Daly Focus Blog
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was one of the largest disasters in American history. Popular accounts from the time report that Catherine O’Leary’s cow kicked over a lantern in a barn. The small flame erupted into an inferno that destroyed miles of homes and burned Chicago’s business district to the ground.
So much destruction from a single spark.
That’s why the book of Proverbs urge us to be careful with our words. “Death and Life are in the power of the tongue” it says (18:21).
Do you need help?
It’s okay to admit it, if you do. Sooner or later, all of us need help. Even Moses.
Exodus chapter 17 tells about Moses receiving help while the Israelites are engaged in battle against an enemy. In the story, Moses stands on a hill and raises his staff above his head. As long as his arms remain in the air, the Israelites prevail. But when he lowers them, they begin to lose.
The teen years can be stressful and chaotic – for teenagers and parents. Teens are experiencing a multitude of simultaneous changes – physical, emotional, social and cognitive – all while their drive for independence is ramping up. The choppy waters that result can destabilize a household and stir up conflict over who’s in charge of their bedroom, their friends, their schoolwork and more.
One thing Jean and I learned while raising our boys was the importance of giving them freedom to grow.
“True crime” television shows and podcasts have become increasingly popular. The stories grab our attention. Perhaps we’re curious about the people who commit heinous acts. Perhaps we fear that “they” aren’t all that different from us.
The question of why suffering exists and why humans do horrible things to each other is a major obstacle to many people who struggle to believe in a loving God. And yet, Christianity is the only worldview that offers a compelling explanation – and answer – for evil in the world.
When times are hard, it’s important to enjoy some laughter.
That’s what we have in store with Kenn Kington, our guest on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly.
Kenn is a popular comedian and motivational speaker who has quite a knack for finding the humor in everyday moments with his wife and three kids.
I know you’ll enjoy his message. It’s fun. Yet it communicates an important point: Children mimic us! They are watching.
Adoption is central to the heart of Christianity. Psalm 68:5 says God is a “father of the fatherless.” Through faith, we are adopted into His family.
Adoption is central to Dr. Laurel Shaler’s heart as well. She’s a counselor, author, and professor at Liberty University, and she and her husband have adopted three children – two in infancy and one through embryo adoption. A medical condition prevented her from conceiving, but her heart was to be a mother, even if she couldn’t be pregnant, give birth, or have biological children.
Integrity matters. It’s the bedrock of good character. Integrity is so important that we expect it from people we don’t even know.
That was proven true years ago on the television sitcom Friends, one of the most popular shows in the 1990s and early 2000s. Just how loyal fans of the show were became clear during season five. Lead character Chandler Bing falls in love with another lead character, Monica Geller. They eventually become engaged and got married.
Do you believe that God can save any marriage?
Patricia Ashley didn’t always think so. At one time, her marriage to Vernon was dead. She says, “I didn’t love my husband. I didn’t hate him. I wasn’t glad to see him come. I wasn’t glad to see him go. It didn’t make a difference what time he came in or if he came in at all. It was dead.”
They were so isolated from each other that they were divorced in almost every way – emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
How do you connect with God?
Is your faith inspired by beautiful art? Worship music? Serving others? Confronting evil in society? Some people love cathedrals or worshiping outside. Others prefer the comfort of their home church.
Although most of us have been taught one approach to spiritual growth – daily “quiet time,” Bible study, prayer, and weekly church attendance – we all have different personalities, likes and dislikes, and spiritual giftings, each of which bring a unique perspective to our understanding of the person of Jesus and the salvation He brings to the world.
My wife Jean and I have been married since 1986. One of the most important lessons about marriage I’ve learned in that time has been this: We’re different from one another, and that’s okay. But we’ve also learned that those differences have to be navigated carefully.
You and your spouse probably see the world through different eyes, too. You fall asleep to noise, but your spouse needs quiet. You’re a night owl, but your spouse enjoys mornings.
Jim Daly is a husband, father and President of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast. His blog, Daly Focus, is full of timely commentary and wisdom designed to help you navigate and understand today’s culture. His latest book is Marriage Done Right.
