Help in Afflictions | Aug 4th

  “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

   Psalm 34:19

  Beloved, one certainty in this life is the occurrence of afflictions. For the righteous, such afflictions are often numerous.

  Faith in God does not exempt individuals from experiencing afflictions. We may be tempted to believe we deserve fewer trials and greater comfort, yet faith is demonstrated as genuine through tribulation. In such times, faith sustains us regardless of their frequency. Afflictions may prompt questions, doubts, or momentary fears, yet it is within these circumstances that the Lord meets us.

  Although we are warned of many afflictions, there is also the promise of the Lord’s deliverance. We are not subject to fate or the uncertainties of changing times. Instead, we serve the Creator of heaven and earth. Our faithful Father acts providentially in our lives and extends mercy to us.

  Take heart, dear one. Though many afflictions may come, God will be with you and deliver you out of them all.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Never Unseen | Aug 3rd

 “He saw that they were making headway painfully… He got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased.”

   Mark 6:48, 51

  People sometimes talk about feeling “unseen,” which is another way to describe loneliness. It can happen when you feel emotionally overlooked, unvalued, or ignored.

  Beloved, perhaps you are feeling like that today or experiencing a time of loneliness.  That is causing you to feel unseen. The trials that you are facing are making the headway you are attempting painful. Though you might be standing alone in this moment, know that the Lord sees you.

  If you call out to the Lord today, He will get into the boat with you. You do not have to face life alone or do things in your own strength. When Christ is in your life, the storms may not all cease at once, but His peace will be in your heart and mind. His grace will prove sufficient, and you will have the assurance that the God of all creation is holding you. That He sees you, is with you, and will never forsake you.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Rest | July 31st

 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

   Matthew 11:28

  Beloved, are you weary? Recently, someone expressed concern about my appearance, noting how tired I seemed. Their observation was accurate and offered in kindness. I replied that I simply needed rest and that everything would be fine.

  At times, our spiritual or emotional exhaustion is not readily apparent to others. When it is recognized, the solution is the same. The essential question is whether we actively seek rest in Christ.

  We know that if we are physically tried, we nap, lie down for a little while, and, if time permits, we go to bed early or wake up late. There are moments when the body says enough, and alarms can no longer wake us because we are so exhausted.

  Why do we delay approaching the Prince of Peace? Why do we withhold our concerns from the God of all comfort, or resist entrusting our burdens to the only One capable of bearing them?

  Just as we pursue physical rest, let us also come to Christ today. Bring your weary mind, your broken heart, and the weight of sin and temptation to Jesus. In Him, you will find true rest.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight