Slow to Speak Feb. 19th

" A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul."

Proverbs 18:6-7

Beloved, how often do you find yourself in an argument? Do you experience personality conflicts with strangers and people that you know? Do you understand this should not be a regular occurrence for a believer?

You may not consider yourself a fool or unwise because of your intelligence or education, but God's word would judge you otherwise. The child of God possesses wisdom and discretion concerning their conduct and speech.

The foolish find the need to share their opinion on everything with everyone. The constant need for debate, explanation, and proof of one's position on a subject displays pride and a lack of wisdom. Let us ask the Lord to teach us restraint. To season our words with grace and to know when something should or should not be shared. With the help of the Spirit, we can be slow to speak and quick to listen. Having life in our words rather than contention.

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Wight

Running Water

"The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out."

Proverbs 17:14

It is better to address a leaking pipe before it bursts and the water is uncontrollable.

Many arguments could be avoided if due diligence was exercised to resolve the issue before an outburst occurred. Sometimes, introspection is necessary to see that anger or resentment is not stored up.

The faucet comes with a shut-off valve when too much water is being poured out; unfortunately, arguments and contentions do not have a shut-off valve.

Patience and mercy are the check valves for the heart. The Holy Spirit will enable us to have a reasonable disposition. He will help us to be longsuffering as the Lord is with us. Let us ask the Lord to help us to be peacemakers today.

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Wight

Lost and Found | Feb. 17th

"You are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them."

Nehemiah 9:17

Beloved, do you have a loved one far from God? Is there a child you raised in the church who no longer goes and has no interest in serving the Lord? We often have a burden for those we love. People we have prayed over and continue to lift to the Lord. Have you ever wondered what God feels towards these loved ones?

Let the words from Nehemiah encourage your spirit and strengthen you to continue praying for them. The sheep may have wandered from the fold, but the Shepherd is searching. A coin can be lost in the house, but it will be recovered. The prodigal is in a foreign country among the filth, but they will come to their senses and start their journey back to the Father's house.

God is ready to forgive. He is merciful, abounding in steadfast love, and will not forsake them. The Lord's anger is real, but He is longsuffering and wishes none to perish. Take hold of God's word and seek God's mercy for the lost loved one. On their behalf, continue to beseech God's grace and see what the Lord can do.

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Wight