Life Giving Seed | June 4th

 “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow.”

  Mark 4:3

 Beloved, the good news is that Jesus is the sower who has gone out to sow. We were once estranged from God and without hope in this world, yet the Good Shepherd sought out those who were lost.

 Christ identifies Himself as the one who seeks and finds us. He is the Gospel, and His message has reached us. We did not seek the truth; rather, the Holy Spirit sought and drew us. The call is not only to hear the message, likened to seed, but also to listen, believe, and obey. Jesus has come as the sower of salvation, the message of life that yields a hundredfold harvest. Such results are beyond our own ability; only a sower with seed capable of bringing abundant life can achieve this.

  True discipleship involves more than hearing God's word; it is believing and obeying with faith. If you sense the seed placed upon your heart, listen with conviction that God is speaking. Believe in Christ and His accomplished work, and follow Him with faithful obedience. In Him, we receive everlasting life.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Blameless | June 3rd

  “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior.”

  Jude 1:24-25

  Beloved, if we are honest, it can be difficult at times to envision being presented before God as blameless. As Scripture becomes more a part of our life, and we have a deepening understanding of God’s word, the more undone we feel. The longer we walk with the Lord, the more we recognize our dependence on the Spirit to enable us to be like Christ.

  We are often acutely aware of our sins and shortcomings. This awareness can be discouraging, and we may question whether we will persevere to the end. Such concerns would be overwhelming were it not for the truth and promise described in Scripture. Left to ourselves, we will fail, but it is God who is able to sustain us.

  This is the profound truth, beloved. Christ is able to sustain us, and through Him we are presented blameless before the glory of God. We will not shrink back in heaven, for we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Even now, we stand in His holiness and righteousness. This is the means by which we have been reconciled to God. By the Spirit, we will persevere and stand in the glory of God in perfect peace.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Does God Care | Jun 2nd

“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

   Mark 4:38

  Beloved, perhaps you have doubted God’s concern for you, even if you do not feel you are perishing. Why would you suffer if God loves you? If He is all-powerful, why haven’t your circumstances changed?

  These questions are valid as we struggle through life. Not everything is easily explained. The disciples had witnessed Jesus’ miracles and had seen Him help those in need, so why would He sleep at such a critical moment? Does He not see our efforts or how exhausted we are as we try to stay afloat?

  Feelings of fear, exhaustion, frustration, and doubt are common among God’s children. Even when circumstances cannot change immediately, we want some measure of peace. The why is not always answered. In life, Christ’s presence is our only assurance, especially in life’s storms. Trust God’s promise: He is with us, holding us in His hand, and nothing in life or death can remove us from Him.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight