Obey | August 29, 2023

"Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord." -Jonah 1:3

It is an exercise in futility when trying to flee from the presence of God, who is omnipresent; no one can elude the Lord. Jonah was not deterred from trying to escape the felt presence of God. To this day, people still try to flee from the face of God. Jonah perhaps believed that leaving those who knew him and the familiar surroundings would remind him that he was a prophet of God. Then, he would forget about the command of God. The burden to go would lift, and the fire to preach extinguished. One could argue that some have not returned to church after COVID-19. There is no longer the weekly reminder of God's commands or those in our lives who might question how we are doing spiritually. Jonah found what he sought in this voyage and paid the fare, unaware to what extent this would cost him. People, in their wisdom, calculate the risks of life and do things in their strength, oblivious to the future and the storms that can hurled against us. Running from the face of God can cost you more than you would ever be willing to pay, but we do not often see that at first. The Lord had a great fish prepared, but one cannot always be sure of the consequences paid for our rebellion or disobedience. It is far better to humble ourselves beneath the mighty hand of God from the first and trust in His grace. Do not lean on your understanding today; acknowledge the Lord in all your ways and faithfully obey Him.

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Wight

At Work | August 28, 2023

"...for it is God who works in you." -Philippians 2:13

We all understand the responsibility of having an occupation, a designated skill that we have been trained in, or received an education that equips us to perform a specific task. We labor in our field of expertise with mental, physical, and sometimes emotional exertion. Have you ever considered the reality of God's Spirit at work within you? He is constantly in the process of transforming you into the likeness of Christ. We do have to cooperate with the Spirit of God and faithfully hold to the word of God. The great assurance is that the Spirit works in and through our lives. The difference is that He never grows weary of laboring upon our hearts--never grows impatient, and has all the power to transform us daily. God is at work in you today.

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Wight

They Didn't Wait | August 25, 2023

"They soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel." -Psalm 106:13

The dilemma of not waiting for God's timing still plagues the will of His people. The Israelites soon forgot God's deliverance and immediately looked to themselves in moving forward. Beloved, it would be good for us to reflect upon our salvation that we have been saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. We did not save ourselves. This life that we live in Christ and with all the circumstances to befall us in the normal progression in life. We cannot live for the glory of God unless God's grace is extended to us. We must look to the Lord each day for His mercy and will. We have been given wisdom from the Lord and His word, but there must be continued acknowledgment of our hearts to yield to Him. Do not move in haste. Do not lean upon your own understanding alone. May patience work in you so that you are mature while wholly trusting the Lord.

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Wight