Wells of Water | Aug 28th

 “My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

  Jeremiah 2:13

  In our garden, we have a koi pond with a small stream and waterfall. Unfortunately, water leaks near the waterfall. As a result, new water must be added continually, yet the level drops again within a few days. This koi pond is artificial; it is not a natural pond fed by a spring. There is no water source other than what I bring to it.

  God rebuked His people for seeking alternative sources of refreshment instead of the living waters He provides. They attempted to secure satisfaction by digging their own wells, but these efforts could never fulfill them. Desiring independence from the Lord, they ultimately lost what they had gathered because they relied on themselves.

  Beloved, we must look to the Lord as our source of life. He has granted us eternal life in Christ, and the Holy Spirit fills us with His presence. Living water flows from within and will never run dry. When we rely on our own strength, we inevitably become depleted. Only the Spirit of God can satisfy our deepest needs so that we do not thirst again. Let us come to Christ, seeking renewal from Him, so that we may live by the Spirit.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Summer Sunset | Aug 27th

  “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”

  Psalm 19:1

  Recently, I observed a magnificent sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. Alongside many others seated with beach chairs and blankets, we all faced the western horizon. For hours, we watched as the sun gradually approached the horizon, eventually seeming to disappear into the sea, leaving only its aura to illuminate the sky. The crowd responded with spontaneous applause and exclamations at this spectacle. Such moments undoubtedly reveal the power, beauty, and wisdom of the Creator in our daily lives.

  Beloved, let us pray for greater awareness of God's goodness in our daily lives. It is often easier to focus on immediate concerns and overlook His faithfulness. All humanity participates in the common grace of God. On the beach, both sinners and saints witness the power of God. However, only those redeemed by grace can claim the Creator as their Father.

  The child of God looks beyond the stars, recognizing that hope is not found in mere consolations but in the One who has named them. If your Father has established the rising and setting of the sun, you may be confident that your life is secure in His hands and nothing can remove you from His care.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Persevering in The Garden | Aug 26th

 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

  1 Corinthians 15:58

  There is a restorative quality to being in God’s creation. The tranquility and beauty of a cultivated arboretum foster a profound sense of peace and heightened awareness of time. Such gardens do not emerge overnight; they require someone with the vision to plant for what life will become in decades, rather than in days or months. Careful consideration of climate and species is essential. Ultimately, however, there is an element of faith that what is planted now will mature into something far greater than what is currently visible. Beloved, our work for the Lord and His kingdom must be approached in the same manner.

  We may be tempted to view our efforts for Christ as insignificant, especially when immediate results are not evident and transformation does not occur quickly. In reality, spiritual growth in Christ is a lifelong process. We intercede for others while attending to their changing needs. Some outcomes may not be realized in this life, which is why we should never consider our service to the Lord as futile.

  The Lord has planted us in His vineyard and faithfully nurtures us, causing us to grow in Him and enabling us to bless others. Let us pray for the discernment to recognize what God is accomplishing in and through us today, for His glory and for our lives, trusting that our labor for Him is not in vain.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight