A Memorial Forever | Jan. 29th

  “When your children ask in time to come, ’What do these stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever?”

   Joshua 4:6-7

   In our garden, there is a stone bench. This rustic granite piece, weathered by years of exposure, beautifully depicts New England character. For me, it is more than just a resting place. The bench belonged to my Grandfather. For as long as I can remember, it stood in his front yard. Later, it moved to my parents' yard, and when they relocated, it was taken from Ma. to Ct. Now, in our garden, this bench reminds me of the godly heritage my family has been blessed with.

  My Grandfather was rugged in character and faith, much like the granite bench. While we do not need physical objects to demonstrate our faith as the Israelites did, the significance of what we pass down remains. Our living faith should leave something tangible for future generations. Our children and their children should wonder, "What caused their faith? Why was this person so kind, and why did they love God so deeply?"

  In this way, our godly character can speak for generations as each one puts their faith in God. Prayers, shared Bible verses, and words of encouragement become lasting pillars of God’s faithfulness. Family heirlooms can be lost, but God’s word endures forever and does not return void. Whatever you do in the Lord’s name is not in vain, including what you do for your family.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Jesus is Lord | Jan. 28th

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

   Philippians 2:9-11

   Beloved, we often tell people to make Jesus the Lord of their lives, urging more commitment. Yet, the truth is that Jesus is already Lord of all. Our urging cannot add to His Lordship; He reigns regardless of our response.

  Our faith does not make Him more or less Lord. Jesus is Lord, reigning over all things, regardless of our belief. Trusting Christ acknowledges His Lordship but does not change it; He is highly exalted.

  Faith enables us to recognize and trust in the reality of who Christ is, Lord. Through faith, we humbly submit ourselves and bow our knees in dependence on Him. We do not elevate Christ or crown Him by believing; rather, faith is our means to accept and rest in His Lordship, which exists regardless of our response. When we try to make Jesus Lord of our lives through our actions, we end up questioning whether we have surrendered enough or are we doing enough, shifting the focus from who Jesus is and what He has done to our efforts. True peace is found in acknowledging His Lordship by faith, not in what we achieve.

   Faith simply acknowledges who Christ is and trusts in Him. Because He is Lord, faith rests in the assurance that He alone is able to save and keep us, no matter how weak our faith may be. Faith does not establish His Lordship but enables us to rely on it.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Washed Cleaned | Jan. 27th

 “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.”

   Isaiah 64:5

   With the recent cold weather and the festivity of a family gathering, there was a fire in the hearth. As I reflect on this, I notice what remains in the fireplace: ash and black char, waiting to be swept up and discarded. In much the same way, we treat all dirt, dust, and filth. Throwing out soiled food and stained garments without hesitation. We discard all that is pungent, broken, and deteriorating.

  In contrast to how we cast away what is soiled, beloved, let us be grateful that the broom of God’s wrath has not swept us away. He has not disposed of us because of our sinful decay and brokenness. Rather, God, through mercy, has not given us what we deserve, wrath, but by grace has given us what we do not deserve, salvation.

  This grace changes everything. If we are in Christ today, we are a brand-new creation, reconciled with God and filled with the Holy Spirit. We are grafted into the vine, Christ, where we live in Him and have a hope for today.

  As you clean your face this morning, tidy up the kitchen, or wash your clothes, let these acts serve as reminders to reflect on the condition of your heart. Thank the Lord that He has taken your heart of stone and made it flesh. Request the Holy Spirit to continue to renew your heart and keep you close to the Father. The stains and guilt of sin are gone in Jesus.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight