Anger gets a bad rap. Many people consider it be destructive and bad. All of the time.

But anger can actually be good for us in many ways. It’s a God-given emotion that motivates us to right wrongs and to solve problems. Nathan the prophet was indignant when he confronted King David about committing infidelity and killing Bathsheba’s husband. Jesus was angry when he overturned tables in the temple. Anger can empower us to pursue a better career, to end a bad relationship, or to make positive changes.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith June 28, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Coach Joe Kennedy’s victory at the Supreme Court today is a win for religious freedom. The fact that a majority of the justices upheld the right of a high school coach to kneel down after a game to give thanks for keeping his players safe strikes me as not just a victory for the First Amendment, but a victory for common sense.

Why is it that our kids can be exposed to all kinds of negative role models in schools today, but not a positive one like Coach Joe?

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith June 27, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

First Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Life often gets in the way of our desire to connect with Jesus as our source of contentment and joy. We get busy raising children, investing in our marriages, and building our careers. We get distracted by technology and lost in tough circumstances. Life overwhelms us, and we disconnect from God.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith June 21, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

As we approach Father’s Day this Sunday, a thought:

It’s been said that it’s easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father.

Sadly, that’s becoming more and more common.

There’s no test or final exam to qualify for fatherhood, though it would seem like a good idea if somehow there could be.

But some years ago, I developed what I call “Dad’s Report Card” for our boys, Trent and Troy – to evaluate me!

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith June 15, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

We all like to be liked.

But that raises questions.

Doesn’t the Bible instruct us to serve others by putting their needs before our own?

If so, where is the line between being a pleasant person and being a “people pleaser”?

The boundaries can be murky.

In high school, my wife Jean once said yes to three different boys who asked her for a date on the same night.

Dr. Mike Bechtle, a writer, public speaker, and communications expert, had trouble telling his children no because he wanted them to like him.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith June 1, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Have you ever noticed how often Jesus’ ministry was centered around meals?

Among others, there was the wedding at Cana, a dinner with the reviled Zaccheus, and the beautiful symbolism of the Last Supper. Jesus was even criticized for eating with “tax collectors and sinners” (Matt. 9:11).

As one scholar put it: “Jesus ate his way through the Gospels.”

For author Bri McKoy, Jesus’ ministry through meals became a model for creating community and sharing God’s love with people He brought into her life.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith May 31, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

It’s easy to get numbed by numbers, especially when it comes to bad news. We hear so many, and all day long.  

But it’s different when the numbers have names, isn’t it? 

In their photographs, they’re smiling back at us – images caught from earlier days – cheerleading, basketball games, first communion, a party in the backyard. Kids being kids. 

The heartbreak of their parents, loved ones and friends is unfathomable. Depthless. There are the teachers, Eva and Irma.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith May 27, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The idea for Deborah Pegues’ book 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue came to her after she didn’t control her tongue.

Deborah thought she was helping a friend when she told her something that she shouldn’t have. When her “help” backfired, Deborah discovered firsthand what happens when words aren’t used wisely.

In response, Deborah went on a “tongue fast.” For 30 days, she refused to speak negatively about anything – not the traffic, not the weather, nothing that she couldn’t directly and positively influence.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith May 27, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Finding God’s Healing After a Suicide Loss,” we’re talking with Rita Schulte, a licensed counselor who specializes in the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders as well as grief, loss, and trauma. She’s also a member of Focus on the Family’s Christian Counselors Network.

Rita experienced God’s healing after losing her husband to suicide. My wife, Jean, who is also on our program, overcame the loss of her brother to suicide.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith May 26, 2022 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura