A Needed Change | Sep 1st

“A time to keep, and a time to cast away.”

  Ecclesiastes 3:6

  Along the front entrance to our home, a small walkway leads to a bench. This path was once separated from the entrance by a hedge of boxwoods. Over the years, and particularly due to the severity of this past winter, the hedge deteriorated significantly. As a result, I removed the boxwoods, which has left the area feeling barren. However, their removal was necessary to allow for new plantings, ensuring the space will be full and vibrant by spring.

  Beloved, casting things away is often challenging. Nevertheless, it is sometimes essential to make room for new growth. We must allow the Holy Spirit to continue His transformative work, removing what hinders our spiritual development so that we may grow in Christ. Although this process can evoke a sense of loss, the Lord replenishes our lives with what is good. The resulting emptiness is replaced by peaceful contentment and renewed joy in the blessings God provides.

  In a few years, the hedge will have grown back, healthier and more beautiful than before. The small path and bench will once again offer a secluded place to sit and enjoy the afternoon sun. Let us remain obedient to the guidance of Scripture and the Spirit as we discern what to cast away.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

A Physical Reminder | Aug 31st

 “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

  1 Corinthians 11:24, 25

    In my study, I have an old sign that belonged to my great-grandfather, which advertised his carpentry business. The sign itself is made of wood and is hand-painted. Beside it hangs a photograph my father took of an old church back home in Mass. Located on the bookcase is a collection of books from my childhood Pastor. These books hold some of his notes, underlining, and a few portions cut out, and were probably added to his sermon notes. All of these things serve as reminders of those who have gone on before me—men of faith and love. Seeing them, holding them, or reading them has an encouraging quality. How much more the eternal things of God.

  The Lord’s Supper is a physical reminder of the atoning work of Christ. A gift from God that we can see, hold with our hands, and partake of. We are commanded to partake of communion as a reminder that Christ died for our sins and will return.

  Beloved, let us not take for granted what the Lord has blessed us with in coming together as the body of Christ and receiving His body for us. We have precious things in our lives, such as pictures or belongings of loved ones who have passed. We cherish such things. Today, find the same comfort in taking your Bible in hand and pouring over its pages as a sacred reminder of who God is and what He has done for you. Prayerfully consider what you have read as we look forward to breaking the bread and taking the cup of the Lord together.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Wells of Water | Aug 28th

 “My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

  Jeremiah 2:13

  In our garden, we have a koi pond with a small stream and waterfall. Unfortunately, water leaks near the waterfall. As a result, new water must be added continually, yet the level drops again within a few days. This koi pond is artificial; it is not a natural pond fed by a spring. There is no water source other than what I bring to it.

  God rebuked His people for seeking alternative sources of refreshment instead of the living waters He provides. They attempted to secure satisfaction by digging their own wells, but these efforts could never fulfill them. Desiring independence from the Lord, they ultimately lost what they had gathered because they relied on themselves.

  Beloved, we must look to the Lord as our source of life. He has granted us eternal life in Christ, and the Holy Spirit fills us with His presence. Living water flows from within and will never run dry. When we rely on our own strength, we inevitably become depleted. Only the Spirit of God can satisfy our deepest needs so that we do not thirst again. Let us come to Christ, seeking renewal from Him, so that we may live by the Spirit.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight