Daly Focus Blog
I’ve been thinking about kindness a lot because I believe it lies at the heart of the Gospel. Have you ever met a believer who became a Christian as a result of judgment, condemnation, or ridicule? Me neither.
One of my favorite verses is Romans 2:4, which reminds us that it’s the kindness of God that opens people’s hearts to the message of God.
I often ask myself, “Am I reflecting God’s kindness? Or am I just being nice?” Scripture never tells us to be nice.
A new year is upon us, and you know what that means, don’t you?
It’s time to get the next 12 months off to a great start.
Some of us may choose to make New Year’s resolutions. Others may prefer to think in terms of goals, objectives, or plans. Whatever lingo you choose, the challenge remains the same: making it happen.
That’s where things get tough because there’s nothing magical about the flip of the calendar.
A homosexual activist once asked me, “When are Christians going to leave behind their medieval beliefs about sexuality and come into the 21st century?”
He was referring to the Bible, of course – which confronts all of us with some pretty powerful ideas that are not always easily digestible.
So, I responded, “Christians are followers of the Bible, not editors. We’re compelled to follow God’s Word because it’s His truth, and we believe Jesus when He says the truth sets us free” (John 8:32).
For you and me to experience wholeness, five desires of our hearts must be met:
Security – who can I trust?Identity – who am I?Belonging – who wants me?Purpose – why am I alive?Competence – what do I do well?
Each of those are listed in their correct order, by the way. If you feel safe and secure, you’ll feel empowered to discover your identity – your deepest passions and strengths. Out of those, you’ll discover your purpose and develop competence.
Has it ever occurred to you how many holiday traditions sterilize the historical truth of Christmas?
This time of year, the joy of the season is everywhere. There are lights and decorations; the smell of cookies, pies, and freshly cut Christmas trees; and music that remind us of snow, sleighs, and reindeer.
But all of that beautiful imagery stands in stark contrast to the difficult circumstances surrounding the very first Christmas. Consider the lives of three women who lived it: Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna.
We recorded our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Sharing God’s Light Through Art” in a different kind of studio. Instead of microphones and recording consoles, we were surrounded by more easels, paint brushes, and canvases in one place than I’ve ever seen.
The studio belongs to Morgan Weistling, who has been an artist since he was old enough to hold a crayon. He has studied under some of the most legendary illustrators and artists of the last century.
Anxiety is rampant in our culture. It’s rampant among Christians as well. Anxiety is a pandemic all its own. We’re stressed relationally, emotionally, financially, and many of us physically.
That’s no accident. Relational, emotional, physical, and financial health are the four legs of a chair that give our lives a sense of security and peace. They’re also the four areas of our lives that are subject to intense stress and anxiety.
During these times, we can find comfort in the words of Jesus: “In the world you will have tribulation.
Historically, Christianity has been at its purest and most powerful in times of crisis. It’s in the margins of society where God seeks and finds people through the power of His Gospel.
Throughout history, the Gospel has been countercultural for its revolutionary message about the human heart. The Gospel isn’t a moral handbook or a handy roadmap for successful living. It’s a pronouncement about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that gives us ultimate victory over suffering and death.
The Lord moves in mysterious ways.
Which is why author and humorist Patsy Clairmont doubted God was speaking to her when He asked her to share Genesis 1:3, “Let there be light,” with her friend who was sick with cancer.
Patsy knows how dark life can be. She has lived through some difficult seasons herself. In fact, for many years she suffered such crippling anxiety that she feared leaving her house, and some days she couldn’t even get out of bed.
Bring Your Bible to School Day looks a bit different this year, especially given how many students remain at home for instruction amidst the on-going COVID-19 global pandemic.
In fact, New York City, the nation’s largest school district, completed its reopening of in-person learning just today. Schools in other major cities – Houston, Atlanta, Washington D.C. and San Diego – remain closed.
But in recognition that our faith has feet and isn’t limited by four walls, we’re encouraging students across the country to celebrate the day wherever they are, whether in a traditional classroom, a pod school – or even from the comfort of their own home.
Jim Daly is a husband, father and President of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast. His blog, Daly Focus, is full of timely commentary and wisdom designed to help you navigate and understand today’s culture. His latest book is Marriage Done Right.
