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President Ronald Reagan often quoted the Russian proverb taught to him by American scholar, Suzanne Masssie.  The proverb doveryai, no proveryai (доверяй, но проверяй) means ‘trust, but verify’. She advised him that “The Russians like to talk in proverbs…” Reagan applied the idea in his dealings with the Soviets where he added, “Don’t be afraid to see […]

Each year about this time, I look up some data on who were the greatest of the US Presidents; and each year, I read the same thing. Almost every time, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington are the top two presidents, followed often by FDR, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt etc. Such polling of experts is highly subjective,

  In a May 1963 Time magazine article, entitled, “Barth in Retirement,” theologian Karl Barth stated that he advised young theologians to “take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both.”  It is an oft-quoted statement, sometimes noted as “take the Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other.” Not bad advice

We are more fulfilled when we are involved in something bigger than ourselves. –John Glenn If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. –James 1:5 Sometimes, I wonder if it is worth it.  I wonder if my piece of the

Dave Kier is a highly successful businessman and investor in the United States, as well as across Asia and Africa.  He writes a daily devotional that integrates Christian living and profitable business.  He has served on the IBEC Board for more than a decade. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com —– “Teach

Does the Bible talk about inputs and outputs?  How about process and outcomes? Well, it doesn’t do so in business terminology, but it sure does. What is an input? Input metrics, also known as leading indicators or process metrics, focus on the resources, activities, or inputs that contribute to desired outcomes. They help us understand

Don Simmons is arguably the most articulate spokesperson for investing in a biblical manner. He is well qualified to do so and does it in a convincing manner.  This article and video from November 2025 is worth reading, watching, and passing on to others. IBEC is grateful to have him on our board. Larry W.

It is Christmas time as I write this, and my wife and I with some friends just attended a joyful Christmas sing-along at a church in Everett.  One comment caught my attention as the moderator referenced some verses in Revelation chapters 7 and 9. The verses talk about a great multitude “…from every tribe and

From reflection to action: Managing Director, Bob Bush, reviews 2025 at IBEC and calls believers to deeper marketplace impact in 2026. Larry W. Sharp, BAM Support Specialist, IBEC Ventures Larry.Sharp@ibecventures.com —– As we look forward to another year, let’s not forget what God has done in 2025. Here at IBEC Ventures, He has impacted us

Country singer Alan Jackson starts one of his Christmas albums with the song, “Let it be Christmas everywhere.”  Good idea– but not yet a reality! Jesus came to earth about 2000 years ago, but it was not until about 950 years ago that His followers decided it would be a good idea to celebrate it