Jim Daly

Yes, Churches are Essential

Are houses of worship an “essential” part of American life? President Trump believes they are, and I couldn’t agree more.

Friday’s announcement from the White House that the Centers for Disease Control will be changing the COVID-19-inspired classification from “nonessential” to “essential” is long overdue. The president will also be calling on governors to allow churches, synagogues and mosques to open “right now.”

Thank you, Mr. President.

I’m not suggesting every church should swing open wide their doors, but as the rest of the country transitions back to a semblance of normalcy, they should have the right to make that determination for themselves.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: religious freedom

Ideas for Simple and Budget-Friendly Meals at Home

“What’s for dinner?”

With many items in short supply at the grocery stores and restaurants still closed, answering that question can be difficult.

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Ideas for Simple and Budget-Friendly Meals at Home” we’re talking about how to simplify at-home cooking and make it a fun, budget-friendly activity that’ll save you money and create quality time for the whole family.

Our guests are Mary Beth Lagerborg and Mimi Wilson, the creators of the Once-A-Month Cooking method and the authors of Once-a-Month Cooking: Family Favorites.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: family

Why Are Liquor Stores & Pot Shops Allowed to Open But Not Churches?

There is news out of Chicago that Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker will be imposing fines on three churches for meeting for worship services this past weekend.

According to the statewide stay-at-home order, churches are considered “nonessential.”

I understand that believers can worship everywhere, anywhere and at any time – but why are churches considered “nonessential” but liquor stores and pot shops deemed essential?

Illinois isn’t the first state to be so heavy handed and employ a double standard when dealing with people of faith.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: current events, religious freedom

Better Than Before: Re-Prioritizing Your Post-Quarantine Life

A couple of months ago your schedule was probably a lot like mine: full. The faucet was all the way open, and there wasn’t much free time between work, family, marriage, church, school activities, music recitals, and sports practice.

Then, all of that ground to a halt. Overnight. And just like that your entire family was at home together, not for a few hours or a few days, but for weeks. Maybe at some point you even awoke to your own personal Groundhog Day.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: Coronavirus, family

The Traffic Stop that Saved a Baby’s Life

I want to share a remarkable story with you about Focus on the Family, a police officer, a distraught young woman – and a baby whose life was spared minutes from certain death.

The names have been changed to protect all the parties involved – but it’s a true story of providence and God’s remarkable and mysterious ways.

“David” is a police officer and a military veteran. A brave and courageous guy – tough as nails type.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: pro-life

Kids: You Gotta Love Em

When times are hard, it’s important to enjoy some laughter.

That’s what we have in store with our guest Kenn Kington, our guest on the Focus on the Family Broadcast “Kids: You Gotta Love Em.”

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!

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: children, parenting

Colorado Governor Jared Polis is Exhibiting Civility and Common Sense in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic

As all but a handful of states begin the long and careful process of reopening their economies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, strong opinions abound on both sides of the aisle.

Prudence dictated widespread closures early in the crisis, especially given the horrific death toll projections. But as the economy has cratered resulting in over 36 million people out of work, a rising suicide rate and the deaths of people who are forgoing healthcare out of fear of leaving their homes, it makes good sense to find our way forward in a responsible and measured manner.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: Coronavirus, current events

Managing Money Well During a Crisis

If you’re out of work and watching your savings disappear, or you’re wondering if, how, and when the economy will recover, join us for our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Managing Money Well During a Crisis.”

Michelle Singletary is our guest. She’s a financial columnist for The Washington Post and the author of a book called The 21-Day Financial Fast: Your Path to Financial Peace and Freedom. Everyone’s financial situation is unique, but she has some great ideas for your family to protect your bottom line and to navigate a crisis with faith instead of fear.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: family, finances, money

Reasons to Believe in Jesus

If you’re unfamiliar with the Christian faith, or your passion for your faith has cooled, you’ll want to join us for our next couple editions of our Focus on the Family Broadcast.

We’re sharing a recorded message called “Reasons to Believe in Jesus” by author and British evangelist J.John. With plenty of humor, he explains why he is certain that the teachings of Christianity are absolutely true and reminds us why only Christianity can fill our lives with real hope in the midst of the problems of this world.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, faith

Join Us for a Special Online Concert Featuring Toby Mac, Lauren Daigle, Lecrae – and More!

Are you a member of a small church congregation?

Every house of worship is feeling the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, of course, but the extended closure and quarantine has put many smaller churches on the brink of closing their doors for good.

I spoke with my friend Benjamin Watson a few weeks ago about his efforts to help raise funds for these congregations. The former NFL star has a real heart for helping those on the margins.

This COVID-19 Church Relief Fund is being administered by the National Christian Foundation (NCF), a trusted organization that Focus on the Family has collaborated with for decades. Through this campaign, 100% of proceeds will go to churches that are the most at risk. NCF is distributing $3,000 grants to churches as funds are available.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: current events