Facing Affliction | Feb. 24th

 “For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.”

  1 Thessalonians 3:4

  Beloved, the early church was taught to expect affliction. The Apostle Paul reminds the church that they were forewarned about suffering for their faith in Christ. Opposition would arise both from the world and from the adversary of their souls.

  We are far removed from the first-century church; this warning remains relevant. Christians in every era should be prepared for and anticipate affliction. While there have been periods in history when the church experienced less opposition from the world, Satan has always been at work against God’s people.

Our faith is precious and strong. God has given us faith to trust in Him. The Holy Spirit keeps the flame of faith burning in our hearts. We may feel weak at times and intimidated by the world, but we are sealed by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God in us is greater than the spirit of this age or any affliction that comes our way.

  Acknowledge before the Father your dependence on His grace. Confess your weakness and affliction to Him. He is ever-present in times of need, and the Holy Spirit will strengthen your spirit to endure in Christ. Embrace God’s word today to receive strength during times of affliction.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Eternal Spring | Feb. 23rd

“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, and the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore, encourage one another with these words.”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

The other afternoon, we visited our granddaughter's resting place at the cemetery. It was late in the day, and the air felt like winter. Snow covered everything in sight, making the world appear lifeless and still. Then, I noticed some movement near the trees.

  What proceeded was a continual flock of Robins. One wave after another. Their bright colors stood out against the grey evening sky. They flew overhead one after another. A joyful reminder that spring is not far away. The snow has its own beauty, but it will soon melt away, revealing the emerald carpet beneath. Then the tulips planted last spring will bloom. The weeping cherry tree will sway in the warm breeze, its pink flowers blooming, and everything will be vibrant with life.

  Beloved, these subtle reminders point to the greater truth promised in these verses. The eternal spring promised by our Lord will soon dispel the winter of this age, and death and sorrow will cease. He has gone to prepare a place for us and will return so that we may be with Him forever. Encourage one another with these words. We will be with the Lord and with all who have gone before us. The new experience of eternity will be ours and will never be taken away. Maranatha.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Father is Downstream | Feb. 20th

 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you...”

   Isaiah 43:2

  North Brook was the stream behind my childhood home. I spent most of my childhood fishing and playing there . Some places were shallow, while others were deep enough to swim. In early spring, the stream would run high. One evening, while fishing with my dad, I slipped and was swept downstream. Thankfully, Dad was downstream and grabbed me, lifting me out of the water and setting me on a rock. It all happened so fast. I was probably in no real danger, but it was good to have my feet planted again and my head above water.

  Beloved, our heavenly Father is always downstream, ready to support us when unexpected circumstances unsettle our lives. At times, we are swept off our feet and feel disoriented, lacking the strength or clarity to regain our footing. Life can shift suddenly from moments of safety and enjoyment to unforeseen challenges.

  Do not doubt God’s watchful eye or His ability to lift you from the waters. The waters will not overwhelm you, for He is with you. It is not your own strength or wisdom that sustains you, but His love and constant presence in times of trouble. The Lord remains with you as you navigate the challenges of today.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight