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

According to Plan | Feb. 6th

  “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord....”

   Jeremiah 29:11

   Beloved, what are your plans for today? Have you thought about next week? Do you have a five or ten-year plan in mind? What do you want to accomplish or where will you be a year from now?

Our plans are never certain and often perplexing. Even well-thought-out plans, prayed over and guided by counsel, still hold an element of the unknown.

  However, these uncertainties should not discourage us from making plans. The unpredictability of tomorrow or unknown outcomes should not prevent us from striving forward. Instead, we are encouraged to plan, to take risks, and to hope because God has a plan. His purposes are always accomplished, as God is sovereign and all things occur according to His will.

  We can find comfort in knowing that God’s plans include each of our lives. Nothing happens by chance; everything is part of His purpose and care for us. Take time to pray about your day. Think about what you hope for in the coming week, and take steps toward your goals for the year. As you do this, stay close to God’s Word. Ask Him to guide your thoughts and desires so they match His will. Even when you do not notice, He is leading you. His plan will come to pass. This truth can give you peace and strength, even when things do not seem to go as planned, because God is always in control.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Unmatched Love | Feb. 5th

 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

  Psalm 136:1

 Beloved, let’s admit that our love for God can be inconsistent, especially when we compare it to His steady love for us. My goal isn’t to discourage anyone, but to help us pause and remember how constant God’s love has always been. When we look at the cross, we see that God’s love has no equal, and because of what He has done, we have nothing to fear.

 We have been offended, hurt, and angered by others for far less than how we have responded to a holy, righteous, and good God. We have done plenty to cause the Lord to forsake us. But in spite of our sins, frailties, and faults, the Lord has not walked away from us.

 Christ knows that our only hope is found in Him. He alone has saved us and continues to sustain us. His atonement is not merely a past event; it is a present reality and the foundation of our future hope. The steadfast love of God enables us to persevere. May this truth humble us, inspire gratitude, and deepen our desire to love Him for who He is and for all He continues to do. Scripture assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Let us embrace this promise.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight