All Good // Micah

James 1:16-18 “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.”

Having previously reminded us that God tempts no man with evil, we are exhorted to guard our minds against lies. The liar would not only have us believe wrong things about God but would also keep us from knowing good things about our Heavenly Father. In that vain, James reminds us that God is not just void of evil, our matchless Lord is entirely perfect. Furthermore, God is not only all good but all good comes from God. Think on that… every good thing that exists originated in God.

Our text reminds us that the majestic heavenly lights that grant energy and sustain life on our planet come from God. He goes on to note that the One who spoke the heavens into existence granted us the very Word of God. Having made God knowable through the Word, He then makes the connection that all who believe in Him are afforded new birth and a special place amongst His creation. Indeed, we who were far off are adopted as children of God by the goodness of Heaven. Now that is good news!

Father God, thank you that unlike human attempts at goodness, your faithfulness and goodness are unwavering. Thank you that you are unchanging and the shadow that your good form casts never varies, no matter the light of day. You indeed are All Good.

- Micah McElveen

King Creator // Micah

As a home has a builder and a song a composer, so the mountains, fields, and streams have a Maker. A finished house speaks to more than its own worth but to the skill of the one behind the construction. The end product either shames or fames the artist. Look to the mountains and see the breathtaking majesty spire down each rocky crest. Behold the silver sheen glistening off the softly settled snow adorning the valley low. Watch the water roll over smooth stones as it weaves its way through brooks on its way to the mighty sea. Take in the view, enjoy its beauty, and let it speak to you of the wonder and power of The Lord God Creator of Heaven and Earth. He is King over all the earth and is worthy of the praise of all His creatures.

"Come, everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise! For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth." Psalm 47:1-2

"You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas. You formed the mountains by your power and armed yourself with mighty strength. You quieted the raging oceans with their pounding waves and silenced the shouting of the nations." Psalm 65:5-7

- Micah McElveen

A Sunrise // Audrey

This morning it was still dusk as I started my run on the road inside Pursell Farms. I couldn't help but thank God for this wonderful privilege to have Vapor's Headquarters here and how I could just step out on a run and enjoy such a beautiful place.  The trees, the rolling hills, the dew on the morning grass, the budding flowers, and even the longhorn cattle grazing near the clear creeks, all attesting to the splendor and power of our God.

The sun started to rise, shooting colors of pink, purple, and orange above the bright green fields.  I ran in awe as I saw the rays of sun brighten my upcoming path. It reminded me of when I was a child and how I would draw the sun with all these yellow and orange spider-legged-looking lines coming out of a round circle.

I was quickly brought to Lamentations 3:22-23, which says,

 "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

The sun rises every morning, bringing with it His mercies.  Sometimes storms come and cover up the sun. However, we still know the sun is there, because if it wasn't, life on this earth would cease to exist. The clouds are simply covering up our view of the sun. And when the storm passes and the clouds disappear, we then clearly see the sun, and we are reminded it (He) has always been there. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is always faithful, even when we feel our faith is small.

Regardless of how we may have felt or even failed during the storm, one thing is for sure, today is a new day that God has graciously given us, full of His mercies and unchangeable faithfulness. Our desire should be to be found faithful every day, rain or shine, wherever we find ourselves, and relying on His faithfulness and mercies.  So, even when the storms come and we can't clearly see the sun (Son), We'll know it (He) is still there and that His faithfulness and mercies towards us are as well.

Life is short, especially in the light of eternity.  Though our lives are fleeting, that doesn't mean that they are insignificant. It's just a sweet reminder that it's really not that long of a time to endure, persevere, be steadfast and run the race set before us.

If only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord has set before me- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace (Acts 20:24).

All glory to God.

- Audrey McElveen

God is Great // Micah

Have you ever given thought to the fact that we don’t just taste, instead we have been designed with capacity to experience a plethora of taste blends? We don’t just see, we have been fashioned to perceive myriads of colors and contours. We don’t just feel, we have been created with the ability to be moved by a wide range of compelling emotions. Have you ever considered why? The gift of sight is more than we earned and is in itself a good gift. But the tremendous thoughtfulness behind the great gift of beholding grey canyons deep, blue oceans wide and green savannas vast is another thing all together. The genius and generosity of the Benevolent One behind the many abilities we have been endowed with is quite astounding when we stop to ponder. The One who does all this for His creation is truly great at being good.

 “They will talk about the fame of the greatness of your goodness...” Psalm 145:7a

- Micah McElveen

God's Billboard // Micah

“Everything in all creation is intended to function as a billboard. The metal frame, canvas, artwork and lettering on the sign are not in and of themselves the point. The purpose of the board is to resound ‘Their is something I want you to be aware of. It is valuable and you need to experience it!’ As we walk this earth may we make that connect as we view His world around us and be refreshed in the experiencing what the wonders of this world say about the wondrous nature and character of its creator. May we as uniquely created beings reflect well the message our creator intends for us to communicate to those around us.” Musings

“All your works shall give thanks to you O Lord and all your saints shall bless you. They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known to the children of man your deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom” Psalms 145:10-12

- Micah McElveen