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

A Desolate Place | March 4th

  “He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”

  Mark 1:35

  One of the things I enjoy about being in the woods is the seclusion. Being isolated from noise and distraction, and having the opportunity to quiet the mind. We can go to the desolate place voluntarily, but at other times, circumstances force us there. What is comforting in both instances is that Jesus has already gone before us.

  Beloved, the place of solitude is a haven when Christ is there. If you intentionally go for the pursuit of Him or are driven by necessity, He will meet you. Christ is there in the desolate place as the living water and bread of life.

  You do not need to create a particular atmosphere for prayer, as some might suggest. If the Lord is your Shepherd, He prepares a table before you in the presence of your enemies, leads you to green pastures, and restores your soul for His name's sake. Come away, beloved of God. Venture into the desolate place, for the Lord is present. He was a man acquainted with grief and sorrow. Jesus knew the desolate place and has prepared a place for you to be with Him. Depart from your own efforts and find rest in Christ. With Christ, the desolate place becomes paradise.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Harmful Ingredients Removed | March 3rd

 “There is death in the pot!”

   2 Kings 4:40

  Beloved, this should be our exclamation when we taste the bitter waters of our own sinful hearts. To assume personal purity apart from divine intervention leads to spiritual death. We often excuse, justify, and defend our sinful nature without remorse. It is unwise to perceive only the reflection of oneself within one's character.

  Let us pause in prayer to examine the condition of our hearts. Is Christ evident within us? Is the Holy Spirit cultivating the fruit of righteousness in our lives?

  Our assurance rests in the confession of sin, waywardness, and deceit, through which God’s mercy is extended to our hearts. Elisha instructed that flour be added to the pot, and the harm was removed. Similarly, when we seek the Lord’s grace, the Holy Spirit imparts life. We do not confront sin, temptation, or the adversary alone. Christ the Redeemer leads our salvation, and in Him we find life.

  If you find yourself overwhelmed by the works of the flesh today, seek the Lord and His mercy. He alone is able to save and sustain us. The Spirit will work within you, and the bitterness of self will be overcome as you turn to life in Christ.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight