Unknown | April 8th

 “James the son of Alphaeus.”

  Luke 6:15

  Beloved, are you aware of who James, the son of Alphaeus, is? He is counted among the original twelve disciples. Luke includes his name alongside Peter, James, and John, yet little information is available about him.

  Many members of the body of Christ remain relatively unknown. Traditionally, James, the son of Alphaeus, is called James the Lesser. Although his prominence does not match that of James and John, his significance is equal.

  Our actions for the Lord and for others may not always receive recognition, yet they are never in vain. All that we do should be for the glory of God. We are called to remain faithful to Him, both privately and publicly. Most of God’s kingdom consists of those known as the Lesser. Do not hesitate to offer your abilities in service to others. The Lord has placed you where you are to be a blessing to those around you. We serve as the hands and feet of Christ, living epistles for the world to observe. Our focus should not be on our own names, but on Christ. May we be forgotten so that Jesus may be glorified.

  Tradition holds that James died as a martyr for Christ. He remained faithful and completed his calling, regardless of public recognition. Whether in prominence or obscurity, let us remain faithful to our Lord.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Belief Against Doubt | April 7th

“But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.”

  Mark 16:11

   Beloved, it is reasonable for us to be discouraged at times in sharing our faith. Jesus has become so real to us that we expect others to understand the wonder of Christ and the Gospel.

  These individuals may include our children, grandchildren, spouses, and siblings. Childhood friends have observed our transformation, yet they remain unconvinced. Coworkers, neighbors, and acquaintances have witnessed our reliance on God during challenging circumstances. Some have even remarked, “I don’t know how you are dealing with all of this?” However, when you attribute your endurance to the grace of God, they often respond with disbelief.

  Do not allow these experiences to deter you from praying or sharing your faith. The verse above recounts the disciples’ initial disbelief on Resurrection Sunday. They did not believe when they first heard that Jesus had risen. Yet, the Lord appeared to them and addressed their doubts. Christ revealed Himself even when their faith was fragile. Remember, the Shepherd knows His sheep, and His sheep recognize His voice. At times, we require multiple calls, much like when our mothers repeatedly called us before we finally returned home.

  If a mother’s voice can reach her child, then certainly God’s voice, which brought all things into existence, can reach even the most unyielding heart. Although we do not know when this will occur, we must continue to pray and share our faith.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Vine and Branches | April 6th

 “I am the vine; you are the branches.”

  John 15:8

  Beloved, there is only one vine in this life; everyone else is a branch. When Jesus described Himself as the only source of life for our faith and Christian living, He not only identified Himself as the exclusive source but also claimed it. In doing this, He excluded us and everyone else from being the vine.

  This is important to know for our well-being. First, we would not assume responsibility for others, no matter how much we love them. We cannot be the ultimate source for others' joy, peace, and encouragement. There is only one Almighty God. Able to meet the deepest needs of the soul and heart. Never take this upon yourself.

  While this is true for us, we should not put that expectation on others. Do not expect someone else to make you happy. To be the source of your peace or the strength of your life. It is unfair to put that on someone who is only a branch like yourself. It is unhealthy for you and for them. It is another form of idolatry. We will improperly view them, and when they fail, because they will, we will be angry and critical of a branch that was never meant to be the vine.

  Abide in Christ today. You and everyone around you who are children of God are only branches. Each branch is receiving life from Christ. He is the only vine.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight