True Community | March 9th

 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

  Ephesians 4:32

 Friends, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we are meant to show Christ to those around us. This verse tells us to treat others the way He treats us. When we remember that we did nothing to earn His mercy and grace, it should help us be more compassionate toward others.

  This command is simple, but we all know how hard it can be to be kind to everyone, all the time. It takes effort to be gentle with others, especially when we feel impatient. Forgiving people who seem undeserving is only possible because the Spirit helps us.

  We cannot fulfill this calling apart from the Holy Spirit working through us; however, we must also intentionally strive to demonstrate God's grace. While we dedicate significant effort to our work and leisure pursuits, let us likewise commit to seeking the Holy Spirit daily, so that our treatment of others clearly reflects how God has treated us.

  Prayerfully, may each day reflect that we have shown Christ's kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness to others. Trust in the Spirit, knowing He empowers us to live out this calling and that, by His grace, our lives bring honor to God through tangible love and mercy.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Christ is Leading | March 6th

  “I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.”

  John 10:16

  Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for His sheep and gathers them because all are lost without Him. His sheep hear His voice and are brought into His care.

  Beloved, we often think of our Lord in the background, waiting to step in when there is a problem. Part of this stems from our thinking that we came to Christ by our own initiative. Scripture is clear that God has sought us. Christ is the one who came to seek those who were lost; we were not looking for Him.

  This understanding is essential for our ongoing journey of faith. We must continually recognize Christ as leading us. We are not navigating life independently; He guides us beside still waters. Christ, as the Shepherd, leads His sheep with wisdom, joy, compassion, and strength. May this truth bring you peace today and assure you that you are not alone in your circumstances. The Lord is able to work all things for our good because He is sovereign, all-knowing, and goes before us.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Enduring to the End | March 5th

“His hand was weary, and his hand clung to the sword. And the Lord brought about a great victory that day.”

  2 Samuel 23:10

  When others withdrew, Eleazar arose and faced the enemy. He kept fighting even when he was exhausted and refused to let go of his sword.

  Beloved, Eleazar’s sword remained firmly in his grasp, even in his weariness. Although the battle is the Lord’s, we continue to engage in the struggle. Our faith and resolve are tested, yet we receive the Lord’s exhortation to be strong in His power. We may grow weary in doing good, feeling depleted and intimidated during times of adversity. However, in our weakness, we come to understand the sufficiency of God’s grace.

  When we might have retreated, grace sustains us. When we are tempted to surrender and accept defeat, the Spirit of God steadies our hand and keeps it firmly on the sword. In the midst of struggle, turn your heart to the Captain of your salvation. Seek His assistance and the grace to persevere. In Him, you will finish well. The Lord has given you a spirit not of timidity, but of love, power, and self-control.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight