The first debate between President Trump and former Vice President Biden happened last night and news cycles are sure to analyze every angle of it and offer opinions on what it means for the future of the race. Though it may have importance in the long run, what really matters is what each of us individually decides in our own hearts. All decisions we make, if we want to feel confident in them, should be prayed over. But prayer alone is not enough; active pursuit of Jesus and

There is a lot to be nervous about these days when we think about the future. It is times like these that public declarations of faith take on even more importance because they spread hope when we, and others, need it most. The Book of Psalms has many powerful verses that are essentially declarations of faith, but one especially poignant one is found in Psalm 27. Verse 13 says, "I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!" Today, decla

Wisdom is something that we all desire and strive for, but it seems seldom comes to us when we most need it. As we look back over our lives, we all have moments where, knowing what we know now, we would have chosen to do differently. That sort of wisdom comes with experience and hindsight. However, there is a higher wisdom – that which comes directly from the Lord through prayer. We see it reflected in our society from time to time – usually in moments of great patience and r

Happy Elevated Friday! Today we highlight an uplifting story of one woman who has turned her struggles into blessings for others. Kerry Wiles, of Nashville, works full-time as a scientist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center but after a breast cancer diagnosis in 2018, she began driving Uber and Lyft on weekends in order to connect with and hear the stores of other people. Kerry noticed the large and growing homeless population as she drove around, and resolved to use the

Patience is a virtue that is in small quantities these days. With entire generations growing up only knowing instantaneous gratification through the ease of technology and other societal advancements, the idea of waiting for something is becoming more and more a relic of past generations. But God beckons us to live patiently throughout the Bible because He knows both what is coming in our lives and what we need right now to get through the day – and He provides both. In Isaia

Politics rule the national news cycle, and now that the presidential election is so close, much of our social media feeds as well. It’s times like these when politics can cloud our view of God and take hold of our thoughts. Prioritizing God over earthly desires is a daily —often many times a day— choice we must make. Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” We are called to love the Lord with all ourselv

The passing of Justice Ginsberg has set up a big political fight on top of the presidential election, bringing the volume of this political rancor to a new level. There will be much said by both sides over the coming weeks, and even after the election. Much of it will be there to incite us to action, anger, or at the very least, engagement in the political process. Engaging in the political process is good, but not when we do it from a place of anger though. The Bible says, “

The political division in this country is only growing with with a presidential election upcoming, countless people are discussing it and posting about it online. Too often, the same people who post espousing the freedom and love of Jesus are in the same breath cursing whatever political figures they disagree with. James confronted this exact conundrum of human nature, saying, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been mad

Happy Elevated Friday! Today we highlight a story many saw this week in Washington — a Medal of Honor ceremony. Army Ranger Sgt. Major Thomas “Patrick” Payne was awarded the Medal of Honor this week for his heroism in rescuing 75 hostages in 2015 in Iraq. Despite being under heavy enemy fire and the building itself being on fire, Payne continued to run into the building to rescue more hostages, risking his own life each time he did. Finally, he was the last man out with the l

Hurricane Sally striking the Gulf Coast left terrible destruction and its effects are still being felt. In times when we know others are fearing for their lives and livelihoods, if we cannot physically help them, we can always and should always spiritually help them. By lifting them up in prayer or if possible, encouraging them with our words and actions, we can be the difference for those in need. Romans says, "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in praye