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

Jesus Called You | March 18th

 “Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ’Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

  Mark 1:16-17

  Beloved, while we have not been called as Apostles, Christ has still called each of us by name into salvation, just as He called these men.

  Jesus met these men right where they were, in the middle of their daily lives. Simon and Andrew had no idea that morning that Christ would step into their lives and call them by name. In the same way, we were lost in sin and living in a broken world, but the Lord came to us like a Good Shepherd searching for the lost. We were busy with our own lives when He found us.

  We were unable to ascend to heaven or fulfill any requirements to enter into fellowship with God. Only grace in Christ could reach down to us and call us by name. This demonstrates the power, beauty, and majesty of the Gospel: God has initiated contact with us in our fallen state.

  Let this truth be your comfort. Be assured that God is with you and that you belong to Him. You have heard your name called, turned from sin, entered into fellowship with God, and now follow Christ. All of this has occurred by grace alone, in Christ alone, through faith alone. We have no grounds for self-reliance. Let us therefore express gratitude and worship the One who entered our daily lives, saved us from sin, and called us His own.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight