Direction | Feb. 13th

“Your kingdom come, your will be done. on earth as it is in heaven.”

   Matthew 6:10

  Beloved, God’s plan unfolds in our lives through His providence. The Bible reveals who God is and how we ought to live for Him. The Holy Spirit impresses the will of the Father on our hearts and illuminates scripture. Then, God orchestrates circumstances around us according to His will. Much could be said about this, but for now, let us consider the providence of God at work through sound counsel.

  In Proverbs, wisdom calls out to everyone who will listen. Those who are wise pay attention and follow, but those who are foolish ignore wisdom’s calls. God often uses both planned counseling and everyday conversations between friends to guide us in His providence.

  The foundation in both cases must be the fear of God. We must understand that the highest purpose of man is to live for God’s glory and to enjoy Him. Wisdom from above can be shared with one another to help us see what God has for us, how He is leading us, and what we need.

  As we pray for God’s will to be accomplished in our lives, let us remember these truths. We should ask the Lord to grant us teachable and humble hearts, a gentle spirit, and a desire to follow Him in faithful obedience. God’s plan for you is not hidden; He is the Good Shepherd who delights in guiding us. There is nothing beyond His knowledge or His willingness to help us.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

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