faith Archives

Hope for the Anxious During Unsettling Times

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.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, hope, mental health October 23, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Setting a Godly Example for the Culture

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.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: culture, faith October 8, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Finding God’s Light in Dark Times

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.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith October 6, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Bring Your Bible to School Day – Wherever Your School May Be

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.

Topics: Current Events Tags: bring your bible, faith October 1, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Helping Your Teens Retain Their Faith

As a father of two young men, the topic of how young people and faith coalesce is close to my heart because Jean and I are living it right now. We have diligently tried to raise our sons to be men after God’s heart. Some days we feel like we’ve hit a home run. Other days, we fear we’re striking out.

Maybe you feel the same way. Christian parents are competing with a lot in the culture when it comes to believing in God and living for him.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, kids, parenting September 25, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Replacing Panic with God’s Peace

Author and speaker Patsy Clairmont is well known for her wit and sense of humor. But she also has an amazing testimony of overcoming a chronic anxiety disorder and panic attacks.

Anxiety is about the scary “what ifs?” in life. Patsy imagined horrible scenarios about everything that could happen and rehearsed them over and over again in her mind. Her anxiety was so acute that she felt emotionally paralyzed and hid away at home.

Patsy says:

“Fear has friends – anger, guilt, shame.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, peace September 14, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Overcoming by God’s Grace

Mike Singletary is a great example of the word “overcomer.”

Although he is best known as a Hall of Fame linebacker who won a Super Bowl with the Chicago Bears, Mike’s challenges began before he was even born. His mother already had nine kids when she became pregnant with him, and she was struggling in a bad marriage. Her circumstances seemed so dire that some encouraged her to abort Mike.

Mike’s mother refused. Before he was born, she said to him, “Son, I want you to know that there’s greatness in you.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith September 4, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

I Was Verbally Assaulted Outside the White House. Here is How I Responded.

By now you’ve likely seen the images of the maddening maelstrom outside the White House last Thursday night following President Trump’s acceptance speech to conclude the final night of the Republican National Convention.

Mobs of individuals behaving in a vile and vicious manner harassing and haranguing departing attendees, including Senator Rand Paul and his wife, Kelley. The Pauls believe they would have been killed if not for the police escort that surrounded them as they walked along the sidewalk after departing the grounds of the Executive Mansion.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, politics September 2, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Applying Your Faith to the 2020 Election

Political campaigns are heating up and election day is right around the corner on November 3.

Are you ready to vote?

Elections offer Americans the opportunity to vote for candidates who align with their values. However, you can only vote your values when you’re clear what those values are. That’s why I believe it’s wise for Christians to understand how the biblical worldview addresses key issues at stake on Election Day.

We want a society that believes every single human life has value and deserves respect and dignity.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: faith, politics August 28, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Authentic Christianity: Counting the Cost

I wake up every day with a desire to serve the Lord. I want other people to see Christ in me when I’m confronted with challenges. I want them to say, “Wow! I would’ve reacted entirely differently in that situation. What do you have that I don’t, Jim?”

But then someone cuts me off in traffic.

…Or my boys don’t behave the way I’ve told them to a dozen times.

…Or I’m exhausted after a long flight and an unexpected delay complicates my plans.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: christianity, faith July 15, 2020 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura