On today's edition of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk, and as we celebrate Independence Day weekend, Dr. James Dobson sits down with Dr. William Bennett to discuss our country's extraordinary history and read excerpts from his 3-volume series, America: The Last Best Hope. They touch on stirring examples of American exceptionalism and warn that this great experiment in liberty and democracy is not a foregone conclusion. It is well worth defending!
Today, like never before, Christian parents are battling the culture over competing worldviews. And the ultimate prize in this battle is our children! That's why Rebecca Hagelin wrote 30 Ways in 30 Days to Strengthen Your Family. Sadly, 90% of kids who go online will at some point view pornography, and a recent report has revealed that 20% of teens are sending nude photos by text. Rebecca says it's time to practice "deliberate parenting." God wants you to protect your kids' innocence and empower them to make wise, righteous choices.
When Rebecca Hagelin took her 13-year-old daughter, Kristen, for a sports physical, the female pediatrician insisted that she have a private chat with the youngster. Rebecca, the author of 30 Ways in 30 Days to Strengthen Your Family, was matter of fact, declaring, "She's a minor. I'm her mother, and I'm staying!" When the doctor told Kristen, just "do what's comfortable for you" sexually, Rebecca explained that her daughter understood that sex is only for marriage. The lesson? God gave your kids to you, Mom and Dad. Never give away your authority!
John Houston was just 11 years old when his parents not only divorced but abandoned him and his 16-year-old brother. Miraculously, they stayed in school, kept a roof over their heads, and supported themselves by mowing lawns. The author of Finding My Way Home, John was devastated when his mother committed suicide a decade later. After years of running from his pain, he finally put his trust in Christ. Today, he realizes that our Heavenly Father wants to shower us with His love.
When Pastor Adrian Rogers died, he left behind Joyce, his bride of 54 years. As she grappled with grief, Psalm 63:3-4 helped her focus on God. "Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus, I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name." Years later, on Valentine's Day, Joyce, the author of Grace for the Widow: A Journey Through the Fog of Loss, invited 14 widows over for dinner to share special memories about their husbands. Healing flowed through their joyful tears.
After 54 years of marriage, Adrian Rogers, founder of "Love Worth Finding Ministries," died in 2005, leaving behind Joyce, his grieving widow. But she found great comfort in Isaiah 43:2 which says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you through the rivers, they shall not overflow you." The author of Grace for the Widow: A Journey Through the Fog of Loss, Joyce wrote her version of Psalm 23 as part of her healing process. In part, it says, "The Lord is my bridegroom, and my husband, I shall not lack love and companionship."
Satan used the COVID virus in an attempt to shut down every church, making God's people fearful. That's the contention of Sean Feucht, author of Brazen: Be a Voice, Not an Echo. The post-COVID church is suffering from an identity crisis and we cannot allow the virus to intimidate us from worshiping God.
Christian parents are understandably worried about how the world is poisoning their teens. But Chap Clark, author of Hurt 2.0: Inside the World of Today's Teens, says the single greatest gift you can give the young adults under your roof is to intentionally climb into their world each day. And do it without an agenda. It's revolutionary! Your actions will trump your words. Clark also points out that the family that prays together, plays together, and eats together is the one that stays together.
Our culture says the key to well-adjusted teens is to get them plugged into the right peer group. Chap Clark, author of Hurt 2.0: Inside the World of Today's Teens, disagrees by saying, "Two kids in a mud puddle cannot clean each other up." The truth is that young people crave their parents' guidance. Surprisingly though, when the Bible addresses child discipline, 90% of the time the reference is to train your children like a coach. Only 10% of the time does God call parents to correctively punish. Think about that.
Sadly, too many Christians waffle between trusting in God and trusting in themselves. The prophet Elijah's question to the Israelites on Mount Carmel is equally applicable to us today. He asked, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him." Kasey Van Norman, author of Nothing Wasted: God Uses the Stuff You Wouldn't, urges us not to waver between the truth and a lie.
