship with the Recognizing those truths about what Christmas
their choice: “What you wor- “every house is built by some- eternal Father we know exists, celebration was (and wasn’t!) has helped me appreciate
ILLUSTRATION BY THE MAHONEY STUDIO
ship in ignorance, this I proclaim one … the builder of all things is the One who dwells within us the gift of being able to worship freely in a corporate
to you. The God who made the God” (Heb. 3:4). Because of it, (John 20:29). And better still, service at church—and enjoy events for the social
world and all things in it, since we who grope in earnest under- our yearning assures us we are gatherings they are. I’ve since realized that though
He is Lord of heaven and earth, stand we were made for fellow- known by Him. Even if death I might have been alone at the manger, I didn’t miss a
does not dwell in temples made ship with Him, and to find the strips us of all we are—pilfering thing during those first lonely Christmases, because I
with hands; nor is He served temple He’s built, we need look our names letter by letter with was in the presence of God. That’s why, in recent years,
by human hands, as though no further than our own head, greedy fingers—we remain for- I’ve intentionally dialed down the frenzy in my life so
He needed anything, since He shoulders, knees, and toes. ever familiar to God.  I’m free to find my way to the manger once again. 
A Human The more you are

Touch touched in a respectful,
Why physical contact is an essential
part of loving the body of Christ
caring way, the more
BY LIUAN HUSKA
loved you will feel.
PHOTOGRAPH BY
RYAN HAYSLIP
I T ’ S S U N D AY at N u eva
Creación, a Spanish-speaking skin. Most of the congregation In one study, participants were
church in the Chicago suburbs. If approached me without reserva- asked to communicate various
you are coming here for the first tion. Elders graced me with bold emotions to a complete stranger
time, you might be taken aback, smacks. Older women held me through a one-second touch
as I was, by the standard greeting. captive in their generous bosoms on the forearm. Remarkably,
After a warm handshake, the much longer than I thought nec- the person receiving the touch
other person leans in for a hug essary. I often leaned in on the guessed compassion correctly
and to exchange a kiss on the wrong side, resulting in head nearly 60 percent of the time.
cheek. Just about every person bumps and apologies. They guessed gratitude, anger,
in the room will greet you this Though I probably could have love, and fear right over 50 per-
way. When the service is over, resisted, signaling with my body cent of the time as well.
goodbyes are handled in the language that I preferred only Another study demonstrated
same manner. On any given Sun- a handshake, I continued with t h at p re t e r m ba b i es w h o
day, you might receive a total of the hugs and kisses, wanting received just three 15-minute
over 60 hugs and kisses in this to respect and integrate with sessions of touch therapy each
small congregation. this group. After a few months, day for 10 days gained 21 to 47
It took a while for this prac- I noticed I left church always percent more weight than pre-
tice to grow on me when we smelling like a mixture of per- mature infants who received
first started attending Nueva fumes, but I also noticed some- standard medical treatment.
Creación. Having grown up in thing else: I felt loved in a way It makes sense that the more
American society, I was fine I’ve seldom experienced at other you are touched in a respectful,
with handshakes and some- churches I’ve attended. caring way, the more loved you
times hugs, but kissing grown While the general warmth of will feel.
men and women I barely knew? people in Latino cultures might Yet in many social situations
Not so much. partially account for this, there in North America, including in
I would lean forward rigidly is something to be said, I think, some churches I’ve attended,
and place my cheek next to for the power of touch. we shy away from touching each
theirs, making the appropriate Research has shown that touch other for more than the brief-
kissing sound, but careful not to is an extremely effective way to est of handshakes. We worry
make contact between lips and communicate emotion and care. about things getting Continued on pg 20
awkward, about the other person

or bystanders misinterpreting
our intent. Our worry is rooted in
a fear of bodies and a misunder-
standing of their role in our lives.
“What are bodies for?” Eliza-
beth Lewis Hall asks in an article
Far from being a burden
by that title. Modern thinking on our spiritual lives, our
gives bodies no ultimate pur-
bodies can actually aid us in
NEW
pose—they are simply to be
controlled and transcended—
while postmodernity turns connecting to God and others. MUST READ
bodies into commodities to be
marketed, sold, and consumed.
Both approaches divide our bod-
ies from our selves. We aren’t
really our bodies, the thinking
goes, so we try to escape their
limits and messiness, or we do Two Ways to Build:
whatever the heck we want
with them, because what hap- and spirit together. The fact God and strengthens the bond Strength or Weakness
pens in our bodies ultimately that God raised Jesus’ body, not among believers.
doesn’t matter. just His spirit, points to our own At Nueva Creación, this truth Only lives built on the solid rock of God’s truth can
Christians have perpetuated hoped-for bodily resurrection is readily apparent. Through withstand the winds and rains of adversity. Learn how to
and at times aggravated this and the truth that our bodies are each hug and kiss, I am reminded storm-proof your life with Dr. Charles Stanley’s newest
concept of a body/soul division, part of our eternal being, not just that the body of Christ is not book, Standing Strong.
which has been around since a temporary shell that we will some ephemeral essence out
before the church began. Second- one day shed. there, but this woman in front
century Gnostics, identified as a Far from being a burden on of me with her warm, glistening $19 USD (SSBKH)
heretical Christian sect by later our spiritual lives, our bodies cheeks, and this stocky man with
church councils, adopted the can actually aid us in connect- his poky moustache and robust
Q:
Platonic idea that the material ing to God and others. Hall hugs. Together, we are joined
world is an impure shadow of the explores this idea by using to one another as Christ’s own SO, WHERE DO YOU STAND?
perfect world of ideas, casting 1 Corinthians 6:13-20, where body, not just through creedal
the body as an evil trap the spirit Paul talks about our bodies as a statements and doctrine, but
A: B:
must strive to escape. physical part of Christ, among also through the touching of 1. What do you believe  Revelation of  Just a good book
Versions of Gnosticism have other metaphors. Because we arms, skin, and lips; through the about the Bible? the living God
haunted the church ever since. are joined to Christ and to the receiving of bread and wine.
Since bodies can get us into a other members of His body, what With each touch, this knowl-
lot of trouble, it’s best, we often we do with our individual bodies edge is planted more deeply in 2. What do you believe about
 Fellowship  Grocery list
think, to not pay them too much affects the whole. When we use my bones: I am not an isolated, prayer?
heed. Even if our bodily needs them outside of God’s intention disconnected individual, but one
and desires aren’t leading us into (uniting with a prostitute, being knit together with others. I am 3. What do you believe about
sin, they are distracting us from Paul’s example), this distances loved. I am enfolded. I am part of your life?
 Stewardship  Ownership
holier, more “spiritual” pursuits. us from Christ and His people. a mystery bigger than myself—
The Bible gives us much rea- But when we use our bodies the mystery of God in flesh and
son to resist this body/soul according to God’s intention— blood. When I reach out to kiss It’s your decision—choose wisely.
divide. Jesus’ incarnation as the to love and care for others, to Lupe or Alma or Oscar, I am
God-man forever joined body serve, to worship—this glorifies touching the body of Christ. 
T H O U G H T F U L FA I T H . D E V O T E D L I V I N G . 20 INTOUCH.ORG/CHRISTMAS 1-800-980-0020
The Pulpit
11
17
happening in the dark, human

limitations also prevent us
The Lord who keeps
from seeing what the Lord is
doing in the spiritual realm. Our
us never slumbers or sleeps.
Father does, however, reveal
what He wants us to know—the
His work doesn’t cease
Bible uses the word mystery to when we close our eyes and
describe something once hidden
that is now brought to light. Con- surrender to the night.
sider the following scriptural
accounts that show how much
God accomplished while most
people were asleep.
The most
FROM SL AVERY TO FREEDOM
famous night in Israel’s history
is Passover, which is recorded
in Exodus 12:1-36. While His One night as the Babylonian empires continued to rule over
people were enslaved in Egypt, king reveled and mocked the them. Their great hope was that
God intervened in the darkness Lord, a hand suddenly appeared their Messiah would soon come
of night to bring deliverance. As and wrote a message on the wall to liberate them. Once again,
the Egyptians slept, the Lord (Dan. 5:1-31). Daniel interpreted while most of the people in Beth-
moved through the country, kill- the words, which said, “God lehem were sound asleep, God
ing every firstborn human being has numbered your kingdom intervened in the affairs of earth
and animal in the land. The only and put an end to it … You have (Luke 2:1-20). In a dark stable,
exceptions were the Israelites been weighed on the scales and the Messiah entered the world as
who’d obeyed God by marking found deficient … Your kingdom a tiny, helpless newborn. Of all
their doorways with the blood has been divided and given over the nights that have ever been,
causes me to look with awe and of a spotless lamb. In one night, to the Medes and the Persians” this one was the most profound.
admiration at the handiwork of the Lord set the entire nation (vv. 26-28). That very night the The infant Messiah was the Son
the Creator. I find a quiet solitude free and brought them out of Persian troops entered Babylon, of God, who left heaven and took
And It Was Night in the darkness that allows me to
give the Lord my full attention.
Egypt to become a people for
His own possession.
killed the king, and took over the
city. The Jewish captives didn’t
on human flesh to dwell with
mankind and become the Savior
God is the one who created realize that in one night, God of the world.
Even the darkness is not dark to God.
the night for our sleep and res- FROM CAPTIVITY TO RESTORATION In
time had opened the door to restore Time passed, and as Jesus
toration. But although we need the children of Israel entered them to their land. During the grew into manhood, He began
BY CHARLES F. STANLEY
sleep every night and have the land God had promised them first year of his reign, the Per- teaching and performing mir-
no control of what happens and became an independent sian king set the Jewish people acles as proof that He was the
during those hours, the Lord nation. However, they continu- free to return to their homeland Messiah. However, the Jew-
who keeps us never slumbers ally strayed from the Lord until once again. ish leaders were reluctant to
WHEN I WAS A BOY , I didn’t like nighttime because it halted my or sleeps (Ps. 121:3-4). His work they eventually suffered the accept Him. One night Nicode-
play, signaled that my friends had to go home, and meant I must go to doesn’t cease when we close our consequences for their idolatry FROM WAITING TO HOPE FULFILLED Although mus, a prominent Pharisee and
GETTY IMAGES
bed. However, my attitude has changed with age. Now I love the dark eyes and surrender to the night. and were taken into captivity in the Israelites were now in their teacher, came to Jesus with his
hours, when the roar of a busy world stills and the lesser lights God In fact, just as our physical Babylon. But God hadn’t aban- land, they were never totally questions (John 3:1-21). There in
ordained to rule the night appear. The brightness of the starry sky eyes cannot perceive what’s doned them. free, because various Gentile the darkness, Jesus Continued on pg 24
T H E P U L P I T
Christ explained that He’d been

sent by His Father so the world None of us can
could be saved through Him. One
could never attain salvation by fathom what happened
trying to be good enough, but
only through faith in Jesus.
in the darkness that day
The Jewish leaders’ hostility
toward Jesus continued to grow
as Jesus suffered for us.
H OW TO B E C O M E A C H R ISTI A N
because He didn’t fit their expec- All we can do is thank Him.
W
tations of the Messiah. And Judas,
one of Jesus’ own disciples, also
became disillusioned and decided e can often feel as if we’re lost and stumbling
to betray Him to the religious
leaders (John 13:21-30). During around in the dark, but we don’t need to worry
the Passover celebration with when we have a heavenly Father who perfectly
His disciples, Jesus told Judas, guides each and every step we take.
“What you do, do quickly,” and
“he went out immediately; and
it was night” (vv. 27, 30). Judas The perfect Lamb of God had history. At that time, “the sun The story of God and mankind began with a
was unaware that God would use paid the penalty for sin so that will be darkened, and the moon broken relationship. When sin entered the
his betrayal to begin the process all who believe in Him could be will not give its light, and … [then
that would put Jesus on the cross justified (declared not guilty) and everyone] will see the Son of human race, it severed our communion—our unhindered connection—with
and bring about the redemption receive eternal life. None of us Man coming on the clouds of the holy God. Today, our personal sins continue to be a barrier between us and
of mankind. can fathom what happened in the sky with power and great glory” Him. But the Bible teaches that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). In fact, He loves us so
After Judas left, Jesus and darkness that day or what Jesus (24:29-30).
His other disciples walked to suffered for us so we could be res- Throughout human history, much that He sent His Son to reconcile us to Himself (Col. 1:18-22). On the
the Mount of Olives in the dark- cued from an eternity in hell, sep- the Lord has accomplished the cross, Jesus defeated sin and then rose from the grave, triumphing over death.
ness (Matt. 26:36-46). In a gar- arated from God. All we can do is miraculous under the cover of
den there, He pleaded with His believe, surrender fully to Christ, night. There are bound to be
Father, saying, “If it is possible, and thank Him for our salvation. times when we can’t under- By choosing to live in relationship with Jesus Christ, we’re no longer slaves to
let this cup pass from Me; yet not The disciples were in despair stand what God is doing or feel the way of life that ends in spiritual death—eternal separation from God and
as I will, but as You will” (v. 39). after Jesus’ death. Why had our lives are engulfed in the His lovingkindness. Through Him alone, we can experience freedom and joy.
The one who had never known God let the Messiah die? Now, darkness of despair, difficulty,
sin or been separated from the it seemed, there would be no or suffering. Yet even then, we But to be saved, we must confess from our heart that Jesus is Lord and believe
Father was soon to bear the sins kingdom and no glory. Jesus had have the assurance that just as that He rose from the dead and is alive today (Rom. 10:9).
of the world. And although Jesus been buried, and all hope was He has worked to achieve His
dreaded the experience, He sub- lost. Yet in the darkness of early perfect will throughout history,
mitted to the Father because Sunday morning, a miracle hap- He’s also working in our dark- You can have eternal life now by asking Jesus to become your Savior. Pray a
there was no other way to save pened (Matt. 28:1-2). As some ness to accomplish His good prayer like this or use your own words:
sinful mankind. women came to the tomb, they purpose in our lives. When life
Within a few hours, our Lord discovered that it was empty. seems mysterious, all we have
was hanging on a cross, suffer- While the world slept, God had to do is remember that to God, Lord Jesus, I believe You died so that I might be accepted as a child of God.
ing excruciating pain, humilia- raised His Son to life. “the night is as bright as the day” Please forgive me, help me turn from my sins, and show me how to follow You
tion, and ridicule (27:33-51). For (Ps. 139:12). He sees, and noth- each and every day. Thank You for saving me and giving me eternal life. Amen.
three daytime hours, darkness FROM THE KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD TO THE KING- ing is beyond His control. 
covered the land as Jesus bore The glorious kingdom
DOM OF GOD
the Father’s judgment for the the disciples longed to see will
sins of mankind. Then He cried one day come, after the darkest Adapted from the sermon “And It Was Night” To take the next step, call 1-800-789-1473 or visit intouch.org to receive our free resource Now That You Believe: Beginning Your New Relationship With Jesus.
out, “It is finished!” (John 19:30). period of tribulation in world by Charles F. Stanley
T H E P U L P I T
VIEWFINDER “My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth, and My arms will judge the peoples; the coastlands will wait for Me, and for My arm they
will wait expectantly. Lift up your eyes to the sky, then look to the earth beneath; for the sky will vanish like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a
Cape Blanco State Park, Oregon—Photograph by Charles F. Stanley garment and its inhabitants will die in like manner. But My salvation will be forever, and My righteousness will not wane.” —Isaiah 51:5-6

11
17 Margin Notes
SQUINTING TOWARD HEAVEN

EXPERIENCE GOD’S MAJESTY In the final resurrection, what will become of our bodies?
Let God’s Word and these images of His created world encourage and uplift you in the days and BY JOHN VANDENOEVER ILLUSTRATIONS BY ADAM CRUFT
years to come. Landscapes of His Grace: A Visual Devotional, showcases Dr. Stanley’s finest
photography from around the world, accompanied by passages of Scripture, short meditations,
and inspiring quotes from Dr. Stanley’s lifetime of ministry.
AT ONE TIME, I HAD A BETTER BODY than the one I’m wearing
now. Actually, it was this one—just newer, faster, stronger. There’s
NEW
photography book
a picture of it in my mind’s eye: I’m 23 and lean, powering forward
yet going nowhere, on a treadmill in my parents’ house in upstate
New York. My grandpa is there watching and teasing me about the
futility of this ridiculous athletic equipment. He sits with a geriat-
ric slouch in an upright lawn chair, his body running out of time.
In an earlier scene, years before that, I’d be the one watching—
wiggly, three feet shorter, and keeping my corduroy bottom planted
atop a Toro lawn mower, as Grandpa joked with a customer in his small
motor repair shop. His mind was sharp, his fingers dexterous, his eyes crin-
kled from the mileage of a million laughs. I wanted to be just like him.
Now Grandpa is away, absent from his body but present with the Lord.
Though he is, no doubt, abounding in
joy in the realm of angels and departed
saints, he waits. Like all who’ve fallen
Landscapes of His Grace: A Visual Devotional, $40 USD (LGDHC) asleep in Christ, he is not yet what he
will be. He is among those who have
died, longing for his body to return
in glory. Longing for resurrection.
29 INTOUCH.ORG
M A R G I N N O T E S
It may sound a bit odd, but would have shown me more, that Nearly 20 years ago on my of rice. Grandpa’s physical pres-
the dead in Christ are incom- he would have marveled with me own wedding day, I saw Grandpa ence was gone from my life, and
plete. They wait, as we do, for at the power of the resurrection in his earthly body for the last we’d share just one last phone
the last trumpet blast. It’s a and the mystery of Christ in us. time. I was 29, and the marriage call before his funeral.
mystery, promised to happen in
the twinkling of an eye—bod-
Aging prepares us His aging, creaking body might
have been his greatest object
supper of the Lamb became a
living metaphor for my wife
In the years since then, my
body has grown paunchy and
ies reanimating from the grave for eternity only insofar lesson, used to show me that the Paula and me. Grandpa sat in gray, with miles of laugh lines of
and rejoined with their heavenly
spirits in the air. Those of us as it sharpens our days are meant for preparation.
“For momentary, light affliction
a wheelchair on the end of the
front row, his mouth drooping
my own. Though I’m not quite
ready to leave this life, I look for-
who are alive at Christ’s return
will tarry just long enough to desire for Christ. is producing for us an eternal
weight of glory far beyond all
at the corners. It tore me up to
see him there, knowing what he
ward to knowing Christ in full-
ness someday. And increasingly,
see their feet, and then we, too, comparison” (2 Cor. 4:17). must have endured to travel so there are days and seasons I’m
will lift off—to be changed. Here there is a comforting far on his own. more aligned with Him, when
Bodies meant for decay will be alignment between Paul’s first At the reception, Paula and I the Spirit is ruling over my flesh
exchanged for those that are and second clause—though our posed for photos, laughed with and I can sense the work of God,
imperishable (1 Cor. 15:51-53), affliction in the body can seem folks, and snuck in bites of cake. preparing me and making me
built for eternity just like Christ’s difficult and unending, when set Then, too soon, our limo arrived. like Him. These moments are
final, perfect form (Phil. 3:21). against the glorious and eternal I raced to find Grandpa, know- like a call from home, equipping
reality of the life to come, it is ing this was our final goodbye. me for the race and making me
PREPARATIONS FOR ETERNITY Sometimes I sometimes uncomfortable thing. when he booked that long flight cast as light and momentary. But it was like running on a homesick for the promises to
try to see heaven. I squint, imag- Maybe that’s why we think of from Vancouver, Washington, to In fact, so great is the future of treadmill, and my effort got me come. They remind me that I’m
ining the confluence of millions it so seldom, especially when see us in Syracuse, New York. He those Christ has ransomed that nowhere. I couldn’t find him. a delight to my heavenly Father,
of sanctified spirits in the pres- we’re young. still had that whimsical glint in Paul says there’s no comparison So I gripped Paula’s hand, and who takes pleasure in those
ence of God. By faith in the risen Perhaps the daily, worsening his eyes, as if he was brewing up between today and then. grinned through my tears, as I who fear Him—who hope in His
Christ, I know that my death will failures of an aging body made a joke about to brim over, yet his walked bravely through the hail steadfast love. 
take me there also. Yet it seems Grandpa homesick for heaven in outer self was wasting away. His THE CONSUMMATION OF ALL THINGS There’s
so foreign, so indiscernible. Life a way I haven’t experienced yet. clothes draped loosely over his a reason so many movies and
in the body I understand, but Though he didn’t talk about it, it’s thinning body, his back stooped, novels from the last century
this spirit-reality is a strange, likely that dying was on his mind and he shuffled when he walked. end with a wedding. Marriage
But aging prepares us for is seen as the consummation of
eternity only insofar as it sharp- the central plot and a satisfying
ens our desire for Christ. The way to bring together a story’s
apostle Paul tells us that God’s
will for us is our sanctification
supporting characters. God, the
author of this institution, is Him-
Heaven seems so foreign,
(1 Thess. 4:3). Through daily self preparing an epic ceremony so indiscernible. Maybe
submission in the Holy Spirit,
we become more Christlike—
for His people. His loving pursuit
completed, He’ll clothe our per- that’s why we think of
counting “all things to be loss
in view of the surpassing value
fected bodies in fine linen, and
the church will be wed to Christ. it so seldom, especially
of knowing [Him as Lord]”
(Phil. 3:8). It makes me think of
Because our resurrected bod-
ies will need a home, God will
when we’re young.
Psalm 42 and the image of the give us a new earth. The holy
deer panting for flowing streams of city—the new Jerusalem—will
water . Does that describe the come down from heaven to us,
panting of my soul for God? If and the dwelling place of God
it did, perhaps heaven would will be with the redeemed. God
seem nearer. will dwell with us, and we will be
I wish Grandpa had made more His people (Rev. 21:1-4). What a
of our time together, that he day that will be.
CHAPTER & VERSE

effect when the times reach their
fulfillment—to bring unity to all
things in heaven and on earth
HIDDEN IN CHRIST under Christ” (Eph. 1:9-10 NIV).
Unity: God’s undercover goal is
NOW to bring the world together.
AVAILABLE IN The reality of God’s kingdom revealed When I think of unity, I think
NIV BY JOSHUA RYAN BUTLER ILLUSTRATIONS BY ADAM CRUFT
of marriage—of two becoming
one. Weddings celebrate this
alliance, and the biblical story
FOR ALL THE REASSURANCES AND CERTAINTIES OF OUR FAITH , ends with a wedding, where God
there is still much we struggle to understand about it. But that’s hardly and His people are united for-
cause for despair. The gospel invites us to plumb the depths of “God’s ever in Christ (Rev. 21-22). God’s
mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures goal is to forever join with the
of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:2-3). What does it mean to say human race, to set things right
Jesus is a mystery? It’s not that He’s cryptic and reclusive, waiting again, to reconcile the world and
to be found, for He is the God who’s come to find us. It speaks rather be with us forever—in Jesus.
to the incomprehensible majesty of His nature: that He is the one by This is the mystery revealed.
whom we’ve been created, through whom we live and move and have
our being, and in whom we are redeemed. THE SECRET OF KINGDOM COME The Old Tes-
Paul uses the word mystery (mustérion) 21 times in his epistles to tament foreshadows this great
speak of the blessings and hope God has revealed to us in Christ. And truth. In the book of Daniel,
when he wants to describe “the mystery of godliness,” the apostle for example, the king of Baby-
summarizes the story of our Savior Himself, using this early church lon had a strange and troubling
confession: “[Jesus] was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the dream no one was able to inter-
Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in pret, until “the mystery was
the world, taken up in glory” (1 Tim. 3:16). revealed to Daniel in a night
Jesus is the goal of history. Like a spouse excitedly organizing your vision” (2:19). The young Jew-
40th birthday bash, God’s been orchestrating something delightful for ish exile explained the secret of
the human race, a plan “which he purposed in Christ, to be put into the dream’s imagery to the king:
GOOD NEWS FOR ALL! God is sovereign over all that

happens in the world and over
the powerhouses of the world.
You can now read the Scripture in your favorite translation while learning the 30 Life Principles Though empires like Babylon
that have guided Dr. Stanley for more than 50 years. Each Life Principles Bible will enhance your personal seemed to dominate the earth,
study time through explanations of key passages, plus helpful resources like Answers to Life’s the reality is that God was sov-
Questions, a concordance, maps, and much more. ereignly accomplishing His pur-
poses through them and would
ultimately replace them with His
unconquerable eternal kingdom.
So here’s the mystery that
was brought out into the light:
Making the most of your time reading “The God of heaven will set up
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Spend a few minutes in prayer before
you begin reading, asking the Holy Spirit whispered this glorious secret,
for wisdom. SHOP THE 2017 CHRISTMAS CATALOG, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. and we are let in on it: God’s
Bring a journal to write down questions, INTOUCH.ORG/CHRISTMAS 1-800-980-0020
kingdom is coming. Continued on pg 34
thoughts, and insights.
33 INTOUCH.ORG
Until Jesus arrived on the

scene, however, the full nature
of this coming kingdom remained
ambiguous. Then the Lord
appeared, letting us in on “the
mystery of the kingdom of God”
Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise
(Mark 4:11)—but rather than Coloring Journal, $14 USD (PPCHC)
pulling out a whiteboard to draw
straightforward charts and dia-
grams, He spoke in the enigmatic
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These parables illuminate the ey' s
character of the kingdom: It is Dr. StanglStrategy
n
Journali
a place of reversals where the .
ests
greatest are the least and the requ
yer
pra
last are first, a place of service our
co rd y ach
where those seeking to save 1. Re ith e
d a te w ing i
t
their life lose it and those willing ut th
e u br
2. P n a s yo
er
to give their life away find it. The conc
kingdom does not impatiently God’s goal is to forever to t h e Lor
d.
d answ
ers
w t
that
he n
ew
join with the human race,

dominate society from above n G o o n
e d ll
3. W
h
r, w
rite you'
but grows slowly and patiently a y e t . S oon ny o
f
pr ide i timo
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those of childlike faith, those to
whom “it has been granted to
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illuminate the path that leads to the
ultimate treasure.
hidden and that God destined generations was not made known
The Lord’s
THE TREASURE THAT IS CHRIST for our glory before time began” to the sons of men, as it has now
teaching helps us penetrate the
heart of the mystery. However,
(1 Cor. 2:2, 7 NIV).
Jesus’ crucifixion made it pos-
been revealed to His holy [ones]
in the Spirit” (Eph. 3:5).
MAKE A NOTE!
when we get there, we find not sible for mankind to be reconciled Jesus is the center of world
an abstract idea or concept, but to the Father, a plan set in motion history, the desire of the nations, The Bible encourages us to “write down the revelation and make it plain … ”
rather the person and work of before time began. Angels have the one through whom God shall Hab. 2:2 (NIV). When we slow down and meditate on a particular scripture,
Jesus Himself. Paul refers to longed to look in on these mys- raise the dead and set all things God will reveal Himself to us in new ways. These journals will help you record
“Jesus Christ and him crucified” teries, and now you who’ve set right. The gospel proclaims that these truths and recall His faithfulness for years to come.
as the wisdom of God, that puts your sights on Jesus have been in Christ Himself the reality of
to shame the foolishness of the let in on the greatest secret ever the kingdom has come: The mys-
world, “a mystery that has been known, a secret “which in other tery has been revealed. 
EDITOR’S NOTE: We hope this brief study—taken from Dr. Stanley’s personal
notes—will help you explore and understand God’s Word more deeply.
A C L O S E R L O O K W I T H D R . S TA N L E Y In Greek, the word for

WHAT IS SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT? “reveal” is apokaluptó,
TO THINK LIKE GOD

which means “to uncover
The Greek word for
 Paul speaks “God’s
 However, God

or lay open that which has
wisdom is sophia, wisdom in a mys- reveals His wisdom
which is defined as tery” (v. 7). This is to us through both been veiled.”
How do we grow in spiritual discernment? “broad, full intelli- the Greek word His Word and His
gence and knowl- mustérion, which Spirit, who alone “God does not exist to
edge of diverse describes something knows the thoughts answer our prayers, but by
matters.” However, hidden or secret. of God (vv. 10-11). our prayers we come to dis-
God’s wisdom God’s wisdom As we read our
cern the mind of God.”
used in Christian circles, but do you know what it
YOU’VE PROBABLY HEARD THE TERM SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT stands in sharp is beyond man’s Bible, the Holy Spirit
—Oswald Chambers
is, where it comes from, or how we receive it? To many people, it sounds a little perplexing contrast to the comprehension by illumines, uncovers,
or maybe even strange, but it’s essential if we want to make wise choices in a world that wisdom of this age natural means. Even and interprets its
There are between 600,000
bombards us with all sorts of philosophies and deceptions. because He alone Christ’s crucifix- truths for us so we
has full knowledge ion and the plan of can begin to see and 1,000,000 books pub-
Let’s begin by reading 1 Corinthians 2:10-14. of all things—past, salvation cannot be everything from His lished in the United States
present, and future understood by nat- perspective—and each year, and no matter
(1 Cor. 2:6). ural reason but must that’s godly wisdom.
how much knowledge they
be revealed by the
Lord (vv. 8-9). contain, the sum of it pales
when compared to the wis-
dom of God.
For to us God revealed [His mysteries] through the Spirit; for The Hagia Sophia, once a
the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who WHO MAY RECEIVE SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT? Greek Orthodox basilica,
now serves as a museum in
among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the Only those with the indwelling Holy Spirit can perceive divine wisdom; the
Istanbul, Turkey. Its name
natural or unredeemed person can neither understand nor accept the things
means “holy wisdom.”
man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows of God (1 Cor. 2:12, 14). However, not every believer has spiritual discern-
ment; it is developed only in those who are “mature” (v. 6). Any Christian
except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of who indulges his fleshly desires, refuses to submit to the Spirit’s leadership,
or neglects God’s Word will have limited spiritual understanding (3:1-3). But QUESTIONS
the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know those who walk in the Spirit and allow Scripture to fill their mind and trans-
We all want to be spiritually

form their behavior and attitudes will increasingly think God’s thoughts. They
the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, are the ones who’ll be able to see people and situations from His perspective. discerning yet may not be
actively pursuing that goal.
not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by What things in your life are
hindering you from letting
the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. God’s Word shape your think-
ing and behavior?
HOW IS SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT DISPLAYED?
But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, Is there any attitude or sin in

ILLUSTRATION BY JEFF GREGORY
Discernment is the ability to appraise or judge (1 Cor. 2:15-16). The Greek your life that is quenching the
for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, word is anakrinó, which means “to investigate, examine, or evaluate to Holy Spirit from developing
determine the excellence or defects of any person or thing.” When we sift spiritual discernment within
because they are spiritually appraised. everything through God’s Word, our understanding goes beyond human you? What must you do to turn
intelligence and knowledge because it flows from the mind of the Lord. away from that obstacle?
30 Minutes’
Difference A
BY MATT WOODLEY
IN NOVEMBER 2016, five Brits, three Nigeri- the Abuja airport for our flight home, Hassan
ans, and two Americans (including me) visited emailed us. “Now that you are leaving Nigeria
the Nigerian bush in the wake of extremist I can tell you that some enraged Fulani with
attacks. Eighteen months earlier, newly rad- guns came looking for you. According to my
icalized Fulani herdsman had raided and sources, they missed us by only 30 minutes.” C D
destroyed four tiny villages about 50 miles I replied, “But we are Westerners. They
northeast of Jos. We were the first Western- wouldn’t have killed us, would they?”
ers to document the atrocities. All afternoon “Eighteen months ago they murdered
we drove from village to village, methodically 22 believers like you, including a pastor
interviewing survivors, including pastors who who stayed with his flock. Last week they
had risked their lives to shepherd their people
during the attacks.
ambushed and killed 10 people in a van like
ours. They would have killed you with plea- MAKE THE BIBLE COME
Then, while we were visiting the fourth vil-
lage, darkness descended across the valley.
sure. God spared you.”
In the relative safety and security of my Fun family devotion time ALIVE FOR YOUR KIDS.
Hassan, our Nigerian guide and an experi- everyday life in suburban Chicago, I usually Be Dramatic. Pick the most dynamic
family member and have them read a biblical
Jesus taught through stories to make God’s wisdom accessible and
enced journalist and pastor, suddenly started don’t ponder God’s deliverance. But with- easy to understand. These kid-friendly resources can help your family
passage as if it were a play.
rushing us along. “We must leave here at out Hassan’s strong and sudden intuition of grow in their faith and experience God in a memorable way.
once,” he said with alarm. “It is not safe any- danger at that precise moment, we proba- Create art. Have each family member
select a verse and illustrate it. Then take
more.” We saw nothing, heard nothing, except bly would have been dead. God protected me turns presenting masterpieces. A Every Day With Jesus, $16 USD (EDJBKH)
some leaves rustling in the wind and a piece even when I wasn’t aware of His hand at work.
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of tin banging against what may have been a I wonder now how often and in what ways pray as each person shares their requests. C The Storybook of God’s Great Love, Vol. 1, $16 USD (CHOBKH)
church’s roof. But Hassan hustled us into the God has rescued me without my knowledge. Remember to check in with each other as the D The Storybook of God’s Great Love, Vol. 2, $16 USD (CHO2BKH)
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Two days later, while we were waiting at (Dan. 3:17). 
tHE
1
6
MYSTeRY 2
6
T H E G RE ATE R EX PE R I E NC E OF FA I TH I SN’ T I N F I ND I NG A NSW ERS,
BU T DWELLING IN T HE U NKNOWN. BY MIKE COSPER
Of
GoD
trial: Why? Why had it been so disclose all of its secrets. A little
difficult, so painful, for them to aspirin can cure a headache. Ber-
make their journey? noulli’s principle creates lift and
In the book of Deuteronomy, enables a bird—or for that mat-
Moses gathers the people to ter, an airplane—to fly. Sound
remind them of their identity. He waves can be recorded and
NEAR THe
retells the story of the Exodus, reproduced over and over again
reminds them of the law, and by using radios, record players,
calls them to renew their com- It’s a gracious God who reveals CDs, and iPods. we will be able to solve all of its
mitment to a life of obedience. Himself. The gift He gave Israel In one sense, all of these mysteries. The Bible, in this way,
As he finishes this call, he offers in the law truly did make them achievements are part of the becomes a text to be mastered,
3 4
END OF
6 a bit of advice: “The secret things holy and set apart from their bigger picture of God’s creative and we embrace the illusion that 6
belong to the Lord our God, but neighbors. It offered a picture of glory. We are, indeed, fear- everything within it can be cate-
I S R aE L’S
the things revealed belong to us the “good life”—a better world fully and wonderfully made; gorized and comprehended.
and to our sons forever, that we where God is worshipped, where we have an amazing capacity But the Bible isn’t like the
may observe all the words of human dignity is protected, for knowledge and ingenuity. manual that came with your
this law” (29:29). It’s a crucial where parents are honored and But on the other hand, these toaster. Nor is it like a scien-
reminder to God’s people, espe- neighbors respected. The law achievements have an ability to tific textbook. Instead, we’re
4 0 -Y E A R cially in the midst of trials. It’s

also essential to our life with
God. There is much that has been
gave them a secure identity as
God’s people, and these revealed
things became traditions they
blind us, to fool us into thinking
we’ve got the universe figured
out. When we become confi-
told that it’s “living and active
and sharper than any two-
edged sword, and piercing as
revealed, but so much of what’s passed down to their children, dent that, through study and far as the division of soul and
J O U R N E Y, left unanswered is unanswered preserving them and fulfilling experimentation, there is an spirit, of both joints and mar-
MOSeS’ LIFE
on purpose. These “secret God’s promise to Abraham, even explanation for everything, it row, and able to judge the
things” belong to the Lord. to this day. kind of becomes a default set- thoughts and intentions of
Moses offers these words Yes, it’s a majestic and holy ting, and we approach all of life the heart” (Heb. 4:12). Notice
as an answer to the “why” of God who reminds us that there with that expectation—includ- that the Scriptures pierce us,
WA S C o M I N G
their suffering. To 400 years are yet “secret things.” It’s a mar- ing religion. judge us. When we approach
of slavery. To the innumerable velous tension: The God who This leads us to great trouble the Bible—and most certainly
frustrations along the journey— reveals Himself in Scripture is when it comes to the Bible and when we approach God—we
sickness, death, loss, quarreling, at the same time both knowable to God Himself. If we approach are dealing with power, depth,
t O A H A LT.
and heartache of all kinds. Why and unknowable. the Bible as we approach nature, and wonder unlike anything
were they necessary? What do we expect that—with enough else we’ve encountered. It is
they mean? The answers belong HUMILITY AND MYSTERY study—it will open up for us and a “God-breathed” thing, and
to the Lord. It’s also revelatory of We live in a time when peo- knowing that should inspire
God, who both reveals and con- ple have the ability to wield humility (2 Tim. 3:16 NIV).
ceals Himself. He is present to almost god-like powers. There
Israel, but they cannot see His are extraordinary examples of SO MUCH OF WHAT’S MYSTERY, COMFORT, AND THE BOOK OF JOB
Soon, Joshua would be old to feel anything but weari- face. He has a name, but one that this, like the ability to split the LEFT UNANSWERED Mystery doesn’t just humble
appointed as the nation’s leader,
and they would at last enter their
ness. But surely most of them
felt some degree of tension and
is cryptic—I Am Who I Am. He
is visible as a cloud by day and
atom or map the human genome,
and there are wonders so com- IS UNANSWERED ON us; it also offers a strange sort
of comfort. In the life of Job,
land and find rest. You can imag- ambivalence. The God who was fire by night, but His actual sub- monplace that we don’t notice PURPOSE. THESE for instance, all of the man’s
ine what the Israelites felt. Some
were too young to remember
their king was a fierce defender,
but He also bore a fierce wrath.
stance, His essence, and even
His dwelling place all belong to
them: MRIs, cell phones, lap-
aroscopic surgery, supersonic
“SECRET THINGS” troubles—the loss of his fam-
ily, wealth, and health—leave
the chains of Egypt—others too The sense that they were unique this category of “secret things.” flight. The advances in science BELONG TO THE LORD. him miserable, and he waits
was balanced by their sense of and technology over the last few for God to show up and pro-
ILLUSTRATIONS BY ARMANDO VEVE
homelessness. Their victories centuries are stunning, and we vide answers for his suffering.
at war were shadowed by their are capable of things that would And yet, when God does show
losses, like those brutally cut have seemed miraculous to our up, He doesn’t provide the man
down by the Amalekites. The ancestors. with a single answer. Instead,
question that must have plagued Once humanity came across in Job 38:2-11 (ESV), God offers
many of them is the question the tools of scientific discovery, a cascading series of questions
that plagues anyone facing a nature opened up and seemed to and images: Continued on pg 44
of creation: seas, snows, rain, We take comfort in mystery like
oxen, ostriches, and more. Job a child who takes comfort at his
is mute while God layers image mother’s breast, knowing we
upon image, immersing him in an belong to a world too large and
ever-larger world. too vast for us to comprehend.
As G. K. Chesterton says of this The gospel is often referred to
passage, “God comes in at the as a “mystery revealed,” but even
end, not to answer riddles, but to that remains profoundly enig-
“Who is this that darkens propound them … Verbally speak- the end, satisfied. Because there’s matic. In the book of Romans,
counsel by words with- ing the enigmas of Jehovah seem something else that comes with after Paul has given his readers
out knowledge? darker and more desolate than Job’s willingness to accept the 11 chapters of detailed exposition
6
Dress for action like the enigmas of Job; yet Job was mystery of his circumstances: It’s concerning God’s grace revealed 6
a man; comfortless before the speech of the embrace of God Himself. in Jesus, he’s still able to say,
I will question you, Jehovah and is comforted after It turns out that the God in the “Oh, the depth of the riches both
and you make it known it. He has been told nothing, but whirlwind was the “answer” Job of the wisdom and knowledge of
to me. he feels the terrible and tingling was seeking, not the resolution God! How unsearchable are His
“Where were you when atmosphere of something which of all of the tension and mystery judgments and unfathomable
I laid the foundation of is too good to be told. The refusal of his suffering. And what’s true His ways! For who has known
the earth? of God to explain His design is for Job is true for us, too. Far the mind of the Lord, or became
Tell me, if you have itself a burning hint of His design. more satisfying than having the His counselor?” (11:33-34).
understanding. The riddles of God are more satis- answers to all of life’s questions This cry reveals a deep truth:
Who determined its fying than the solutions of man.” is knowing and trusting the God The more profoundly we press
measurements—surely This is the remarkable fact of who rules the cosmos. into the person of God and the
you know! the book of Job—God doesn’t wonder of the gospel, the more
Or who stretched the answer a single one of His ser- MYSTERIES THAT REVEAL MYSTERY we will be confounded by their
line upon it? vant’s burning questions. He It is in the spirit of humility that mysteries. God’s Word and
On what were its does not solve the mystery or we embrace mystery, whether God Himself are wonders we
bases sunk, make sense of it. Rather, He pulls we do so in the midst of sorrow behold, not subjects we master.
or who laid its the curtain of the world back or the mundaneness of ordi- Doing the latter will lead only to
cornerstone, wider, making Job feel smaller nary life. A humble willingness frustration.
when the morning stars and smaller amidst the tower- to accept that “the secret things To return to Chesterton, he
sang together ing curiosities and powers that belong to the Lord” is part of offers an invitation to approach
and all the sons of God surround him. It is this—not the our everyday experience as the faith like a poet. “The poet
shouted for joy? answers he’d hoped for and not believers. The psalmist wrote only asks to get his head into
“Or who shut in the sea the attempts of sense-making by in Psalm 131 (ESV): the heavens. It is the logician
with doors his friends—that leaves Job, in who seeks to get the heavens
when it burst out from O Lord, my heart is not into his head. And it is his head
the womb, lifted up; that splits.” May we live humbly
when I made clouds my eyes are not raised enough to behold the mysteries
its garment MYSTERY DOESN’T too high; of our faith, to press more deeply
and thick darkness its
swaddling band,
JUST HUMBLE US; I do not occupy myself
with things
into the wonders of our God and
His creation, and to find satisfac-
and prescribed limits IT ALSO OFFERS too great and too mar- tion not because we know all the
for it A STRANGE SORT velous for me. answers, but because we know
and set bars and doors,
and said, ‘Thus far shall
OF COMFORT. But I have calmed and
quieted my soul,
God Himself. 
you come, and no far- like a weaned child

ther, and here shall with its mother;
your proud like a weaned child is
waves be stayed’?” my soul within me.
O Israel, hope in the
He goes on to offer example Lord from this time
after example of the strangeness forth and forevermore.
44 45 INTOUCH.ORG
1 2
6 6
The mystery of the star.
It sounds exactly like the title of a Nancy Drew

book I would have loved as a girl. Yet if the star
in question is the Christmas star in the gospel of
3 4
6 Matthew, then the mystery may not be the sort 6
that could ever be puzzled out by a teenaged sleuth,
no matter how intrepid. However, in the Bible,
mysteries are not puzzles in need of solutions or
questions in need of definitive answers. Rather,
OF
they are methods and moments when God gives
us a glimpse into His purposes.
WONDe R
TWO THOUSAND YEARS AGO
a star appeared in the sky and
somehow communicated a very
special and very particular mes-
sage from God. Stargazers from
far-flung lands received the
message, packed their bags, and
began a long journey.
I am no wise man, but I have
long had my eyes on the stars.
Recently, my mother pulled a
mobile, the kind that hangs over
H OW THE LIGHT THAT GUIDED T HE MAGI IS LEADIN G US ST ILL a baby’s crib, from a box she’d
retrieved from her attic. She had
by Christie Purifoy been searching for a pair of old
Christmas pajamas she thought
might just work for my youngest
child, when she lifted out a tan-
PREVIOUS SPREAD, PHOTOGRAPH BY NICK VEASEY/GETTY IMAGES

gle of yellow-painted stars and
said, “Remember this?”
Remember—such an inade-
quate word for the flood of mem-
ory that washed over me. This
kind of remembering is physi-
cal, more like time travel than
reminiscence. I was no longer
a thirtysomething mother-of-
four. I was a toddler, lying in my
crib, watching a slow overhead
dance set to the tune of “Twin-
k l e , Tw i n k l e , Continued on pg 50
Little Star.” Would I have grown stars, like real hearts, defy our WHEN I WAS SIXTEEN , I sat in the angels once sang for shepherds. on the map that says, “Here, right
up seeing signs of God in the attempts at simplification. No back of a bright green pickup And every eclipse, every comet, here, He is here!”
EVERY ECLIPSE, EVERY COMET, AND EVERY DANCING PLANET SHARES IN THE MYSTERY THAT CALLED THE MAGI ON.
night sky if I had slept beneath matter how much we learn, via truck with two school friends. and every dancing planet shares Yet, even if we were to arrive
a mobile of dancing ducks or textbooks or our own experience, It was near midnight, and we in the mystery that called the one day at proof of a perfect
teddy bears? Probably so. But they remain veiled with mystery. had parked the truck in a field magi on. The stars sing of won- explanation, we would still be
THE STARS SING OF WONDERS. JOB HEARD THE MUSIC. DAVID HEARD IT. AND WE CAN HEAR IT, TOO.
I like to think that my stargaz- This is especially true of far outside our small town. We ders. Job heard the music. David left with a core of miracle and
ing began with infant eyes. It Bethlehem’s star, the star that were two teenaged girls and one heard it. And we can hear it, too. mystery. Perhaps the star of
5 6
6 reminds me that God sees us, shines its light on the origins of teenaged boy waiting for a sum- Bethlehem was a light that 6
even reveals Himself to us, long Christian faith. The behavior of mer meteor shower. TO THE HUMAN EYE, planets look supernaturally defied everything
before we can return His gaze the Christmas star as described When the stars began to fall, like stars. However, they do not we understand of the cosmos.
with understanding. by Matthew is so strange, so zip-zip, zip-zip, the boy and I behave like them. Our word Perhaps the star of Bethlehem
Our spiritual journeys begin mystifying, that many peo- were both caught up in aston- planet comes from the Greek was a complicated, symbolic
just as the magi’s journey began: ple read it and decide that the ishment. We sat up straighter, word planétés, which means dance in the sky set in motion
with God’s call, God’s message, magi’s star was a miraculous our jaws fell open, our heads “a wanderer.” Planets were when the universe was first spo-
and God’s revelation of Him- light that cannot in any way be tilted back together. The other known to the ancients as wan- ken. Either way, the true mys-
self. These Eastern stargazers accounted for by astronomy. teenaged girl grew bored. She dering stars. Not only do planets tery of the star is not located in
saw a mystery in the sky, and No star can move then stop, never was looking in quite the move strangely in the night sky, its substance but in its message.
they followed the mystery all but this star “went on before” right place. but they cease moving as well. First, the star says, Pay
the way to Bethlehem. There, the magi until it “stood over “I don’t see anything!” she The term apparent retrograde attention.
they witnessed the revelation the place where the Child was” said. But the boy and I saw every motion describes the phenom- Then, the star says, Respond.
of God’s purpose. They stood (Matt. 2:9). For some believ- falling star together. enon by which a planet appears Finally, the star says, You have
face-to-face with the greatest ers, the star is a miracle, and A falling star does not cast to move in the opposite direction arrived. In this place and at this
mystery, “God’s mystery, that attempts at an astronomical light the way the sun or the moon from other celestial bodies in the time, the mystery is revealed.
is, Christ Himself,” and they accounting are beside the point. casts light. Yet by the light of sky. At times, it can also appear And it is. By the light of a
worshipped Him (Col. 2:2). Yet others ponder the myste- those stars, we felt something to stop. miraculous star, the Christ child
If the words of “We Three rious movements of this star had shifted in our friendship. When it comes to the magi’s in Bethlehem is seen and known
Kings” are true, this star still and ask: Could God have sent a Something hidden was revealed. star, the theories with the most and revealed to the world by the
proceeds, and it still has the comet? Could God have spoken The boy and I did not see our influence and support today are God who has not only counted
power to lead. What might it through the planet Jupiter? future, but on a dark night of complex. They begin with a mod- the stars but also named them.
look like to walk in the footsteps Comets were powerful sym- falling brightness, we first felt ern understanding of planetary And by the testimony of that
of the magi today? Can we still bols in the ancient world, and its possibility. movements and apparent ret- child’s life and death and resur-
follow mystery all the way to the the movements of five planets, If, that night, you had told rograde motion, but they incor- rection, we understand that we
Mystery Himself? including Jupiter, were well us we would one day marry, or porate what we know of ancient also are seen and known and
known to astronomers. That’s together we would decorate the science and cultural symbolism. named, though we be as small as
MY LITTLE GIRL , she who was why the star of Bethlehem com- ceiling of our first baby’s room It seems that the magi were an infant lying unaware beneath a
destined for those faded Christ- municated to the magi—those with glow-in-the-dark con- carefully reading the skies. They tangle of dancing, wooden stars.
mas pajamas, recently told me wise enough to seek Him—that stellations, and that one day may have been prompted to begin Who can grasp the wonder of
that the stars in the sky are not a great king of the Jews had we and our two sons and our a journey to Jerusalem if Jupiter, a God who speaks to us in stars
real stars because they do not been born. Herod and his cir- two daughters would lie on our then known as the “king” planet, and in whispers?
have “points.” This child is a dedi- cle of learned men didn’t even backs on the wooden dock of a began moving through constel- Who can understand the
cated preschooler, and she knows know where to look. But com- mountain lake while stars fell all lations in unprecedented ways deeply personal love of a God
her shapes, from heart and trian- ets, because they are rare, do not around us, I think we would have that spoke of Judah and birth vast enough to hold the universe
gle to diamond and star. The con- speak in such quiet whispers. believed you. and a king of kings. When Herod in His hands?
versation that followed reminded Planets, perhaps because they Why? Because every starry pointed them in the direction of We cannot. Yet in our attempts
me of the talk we’d had on Valen- are familiar, do not speak so night speaks of impossible Bethlehem, a return of Jupiter to unravel the mystery, we draw
tine’s Day when I placed her hand loudly to us. things made possible, just as it in the night sky could have led nearer and nearer to the One
on her own beating heart while The mystery of the star, did when God invited Abraham them on. Apparent retrograde who calls the stars, the One who
we read the paper heart notes in every sense of that word, to count the stars. Every twin- motion could account for Jupiter called the magi, and the One
she had collected in class. Real persists. kling sky echoes the song the stopping like a spotlight or an x who calls us today. 
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55
INTOUCH.ORG
For centuries, Christians have observed Advent, the

four Sundays leading up to Christmas, as a time of
preparation to receive the promised Messiah—not
only as the child conceived of the Holy Spirit and the
HOPe
WEEK ONE
3
virgin Mary but also as the King who will one day 4
7 7
return. ¶ Though there’s no mention of Advent in the
Bible, it remains popular for a good reason: It reminds
us of our need for a Savior and prepares us for His
arrival. We hope these weekly readings, prayers, and
questions for reflection will help you enter into the
weeks leading up to Christmas in a newer, richer way.
Advent commences with hope, READ will see Your Word

a word that keeps us poised on  Jeremiah 33:14-16 face to face
the jagged edge. Hope, if it is gen-  Isaiah 60:19-22 and dwell with You
uine and more than a platitude,  Isaiah 11:1-10 in safety,
EXPERIENCE grounds us in reality, fully aware for ever and ever.
that all is not as it should be. PRAY Amen.
Want to go a step further with Advent
And yet, it also reaches toward O God, for whom all things are
this year? Join us online for more reflections
a good future, refusing to relin- possible: REFLECT
at intouch.org/senses.
quish faith in the God who has 1. We dwell in darkness but
promised to heal and restore and In the darkness of winter, know that “joy comes in the
set all things right. Hope, like the give us eyes to see that morning” (Ps. 30:5). What
whole of Advent, hinges in that night is nearly gone. evidence have you seen that
strange land between. Between Fill us with the hope helps you know God is at
God’s promise and God’s fulfill- of morning, work in your life, and why
ment. Between ruin and renewal. for surely Your ever- is it cause for hope? Write
“Between,” as the writer Robert lasting light has down as many indications as
Benson says, “the dreaming and already dawned. you can, and pray, thanking
the coming true.” It’s a coura- Winter is passing away, God for each of them.
A BRIEF ADVENT INITIALLY USHERED IN the celebration of Epiphany—the manifestation of
Christ’s divinity to the world—which focused on three events: the visit of the magi geous thing, to hope. It’s a cou- and the branch You
ILLUSTRATION/PHOTO BY NAME HERE
ILLUSTRATION/PHOTO BY NAME HERE
HISTORY from the east, Jesus’ baptism, and the wedding at Cana. By the sixth century,
Advent had evolved into a season of anticipating Jesus’ birth and second coming,
rageous thing to enter Advent
with our eyes wide open.
planted has sprouted
from Jesse’s root.
2. Christmastime is a season
of celebration, but how can
culminating on Christmas Day. Today, many Western Christian denominations The day came. You ful- dwelling in the “between”
observe the four-week season with prayer, corporate worship, readings, and most filled Your good word. enhance our understand-
famously, the lighting of candles. And yet another day ing of the fulfillment that is
approaches, when we to come?
PAT T E R N B Y OverlapOneAnother
DEVOTED LIVING.
55 INTOUCH.ORG
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for the waters that
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W E E K T WO WEEK THREE
Give us courage when
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we stumble in our fear.
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We come to You, thirsty
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Some consider peace a too-easy our Redeemer, who You satisfy us.
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sentiment—a simpleton’s way
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lives and reigns
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REFLECT
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peace, He wades right into the True joy can never be manu- One day this week, clear
READ 1.
a
chaos and transforms ruin into REFLECT factured or conjured. This is Isaiah 9:6-7  an hour on your calendar to
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In Luke 7:50 and 8:48, Jesus
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1.
tells people to “Go in peace.”
why so many of our attempts
at self-fulfillment ultimately
Isaiah 35:1-10
Luke 1:46-55 DDDDMjt
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

read and meditate on this
week’s scriptures. Do they
Advent—they won’t allow us to
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Charles Ellicott says, “Our
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idiom hardly allows us to say
leave us desolate. Joy, we dis-
cover, arrives as pure gift. How-
Philippians 4:4-7
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 fill you with joy? If so, how
is that joy different than
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‘Go into peace,’ and yet that ever, we can place ourselves in a the artificial sentiment we
PRAY
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is the exact meaning of the
original [Greek.] ‘Peace’ is
position to receive. We can open
our hearts, make them ready for
O God with us: typically feel in the Christ-
mas season?
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as a new home to which the joy wherever we find it. Advent We rejoice in Your
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every fear and right every penitent is bidden to turn as is a patient sojourn, a long walk nearness! How has practicing Advent 2.
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wrong. One who is coming to us
and who is, in every way, peace.
to a place of refuge.” How
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does imagining peace as a
toward eternal delight. And now,
as Advent’s end draws near, can
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allowed you to open your
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refuge, a thing to be entered
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into, change your under-
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tion? How can you continue
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 standing of the word? open hands and open hearts, we the glory
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
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 2.
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sentatives on earth, speak cous voices: Joy to the World! be our song,
PRAY peace to our battered and But not yet. Not quite yet. as we watch and wait
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broken world? What actions
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can you take to cultivate this
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Give us ears to hear Your in your life and community?
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voice in Scripture. INTOUCH.ORG
Wake us!
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but now we belong to WREATH— One of the most leading up to Christmas, Jesse tree illustrates the
Your light. SYMBOLS recognized symbols, the with one more lit each genealogy of Christ. (See
With Your help, may we OF wreath is made of ever- week. There are usually Isa. 11:1.) A bare branch is
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forsake the clinging green branches to remind three purple candles, which decorated with symbols
shadows. ADVENT us of God’s unending love represent waiting, and one that signify Jesus’ ancestors, NATIVITY SCENE (OR CRÈCHE) —
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pink, symbolic of rejoicing.
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such as a crown for David or
an ark for Noah. Beginning
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swords and take up times five) candles. to earth. as each symbol is hung on arrival in the world, as a
the tools to begin the tree, we’re invited to baby. Some people leave
cultivating peace— CANDLES—The candles THE JESSE TREE— Named after remember the person’s the manger empty until
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through Jesus Christ represent the weeks
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King David’s father, the place in Jesus’ story. Christmas Eve.
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12 DAYS OF
CHRISTMAS
LOvE
WEEK FOUR
LEADING UP TO DECEMBER 25,
The Lord of
“The 12 Days of Christmas” is
heard on radios, in stores, on TV.
Electric Bills
The carol’s popularity and
playful images have shifted the
focus from the true context, BY DEBBIE WAY PAULDING
reducing it to a cryptic song.
Not only are the real 12 days
7
7 after Christmas; they’re also an
invitation to meditate on the
reality of the Incarnation.
The partridge in a pear tree

stands for Jesus Christ.
Into a world ravaged by greed through us. The two turtledoves

and hatred, loneliness and dis- The sufferings of this represent the Old and
integration, a baby comes. And present time are not New Testaments.
this baby, we discover, is God. worthy to be compared The three French hens stand

The God of endless love who with the glory we shall for faith, hope, and love. PREMATURELY OUT OF THE NEST, I quickly
heals us and who pursues us to see on the day when we The four calling birds are
discovered how little a part-time fast-food
the bitter end, even to a cross. feast with You. Matthew, Mark, Luke, employee’s paycheck covered. Seated on my
No wonder shepherds dropped Keep us, now and for- and John. red Naugahyde couch and with an electric
to their knees and wise men ever, in the dwelling The five golden rings stand
bill in hand, I pondered, then worried, then
surrendered their treasures. place of Your love. for the Pentateuch. cried about the $52 deficit. According to the great—another bill. Then came the shocking
No wonder Herod wanted this Amen. The six geese a-laying are
notice, I had exactly 10 days from the posted realization that it ever actually arrived. There
baby dead. No wonder that from symbolic of the six days date before the electricity would be discon- was no yellow forwarding sticker on the enve-
the moment this baby arrived, REFLECT of creation. nected. Ten days! I didn’t have even a percent- lope because I hadn’t bothered to change my
squalling in a gritty manger, 1. Read 1 John 4:7-13. The apos- The seven swans
age to offer the power company. I was alone address. In the pre-internet era, this envelope
absolutely everything changed. tle writes, “No one has seen a-swimming stand for and broke in Nashville, the biggest city I’d ever should have landed in some Dead Letter Office
With this baby who is Immanuel, God at any time; if we love prophesy, serving, teaching, called home. or been returned to sender.
love’s revolution broke loose. one another, God abides in exhortation, contribution, Night fell, and the room got darker. My Instead, it ended up with me and contained
us, and His love is perfected leadership, and mercy— eyes overflowed with hot tears as I felt the just one thing: a check for $52 with the word
READ in us” (v. 12). Consider your the seven-fold gifts of shame and embarrassment of failure. I tor- “refund” written on the memo line. To this
 John 14:20-22 relationships. Do you care the Holy Spirit. mented myself with thoughts of sitting in day, I don’t know what was being refunded
 1 Corinthians 13:1-12 for others in such a way that The eight maids a-milking
the dark with nowhere to go. Finally, I took or why.
 John 13:34-36 God’s love is made manifest? represent the beatitudes. a deep breath and began to pray. I prayed for Now, when I find myself panicking first and
The nine ladies dancing are
a miracle out of the clear blue sky, an unde- praying second, the Holy Spirit graciously
PRAY 2. We cannot celebrate the the fruit of the Spirit. served deliverance for a lukewarm Christian reminds me of the trustworthiness of the Lord
O God of love: manger, where Christ began The 10 lords a-leaping
in desperate straits. And I continued to pray, of my upbringing, the Lord of unpaid elec-
His life, without acknowledg- represent the every day, numerous times, until I felt myself tric bills, and the Lord of manna from heaven.
You rescue us, You coming the cross, where He lay it Ten Commandments. growing closer to God. What was initially a That prayer in my 20s had been more of a des-
fort us, You restore us. down. Christ was given to us The 11 pipers piping are the
last-ditch effort became a sincere discussion perate wish to a long-lost relative than an ear-
We are Your bride, in love and sacrificed for us in 11 faithful disciples. with the heavenly Father I’d elbowed away in nest conversation with a Savior. After years of
and You are making love. How does keeping both The 12 drummers drumming
my teens. a growing relationship with Jesus, punctuated
us ready. in mind expand your under- represent the 12 points One week later, I received an envelope by earnest prayers of entreaty and grateful-
May Your Son standing of God’s great pas- in the Apostles’ Creed. from a physician I hadn’t seen since child- ness, I thank the Lord God for His patience
Jesus Christ, on His sion for you as His child? hood. How bizarre, was my initial thought, with me, and for the undeserved blessings to
return, be pleased which gave way almost immediately to, Oh, His forever-grateful child. 
with all that has been
accomplished in us and Christie Purifoy, Winn Collier, and
members of the In Touch Staff T H O U G H T F U L FA I T H .
contributed to this special feature. DEVOTED LIVING.
Biblical Literacy Series illustrations by M U T I
6 of 6
1 2
8 8
Troubling Words
The Bible is full of hard teachings we’d
rather omit, but we need every page.
T H O U G H T F U L FA I T H . D E V O T E D L I V I N G . 60 by H E A T H A . T H O M A S
HY IS THAT IN THE BIBLE?” she asked me, with eyes faith. They do make us deep and rich, robust and remains key for understanding its more
wide as saucers. My wife is never one to uncomfortable, to be sure; powerful. But it would lose difficult passages.
mince words. She had put her finger on a however, all Scripture is all the texture that makes
tough moral issue arising from two Old Tes- designed to build us up and up a master’s work. The Getting a Grasp on the Story
tament texts. With razor-sharp insight, she train us to follow Jesus full scope of the symphony, The Bible tells the story of God, who
called out the sexual immorality of David in more closely (2 Tim. 3:16). with the combination creates a lively and life-giving world.
2 Samuel and Solomon in 1 Kings. How could anyone who There are five basic skills of highs and lows—the Genesis 1–2 teaches that God’s world is
3 4
8 hoards women in a harem be counted as faithful to God? we need to nurture in our- trills of the piccolo and “good.” All is well in it, until something 8
Yet the Bible describes David as a man after God’s own selves if we want to gain the resounding clashes goes awry. Human sin brings wrong into
We must wrestle with difficult passages of Scripture. They need not be assaults on the faith.
heart (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22) and Solomon as a king a truer understanding of of cymbals, the mournful God’s good world. Genesis 3 introduces
imbued with divine insight (1 Kings 3:5-15; 5:7). Isn’t there God’s Word as we wres- cry of the violin and the the horrors of sin, when Adam and Eve
some disconnect between the Bible’s description of these tle with it. Like tools in a thrumming power of the rebel against their Lord. They wrongly
kings and the morality of their actions? How do we deal toolbox, these skills will double bass—would dis- believe that they can find life and wisdom
with these thorny places in Scripture? enable us to “go to work” solve into a mass of noise without God’s guidance and protection.
If we are honest, several hard sayings in the Bible emerge with hard sayings: with no context. The result of their sin is death and curse.
as we read. Some are God’s commands, some are words This illustration helps But despite human sin, God proclaims
that the faithful speak to God, and some of the hard sayings 1. Learning the bibli- us to embrace the impor- that wickedness will not win the day or
are actions taken by God’s people. For example: cal story tance of Scripture’s over- destroy His good world. God raises up the
2. Finding treasures all context. The Bible is people of Israel to be His chosen vessel of
 Abraham gives his wife to another man (twice!) of darkness not a mass of jumbled sto- blessing. From them, He would choose a
and lies about her identity (Gen. 12:10-20; 3. Distinguish- ries. Rather, its context is king who will rule the nations with perfect
20:1-18). ing between built from the foundational justice and love.
 God commands Abraham to offer his son as a description and symmetry of creation at Despite God’s blessing on them, the
sacrifice to Him (22:1-2). prescription the beginning (Gen. 1-2) Old Testament reveals that Israel is a bro-
 God apparently commands genocide against 4. Considering com- and new creation at the ken vessel. Sin marked the first human
people groups (Deut. 20:10-18; Josh. 6-7). plex characters end (Rev. 21-22). Its story pair and mars the people of God. Humanity
 Jephthah offers his daughter to the Lord 5. Hearing Scripture has a particular direction needs someone who will erase the stain of
(Judg. 11:29-40). proclaim Jesus as well. The story moves sin, bearing the punishment of sin on their
 Men of faith complain about divine violence, from a world gone wrong behalf. The Old Testament exposes that
injustice, or passivity (Ps. 22; 44; 88; Lam. 1-2; to a world reconciled this person is the coming Messiah, the King
Hab. 1:2-4; Jer. 16). L E A R N I NG to God in Jesus Christ. of Israel and the Lord of God’s kingdom.
 Psalmists pray for vengeance against enemies Understanding the context He will bear the sins of the people and the
(Ps. 58:7-12; 94:1-2, 22-23; 137:7-9; 139:19-22). T H E BI BL ICA L and direction of Scripture world, and His work will usher in the new
creation (Isa. 53, 65). So, the story from
The list above is representative and reveals only the tip STORY creation to the coming Messiah is central
of the iceberg when it comes to tough moments in the Bible. to the structure of the Old Testament.
I
Through the years, I have worked with good, God-fearing ENJOY LISTENING to The New Testament completes the story,
people who have had a hard time reconciling these difficult classical music, espe- revealing Jesus as the coming Messiah.
sayings with the Holy God of the universe, the Father who cially Beethoven or Jesus brings forgiveness of sins, life out
gave His one and only Son as an atoning sacrifice for our Mozart. When a sym- of death, and the kingdom of God. At the
sins. I get it, because I share in their struggle. But I believe phony hall resounds with close of Scripture, Jesus is on His throne
there is help and hope. the music of these masters, in a new creation, and He proclaims that He
To start, let me say that we must wrestle with difficult it sets my heart on fire. But makes all things new (Rev. 21:5).
passages of Scripture. We cannot and should not ignore imagine listening to the
them, because our efforts to contend with them will guide music of the symphony The Canaanite Destruction
us to a deeper faith and a richer love for Jesus. Too often, stripped of all treble, with in the Light of the Story
those far from God have used these difficult portions of only the bass remaining. The broader story of Scripture is helpful
Scripture as a kind of bludgeon against Christianity. But Of course, the music (if we when we encounter troubling commands,
the hard sayings of the Bible need not be assaults on the could call it that) would be such as the slaughter of the Continued on pg 64
Canaanites (Deut. 7:2). It reminds us that These gods, so the people hard moments in the Bible. especially stands out because it reminds us that the Lord
God’s commands against the Canaanites thought, gave them their The story reveals that God brings treasures from the darkness of life, and when He
are neither His first nor last word. As its land and ruled over them. exposes idols, promotes does, we come to know Him more intimately: “ … so that
Creator, God has all authority over His cre- So, if one wanted to show life, and punishes sin. The you may know that it is I, the Lord.”
ation. When humanity rebels against Him, a nation’s deity was false, story affirms His commit- But the verse also implies that God’s people face dark-
He has the right to revoke life and to punish a simple sermon would ment to reconciliation and ness. As was true for Israel, it is also true for us. Following
sin. This is true of God’s command against not do. Pagan gods were peace in the face of sin. It the Lord is not always happy or easy. God’s people face
5 6
8 the Canaanites as well. God punishes exposed as impotent when reveals His plan to bring dark days of injustice and pain, and in those moments 8
them because of their sin (Gen. 15:16). But a more powerful god drove life out of death, joy out God’s people wonder why the pain exists and how long it
we should also remember God’s great an enemy from the land or of pain, forgiveness in the will persist. In fact, “why?” and “how long?” are the very
patience with the Canaanites before He defeated the nation in battle. face of sin, and also His popular questions in the book of Psalms! The reason is
punished their wickedness. (He waited When God gives three commitment to make all because the life of faith encounters darkness. What kind
400 years!) commands (“to utterly things new through Jesus. of faith does God’s Word provide in these dark days of life,
As we read the story of Scripture, we destroy,” “to drive out,” where shadows creep in and menacing uncertainty casts
should also note that the commands to God’s commands of wrath are not the first or last word in the story of Scripture. and “to dispossess”), He a pale hand over our hearts?
“utterly destroy” the people of Canaan strikes at the three ele- HARD Scripture opens us to prayer, which is a treasure that
(Deut. 20:10-18; Josh. 6-7) appear along- ments of ancient national God gives in dark days. When life turns upside down, our
side other more numerous commands to identity. As He defeated PR AY ER S: first and best response is to pray: honest, raw, and unfet-
“drive out” and “dispossess” the Canaan- the Canaanites, drove them tered communication to the God of the universe.
ites from their land (“drive out”: Deut. 6:19, from their land, and dispos- F I N DI NG Take, for example, prayers of vengeance against enemies
They are the commands of a holy One who battles idolatry and sin.
7:1, 9:4, 18:12; Josh. 10:28; “dispossess”: sessed them of it, the true (see Ps. 58:7-12; 137:7-9)—how can these be good for us
Deut. 9:1, 11:23, 18:14, 19:1). Why do we God of Israel would expose
T R E A SU R ES (or our enemies)? Well, prayers of vengeance allow us to
have three separate commands? the pagan Canaanite gods OF DA R K N ESS voice real frustration and pain to God. Also, praying for
These commands reveal God’s desire for what they were. retribution prevents us from taking vengeance into our
to expose and defeat the false religion of When read in light of own hands. Rather, they allow us to carry our pain and
O
Canaanites instead of simply obliterating the story of Scripture, the N MY SHELF is a anger to God and leave these difficult emotions with Him.
them. You see, in the ancient world, three Canaanite slaughter reveals book about Mes- In fact, psychologists inform us that prayers of lament and
crucial elements made up the identity of a God is not “bloodthirsty,” o p o t a m i a n h i s- vengeance release our negative emotions to the One who
nation: the people, the land, and their god. as some suppose, but holy, tory and religion, can transform them: God Himself. So, these uncomfortable
righteous, and just. He entitled The Treasures of moments give us the vocabulary and grammar to voice
GOD exposed their false gods as Darkness. The book’s title our feelings and experiences of injustice, pain, anger, and
powerless idols, unworthy derives from the prophecy frustration. They are treasures of darkness.
of worship. Interestingly, of Isaiah: “I will give you
“driving out” Canaanites the treasures of darkness
from the land gave the pos- and hidden wealth of secret DISTI NGU ISH I NG
sibility for future repen- places, so that you may
tance. And those who know that it is I, the Lord, BET W EEN DESCR I PTION
LAND PEOPLE embraced the Lord, like the God of Israel, who calls
Rahab, experienced sal- you by your name” (45:3). A N D PR ESCR I PTION
Ancient cultures believed that a god vation and blessing. God’s God speaks to Israel in
C
protected the people and provided the commands of wrath are this passage, and He gives HILDREN LIKE TO IMITATE their parents. If a father
land for life. If either land or people were not the first or last word a word of hope after they wears cowboy boots, it is not too long before a son or
compromised, then the nation assumed in the story of Scripture. have faced the reality of daughter is clumsily plodding through the house in
their god had lost power. Many, if not all, They are the commands of exile in Babylon. Living the far-too-big boots up to the child’s hips. Because
of Israel’s neighbors thought this way. a holy One who battles idol- under foreign oppression Scripture is God’s Holy Word, our instinct might be that
The Canaanites worshipped the pagan atry and sin. left God’s people deflated, everything said or done in the Bible serves as a model for
god Baal, among others. The Babylo- The story of Scripture and He provided them us to emulate, just as a child mimics the action of a parent.
nians worshipped the pagan god Marduk. is the foundational con- comfort in the time of Sometimes, this instinct is exactly right. For instance,
The Edomites worshipped Chemosh. text in which to set the their affliction. This verse Matthew 16:24 gives a hard saying that we Continued on pg 66
indicative of Israel’s slide world. Such is the realm of by God. The complexity of these charac-
Scripture opens us to prayer, which is a treasure that God gives in dark days. When life turns upside down, our
into rebellion and violence. science fiction stories, fan- ters reminds us that our goal in reading
In the Bible, there is a sig- tasy, or romance novels. Scripture is to be like the one to whom
first and best response is to pray : honest, raw, and unfettered communication to the God of the universe.
nificant difference between The world that the Bible these people ultimately point: Jesus. He
description and prescrip- presents is the real world, is our model and example. Complexity in
tion. We will stumble over with all the challenges part the characters of Scripture enables us to
Scripture’s hard sayings and parcel of it. Characters relate to their failings, to aspire to their tri-
7 8
8 when we confuse the two. in Scripture are presented umphs, and ultimately to desire the same 8
with a realism and rough- Savior for whom they longed.
ness that mark a people
CONSI DER I NG tainted by sin and yet graced
by the goodness of God. H E A R I NG SCR I PT U R E
COM PL EX Take Abraham, for exam-
ple. He was far from perfect. PROCL A I M J ESUS
CH A R ACT ER S As mentioned above, he
S
“
attempted to give his wife CRIPTURE PROCLAIMS JESUS , and
YOU CAN’T JUDGE a to two kings to save his own we do well when we measure hard
book by its cover” hide. If this is not a picture sayings in the Bible against this proc-
h as b e c o m e a of moral turpitude, I don’t lamation. Matthew tells the story of
phrase we use to highlight know what is. Yet Abra- Jesus being transfigured on the mountain
the complexity of human ham was both a broken and as several disciples watch. At that moment,
beings. After you open the a blessed man. God used Moses and Elijah appear with Him, signi-
cover and delve into a book, Abraham despite his sin. fying the totality of the Old Testament law
ought to imitate: “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If any- you may discover that what The same holds true for and all prophetic instruction. There God
one wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and is hidden in the pages is David. Perhaps the clearest says, “This is My beloved Son, with whom
take up his cross and follow Me.’” The meaning is clear: If much more lovely (or hor- thing that we know of David I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” (17:5) The
one seeks to be like Jesus, one must be willing to suffer in rible) than you ever could is that he knew how terri- transfiguration exposes a significant inter-
obedience to the calling of God. have imagined. ble he was. As a result, he pretative key: The Old Testament needs to
But in other places, Scripture tells what a person did So it is with various char- knew what it was to repent be read and heard in the light of Jesus.
without indicating we should do likewise. For example, acters in Scripture. Major of sin and utterly lean We are to read Scripture as it proclaims
the Bible describes Jephthah sacrificing his daughter, but figures like Abraham or on God. Psalm 51 plainly our Savior, the ultimate hero of God’s
it certainly does not follow that the Lord prescribes this David, for instance, are demonstrates this. The Word. He alone is the definitive model to
action for us to imitate. not simple. They are rarely Bible presents David as a follow. Our understanding of God is medi-
Sharp readers will evaluate action in Scripture based painted with a single brush- broken leader, unable to ated in Jesus. Our understanding of God’s
upon three questions: 1) Does the Bible encourage the stroke. They exhibit good save himself or his people. wrath and mercy are explained by Jesus.
action in the story? 2) Does the Bible make an assess- and bad character traits Yet God blesses both out Our final hope is in Jesus. Our model for
ment, good or bad, about the action in the story? 3) Does as well as highs and lows of His grace and according morality is Jesus. He is the all in all, the
the action beautifully picture the loving God who created in their faithfulness to the to His plan. secret of heaven and earth. As the great
all things? If the answer to any of these is “no,” we can Lord. As we deal with the Complexity is a good German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer
distinguish description from prescription. difficult people in Scripture thing. The complexity of said, “He is the centre and the strength of
Taking the story of Jephthah’s sacrifice as an example, and the troubling things the biblical characters the Bible, of the Church, and of theology,
we can ask, “Does the Bible prescribe this action for us that they say and do, we enables us to understand but also of humanity, of reason, of justice
today?” The answer, considering the questions above, is must learn to understand our lives in the light of and of culture. Everything must return to
“no.” The Bible neither encourages the action nor makes an their complexity. theirs. As they are bro- Him; it is only under His protection that it
overt assessment of it. However, God forbids human sacri- We need to realize the ken and yet redeemed by can live.” The more we read Scripture in
fice in the law (Lev. 20:2-5) and seems to provide a way to people in the Bible (except God, it gives us the oppor- the light of Jesus, the more we will under-
deal with rash vows. Jephthah would have no need to sur- for Jesus) are imperfect. tunity to see that we, too, stand its hard moments and embrace them
render his daughter (27:1-8). Far from revealing God’s love, Biblical stories do not are broken in sin. Yet like as difficult—but good—words that lead us
which is patient and sincere, Jephthah’s action is instead present an ideal or perfect them, we can be redeemed to the Son. 
In Focus
11
17
Called Home Ric and Darilynn

Sometimes the last place you want to go
is exactly where God wants you to be.
gave up their dream
BY JOSEPH E. MILLER
of warmer climes to live
PHOTOGRAPHY BY in the expectation that
Jesus would break through
BEN ROLLINS
—just as they’d prayed

THE RADIO STATION’S parent
company flew him to Chicago for
for nearly two decades.
eight interviews in a day. And he
nailed every single one. Ric was
certain: This was in the bag. The
McClarys started dreaming of
living in a warmer place. Orig-
inally from Minnesota, they
looked forward to milder win-
ters for a change.
Then the call came in. He
didn’t get the job. everything her parents tried something Ric and Darilynn
And so the Chattanooga posi- to teach her within a loving, had lifted up in prayer for years.
tion went to someone else. Christian household. She con- So they gave up their dream of
Though Ric had spent much sumed alcohol whenever she warmer climes to move closer
of his life learning to trust the could, ran into trouble with law to Tara and their grandkids, and
will of the Lord, this was still enforcement, and eventually left to live in the expectation that
disappointing. The McClarys home for good in the middle of Jesus would break through—
accepted that the door was the night. By the time Ric was just as they’d prayed for nearly
closed. And then the company offered a job back in Minnesota, two decades. The job in Pequot
called Ric back. It turned out a she was an adult who had got- Lakes started to make sense. It
position opened at a station in ten her life back in order—to a was a homecoming.
central Minnesota—the last certain degree. She had met and
place he was looking. fallen in love with Mark, a fellow AS RIC AND DARILYNN settled in,
It quickly became clear that divorcee who also had kids from they put forth the effort to see
God was working through the Ric McClary stands outside the Christian radio station he manages in Pequot Lakes, a previous relationship. They Tara’s family as often as possi-
bad news. For years Ric and Minnesota. God called Ric and his wife, Darilynn, back to Minnesota to be near their decided to move in together, ble despite living over two hours
adult daughter and her family.
Darilynn had been praying forming a blended family. away. Ric learned that the cou-
for their youngest child, Tara. The chance to relocate close ple’s children had asked to start
Since her teen years, Tara defied to their estranged daughter was going to church, and Continued on pg 70
I N F O C U S
so he connected Tara and Mark

with one that was nearby to the
south, closer to Minneapolis.
The kids were spiritually curi-
ous, and it had started to rub off
on their parents. At NorthRidge
Fellowship, Tara and Mark met
Doug Whittlef, the church’s care
pastor. Doug suggested counsel-
ing them, and the three met reg- If anything was going
ularly to work through issues
from the past. to change, Ric knew it
A month later at Christmas,
with the whole family gathered, would take the work
Mark reached under the tree
and pulled out a package with
of the Holy Spirit.
his name on it. Tearing away the
paper, he saw the title of a book:
Every Day in His Presence by
Charles F. Stanley. The from tag
said “Ric.” Mark’s eyes welled
with tears.
“I have a copy of the same
book,” Ric said. “Tell you what:
Let’s read it together each day,
and you can text me with any
questions or thoughts you have
about the reading.” Mark didn’t played in the background. Dar- baptized.” Though surprised, she
know what to say. ilynn recalls a noticeable differ- consented. Doug, the care pastor,
As he drew closer to Jesus, ence on her visits. Things just had spent a lot of time mentoring
Yo u
Mark began to treasure his future seemed more peaceful. the children. Because he felt they
a n k
father-in-law’s wisdom. This As time went on, God contin- understood the gospel and the
T h
gift meant more than any other ued to bless the family through meaning of baptism, he said he
thing—it was a reminder that Ric the devotional. Mark joked that would be honored to do it. Then,
loved him and would be there to he kept checking the cover for at their next counseling session,
encourage him on the road ahead. his name, as if it had been written Tara asked if she and Mark could
It wasn’t long before Tara with him in mind. Ric stops short be baptized too. Doug said no—
became a little jealous of the of saying the book is inspired— they weren’t married.
book reading plan, so she joined acknowledging even Dr. Stanley Ric knew it wasn’t best for
Mark in the daily devotions. would reserve that word for the Tara to have moved in with Mark
They developed a hunger for Bible alone—but he insists it was without getting married. But he
God, and in becoming more the right thing, at the right time, also acknowledged that his adult
involved with their local church, to help his family enter into a daughter would make her own With your support, we’ve seen God do
the couple began to find free- new season with God. choices, and if anything was immeasurably more in 2017 than we could
dom in living for Christ. They going to change, it would take have asked or imagined. And He isn’t done yet.
stopped drinking altogether. A FEW MONTHS into attending the work of the Holy Spirit. Ric
And where the home was once NorthRidge, Tara’s youngest already saw a softening of their To Him be all glory, honor, and praise!
filled with bickering and argu- three children came home with hearts, which is one of the rea-
ing, soft worship music now a request: “Mom, we want to be sons he reached out Continued on pg 72
I N T O U C H . O R G / G E T- I N V O LV E D
I N F O C U S
BENEDICTION
both of the wisdom

OH, THE DEPTH OF THE RICHES
and knowledge of God! How unsearchable

are His judgments and unfathomable His
The McClarys, who’ve been married for 45 years, have trusted God through life’s ups and downs.
ways! For who has known the mind of the
lord, or who became His counselor? Or
to Mark when he did—the timing So on the way home from the Soon the children were bap- who has first given to Him that it might be
was right to deepen a disciple- meeting, Mark stopped at the tized, and Mark and Tara contin-
ship relationship. store, bought an air mattress, ued counseling with Doug. At the paid back to him again? For from Him and
Meanwhile, one of the chil- and moved into the basement. end of one session months later,
dren became bothered that his He texted a picture of his new he told them, “OK. I’ll marry through Him and to Him are all things. To
father and Tara were sleeping setup to Doug that night. you.” They were ecstatic. Doug
in the same room; even at his Weeks later, Tara became took a photo of them to com- Him be the glory forever. Amen.
young age, he believed that was frustrated that they were still memorate the decision. Tara
something reserved for married in counseling with no end date says it’s the best they’ve ever
couples. When Doug brought in sight. She looked up wedding taken together.
it up in the counseling session, chapels in the phone book—any- Though Tara and Mark con-
Mark accepted responsibility where they could get married tinue to face challenges, Ric looks
to do the right thing. There, on right away. But she remem- back at the decision to return to
the spot, he got on one knee and bered her father’s advice: Stay Minnesota and wouldn’t have it
asked Tara to marry him. (She the course. The couple had any other way. It’s been a long
said yes.) Tara asked Doug if he already submitted themselves road—one with no guarantees
could marry them right then, but to the spiritual authority of the for the future except the endur-
Doug insisted it would take sev- church, and to take matters into ing love of God—but Ric remains
eral more sessions of counsel- their own hands would erase the ever grateful, because his daugh- —Romans 11:33-36
ing before they would be ready. progress they had made. ter returned home. 

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ITM-102_Devotional_022715_MLC_FINAL.

by Becky Stanley Brodersen

Heartened Toward Hope

Life Principles Kitchen Towel,

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017

NATURAL JUCO (LPTP17)

SHOP THE 2017 CHRISTMAS CATALOG, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.

In The Stillness, 2018 Wall Calendar, $13 USD (CAL18)

SHOP THE 2017 CHRISTMAS CATALOG, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.

Set your sights on growth in 2018

obediently before Him, we find

can separate us from His love In our modern world, knowledge is

Divine Presence His power, we can trust Him,

God’s omnipresence is one of

COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY GETTY IMAGES/EyeEm; THIS PAGE ILLUSTRATION BY MUTI

The weeks leading up to Christ-

And It Was Night 22

Squinting Toward Heaven

Chapter & Verse33

CREATIVE DIRECTION & DESIGN Metaleap Creative —Amy Hayes,

PHOTOGRAPH BY GETTY IMAGES/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CREATIVE

Toward the end of the ser-

IT SHOULD HAVE Small Gifts

We are made in the image

KNOWN AND UNKNOWABLE Our actions

A Human The more you are

awkward, about the other person

happening in the dark, human

Christ explained that He’d been

SQUINTING TOWARD HEAVEN

CHAPTER & VERSE

GOOD NEWS FOR ALL! God is sovereign over all that

Until Jesus arrived on the

join with the human race,

A C L O S E R L O O K W I T H D R . S TA N L E Y In Greek, the word for

TO THINK LIKE GOD

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T H E G RE ATE R EX PE R I E NC E OF FA I TH I SN’ T I N F I ND I NG A NSW ERS,

BU T DWELLING IN T HE U NKNOWN. BY MIKE COSPER

4 0 -Y E A R cially in the midst of trials. It’s

you come, and no far- like a weaned child

It sounds exactly like the title of a Nancy Drew

PREVIOUS SPREAD, PHOTOGRAPH BY NICK VEASEY/GETTY IMAGES

compelled to make the coming of Jesus a cen-

For centuries, Christians have observed Advent, the

Advent commences with hope, READ will see Your Word

ILLUSTRATION/PHOTO BY NAME HERE

DDDDMjt5 EEEEEEE DDDDMjt

DDDDMjt5 EEEEEEE DDDDMjt

DDDMjt5 beauty. This is why we readEEEEEEEE

DDDMjt5 Psalm 27:1-4

DDDMjt5 O God, who calls:

The partridge in a pear tree

Called Home Ric and Darilynn

—just as they’d prayed

so he connected Tara and Mark

both of the wisdom

and knowledge of God! How unsearchable

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And It Was Night 22

Squinting Toward Heaven

Chapter & Verse33

A C L O S E R L O O K W I T H D R . S TA N L E Y In Greek, the word for