Kirk Cameron: When Hope Seemed Lost

kirkcameron.jpgAt the pinnacle of his television success, Kirk Cameron went through a time of soul-searching. In this exclusive audio clip he tells of a change that brought him hope. Maybe you know someone who should hear this?

A Child’s Prayer Gives Perspective

From a journal entry a while back, something other dads might relate to in some way…

~~~

It is now nearly 10 p.m. The day has been full, and the evening activities have been non-stop. Musings on a busy day…

I was tired from the wildness of my day at the office. So, as I retired to my castle, ready for some respite and quiet, I probably had some unreasonable expectations. It is foolish to expect any semblance of quiet when I come home to this beloved bunch. Can they possibly be any more expressive and dramatic - and loud?

Sensing chaos and desiring order,  I pull on the gloves and start to be the heavyweight champion of the dad-world. My wife is tired, and so am I, but I am up to the challenge! I will bring these kids into compliance, I will help them behave like little adults. I will prove the victor in getting some control of our – my – house and our – my – children.

Oh foolishness, indeed! I do not succeed in helping the kids calm down.  No, I instead lose control and become an Ogre (hear me roar), I’m Mr. Bad-Guy. I morph into Mr. “Don’t Break The Rules Or Else” man. And in the process I yell, I lose it, I say stupid things. Drat!

So now my wife is in bed, the children are drifting off and here am I thinking about what went wrong. The kids and I did “make up,” for which I am glad. That happened as we prayed. Those times together of petitioning God often serve as reminders that I love them, and that God is in control - even when Daddy isn’t.

Prayer is how I will survive and succeed as a parent. And one of my daughters had treasure of a prayer tonight. She was priceless in asking God to touch some sick relatives, to bring glory to Himself in the midst of the recent tragedies of the world, to help us know Him better. Beautiful prayer.  A reminder, perhaps, that we are making some progress, even when external behaviors don’t necessarily look encouraging?

As I think through the eve, I believe I can do better. I must bring my expectations and my words and attitudes into line with what God has for me. I can set a better tone. Not on my own., however!

Lord help me?  And thanks, God, for that child’s wonderful prayer tonight. Hear her heart cries for others, I pray. Amen.

When You’ve Found Life

Dr. Dobson has often made it clear that Focus on the Family isn’t just about good family advice.  In fact, our main purpose is to introduce people to the God who made families and who wants you to know Him.

If our broadcasts have been instrumental in introducing you to Jesus Christ, we’d love to know about it! Tell us your story by posting a comment below.

And, if you have spiritual questions, here’s an article to explain more about finding life.

Friday Webcast With Dr. Kevin Leman

Be sure to stop by Friday for a special webcast with parenting expert, Dr. Kevin Leman. Details here.

While you’re at it, listen in for a two-day conversation with Dr. Leman about the many advantages firstborns have in life. Really! Whether you are a first-born or have one, this is helpful insight from one of the foremost experts on birth order.

Does God Play A Part In Your Love Story?

Eric and Leslie Ludy, wrote the insightful book: “When God Writes Your Love Story.”  A great encouragement, especially for the young adult who’s a bit disappointed with dating scene.  You may want to point them here to read the Ludy’s first chapter entitled: “When God Doesn’t Give You a Mate.”  It’s sure to give them–and you–something to discuss and to think about.  A little something extra: download Eric and Leslie’s song, “Faithfully.”

Never Forget 9/11

Seven years ago I watched, along with the entire world, the terrible events of September 11, 2001 unfolding on the television screen. The news on the radio as I was getting ready for work grabbed my attention, and then turned on the TV.

We witnessed some of the horrors being experienced in New York City. Then Washington, DC. And we wondered, where next? What more could happen? What if…?

Today’s Focus on the Family broadcast features a compelling, first-hand account of what one man endured - and survived - that fateful day. Listen, and allow yourself to remember the attacks of 9/11. So you’ll never forget.

A Chat With Greg Laurie

Recently we had a chance to hear the testimony of Greg Laurie, famous Harvest Crusades evangelist.  He’s certainly had to walk an interesting path in his journey to faith.  Learn a bit more about this fascinating story here.

The Beauty Of A Children’s Bible

A small thought…became a big thought!

It started when I was reading to my youngest child last night. He wanted to go over the story of creation - for the 714th time. I was fine with that, because the illustrated kids Bible we have been reading lately has some pretty good artwork! More importantly, I was happy to indulge him because I love reading Scripture to the boy. Can’t say no!

You’ve been through the first chapters of Genesis more than a few times, I suspect. After the story of creation, there’s the story of Adam’s beginnings, and the making of Eve. I poked Zane in the side and asked if he knew how God made the first woman? We talked a bit about ribs and dust and breath. For a 5 year-old, he seemed to get that pretty well.

Then we came to the temptation of the man and woman, and their sin. As I walked him through the consequences of disobedience (something he and I are discussing with some frequency these days), I read the line in Genesis 3 about God driving out Adam and Eve from the Garden. “He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden and a flaming sword which turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.” (NKJV)

“Who can get in there?” asked Zane.

“Nobody,” I replied. “They had to leave forever, and couldn’t go back to the garden. Ever.”

“The bad guys can get in.”

“Nope, they can’t. See the angels (there were two heavenly beings in this illustration)? See the sword? Nobody can get into the garden.”

“If it rains someone can get in.”

“No, rain won’t put out that fiery sword. God is making sure nobody gets in.”

Silence.

“There,” I thought, “he understands a little of the Truth about decisions and disbedience, I guess.”

Then I became more thoughtful about the finality of the man and woman leaving the garden.  I don’t recall ever hearing a sermon about the garden of Eden. I don’t recall much in Scripture about it, either.

I started to wonder….what happened to that garden? Where’s the “door,” so to speak, through which Adam and Eve made their exit? Are the cherubim still there? Is that entrance still guarded, and if so, are we just unable to see it? Maybe it is hidden from human sight? Who will be the first to go back into the garden when Christ redeems all creation and takes His place on the Throne?

Suddenly, I was grateful for a chidlren’s Bible and a five year-old’s desire to know more about God and His divine story.

I don’t have all the answers, of course, but that’s okay.

At least I am starting to understand some of the questions!

WIR: Sept 6, Drama In The Wild - and At Home

The past week of award-winning Focus on the Family broadcasts included…

And let me encourage you to share your stories - and view others - of how these radio programs make a difference in your life. Check out our new Radio Forum at this link.

Aching Hearts, Yet Hopeful

Steven and Mary Beth Chapman have not despaired since their daughter’s tragic death. In this deeply moving conversation, Dr. Dobson and Steven talk about the journey of grief and our ultimate hope in Christ. Anyone who has lost a loved one will appreciate the tenderness of a hurting heart and the eternal promises of comfort - even when understanding eludes us.

Listen into the broadcast here.

← Previous Page — Next Page →