Grace 809

Relationship expert, Dr. John Townsend, discusses three rules to help you be a better parent.

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Dr. John Townsend shares practical tips for parents struggling to set boundaries with their children. He’ll provide insights into relatable situations spanning every stage of the parenting journey, from teaching unruly toddlers to dealing with adult children who still live at home. Hear his advice for teaching kids to take responsibility and grow into healthy adults.  

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What tragedy has rendered your life a desert? Has God allowed a season of dryness to come your way? Then learn from the life of Elijah. He trusted the promise despite the predicament.

The predicament? Drought. The promise? It appears in 1 Kings 18:1 (NKJV): “Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth.” God had set a limit upon the predicament, and Elijah knew it was just a matter of time before the rain returned.

Do you know the same? “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Psalm 30:5 NLT). The Bible never guarantees the absence of a drought, but it emphatically assures that the drought will not end in eternal defeat.

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For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Transcript

Today is Poetry Thursday. We’ll read Ecclesiastes 9-10.  I’m calling today’s episode “No White Knuckles.” 

Last week when we were last in Ecclesiastes, at the end of chapter eight, Solomon had said that after setting his mind on understanding wisdom, after watching what happens here on earth, he concluded that it’s impossible for a man to understand it all. And this is coming from the wisest man that ever lived!

At the beginning of our reading today began with the words, “So I considered all of this carefully, examining all of it: The righteous and the wise and their deeds are in God’s hand…”

I’ve discovered that this is a good place to be.

Before Jesus left this world he said, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.”

If we try to make sense out of the world, as Solomon did, will become just like him. We will become cynical and jaded. Solomon spent many years in pursuit of the things the world tells us will bring happiness. And near the end, he threw in the towel, and he said, “It’s too much. I can’t understand.”

When I was a few years, well, okay, when I was many years younger, during the Jesus Freak days…In the late 60s and early 70s, there was a popular bumper sticker around that said, “Let go and let God.” Like most bumper stickers, that’s overly simplistic, but it fits in our discussion here. When we’re willing to admit that we’re not in control, that it’s all in God’s hands, it becomes easier to let go and let God.

One of the reasons Jesus came was to give us peace, which is good, since all the things that the world says will give His peace fall sadly short. It’s a good thing to remember that I’m not God, which is good because I don’t want that job.

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 9-10 NKJV

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Dr. John Townsend shares practical tips for parents struggling to set boundaries with their children. He’ll provide insights into relatable situations spanning every stage of the parenting journey, from teaching unruly toddlers to dealing with adult children who still live at home. Hear his advice for teaching kids to take responsibility and grow into healthy adults.  

Receive a copy of Boundaries with Kids and an audio download of "Proven Strategies to Help Your Children Establish Healthy Boundaries" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.

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Do you have a story or comment on how Focus on the Family impacted you or your family? Leave a message for Jim Daly!

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Dr. John Townsend reminds parents to not have an emotional outburst around your kids.

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On Mount Carmel, in full view of 850 false prophets, “Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord” (1 Kings 18:30).

Why? Why did the prophet rebuild the altar? Because it was a tool of worship. Do we long to see revival? Then let us begin at the altar.

Why does worship matter? Simple. The devil wants the top spot. When you worship God, when you publicly praise Jehovah in song and sacrament, Satan is defeated. He has no recourse to a worshipping church—none. When we sing, angels stand. When we pray, demons flee. When we look to God, heaven hearkens to listen, and hell hurries to leave. Wonder happens when God’s people worship.

Read more Unbreakable Courage

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Transcript

John.

Today is Psalms Wednesday. We’ll read chapters 134-136.  I’ll have a brief introduction to the chapter before we begin reading.  I’m calling today’s episode “Forever Is A Long Time”  

You might remember that I’ve said more than once, “When the Bible repeats something, it’s usually because God wants us to remember it,” or words to that effect. See if you can pick up the important thought in this psalm.

I have no doubt that it didn’t take long for you to figure out the important thought in Psalm 136. “…his steadfast love endures forever.” Our translation today was the ESV. Here’s how the NASB says it, “…His lovingkindness is everlasting.” The NIV says, “His love endures forever.” Many other translations say, “His mercy endures forever. That’s my favorite one. 

But however you say it, the phrase is repeated 26 times in this psalm. Twenty-six times! Do you think God has a message for us? God’s mercy is eternal. It will never cease. Forever is a long time, beloved.

The original Hebrew word used here is “hesed”. It’s a beautiful word. Listen to what Michael Card said about it. 

One of the greatest gifts you can give your spouse is regular time together. Bill and Pam Farrel’s weekly marriage meetings have helped them proactively handle conflict and work through important decisions for over 40 years. In this conversation, Bill and Pam describe how you can strengthen your marriage by affirming your spouse, cultivating healthy habits, and planning time for romance.

Receive a copy of the Marriage Meet Ups bundle and an audio download of "Strengthen Your Marriage with a Meet Up" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.

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Marriage expert Bill Farrel gives some tips on the basic needs every couple has for making their relationship work

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