Hope Before Us // Micah

“As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.” (Psalm 71:14)

In a climate where depressing news clouds the airways, we need to seek the Lord’s help to brightly shine His hope to the world and be filled with light.

In a day where Christ’s name is honored less and less we need to be a people who praise Him more and more.

Why do we always have hope? Because we always have Christ! Our praise spreads this hope and reignites our own hope.

He is worthy! He is worthy to be praised! We have the good news and our hope never fails! Choose hope. Choose joy! Choose Christ, the Hope before us!

-Micah McElveen

Wise Counselor // Micah

“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6)

We desperately need to find wise paths in an unwise age. In order to do so we must seek wisdom from the true source, God.

These paths must first lead us to completely turn to the Wise Counselor.

These paths must lead us to ask for forgiveness for walking away from the source of true wisdom in times when we have needed it most.

These paths must help us fix our minds on His word and align our steps on the path that God says is best.

May we never forget the Lord is our Wise Counselor and it is the Lord who made and gives true wisdom.

-Micah McElveen

Revelation 19:10 // Micah

“Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but He said “No, dont worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers and sisters who testify about their faith in Jesus. Worship only God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.” (Revelation 19:10)

We must be sure that no person, place or thing is elevated to the place of worship in our lives. Even good things and wonderful people.

The Lord alone is worthy and His name may we lift high! May we use the breath in our lungs, to speak of His salvation until He returns. May we be a clear witness for Jesus with all of our lives!

-Micah McElveen

The Only Truly Worthy King // Micah

“God reigns above the nations, sitting on His holy throne.” (Psalms 47:8)

Above all human leaders, Jesus Christ, our divine King reins forever.

When our nation and world seems in turmoil over it’s leaders, governments and power; Christ’s heavenly administration presides.

Through each transition of power, our God and King sits firmly on His eternal throne. He never waivers or falters. He is trustworthy and the only perfect leader.

King Jesus, we fix our eyes on your global mandate and we bow our hearts to your universal Lordship. For you and you alone are the only truly worthy king!

-Micah

Philippians 2:3 // Micah

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit” Philippians 2:3

We have to intentionally seek God to grant us a heavenly perspective in a self-centered world.

When we struggle with falling into the trap of self-centeredness, and our hearts are at risk of growing hard, it’s imperative to cry out to God to help us see other people through His eyes. Only then can our hearts begin to soften and our perspective start to change.

When we find ourselves in an internal battle, longing for the glory that belongs to Christ alone, we must humble ourselves. We must look to Jesus who lived and died for the good of others and the glory of God.

In a “my gain, my fame” generation we must fight for the good of others and the glory of God.

-Micah

Unchanging Greatness of God // Micah

“Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” (Psalm 147:5)

In a world that feels like it’s constantly changing and aching, we must cling to the unchanging greatness of God.

When our world shakes, we can lean on the one who spoke the mountains vast into existence.

When our minds cant comprehend, we trust in the one whose knowledge is without end.

Great is our God! And Wonderful are His works and His ways! We say “God, we trust you.”

The unchanging greatness of God is worthy of our praise, our trust and our lives.

-Micah

James 4:10 // Micah

“Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor.” (James 4:10)

The apostle James explains what it practically looks like to be Christlike. Christ, who came to serve and not be served. The ultimate example of servant leadership that is humble and others centered.

In a world where humanity pridefully steps on each other for selfish gain, I pray that Jesus would help us to humbly lay our lives down for the good of others.

When our hearts are tempted to pursue our own agenda we must seek Christ to help us yield our spirits to His grand plans.

May the King of Kings let us see that the path ending in a honorable stance begins on our knees.

-Micah

Faith Over Fear // Micah

“When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as if I were dead. But He laid His right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the first and the last. I am the Living One. I died, but look - I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.” (Revelation 1:17-18)

My prayer as I read and meditate over this Scripture is that God Almighty would help us to choose faith over fear. When we feel fear begin to creep in, we need to remind ourselves that…

1. God’s Not Dead

   Jesus Christ, our Savior is alive and well!

2. God’s Not Leaving

   Jesus Christ is not going anywhere. He will never leave us or forsake us.

3. God’s In Control

   God ultimately holds the keys to life and death in His hands.

May we be people who live our lives bringing Christ’s life to those around us. Through the power of Christ in us we can have faith over fear and this life giving posture in tough seasons.

-Micah

Calling Over Circumstance // Micah

A calling from God can not be revoked by the words of man.

No matter what challenge life throws at us or what confusion is sown into us we prevail by relentlessly pursuing our calling. Why? Because it is there we join the plan of the great equalizer.

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it” 1 Thessalonians 5:24

If Christ has called us, then regardless of the circumstances around us, He will fulfill that calling. Im so thankful that I can rely on a God who is faithful to His Word. Let’s try to daily remember our calling over circumstance.

-Micah

Psalm 46:10 // Micah

“Be still and know that I am (Psalm 46:10)God”

God is great and powerful. He is able to provide all we need and grant fuel for mission.

And yet I am tempted to walk in the flesh and run after god sized goals in my limited strength.

As my wife, Audrey, and I enter into these next 21 days, we will be praying and fasting. We want to press into the Lord in a concentrated way. Our desire? To know more of Him, His will, and His power.

There is great power in prayer, there is great power in unified prayer. May we continue to pray for our world remembering that God is great! “Be still and know that I am God.”

-Micah

Light Into Darkness // Micah

Difference makers change atmospheres by carrying light into dark places. In challenging times like these, it can be tempting to let our light fade.

Id like to shed light on 2 life giving truths…

1. Our Lamp is Lit by God

   1 John 1:5 tells us that “God is light. There is no darkness in Him at all.”

   The world around you needs God in you! When we dwell with Him, His rays light up our lives.

2. His Light Brings Us Together

   1 John 1:7 tells us “But if we are living in the light as God is in the light then we have fellowship with each other”

No matter where you and I come from, if we are both heading toward the light, we will eventually come together. I pray, that by the power of God, you and I would live to bring light into darkness.

-Micah

Abundance Over Perfection // Audrey

As I fold an assortment of T-shirts, jeans, polos and play clothes, I find myself whispering. “Thank you”. I am so thankful for my family, my life that is so full.

A flash back from a teenage memory, quickly reminded me, at one point in my life, i didnt even know how to dream of something like this. I couldnt see past my day, let alone dream of marriage, children or mission.

…the Lord has blessed me exceedingly and abundantly more than I could have ever asked or imagined.

It’s a journey, by no means perfect, but far greater than perfect. In my weakness, His strength is undeniable. In my failures His grace and mercy abounds.

“…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Im thankful for the abundant life, not the perfect one, but the one that produces steadfastness and treasure refined through fire.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

Oh Lord help me to enjoy the journey, knowing you are bringing me from one degree of glory to the next. Help me to resist the evil one who sets traps of comparison, doubt, and the lie of perfection without your presence. Help me to choose the life you came to give, the abundant life, life to the full in You alone.

-Audrey

Future Focused // Micah

While humility is at play in sacrificial leadership so is an attitude that values the long gain. Living for our glory and using people for our self-serving ends is not only selfish, it is actually short-sided.

I love how Randy Alcorn says “It is by serving others that we store up Heavenly treasures. Everyone gains, no one loses.”

With that in mind I want to share 3 future outcomes we can aim for while serving others.

1. Add Value

   My service today may be improving someones tomorrow. Our goal is to genuinely add value to others. I love the quote…

   “Helping one person might not change the whole world but it could change the world for one person.”

2. Add Capacity

   When one team member grows, we are all stronger. When one of us improves, we are all more capable. In the “Serving Leader” Kenneth Jennings said…

   “By putting others first. the serving leader is able to catalyze the creation of high performance teams.”

3. Add Reward

   One of my favorite verses connects our service today to God’s future promise of reward.

   “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord and He will repay hime for his deeds.”

We serve because people matter. Because the mission must advance. And because God is faithful to His promises. As you and I seek to sacrificially serve we must stay future focused.

-Micah

Others Oriented // Micah

Inside, a small voice calls us to give ourselves to impactful service. But a loud, competing cry demands we settle for a life of shallow selfishness. At the end of the day we each have to answer the question “Will I live it up?” or “Lay it down?”.

Speaking to the matter Jesus said of Himself “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)

So in a world that says “Just do you” I want to offer 3 thoughts for staying others oriented.

1. Pull Away

   Our flesh and culture call us to use influence to promote ourself at the expense of people. With all the pressure, we have to make a conscience decision to move away from a self-centered mentality.

   Jesus said “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people…But among you it will be different.” (Matthew 20:25-26)

2. Push In

   Push into the needs, hurts and hopes of others. Jesus, even though he was the God of heaven, this is what he did on earth. The Bible tells us…

   “…He took up our pain and bore our suffering…” (Isaiah 53:4)

3. Prioritize Others

   The question must shift from “What can you do for me?” to “How can I serve you?”. In Christ’s Kingdom it is actually a leadership prerequisite. He says…

   “…Whoever wants to be a leader among you must first be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26)

One day, you and I will look back on our lives and uncover a testimony of selfishness or service. I pray the call to serve and the example of Jesus would compel us to live others oriented.

-Micah

Family Reflections // Micah

My family along with some friends participated in our city’s “Peace March”. After returning home, I sat down and reflected. I looked through some priceless photos and videos we took from our evening.

I came away with 3 important reflections for my family.

1. We will continue to gladly walk with our amazing brothers and sisters of color.

   “…The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8)

2. We will stand by those who choose love over hate

   “Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses” (Proverbs 10:12)

3. We will encourage our children, in terms they understand, to be peacemakers and justice seekers.

   “Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice” (Proverbs 31:9)

As for me and my family, we will seek the Lord for His wisdom, guidance and mission for our lives. Lord, help us stand strong for what You say matters.

-Micah

Always Better // Micah

Innovation is an engine that propel continuous improvement. Continuous improvements turns the good things into great things. Think Ford’s “Model T” to the modern day “F150 Truck”. While we all enjoy these principals at work around us, it is tempting for all of us at times to grow lax and settle for less than our best.

So in a world that constantly calls us to settle for less. How do we continually strive for new heights?

I want to offer 3 practices that help us to always get better

1. Constantly Evaluate

   After every church service, Pastor Andy Stanley has his team perform what he calls autopsies. The idea here is to continually evaluate your activity for effectiveness.

2. Consistently Cull

   After evaluation it is important to create a clear “keep doing” and “stop doing” list. Getting better implies carrying forward the good and shedding the bad.

3. Continually Coach

   While experience is a great teacher, we help others grow when we share with others along the way. Even the most seasoned leader benefits from ongoing training. In Proverbs 1:5 we are told “let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.”

I pray that you are motivated to make a difference and as you do, to always get better.

-Micah

Challenging Times // Micah

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

In challenging times, and quite frankly at all times, may we find ourselves in a “pray always” posture.

“Oh Spirit of God, we pray that your peace would calm the heart of the hurting, the broken, the fearful and the marginalized. Jesus we ask that your children, comprised of many shades and tribes, would unite as a family of peace. Almighty God, we pray that your strength would embolden peace workers to rise and guide people to you, the Prince of Peace.”

May we, see ourselves as agents of peace in a world full of challenging times.

-Micah

Honoring Heroes // Micah

People who put the good of others before their own, inspire positive change in our world. These days its the bad apples that grab the headlines and set a bad example for all to follow. That is one of the reasons it is so important that we honor the heroes that have gone before us.

In Romans 13:7 we are called to “Pay to all what is owed…respect to whom respect is owed honor to whom honor is owed”

As we remember those who gave their lives for our freedom, I want to offer 3 ways to honor heroes…

1. Remember Their Deeds

   We draw strength for today when we remember noble characters from the past.

   Deuteronomy 32:7 calls us to “remember the days of long ago; think about the generations past.”

2. Recall Their Words

   One of my favorite teachers said he was discipled by dead men. As he reflected on writings on those who had gone before he found himself being transformed. There is much wisdom in Proverbs 22:17 “Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise”

3. Resemble Their Walk

   I love the Charles Colton quote when he famously said “Imitation is the highest form of flattery”

As you and I take time to remember those who gave their all for our freedom and as we think about the One who gave His life for the world, I pray that you and I live lives that honor our heroes.

-Micah

Run To Win // Micah

You and I were made to make a difference. Our Maker gave each of us a race to run. Life tempts us with side trails and throws hurdles on our track that threaten to knock us off course. The apostle Paul faithfully ran his race. Near the end of his life, he was able to say…

“I have done the Lord’s work, I never shrank back.” (Acts 20:19-20)

How do we run to win, in a world that calls us to walk away? I want to offer 3 pointers to help us run to win.

1. Get in the Race

   Just because I watched the Boston doesn’t mean I ran the marathon. Many of us know the things that matter to God. We just havent gotten out of the starting blocks. God is calling each of us to do the good that He has created us for.

2. Stay the Course

   After the initial adrenaline of starting a race wears off, the obstacles can threaten our resolve. We have to lean into Jesus. Spend daily time in prayer and in His Word. We have to lean on others. Lock shields with a faith community and make sure that others who share our values are helping us stay the course.

3. Finish Strong

   We can start well and navigate the turns with success, but if we quit on the last lap we cant win. The secret is to keep our eyes on the prize. Paul said it this way…

   “I press on to reach the end of the race and to receive the heavenly prize.” (Philippians 3:14)

No matter what you are facing, I want to remind you that you were made to make a difference. You have a race to run. So run to win!

-Micah

Difference Made // Micah

Before we make a difference a difference has to be made in us. And that requires a work of God in our hearts and the investment of others into our lives. As I think about the amazing people who have sowed into me over time I cant help but think about my amazing mother. I want to encourage every difference maker this Mother’s Day to make sure you let your mom know the difference she has made in you!

Happy Mother’s Day!

-Micah