All (Page 2) Articles 2017 Archives

No Fear Here!

by Phil Ware · 1 John 3:16-18 · Salvation · Love · Sacrifice

Phil Ware reminds us what we know, but often don't practice; our love must have no barriers.

Do we let love drive out our fear, or are we still holding back?

Bat Turn at the Jordan

by James Nored & Phil Ware · Luke 3 · Repentance

Phil Ware and James Nored look at what the ministry of John the Baptizer meant for people in his day and call on us to share in this move toward the kingdom of God today.

before we can be ready to be fully used by the Lord in the work of the kingdom of God, we must have our bat turn moment.

Every 1 Trains 2!

by Phil Ware · Matthew 28:18-20 · Disciple-making

Phil Ware reminds us of Jesus' practice in preparing his disciples for ministry and leadership.

Where are we going to get trained leaders for our church's future?

Treasure

by Phil Ware · Colossians 1:19-22 · Grace

Phil Ware tells us a simple story of a mother's love to remind how our Father sees us as his treasure.

How can such a discovery, no matter how badly dirt-encrusted and stained, not be seen as a genuine treasure?

Be a Blessing

by Phillip Morrison · Luke 6:38 · Giving · Earthquake

Phillip Morrison reminds us that giving of ourselves and our funds brings untold blessings to both the receiver and the giver!

When we open our hearts and lives to him, God fills them with wondrous, eternal treasures.

Willing to Be Powerful

by Phil Ware · Mark 9:28-35 · Sacrifice

Phil Ware writes out of the context of recent disasters and the loss of a mother and child to remind us that being a servant, offering ourselves in sacrificial love, is never a waste!

Dear God in heaven, we’d sure like to have a little bit of power to alter our irrelevance, lighten the burdens of others, and heal the wounds of the broken and despairing.

Refresh

by Patrick D. Odum · Philemon 1:1 · Fellowship

Patrick Odom uses the short letter of Paul to Philemon to remind us what is important in Christ.

If the gospel we believe doesn't cause us to liberate people from the chains of our prejudices and selfishness, then perhaps we don’t understand it.

I Have Found the Answer!

by Tom Norvell · Galatians 5:22 · Kindness

Tom Norvell reminds us of the needed virtue in today's harsh world.

Here's what seems to be most needed in our harsh and cruel world.

Looking Beyond the Fireworks

by Phil Ware · Mark 9:2-10 · Jesus

Phil Ware reminds us not to miss the truth about Jesus by getting too caught up in the heavenly fireworks of the Transfiguration.

Peter thought it was good to be in that moment in time, but he had no idea the greatness of Jesus that he was missing!

One of Us!

by James Nored & Phil Ware · John 1:1-18 · Incarnation

James and Phil continue their series on The Story of Redemption by focusing on the birth of Jesus and what it means for us.

Jesus didn't come to earth to be protected from life's harshest realities, but entered into mortality to share it all with us — the good, the bad, the ugly, and the painful!

When Right Words Are Very Wrong

by Phil Ware · Mark 8:45

Phil reminds us that having right answers means very little if we don't treat people like Jesus did.

Right answers can never substitute for right living.

Hope, Healing, and Help

by Phil Ware · Matthew 25:40 · Disaster · Relief

Phil Ware continues his posts on how to help with the disasters currently plaguing the United States.

With so many struggling, each of us has an opportunity to step up and make a difference in the lives of those in deep need!

Here's Where to Help!

by Phil Ware · Matthew 25:40 · Compassion · Hurricane Harvey

Phil Ware shares a way to donate to help people in need from Hurricane Harvey.

You can help by donating to folks on the ground who have pledged to handle your gifts honorably.

Pray and Help!

by Phil Ware · James 2:14-17 · Compassion · Help · Hurrican

Phil Ware reminds us that compassion isn't compassion until it is turned into action just as faith without compassionate works is dead.

Practical information on how to help after Harvey and the devastation left behind.

This is Our Story, Too!

by James Nored & Phil Ware · Genesis 12:1-3 · Redemption

Phil Ware and James Nored continue to share God's story of redemption and focus this week on Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham and David and the genealogy of Jesus that displays God's grace.

We want our lives to be part of Jesus' story of redemption, and then we want to share that redemption with others!

A Threat to Justice Everywhere

by Phillip Morrison · Micah 6:8

Phillip Morrison reminds us that the hate-driven events break the heart of God, should break our hearts, and call each of us to speak and act to prevent them from happening.

When injustice happens anywhere, we cannot turn a blind eye or deaf ear to what breaks the heart of God!

Sharks, Life, and Sharing Jesus

by Steve Ridgell · 1 Peter 3:15 · Evangelism

Sometimes it takes a major life crisis for people to realize they need Jesus. Be ready to share your faith.

A Great White shark jumped into the boat. You never know when someone is going to realize they need help.

More than Meets the Eye

by Phil Ware · Mark 6:30-44 · Weakness

Phil Ware looks into Jesus feeding the five thousand and reminds us that he longs to do amazing things through us, too!

Exhausted, bone-weary, and insufficient to meet the task at hand? Ah, you may just be in the place where Jesus can use you most powerfully!

Our Journey with God

by James Nored & Phil Ware · Genesis 12:1-3 · God · Immanuel · Presence

Phil Ware and James Nored remind us that we can journey with God like Abraham, knowing that he goes with us until he brings us fully home.

How do I know God is really with me on my journey to find a home with him?

Kryptonite of Grace

by Phil Ware · Mark 6:1-6

Phil Ware challenges us with a hard truth about our low expectations of what we believe Jesus can do with us, for us, and through us -- are we, the church, the Nazareth of today?

Why in the world would Mark tell this story about what Jesus couldn't do after telling about four powerful miracles Jesus did?

On Getting What We Deserve

by Patrick D. Odum · Psalm 103:10 · Grace

Patrick Odum shares an insightful take on the target of Cubs' fans wrath for the past years for interfering with a foul ball trying to be caught by Moises Alou.

Fans sitting around him (some who had tried to make the catch themselves) berated him, threw beer and food at him, and threatened him.

Legion No More!

by Phil Ware · Mark 5:1-20 · Demons

Phil Ware reminds us the battle we are in with Satan with our lives and how Jesus can end our bondage to him.

Jesus came to bring us freedom from bondage to Satan and his power.

Honesty with God on Our Journey of Faith

by James Nored & Phil Ware · Genesis 15 · Faithfulness

James Nored and Phil Ware remind us that Abraham's journey of faith wasn't easy, his life was not perfect, and his questions for God were real.

Thankfully the Bible is honest about the flaws of our heroes so we can know that we can be a person of faith useful to God, too!

Primal Fears

by Phil Ware · Mark 4 · Fear

Phil Ware looks at Jesus and how he brings us victory over our worst fears as adults.

Instinctive? Maybe. Pervasive? Absolutely! Primal fears have plagued humanity for as long as we have told stories and laid awake at night... afraid!

We'll Never Be Happy Here (And That's Okay)

by Michele Howe · 1 Peter 1:18-32

Michele Howe reminds of that glorious moments are precious and fleeting, until they last forever with Jesus in glory.