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

When God Doesn't Move // Micah

Have you ever prayed hard for something and got nothing? It can be disheartening when are passionate cries for physical or spiritual healing seem to end with continued brokenness. It can feel vain to continue asking when calls directed to heaven are seemingly returned to earth with the sound of silence.

Our faith can be deeply challenged when we desperately call for the winds of change, believe God for it, and yet find our sails hanging limp. What do we do when we believe God for the shifting of the mountain and find it where we left it? What do we do when we ask but God doesn't move?

Some walk away. "If He can and He didn't He is not kind. If He's kind and He couldn't then He's not able," they reason.

Some turn to shame. "I must not have prayed right, believed well or maybe I am no longer loved by God at all," they fear.

Some turn to God. "He is sovereign over life and death. His vantage point is not limited by time or space. And while I want my prayer answered the way I prayed it, I want Him more than I want anything. I admit God is far too infinite for my finite mind to intellectually master His. I trust that He is ultimately working all things for our good and His glory, even when it appears He hasn't moved.”

May we trust God, when we call out to Him for a way forward and the seas part before our feet, and may we hold fast to His unchanging power and perfect nature when we ask and God Doesn't Move.

"So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days." John 11:5-6

"When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:32

"And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:27-28

- Micah McElveen

The Gift We Have // Micah

The Law of Diminishing Returns rules with an iron fist, especially in today's materialistic society. We are constantly searching for ever-elusive happiness in things that can't deliver. We reason, "If I just owned that, lived there, achieved this or had him/her then... I would be happy." No sooner have we traded the old toy in, it creeps in again, the reality that contentment wasn't achieved and the new toy must be replaced.

When given over to this cyclical roller coaster we become so dizzied by the ride that our vision is blurred. At some point, we must stop the merry-go-round, come to our senses, and realize that the answer to the problem is staring us right in the face, or in the case of the Samaritan women, sitting by her at the well.

In Jesus, we find "true life" for our weary bones, "living water" for our parched throats and "eternal hope" for our desperate souls. God so loved us in our brokenness that "He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." This priceless gift is given to us by the grace of God through Christ. It is ours for the taking if we will only reach out. O that we would take hold of that which is offered to us with both hands and not miss The Gift we have before us.

"Jesus replied, 'If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.'” John 4:10

- Micah McElveen

Surrender Equals Peace // Micah

A plant that towers above the soil originates from a seed that must first be buried beneath the earth. So it is with some of the most impactful things in life, they come about through some of the most counterintuitive means. This is true of realizing peace.

Our instincts say we must fight, gain control, and maintain options in order to find and sustain peace. The thought of "throwing our hands in the air," "laying all our cards on the table," or "putting all our chips in one basket" strikes the average person as unwise if not reckless. The thought of surrendering our will and relinquishing the illusion of control feels unsettling, yet when it comes to actualizing true peace that is exactly the way.

Trusting in Christ, the Prince of Peace, implies letting go of self-reliance, turning the reins of ones life over, and forgoing alternative paths for "the way". He calls us to quiet trying to construct roads to Him and to travel the one His Son paved. He calls us to lay our anxious thoughts aside and rest in Him. In a frenzied world addicted to sufficiency, He prescribes a surrender that leads to peace.

"Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us." Romans 5:1

"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him." Romans 15:13a

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

A Hearing Father // Audrey

As I was reading through several chapters of Isaiah, the Word spoke just how big God is and how HE is the one who gives us strength, subdues our fears, the very one that holds our hand is the Lord our redeemer. He gives strength to the weak, binds the broken-hearted, brings water to the parched, hears and answers the cries of the afflicted, fatherless, widow and poor. 

But then I had a moment of concern... "but God, there are so many hurting, poor, hungry, thirsty... are you really answering their cries?" Then I thought, yes, in ways I may not understand or see for myself, but yes.

Yes, because He says Yes. 

And could it be, that the Lord moves in our hearts to be answers to these cries? The very starting of Vapor could be part of His way of answering some of these cries. That He brings men & women to join the cause as a way of answering even more of these cries. Could it be this is how He is at work, moving and mobilizing in the heart of His people, for His glory. 

I'm overwhelmed thinking about the Lord and His work through Vapor. Redeeming voodoo priest to himself, a child's Hasmin's Friend sponsor moved with compassion to pay for their child to have a very needed surgery this week, a team of diverse individuals leaving for Kenya this weekend, a 5k run benefitting the lost and the least, my husband sharing the life-changing Word to the NFL and sharing about Vapor with individuals who God may have join in being an answer to these cries.... As our pastor used to say, "He has the whole thing rigged!" It's so beautiful. Praying we be found faithful in each thing we are given today.

- Audrey 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

The Ever-Present One // Micah

Though God is highly exalted above all creation, He is not aloof or disinterested in the affairs of men. A most astonishing and applicable truth is uncovered when we consider a core activity of God, His "drawing near" to humanity. The Hebrew word, Kaw-robe, means "near” and is used to describe the intimate presence of God in the lives of His children. It affirms that He is "at hand" in ways that impact every aspect of life.

To His child wrestling with the feelings of separateness that doubt brings, He reminds, “I am truth and am near those who seek in truth." To His child walking through a valley filled with confusion, trial, and fear, He speaks, “Fear not, I am with you, let me guide you.” To His child pursuing mission advancement, He says, “I endorse that pursuit and am with you in it." As we seek to make much of Him, may we take courage in The Ever Present One.

"The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." Psalm 145:18

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

- Micah McElveen

Looking Back to See Forward // Micah

The turn in the season leads my bride to break out the pumpkin spice creamer, as October is rich for us. 12 years ago this month, love struck, and 11 years ago, Vapor Ministries was born. Truth be told, I didn't always view this time of year as blessed. To the contrary, for a long time I marked it as the worst month in my life.

21 years ago, in October 1995, I was found body limp and color blue drifting face down in an ocean current, unconscious with no pulse. I had dived into a wave, shattering 4 vertebrae in my neck and was rendered completely paralyzed. Having filled my lungs with water in a desperate attempt to reach the surface, I, in essence, drowned. CPR, then a life-flight led to ICU and a battle to survive. Survival led to months in hospitals filled with tubes, IVs, catheters, wheelchairs, and countless hours of painful rehab. Needless to say, the tragedy forever marked me and my family physically, spiritually and emotionally. It complicated many basic functions like feeding myself and took with it the dreams of a young quarterback, pitcher and point guard. For the longest time fixated on what was lost, relived the fading of past hopes and fought in vain to get back to "normal". Try as I might, spinal damage and some associated paralysis were not to be altered.

It was not until sometime later that my eyes were opened to what I had gained. Looking through a different set of lenses, I saw entitlement has no place, as all I had before and everything I have now is a gift from God. Yes, I lost tangible things, but He granted intangible gifts of far greater value. In time, looking back became an exercise in praise instead of regret. My eyes were opened to God's faithfulness, provision, and purpose in and through both trial and blessing.

It is ironic that what was once considered the worst day of my life, I now view as one of the best, a gateway day through which some of God's greatest blessings have entered. The master architect used loss to usher in countless gain. The brevity of life and the reality that it is like a Vapor has no doubt been impressed into my inner man and changed my life's course. He is teaching and I am learning that to look back in regret is futile, but to peer into the past to see God's hand in every season can give courage and hope for the future. May God help us to only look back in order to better see the way forward.

"I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I muse on the work of Your hands." Psalm 143:5

"No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it." I Corinthians 10:31

"I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old." Psalms 77:11

- Micah McElveen

A Prayer from Psalm 119 // Audrey

Praying His Word for us today as I'm in Psalm 119.

Lord, please keep us pure by helping us be guarded by your word. May we seek you with our whole hearts & not wander from your commandments. May we store up your word in our hearts that we might not sin against you. Give us life according to your word & teach us your statues! Help us understand the way of your precepts & meditate on your wonderful works, strengthen us according to your word. Put false ways far from us. May we choose the way of faithfulness.

Incline our hearts to what you have done and not to selfish gain. Turn our eyes from looking at worthless things & give us life in your ways. May our comfort in affliction be that your promises give life. May your steadfast love & mercy comfort us for you are good & do good. Your faithfulness endures to all generations. May your word be a lamp to our feet & a light for our path. May we not cease to offer you praise & your testimonies be the joy of our hearts. May you be our hiding place & our shield as we hope in your word. May we love your commandments & hate every false way.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path.
I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
    to keep your righteous rules."

Psalm 119:105-106

- Audrey McElveen

Relentless Faithfulness // Micah

Often in the Bible, steadfastness, and love are tied together to communicate how God, not only loves His own, but does so with relentless faithfulness. He is not sparing or wavering in His commitment to continually treat His children with unmerited love and kindness. His persistent and consistent love for us flows out of who He is, not what we have done or not done to earn it. It stems from His person and from His actions, and it always runs congruent with His character. Praise Jesus for His steadfast love for us.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

- Micah McElveen