Childlike | July 2nd

 “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

  Matthew 18:3

 Beloved, the scripture does not instruct us to be childish, but rather to be childlike. One of the most admirable qualities children possess is their sense of wonder. The blessing of being a parent or grandparent is witnessing loved ones encounter the world anew.

  Children have what seems like a continual wonder as they experience things for the first time. When they experience or see something that brings them joy, they will ask, “Again, again!” We are surrounded by the goodness of God and often take it for granted. The rising and setting of the sun are gifts. The heavenly host in the night sky often does not fill us with wonder as it should. Likewise, the reality of God’s mercy made new in our lives should fill our hearts with gratitude and cause us to say, “Again, again!”

 Let the power and glory of our life in Christ fill you with wonder today. Pray that the Holy Spirit enables you to see God’s goodness all around you and the beauty of His creation. Be childlike in awe of all that the Lord has done, and simply ask for more.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Should We Speak Our Mind | July 1st

  “No human being can tame the tongue.”

   James 3:8

  Beloved, let all of God’s children receive the truth of this verse in humility. Some may need to acknowledge their need for help more than others, but no one is exempt. The promised fruit of the Spirit in the believer’s life is our saving grace. He alone can restrain our tongue and truly transform what comes from both because the heart has been regenerated.

  As much as this is a work of God’s redeeming grace on hearts of stone, we must also work at it. Sadly, one generation teaches another negatively. We can lack the ability to communicate with mercy, patience, and humility. Tones, gestures, harsh words, and fits of rage have broken more lives and families than we want to admit.

  Though we cannot tame the tongue, the Holy Spirit can. When we fail, He helps us forgive and ask for forgiveness. Let us consider how the Lord has spoken to us, how longsuffering He is, and how He covers us with love. Scripture shows our inability but offers hope in Christ and the promise to work sanctification in our lives, including how we speak to one another. Prayerfully set your heart and mind on this today so others may be lifted up by how you speak to them.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Sleep Well | June 30th

 “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

  Psalm 4:8

  Beloved, while exhaustion may cause one to collapse, only lying down in peace offers genuine rest. The Lord grants His people the ability to rest peacefully, for with Him there is true safety.

  We understand that our lives are not governed by fate but are sustained by the Father’s providential care. Even if the day concludes with frustration or perplexity, we know that all things shall work for the good of those who trust Him. That mercy awaits us in the morrow while we entrust our burdens to Him. Although we are powerless during the night, our Father remains ever vigilant. We are continually under His watchful care.

  Let us trust that we dwell in safety, for nothing can separate us from the love of God. He has promised to care for us and never to forsake us. God’s people can experience genuine peace, which provides rest for both mind and spirit. In this peace, the faithful can sleep and find relief from the day’s labors. Let us seek this rest from our heavenly Father, and may our hearts remain free from anxiety as evening approaches.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight