Keep Looking | March 23rd

 “What no eye has seen...what God has prepared for those who love him.”

  1 Corinthians 2:9

  Beloved, who of us has truly seen the fullness of God’s redeeming love or all He has done for us. We can’t fully grasp the endless grace of our Lord. It’s like searching for the end of a rainbow or standing at the edge of the horizon. As you move closer to what seems like the end, you find there is always more to see.

  We receive salvation solely through grace, and within that grace, we begin to perceive the goodness of God. His boundless goodness is inexhaustible, and the depths of His infinite love are beyond our reach. The more we strive to comprehend, the more we recognize that God's love is truly without limit.

  This is the joy we possess today and the peace that assures us all will be well. Our confidence does not rest in our own abilities or connections, but in the care of God. Although we cannot fully comprehend all that He has accomplished for us or what remains unseen, let us strive to perceive more deeply, beloved. Gaze intently upon the lovingkindness of God. Lift your eyes to His eternal promises, and your heart will rise above present despair.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

When All Seems Lost | March 20th

 “Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined, and he was in prison. But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”

  Genesis 39:20-21

  Beloved, we may wonder whether Joseph perceived God's presence during that time. Although he ultimately gained the prison keeper's favor, this did not happen immediately. There was a period for contemplation and reflection on his circumstances, which probably included disbelief, anger, hope, prayer, and frustration.

  It is hard for us at times to believe the steadfast love of God has not been cut off when we are being mistreated, enduring trials, and when everything appears to be against us. In these moments, our emotions may shift from questioning if God is for us to doubting His presence. We often think that if He were with us, we would not be going through this trial, and if God loved us, He would not allow this to happen. These are legitimate doubts and questions that reflect real emotional struggles.

  Scripture reveals what Joseph may not have perceived at the time, that God loved him and remained with him. If you are experiencing feelings of loss, doubt, or abandonment, remember that scripture affirms God's presence and love, even when emotions suggest otherwise. The Bible assures us that God will never forsake us, that nothing can separate us from His love, that He works all things for our good, and that He will fulfill His purpose in us. During seasons of hardship, when emotions fluctuate, turn to the Lord and to scripture. The God of all comfort will encourage you, and you will not be put to shame for trusting Him. God is with you, and His lovingkindness endures without ceasing.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Look Up | March 19th

“ If your people go out to battle against their enemy, by whatever way you shall send them, and they pray to the Lord toward the city that you have chosen and the house that I have built for your name, then hear in heaven their prayer and their plea, and maintain their cause.”

   1 Kings 8:44-45

  Beloved, although God created the world, it is marred by human sin and the curse. As citizens of heaven, we reside in this world, yet we do not belong to it, which results in continual strife. We walk the narrow path that opposes the broad way. As children of light, we encounter opposition from darkness, which seeks to extinguish the light within us.

  Despite these challenges, our hearts remain steadfast because our Lord goes before us. The battle belongs to Him, and He has secured victory on our behalf. Unlike the exhortation in this verse, we do not look to a specific location on earth. Instead, we lift our eyes to heaven, to the place the Lord has prepared for us. We look to Him, our redeemer and friend, who will never forsake us and has promised to be with us wherever we go.

  If your heart is burdened by the journey or you feel discouraged by the surrounding chaos, lift your eyes and heart to Christ. Cast your cares upon Him. He knows you and has heard your prayer. The Lord is for you and is working all things for your good. The Spirit of God will empower you and enable you to finish your race well.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight