Jim Daly

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8 Lessons from the World’s Happiest Couples

The May edition of Reader’s Digest  features a breezy article titled “Is Your Marriage Normal or Nuts?”

Don’t answer just yet.

But within the piece is a short list detailing eight lessons from the “World’s Happiest Couples.” I’d like to share them with you and ask if you might add to it:

1. Kindness Helps

 74 percent of couples who said they were happy give each other back rubs.

2. It’s Not Necessarily about the Looks

20 percent of the happiest partners say they’re not physically attracted to their spouse.

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How to Get a Great Idea

Have you ever wondered where great ideas come from?  The simple answer to that question is, of course, people. But why do some people get them and others don’t?

If you ask me, God is constantly planting thoughts in our minds, or permitting us to cross paths with someone who will inevitably trigger a thought or do something that sets off the spark of creative energy inside of us. But what about those seemingly “dull days” when you’re feeling tired and uninspired? 

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Five Ways to Help Your Student Finish the School Year Strong

Have your children been infected with a case of spring fever? Many school kids are already focused on one thing: summer vacation!

But wait. Not just yet. There’s still over a month to go in the classroom, even though in many homes the natives are growing restless. My wife, Jean, calls this stretch of time the “craziest” of the academic year. I think she’s right.

What’s a parent to do? How can you help your distracted student finish the school year strong?

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The Climb to Calvary – Part VII

THE CLIMB TO CALVARY
Meditations on The Seven Last Words of Christ

The Seventh Words

“And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, ‘Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit’” (Luke 23:46).

At the time of the crucifixion, it was typical for Jewish parents to teach and recite with their child a single prayer (Psalm 31:5) at bedtime. (This is much like many parents do with their children today, as in “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray my soul to keep…”) This final statement on the cross from Jesus was that very same Psalm and prayer parents were saying with their children – with only the word “Father” added to it. 

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The Climb to Calvary – Part VI

THE CLIMB TO CALVARY
Meditations on The Seven Last Words of Christ

The Sixth Words

“When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”(John 19:30).

Dr. Earnest Campbell, the former senior pastor of Riverside Church in New York City, once observed that “popular Christianity passes from the poinsettias of Christmas to the lilies of Easter, conveniently bypassing the thorns of Good Friday.”

Sadly, I think he is right and I understand why.

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The Climb to Calvary – Part V

THE CLIMB TO CALVARY
Meditations on The Seven Last Words of Christ

The Fifth Words

“After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, ‘I thirst’” (John 19:28).

Of all seven cries from the cross, Jesus’ fifth statement is the shortest. Christ has now turned from the emotional and mental pain of abandonment (Mark 15:34) to the physical pain of His torture. But in doing so, He is accomplishing far more than trying to quench a physical thirst.

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The Climb to Calvary – Part IV

THE CLIMB TO CALVARY
Meditations on The Seven Last Words of Christ

THURSDAY AM: The Fourth Words

“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’ which is, being interpreted, ‘My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?’” (Mark 15:34).

Jesus’ Passion on Calvary is now drawing to its sad and seemingly tragic end.  The skies have been dark, despite the fact the crucifixion occurred during the day in Jerusalem.

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The Climb to Calvary – Part III

THE CLIMB TO CALVARY
Meditations on The Seven Last Words of Christ

WEDNESDAY:  The Third Words

“When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, ‘Woman, behold thy son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27).

We now learn that Jesus’ mother is witnessing her own son’s six-hour execution.

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The Climb to Calvary – Part II

THE CLIMB TO CALVARY
Meditations on The Seven Last Words of Christ

Tuesday: The Second Words

“And Jesus said unto him, ‘I say unto thee, Today thou shalt be with me in paradise’” (Luke 23:43).

A lot has been written about bad things happening to good people. But it is equally jarring for many in our world to reconcile, accept and embrace the truth of our faith that tells us in the end, good things can happen to “bad” people.

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Daly Focus

Jim-Daly 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.

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