Most Popular Books by Focus on the Family

This resource is much more than a mere leader''s guide for the Focus on the Family Marriage Series; it is a manual for developing and sustaining a ministry to marriages in your church and community. With marriages in our culture--and even the church--in dire straits, there is a desperate need for the church and its leaders to stand in the gap for families and marriages. Gleaned from ministries around the nation, this manual contains information on how and where to begin, types of ministry settings, staffing, and organization of the ministry. It also includes basic information on learning styles and how to teach adults, develop lessons, and encourage discussion. It will also include reproducible forms, publicity aids, and clip art, as well as a listing of additional resources.

Now You Can Lead the Women in Your Church on a Journey of Fellowship and Fun! In America today, Christian churches are held together through the prayer and service of women--yet many of these women are overwhelmed and in need of a break so that they can reconnect with the Lord. That''s why Focus on the Family has combined the best features of women''s ministries and created these new resources to give women of all ages a chance to get together for quality time with each other--and with God. The essential principles in this guide were specially selected to help you lead a ministry that comprises women from different generations and backgrounds. Even if you''ve never led a group before, you can successfully start, run, and grow a women''s ministry with the step-by-step guidelines in this manual. Help the women in your church join together for a journey of laughter and growth in Christ.

The More You Give in Love . . . The More You Live in Love Jesus modeled real love for His people on earth, leaving an example of self-sacrifice like none other. In The Model Marriage, consider the roles of courage, strength, and nobility in a healthy marriage; uncover the mysterious power in that sticky word: submission; learn what it means to display a selfless spirit in marriage; and understand why you are called to love like Jesus in your relationship with each other. This study contains four sessions, each with four main components: Tilling the Ground Planting the Seed Watering the Hope Harvesting the Fruit Marriage is about discovering that deep joy comes from following Jesus'' example of loving another . . . with a sacrificial love. "We often hear that the institution of marriage is suffering. But there is good news, too! By submitting their relationships to God and seeking out the right resources, married couples can know what it means to truly thrive. That''s what Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series is all about. Whether you''re in a small group, a mentoring relationship, or you just want to study as a couple, this series can transform your marriage for the better."--Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family "Marriage is an amazing adventure--filled with excitement, joy, and challenges. Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series examines God''s gift of marriage in all of its wonderful dimensions. I consider it a privilege to be involved with this important set of relationship-strengthening resources."--Dr. Greg Smalley, Vice President, Family Ministries, Focus on the Family

Learn to Communicate Well--Your Marriage Is Worth It! Consistent, open communication strengthens and protect marriages. Yet this area of relationships is often misunderstood, underutilized, and undervalued. The Communicating Marriage will help you realize the importance of declaring your love for each other openly, learn the value in dealing with concerns early, find freedom in expressing your emotions in the safe haven of your marriage, and discover the bounty in remembering the past and dreaming for your future. This study contains four sessions, each with four main components: Tilling the Ground Planting the Seed Watering the Hope Harvesting the Fruit By learning the art of communicating, you will steadily and surely strengthen your marriage. "We often hear that the institution of marriage is suffering. But there is good news, too! By submitting their relationships to God and seeking out the right resources, married couples can know what it means to truly thrive. That''s what Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series is all about. Whether you''re in a small group, a mentoring relationship, or you just want to study as a couple, this series can transform your marriage for the better."--Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family "Marriage is an amazing adventure--filled with excitement, joy, and challenges. Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series examines God''s gift of marriage in all of its wonderful dimensions. I consider it a privilege to be involved with this important set of relationship-strengthening resources."--Dr. Greg Smalley, Vice President, Family Ministries, Focus on the Family

Is Your Marriage as Dynamic and Exciting as it Could Be? Remember how you felt on your wedding day? As newlyweds? God wants your life together to become more exciting as time goes on. In The Surprising Marriage, discover the joys of a faith journey together, learn how to pass on to your children the legacy of a Christ-centered marriage, find ways to celebrate your differences--rather than fighting against each other, and realize how a marriage filled with life and love reflects God''s glory. This study contains four sessions, each with four main components: Tilling the Ground Planting the Seed Watering the Hope Harvesting the Fruit Your marriage was designed to flourish as it ages. As you seek God''s will together, you will find that you can have a relationship . . . filled with life! "We often hear that the institution of marriage is suffering. But there is good news, too! By submitting their relationships to God and seeking out the right resources, married couples can know what it means to truly thrive. That''s what Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series is all about. Whether you''re in a small group, a mentoring relationship, or you just want to study as a couple, this series can transform your marriage for the better."--Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family "Marriage is an amazing adventure--filled with excitement, joy, and challenges. Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series examines God''s gift of marriage in all of its wonderful dimensions. I consider it a privilege to be involved with this important set of relationship-strengthening resources."--Dr. Greg Smalley, Vice President, Family Ministries, Focus on the Family

Even When the Fairytale Takes an Unexpected Turn, There Is Hope Marriage isn''t always what we expect, but the beautiful thing is--it can be what God intended. In The Giving Marriage, learn how to discuss the deep ramifications of adultery and how to deal with them, find ways to demonstrate the love of Christ to an unbelieving or spiritually rebellious spouse, discover the joy in serving a suffering spouse, and delve into the lives of scriptural heroes who obeyed God when it wasn''t comfortable or easy. This study contains four sessions, each with four main components: Tilling the Ground Planting the Seed Watering the Hope Harvesting the Fruit As you study the cornerstones of a godly marriage--caring, sharing, and forgiving--you will learn that you can find hope again. "We often hear that the institution of marriage is suffering. But there is good news, too! By submitting their relationships to God and seeking out the right resources, married couples can know what it means to truly thrive. That''s what Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series is all about. Whether you''re in a small group, a mentoring relationship, or you just want to study as a couple, this series can transform your marriage for the better."--Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family "Marriage is an amazing adventure--filled with excitement, joy, and challenges. Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series examines God''s gift of marriage in all of its wonderful dimensions. I consider it a privilege to be involved with this important set of relationship-strengthening resources."--Dr. Greg Smalley, Vice President, Family Ministries, Focus on the Family

Study #1 in the Focus on the Family Women’s Bible Study Series, The Worth of a Woman Bible Study will help women discover their true identify in Christ and develop a closer relationship with their Savior. The Focus on the Family Women''s Ministry Series provides the opportunity for women to reconnect with their Savior and one another through Bible study, prayer, fellowship and activities.

Study #4 in the Focus on the Family Women’s Bible Study Series. This study will help women build godly relationships with one another and experience the joy and support that comes from bearing each other''s burdens and lifting one another up in prayer. Provides the opportunity for women to reconnect with their Savior and one another through Bible study, prayer, fellowship and activities.

In a Christ-Centered Marriage, True Passion Can Thrive Sparks of passion can lead to marriage, but what happens when life throws sand on the embers? Is there a secret to maintaining passion through the decades? In The Passionate Marriage, understand what biblical married love should be, learn why total intimacy was especially designed for marriage, find out how infidelity can begin in seemingly harmless ways, and discover why God''s deep love for His people is often referred to as the divine romance. This study contains four sessions, each with four main components: Tilling the Ground Planting the Seed Watering the Hope Harvesting the Fruit With Christ at the center of your union, you can have a thriving, passionate relationship long into the future. "We often hear that the institution of marriage is suffering. But there is good news, too! By submitting their relationships to God and seeking out the right resources, married couples can know what it means to truly thrive. That''s what Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series is all about. Whether you''re in a small group, a mentoring relationship, or you just want to study as a couple, this series can transform your marriage for the better."--Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family "Marriage is an amazing adventure--filled with excitement, joy, and challenges. Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series examines God''s gift of marriage in all of its wonderful dimensions. I consider it a privilege to be involved with this important set of relationship-strengthening resources."--Dr. Greg Smalley, Vice President, Family Ministries, Focus on the Family

Study # 6 in the Focus on the Family Women’s Bible Study Series. Created Beautiful guides women through a path of discovering their true beauty and worth in Christ and addresses issues that surround a woman''s perception of her body. Provides the opportunity for women to reconnect with their Savior and one another through Bible study, prayer, fellowship and activities.

Study #7 in the Focus on the Family Women’s Bible Study Series, Women of Purpose will help women deal with the issues of purpose, direction and contentment in a Biblically-based and relevant way. Provides the opportunity for women to reconnect with their Savior and one another through Bible study, prayer, fellowship and activities.

Can You Maintain Unity in Your Blended Relationship? Bringing two families together in matrimony can be joyful, and yet chaotic, too. In The Blended Marriage, find out how keeping Christ at the center of your relationship will help you navigate the unexpected twists and turns of remarriage. You will learn to rely on God''s strength and wisdom to recognize God''s role in bringing you and your spouse together and his plan for your marriage, and discover the importance of making faith in God''s grace key in your life. This study contains four sessions, each with four main components: Tilling the Ground Planting the Seed Watering the Hope Harvesting the Fruit All new relationships face hurdles, but with Christ at the helm, you can rise above challenges in your beautifully blended marriage. "We often hear that the institution of marriage is suffering. But there is good news, too! By submitting their relationships to God and seeking out the right resources, married couples can know what it means to truly thrive. That''s what Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series is all about. Whether you''re in a small group, a mentoring relationship, or you just want to study as a couple, this series can transform your marriage for the better."--Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family "Marriage is an amazing adventure--filled with excitement, joy, and challenges. Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series examines God''s gift of marriage in all of its wonderful dimensions. I consider it a privilege to be involved with this important set of relationship-strengthening resources."--Dr. Greg Smalley, Vice President, Family Ministries, Focus on the Family

Has the Concept of Marriage Lost its Essence? Was marriage designed for happiness and self-fulfillment? Or did God have a grander plan in mind when He created marriage? In The Masterpiece Marriage, discover God''s primary purpose for marriage, find out why a healthy marriage is known as a "divine triangle," learn how to live your married life as a great adventure, and guard against the sin that mars your relationship with God--and with each other. This study contains four sessions, each with four main components: Tilling the Ground Planting the Seed Watering the Hope Harvesting the Fruit With some heartfelt digging, you can discover God''s infallible master plan for your marriage. "We often hear that the institution of marriage is suffering. But there is good news, too! By submitting their relationships to God and seeking out the right resources, married couples can know what it means to truly thrive. That''s what Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series is all about. Whether you''re in a small group, a mentoring relationship, or you just want to study as a couple, this series can transform your marriage for the better."--Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family "Marriage is an amazing adventure--filled with excitement, joy, and challenges. Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series examines God''s gift of marriage in all of its wonderful dimensions. I consider it a privilege to be involved with this important set of relationship-strengthening resources."--Dr. Greg Smalley, Vice President, Family Ministries, Focus on the Family

STUDY #2 IN SERIES Helps women experience emotional and spiritual healing in overcoming past hurts and pains. Provides the opportunity for women to reconnect with their Savior and one another through Bible study, prayer, fellowship and activities. The Women''s Ministry Kit gives a leader everything they need to start an effective women''s ministry at their church. Trade Paper.

God''s Blueprint Offers Joy and Longevity--To All Marriages Countless surveys cite financial discord as a main reason for divorce, but this does not have to be! In The Abundant Marriage, you will discover God''s design for marriage as laid out in Genesis, learn to communicate with your spouse about the need for more time and money, find out how to be a better steward of your relationship with your spouse and others, and uncover your gifts and how to better serve your marriage with them. This study contains four sessions, each with four main components: Tilling the Ground Planting the Seed Watering the Hope Harvesting the Fruit Learn to live the abundant married life . . . as God intended. "We often hear that the institution of marriage is suffering. But there is good news, too! By submitting their relationships to God and seeking out the right resources, married couples can know what it means to truly thrive. That''s what Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series is all about. Whether you''re in a small group, a mentoring relationship, or you just want to study as a couple, this series can transform your marriage for the better."--Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family "Marriage is an amazing adventure--filled with excitement, joy, and challenges. Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series examines God''s gift of marriage in all of its wonderful dimensions. I consider it a privilege to be involved with this important set of relationship-strengthening resources."--Dr. Greg Smalley, Vice President, Family Ministries, Focus on the Family

Is There Such a Thing as a Fair Fight in Love? All long-term relationships face challenges and conflict--even marriages. Especially marriages. How can you deal with those conflicts in a godly and healing way? In The Fighting Marriage, uncover the causes of conflict, learn how to have a "good" fight, find ways to keep talking, and discover the art of confronting in a caring and loving way. This study contains four sessions, each with four main components: Tilling the Ground Planting the Seed Watering the Hope Harvesting the Fruit Some things are worth fighting for . . . your marriage is one of them. "We often hear that the institution of marriage is suffering. But there is good news, too! By submitting their relationships to God and seeking out the right resources, married couples can know what it means to truly thrive. That''s what Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series is all about. Whether you''re in a small group, a mentoring relationship, or you just want to study as a couple, this series can transform your marriage for the better."--Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family "Marriage is an amazing adventure--filled with excitement, joy, and challenges. Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series examines God''s gift of marriage in all of its wonderful dimensions. I consider it a privilege to be involved with this important set of relationship-strengthening resources."--Dr. Greg Smalley, Vice President, Family Ministries, Focus on the Family

When it comes to marriage advice, do you know who to trust? All marriages can benefit from a strong and faithful role model. With so many advice-givers, though, how do you know the best to follow? In The Covenant Marriage, discover how marriage mirrors God''s commitment to His people, realize a biblical picture of what a commitment to your spouse should look like, reflect on how tradition draws you to a deeper understanding of marriage, and revisit the covenant you made when you said, "I do." This study contains four sessions, each with four main components: Tilling the Ground Planting the Seed Watering the Hope Harvesting the Fruit By delving into God''s covenant with His people, you will discover a trusted advisor, and a clear picture of how your marriage was divinely designed to look. "We often hear that the institution of marriage is suffering. But there is good news, too! By submitting their relationships to God and seeking out the right resources, married couples can know what it means to truly thrive. That''s what Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series is all about. Whether you''re in a small group, a mentoring relationship, or you just want to study as a couple, this series can transform your marriage for the better."--Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family "Marriage is an amazing adventure--filled with excitement, joy, and challenges. Focus on the Family''s Marriage Series examines God''s gift of marriage in all of its wonderful dimensions. I consider it a privilege to be involved with this important set of relationship-strengthening resources."--Dr. Greg Smalley, Vice President, Family Ministries, Focus on the Family

One of the greatest joys of being a child of God is that He asks us to grow in Him! When we nurture a deeper relationship with our Father, we cultivate the spiritual fruit described in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These attributes are what make stronger women, stronger Christians and stronger testaments to the grace and glory of God. The Focus on the Family Women''s Series is exactly what women''s ministries are looking for a complete program designed to meet the needs of women of all ages.

This new gift book celebrates the joys, struggles, and triumphs of the Christian life. Encouraging quotes and writings from great men and women of faith take readers through the Christian life, from birth to death. Full-color artwork.

Everything you need to set up and run an effective women''s ministry. Provides the opportunity for women to reconnect with their Savior and one another through Bible study, prayer, fellowship and activities.

These action-packed tales from Focus on the Family for children ages 10 and up follow fictional kids through real events from the Old Testament. Written by respected Christian authors, this series will help children manage the transition from Bible story picture books to reading the Bible on their own, and show them that even at a young age they can be a part of God’s larger story. Stories include: Trouble Times Ten–An Egyptian boy lives through the plagues and meets Moses Ruled Out–Retelling of the story of the Israelites in the desert with the Golden Calf Galen and Goliath–Retelling of the story of David and Goliath The Prophet’s Kid–Retelling of Isaiah’s story

Divinely Designed tackles the issue of femininity, God’s design for women, and the biblical truth about how to be a godly woman in the midst of societal expectations and pressures. Over the years this topic has caused confusion for many women. And yet, God has not kept His plan secret. He has written it indelibly in the hearts of mankind and in His written word, the Bible. As we understand and embrace His design for us, we will find the fulfillment, balance and peace that He intends for us to enjoy. Like the previous studies, there are leader’s notes in the back of the book.

Every couple who wants a happy marriage will appreciate the revitalizing secrets in Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage. In it, Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley explore the traits of a healthy and thriving marriage. Based on research of thousands of strong couples across the country, the twelve essential elements outlined are not only biblically based; they also chart a course for a romantic adventure that will last a lifetime. With practical advice and stories from their own marriage and counseling experiences, Greg and Erin guide couples to find ways to work around roadblocks in their current relationship and to intentionally create communication patterns that will take them to emotionally safe places. Yes, marriage can have its twists and turns. But the detours don’t necessarily have to lead couples off course. Greg and Erin help couples map out a journey for their marriages so that they can enjoy the passionate and intimate relationship that God has promised.

Focus on the Family, an organization committed to strengthening families for more than 20 years, presents a collection of soul-touching stories from couples whose tender, humorous, and emotional moments between I do and forever define a profound and mysterious union. Kathleen Francour''s romantic hand-tinted photographs complement this celebration of love''s testimony for an ideal engagement, wedding, and anniversary gift.

Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper holds the keys to unlocking the power and potential of men. In these pages, leading authors like Dr. James Dobson, Gary Smalley, Jack Hayford, Bill Bright, and Howard Hendricks show them how to cultivate deep,, life-changing relationships with their wives, children, friends, churches, and Lord.

These action-packed tales follow fictional kids through real events from the New Testament. Bible Kidventures helps children manage the transition from Bible story picture books to reading the Bible on their own. Stories include: Worst Wish—Retelling of the story of Jesus bringing the young girl back to life. Crazy Jacob—Retelling of the story of the man possessed by a “legion” of demons. Dangerous Dreams—Retelling of the story of Pilate’s wife and her dream about Jesus. Escape Underground—This story begins with the stoning of Stephen and chronicles the persecution of the early church.

16 Exciting Detective Stories for Readers to Solve A good detective keeps her hands clean. That means staying out of trouble . . . and using lots of soap. There''s something mysterious going on in Odyssey . . . again. But the Jones and Parker Detective Agency is on the case. No mystery is too big (or too small) for Emily Jones and Matthew Parker. And this new adventure promises to be a real doozy. It all starts with a mysterious phone caller who threatens to blackmail Jones and Parker''s friend Jeremy. But this new nemesis won''t be satisfied with just Jeremy. Can Emily and Matthew identify the blackmailer and prevent his reign of terror from continuing? Jones and Parker Case Files #2: The Nemesis compiles 16 more stories published in Clubhouse magazine. In one fun volume, kids can play detective along with Emily and Matthew as they examine the evidence and inspect the clues. Filled with humor, faith, and an ominous mystery, this second adventure in the Jones and Parker series is enjoyable for everyone in the family and all fans of Adventures in Odyssey.

Reviews twenty-five family films the editors believe have a strong moral focus, each with a story summary, a list of themes, cautionary notes, Bible references, discussion questions, and follow-up activities.