Happy Elevated Friday! Today we highlight a story of big generosity that happened to bless someone in need at the exact right time. Illsia Novotny is a hair stylist in Denver and, like many in businesses shut down by the pandemic, had struggled mightily to make ends meet. Now that her barbershop is open again, she had a customer who, she over heard on his way out say to the receptionist, “Just so you know, it’s not a mistake.” What Illsia soon found out was that purposeful ac

The nation eagerly awaited the first two astronauts to lift off from the US in many years yesterday, and even though the mission was delayed because of weather, it was still a fun day of anticipation. We've all been dealing with a lot in the last couple months, and yesterday’s exciting (almost) launch was a brief reprieve from our constant worries and political debates. Even when the things around us seem most dire, it is important in life to step back and remember that whate

We are all experiencing a trial like no other in our lifetimes and the ways people have endured it are many thus far. We all process stress and fear differently and faith is often lost when stress and fear are not processed well. But if any of us has lost faith during this time, nothing stands between you and regaining God’s blessing than resolving to be faithful again. Remember Peter, who three times denied Jesus during his final hours because he was fearful of what would ha

With the debate over reopening the economy raging this week, it seems a good time to address our nation's newest national pastime: political debate. Unlike generations before, we have more access to information, in real time, and the means to broadcast our opinions with ease. With such power comes the responsibility to manage our intake and outflow of information and opinions judiciously. Have you ever heard someone speak who seemed to strike directly at the heart of an issue

There is a great irony in Memorial Day each year, the day we honor, remember, and wholeheartedly thank those men and women who have died in defense of our nation and the freedoms we enjoy. The Bible tells us, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” For most of us this takes the form of opening doors for others (both figuratively and literally), thinking of others feelings and needs before our own, or giving

Happy Elevated Friday! Today we highlight a story of two rival gangs in South Africa who have not only called a truce during this pandemic, but with the help of a local pastor, are working together for their community. South Africa’s government has imposed some of the harshest restrictions on its population during this pandemic and people are suffering. Even those “at the top of the food chain” — the gangs. Local pastor Andie Steele-Smith got a call recently from one gang lea

The nation has been struggling through this crisis with businesses, and churches, shut down. While the debate over the legality of such action will be settled in time, what is important now is that the members of the Church do not allow it to lose both its importance in our lives nor its ability to provide for those in need. When Paul was leaving the Ephesian church in Acts, he instructed them, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spiri

The nation is debating re-opening strategies, with some arguing for continued lockdown, some in the middle with phased re-openings, and some on the other side arguing for complete re-opening. Life is difficult because it is nuanced – there usually is never a clear right answer in such important and complex situations. We are all entitled to our opinions and to advocate for them as we wish; however, it is important that we, as a nation, not lose the solidarity we have embraced

We all get angry and frustrated sometimes; it is part of being human. Often, that anger and frustration can be just as easily caused by the things we see and hear in the world as the things that actually happen to us. The Bible warns of allowing our anger to control us many times, but gives one poignant piece of advice in particular. Ephesians says, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” Every day we end stil

Monday’s always bring new news stories and, subsequently, new debates over it. In the frenzy of political debate, and especially the politics that seems to be overtaking the pandemic strategies, it becomes easy to only see what is coming at us from either side and forget what is coming to us from above. Just as we can feel like this, so can our elected leaders. That is why it is essential that we be always praying for those who are making decisions on our behalf. Psalm 33 say