Special Features 2018 Archives

For over 30 years, Heartlight has shared articles to help people live for Jesus in everyday life. While we are no longer publishing new articles, this enduring collection features relevant pieces throughout the year to encourage faith, offer biblical perspective, and speak to real-world joys and struggles.

Christmas Ends Where It Begins

Phillip Morrison reminds us that the Magi, the Wise Men, came later on after Jesus was older; but rather than this putting a damper on our Christmas, we need to use this truth to extend our Christmas past the first of the year.

12 days of Christmas are not about calling birds and lords a leaping, but about an extended celebration of Christmas.

Little Miracles

Dennis Downing writes about Church on the Streets and a special morning worship service when the minister receives the ministry of the people he came to serve.

How a bunch of poor, but precious homeless people minister to their minister in Brazil.

Lead with Gentleness

Tom Norvell reminds us that gentleness is essential in today's divided world because we know that Jesus is near.

In a society where parents are overwhelmed, overbooked, overworked, and overstressed, I can be a voice of gentleness!

A Time for Giving Thanks!

Phil Ware reminds us to give thanks for all of our blessings!

On this day when many pause with their families to give thanks to God, let’s remember what the LORD God has done to bless us!

Your Part Is to Trust

Max Lucado reminds us that we can believe in Jesus and that Jesus can handle whatever we bring Him.

Don’t believe the voice in your head that says that it’s up to you to do it or to overcome it.

Living Simply?

Tom Norvell encourages us not to grow weary in our battle to live simply so we can find true contentment.

The call to live simply and with contentment is not easy. I am not there, but I’m trying.

God Is Not Surprised!

Tom Norvell reminds us of the truth of David's famous Psalm 139 about God's presence in every twist, turn, and chapter of our lives.

No matter where I go or what happens, God is not surprised, and He will not abandon His own!

His Words, Your Community

Tom Norvel reminisces about the days our personal copy of the Bible and our visits to church were something precious and asks us to think through how important they are to us today.

It always brought tears to her eyes when she thought of the first part of Genesis.

God's Providence? Perhaps!

Steve Higginbotham connects us with God's amazing work at getting people together and helping them live as brothers in Christ both in Bible times and today!

Is this any less amazing than Paul’s unlikely meeting with Onesimus?

A Tabulated List of Grace

Max Lucado shares a short anecdote on forgiveness and grace.

Registered forgiveness! No humiliation! No shame!

Creation Speaks

Jackie Halstead reminds us to listen for God's voice in creation.

If we are willing, and if we allow ourselves the space to listen, God’s voice surrounds us.

I Will Cling to the Old Rugged Cross

Phillip Morrison reminds us where the journey of Holy Week ends and our new life in Christ begins, the cross and the empty tomb.

Like him, and because of him, we live and die to live again.

More Deadly than Cancer

Bill Sherrill has a visit with a surgeon about removing malignant tissue and this experience opens his eyes about how we must treat sin in our lives.

We fool ourselves into discounting the malignant threat of sin to our souls.

Breaking Through the Clouds

Tom Norvell reminds us that our Pilot can land us even though we are surrounded by dark and ominous clouds.

If you find that you are surrounded by dark clouds and wonder if you will ever break through, keep believing.

Life Happens!

Brian McCutchen uses the journey of Asaph in Psalm 73 to remind us that life happens to everyone, but God is with those who love him.

No one is exempt from life’s challenges.