Calm in the Storm | Feb. 12th

“Peace! Be still!”

   Mark 4:39

  Many, many years ago, as a young man, I intentionally went out into snowy weather to hunt. There was already about 10 inches on the ground, and it was still falling. I didn't have any expectations of getting anything; it was more about the experience. What I recall was how quiet it was. Everything was beautifully covered in white, and the flakes continued to fall slowly, like in a giant snow globe, but what stood out was the absolute silence. Everything was muffled. My breathing, though not labored, was all I could hear. This is the quiet calm our soul craves and which only God can provide.

  Jesus stood up in the middle of a storm. The wind was howling and the waves breaking. Everything was in a noisy chaos. Jesus rebuked the wind, “Peace!” and it immediately obeyed. It did not gradually calm down; it was deadened immediately, not even a gentle breeze. With the same breath, Jesus rebuked the waves, “Be still!” and the sea became glass. All the noise and chaos ceased.

  Beloved, there are times in life when we need Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to calm the storms we face. The chaos around us can trouble our hearts, but if we ask, the Holy Spirit will bring us peace. We don’t have to be afraid of the storms because we know God is in control. As we trust Him, He will give us peace. Let’s listen for His words, “Peace! Be still!” in our lives, because God is with us and will never leave us.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

White as Snow | Feb. 11th

 “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white snow.”

  Isaiah 1:18

  We have been living in a winter wonderland this season. Every few days, a fresh coating of snow covers everything in brilliant white. When the sun rises and shines on the snow, it is blinding. Its radiance can even hurt your eyes.

  Beloved, our sins were like a deep stain in our spirit, corrupting our whole nature. Nothing in ourselves or in this world could remove the stain. It was a permanent mark, without hope of removal.

  Then Christ came and gave His life for us. Through His atonement, the corrupting stain on our hearts was removed. The righteousness of Jesus has been given to us, so we are now clothed in His holiness and, in Him, are as white as snow. The brilliance of Christ has eliminated the scarlet stain, making us clean before God. Although the stain was once permanent, where sin increased, grace abounded more. As you enter this day and observe the purity of the snow, remember that in Christ, you are seen as white as snow.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Times of Refreshing | Feb. 10th

 “...that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”

   Acts 3:20

  In my study, a Christmas cactus sits in front of a window collecting sunlight. One telltale sign it needs water is when it begins to droop in the pot. It quickly rejuvenates after watering.

Beloved, without receiving times of refreshing from the Lord, our strength and faith may diminish. Thankfully, the Spirit of God faithfully ministers to us, enabling us to experience the abundant life found in Christ.

  In Peter’s sermon referenced in this verse, he calls for repentance before God so that times of refreshing may come. Although he addressed those hearing the Gospel for the first time, this promise is also available to all who are in Christ. As believers, we can expect ongoing times of renewal, for Christ is the source of life.

  As believers, we need to humble ourselves in repentance at times. This is part of sanctification, achieved by grace through faith in Christ, like salvation. It is good to continually confess our need of Christ and His keeping power in our lives. Let us ask the Holy Spirit for times of refreshing today if we feel like a withered plant in need of water.