Kindness | April 10th

 “The fruit of the Holy Spirit…kindness….”

  Galatians 5:22

  Beloved, kindness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that every child of God should have in abundance. This fruit is not just for following rules or being polite to coworkers or people in traffic. The real test of kindness comes with those who truly know us.

  Our spouse, family, and close friends know us best, and this is why we need the Holy Spirit’s help to show them kindness. We share a history with these loved ones, which can bring both new hurts and healing. Sometimes they remind us of our mistakes and flaws. True kindness shows up in these moments.

  Kindness to strangers can sometimes be little more than image management. Trying to project an image that has no true cost or depth. In the end, we would want to be kind to everyone as the Lord is kind to us. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit fill us and enable us to be kind to all, especially to those who know us best.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

River of Joy | April 9th

  “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.”

Psalm 46:4

  Beloved, North Brook is the stream that flowed behind my childhood home. Its waters still make my heart glad today. Within that stream lie many childhood memories—not only fishing and swimming but also fellowship with family and friends. Over the years, this quiet brook also became a place of solitude and peace.

  The Spirit of God brings joy to the hearts of those whom He has regenerated. Just as a river brings abundant life to the city of God, the Holy Spirit renews our spirits from death to life, continually leading and empowering us to live for Christ. He convicts us of sin, reveals our need for Christ, and enables us to call God our Father.

  Through the Spirit of God, we become members of His family and share fellowship with Him and with one another. We are continually formed into a greater likeness of Christ and encouraged by each other. This cherished relationship in Christ, made possible by His Spirit, brings gladness to the people of God. Let us remain in Christ today and yield to the Holy Spirit, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Unknown | April 8th

 “James the son of Alphaeus.”

  Luke 6:15

  Beloved, are you aware of who James, the son of Alphaeus, is? He is counted among the original twelve disciples. Luke includes his name alongside Peter, James, and John, yet little information is available about him.

  Many members of the body of Christ remain relatively unknown. Traditionally, James, the son of Alphaeus, is called James the Lesser. Although his prominence does not match that of James and John, his significance is equal.

  Our actions for the Lord and for others may not always receive recognition, yet they are never in vain. All that we do should be for the glory of God. We are called to remain faithful to Him, both privately and publicly. Most of God’s kingdom consists of those known as the Lesser. Do not hesitate to offer your abilities in service to others. The Lord has placed you where you are to be a blessing to those around you. We serve as the hands and feet of Christ, living epistles for the world to observe. Our focus should not be on our own names, but on Christ. May we be forgotten so that Jesus may be glorified.

  Tradition holds that James died as a martyr for Christ. He remained faithful and completed his calling, regardless of public recognition. Whether in prominence or obscurity, let us remain faithful to our Lord.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight