faith Archives

There Are No Accidents

Have you ever found yourself stuck behind a slow moving truck on a two-lane road where passing is prohibited? Maybe you encountered that rolling roadblock when you’re already pressed for time to get to a meeting. Or perhaps it happens on a day when you’re already tardy picking up the kids from school. Then again, maybe the delay isn’t caused by a slow moving vehicle—it’s caused by an obstinate buffalo staring you down in the middle of the road.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: adoption, faith December 29, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Jesus Isn’t Safe

Here’s something to think about as you celebrate Christmas today. Have you ever considered our focus on Jesus in the manger? You know, Jesus as a baby. I don’t know how you celebrate birthdays in your home, but when Jean and I put up the streamers and bake a cake for our boys when their birthday’s roll around, we don’t dust off their baby books and remember the day they were born. Rather, we enter into the joy of who they are today.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith December 25, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Merry PC Holiday of Choice

When it comes to talking about Christmas, it seems there’s some hesitancy on the part of our public figures these days to recognize the heart and soul of this particular holiday, namely, that the promised Savior, Jesus, was born. Such is the tragic by-product of political correctness which attempts to whitewash history into an inoffensive mishmash of feel-goodism.

This, of course, wasn’t always the case. I would have been twenty-years-old when President Reagan gave this address to the nation as Christmas day approached.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith December 23, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Shepherds in a Field: Go Figure

When I pause long enough to consider the miracle of God sending His son into the world to be my Savior, I inevitably come away with another insight which I hadn’t seen before. This year I’m stunned by God’s choice of the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus. Candidly, if I were writing the script, I’m pretty sure I would have picked a different cast of characters to bring the ultimate Good News.

Here’s why.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith December 11, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

I Can Only Imagine

I never met Jack Wilson.

Jack’s the friend of a friend. I’m told he was a master staircase builder by trade, the father of two sons and, for 33 years, the faithful husband of his college sweetheart, Becky. That’s Jack on the right in a playful moment during a wedding back in September.

There’s a reason why I’m relaying this story to you which will be clear in a moment. But first, here’s what happened.

About three days before Thanksgiving, Jack felt extreme discomfort in his lower back.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, friendship, relationships December 5, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Say It Ain’t So, Mr. President!

President Obama’s prime-time address from West Point tonight is big news, and understandably so. After months of intense speculation, he’ll be officially rolling out his revised strategy for the ongoing war in Afghanistan. Reports indicate that as many as 30,000 additional brave and courageous troops will be deployed to the volatile area.

It’s a serious subject and our president will likely deliver the news in somber fashion. Our prayers will follow these good men and women across the globe.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: entertainment, events, faith, news December 1, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Did Jesus Laugh?

Have you ever wondered? Have you ever asked the question?

Did Jesus have a sense of humor? Did Jesus laugh?

Some Bible teachers suggest that while we know Jesus wept (John 11:35) there’s no reference in the Bible to Him laughing. That might be true, but that doesn’t mean He never laughed, does it?

If Jesus was 100% percent human and 100% percent divine, it’s only logical that He enjoyed His time on earth, experiencing all of the emotions that you and I do, including laughter.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, family November 24, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Family is Beautiful

A number of months ago I blogged about Charles Hummel’s little book, Tyranny of the Urgent. In brief, his premise is that urgent things in life tend to throw a tantrum, demanding our immediate attention, energy, and response, while the important things wait patiently for us to move them up the priority list.

There’s a downside to neglecting the important things—like exercising, personal devotions, time spent with family, dental cleanings, changing the oil in the car, or dating your spouse.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: events, faith November 23, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The Great Vin Scully

Although football has always been my passion, I also love the game of baseball. The late Bart Giamatti, Major League baseball’s former commissioner and a clear romantic of the sport, did too. He once lamented the end of the season in near-poetic terms. Here is what he wrote:

It [baseball] breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: divorce, faith, marriage November 13, 2009 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Top 10 Daly Blog Posts for 2009