Best Seat in the House | April 1st

  “And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him,....Jesus saw their faith...the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts,...”

  Mark 2:4,5,6

  Sometimes, the best place to be isn’t always right up front. It depends on how you look at things. The scribes may have been sitting close to Jesus, but the lame man and his friends saw more with their hearts from outside, which led them to remove the roof.

  The child sitting way up in the bleachers, whose family paid a fraction of what those sitting at court side paid, may have more joy in the sporting event and a belief in the players than the individual who spent thousands to have a front-row seat.

  Beloved, these four friends approached Jesus with a faith unwilling to remain outside. When they found no room, not even at the door, they removed the roof to reach Him. In contrast, the scribes inside did not recognize Jesus’ true identity and were unsettled by His words.

  Let us avoid becoming so comfortable in the house of God that we lose our sense of awe for Christ. Pray that the Spirit of God cultivates within you an attitude of worship rather than criticism. May the Holy Spirit grant us a faith that overcomes any obstacle separating us from time with the Lord. Begin today by setting aside a moment to be with the Lord and come to His house with rejoicing.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Touch Your Neighbor | March 31st

“Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him...”

  Mark 1:41

  Beloved, our Lord did not fear the condition of the leper. Jesus was certain that He would heal him and restore him to cleanliness.

  Let us follow our Lord’s example by serving as the salt of the earth. Although wickedness and sin are prevalent, He who is within you is greater than anything in this world. We do not belong to this world, yet we are present in it to fulfill the will of God. Christ Himself came to accomplish the will of the Father.

  We have been saved not to remain isolated. At times, we may feel more threatened by the state of the world than is warranted. Let us recognize our identity in Christ, understanding that His holiness within us is more influential than the sin present in this age. Do not withdraw or conceal yourself because of sin; instead, be the light of the world through Christ. Pray that the Lord will use you to reach those afflicted by sin. Christ is able to cleanse others just as He has cleansed us from our unrighteousness. Extend your hand and touch a life for Jesus today.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

God is Willing | March 30th

 “If you will, you can make me clean.”

  “I will; be clean.”

  Mark 1:40,41

  The question the man with leprosy asked is one that many Christians still wonder about today. We know God can do anything, but is He willing to help us?

  Beloved, according to the Law, the leper was forbidden from approaching Jesus. His garments and outward appearance, as prescribed by the Law, signaled to others to keep their distance. He was expected to declare, “Unclean!” It is likely that many withdrew from him as he approached Jesus, and some may have even fled upon seeing him.

  The Lord’s words and actions acknowledged that He alone possessed the power to make the man whole and clean. We possess no merit that entitles us to approach the Lord, nor can we offer anything to earn His help. The Lord helps us solely because He is both willing and able.

  If you believe that nothing is too difficult for God, maintain the same conviction that He is willing to help you, because He loves you and you belong to Him. Scripture affirms that God is with us; if He is willing to be present with us, He is also willing to help us. Therefore, ask of the Lord, for He is willing to help and bless you.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight