We are all challenged to varying degrees in life and in many different ways – sometimes physically, sometimes emotionally, and other times spiritually. The world will never stop challenging those who follow Christ. So what are we to do when challenged over our faith in Jesus? Jesus himself was challenged on his authority in the Bible and shows us how to rise above the challenge without sinning. Matthew describes an interaction between Jesus and the chief priests of the day, s

The tragic synagogue shooting in California and the church bombing in Sri Lanka in the last week are more reminders that there is a real, evil force working in the hearts of men and women around the world. What are we to do about such evil? The Bible instructs us to leave vengeance to the Lord and hold back our spirit of anger, as only fools give full vent to their spirit (see Romans 12:19 and Proverbs 29:11). But how then are we supposed to digest and cope with the random ac

Happy Elevated Friday! Today we highlight a story of a young man in Oxford, AL who welcomed an elderly woman to eat with him and his friends instead of ignoring her to eat alone. Jamario Howards and his friends were sharing meal at a diner and saw an elderly woman eating alone. Rather than just ignore her and keep his plans to eat with his friends, Jamario took a step out of his comfort zone and sat down with the woman. He quickly learned that her husband had recently passed

The ongoing evolution of the news cycle each day — pivoting between stories of political battles, real warfare, and only seldom sprinkling in a few positive stories — can lead to a bitter heart if not consistently checked. When we internalize everything we hear and do not let it out, it will eventually wreak havoc on our heart, soul, and mind. When we let it out in the wrong way — I.e. on social media or explosive outbursts — we hurt our own testimony to God’s grace in our l

Now that the 2020 presidential race is “off to the races,” we all have an opportunity to listen to the various arguments and make judgments on past records for each candidate. What this decision boils down to is a decision on whom to follow. While we all should be striving to follow Jesus first, we all should also be active in our nation’s democracy. However, when we make decisions on whom to follow, too many of us think only of the now – what that decision affords us today –

In these days after the release of the Mueller report, both parties are making decisions on what path forward they should take. We all face these sorts of decisions in life, especially when a chapter in our life comes to an end. The million dollar question always is, “Which way do I go now?” Jesus answered that question for us, saying, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the way. When we choose to seek Jesus’ word

Happy Easter! Yesterday we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus, and in doing so, gave thanks for his power to bring to life that which is dead in our lives. We all face challenges in life, and sometimes those challenges become more than just that— they lead us to give up on a relationship, a job, or something else because it is too burdensome or difficult for us to bear by ourselves. Jesus’ victory over death signifies our ability to claim victory over what pains us in life

Happy Elevated Friday! Today we highlight a story of librarians in New York City who are making the most of young children’s time in their city. In large cities such as New York City, many families do not have a washer and dryer in their apartment; thus, they must go to the local laundromat every week. When families have young children, they usually have to bring the kids along for the day. What results is a long day of the children just aimlessly watching the spin cycles and

The highly anticipated Mueller report is set to be released this morning and the media is abuzz over its contents. Though it is redacted in certain ways, there will be no shortage of people from both sides of the aisle offering their opinions on what it all means. In moments like this, when emotion and political stakes are high, it’s easy to be swept off your foundation and join a raucous crowd of angry people. However, Christians are called to stand firm against the rising t

As France turns their attention towards the rebuilding of the iconic Notre Dame cathedral, the world, too, is in need of repair. There are far too many people who do not know Jesus, who give into sin without care or remorse, or who foment hatred towards their fellow man. God is the great healer but healing from the Lord requires unquestioned faith in His great works. Too often, we reach for other worldly things – bad relationships, alcohol, drugs, and others – for healing but