Grace 809

Jesus was accused of much, but of being a grump, sourpuss, or self-centered jerk?  No. People didn’t groan when he appeared. They didn’t duck for cover when he entered the room.  He called them by name. He listened to their stories. He answered their questions. He visited their sick relatives and helped their sick friends. He fished with fishermen and ate lunch with the little guy and spoke words of resounding affirmation. He went to enough parties that he was criticized for hanging out with rowdy people and questionable crowds.

People were drawn to Jesus! Thousands came to hear him. Hundreds chose to follow him. They shut down their businesses and walked away from careers to be with him. His purpose statement read, “I came to give life with joy and abundance” (John 10:10 The Voice). Jesus was happy and wants us to be the same.

Read more Just Like Jesus

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

When the kids are grown and age starts to creep in, how do you love your spouse well? Larry McCall explores this often-overlooked season of marriage—a time of quieter homes, shifting schedules, and new realities like becoming grandparents, facing health challenges, or learning to slow down. Larry reminds us that marriage isn’t about personal happiness but about reflecting Christ’s love through selfless service, even in times of change or transition. You’ll learn how to grow closer, serve with purpose, mentor others, and finish well by leaving a legacy of faith, love, and Christ-centered devotion.

Receive a copy of A Seasoned Marriage and an audio download of "Maintaining a Thriving Marriage in Midlife and Beyond for your donation of any amount!

Get More Episode Resources 

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Dr. Gary Chapman suggests discipline is crucial in saying no to certain things.

Listen to the Full Program

Receive the book The DIY Guide to Building a Family That Lasts and an audio download of "Tips for Building a Healthy Family" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family Minute, please give us your feedback.

Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Shannon Warden compare family life to renovating a home — you need a good “blueprint” or plan for how you want your family to grow, and a solid foundation of godly character traits like kindness, love, forgiveness, building trust, building connection, and having fun together. Parents and kids need to be “all in” and working as a team to instill these traits into their relationships. Dr. Chapman also talks about the 5 Love Languages, and Dr. Warden shares several stories about parenting her own children.

Receive the book The DIY Guide to Building a Family That Lasts and an audio download of "Tips for Building a Healthy Family" 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.

The Christian race is demanding, grueling, and sometimes agonizing.  It takes a massive effort to finish strong. But many don’t. They may come to church and warm a pew, but their hearts aren’t in the race.

Jesus is the classic example of one who endured, in spite of temptation, accusations, and shame. The devil tempted Jesus nonstop for forty days. Jesus’ own family called him a lunatic. And, on the cross, he bore the collective shame of all humanity. How did he endure?  By focusing on “the joy that God put before him”—that was the prize of heaven. And what he saw gave him strength to finish—and finish strong.

Someday we will be seated, and Christ will christen the meal with these words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” And in that moment, the race will have been worth it.

Read more Just Like Jesus

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

In Luke 15, Jesus tells three stories of something lost and something found. A lost sheep. A lost coin. And a lost son.  At the end of each story, Jesus describes a celebration. The point is clear. Jesus is happiest when the lost are found.

Jesus rejoices because he knows what awaits the saved. In Heaven, you will at long last, have a heart just like his. Guiltless. Fearless. Tirelessly worshiping. Flawlessly discerning. Jesus also rejoices that we are saved from hell.  He says there’s only one sound there, and that is the “weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Every person you meet has been given an invitation to dinner.  When one says yes, celebrate!  When one hesitates, urge him to get ready. You don’t want anyone to miss the party.

Read more Just Like Jesus

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Shannon Warden compare family life to renovating a home — you need a good “blueprint” or plan for how you want your family to grow, and a solid foundation of godly character traits like kindness, love, forgiveness, building trust, building connection, and having fun together. Parents and kids need to be “all in” and working as a team to instill these traits into their relationships. Dr. Chapman also talks about the 5 Love Languages, and Dr. Warden shares several stories about parenting her own children.

Receive the book The DIY Guide to Building a Family That Lasts and an audio download of "Tips for Building a Healthy Family" 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.

Dr. Shannon Warden explains the role of humility in change and in forgiveness.

Listen to the Full Program

Receive the book The DIY Guide to Building a Family That Lasts and an audio download of "Tips for Building a Healthy Family" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family Minute, please give us your feedback.

Chad Williams explains how he saw the downside of success as an aspiring Navy SEAL.

Listen to the Full Program

Receive a copy of SEAL of God: The Path is Narrow but the Reward is Great plus a free audio download of “Quitting Isn’t An Option: My Life as a Navy Seal” for your donation of any amount!

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family Minute, please give us your feedback.

Jesus said, “Your eyes are windows into your body.  If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light.  If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar.”

In Gethsemane, Jesus faced betrayal on all levels.  The disciples ran away.  The people rejected him.  And God didn’t answer his anguished appeal to avoid “the cup of suffering.” So, what did Christ do? He found enough good in the face of Judas to call him friend, and he can help us do the same with those who hurt us.  He found purpose in the pain, seeing it as a necessary part of God’s greater plan.

Wouldn’t you love to have a hope-filled heart?  God never promises to remove us from our struggles.  He does promise, however, to change the way we look at them.

Read more Just Like Jesus

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.