When someone you love is suffering, it's tough to discern what they actually need from you. A biblical model for coming alongside the suffering involves compassion, instruction, exhortation, and intercession. God promises to walk with us through hardship, not to rescue us from it. [... more]

Retirees face a crucial question: how much can they safely withdraw from their savings without depleting their retirement funds too soon. Mark Biller joins the discussion to revisit the widely used 4% rule and explore a more flexible, thoughtful approach to retirement withdrawals. [... more]

A couple shares their 42-year marriage journey, discussing the importance of faith, communication, and prayer in strengthening their relationship. They offer practical advice for couples, including the need to respect each other, take responsibility, and navigate conflicts with a Christ-like heart. [... more]

Developing faith, exposing wrong, learning obedience, cultivating humility, and glorifying God are reasons we suffer, as explained through scripture and personal experiences, highlighting the importance of compassion, instruction, and exhortation in helping those who are suffering. [... more]

Investing can become an act of worship and a tool for human flourishing when approached with biblical wisdom. Scripture calls us to use what we have to serve others and reflect God's purposes. Faithful investing starts with surrender, inviting God into our investment decisions and asking for wisdom and discernment. It's about directing resources into productive work that serves others, advancing the goodness of God's world, and promoting dignity, justice, and opportunity. [... more]

Chuck Swindahl explores five biblical reasons for suffering, including developing faith, exposing wrong, learning obedience, cultivating humility, and glorifying God. He draws from 2 Thessalonians and shares practical ways to encourage those who are suffering, emphasizing the importance of compassion and affirming their dignity and security in God's family. [... more]

A North Carolina House Select Committee is recommending broad changes to the state's mental health and criminal justice systems to reduce violent incidents and address untreated mental illness. The committee aims to improve access to mental health services, increase the mental health workforce, and enhance data collection and sharing between state agencies. [... more]

Exploring a more biblical perspective on borrowing and debt management, and how it can impact our financial freedom and ability to live out God's call in our lives. Discussing the importance of budgeting, retirement planning, and understanding taxes and Medicare, to make informed financial decisions and find freedom rooted in contentment, not comparison. [... more]

I have cerebral palsy--what's your problem Whatever difficulties you face you can't help but be encouraged as you hear David Ring describe how God's strength helps him overcome the limitations of his severe disability Receive the book The Boy Born Dead and the audio download of the broadcast Living Joyously for your donation of any amount Plus receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today Your monthly support helps families thrive Get More Episode Resources If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly please give us your feedback [... more]

David Ring shares his powerful testimony of living with cerebral palsy and finding hope and joy in God's love, despite facing numerous challenges and hardships. He emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ and the impact it has on one's life, relationships, and spiritual journey. [... more]

When one spouse dies, the surviving spouse's Social Security check is affected, and the amount they receive depends on various factors, including the deceased spouse's filing status, age, and benefit amount. Understanding these complexities is crucial for effective retirement planning and ensuring a secure financial future. [... more]

The benefits of the Lord are indeed great and marvelous, including forgiveness, healing, redemption, and glorification. God's mercy is infinite and enduring, and He forgives all iniquities, cleanses us from all sin, and redeems our life from destruction. His greatest benefit is the gift of salvation by His mercy. [... more]

Michelle Singletary shares practical advice on managing finances, including the importance of emergency funds, retirement savings, and long-term planning. She also discusses the Christian perspective on money and how it can be used to bless others. [... more]

Michelle Singletary shares practical advice on managing finances, especially in times of crisis, and emphasizes the importance of discipline, savings, and giving. She also discusses her personal experience of growing up in a financially struggling household and how her grandmother's frugal ways influenced her own financial decisions. [... more]

Amanda Dykes discusses the importance of nature and God's creation in her book A Pocket Full of Wonder, sharing hands-on adventures for kids to discover the wonders of the world around them, and how this can help parents and children develop a deeper faith and connection with God. [... more]

Marriage is a gift from God, and it's meant to be a source of joy and connection. However, many couples struggle with intimacy and communication, leading to frustration and resentment. Dave and Ashley Willis share their insights and experiences in their book 'Do Marriage Better: Seven Simple Shifts for a Deeper Connection.' They discuss the importance of understanding each other's needs and desires, and how to navigate the different seasons of marriage, including the 'beach season' of honeymoon-like intimacy, the 'busy season' of practicality, the 'baby season' of exhaustion and distraction, and the 'broken season' of vulnerability and healing. By applying the seven simple shifts outlined in their book, couples can experience a deeper connection and a more fulfilling marriage. [... more]

Couples can make a 20% improvement in their marital relationship by implementing seven simple shifts, including having curiosity and compassion when communicating, being mindful of tone, and prioritizing their marriage over other aspects of their lives. [... more]

Deborah Paget shares her insights on how to tame your tongue and improve relationships by being more positive, encouraging, and self-aware, drawing from her book '30 Days to Taming Your Tongue' and biblical principles. [... more]

Christian financial advisors equipped with biblical wisdom and professional credibility help clients align their values with financial decisions and investments. They provide guidance on faith-based financial planning, retirement planning, and navigating complex financial situations, including Social Security benefits and inheritance tax. [... more]

Saving and stewardship are not just about accumulating wealth, but about living with purpose and aligning our financial habits with values that reflect the kingdom. Scripture reminds us that we are stewards, not owners, and what we have is entrusted for purposes that reach beyond us. A life without margin leaves little flexibility to serve others, support ministry, or participate in kingdom work. God designed generosity often requires readiness, and readiness requires margin. [... more]

Navigating financial decisions in blended families requires intentional effort and a clear plan. Couples can use a Togetherness Agreement to promote peace and unity in their marriage by addressing emotionally charged issues and creating a roadmap for their financial future. This agreement can provide clarity on financial decisions, including how to manage debt, investments, and assets, and can help couples make decisions that align with their values and faith. [... more]

Work is not just a means to an end, but an act of worship to God, reflecting the God who creates, orders, and sustains all things. Scripture reframes the conversation on work, showing it as a sacred calling woven into what it means to bear God's image. Faithful stewardship of resources, including finances, is a key aspect of living out one's faith, and trusting in God's provision and sovereignty is essential for navigating life's uncertainties. [... more]

Greg Kochol discusses the importance of understanding relativism and objectivism in moral truth, and how to effectively communicate the Christian perspective on issues like abortion and gender identity. He emphasizes the need for Christians to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to engage in gracious and loving conversations with those who hold different views. [... more]

Dr. Tony Evans explains how to lean on God's grace to carry us through life's struggles and challenges, and how to access and experience the power of God's grace in our lives. [... more]

Many faith-based ministries are missing out on billions of dollars in charitable gift matching programs due to restrictive policies. A Christian investment firm is working to change this by engaging with companies to create more inclusive programs. Meanwhile, a couple is seeking advice on how to manage their retirement accounts, including a TSP with a large balance, and a listener asks about the factors that determine when to start taking Social Security payments. [... more]

Greg Kochl discusses the importance of effective evangelism and apologetics, emphasizing the need for Christians to be prepared and equipped to share their faith in a gracious and respectful manner. He introduces the concept of 'gardening' as a metaphor for the process of sowing seeds of truth and trust, rather than trying to 'harvest' immediate conversions. Kochl also shares practical examples of how to use questions to engage with others and create opportunities for spiritual growth, while navigating the challenges of a hostile culture and the influence of deception and lies. [... more]

Todd Stern discusses various topics including Sharia law, Social Security benefits, immigration overhaul, public education system, illegal voting, radical Islam, terrorist attacks, Department of Homeland Security funding, taxes, business growth in Seattle and Bellevue, and more. [... more]

Believers can reframe their view of taxes as evidence of God's provision, rather than just an interruption to their finances. This mindset shift can lead to gratitude, humility, and trust in God's sovereignty. Christians can also apply biblical wisdom to their financial decisions, such as prioritizing integrity and honesty in their financial dealings. [... more]

Melanie Shankle shares her personal experiences with generational trauma, mean girls, and finding identity in Christ. She discusses the importance of unconditional love, setting boundaries, and advocating for oneself in difficult relationships. Melanie's book, Here Be Dragons, explores these topics and offers guidance for parents and individuals seeking to navigate complex relationships and find their true identity in Christ. [... more]

Melanie Schenkel shares her personal story of healing from generational trauma and protecting her daughter from the same toxic patterns she experienced as a child. She discusses her book, Here Be Dragons, and how it explores the complexities of motherhood, mean girls, and the impact of bipolar disorder on family relationships. As a Christian, Melanie emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ and the process of healing from childhood wounds. [... more]

Long-term care insurance with relaxed health qualifications offers a solution for individuals with certain diseases, allowing them to access benefits without extensive screening. An annuity policy with a long-term care benefit provides tax-free payments for long-term care, and the benefit grows as the annuity grows. This solution helps individuals and couples plan for their final lap, ensuring they can leave a legacy for their loved ones. [... more]

Jason and Tori Benham share their personal struggles with anxiety and how they found hope and healing through their faith. They discuss the importance of recognizing and renouncing anxiety, and replacing it with truth and worship. They also share practical tools and strategies for overcoming anxiety and finding peace in God's presence. [... more]

Jason and Tori Benham share their personal struggles with anxiety and how they found hope and healing through their faith and relationship with God. They discuss the difference between fear and anxiety, the importance of trusting in God's power and presence, and the role of faith in overcoming anxiety and finding peace. [... more]

The Great Commandment is to love God with all of one's heart, soul, strength, and mind, not just for the benefits received but for who He is. Jesus directs the attention of the scribe back to the Shema, where Israel is commanded to love God with all of their heart, soul, and strength, and to love their neighbor as themselves. The love of God is not a superficial affection but an undiluted, unmixed love that comes from the very root of our being. [... more]

Retirement planning involves more than just managing Social Security benefits. A claiming strategy can significantly impact the amount of money couples receive, especially when one spouse has a higher-earning benefit. Understanding the rules and options for spousal benefits, full retirement age, and delayed benefits can help individuals make informed decisions about when to file for Social Security, ensuring they maximize their benefits and secure their financial future. [... more]

Embracing the conviction that God owns everything can transform the way we live, give, and steward our resources. By surrendering our ownership and adopting a stewardship mindset, we can gain humility and hope, and reorder our hearts so that money serves its proper place. This shift in perspective can lead to a more faithful and intentional approach to financial decision-making, aligning our desires with God's priorities and multiplying what belongs to the Lord. [... more]

Discovering God's joy and presence in the midst of life's challenges, Asharita Chuchu shares her personal journey of healing and growth, and offers practical rhythms for experiencing God's delight and restoration. [... more]

Trusting God's provision is about a relationship with a God who sees, knows, and cares. Faith in God's provision means we can plan without panic, give without fear, and endure seasons of scarcity with hope. It's about understanding God's character and trusting His promise, not just about securing every possible outcome. [... more]

Developing spiritual intimacy in marriage is key to a deeper connection with your partner. Chip Ingram shares practical steps to build this foundation, including praying together, worshiping together, and taking baby steps towards a stronger relationship. By focusing on God's love and commitment, couples can overcome challenges and cultivate a more fulfilling marriage. [... more]

Cultivating spiritual intimacy is key to keeping love alive in marriage. Chip Ingram shares practical insights on how to develop this essential skill, drawing from biblical teachings and personal experiences. By focusing on God's design for marriage and choosing unconditional love, couples can build a deeper connection and navigate life's challenges together. [... more]