Jesus Eats With Everyone | June 22nd

 “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

  Mark 2:16

  Beloved, it is often more comfortable to love those with whom we share common interests. However, the Gospel calls us to extend grace to all people. Jesus welcomed everyone at His table.

  Christ did not conform to the behaviors of sinners, tax collectors, or even His own disciples, yet He shared meals with all of them. If they were willing to listen, Jesus was willing to share Himself. At times, it is difficult for us to demonstrate this same generosity and compassion toward those who are different from us, regardless of the nature of those differences.

  We live in a divided world, but as Christians, we need to remember that our true home is in heaven. We are called to share God’s love with everyone, including those who do not know Him. We should show the fruit of the Holy Spirit to strangers, friends, and family alike.

  Let us be generous toward everyone we encounter today. May we be fishers of men, willing to share fellowship with all, as our Lord did. He who knew no sin came to sinners like us and brought us salvation.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Waiting in Quiet Confidence | June 19th

 “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.”

    Psalm 31:24

  Beloved, are you waiting for the answer to your prayer? God is not slow in answering. He is at work, and you will never be put to shame for trusting in the Lord.

  Although doubt may challenge your faith, remind yourself of God's goodness and faithfulness. Have you reached this point by your own efforts? Was it your own confidence that sustained your peace during adversity? Who has provided for your needs, lifted you from affliction, granted you comfort in difficult times, and blessed you beyond what your actions merited? It is God who has accomplished great and mighty things for you.

  Encourage your heart in Him. Recall the many blessings of God. Remember you were saved by grace alone while dead in sin. Today His mercy greets you with the dawning of the day. The goodness of God will follow you, and His providence will guide your steps. Lean on the Lord, be strong and take courage. The Lord is faithful to meet you and all that concerns you today.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Peace in God's Kingdom | June 18th

 “With what can we compare the kingdom of God….It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it  is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

  Mark 4:30-32

  Beloved, within a short amount of time, the disciples would see how far the kingdom of heaven would reach and which birds would find refuge in Christ.

  Jesus and the disciples went to the other side of the sea through a storm. Jesus rebuked it, and the storm ceased, only to be greeted by a man possessed by unclean spirits.

  This poor tormented soul was not held captive by one demon but by many. They declared their identity to Jesus: “My name is Legion, for we are many.” Thankfully, it does not matter whether there is one or many. Christ has bound the strong man and has plundered his house. As Jesus silenced the chaos of the sea, so He would bring peace to this man by casting out the many tormenting him.

  Although no one could restrain this man, not even with chains, Jesus set him free. He was clothed, seated, and in his right mind. When the people saw him, this once wild and unclean individual had found a place in the branches of God’s kingdom. There is no soul whom the Lord cannot save, claim as His own, and use for His glory. Let us seek our place in the branches of God’s kingdom and pray for others to find rest in Christ as well.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight