Strength Through Adversity April 23rd

 “God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.”

  Habakkuk 3:19

  Beloved, it is remarkable how God has equipped His creatures to withstand the environments for which He designed them. This past winter, someone shared with me their observation of deer lying down in the snow in their yard. They could not understand how the deer remained comfortable in such conditions.

  God, in His wisdom, does not always remove obstacles from our lives or make our circumstances more comfortable. Instead, He often grants us the grace to endure. The Spirit of God provides us with strength, making our feet like those of a deer so that we may tread upon high places. These high places may represent either the means of escape that allow us to rise above turmoil or the ability to navigate challenging terrain. God equips us with peace, wisdom, strength, guidance, and endurance.

  You do not face your circumstances alone, for God is with you. He will guide you through this season, and in Him you will find rest for your spirit.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Limitations | April 22nd

 “He assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command.”

  Proverbs 8:29

  Beloved, because we are not omniscient, life often seems unpredictable. Even with the best intentions, we cannot fully control the events of the day or the future. We often feel overwhelmed and uncertain, seeking guidance for our next steps.

  Our peace rests in knowing the One who possesses complete understanding. God’s knowledge encompasses all aspects of His providence. We seldom reflect on the intricacies of natural elements unless the weather directly impacts us. Nevertheless, the winds blow and the sea remains in constant motion, all sustained by the Creator.

  The sun, moon, and stars are sustained by Him, just as every day of your life is under His care. In Christ, we have assurance for both today and tomorrow. We are not subject to fate or chance, but are loved and cared for by our faithful Father. Just as the sea has boundaries, God is actively working in your life through His providence. Find your peace in Him. Rest in the knowledge that He is with you and will guide you through each day. Even if you encounter deep waters, they will not overwhelm you, for the Lord has set limits to the storms of life and will sustain you.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

A Few Choice Words | April 21st

  “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?”

  Mark 3:4

 Beloved, the question from Jesus to the Pharisees was in two parts. The first portion concerned the man with the withered hand; the second, Christ Himself. Would they recognize Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath, the Son of God, or would they reject Him to the point of trying to kill Him?

 Their hearts had become so hard that there was no room for divine grace. The problem of a hardened heart still exists today. It is the root of many arguments and divisions among people. Unfortunately, it is not just a problem in society or politics but within families, the church, and marriages.

  It is when a person becomes so concerned about being right in their mind or having their way that there is no room for grace. Now, this was not the only problem the Pharisees had, but in relation to those who profess to be followers of Christ today, our pride and hardened hearts keep us from showing mercy. We become so intent on proving that we are correct, we spare no words, regardless of how sharp they are. We cut others down and wound them in the name of truth, which sometimes is only our opinion or something far less.

  Let us seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to fill us with mercy and temperance, so that the compassion of Christ is evident in our actions and speech. May our words be seasoned with grace, offering comfort and edification to those around us. Let us strive to live for the glory of God today.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight