Jim Daly

Should Christians Criticize Other Christians on Social Media?

According to the latest research, 77% of Americans are social media users, with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest serving as the most popular sites of engagement. The growth, popularity and influence of this forum is staggering, especially when you consider that back in 2005, only 7% of Americans had any type of social media account.

Clearly, not all social media users are equal. Many of us primarily use it to stay in touch with family and friends, sharing pictures, stories and other points of interest.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: church, faith, relationships

How to be Intentional and Flexible in Your Parenting

If you’re a parent, you may feel like you’ve got everything under control most days. But every now and then, something unexpected happens and nothing goes right with your kids. If that’s been your experience, we’ve got some great encouragement for you today on the Focus on the Family Broadcast.

That sense of frustration and of wondering, “What do we do now?” is something Jean and I have experienced many times with our boys.

Parenting is filled with surprises for most of us, and it’s often a lot harder than we expected.

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

Our Hope and Our Peace in the Midst of Struggle

Jesus is your redeemer.

I hope you believe that.

Christians say that they do. That is what good Christian theology teaches, after all. But do we believe it?

Let’s face it, some days the hill we’re climbing can seem so steep we lose hope that we can survive to the top. Life is hard. Jesus told us it would be. In John 16:33 says, “In this world, you will have trouble.” But he also offered hope to the suffering through His suffering on the cross.

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She Forgave Her Father’s Killer

On today’s Focus on the Family Broadcast we’re hearing from Laurie Coombs, who has an amazing story of forgiveness.

Luke 6:27-28 says, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you. Pray for those who abuse you” (ESV). For me, and for many of you, that verse is one of the most convicting in all of Scripture. It’s hard to live up to God’s standard in this area. In fact, without His Spirit and character enabling you, I’d say it’s impossible to achieve that depth of forgiveness.

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Did Prayer Deliver the Boys in the Cave?

The agonizing 18-day ordeal and successful 3-day rescue of 12 school-age boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in Thailand has captivated the world’s attention. In fact, there is news out today that corporate executives are already negotiating book and movie rights to the story. You can be sure that both will be blockbusters, maybe even by next summer.

Throughout the nearly three-week ordeal, both social and traditional media were replete with calls for prayer – for the boys, their coach and the Navy Seals who ultimately coordinated and assisted in their dramatic rescue.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: events, faith, pop culture

Ray Vander Laan on “Cultures in Conflict”

In set 16 of the That the World May Know series, titled “Cultures in Conflict,” Bible teacher Ray Vander Laan leads viewers on a journey with the Apostle Paul as he preaches in Athens, Greece on Mars Hill and founds the church in Corinth.

Along the way, Ray highlights Paul’s tremendous ability to share God’s truth in a way the culture of his day could understand.

In Corinth, for example, one of the most important structures was a temple dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing.

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Focus President Jim Daly on the Nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh

Focus on the Family is pleased to support the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh as an Associate Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court. As a former law clerk to the retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy, with a long resume of public service as well as private legal experience, Judge Kavanaugh is a top-drawer candidate to replace his former boss on the nation’s highest court.

A graduate of Yale and Yale Law School, Judge Kavanaugh has served in the Solicitor General’s Office, as well as in the George W.

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Moving from Anger to Intimacy

I think Jean would agree that I have a pretty good handle on my anger.

Okay, she’d probably rat me out for being “hangry” from time to time. But, c’mon, doesn’t everybody get a little grumpy when they haven’t eaten? The important thing is that I recognize what I’m really angry about. I’m not upset with Jean, I’m cranky because I want food.

That distinction may sound like semantics, but it’s actually key to resolving some of what ticks us off.

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

Focus on the Family Best Seller List

Week ending July 3rd:

Growing Kids with Character (by Hettie Brittz)
Parenting Your Powerful Child (by Kevin Leman)
Happily Ever After (by Ginger Kolbaba)
Unoffendable (by Brant Hansen)
Kingdom Marriage (by Tony Evans)
Doing Good Is Simple (by Chris Marlow)
Raising Kingdom Kids (by Tony Evans)
Making Happy (by Les & Leslie Parrott)
Through the Eyes of a Lion (by Levi Lusko)
The Children’s Illustrated Bible (by Selina Hastings)
ESV Economy Bible
A Lifelong Love (by Gary Thomas)
Miracle in Shreveport (by David & Jason Benham)
Enjoy!

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Keeping the Romance Sizzling in Your Marriage

The culture is inundating us with messages that chip away at the moorings upon which God’s design for marriage is built.

We shouldn’t be surprised.

Ephesians 5:31 says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” The next verse says, “This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church” (v.32).

According to Paul, an intimate marriage says to the world, “This is a picture of Christ’s love for His church.

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