Jim Daly

Rethinking Your Parenting Strategies

A father who came to psychologist Michael Anderson’s office for counseling illustrates the shift in thinking many moms and dads need to make.

The father said, “In the last 90 days, my daughter has completely changed. She’ll do anything her friends tell her to do. She’s smoking. She’s drinking. She’s shoplifting.”

Michael asked him, “What was she like 90 days ago?”

The father said, “She was an A-student. She was in the church youth group. She’d do anything we told her to do.”

That last phrase caught Michael’s ear.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, children, parenting

Finding Contentment and Happiness as a Wife

My wife and I often discuss our relationship in terms of a theme. It could be “forgiveness,” or “grace,” or maybe “patience.” Then we try to weave that theme into every part of our marriage. Not only will we try to be more patient, for example, but we’ll make patience a part of our conversation with one another for that season of life.

Sometimes all it takes to infuse a marriage with more happiness is a few small changes.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, marriage, relationships

The Hug That Changed The World

A few days ago, I watched one of the most deeply moving acts of forgiveness that I have ever seen.

For those who don’t yet know, Amber Guyger, a former police officer, was recently sentenced to 10 years in prison for fatally shooting Botham Jean after allegedly mistaking his apartment for her own.

After her judgement was handed down, Brandt Jean, brother of Botham Jean, took to the stand. Instead of declaring judgement upon her, Jean decided to proclaim the gospel, and announce that he forgave Guyger.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: forgiveness, love

Flourishing in Your Marriage

Todd and Karen Ehman were convinced they were perfectly matched for one another … until they went to premarital counseling.

They underwent a battery of tests and expected their counselor to tell them, “Your relationship was made in heaven. You’re going places. You’re going to do great things for God.” Instead, he held Todd’s profile in one hand and Karen’s profile in the other. He said, “I have to be honest with you. I know you love each other, and you love the Lord.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: conflict, marriage, relationships

Finding Peace Through Forgiveness

The assassination of our 20th President, James Garfield, offers an important lesson for people struggling with bitterness and resentment.

Let’s start with when Garfield was assassinated. It’s hard to say exactly. He was shot on July 2nd, 1881, less than four months into his term. But he didn’t die until 79 days later, on September 19th.

It’s also difficult to say exactly who killed him. The man who shot President Garfield was named Charles Guiteau. But Garfield didn’t die from his gunshot wound.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: forgiveness, relationships

Last Call! Students, Don’t Forget to Bring Your Bible to School Tomorrow

By now you’ve likely heard that tomorrow (October 3rd) is “Bring Your Bible to School Day,” our annual celebration designed to encourage kids to share God’s Word in a winsome and loving way, and to exercise their religious freedoms.

Beginning six years ago with 8,000 students participating, last year’s event saw over 650,000 young people representing all 50 states joining the national movement.

This year’s event hasn’t been without controversy.

Last month, New Orleans Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees elicited the ire of some liberals for endorsing the celebration.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: events, faith

Benny Hinn Renounces “Prosperity Gospel” – What About You?

I saw an article a few weeks ago reporting that televangelist Benny Hinn had renounced the “prosperity gospel” he had been preaching for years.

Hinn declared, “I think it’s an offense to the Lord to say give $1,000. I think it’s an offense to the Holy Spirit to place a price on the Gospel. I’m done with it. I will never again ask you to give $1,000 because I think the Holy Ghost is just fed up with it.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: faith

Preparing Your Child for the Teen Years

Have you had “The Talk” with your child? You know, the one about sex?

If so, how did it go?

If not, why not? Maybe you feel nervous because you don’t know what to say.

I don’t blame you. The talk I had with one of my boys didn’t go as well as I’d hoped. I’d planned a weekend long father/son getaway. We had a good time, and I did my best to explain everything in a way he’d understand.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, family, parenting

President Trump Talks Life at the U.N.

Lost in this week’s
impeachment fever was President Trump’s stellar address to the 72nd
session of the United Nations General Assembly.

It was Mr. Trump’s third time speaking
before the world’s international body and the nation’s chief executive didn’t
mince words on a wide range of topics from North Korea to Iran and
the sovereignty of the United States.

Of particular interest to me
were his strong remarks concerning the sanctity of life:

“Americans
will never tire of defending innocent life,” he stated.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: abortion, current events, pro-life

Catching a God-Sized Vision for Your Family

Amy Rienow says she and her husband Rob got married … then dated for 10 years.

It was just a few months from first their first date to their wedding, which meant the years that followed were filled with surprises. They both loved the Lord, but they were clueless about the purpose of marriage and family.

Their crisis moment came 10 years into their marriage. Rob was a dedicated youth pastor. His number one passion was passing his faith to other people’s children.