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

Belief Against Doubt | April 7th

“But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.”

  Mark 16:11

   Beloved, it is reasonable for us to be discouraged at times in sharing our faith. Jesus has become so real to us that we expect others to understand the wonder of Christ and the Gospel.

  These individuals may include our children, grandchildren, spouses, and siblings. Childhood friends have observed our transformation, yet they remain unconvinced. Coworkers, neighbors, and acquaintances have witnessed our reliance on God during challenging circumstances. Some have even remarked, “I don’t know how you are dealing with all of this?” However, when you attribute your endurance to the grace of God, they often respond with disbelief.

  Do not allow these experiences to deter you from praying or sharing your faith. The verse above recounts the disciples’ initial disbelief on Resurrection Sunday. They did not believe when they first heard that Jesus had risen. Yet, the Lord appeared to them and addressed their doubts. Christ revealed Himself even when their faith was fragile. Remember, the Shepherd knows His sheep, and His sheep recognize His voice. At times, we require multiple calls, much like when our mothers repeatedly called us before we finally returned home.

  If a mother’s voice can reach her child, then certainly God’s voice, which brought all things into existence, can reach even the most unyielding heart. Although we do not know when this will occur, we must continue to pray and share our faith.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight