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John Burke: A branch doesn’t have to work hard to produce fruit. All it has to do is stay connected to the trunk, the vine … And fruit happens naturally. I’m the vine, you’re the branches. Stay connected to me and you will bear much fruit. Apart from me, you can do nothing. That’s the whole point that I’m trying to get across in Soul Revolution. That actually all we have to do is learn to stay connected, moment by moment, to God’s spirit … And the rest of the things take care of themselves.
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John Fuller: That’s John Burke, and he’s with us once again today on Focus on the Family. Your host is Focus President and author Jim Daly, and I’m John Fuller.
Jim Daly: John, I’m so excited to have John Burke back with us. Uh, he’s been here a number of times. But last time we talked about how we can trust God with our hopes and our dreams. And really, our deepest longings are found in Jesus. And when we can understand that it changes our life.
John: Mm-hmm.
Jim: And John, uh, gave us some ideas on reorienting our minds and connecting with God so that we can be in tune with the things, uh, he desires for us. The good gift giver, if I can-
John: Mm-hmm.
Jim: … say it that way. If you missed any part of it, man, get to the website, download it, uh, get the smartphone app. You can listen that way. But today we’re going to dive a little deeper into that content, uh, based on his book Soul Revolution.
John: And John Burke is the pastor and founder of Gateway Church in Austin, Texas. Uh, he and his wife Kathy have an adult son and an adult daughter. And his book Soul Revolution: How Imperfect People Became All God Intended is indeed, uh, the foundation for our conversation. Call us to get your copy: 800, the letter A, and the word FAMILY. Or stop by focusonthefamily.com/broadcast.
Jim: John, welcome back.
John B.: Oh, great to be back.
Jim: (laughs) It’s good to see you. Um, let’s pick up from last time. You talked about the 60/60 experiment. So for those that didn’t hear it, give us a quick briefing on what the 60/60 experiment’s all about.
John B.: Yeah, so the context, like we talked about last time, is that we all have deep longings, we have hopes, we have dreams. They’re not bad. But oftentimes, we settle for too little.
Jim: Mm-hmm.
John B.: And God actually wants to give us the deepest longings of our hearts, the love and the joy and the peace and patience and kindness. All these things that … things from out there can’t give us. But it only comes from intimate relationship with God. And in fact that’s what we are created for.
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: We weren’t created to do life apart from the very source of life and love and goodness.
Jim: Mm-hmm.
John B.: He created us for that. So, the Christian walk really is simple. It’s incredibly simple. And Jesus said this his last night on Earth, in John 15:5. He said, “Look. I’m the vine. Like, I’m the trunk of the tree. You know, the vine? Uh, you’re the branches. Stay connected to me, and you will bear much fruit. Apart from me, you can do nothing.” So the 60/60 Experiment is trying to help us reorient from the habit we all naturally fall into, which is that we go throughout our days forgetting that God is with us. He is with us. And he loves us. And he promised his Holy Spirit to be with us, to guide us into all truth. To guide us into the purpose he has us here for. And the result is the dreams and longings of our heart. We look back and, uh, personally, I can say I’m amazed.
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: And I would never choose any other path. Now, that doesn’t mean it’s not challenging sometimes along the way. Doesn’t mean there’s not disappointments. In fact, many times he uses the disappointments to rip away the things we’re using as props apart from God.
Jim: Mm-hmm. Yeah.
John B.: He’s not trying to harm us. He’s actually trying to help us.
Jim: Right.
John B.: Uh-
Jim: And he….
John B.: … so that’s … So the 60/60 is-
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: … every 60 minutes, for 60 days … You know, it takes time to set a new habit.
Jim: Sure.
John B.: So 60 days is a good time period to change a habit. So, for 60 days, you set a beeper to go off. Your alarm on your smartphone. Or we have an app that- that does it that’ll ding your phone and bring up a verse reminding you of how to stay connected, or what God wants in this relationship.
John B.: Maybe just put sticky notes in your car and on your computer, just as a reminder. And what you’re trying to do is change your habit from going through the hours of the day, the moments of the day, forgetting about God, who’s there with you.
Jim: Or distracted.
John B.: Or distracted.
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: Or not listening.
Jim: Right.
John B.: And responding.
Jim: John, let me ask you this. As a pastor, I’m sure you have counseled many, many people that fit this description. But I want to really speak to that person that this is true of. And that is the person that’s trying to satisfy longings that are artificial. Uh, it might be success, money, houses, cars, relationship, you know. The beautiful wife, whatever. And how, when they reach it, how, uh, it doesn’t meet the need. And speak to that individual. And even in the church. You know, someone who’s made a commitment to Christ. It’s sometimes hard to shake those habits of what you’re actually going after. And how to get better oriented around exactly what you’re saying: opening your heart so the Lord can help meet the deeper longings of your life. I mean, some people might not even know what those longings are. That’s how distracted they can be.
John B.: Yeah, and I think the other part is, um, we don’t stay connected to the Lord because we fear that if I do, he’s going to fill in the blank.
Jim: Huh.
John B.: So, this is my old fear, right? I was an engineer. Um, I had a- a dream and a goal to start my own, get an MBA, start my own company, be rich and successful. ‘Cause that was I trained is success.
Jim: Sure.
John B.: Okay? Well, then my dad did that, but it killed him.
Jim: Huh.
John B.: He died. He died from cancer, but he also struggled with alcoholism-
Jim: Just overworked.
John B.: … he struggled with stress, he had ulcers, he … And on his deathbed, he said to me, “John, I’d give it all back if I could just have my health and my family.”
Jim: Hm.
John B.: He knew the Lord, but he didn’t know how to walk with the Lord.
Jim: Abide in him.
John B.: He didn’t know how to abide. How to stay connected. And as a result, there were a lot of wounds. Um, you know, his father abandoned their family. He was abusive. There was just a lot of wounds from the past my dad had never worked through. And I mean, I didn’t realize this. And this is the thing: our deepest longings are really trying to answer a few questions. Am I lovable? Or am I loved? And do I have worth? Do I have value?
Jim: Hm.
John B.: Do I have purpose? And really, we’re trying to get those questions answered. The shallow strategies oftentimes are like, we’re trained, or we come up with an idea that if I’m successful. If I have a husband who looks like this, or does this, or is this status. Or if I have a wife who, you know, looks like this or kids. Or, you know, no, you can fill it in with a thousand things.
Jim: Sure.
John B.: Um, but those end up suddenly becoming idols. In other words, they become the singular most important thing, and they distract us, just like you were saying, from the one thing that Jesus said is necessary. Right. And that is, relationship with the Lord. Walking moment by moment with the Lord.
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: And so it- I- I think the thing I would say is, don’t worry about changing all your dreams. They’re bad, or your hopes are bad; they’re not, necessarily.
Jim: Right.
John B.: At all. Focus on walking day by day for 60 days. And just see if you don’t end up going, “Oh my gosh, this way of doing life with God is so much better.”
John: Yeah.
Jim: You had a story in the book about going skiing with your college buddies.
John B.: (laughs)
Jim: And you encountered, uh, what sounded like a- you know, ski bunnies.
John B.: (laughs)
Jim: What happened in that story? And what was the outcome?
John B.: Yeah. So-
Jim: What state were you in? Colorado?
John B.: Colorado.
Jim: Okay, good.
John B.: Crested Butte.
Jim: Okay.
John B.: To be specific.
Jim: Yeah, excellent.
John B.: Yeah.
Jim: Great ski spot.
John B.: Yeah, it’s a great ski spot. And, uh, yeah, so we were single, college, me- met these three girls, and you know, we were trying to show off and-
Jim: Texans.
John B.: Yeah, and Texans.
Jim: (laughs)
John B.: And, uh, if you don’t know, Coloradans have a love-hate relationship with Texans.
Jim: Hm. (laughs) But they love Texans who can ski really well.
John B.: They love.
John B.: Yeah, and so I mean, but these girls were like, leading us into the trap, right?
Jim: Ok.
John B.: And they were like, “Okay, you can ski? Let’s go skiing.” So they take us up to the back side. And it’s this big, bowl, probably two feet of powder, three feet of powder.
Jim: Crazy.
John B.: 70 degrees, I mean, it was … it looked like a straight-down drop. So they said to me, “You can’t fear. You just have to- you have to go like you’re falling down the mountain plunge, and then use the speed to control your speed.” So I start, and I’m terrified. So I lean back. Well, that’s the worst thing you can do.
Jim: Yeah, boom. (laughs)
John B.: And … I- I- you know, I snowball for 200 yards.
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: She comes back and she’s like, “No.”
Jim: (laughs)
John B.: “If you give in to fear, you’re not going to be able to, you’re not going to be able to do this. You have to, like, throw yourself down the mountain. And then you’ll be able to control your speed.” It seemed counterintuitive.
Jim: Right. I’d be right with you.
John B.: But I did it.
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: I did it that time. I leaned down. I leaned down the mountain, and I didn’t fight the speed. And I started to then turn, and it was the most fun I’ve ever had. It was a thrill.
Jim: Mm.
John B.: The 60/60 Experiment, doing life moment by moment with Jesus, is the same. So here’s what I challenge people to do. For 60 days, you have to go all out in complete willingness-
Jim: To lean in.
John B.: To do his will.
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: But I’m telling you, after watching thousands of people do this experiment for 60 days, nobody ever says, who- who goes all out, “Oh, I wish I hadn’t done that.”
John: Hm.
John B.: Nobody. It’s always-
Jim: Well, that’s a good guarantee.
John B.: Always, “Oh, my gosh.”
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: God is real. He loves me and cares about me. I couldn’t believe the things I experienced the way God showed up, the way he led me, the joy, the peace. A- and the way he takes care of the little things-
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: … when I just focus on the one thing Jesus said is most important: abide in me, you’ll bear much fruit. Apart from me, nothing.
Jim: John, that is so good. Uh, in the book, you share how you responded at a crucial time when a friend of yours, Jerry, really needed you. How did that work in that situation?
John B.: Well, it wasn’t- it wasn’t reconciliation. It’s a good … Uh, this story is a good reminder. So we have to learn to listen to these little promptings. So that’s what happened with Jerry. I’m sitting there doing emails one day. And, um, … Oh, no, actually, I was working on a message. And I was on a deadline. And I had this thought go into my head, “I wonder where Jerry is?” Jerry was not a Christian. He and his girlfriend had started coming to our church. And I hadn’t seen him in a while. And I didn’t know why I had that thought.
Jim: Oh.
John B.: And I thought, “Why did I think that?” Well, and then I was like, “I’m busy.” I got, and so I go back to writing my message, and I had the thought again.
Jim: Mm-hmm.
John B.: And it was kind of like, “Email Jerry.” It was like, “I don’t- I don’t even know if I had Jerry’s email, and I don’t have time to do this. But I’ll email Jerry.” So I emailed Jerry. “Hey Jerry, I haven’t seen you in a while. Hope you’re okay. Just was thinking about you. Stopped and prayed for you. Let me know if I can do anything for you.” Shot it off. Well, the next day, his girlfriend, um, who Jerry lived with, got that. And she had just taken him home from the hospital, having tried to commit suicide the day I wrote that email.
Jim: Mm-hmm. The day the Lord was nudging you.
John B.: The day the Lord nudged me.
Jim: Yeah. Amazing.
John B.: She said, “As an act of God, they came in and he unloaded all the guilt and burden that he’s carried.” Because basically, he- he started dating his brother’s girlfriend that tore their relationship apart, ’cause his brother was in love. And- and he felt incredible guilt. And it just drove him, and he didn’t know the forgiveness of the Lord.
Jim: Right.
John B.: So I shared the Gospel with him. He came to Christ.
John: Huh.
John B.: The Lord turned his life around. It was amazing. Because of one little prompting thought.
Jim: Yeah. Think of that.
John B.: And that’s the adventure we get to go on with the Lord.
Jim: Mm.
John: Well, we’re inviting you to go on a journey with God, and to be used by him, as John was just describing. Um, the book that we’re talking about today on Focus on the Family is written by John Burke. It’s called Soul Revolution: How Imperfect People Become All God Intended. And, uh, we’re making that available to you. Just give us a call, 800, the letter A, and the word FAMILY. Or stop by focusonthefamily.com/broadcast.
Jim: John, that can be one of the big barriers, is moving toward people with the right attitude. You’re in the 60/60 Experiment, you’re asking the Lord every 60 minutes, “Okay Lord, what- checkin’ in. Where do I need to go?” And boom, that thought hits you. Contact So-and-So. Okay, well, I’m not sure if that’s the Lord, but in faith, I’m gonna make that happen. And, you know, these can be relationships that have historic conflict in them.
John B.: Mm-hmm.
Jim: Or something. So kind of bundling those thoughts together, uh, the concept of moving toward people … for some-
John B.: Oh, yeah.
Jim: … can be really intimidating.
John B.: Well, it can be past conflict, or it can be present conflict.
Jim: Or just fear.
John B.: Yeah. And one of the things, um, in the book I- I talk about, um, using The Lord’s Prayer as a model.
Jim: Yeah, let’s talk about that.
John B.: Uh, well, and it leads in … Because again, it’s not being formal. It’s just really … The Lord’s Prayer is a really a- a model. “Our Father, who art in Heaven, holy is your name.” In other words, you’re greater than I can possibly imagine. Better than I can possibly imagine. I’m gonna trust you. That’s that- the sentiment. And then the second, you know, your kingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Okay, that’s a prayer. Now Jesus taught us to pray that because God’s will is not done mostly on Earth. Uh, this is what we’re trying to do in the 60/60 Experiment.
Jim: Hm.
John B.: Is change it from the way we typically will things to be done and allow God’s will to actually work in us. Now, here’s the thing. Love requires willingness and free will. So God doesn’t force himself on us. Many times, he waits for our willingness. And so, the responding in obedience, the radical response, in those moments throughout the day, it does require humbling ourselves in trust. I think about my own personal experience. When our kids were little, we were in the middle as a- church, of doing the 60/60 Experiments. My watch was going off, you know, beeping every- every 60 minutes to remind me to stay connected each- each moment of the day. We go down to the beach, and, um, the kids are little, we stay up late swimming. Uh, w- we get up the next morning, and I had this plan in my head of how the day was going to go. We had to get back; it was Sunday. So we would get up, you know, get ready, we’d be out on the beach by 10. We would enjoy, you know, the afternoon. We’d hit the road by- by two, because we had to get back and ready f- for school and everything else. And it’s 10 o’clock, 11 o’clock, 12 o’clock …
Jim: (laughs)
John B.: You know, we’re all grumpy because we didn’t sleep well. We’re in a cramped little hotel. The dog, and dog’s barking, kept us up all night. We’re all getting on each other’s nerves. But I was doing a really good job of being patient.
Jim: (laughs) Let me tell you.
John B.: (laughs) And my wife disagrees, but she’s wrong. (laughs)
John: Oh man am I feeling this.
Jim: (laughs)
John B.: So you get the picture, right?
Jim: Yes.
John B.: But I really felt like I had. Like, we were all getting on each other’s nerves. The kids were crying and upset, and I was trying to be so patient. Like-
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: But now it’s noon. It’s two hours past plan. (laughs)
Jim: Right. Time to go.
John B.: I.e., my will.
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: Be done. So anyway, um, my wife finally confronted me. She said, “You’re being so impatient.” Well I was like, “What? Don’t you realize how patient I’ve been for two hours?”
Jim: (laughs) “You’ve not noticed?”
John B.: Yes. (laughs)
John: (laughs)
John B.: And, uh, and it just, you know … So then we started getting in, and we were all-
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: And right as we’re in the middle of it, what do you think happened? The stinkin’ beeper goes off on my watch!
Jim: (laughs) The 60/60.
John B.: The 60/60. And I’m not kidding. In my mind I said, “Sorry Lord, can’t connect right now. I’m busy.”
John: Yeah, not this time. (laughs)
John B.: (laughs)
Jim: And I certainly don’t want accountability. (laughs)
John B.: I do not want … and- and that is exactly what happens, right?
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: And what … I realize is in that moment, it was, like, my wound, my pride, my way … It was blocking my spirit from even wanting to consider what the Lord wanted.
Jim: Mm-hmm.
John B.: His will be done. Right?
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: And I literally had to … A- and it was only because this verse from Scripture kept coming to my mind. Again, I think it was the words prompting. “God opposes the proud. But he gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, and he will lift you up.”
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: I kept hearing that, and I was like, “Oh, I never shoulda never memorized that Scripture.”
Jim: (laughs)
John B.: (laughs)
Jim: They always come back to bite us.
John B.: Yeah.
Jim: (laughs)
John B.: But I went for a walk, and I just calmed down, and- and I was able to say … And sometimes this is what you have to say. “Lord, I can’t do it for them. But I’ll do it for you.”
Jim: Mm. That’s good.
John B.: That’s obedience. That’s abide in my love, and how do you abide in my love? You know how much God loves us. A depth that we cannot fathom how high, how low, how wide, how deep. But we only have one thing to offer him in love: our will. In any one moment.
Jim: Mm-hmm.
John B.: So I said, “Okay. I’ll do it as an act of love for you.” And I went back, and I apologized, even though I wasn’t wrong; they were wrong.
Jim: Yeah. (laughs)
John B.: (laughs)
Jim: I can see it went deep. (laughs)
John B.: (laughs) Still gotta go through forgiveness.
Jim: Right.
John B.: No, but that is the reality.
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: So that’s your kingdom come; your will be done. And what we’re doing in these moments, throughout the day in the 60/60 is we’re changing our habit.
John: Yeah.
John B.: Of just letting our pride and our will be done, and we’re- we’re actually following his- and we’re seeing it’s better. It was better. We went out and had a great day the rest of the day.
John: So you did have resolution.
John B.: They apologized, too, once I led.
John: Hm.
John B.: But leadership often requires humbling yourself, right?
Jim: You know, and I think in that 60/60 Experiment, one of the things is just getting to know the voice of the Lord. Um, a- and it doesn’t need to be a shameful thing or an embarrassing thing.
John B.: No.
Jim: If you haven’t practiced this. I- it takes a little time to say, “Okay, is that just me thinking that? Or is it really the Holy Spirit nudging me?”
John B.: Yeah.
Jim: In fact, you had a story in the book about Kathy. You guys, I think, were in Russia.
John B.: Oh, yeah.
Jim: And something at a nice restaurant occurred or something.
John B.: Yeah.
Jim: So fill in the blanks.
John B.: We were living in post-Communist Russia. So, uh, it was right after the fall of the Soviet Union. Uh, we moved to Leningrad, we left St. Petersburg, same city. We were there when it-
Jim: Yep.
John B.: … when it changed.
Jim: When it changed names. Yeah.
John B.: But during that time it was hyperinflation. Um, just horrible economic crash.
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: So, anyway, um, we were at a Christmas break out in Switzerland, uh, for a conference. So, we’re having this- we go to this really nice restaurant, steakhouse in Switzerland. Just lovin’ it. And my wife couldn’t eat. She has a huge mercy gift.
Jim: Right.
John B.: That’s not my problem. (laughs)
Jim: Right. (laughs) You married opposites.
John B.: (laughs) Yes. She helps me. She helps me with the Lord’s heart for people. And, uh, and so she couldn’t eat. And I’m like, “Why aren’t you eating?” And she goes, “I just- I can’t eat this beautiful meal, knowing some of our Russian friends, the parents and married student housing can’t even get milk for their kids. We gotta do something to help them.”
Jim: Mm.
John B.: And so we stopped, and we prayed around the meal. We just said, “Lord, if this prompting that Kathy’s feeling, we’re all feeling.” We were all …
Jim: Right.
John B.: Like, “God, are we supposed to do something? Then tell us. Show us.”
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: And we spent the rest of the night brainstorming. “Well, maybe we could find trucks in Finland, and we could truck food in from Finland. We can raise money from churches in the United States.” We started to develop this plan. Well, we get back that next week, to our flat; we lived in a Russian flat apartment; and, um, there was a- a phone message waiting for us. And we call. And … It was an organization that had a C-110 military transport plane flying in a whole cargo load of food, enough to feed 2,000 families for three months. Their contact had turned out to be Mafia. They heard we were Americans living there. Is there any way we could possibly help them distribute the food?
Jim: Huh … (laughs) That’s crazy. Crazy!
John B.: Crazy.
John: My goodness.
John B.: And so we ended up being able to not only, you know, meet the needs physically, but, um, we were able to share Christ with all of them and tell them about the God who cares about their needs, physical and spiritual. It was amazing. But again, this is the adventure God wants to lead us on. And sometimes it’s amazing like that. Like, he wants to do something through us, but we have to be willing to just seek his will.
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: And be willing to act. Sometimes it’s real simple.
Jim: Yeah, and I- I like that, through both days you talked about that: keeping things simple, that the Gospel is simple. Um- It’s not easy.
John B.: No.
Jim: But it is the hardest thing-
John B.: (laughs) It is the hardest thing.
Jim: But really, it’s simple.
John B.: That’s why the 60/60 Experiment is for 60 days. We’re trying to reorient our habit-
Jim: Right.
John B.: … of not doing this one thing Jesus said is necessary.
Jim: Yeah.
John B.: Getting distracted by everything else.
Jim: Everything else. And I think that’s where I want to end with this last question: that person, maybe they don’t even feel worthy. That’s so much the guilt that the enemy lays on our heart, that, you know, we- we couldn’t possibly be noticed by God because we’re so unworthy.
John B.: Yeah.
Jim: Think of the things that you’ve done, and the way that you’ve acted and the thoughts that you’ve had.
John B.: Right.
Jim: I’m trying to hit all the checklists we have.
John B.: Or still have.
Jim: Or still have.
John B.: Struggle with.
Jim: But the Lord’s good with all that. He just wants that relationship, and those things will take care of themselves when you stay grafted into the vine.
John B.: Absolutely.
Jim: That’s the point.
Jim: And so speak to that person that continually has that loop playing in their head. And they don’t know that they can get out of the rut.
John B.: That’s a lie from the enemy of your soul trying to keep you in the trap he’s got you in. Which is if, and I … You know, I’ve struggled with my own, uh, sin patterns and even addictions in my past.
Jim: Mm-hmm.
John B.: As I was coming to faith in Christ. And I remember that. I remember what would happen as I would- I would want to do well. And I would try, and then I would fail. And then I would hear in my head, “Man, you’re disgusting. God is so … he’s so displeased in you; he doesn’t want to hear from you until you can clean up your act.”
Jim: (laughs) Right.
John B.: So you know what I’d do? I’d stay away from God. The only one who as I abide can produce the freedom in my life.
Jim: Right.
John B.: So you see, the- the irony is when we try to do it without God, we stay stuck.
Jim: Right.
John B.: And that is the evil one’s intent. He lies to you about that. So if you’re feeling that, memorize what I memorized: Romans 8:1. “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Right?
Jim: That’s pretty straightforward.
John B.: No condemnation. So if- if you fall, if you do wrong, you know, just like in The Lord’s Prayer. You know, he says, “Forgive us our sins and we forgive others.” He already has paid for it. Jesus already saw and paid for that sin 2,000 years ago. Which means he already knows the ones you haven’t even done yet.
Jim: Mm-hmm.
John B.: And he paid for those, too. And why did he do that? Not so we’ll keep doing it. So that we won’t stay disconnected from the very source of love and life, and the meeting of our deepest longings, and then leading us on this healing journey. This adventure of life. There’s nothing better. And all you have to do is stay focused on one thing: stay connected to him; the fruit happens naturally.
Jim: Yeah. And that is so good. And John, what a place to end. That’s the challenge. I’d say, take it, do the 60/60 Experiment. Get a copy of the book, Soul Revolution. Get it right here from Focus, because all the dollars go right back into ministry. So that’s helpful; we’re not paying shareholders. And, uh, and why not take the challenge? If you want that deeper relationship with the Lord. Or maybe you don’t have that relationship with the Lord. Call us, talk to a Christian counselor here at Focus on the Family. They will walk you through that, and help you better understand what it means to be committed to Christ. And John, this has been so good. I hope, literally, we’re probably talking to three-four million people the last couple of days. I hope a lot of ’em will take the challenge, especially if they haven’t lived in that abiding that you’ve talked about.
John B.: Yeah, and I would say if you’ve never gone all out for 60 days trying it, I can just guarantee at the end of that 60 days, you’ll go, “This is the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Jim: Right. And I’d love to hear those stories. You know, when those things happen. Man, shoot us a note, let us know how God is speaking to your heart-
John B.: Mm-hmm.
Jim: … in that 60-day trial and beyond.
John: Well, this is a grand invitation to a great journey. And we invite you to get in touch with us. To get a copy of John’s book, Soul Revolution, our number is 800, the letter A, and the word FAMILY. 800-232-6459. Or stop by focusonthefamily.com/broadcast. And this reminder that we’re a listener-supported ministry, and your donation will help us become even more effective at reaching literally around the world and encouraging families. Uh, donate today a- a gift of any amount, and we’ll say “Thank you” by sending a copy of John Burke’s excellent book, Soul Revolution. You can do that when you call us or stop by the website. On behalf of Jim Daly and the entire team, thanks for joining us today for Focus on the Family. I’m John Fuller, inviting you back as we once again help you and your family thrive in Christ.
John Burke is the founder and lead pastor of Gateway Church, a multi-site church based in Austin, Texas, which has grown to more than 4,500 people since its start in 1998. He is also the president of Gateway Leadership Initiative, a non-profit organization working to help church-planting pastors and ordinary Christians “raise the church out of the culture.” John has authored several books including No Perfect People Allowed, Soul Revolution, and The New York Times best-seller Imagine Heaven. He and his wife, Kathy, have two children. Learn more about John at his website, JohnBurkeOnline.com.
Receive the book Soul Revolution for your donation of any amount!
As a parent, it’s good to have fun with your children. Even if you’re not the naturally, fun-loving type, John and Danny will give some ideas for how you can have a good time with your kids. Featuring Dr. Kevin Leman and Jean Daly.
Couples who go the distance don’t just drift into a successful relationship. Truth be told, it takes consistent effort to succeed in marriage. John, Erin and Greg share how you can stay intentional in striving for a great relationship with your spouse. Featuring Pastor Kevin Thompson.
Susie Larson shares how she learned to fight for the identity Jesus gave her as His precious daughter, even though her life experiences made her feel like a ‘second-class citizen.’ Starting at age nine when we she was attacked by a group of boys, Susie felt she was targeted for tragedy. Hear how she found a whole new perspective and identity as a “daughter of the King.”
Popular Christian vocalist Larnelle Harris reflects on his five-decade music career, sharing the valuable life lessons he’s learned about putting his family first, allowing God to redeem a troubled past, recognizing those who’ve sacrificed for his benefit, and faithfully adhering to biblical principles amidst all the opportunities that have come his way.
Our guests share their dramatic stories of surviving the attempts to end their lives while in their mother’s womb, providing a stark and undeniable counter argument to pro-abortionists who argue that a fetus is not a living human being. (Part 1 of 2)
Our guests share their dramatic stories of surviving the attempts to end their lives while in their mother’s womb, providing a stark and undeniable counter argument to pro-abortionists who argue that a fetus is not a living human being. (Part 2 of 2)
As a pediatrician, Dr. Meg Meeker has seen thousands of girls come through her office through the years. They struggle with eating issues, sexual identity, social media…and many other challenges in this toxic culture. Dr. Meeker will encourage parents to invest love and time in their daughters and develop their character to give them the best opportunity for a bright future, all rooted in a spiritual foundation. The discussion also includes healthy feminism vs. toxic feminism
Dr. Meg Meeker is a pediatrician who is widely recognized as one of the country’s leading authorities on parenting, teens and children’s health. With appearances on numerous nationally syndicated radio and TV programs, her popularity as a an expert on key issues confronting families has created a strong following across America. Her work with countless families over the years served as the inspiration behind her best-selling books which include Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, Strong Mothers, Strong Sons and The Ten Habits of Happy Mothers.
Meg Meeker has been a pediatrician for more than thirty years, is a mother and a grandmother, and has seen it all. She knows what makes for strong, happy, healthy young women–and what puts our daughters at risk. Combining that experience with her famous common sense, she explains the eleven steps that will help your daughter–whether she’s a toddler or a troubled teen–to achieve her full human potential.
Do you love your spouse, or do you truly cherish them? Gary Thomas encourages couples to make a daily effort to go beyond the ‘duty’ of love, and combat the natural inclination to drift apart, by choosing to see the best in their spouse.
Gary Thomas is an international speaker and best-selling, award-winning author whose books include Married Sex, Sacred Marriage and Sacred Parenting. He has also written numerous articles for several prominent national magazines. Gary and his wife, Lisa, reside in Texas and have three children. You can learn more about Gary by visiting his website, www.garythomas.com.
“Most marriages survive by gritting teeth and holding on. But marriages can and will not only survive but thrive when husbands and wives learn to cherish one another.” Those are the powerful words of bestselling author Gary Thomas in his newest book–Cherish. And in a world desperate for marriage redemption, it is needed now more than ever. Thomas shows that although there are a countless number of marriages consisting of two people just going through the motions, there are real ways this pattern can be reversed: when husbands and wives learn to cherish one another in proven, loving, and everyday actions and words.
Discover the amazing work our PRC’s Directors, Nurses, and Volunteers are making in their communities! You’ll see firsthand testimonies of a PRC in action, and that there are other options outside of abortions! You’ll also discover how your family can support your local PRC!
Will you pray for the pre-born and moms that are facing unexpected pregnancies? We will send you a 7-day prayer guide that will help guide you along this journey with us!! You can even choose to receive this great resource by text!
Hear real life stories of parents who have made the decision to choose life even though the circumstances were overwhelming. You’ll see why “ALL” life is precious to God and why choosing life is always the right decision!
Will you pray for the pre-born and moms that are facing unexpected pregnancies? We will send you a 7-day prayer guide that will help guide you along this journey with us!! You can even choose to receive this great resource by text!
Have you ever wondered what a baby looked like in the womb? With today’s technology, Moms and Dads can see the baby’s heartbeat, facial expressions, and movements! You’ll find out why more women choose life once they hear their baby’s heartbeat and realize it’s a real living human!
Will you pray for the pre-born and moms that are facing unexpected pregnancies? We will send you a 7-day prayer guide that will help guide you along this journey with us!! You can even choose to receive this great resource by text!
After a couple has chosen life, hear the heartwarming stories of children that culture would have cast aside, yet are making tremendous impacts in their communities. Whether the diagnosis was adverse or the circumstances were difficult, these stories will inspire you to come along side of families who have chosen life!
Will you pray for the pre-born and moms that are facing unexpected pregnancies? We will send you a 7-day prayer guide that will help guide you along this journey with us!! You can even choose to receive this great resource by text!
So, after all you’ve seen through the SeeLife ‘21 Episodic journey; what can you do now? We’ll share how you can partner with some amazing organizations that are making significant impacts in the pro-life movement! You want to Celebrate Life!
Will you pray for the pre-born and moms that are facing unexpected pregnancies? We will send you a 7-day prayer guide that will help guide you along this journey with us!! You can even choose to receive this great resource by text!
Jodie Berndt loves to pray for her children. She’s been doing that for the past thirty years. Now she helps other parents to talk to God, asking for the salvation of their kids, and for wisdom, self-discipline, purpose, a future and much more. She offers fun and practical encouragement that moms and dads can put to work immediately in their daily lives as they prepare their children for a life in Christ.
Jodie Berndt is a public speaker, a Bible teacher, and the the author of 10 books. Find out more about Jodie and get some free resources (including printable prayer cards and calendars) at her website, jodieberndt.com.
You will discover how using the Bible to shape your desires and requests opens the door to God’s provision—and frees us from things like worry and fear in our parenting! This expanded edition of the bestseller features updated content on issues like technology and identity, and comes with new material designed to invite children into the family prayer circle. Purchase now and receive 10% off your product.
To be an effective parent, you must be a leader in your child’s life, guiding with a gentle hand and setting a solid example. Dr. Randy Schroeder provides the insight you need to be a leader-parent. As he explores the foundational Rs—relationship, routines, responsibilities, and rules—you’ll better understand the role you play in your child’s life. You’ll learn great phrases to employ such as “Either/Or/You Decide” and “When You/Then You”. While there is no perfect parent, this nuts-and-bolts material will equip you to lead your child in a loving, confident manner.
Dr. Randy Schroeder has spent more than four decades writing, counseling, speaking, and teaching. For nearly 25 years, he was Vice President of Student Personnel Services, Dean of Students, and a professor of pastoral counseling at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind. He’s also led a successful counseling practice helping individuals, couples, and families to thrive in their lives and relationships.
Effective parenting is now within your grasp! With this inspiring how-to comprehensive book, achieve extraordinary results in raising a child to be self-assured, self-reliant, and responsible! You will be able to successfully lead and lovingly encourage your child toward a Godly life!
God designed marriage to reflect His love to the world; and because of this, the enemy wants to destroy God’s beautiful design. Based on his book, Defending Your Marriage, Dr. Tim and Noreen Muehlhoff share about the reality of spiritual warfare against marriages, and how to combat the enemy’s lies with the truth of God. Couples will be encouraged that they’re not alone in the fight for a godly marriage and better equipped to be a shining example for the world around them.
Dr. Tim Muehlhoff is a professor of communication at Biola University in La Mirada, California where he teaches classes in family communication, interpersonal communication, apologetics, gender, and conflict resolution. Tim and his wife, Noreen, are both on staff with Biola’s Center for Marriage and Relationships where he is a co-host of The Art of Relationship podcast.
Is your marriage under attack? Sometimes it can feel like the world is trying to tear your marriage apart. Internal conflicts or external pressures might make you wonder if something sinister is going on. How can you tell if you’re facing spiritual opposition? And what can you do about it? Tim Muehlhoff provides a straightforward resource for protecting your marriage from the threats of the evil one. He looks at what Scripture says about spiritual warfare and how our everyday struggles have deeper spiritual realities. And he provides practical steps for guarding our marriages with the whole armor of God.
For those of faith whose passion has waned over time, Kim Meeder will reinspire you in your relationship with Jesus Christ as she tells powerful, true stories about God that will spark renewed joy in your heart and encourage you to share the Gospel with others.
Kim Meeder and her husband, Troy, are the co-founders of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, a non-profit organization in Bend, Oregon, that rescues abused horses and pairs them with hurting kids for mutual healing. Kim is a popular motivational speaker and the author of a half dozen books including Hope Rising and Bridge Called Hope, which feature inspirational stories from her ranch.
With enthusiasm that will set ablaze your passion to reach the hurting, Kim Meeder encourages you to let the holy fire of God’s presence fill your heart, soul, mind and strength. As your fear and pride melt away, those around you who are losing their battle for hope will be transformed by encountering His redeeming love in you. This–this is revival rising.
For those of faith whose passion has waned over time, Kim Meeder will reinspire you in your relationship with Jesus Christ as she tells powerful, true stories about God that will spark renewed joy in your heart and encourage you to share the Gospel with others.
Kim Meeder and her husband, Troy, are the co-founders of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, a non-profit organization in Bend, Oregon, that rescues abused horses and pairs them with hurting kids for mutual healing. Kim is a popular motivational speaker and the author of a half dozen books including Hope Rising and Bridge Called Hope, which feature inspirational stories from her ranch.
With enthusiasm that will set ablaze your passion to reach the hurting, Kim Meeder encourages you to let the holy fire of God’s presence fill your heart, soul, mind and strength. As your fear and pride melt away, those around you who are losing their battle for hope will be transformed by encountering His redeeming love in you. This–this is revival rising.
Rhonda Stoppe describes her early motherhood challenges of raising a son, which was intimidating to her. She found help through group of older women mentors. She urges moms to see their role as ministry in shaping sons to be good and godly men. Rhonda outlines several practical suggestions to moms about spiritual training, how to communicate with boys, and supporting the father-son relationship as a wife.
Drawing upon 35 years of experience as a mentor, pastor’s wife, and homeschool mom, Rhonda Stoppe offers encouragement and guidance to women as an author and public speaker. She is popularly known as the “No Regrets Woman,” as she is especially passionate about helping women live life without regrets. Rhonda’s books include Moms Raising Sons to Be Men, Real Life Romance, and The Marriage Mentor, which she co-authored with her husband, Steve.
Mothers of boys have the special calling to shape future men of God. Popular speaker Rhonda Stoppe, mom to two sons, knows this opportunity is a challenge, a joy, and probably the most important work of a woman’s life. Drawing from years of experience, this inspirational resource will revive the faithfulness and fortitude a woman needs to partner with God as they shape the character and heart of a future godly man.
They were both convinced they had married the wrong person. From almost the very beginning of their marriage, Amber and Guy Lia experienced various tensions and personality clashes related to house cleaning, backseat driving, workaholism, and intimacy. In this two-day Focus on the Family broadcast, Amber and Guy discuss how they bravely faced the triggers head-on, and committed to working on their own relationships with Jesus. As you listen to the Lia’s story, you’ll feel hope that you, too, can see real marriage transformation!
Amber Lia is a work-at-home mom, blogger, public speaker, and co-author of two best-selling books. Her husband, Guy, is a former TV, feature film, and VFX development and production executive who has worked on popular TV shows and films. Guy and Amber own Storehouse Media Group, a faith- and family-friendly TV and film production company based in Los Angeles,
A husband-wife team offers practical advice for married couples to end the cycle of reactionary arguments by examining the most common issues that trigger disagreements and apply God’s Word to radically transform relationships.
Life can be pretty stressful. Between work, relationships, and other obligations, the pressure builds, and we lose sight of who we are. Counselor Debra Fileta helps you better understand your emotions, assess your mental, physical, and spiritual health, and intentionally pursue a path to wellbeing. In dealing with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, Debra understands the importance of self-examination as well as the benefits of seeking professional help. She offers biblically-based advice, tools, and encouragement to help you get on a path toward healing and wholeness.
Debra Fileta is a licensed professional counselor specializing in relationship and marital issues. She is also a public speaker and the author of multiple books, including Married Sex, Choosing Marriage: Why It Has to Start With We > Me, Love in Every Season, and Are You Really OK: Getting Real About Who You Are, How You’re Doing, and Why It Matters. Debra’s popular relationship advice blog, TrueLoveDates.com, and her Love + Relationships podcast reach millions of people each year offering guidance on topics including love, sex, and marriage. Debra resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, John, and their four children.
In Are You Really OK? author and licensed counselor Debra Fileta challenges you to get real with who you are and how you’re doing spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically so you can recognize where you need growth and healing.
As a spouse, you have three roles to play—a friend, a partner, and a lover. On this one-day Focus on the Family broadcast, Pastor Kevin A. Thompson explores those different roles and challenges you to live them out by investing emotionally, physically, and mentally in your relationship. As friends, he suggests we learn to play and laugh together. As partners, he equips us with solid ways to handle conflict and communication. As lovers, he offers some thoughts on how to bring back the sizzle. He shares five keys to saving your marriage: humility, respect, mercy, communication, and resilience. You’ll be encouraged to intentionally invest in your marriage.
Kevin A. Thompson (MDiv, Beeson Divinity School) is lead pastor at Community Bible Church, a growing multi-site church with four locations in western Arkansas. Every year he meets with nearly one hundred couples with a range of needs, from pre-marital counseling to navigating the most serious betrayals. A marriage and parenting conference speaker, he and his wife, Jenny, have two children and live in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He blogs at kevinathompson.com.
With engaging stories and clear, simple language, pastor Kevin Thompson shows how to live out three distinct roles in marraige. Using solid biblical principles, he helps you and your spouse grow your friendship, be supportive partners through the good times and the bad, and develop a healthy and satisfying sex life.
You can confidently and lovingly share your faith—you just need to learn some new tactics to do so! In this Focus on the Family Daily Broadcast, apologist Greg Koukl outlines the “Columbo” tactic of asking questions, the “self-defeating argument” tactic to find holes in your opponent’s arguments, and other specific methods for engaging in faith-building conversations with others. Greg pulls from his over 30 years of experience debating atheists and agnostics to help you share your faith with grace and truth.
Greg Koukl is a writer, public speaker and talk show host who’s spent 30 years advocating for and defending the Christian worldview. Greg has written or contributed to 15 books, including The Story of Reality, Tactics, and Precious Unborn Human Persons. Greg has published nearly 230 articles and has spoken on 80 college and university campuses in the U.S. and abroad.
In a world increasingly indifferent to Christian truth, followers of Christ need to be equipped to communicate with those who do not speak their language or accept their source of authority. In Tactics, 10th Anniversary Edition, Gregory Koukl demonstrates how to artfully regain control of conversations, keeping them moving forward in constructive ways through thoughtful diplomacy. You’ll learn how to stop challengers in their tracks and how to turn the tables on questions or provocative statements. Most important, you’ll learn how to get people thinking about Jesus.
Debra Fileta has identified the four seasons of marriage that correspond with our natural seasons – spring (new life and new love), summer (things get hot!), fall (showing our true colors), and winter (long days ahead). In this interview, she will help couples better understand the four seasons of healthy relationships, what to expect during each one, and how to carefully navigate them for a stronger marriage.
Debra Fileta is a licensed professional counselor specializing in relationship and marital issues. She is also a public speaker and the author of multiple books, including Married Sex, Choosing Marriage: Why It Has to Start With We > Me, Love in Every Season, and Are You Really OK: Getting Real About Who You Are, How You’re Doing, and Why It Matters. Debra’s popular relationship advice blog, TrueLoveDates.com, and her Love + Relationships podcast reach millions of people each year offering guidance on topics including love, sex, and marriage.
Every relationship goes through four life-changing seasons: Spring. Summer. Fall. Winter. Each season plays an important role in taking your relationship to the next level. And depending on how you navigate each season, your relationship will either flourish and grow, or it will slowly die. Whether you’re single, dating, engaged or married, join licensed professional counselor and relationship expert, Debra Fileta as she takes you on an eye-opening psychological and spiritual journey through the four seasons that she has observed in every healthy relationship.
As an abortion doctor at Planned Parenthood, Dr. Patti Giebink believed she was helping women. Later, she began reading scripture and God gradually changed her heart on the abortion issue. Patti tells the story of her long journey from abortion doctor to pro-life and encourages listeners to share the message of life with compassion.
Dr. Patti Giebink is an OB-GYN who serves on the board of the Alpha Center, a well-known pregnancy center located in Sioux Falls, S.D. She also travels intermittently to work in mission hospitals in Pakistan and other countries. After completing her medical training, Dr. Giebink worked for Planned Parenthood from 1995-1997, during which she was the only abortion-provider in the state of South Dakota. She eventually experienced a radical change of heart on the issue of abortion after receiving God’s grace, forgiveness, and love, and she is now a passionate advocate for the pro-life movement.
Unexpected Choice is told from the perspective of a doctor who actually performed abortions through Planned Parenthood. The book chronicles her journey from being a pro-choice physician to someone speaking on behalf of the pro-life movement.
As a latchkey kid, Wendy Speake turned to sugar for comfort. Every Friday, she would pedal to the candy show and use her allowance to fill her bag with candy. And one day, when she was older and a mom of three young boys, she came to realize that she was still “pedaling” away from her stress and using sugar as comfort, instead of turning to Jesus. She was joyless, worn out, tired, and in need of a change. In this interview, Wendy will challenge Christians to take 40 days to focus on fasting from something they turn to instead of Jesus for comfort. She invited people to break free from a dependence on sugar and taste the goodness of God.
With a background in Hollywood as a trained actress, Wendy Speake ministers to women as a bible teacher by applying the power of drama, poetry and comedy to the study of Scripture and real-life application of biblical truths. She has co-authored two books with Amber Lia titled Triggers: Exchanging Parents’ Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses and their latest, Parenting Scripts: When What You’re Saying Isn’t Working, Say Something New. Wendy is also the co-author (with Kelli Stuart) of Life Creative: Inspiration for Today’s Renaissance Mom.
Welcome to the 40-Day Sugar Fast, a fast that begins with us giving Jesus our sugar and ends with Jesus giving us himself–the only thing that can ever truly satisfy our soul’s deep hunger. On this 40-day journey you’ll learn how to stop fixating on food and other things you use to fill the voids in life and instead fix your eyes on Christ. Anyone who runs to sugar for comfort or a reward, who eats mindlessly or out of boredom, who feels physically and spiritually lethargic, or who struggles with self-control will discover here not only freedom from their cravings but an entirely new appetite for the good things God has for us.
Often, children act out because they are used to getting attention through bad behavior. Dr. Kevin Leman offers advice to help parents transform their child’s behavior. He discusses the benefits of allowing your kids to learn from real-life consequences and describes the importance of understanding your child’s temperament based on his birth order.
Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known family psychologist and an award-winning, New York Times best-selling author. He is also a popular public speaker and media personality who has made countless guest appearances on numerous radio and TV programs. Dr. Leman has written more than 50 books including The Birth Order Book, Have a New Kid by Friday and Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours.
Tantrums. Talking back. Throwing toys or food. Meltdowns. Slamming doors. Kids know just how to push your buttons. You’ve tried all sorts of methods, but nothing seems to work. In this book, Dr. Kevin Leman reveals exactly why kids misbehave and how you can turn that behavior around with practical, no-nonsense strategies that really work . . . and are a long-term win for both of you.
Often, children act out because they are used to getting attention through bad behavior. Dr. Kevin Leman offers advice to help parents transform their child’s behavior. He discusses the benefits of allowing your kids to learn from real-life consequences and describes the importance of understanding your child’s temperament based on his birth order.
Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known family psychologist and an award-winning, New York Times best-selling author. He is also a popular public speaker and media personality who has made countless guest appearances on numerous radio and TV programs. Dr. Leman has written more than 50 books including The Birth Order Book, Have a New Kid by Friday and Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours.
Tantrums. Talking back. Throwing toys or food. Meltdowns. Slamming doors. Kids know just how to push your buttons. You’ve tried all sorts of methods, but nothing seems to work. In this book, Dr. Kevin Leman reveals exactly why kids misbehave and how you can turn that behavior around with practical, no-nonsense strategies that really work . . . and are a long-term win for both of you.
Debra Fileta has identified the four seasons of marriage that correspond with our natural seasons – spring (new life and new love), summer (things get hot!), fall (showing our true colors), and winter (long days ahead). In this interview, she will help couples better understand the four seasons of healthy relationships, what to expect during each one, and how to carefully navigate them for a stronger marriage.
Debra Fileta is a licensed professional counselor specializing in relationship and marital issues. She is also a public speaker and the author of multiple books, including Married Sex, Choosing Marriage: Why It Has to Start With We > Me, Love in Every Season, and Are You Really OK: Getting Real About Who You Are, How You’re Doing, and Why It Matters. Debra’s popular relationship advice blog, TrueLoveDates.com, and her Love + Relationships podcast reach millions of people each year offering guidance on topics including love, sex, and marriage.
Every relationship goes through four life-changing seasons: Spring. Summer. Fall. Winter. Each season plays an important role in taking your relationship to the next level. And depending on how you navigate each season, your relationship will either flourish and grow, or it will slowly die. Whether you’re single, dating, engaged or married, join licensed professional counselor and relationship expert, Debra Fileta as she takes you on an eye-opening psychological and spiritual journey through the four seasons that she has observed in every healthy relationship.
Dr. Lee Warren is a neurosurgeon who has faced many heavy challenges in his life – from serving in the Iraq War to removing deadly brain tumors to experiencing the loss of a teenage son. He’ll share about his difficult quest to find answers to some of life’s toughest questions, while holding onto his faith in God and the sure hope of heaven
W. Lee Warren, M.D., is a brain surgeon , inventor, Iraq War veteran, and author of I’ve Seen the End of You: A Neurosurgeon’s Look at Faith, Doubt, and the Things We Think We Know, winner of the Christian Book Award®. His previous book, No Place to Hide, was included on the 2015 U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff’s Recommended Reading List. Dr. Warren has appeared on The 700 Club and the CBS Evening News, and his writings have been featured in Guideposts magazine. His Dr. Lee Warren Podcast, which is heard in more than 60 countries, helps listeners use the power of neuroscience, faith, and common sense to change their lives.
This gripping inspirational memoir grapples with the tension between faith and science—and between death and hope—as a seasoned neurosurgeon faces insurmountable odds and grief both in the office and at home.
Jodie Berndt loves to pray for her children. She’s been doing that for the past thirty years. Now she helps other parents to talk to God, asking for the salvation of their kids, and for wisdom, self-discipline, purpose, a future and much more. She offers fun and practical encouragement that moms and dads can put to work immediately in their daily lives as they prepare their children for a life in Christ.
Jodie Berndt is a public speaker, a Bible teacher, and the the author of 10 books. Find out more about Jodie and get some free resources (including printable prayer cards and calendars) at her website, jodieberndt.com.
You will discover how using the Bible to shape your desires and requests opens the door to God’s provision—and frees us from things like worry and fear in our parenting! This expanded edition of the bestseller features updated content on issues like technology and identity, and comes with new material designed to invite children into the family prayer circle. Purchase now and receive 10% off your product.
Rhonda Stoppe describes her early motherhood challenges of raising a son, which was intimidating to her. She found help through group of older women mentors. She urges moms to see their role as ministry in shaping sons to be good and godly men. Rhonda outlines several practical suggestions to moms about spiritual training, how to communicate with boys, and supporting the father-son relationship as a wife.
Drawing upon 35 years of experience as a mentor, pastor’s wife, and homeschool mom, Rhonda Stoppe offers encouragement and guidance to women as an author and public speaker. She is popularly known as the “No Regrets Woman,” as she is especially passionate about helping women live life without regrets. Rhonda’s books include Moms Raising Sons to Be Men, Real Life Romance, and The Marriage Mentor, which she co-authored with her husband, Steve.
Mothers of boys have the special calling to shape future men of God. Popular speaker Rhonda Stoppe, mom to two sons, knows this opportunity is a challenge, a joy, and probably the most important work of a woman’s life. Drawing from years of experience, this inspirational resource will revive the faithfulness and fortitude a woman needs to partner with God as they shape the character and heart of a future godly man.
They were both convinced they had married the wrong person. From almost the very beginning of their marriage, Amber and Guy Lia experienced various tensions and personality clashes related to house cleaning, backseat driving, workaholism, and intimacy. In this two-day Focus on the Family broadcast, Amber and Guy discuss how they bravely faced the triggers head-on, and committed to working on their own relationships with Jesus. As you listen to the Lia’s story, you’ll feel hope that you, too, can see real marriage transformation!
Amber Lia is a work-at-home mom, blogger, public speaker, and co-author of two best-selling books. Her husband, Guy, is a former TV, feature film, and VFX development and production executive who has worked on popular TV shows and films. Guy and Amber own Storehouse Media Group, a faith- and family-friendly TV and film production company based in Los Angeles,
A husband-wife team offers practical advice for married couples to end the cycle of reactionary arguments by examining the most common issues that trigger disagreements and apply God’s Word to radically transform relationships.
Life can be pretty stressful. Between work, relationships, and other obligations, the pressure builds, and we lose sight of who we are. Counselor Debra Fileta helps you better understand your emotions, assess your mental, physical, and spiritual health, and intentionally pursue a path to wellbeing. In dealing with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, Debra understands the importance of self-examination as well as the benefits of seeking professional help. She offers biblically-based advice, tools, and encouragement to help you get on a path toward healing and wholeness.
Debra Fileta is a licensed professional counselor specializing in relationship and marital issues. She is also a public speaker and the author of multiple books, including Married Sex, Choosing Marriage: Why It Has to Start With We > Me, Love in Every Season, and Are You Really OK: Getting Real About Who You Are, How You’re Doing, and Why It Matters. Debra’s popular relationship advice blog, TrueLoveDates.com, and her Love + Relationships podcast reach millions of people each year offering guidance on topics including love, sex, and marriage. Debra resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, John, and their four children.
In Are You Really OK? author and licensed counselor Debra Fileta challenges you to get real with who you are and how you’re doing spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically so you can recognize where you need growth and healing.
As a pediatrician, Dr. Meg Meeker has seen thousands of girls come through her office through the years. They struggle with eating issues, sexual identity, social media…and many other challenges in this toxic culture. Dr. Meeker will encourage parents to invest love and time in their daughters and develop their character to give them the best opportunity for a bright future, all rooted in a spiritual foundation. The discussion also includes healthy feminism vs. toxic feminism
Dr. Meg Meeker is a pediatrician who is widely recognized as one of the country’s leading authorities on parenting, teens and children’s health. With appearances on numerous nationally syndicated radio and TV programs, her popularity as a an expert on key issues confronting families has created a strong following across America. Her work with countless families over the years served as the inspiration behind her best-selling books which include Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, Strong Mothers, Strong Sons and The Ten Habits of Happy Mothers.
Meg Meeker has been a pediatrician for more than thirty years, is a mother and a grandmother, and has seen it all. She knows what makes for strong, happy, healthy young women–and what puts our daughters at risk. Combining that experience with her famous common sense, she explains the eleven steps that will help your daughter–whether she’s a toddler or a troubled teen–to achieve her full human potential.
Will you pray for the pre-born and moms that are facing unexpected pregnancies? We will send you a 7-day prayer guide that will help guide you along this journey with us!! You can even choose to receive this great resource by text!
Sign up below for your free seven-day prayer guide. This daily guide will help give direction to your prayers for the pro-life movement. We will be praying with you!
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