Don't Lose Heart | April 15th

 “He told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.”

   Luke 18:1

  Beloved, let this be a gentle reminder from our Lord: do not lose heart when you pray.

  We have been brought into fellowship with God and granted the privilege of talking to Him through prayer. In prayer, we offer ourselves, worship, express gratitude, and present our petitions. In this practice, we find comfort and peace, assured that we are heard and received.

  The Holy Spirit affirms that we belong to God and may call Him Father. We pray both in solitude and in community, experiencing renewal. However, prayer can also be exhausting and discouraging, particularly when answers are delayed or differ from our expectations.

  In such moments, we are reminded that prayer is not intended to compel God to act according to our desires, but to draw us closer to Him and align us with His purposes. Some petitions are presented to God over days, weeks, months, or even years. In these circumstances, we must persevere and not lose heart. God is neither indifferent nor withholding what is good. Some prayers may not be answered within our lifetimes. Nevertheless, we must remember that all prayers are effective and none are offered in vain. God is actively at work, incorporating our prayers into His providence, and His will shall be accomplished. Do not lose heart; continue to pray, confident that your Father hears you and is at work.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Tired of Being Tired | April 14th

 “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is an everlasting God, Creator of the ends of the earth, He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. Even youths faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they that wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.”

  Isaiah 40:28,30,31

  Beloved, we often find ourselves weary. Each day concludes with a sense of diminished stamina and strength. We continually require nourishment, hydration, and rest, as the resources from the previous day are depleted. We long for renewal in mind, body, and spirit. The fragility of our human condition can be painfully evident. Yet, throughout all our days, we hold a promise: we belong to God, who never grows weary.

  Nothing has ever diminished God, nor will anything ever do so. He is eternally omnipotent and omniscient. He never grows tired or experiences lack. The Creator of heaven and earth is self-sufficient. All life originates from Him, and everything within creation is sustained by God. Therefore, our spirits need not faint; when we look to Him, we are renewed.

  Our renewal is accomplished through the Holy Spirit, a blessing granted to us in salvation. Although our physical bodies perish, our inner selves are renewed each day. We possess the hope of eternal life in Christ. Not only have our souls been regenerated, but our bodies will also be made new. The complete power of redemption encompasses both soul and body. Until that day arrives, continue to look to the Lord. He will guide and strengthen you. His mercy is renewed for you, and the Lord upholds you when you are exhausted.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Kindness | April 10th

 “The fruit of the Holy Spirit…kindness….”

  Galatians 5:22

  Beloved, kindness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that every child of God should have in abundance. This fruit is not just for following rules or being polite to coworkers or people in traffic. The real test of kindness comes with those who truly know us.

  Our spouse, family, and close friends know us best, and this is why we need the Holy Spirit’s help to show them kindness. We share a history with these loved ones, which can bring both new hurts and healing. Sometimes they remind us of our mistakes and flaws. True kindness shows up in these moments.

  Kindness to strangers can sometimes be little more than image management. Trying to project an image that has no true cost or depth. In the end, we would want to be kind to everyone as the Lord is kind to us. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit fill us and enable us to be kind to all, especially to those who know us best.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight