Jim Daly

One of the Toughest Jobs in America

Let’s imagine you’re looking for a job online and come across a posting that describes the position as follows:

WANTED: Gregarious, dynamic and charismatic leader; excellent teaching and speaking skills required; must be empathetic and a good listener; proficient in conflict resolution, capable of juggling numerous priorities and managing unrealistic expectations. Must be available seven days per week, 24 hours per day. Compensation is not commensurate with experience.

Are you ready to apply?

I can probably guess what you’re thinking – “I’m not crazy, Jim!

Continue ReadingTopics: Focus Events Tags: church, events, pastors

Did You Know This About Darryl Strawberry?

The line that separates the heights of success from the depths of despair is often razor thin.

Take our guests on today’s and tomorrow’s programs, for example.

Darryl Strawberry was a power hitting, eight-time All-Star outfielder who earned four World Series rings. In 17 seasons, he played for a number of Major League baseball teams, including the New York Mets and the New York Yankees.

But his career, and his life, were derailed by substance abuse, prison time, and dysfunctional family relationships that cost him two marriages and estranged him from his children.

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

How to Help Your Kids Express Their Faith

Tracy was raised in an alcoholic home. Her story might have had the same tragic ending as so many who grow up in her circumstances.

But the Lord used a neighborhood family to intervene in her life.

When Tracy was little, she met a girl next door named Missy, who was her age. They became lifelong friends. Missy’s family was kind and welcomed Tracy into their home. The two girls would play all day and have sleepovers at Missy’s house.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, events, religious liberty

Three Ways Healthy Couples Fight

Do you and your spouse fight “well”?

That’s not a trick question. There really is such a thing as “healthy conflict” in marriage.

Here at Focus, we find that couples fall into one of three beliefs about marital conflict. One is the group who enters marriage expecting an unrealistic level of agreement and perfection in their relationship. If they’re truly happy and meant for one another, they believe, there shouldn’t be any conflict. That’s not a very realistic view of human relationship.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, marriage

WATCH: Exclusive Debut of Newsboys Video Kicks Off “Bring Your Bible to School Day”

Last year’s inaugural “Bring Your Bible to School Day” was huge, and this year’s event on Oct. 8 promises to be even bigger.

Just like last year, all 50 states will be represented. But where last year we had about 8,000 students participating, we’re expecting that number to be exponentially higher for the 2015 event.

Think about what God can do through multiple thousands of students, from kindergarten to college, bringing their Bibles to school as a visual way to celebrate religious freedom and share God’s hope with friends!

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: events, kids, pop culture, religious liberty

Baseball, Yogi and You

Note: In light of Yogi Berra’s passing last night at the age of 90, I wanted to dust off a piece I wrote about him three years ago. Many will remember Mr. Berra’s Hall of Fame playing career and funny way with words. He was a character, that’s for sure! But I’m most impressed with the love and devotion he exhibited to his wife of 65 years, Carmen, who passed away in 2012. May the Lord bring comfort and peace to the Berra’s three sons and extended family.

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Follow Jesus by Taking Action, Not Just Talking

Christians desire to serve God. We read His word and seek His will. Maybe we even pray, “God, break our hearts for the things that break Your heart. Give our hearts joy for the things that give Your heart joy.”

But our guest on today’s program, Pastor Eugene Cho, wonders, “Are we more in love with the idea of following Jesus than actually following the teachings of Jesus?”

That question isn’t some thoughtless accusation he levels against the church.

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Call Your Senator and Help Reduce U.S. Abortions

The latest undercover video taking viewers behind the scenes at Planned Parenthood was released this week. As with the previous videos, this one is a glimpse into a world most Americans would rather ignore; a place where abortions are sold, preborn babies are killed and their body parts are harvested for research, allegedly for profit.

If your heart is broken by these videos and you want to do something to help stop abortion, here’s an opportunity to act:

There’s a major pro-life vote scheduled to take place in the U.S.

Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: news, policy, pro-life

Trusting God In the Goodbyes

During a recent trip to Pennsylvania, I had the pleasure of meeting Amanda Pietrocola. Ms. Pietrocola and her family are friends of the ministry, and last summer she attended our Boundless conference. Amanda shared with me that she and her family had recently fostered two young girls. Their story provides a good snapshot of the realities associated with foster care. It’s rarely the neat and tidy Hollywood screenplay. While we enthusiastically champion foster care, we also think it’s important to paint an accurate picture of the challenges associated with the ministry.

Continue ReadingTopics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family, pro-life

Teaching Good Manners to Your Kids

Sometimes parents think of a child’s manners in the most basic of terms, like table etiquette or how polite they are when guests come to the house. But the benefits don’t end there. Manners actually equip your children for success in their adult life.

To that end, a few years back, my wife and I enrolled our boys, Trent and Troy, in something called Cotillion. It’s all about teaching manners and preparing kids to interact with others as maturing young men and women.

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