A Clean House | April 2nd

 “And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple.”

   Mark 11:15-16

  Beloved, many of us celebrate Resurrection Sunday by wearing something new. It’s a joyful time, and we want to look our best and feel hopeful. While this is meaningful, let’s also remember Jesus’ actions during Passion Week when he cleansed the temple. Are there things in our hearts that need to be removed? Do we have attitudes that need to change or burdens we should lay down?

  We desire to worship our risen Lord and seek His transformative work within us, so that we may reflect His life. Christ comes to cleanse our hearts and renew a right spirit within us. This transformation, accomplished by the Holy Spirit, is glorious yet involves significant change. It requires wrestling, brokenness, repentance, humility, and surrender.

  Do not fear the intense struggle that may arise within your mind and heart as the Spirit purifies your temple. You are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God will reign within your heart, permitting no compromise. It is beneficial for us to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, for He will raise you into a greater likeness of Christ each day.

  May the Lord continually cleanse our hearts and lives, for we belong to Him.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Best Seat in the House | April 1st

  “And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him,....Jesus saw their faith...the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts,...”

  Mark 2:4,5,6

  Sometimes, the best place to be isn’t always right up front. It depends on how you look at things. The scribes may have been sitting close to Jesus, but the lame man and his friends saw more with their hearts from outside, which led them to remove the roof.

  The child sitting way up in the bleachers, whose family paid a fraction of what those sitting at court side paid, may have more joy in the sporting event and a belief in the players than the individual who spent thousands to have a front-row seat.

  Beloved, these four friends approached Jesus with a faith unwilling to remain outside. When they found no room, not even at the door, they removed the roof to reach Him. In contrast, the scribes inside did not recognize Jesus’ true identity and were unsettled by His words.

  Let us avoid becoming so comfortable in the house of God that we lose our sense of awe for Christ. Pray that the Spirit of God cultivates within you an attitude of worship rather than criticism. May the Holy Spirit grant us a faith that overcomes any obstacle separating us from time with the Lord. Begin today by setting aside a moment to be with the Lord and come to His house with rejoicing.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Touch Your Neighbor | March 31st

“Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him...”

  Mark 1:41

  Beloved, our Lord did not fear the condition of the leper. Jesus was certain that He would heal him and restore him to cleanliness.

  Let us follow our Lord’s example by serving as the salt of the earth. Although wickedness and sin are prevalent, He who is within you is greater than anything in this world. We do not belong to this world, yet we are present in it to fulfill the will of God. Christ Himself came to accomplish the will of the Father.

  We have been saved not to remain isolated. At times, we may feel more threatened by the state of the world than is warranted. Let us recognize our identity in Christ, understanding that His holiness within us is more influential than the sin present in this age. Do not withdraw or conceal yourself because of sin; instead, be the light of the world through Christ. Pray that the Lord will use you to reach those afflicted by sin. Christ is able to cleanse others just as He has cleansed us from our unrighteousness. Extend your hand and touch a life for Jesus today.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight