Fireflies | Feb. 19th

  “You are the light of the world.”

   Matthew 5:14

  Beloved, I know it might be hard to imagine seeing fireflies again when the countryside is covered by a cold blanket of snow, but green-up time is coming.

  If you remember summers when the skies are blue and the air is hot, you do not see fireflies. But when evening comes and all is dark, this tiny insect delights adults and children. The darkness lets us see these little creatures of God, and we are drawn to them when they are illuminated.

  We long for blue skies in life and calm summer breezes without a care in the world. But sometimes we shine brightest in the darkest times. The apostle Paul asked God to remove his thorn in the flesh, but God denied the request and answered in a greater way by supplying sufficient grace.

  Do not resent periods of darkness or be intimidated by challenging times, for the One within you is greater. God’s grace will surpass even the darkest circumstances, and in Christ, you are the light of the world, drawing others to Him.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

In the Fight | Feb. 18th

“I have fought the good fight,...”

   2 Timothy 4:7

  Beloved, it is regrettable that, in contemporary times, the Gospel is often portrayed merely as a means of personal improvement. While it is true that receiving Jesus brings transformation, He is not simply a means to an end. Unfortunately, the ongoing struggle inherent in this new, blessed life is frequently overlooked.

  Christ has ransomed us from our sins and delivered us from the kingdom of darkness. Now that you belong to the kingdom of the Son, that darkness will assail you. The tempter, the spirit of this age, and our own flesh will war against us. Each day, you must crucify yourself in Christ and count yourself dead to this world. It is a struggle.

  This struggle can be overwhelming. It weighs on the mind and spirit. It is constant and will not end in this side of eternity. Like Paul, we must fight the good fight by being strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. In Christ, we find victory. We can ask the Holy Spirit each day to help us overcome by His strength, and when we are tired, trust in the mercy of God to keep us.

  Resolve to engage in the spiritual battle today, not by relying on your own strength, but on God’s. Remember that the victory has already been secured, and your ultimate reliance is on Christ and His sustaining power.

Little Lambs | Feb. 17th

  “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them,..”

   Matthew 19:14

  Beloved, let us take to heart this exhortation from the Lord to bring our children to Him. His love for them is greater than ours. His plan for them is beyond our wisdom and eternal. God’s provision for our children is limitless.

  We worry, become impatient, are surprised, and cannot control or know their future. But God knows the beginning and the end. He is patient, redemptive, works all things for the good of their salvation, and they are never beyond His reach or hidden from Him.

  Even when our children try to run and hide from God, stumble, or fall, He is there. The Lord sees, knows, and calls. His mercy is new, and His goodness follows them. If they wander, He finds them and brings them to their senses so they turn toward home.

  Do not hesitate or stop bringing your children to the Lord in prayer. Your prayers prevail, and God’s word will not return void. Continue planting seed and watering as you wait for the Lord to bring life.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight