church Archives

Foster Care: How Everyone Can Help

What is the goal of foster care?

That’s a big question with a multi-faceted answer. We’re not all called to do the same thing, but we’re all capable of doing something. The ultimate goal is for every believer to feel empowered with a sense of calling and direction about their role.

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Cor.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: adoption, church, foster care May 10, 2021 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Banning Drive-In Churches is a Road too Far

Since the outbreak and escalation of the coronavirus pandemic in March, pastors and faith leaders throughout the United States have cooperated with local and state officials in doing their part to “flatten the curve” of the pathogen by either canceling or transitioning in-person church services to online platforms.

For anyone born over the course of the last one-hundred years, the changes in weekly worship habits have been unprecedented. In fact, church services during the Spanish flu epidemic between 1918 and 1920 carried on as usual – for good or bad.

Topics: Current Events Tags: church, Coronavirus, current events April 14, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Religion Should Influence Americans’ Political Activism

As the old maxim goes, the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.

And according to a recent Pew poll, the majority of Americans think churches should do exactly that as far as public policy is concerned. Nothing.Most Americans believe churches should not get involved in politics. The Pew Research Center found that 63% of Americans say houses of worship should keep out of political matters. Only 36% said churches should express views on social or political questions.

Topics: Current Events Tags: church, policy November 27, 2019 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Don’t Be a Miserable Christian

I’ve always liked the poem by William Wordsworth titled “Character of the Happy Warrior.” Though not intended, it is an appropriate charge to Christians who seek God’s strength in their efforts to engage winsomely.

Here are a few poignant verses:

Who is the happy Warrior? Who is he

That every man in arms should wish to be? …

Who high endeavors are an inward light

That makes the path before him always bright …

Who, doomed to go in company with Pain,

And Fear, and Bloodshed, miserable train!

Topics: Family and Home Tags: church, faith August 7, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

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.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: church, faith, relationships July 18, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Changing the World Through a Lemonade Stand

There are 150 million orphans in the world.

Every six seconds a child dies because they don’t have access to food or water.

What are you going to do about it?

That’s a daunting question, isn’t it? The scale of poverty in the world is so overwhelming that we feel paralyzed … and do nothing.

Chris Marlow is a former pastor who founded the organization Help One Now, a ministry that helps local leaders care for orphans and vulnerable families and works to break the cycle of extreme poverty in places like Haiti, Peru, and Africa.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, church, faith July 2, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

How to Open Your Home and Heart to Your Neighborhood

Kristen Schell discovered the value of community on a summer immersion program in France. She was a stranger in a foreign land, but she had rarely felt so welcomed, loved, and connected – and she didn’t even understand the language.

In a many European countries like France, community takes place around the table. Family and friends join together to celebrate food, life, and each other.

That perspective on life came back to her years later while she and a neighbor were preparing for a backyard barbecue.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, church, faith, relationships June 11, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Focus on the Family Best Seller List

Week ending May 29th:

The Graduate Survival Guide (by Anthony ONeal & Rachel Cruze)
Through the Eyes of a Lion (by Levi Lusko)
The Birth Order Book (by Dr. Kevin Leman)
A Family Shaped by Grace (by Gary Morland)
Our Newlywed Kitchen (by Laura Schupp)
ESV Economy Bible
Raising Kingdom Kids (by Tony Evans)
Swipe Right (by Levi Lusko)
Kingdom Marriage (by Tony Evans)
Grace Based Discipline (by Karis Kimmel Murray)
Faith, Hope, Love, and Deployment (by Heather Gray)
The Antelope in the Living Room (by Melanie Shankle)
A Lifelong Love (by Gary Thomas)
Ready to Wed: 12 Ways to Start a Marriage You’ll Love (by Dr.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: church, faith, family, marriage, parenting May 31, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Beauty from Ashes

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.

Topics: Current Events/ Focus Events Tags: church, events, faith April 17, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Adventures in Odyssey Children’s Bible Nominated as Bible of the Year Finalist

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.

Topics: Focus Events Tags: church, faith, kids April 13, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura