Insight for Living Canada - LifeTrac Podcast

1 John 2:16We live in a world that says there is neither right nor wrong, and only relative truth. To avoid being swept along by postmodernism you'll need the discernment and direction found in the Bible.

1 Corinthians 5:9-10Loving the world means getting caught up in the attitudes and values that characterize our world...things that can lead to addictions and destroy you spiritually, physically, and emotionally. But that doesn't mean you're supposed to live in isolation and live a plain, drab life.

1 John 4:7-8A cross around a neck, an “ichthus” fish on the back of a car, a well-crafted sermon. None of these is the mark of a Christian—it is love. Like the old song says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” Honest, transparent love.

1 John 2:15-17You may be tempted to isolate yourself from the world but we're meant to live in it. People need to see the reality of Christ in you. The answer's not isolation, it's insulation.

1 John 1:5Darkness is just the absence of light. But isn't it amazing that no matter how dark darkness may get... it can never extinguish the light? God is light, and no amount of darkness can obliterate that light.

John 8:32Truth gives stability to your faith, strengthens you when you're tested, enables you to handle the Bible accurately, equips you to detect and confront error, allows you to live with confidence, and releases you from all fears and superstitions. Truth sets you free.

2 Corinthians 9:8If you want to have a great year, focus on these five things: contentment, trust in God, self-acceptance, forgiveness, and setting realistic goals.

Matthew 16:15-19Do you live life sensibly and carefully? Or are you someone who lives with great enjoyment, unafraid to take risks? It's never too late to live life to its fullest.

Ephesians 2:8Not nostalgia, not tradition, not trees. Grace is what continually draws us into celebrating Christmas, year after year. Giving is what makes Christmas great. It's a wonderful feeling to give a gift without expecting anything in return. This is a good way for us to understand God's grace—His gifts come with no strings attached.

Luke 1:26-33Nazareth isn't some holy hamlet. It's a rugged and dirty place, always has been. But it was there, in that lonely town, Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel and told she would bear the Messiah, the Saviour of the world.

John 14:6The dictionary defines “saviour” as one who saves from danger or destruction. Have you ever been saved?

Psalms 127:1Courtship is the time in a relationship to lay the foundation. It's the time you discuss children, finances, work, in-laws, faith, stress, goals... everything!

1 Peter 4:10The whole idea of Christmas revolves around the idea of a gift, appropriately enough. Giving and receiving gifts at Christmas is often a touching and sometimes surprising experience.

Luke 2:1-20Most of us have this idealistic idea about Christmas, but it will never be perfect. And you know what? The first Christmas wasn't perfect either. It was beyond messy. So why worry when things go wrong this year?

Psalms 103:19-21We are incurably curious about the spiritual realm. Although our imaginations tend to overrun truth don't ever doubt the presence of angels, for they are about us and above us. And, who knows, maybe even within one or two of us.

Hebrews 9:22Washing up for dinner is something we all learn as children. But in spiritual terms, there's a banquet you're invited to, which requires more than just soap and water—it takes blood.

Luke 16:1-15Chuck Swindoll didn't own his first car. He spent so much time polishing it the car actually owned him! So often we get caught up in appearances and forget to enjoy ourselves.

Colossians 3:13When you forgive someone, you free yourself. Forgiveness takes you out of the bondage of bitterness and you literally take out the trash that's preventing you from enjoying all the blessings that God has in store for you.

Luke 15:11-32A hero is someone who is admired for his achievements, noble qualities, and courage. This definition isn't limited to dads—even if you've never heard it, moms and dads, you are your children's heroes.

1 Thessalonians 5:14Want some great advice for building a happy home? These four two-word one-liners will help you keep your family first.

Romans 12:4-8What are your priorities? It takes work to cultivate a family and make a happy home, but the long-term rewards are worth every effort.

1 Samuel 18:3-4Being a friend means being available, especially in times of crisis. You give the greatest comfort by simply being there and listening. Your caring presence can help start the healing process in a troubled person's life.

1 Samuel 20:4A sheltering tree is a great description of a friend. We all need friends who will stand by us, in good times and bad. Going it alone is not how we're wired.

Exodus 24:7The Bible is not something we worship, but the words are important. They're to be preserved, guarded, accepted, and—most importantly—obeyed.

Revelation 2:10Eternity isn't something we like to think about, but each of us will certainly enter it one day. The question is...where will we spend it?

Luke 18:15-17Parents, teach your child of his significance regardless of looks, abilities, or intelligence. Every child is entitled to grow up confident and secure.

1 Samuel 17:4Goliath was an enormous man. Measuring nine feet nine inches tall, he was, and still is, an intimidating presence. However, Goliath didn't intimidate David. The only giant he saw was God—he knew God would help him. What about the giants in your life? How do you handle them? Straight on like David, or do you avoid them, in the hopes someone else will fight them?

1 Kings 2:3-4When everyone is busy following major world events, God is watching the hillside—looking for faithful followers to fulfil His purposes. When we're faithful to the demanding tasks of life, the daily grind of life, that's when God can use us.

Matthew 13:44-52Some subjects are so profound not only can we not comprehend it, but also it becomes mind-boggling. It's impossible for us to understand an existence beyond time and space. For us to comprehend the glories of heaven, God adjusts His truth to communicate with our simple, limited minds.

Revelation 20:7-10Satan's aim is to destroy God's creation. But his strength is limited and his days are numbered. He's the ultimate loser. And he's a defeated foe. Just read the book of Revelation.

2 Samuel 23:1-7Last words are often great words. They clarify, solidify, prioritize, and summarize. That's why they're meaningful.

Hebrews 13:8Erosion is slow, silent, and subtle. That's why compromise can so quickly lead to erosion—it isn't always bad, but when we compromise on God's Word erosion beings to take place. And that leads to destruction.

1 Samuel 10:9-12It's one thing to be apathetic towards people. We're often indifferent to politics and social justice—trusting others to take care and do what's right. As serious as apathy is, apathy towards God is even more critical. When we open our hearts to God He replaces apathy with passion... and that's when our lives are changed.

Psalms 46:1What is it about human nature that just has to disobey the signs? We see the words “Do Not Touch” and we have this unexplainable urge to do the opposite. Obedience is not something that comes naturally to us—that's human nature. The good news is God gives us the power to overcome our sinful inclinations.

Ecclesiastes 3:1Life isn't black and white—there's a lot of grey. There are times to compromise, and times to stand firm. Where we go wrong is when we compromise our theology to accommodate our lifestyle.

Genesis 1:27Do you give a person the freedom to be completely different from you? Or must we all sound, look, and respond alike?

1 Peter 2:15-17Many who've accepted Christ are still enslaved to their former lives—they haven't allowed Christ to release them from their old habits and destructive lifestyles. But He's waiting to unlock the chains and grant a life of freedom.

James 4:13-15Have you ever had an experience when circumstances were completely out of your control and there was nothing you could do…except trust God? When that happens it's a good reminder that God is the potter and we are the clay.

2 Samuel 22:21Often those who are getting a little older think it is too late to do something significant. But that isn't true. It is never too late.

Leviticus 18:4-5Sometimes we seem inundated by laws and rules, but whether or not we like them they're usually there for a reason. The same goes for God's Word. He gives us laws for our protection and well-being. When we go against God's laws we find ourselves living with regret, disappointment, and heartache.

Ephesians 5:33Do you know what the basic needs of your spouse are? When needs aren't met it's easy for a relationship to find itself in a state of disrepair. Here are the five major needs of husbands and wives.

1 Peter 4:8-10Sometimes when things don't go our way we get upset. Changing our perspective on the situation may be all we need to calm down.

Proverbs 22:6You nurture when you cultivate your children and help them know who they are. It's a bit like cultivating bamboo. You put a lot of work in and don't see many results at first but perseverance pays off!

Hebrews 5:14There are few things cuter than the cluelessness of children. However, there are few things more tragic than an adult living a clueless life.

1 Corinthians 15:34Old habits are hard to break. Sometimes we do what is wrong inadvertently, but sometimes we know we've done wrong but because we've done it so long we don't stop—even though we hurt ourselves and sometimes others.

Ephesians 4:11-13We all have special gifts and abilities from God. While it's good to venture out of our comfort zones, here's a humorous illustration of why we shouldn't force people to go too far outside the area of their gifting.

Hebrews 5:13-14In the process of being nurtured, children learn the quality of their parents' love (security), the limits of their own liberty (maturity), and the characteristics of a healthy independence (purity).

1 Samuel 16:7Clothing may polish the image, but it doesn't polish the character. You've heard the statement “You never have a second chance to make a first impression,” but does how you dress have anything to do with the inside? How do you polish that?

Romans 13:13Ever heard of the cookie jar syndrome? It's when there is a set of beliefs very carefully in place but there isn't the behaviour to give it authenticity. Belief and behaviour always go hand-in-hand. And they go in that order.

Ephesians 6:4Your child needs you to help know who he is. Parents, spend more time affirming and encouraging your child for what he does right than for disciplining and correcting for what he does wrong. Children get security from their parents to know who they are, to like who they are, and to be who they are.

Titus 2:3-5Raising kids is neither an easy task nor for the faint-hearted. Here are a few humorous tests to determine if you're ready for kids. New parent? You're going to love this LifeTrac!