Josh and Heather Avis share the story of wanting to start a family, how they navigated infertility and discovered God’s heart for orphans. When they tentatively considered foster care and adoption, they had no idea how God would lead them to adopt 3 kids, two of whom have Down Syndrome.

Receive a copy of The Lucky Few and an audio download of "Joyfully Embracing God’s Children" 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.

Fear. Worry. Pain: They can feel all-consuming. Author and speaker Amberley Neese believes that in the questions Jesus asks in the Gospels, there are answers big enough for all three--and a highway to stronger faith.

Show Notes and Resources

• Untangling Faith: Reclaiming Hope in the Questions Jesus Asked Participant Workbook
  by Amberly Neese.
• Begin the Easter story early with Resurrection Eggs. Start your family tradition now! 
• Learn more about Amberly Neese on her website amberlyneese.com

• Thanks to the Christian Standard Bible for sponsoring this episode. Learn more at CSBible.com.
• Follow us on all social platforms: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
• Find resources from our podcast at shop.familylife.com.
• Download FamilyLife's app!
• Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
• Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

It’s safe to say we all want a great marriage. We all desire a relationship with a deep emotional, mental, and physical connection with our mate. But how do we experience that? Don’t miss the practical ways you can build a lasting relationship with your spouse.

How do you develop spiritual intimacy?

I. Spiritual intimacy with Christ is cultivated by actively believing two things:

1. Whose you are: Chosen -Colossians 1:13-22
2. Who you’ve become: Holy and loved -Colossians 2:9-15

II. Spiritual intimacy with your mate is cultivated by recognizing the supremacy Christ’s role and relationship in your marriage. -Colossians 1:15-18

III. The benefits of spiritual intimacy*

• Allows you to CONNECT at the deepest level.
• Links you with God’s PURPOSES and PLANS for you.
• Allows you to BLESS each other with God’s love.
• Brings your deepest values and desires into agreement.
• Opens the door to the deepest levels of COMMUNICATION.
• Empowers your marriage to SURVIVE.
• Connects you to a SUPPORTIVE body of fellow believers.

*Divorce Proof Your Marriage by Gary and Barbara Rosberg, pgs. 254-256.

IV. How to develop your personal spiritual intimacy**

• ASK God for it. -Col. 1:1-9
• BEWARE of counterfeits. -Col. 2:8-10
• GUARD your thought life. -Col. 3:1-4
• KILL spiritual competitors. -Col. 3:5-7
• SATURATE your life in God’s Word. -Col. 3:16

**Marriage that Works by Chip Ingram, specific help and practical steps for men and women; chapter 9 for men and chapter 11 for women.

V. Removing barriers and building bridges for spiritual intimacy

• There is no one right way to develop spiritual intimacy
• Pray together
• Worship together
• Share what you’re learning

Broadcast Resource

• Download MP3
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• I Choose Love Book
• "Divorce Proof Your Marriage" Book by Gary and Barbara Rosberg

Connect

• 888-333-6003
• Website
• Chip Ingram App
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Partner With Us

• Donate Online
• 888-333-6003

What if your doubts made your faith stronger? Author, speaker, and humorist Amberly Neese explores Jesus questions--ones He Himself asked--as a way to reclaim your trust all over again.

Show Notes and Resources

• Untangling Faith: Reclaiming Hope in the Questions Jesus Asked Participant Workbook
  by Amberly Neese.
• Begin the Easter story early with Resurrection Eggs. Start your family tradition now! 
• Learn more about Amberly Neese on her website amberlyneese.com

• Thanks to the Christian Standard Bible for sponsoring this episode. Learn more at CSBible.com.
• Follow us on all social platforms: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
• Find resources from our podcast at shop.familylife.com.
• Download FamilyLife's app!
• Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
• Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Negative influences about sexuality are coming at young people nearly every day, whether it’s through media, peers, or their phones. Dr. Jim Burns helps equip you as a parent to talk with your teen about sexuality and set a foundation for sexual integrity. You’ll discover practical tools for combatting the culture and helping to develop a godly identity in your child.

Receive a copy of A Student’s Guide to Sexual Integrity and an audio download of "How to Equip Your Teens with a Biblical Understanding of Sexuality" 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.

It’s hard to believe there are couples who’ve been married for thirty, forty, or even fifty years. So, what’s their secret? In this program, Chip shares a vital message in his ongoing teaching. He begins unpacking four biblical skills all great marriages have in common. Discover how you can improve your relationship today!

How do you develop spiritual intimacy?

I. Spiritual intimacy with Christ is cultivated by actively believing two things:

1. Whose you are: Chosen -Col. 1:13-22
2. Who you’ve become: Holy and loved -Col. 2:9-15

II. Spiritual intimacy with your mate is cultivated by recognizing the supremacy Christ’s role and relationship in your marriage. -Col. 1:15-18

III. The benefits of spiritual intimacy*

• Allows you to CONNECT at the deepest level.
• Links you with God’s PURPOSES and PLANS for you.
• Allows you to BLESS each other with God’s love.
• Brings your deepest values and desires into agreement.
• Opens the door to the deepest levels of COMMUNICATION.
• Empowers your marriage to SURVIVE.
• Connects you to a SUPPORTIVE body of fellow believers.

*Divorce Proof Your Marriage by Gary and Barbara Rosberg, pgs. 254-256.

IV. How to develop your personal spiritual intimacy**

• ASK God for it. -Col. 1:1-9
• BEWARE of counterfeits. -Col. 2:8-10
• GUARD your thought life. -Col. 3:1-4
• KILL spiritual competitors. -Col. 3:5-7
• SATURATE your life in God’s Word. -Col. 3:16

**Marriage that Works by Chip Ingram, specific help and practical steps for men and women; chapter 9 for men and chapter 11 for women.

V. Removing barriers and building bridges for spiritual intimacy

• There is no one right way to develop spiritual intimacy
• Pray together
• Worship together
• Share what you’re learning

Broadcast Resource

• Download MP3
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• I Choose Love Book
• "Divorce Proof Your Marriage" Book by Gary and Barbara Rosberg

Connect

• 888-333-6003
• Website
• Chip Ingram App
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Partner With Us

• Donate Online
• 888-333-6003

As a mom of 3 sons, Molly DeFrank knows firsthand how boys struggle to find their purpose and identity. She offers hope and confidence — encouraging moms to keep planting seeds of the Gospel and remind their boys they belong, they can be brave and tender, be creative, and even have fun!

Receive a copy of Mothering Boys and an audio download of "Eight Critical Needs Every Mother of Young Boys Should Know" 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.