A Life Well-Lived, A Work To Continue

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”

David recorded that observation in Psalm 116:15. It is becoming easier to understand the truth of that verse lately, as I’ve attended a few funerals and memorial services for godly men and women.

I have been fortunate to know a number of special followers of God, people who unwaveringly obey and walk with Christ. They’ve left behind a legacy to follow. To me they represent the heroes of the faith mentioned by the writer of Hebrews.

This week, Dr. D. James Kennedy passed away at age 76. His accomplishments for the Kingdom of God were many, and he humbly walked with his God. While I did not know Dr. Kennedy personally, I do know people he touched. Many Christians have caught Dr. Kennedy’s vision for the unsaved. His Evangelism Explosion ministry has been responsible for thousands of conversions to Christ.

Dr. Kennedy had a passion for speaking out about our culture. He prompted thousands of believers to become salt and light in the darkness in this society. He inspired many to speak up and take action in a culture without regard for Truth.

The life he lived surely caused our Lord to warmly welcome Dr. Kennedy into His presence.

The work he helped promote, that of proclaiming righteousness in our culture, continues. It needs your participation, though. I hope you’ll do something in response to the startling and disturbing information Dr. Dobson and our guests share on today’s broadcast. That’d be a fitting way to honor the memory of a good man, a great saint.

Blocked Goals

Why do you get angry? How do you deal with frustration? What happens when you can’t get your way? Simple questions, but a bit uncomfortable to really answer because that requires some rather serious introspection and honesty. Few of us want to go there – it is painful to confront my inner self and all my shortcomings.

In my early 20s I participated in a small group at church, and we watched a video presentation by Dr. Larry Crabb. One of the statements he made in that series has stuck in my mind ever since, and it related to how I handle life when my plans are interupted. “Blocked goals, especially when we think them necessary for our survival, generate anger.” In essence, the idea is that when I get angry it may well be because an obstacle got in the way of accomplishing one or more goals.

At times when my anger has flared up, I’ve tried to thoughtfully consider why that emotional response is happening. What’s behind that flare-up? At those times it can also help to gain a bit of perspective on life, see things through a different lens.

Today’s Focus on the Family program has one man’s story of blocked goals, and they were serious health issues at a time of life when, for most of us, the future seems brightest. This man had every reason to become bitter and angry. If facing the same kind of circumstances, many people would shake their fist at God and challenge His goodness and sovereignty. Not this young man…no, he found something else besides the pain and anger to concentrate on.

If you are struggling with difficulties in your life, you’ve got to hear Dan Miller‘s fascinating and inspirational account of overcoming adversity. It’ll help put some perspective on and encouragement for what you might be experiencing.

I Thought I Knew

After almost 16 years of working at Focus, I thought I knew who Jim Daly really was. I was wrong.

Jim is the President and CEO of our U.S. office. He is a gifted leader, and works closely with Dr. Dobson and our board to keep this place moving in the right direction.

On the outside, Jim is an optimist, always making friends. He is constantly moving at the speed of light — the guy has boundless energy. He seems to know about half the people in the world, too.

On the inside, though, Jim has had more heartache and pain than I could have imagined. The things he endured as a child were horrific. His personal testimony is riveting, yet difficult to hear. As you listen, you’ll find yourself angry at times, yet Jim never wallows in self-pity. He doesn’t succumb to a victim mentality. He doesn’t get stuck in hopelessness.

All this time I thought I really knew Jim Daly. I’m so glad he is willing to share publicly about his remarkable journey. If you have a few minutes, here’s an excerpt from his book, which chronicles his life’s story.

Encouragement For Teachers

My dear friend, Sandra Aldrich, is wonderful person. She is warm hearted, spiritually sensitive and mature, and always looking for a way to make others smile. I wonder how many lives she touched as a teacher?

One of Sandra’s most enduring qualities is her gift of encouragement. She seems to excel at having a timely word, some insight into what is needed to push one a little bit closer to Christ. I’ve been on the receiving end of this gift many times.

Tune into this special presentation to experience a bit of encouragement yourself. Even if you aren’t a teacher, I think you’ll find it very worthwhile.

Also, why not request a CD of this message as a gift for your child’s teacher(s)? It’ll make their day, I promise.

One other thing for those in the business of educating children (yours or someone else’s): Check out this poem read on a past broadcast by former “Teacher of the Year” Guy Dowd. Here’s how it opens:

You are the molders of their dreams — the gods who build or crush their young beliefs in right or wrong. You are the spark that sets aflame a poet’s hand, or lights the flame in some great singer’s song.

I’m thankful for all those teachers who molded me along the way. Those who built me up, who invested in me, who believed I had some potential. They added spark to my life. That is the power of a good teacher.
N ow, since we educate our kids at home, I’m thinking I should share this program and poem with my wife. That’d be a good idea!

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