Cord's of Love | May 22nd

 “I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love.”

   Hosea 11:4

  We once lived in a quaint neighborhood with a day care just around the corner. On pleasant days, little children would pass our home in a straight line, each holding a long rope. Guided in front and followed behind by a teacher, these children formed a happy band, relying on the rope and their guides to keep them safe on their journey.

  Beloved, consider if we could perceive the cord of God's enduring love guiding us throughout our journey. Just as children depend on the rope and their teacher, our hands, as frail as those of a small child, cannot always maintain a firm grip during life's storms and trials. Nevertheless, we need not fear, for Christ Himself guides and secures us, and the Spirit of God binds us to God's lovingkindness. We do not sustain ourselves; He sustains us.

  We follow our Good Shepherd in faithful obedience, not always knowing what lies ahead. Just as these little children journeyed with their teacher, holding the rope, they always returned safely. The Almighty will not fail; He holds you today, leading you with cords of kindness and bands of love. These bands cannot be broken.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

A Special Place | May 21st

 “That they might be with him.”

  Mark 3:14

  These words serve as a profound reminder that salvation is rooted in fellowship with God rather than in works. Jesus brought the twelve to the mountain and named them apostles so that they might be with Him. Although He would later send them out, their initial calling was based on His desire for their presence.

  This principle applies to every disciple of Jesus. We follow Him because He desired us and called us by name, not primarily for our actions but for fellowship. Our acceptance is grounded in the Lord's love for us, rather than our own abilities.

  Often, people value our presence for what we possess, where we are headed, or what we can offer them. In contrast, it is both refreshing and comforting to be with those who desire our company for its own sake, regardless of our circumstances or abilities. In the same way, God loved us first and seeks fellowship with us.

  Let us accept this invitation today to draw near to the Lord. He will never reject us and delights in our fellowship.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

What Are Looking For | May 20th

“He is not here, for he has risen.”

   Matthew 28:6

  Beloved, we may sometimes find ourselves asking, “Where is the Lord?” Like the disciples, we may search in the wrong places. The disciples went to the tomb expecting to find Jesus, forgetting that He had told them He would suffer, die, and rise again. Christ assured them they would see Him again before these events occurred. Yet, they remained at the tomb.

  Christ also declared that He would ascend into heaven to sit at the right hand of His Father. He is there now as our high priest. Even when we doubt whether God is with us or for us, Christ continues to intercede for us in heaven. We are not left alone in this world, for the Holy Spirit has come to comfort and sustain us. The tomb remains empty because the Lord has ascended, and we belong to Him.

  We may experience fear and uncertainty, as the disciples did, when we fail to trust the Lord’s word. Yet His promises remain unchanged. He has not abandoned us but has gone to prepare a place for us, so that we may be with Him. The Lord is present with you now. The tomb is empty because the throne of grace is occupied by Christ the Redeemer.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight