Following Jesus | Nov. 20th

 “Follow me.”

   Mathew 9:9

   In the Gospels, Jesus often invited people to follow Him. Some, like Mathew, accepted, while others turned away.

  The invitation to follow Christ stands at the center of our faith, just as Jesus called Mathew and others to follow Him. This invitation is not a one-time event, but a daily decision. Beloved, how will you respond today? We come to Christ in salvation, become a brand-new creation, and continue to follow Him each day, knowing we cannot live without Him.

  Jesus calls you not only to accept Him as Savior, but also to depend on Him every day. He is the vine and we are the branches. We rely on the Spirit for daily strength and life. The Lord delights in sustaining us.

  Our life in God is one of dependence and obedience. Let us read the scripture and seek Him through prayer. When we feel as if we do not have the desire to follow the Lord, we humbly ask for His help. Asking the Lord to renew a right spirit within us. The Lord will change the attitude of our hearts, and we will continue to love the One who first loved us.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Imitate | Nov. 19th

  “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.”

  3 John 1:11

   Beloved, have you ever mimicked someone? Watching our granddaughter copy the things we do is a delight, and it reminds us how careful we must be with our actions and words when little eyes and ears are present. This awareness leads us to consider whom we imitate in our lives.

   The Apostle John is instructing Gaius to be aware of what and whom he is imitating. Gaius had a godly example of conduct through the life of Demetrius. Unfortunately, Diotrephes was a poor example of Christian character and brotherly kindness.

   John wanted Gaius to imitate what is good and from God. Not that which was evil. Let our lives serve as a godly example to others. Diotrephes, however, rejected John's teachings about Christ, refused to acknowledge apostolic authority, and mistreated true servants of God.

  Demetrius kept to the truth of Christ and cared for others who loved the truth. Let us follow this example and imitate what is good. Prayerfully consider whom you can show the love of Christ through kind words or by meeting a need. Study the word of God and follow sound teaching from scripture. This is what we want to be known for and imitate from other godly saints of God.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

A New Life | Nov. 18th

  “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me.”

   John 17:24

   Beloved, consider your expectation of heaven or life in the new earth. Our lives are shaped by experiences and memories. Are you anticipating eternity with the same hope?

  Our present life is fleeting, but even this life is filled with sights, sounds, and emotional experiences that we cherish. We long to visit a place or person and find pleasure when we are there or with them. The glory of heaven and the new earth will exceed anything in this life.

  Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us and desires to share His glory with us. Let the promise of eternal life be your true hope and a source of present peace. We will be united with Christ and all the saints who have gone on before us. All will be made new, and we will dwell there forever.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight