A Desolate Place | March 4th

  “He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”

  Mark 1:35

  One of the things I enjoy about being in the woods is the seclusion. Being isolated from noise and distraction, and having the opportunity to quiet the mind. We can go to the desolate place voluntarily, but at other times, circumstances force us there. What is comforting in both instances is that Jesus has already gone before us.

  Beloved, the place of solitude is a haven when Christ is there. If you intentionally go for the pursuit of Him or are driven by necessity, He will meet you. Christ is there in the desolate place as the living water and bread of life.

  You do not need to create a particular atmosphere for prayer, as some might suggest. If the Lord is your Shepherd, He prepares a table before you in the presence of your enemies, leads you to green pastures, and restores your soul for His name's sake. Come away, beloved of God. Venture into the desolate place, for the Lord is present. He was a man acquainted with grief and sorrow. Jesus knew the desolate place and has prepared a place for you to be with Him. Depart from your own efforts and find rest in Christ. With Christ, the desolate place becomes paradise.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Harmful Ingredients Removed | March 3rd

 “There is death in the pot!”

   2 Kings 4:40

  Beloved, this should be our exclamation when we taste the bitter waters of our own sinful hearts. To assume personal purity apart from divine intervention leads to spiritual death. We often excuse, justify, and defend our sinful nature without remorse. It is unwise to perceive only the reflection of oneself within one's character.

  Let us pause in prayer to examine the condition of our hearts. Is Christ evident within us? Is the Holy Spirit cultivating the fruit of righteousness in our lives?

  Our assurance rests in the confession of sin, waywardness, and deceit, through which God’s mercy is extended to our hearts. Elisha instructed that flour be added to the pot, and the harm was removed. Similarly, when we seek the Lord’s grace, the Holy Spirit imparts life. We do not confront sin, temptation, or the adversary alone. Christ the Redeemer leads our salvation, and in Him we find life.

  If you find yourself overwhelmed by the works of the flesh today, seek the Lord and His mercy. He alone is able to save and sustain us. The Spirit will work within you, and the bitterness of self will be overcome as you turn to life in Christ.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Hope for Today | March 2nd

“My times are in your hand.”

   Psalm 31:15

   Beloved, we often take the day for granted. The time we have at hand is not ours. This is actually a source of comfort. We do have responsibilities within the day and need to live them out for the glory of God. But the sum of our days and the content of them are within the providence of God.

  This assurance means we never encounter any moment alone, nor are we left solely to our own resources, wisdom, or strength. As children of God, we are under His sovereignty. His purposes for our lives cannot be thwarted, and His presence remains with us.

  Take heart today. Your life and current circumstances are securely in God's hands. God is continually at work in your life, accomplishing His purposes both in you and for you each day. You are not subject to fate, and your perception of success or failure does not determine your ultimate outcome. God acts with eternity in view, fully aware not only of today's needs but of everything you have ever experienced.

  If the Lord is working all things for our good, we must trust that the ultimate result will be a beautiful and glorious testament to His grace. Let us therefore acknowledge that we are in God's hands today.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight