White as Snow | Feb. 11th

 “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white snow.”

  Isaiah 1:18

  We have been living in a winter wonderland this season. Every few days, a fresh coating of snow covers everything in brilliant white. When the sun rises and shines on the snow, it is blinding. Its radiance can even hurt your eyes.

  Beloved, our sins were like a deep stain in our spirit, corrupting our whole nature. Nothing in ourselves or in this world could remove the stain. It was a permanent mark, without hope of removal.

  Then Christ came and gave His life for us. Through His atonement, the corrupting stain on our hearts was removed. The righteousness of Jesus has been given to us, so we are now clothed in His holiness and, in Him, are as white as snow. The brilliance of Christ has eliminated the scarlet stain, making us clean before God. Although the stain was once permanent, where sin increased, grace abounded more. As you enter this day and observe the purity of the snow, remember that in Christ, you are seen as white as snow.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Times of Refreshing | Feb. 10th

 “...that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”

   Acts 3:20

  In my study, a Christmas cactus sits in front of a window collecting sunlight. One telltale sign it needs water is when it begins to droop in the pot. It quickly rejuvenates after watering.

Beloved, without receiving times of refreshing from the Lord, our strength and faith may diminish. Thankfully, the Spirit of God faithfully ministers to us, enabling us to experience the abundant life found in Christ.

  In Peter’s sermon referenced in this verse, he calls for repentance before God so that times of refreshing may come. Although he addressed those hearing the Gospel for the first time, this promise is also available to all who are in Christ. As believers, we can expect ongoing times of renewal, for Christ is the source of life.

  As believers, we need to humble ourselves in repentance at times. This is part of sanctification, achieved by grace through faith in Christ, like salvation. It is good to continually confess our need of Christ and His keeping power in our lives. Let us ask the Holy Spirit for times of refreshing today if we feel like a withered plant in need of water.

How Do We Know | Feb. 9th

  “When it is evening, you say,’ It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning.’It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.”

  Matthew 16:2-3

Rhododendrons are lovely evergreen plants that brighten up yards. They keep their leaves year-round. We have a mature rhododendron outside our kitchen window, and in summer, it blooms with beautiful white flowers. One interesting thing about these plants is how their leaves react to the weather. When it gets cold, the leaves curl up. The colder it is, the tighter they curl. Just by looking at the rhododendron, you can get a sense of how chilly it is outside.

  Jesus addressed those in His day who could discern the weather in a similar way but could not discern the significance of what He was doing in their midst and how it revealed that He was the Son of God.

 Beloved, what God is doing and what He wants for us can be just as clear. If we can guess the temperature by looking at a plant, then we can also recognize God’s plan for us, which matters even more.

  At times, we may overlook the importance of daily scripture reading, church attendance, or prayer, all of which reveal God’s character and His purposes for us. Some individuals focus on interpreting the signs of the times as attempts to unravel end-time mysteries, rather than emphasizing the fundamental call to bear the fruit of the Spirit. Which pursuit holds greater significance?

  In short, if we can look at a plant and tell the weather, we can also look into God’s word and get to know Him as the Holy Spirit guides us. The Holy Spirit lives in every believer and helps us live for God.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight