All Articles 2019 Archives

To Win Your Heart

by James Nored & Phil Ware · John 3:16 · Incarnation

James Nored and Phil Ware challenge us to faith in the eternal God who chose to reveal himself by becoming human and living in our world

As we bring this year's journey to an end, the question you need to ask is as important to answer as it is simple to ask!

The Birth of Jesus

by The Holy Spirit · Matthew 1:18-25

This is the Biblical account of Jesus' birth from Matthew 1 and Luke 2 from the NIV 11 version of the Holy Scriptures.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Merry Christmas

by Heartlight Team · Luke 2 · Christmas

A Christmas prayer from the teams at Heartlight.org and verseoftheday.com.

We Wish You a Very Warm and Happy Christmas!

Our Intersection with Joy

by James Nored & Phil Ware · Luke 1 · Christmas · Birth · Incarnation

James Nored on video and Phil Ware with words remind us that the circumstances of the moment can be swallowed up in the greater joy of God's long story of grace that came to us in Jesus of Nazareth.

God's long story of grace intersected the mess of our world, and the rest of this story is our good news of great joy.

Treasuring God's Mystery in Our Hearts

by Phil Ware · Luke 2:19 · Incarnation

Phil Ware reminds us that Mary treasured all the things about Jesus' birth in her heart and we can find our treasure with Jesus as he comes to us in the manger at Advent.

The mystery, the wonder, the bewilderment, the delight, the fear, and the struggle as a new mom to God's Son were secreted in this hiding place of Mary's heart.

More than Just God's Whisper

by James Nored & Phil Ware · Hebrews 1:1-3 · Advent

James Nored and Phil Ware share the meaning of Jesus' incarnation in word and video using a simple but powerful allegory.

How could God help us understand his faithful love for us, yet demonstrate his desire for us to live in our world with his righteous character and gracious compassion?

He Came to a World We Know

by Phil Ware · Hebrews 12:1-3 · Incarnation

Phil Ware reminds us that the grit and gore that surrounds Jesus' birth is there to help us know that he came to a world like our own to redeem it.

Jesus entered a world we recognize as our own. He did it to redeem us from the messes we have brought on ourselves.

Peace: Until We Find Our Dream

by James Nored & Phil Ware · Luke 2

James Nored and Phil Ware share in video and words the wonder of Jesus’ birth and how it changed the world with the Sound of Music.

What an incredible story. It's a story of transformation from an atheist to a Christian missionary in primitive Papua, New Guinea!

Come Home Quickly, Hallelujah

by Phil Ware · John 14:1-4 · Waiting

Phil Ware shares an article about his son coming home from college and how it reminds him of the Father in heaven waiting for us to return home to him.

I know my heavenly Father is looking forward to having me home to enjoy the celebration with him and his other children.

Finding Our Path to God

by James Nored & Phil Ware · John 14:6 · Jesus

James Nored and Phil Ware remind us of both the exclusive claim of Jesus as the only way to God and the inclusive fellowship of welcoming all people who truly believed in Jesus.

The Bible and the early church were both exclusive and inclusive about salvation and fellowship.

Advent: Drawing Near to Jesus in December

by Phil Ware · John 1:1-18 · Advent

Phil Ware shares the Heartlight.org team's reading plan for December to help prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus.

God came to earth as Jesus of Nazareth. God chose to come to us as one of us.

Even Though They Are Small?

by Phil Ware · Hebrews 4:16 · Thanksgiving

Phil Ware reminds us that no matter how difficult our circumstances, because of Jesus we have reason to give thanks!

If we are not careful, the challenges of the moment can wilt the joy right out of our Thanksgiving.

Unlikely Heroes

by James Nored & Phil Ware · Philippians 2:5-11 · Hero

James Nored and Phil Ware remind us of that inner part of us that still bears the stamp of God's divine nature, the part that is touched by stories of self-sacrifice.

Their flesh yearned for a mighty conqueror who would slay their enemies. Jesus made it clear to Peter that he was not that kind of hero!

Teach Us to Pray 13: Ending Praise

by Phil Ware · Matthew 6:9-13

Phil Ware with Doug Peters help us finish our study of The Lord's Prayer and focus on how it points us to the 'coolest" Father of all.

For many, the added ending is not a good thing, and it is certainly NOT a 'Jesus thing'!

Purpose that Brings Meaning to Life

by James Nored & Phil Ware · Romans 8:18

James Nored and Phil Ware share God's message for us about purpose and meaning through words and video.

As human beings, we can survive almost any 'how' if we have a 'why'!

Teach Us to Pray 12: Deliver Us

by Phil Ware · Matthew 6:9-14

Phil Ware and Andy Johnson help us look at our prayer for deliverance from temptation and the evil one.

Why would God lead us into temptation? Doesn't God want us victorious over temptation?

To the Ends of the Earth

by James Nored & Phil Ware · Isaiah 53:1-12 · Mission

James Nored and Phil Ware share Jesus' plan to reach all peoples, like the Ethiopian Nobleman and the people in the farthest reaches of the earth, with the goodness of grace.

God uses the most amazing connections and people to fulfill his promises to bless all people!

God’s Mission Through Jesus’ People

by James Nored & Phil Ware · John 20:19-23 · Great Commission

James Nored and Phil Ware challenge us through words and video to embrace God's mission for us as the bodily presence of Jesus in the world.

Can you think of a more noble vision or a more compelling mission for us, the Lord’s people, than to be Jesus’ bodily presence to our fractured and fragmented world

Teach Us to Pray 11: Released Captives

by Phil Ware · Matthew 6:9-15

Phil Ware with Grady King give us insight on Jesus' example and command to forgive others as we pray for our own forgiveness.

My own lack of forgiveness toward others can shut off the flow of God's forgiveness to me.

Teach Us to Pray 10: Needing Grace

by Phil Ware · Matthew 6:9-13

Phil Ware, with Chad Higgins, reminds us of the power of the simple words 'Forgive us our debts' and give us a daily practice to emphasize the power of these words.

Jesus provided us the few simple words we need to return us to that place of righteousness in the eyes of our Father: “Forgive us our debts.”

Sharing Life with Christ

by James Nored & Phil Ware · Romans 6:3-14 · Life

James Nored and Phil Ware share in video and word how we can share in the life of Jesus in our lives today.

Jesus is not only our Savior and Lord, but he is also the model on whom we are to build our lives!

Teach Us to Pray 09: Recalibrating Need

by Phil Ware · Matthew 6:9-13 · Negative · Need, Bread

Phil Ware with Andy Johnson remind us that our prayer is for the bread we need today, not the extravagance we want for ourselves.

Our prayers often treat God as if he is the free Amazon delivery service for our every whim and want.

Life to Our Mortal Bodies!

by James Nored & Phil Ware · 1 Corinthians 15 · Holy Spirit

James Nored and Phil Ware emphasize the importance of the Holy Spirit in our resurrection from the dead.

Jesus wasn’t just raised from the dead; he is also now alive in us through the Holy Spirit!

Teach Us to Pray 08: Redemption Partners

by Phil Ware · Romans 8 · Earth

Phil Ware along with Doug Peters help us hear the Lord's Prayer for the kingdom to dawn on earth so that the will of God can be seen on earth as it is in heaven.

The earth is sick. Our world is sicker. We are to bridge the gap until Jesus' return!

Which Way Will I Run?

by James Nored & Phil Ware · John 20:1-9 · Resurrection

James Nored and Phil Ware share in video, words, and images some of the many reasons Christians have to believe that Jesus was raised from the dead and is Lord, Christ, Jesus, and Son of God!