Daly Focus Blog
A little over three years ago, in February of 2015, 21 Christian men were martyred by ISIS on a beach in Libya. Their story captured the world’s attention for a brief time, but soon other stories, both important and trivial, stepped in to grab the spotlight. Such is the nature of the news cycle.
On occasion, I have used this blog to bring updates on what is happening in the area where those brave men sacrificed their lives in Christ’s name.
I am delighted to announce that Focus on the Family’s NIrV Adventures in Odyssey Children’s Bible has been nominated as a finalist for best Bible of the year by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA).
As I’ve mentioned before, The NIrV Adventures in Odyssey Bible provides an exciting journey through the Scriptures hosted by familiar characters from the beloved Adventures in Odyssey audio drama. Designed for children ages 7 to 12, this full color Bible includes both the Old and New Testaments and these special features:
66 book introductions
100 word searches
200+ devotionals
300 fun trivia facts
A 30-day guided reading plan
Maps of key biblical events
Eight comic-book adventures illustrated by Marvel/DC Comics artist Sergio Cariello
The ECPA’s Christian Book Award “recognizes the highest quality in Christian books and Bibles and is among the oldest and most prestigious awards program in the religious publishing industry.” The program began in 1978 and now includes 11 categories including Bibles, Bible Reference Works and Christian Living.
In 2017, Focus on the Family celebrated 40 years of strengthening marriages, equipping parents, speaking on behalf of those who can’t speak for themselves and addressing public policy issues affecting the family.
“It’s an honor to be part of 40 years of strengthening millions of families,” Focus on the Family President Jim Daly expressed. “Our work in helping couples in crisis has contributed to over 170,000 marriages saved in 2017 alone. There are similar stories about people’s lives changed for the better through our efforts in evangelism, parenting, advocacy for children and engaging the culture, as well.
Week Ending November 26th
1. SMART Love (David & Jan Stoop)
2. Winning with People (John C. Maxwell)
3. Failing Forward (John C. Maxwell)
4. People Can’t Drive You Crazy If You Don’t Give Them the Keys (Mike Bechtle)
5. Take Your Life Back (Stephen Arterburn & David Stoop)
6. Forgive, Let Go, and Live (Deborah Smith Pegues)
7. Cherish (Gary Thomas)
8. Adventures in Odyssey Children’s Bible
9. All the Colors of Christmas Advent Calendar
10.
“How did it go?”
It’s a question we’ve been asked many times since Oct. 5 – the day close to 500,000 students across the nation in all 50 states celebrated the fourth annual Bring Your Bible to School Day. Well, I’m proud to give you an update.
But first, let’s remember back to what was happening at the beginning of the month. Many people in the U.S. were worried were worried about family members in Mexico after the country’s two big earthquakes and in Puerto Rico after the catastrophic Hurricane Maria.
On Wednesday I shared with you two things that you could do to deepen your family’s faith: watching the movie “MULLY,” and participating in “Bring Your Bible to School Day.”
Today I want to share with you a video of a Pennsylvania family for whom #BringYourBible became a part of living out their faith every day – even in the midst of life’s trials. It’s a beautiful video that will leave you with a smile on your face – and even a tear in your eye.
I want to share two practical opportunities with you that are guaranteed to positively impact your family’s faith.
The first one will take place from Tuesday, Oct. 3, to Thursday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. each night at almost 800 theaters around the country – and that’s the debut of the movie “MULLY.”
As you may know, “MULLY” is the incredible true story of Charles Mully, who went from being an abandoned child living on the streets to a multi-millionaire businessman and entrepreneur – and who gave it all up to save more than 12,000 children who were living on the streets of Kenya.
Yesterday I shared with you why it’s more important than ever for public school students to participate in this year’s “Bring Your Bible to School Day,” the Focus on the Family-sponsored and student-led free speech event.
#BringYourBible has grown exponentially since we originally launched it in 2014: The first year, 8,000 students participated. The second year, 155,000. Last year, over 355,000. This year, we’re hoping 500,000 students will bring their Bible to school and will share and read Scripture with their friends during appropriate times, like before and after school, during recess or lunch, etc.
A few weeks ago I announced a project all of us here at Focus on the Family are very excited about: we’re helping spread the word about a beautiful and life-changing movie, “MULLY.”
The film tells the story of Charles Mully, who has rescued more than 12,000 children and teens who were living on the streets of his native Kenya.
Mully was moved to compassion by his own experience of being abandoned by his family at age 6 – and his desire to obey God’s prompting in his heart to help children society had discarded.
We’re fast approaching the fourth annual Bring Your Bible to School Day, when tens of thousands of public school students across the nation will celebrate on Oct. 5.
I’ll share more about it in the coming weeks, but in case you’re not familiar with Bring Your Bible, let me give you a quick explanation: it’s a student-led event sponsored by Focus on the Family where children and teens from all 50 states will share God’s hope and celebrate religious freedom by bringing their Bibles to school and talking about it with their friends.
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.
