Leading in Hope (Page 3)

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.

Are You Trying too Hard?

Rubel Shelly risks being misunderstood by talking about the frustration of trying to win God's grace by living perfectly and over-analyzing our sins, failures, mistakes, and missteps.

We must not treat sin cavalierly, but we also must not think we have to earn God's grace!

Pope Benedict 'Debunks' Christmas?

Rubel Shelly reminds us of what is most important and truthful and what is legend about the Christmas story.

What's going on here with our traditions?

When Heroes Fall

Rubel Shelly reminds us of the moral climate behind the messes that we often cause and the way out of the mess we are in.

What do we do and what can learn and how can we help?

Life as a Fourteen Year Old

Rubel Shelly talks about the shooting of Malala Yousafzai and Heartlight updates her current condition, calling for us to live as God has called us.

Some things shouldn't have to be part of a fourteen year old's life experiences.

Civil Discourse

Rubel Shelly reminds us that it isn't just the politicians who use harsh and unfair speech.

While we're railing at the candidates, how about we take a look in the mirror?

Tyrannized by Our Feelings

Rubel Shelly reminds us that we don't have to be ruled, enslaved, and tyrannized by our feelings, but our emotions can be channeled and overcome by the power of commitment, the Holy Spirit, and love.

Are you enslaved by your emotions?

Love Is Not a Brick

Rubel Shelly talks about world religions, love, respect, honor, and violence.

Who would go first among the religions in showing honor to the other?

Faith and Traffic Lights

Rubel Shelly reminds us that our character and our faith are reflected as much by how we drive as how we go to church.

What does my faith have to do with how I drive?

Getting Clear about Holiness

Rubel Shelly reminds us that holiness is not just what we avoid, but what we do to bless and redeem.

It's a whole lot more than a list of don'ts!

To Tell the Truth

Rubel Shelly addresses the issues of honesty and integrity and the importance of telling the truth and the sin against each other and ourselves when we lie and do not tell the truth.

Does truth matter to us much these days?

Kindness Can Change Things

Rubel Shelly reminds us that gentleness is much in need in every area of life.

Winning the hearts of our enemies?

Now the Olympic Games

Rubel Shelly writes to put things in perspective with our world.

So which is it really with our world?

The Aurora Murders

Rubel Shelly offers us some wise words in the face of the Aurora murders.

Shouldn't we look a little deeper than simply saying the same ol' things?

Bullying

Rubel Shelly reminds us about the problems of bullying and then the cycle we start when we bully the bully.

When does it cross the line?

The Nones

Rubel Shelly reminds us that the group of those who claim none for religion is growing quickly in the U.S. and that they do so because they are are tired of the hypocrisy.

Are you a none?

I Prefer 'Evil'

Rubel Shelly reminds us that some people and some things are simply evil and no other term is appropriate or speaks the truth about the situation.

Why is it so hard to call it what it really is?

Remembering Odessa Porterfield

Rubel Shelly remembers a beloved African American woman who forever changed his life as a little boy through manhood.

What difference can one old woman make in your life?

Make Your Preacher Want to Preach

Make your preacher's day, listen and learn.

What keeps your preacher preaching?

What Are We Known For?

Ron Rose reminds us that we can be someone who argues or someone who is known for loving others.

So how's your reputation as a Christian?

It Didn't Change Me!

Rubel Shelly reminds us that our pedigree and genealogy doesn't make us Christian, but our discipleship does.

Does pedigree or privilege change us?

Better to Not Assume

Rubel Shelly reminds us to not assume and to be willing to ask questions and listen so we truly understand what is being said.

When we assume, well, let's just say things don't end so well.

Greater Things: Fellowship

Phil Ware continues to talk about the greater things the early church experienced in the opening days of the believers following Jesus and in this case, genuine fellowship, sharing and having life in common, is key.

Are we willing to make fellowship more than coffee and donuts?

Let's Talk about Ducks!

Rubel Shelly reminds us to live life expecting it to be an adventure with Jesus in which we are surprised and learn new things again and again.

Have you said your duck prayer lately?

Everything in Its Time and Place

Rubel Shelly reminds us that there is a time for everything as long as it is kept in its place and we remain balanced in our lives with the correct priorities.

Every get out of balance?

The Value of a Good Laugh

Rubel Shelly reminds us how being cheerful and laughing is good for us as Christians.

So when's the last time you had a great big belly laugh?