Never in Vain | July 17th

 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

  1 Corinthians 15:58

  Beloved, let us remember that nothing done for the Lord is ever in vain. Every effort benefits our hearts, and some outcomes related to the kingdom of God will only become clear when all things are made new.

  The hope of eternal reward and harvest should motivate our present actions. We are called to plant the seed of the Gospel generously, recognizing that we do not know when or how the harvest will occur. Trusting that God provides the increase, we continue to plant and water, knowing the harvest remains within God's will.

  Remain faithful today. Do not let a lack of immediate results discourage you or cause you to stop working. Be steadfast and immovable amid challenges and apparent barrenness. The Lord will send renewal, and His plans will prosper according to His will. Your efforts, both past and present, are not in vain.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Help is On The Way | July 14th

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

  Psalm 46:1

  Recently, while waiting in the grocery store checkout line, I overheard the familiar announcement from the nearby self-checkout: “Help is on the way.” I thought how reassuring it would be to have such a prompt at home. Whenever a problem arises, it would be comforting if a voice could declare, “Help is on the way!”

  In truth, we do have such help—someone far greater than any human assistant. Our heavenly Father is both able and willing to help us. Yet, we do not always live with this conviction or hope. God is aware of all your needs, beloved. He knows what concerns you today and is already at work on your behalf. I have seen people in the self-checkout line looking around in frustration, waiting for help that has been promised. Sometimes, they leave their items and walk away before help arrives.

  Do not lose heart as you wait. The Lord will help you; scripture assures us that God will help and has saved us through Christ. Place your trust in Him today, for the Lord is with you and is actively helping you.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Lover Over Deeds | July 13th

  “If I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”

  1 Corinthians 13:2

  Beloved, it is common to equate ministry activities with godliness. However, without genuine love, we do not exhibit the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

  It can be easier to be busy for the Lord than to be like Him in loving others. Busy hands and much speech are not always done in love or reflect Christ-like love. So the Lord needs to help us prefer others to ourselves, to be patient and kind even when it costs us the most. How are we loving those closest to us? Do we speak kindly to them? Are we patient and quick to forgive if offended?

  Loving others as Christ does exceeds our natural ability. The love we are called to express is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Only the Spirit can fill our hearts with God’s love and empower us to live accordingly. This love demonstrates neither partiality nor manipulation, nor does it harbor pride or keep a record of wrongs. Pray that the Lord fills you with His love, so that you might be known for the love of God in your life.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight