The writing of new laws, something forcefully advocated for issues such as DACA and firearms, requires wisdom, foresight, sober and logical thinking, and most of all, a respect for things greater than self. First among these greater things is faith in God above. Without a recognition of God’s supreme place in our lives and our world, we humans face enormous temptation to seek personal aggrandizement over greater good. Just as the US Law Code may be the guidepost for what we c

As partisan politics continues its fury, this week debating gun control and intelligence memos, it is important to stay planted on the rock of Jesus rather than the shifting sands of political rhetoric. When we stand firm on Jesus’ word, looking to it first and judging all other words by its truth, we set ourselves up for a blessed life. Jesus proclaims in the gospel of Luke, “Blessed…are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” The blessed life is the life lived for, by,

After the Democratic intelligence memo was released this weekend, both sides of the political spectrum have been busy making their case to the public through the news media. Such tension is ratings gold for the media, but when we as consumers consume too much of it, it leads to desperate feelings of discontentment, frustration, and longing. The Bible teaches that we are to rely on God for all blessings and sustain our hope and faith in our relationship with Jesus. In Philippi

Happy #ElevatedFriday! In Little Rock, Arkansas last week, a UPS worker got the blessing he so desperately needed from his co-workers. For over half of the last year, Trenton Lewis, a 21-year-old father, has dutifully awoken well before dawn to make his 5.5 mile commute to work to start his shift at 4 am. However, Trenton has a major disadvantage that most of us take for granted – he does not have a car. Thus, his commute has been a 5.5 mile hike to and from work – every day.

The legendary evangelist Rev. Billy Graham passed away early Wednesday morning, ending the life of an incredible servant of God who brought the redemptive message of Jesus to billions across the world. His life is an inspiration to any who wish to share Jesus. In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the Parable of the Bags of Gold, a story that illustrates our great calling to take what God blesses us with and work hard to grow it for His glory. One of the most memorable verses from this

In an age when information is plentiful but wisdom is hard to find, the laws of economics still hold true: that which is scare shall be sought after. Wisdom is something that cannot be gained by study alone, it comes from living, loving, making decisions and reaping the consequences. When God created us, he did not bestow wisdom upon a single one of us. He intended for us to learn and grow during the time He predetermined for us on this earth. What He gave us to learn and gro

The gun control debate continues to rage in the news media, Washington, social media, and even in our daily conversations. The issue of gun control is a hotly contested one and has seen no real progress from stalemate in decades. Such stalemates often lead to exasperation and desperation -- the breeding ground of sin and hate. When analyzed from above the partisan rancor, this debate is different than most other hot button issues in the US as both sides want the same end but

Last Friday, the Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his team issued numerous indictments against Russian nationals who actively attempted to sow political discord and affect the 2016 presidential election. It has been a confusing year during this investigation, with both political parties beating their own drums and disagreeing on the significance of even basic facts along the way. Finding reliable information and guidance has been hard to come by. But is this kind of confusi

In the wake of Wednesday's tragedy in Parkland, FL, this Elevated Friday is meant to celebrate the lives of the heroes who acted with bravery and love to protect others from the shooter. Aaron Feis, one of the high school’s football coaches, is one who has received rightful praise for his role during the attack. Feis gave his life shielding his students from gunfire. A man referred to by many as a tough but lovable “teddy bear”, Aaron Feis had already left an impact on many

The school shooting in Parkland, Florida yesterday was tragic and horrifying, and there are few things a person can say to make something so terrible any better. When such evil strikes against our society, especially against it’s most vulnerable, there is no other place to turn but to God. While we struggle to make sense of the senseless, God holds us all in His mighty hands. In Isaiah, He declares, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I