Wildwood Assembly

Anxiety is a meteor shower of what-ifs.  The sky is falling, and it’s falling disproportionately on you.  Anxiety ain’t fun!

One would think Christians would be exempt from anxiety.  But we are not.  It’s enough to make us wonder if the apostle Paul was out of touch with reality when he wrote in Philippians 4:6, “Be anxious for nothing.”  Is that what he meant?  Not exactly.  He wrote the phrase in the present active tense—implying an ongoing state.  As if to say, “Don’t let anything in life leave you perpetually breathless and in angst.”

The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional. Could you use some calm? Of course you could.  We all could.  We all could use a word of comfort. And God is ready to give it.

Read more Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Jason and Tori Benham provide a series of practical, Bible-based principles to help couples experience stronger, healthier, and more godly marriages. They describe better ways to handle conflict, communication, and practicing “being present” with your family – especially when it’s hard.

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The moment you sense a problem, however large or small, take it to Christ. “Max, if I take my problems to Jesus every time I have one, I’m going to be talking to Jesus all day long.” Now you’re getting the point.

An unprayed for problem is an embedded thorn. It festers and infects the finger, then the hand, then the entire arm. Best to go straight to the person who has the tweezers. We can only wonder how many disasters would be averted if we first go to Jesus. Philippians 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything. Instead pray about everything.” Tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank him for his answers.

Here’s my challenge for you: every day for four weeks, pray four minutes. Then get ready to connect with God like never before.

Read more Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

 Raising a daughter today isn’t easy. Between social pressure, cultural expectations, and questions about identity and self-worth, many parents wonder if they’re doing enough. Dannah Gresh explores how moms can connect deeply with their daughters, guide them with grace, and help them grow strong in their faith and confidence in who God created them to be. 

Receive a copy of 8 Great Dates for Moms and Daughters and an audio download of "Cultivating a Strong Mother-Daughter Bond" 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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James 1:17 says, “Every good and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

Take this simple pocket prayer for you today: Dear Father, teach me to accept what you’ve given. I may not always understand the circumstances, but show me how they are blessings and give me gratitude for all your gifts. Rain your blessings on my friends and family today. Give them hope whatever they face. Thank you that your blessings never end. In Jesus name, amen.

Here’s my challenge for you: every day for four weeks pray four minutes. Then get ready to connect with God like never before.

Read more Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Prayer often comes with many questions: Why didn’t God answer my prayer? Why does God allow suffering and evil in the world? Why does prayer even matter? Theologian Dr. Erwin Lutzer answers each of these concerns with empathy for those who struggle with unanswered prayer as he reminds us of God’s trustworthiness and sovereign plan, firmly based on His promises. He shares that prayer isn’t about changing God’s will but aligning ours with Him, as we grow deeper in our relationship with Him.

Receive a copy of Why Doesn’t God Answer My Prayers? A Biblical Guide to God’s Hidden Purposes and an audio download of "Trusting God When He Doesn't Answer Your Prayers" for your donation of any amount!

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

Do you want to see a father’s face go ashen as he discovers three words on the box of a just-bought toy: some assembly required. What follows are hours of squeezing A into B, bolting D into F, sliding R over Z, and hoping no one notices if steps four, five, and six were skipped altogether. I’m convinced the devil indwells the details of toy assembly. Somewhere in perdition is a warehouse of stolen toy parts.

“Some assembly required.” Not the most welcome sentence but an honest one. Life is a gift, albeit unassembled. The pieces don’t fit. When they don’t, take your problem to Jesus. He says, “Bring your problems to me.” In prayer, state them simply. Present them faithfully, and trust him reverently.

Read more Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Prayer often comes with many questions: Why didn’t God answer my prayer? Why does God allow suffering and evil in the world? Why does prayer even matter? Theologian Dr. Erwin Lutzer answers each of these concerns with empathy for those who struggle with unanswered prayer as he reminds us of God’s trustworthiness and sovereign plan, firmly based on His promises. He shares that prayer isn’t about changing God’s will but aligning ours with Him, as we grow deeper in our relationship with Him.

Receive a copy of Why Doesn’t God Answer My Prayers? A Biblical Guide to God’s Hidden Purposes and an audio download of "Trusting God When He Doesn't Answer Your Prayers" 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.

Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” A glimpse of God’s goodness changes us. If He is only slightly stronger than us, why pray?  If He has limitations, questions, and hesitations, then you might as well pray to the Wizard of Oz.

Psalm 68:5-6 says that God is “a father to the fatherless.  He sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity.”

Pray with me! “Dear God. Remind me today that you protect me.  Be my father and defender.  Defend those who are weak and afraid and feel forgotten.  Show up in their lives today. Thank you for giving me a spiritual family that can never be taken away.  I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.”

At any point you’re only a prayer away from help!

Read more Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.