The Song Sparrow | Feb. 26th

 “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And why are you anxious...”

   Matthew 6:26, 28

 The Wildlife Homestead is a social media channel where a photographer filmed a Song Sparrow one cold morning. This small, delicate bird sings as the sun rises, and you can see its breath in the chilly air. The sparrow’s life is a sign of the Creator’s goodness and faithfulness. Through His common grace, everyone enjoys the blessings of His mercy.

 Beloved, you have received God’s saving grace; you can understand His mercy and goodness even more. Because of the cross, you do not need to be anxious. Because of the empty tomb, you do not need to be afraid. Our hope is in Christ, who died for our sins, overcame death, and now stands in heaven as our Advocate.

  If God gives breath to the Song Sparrow, He will surely give you peace in Christ and provide for all your needs. Do not let your heart be troubled, because God is faithful and His goodness can be seen all around you. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes so that you might see and be encouraged. You are more valuable than the Song Sparrow.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Discipline and Love | Feb. 25th

 “Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.”

   Job 5:17

   “In the furnace God may prove thee, Thence to bring thee forth more bright, But can never cease to love thee, Thou art precious in His sight, God is with thee-God, thine everlasting Light.”

    Thomas Kelly

  Beloved, sometimes we forget that in God’s sovereignty, He can do with us as He desires. The Lord is not cruel or relentless in His dealings with us. Rather, His kindness surpasses our understanding. His patience toward us cannot be exhausted, and His lovingkindness is unceasing.

  Let us not mistake God’s reproofs or refining work as misguided. The Son died for us while we were still sinners. If we have been reconciled to God and sealed by the Holy Spirit, we should recognize that we are truly blessed both during and as a result of the Almighty’s reproof.

  Through sanctification in the refining fire of God’s furnace, our faith is proven genuine. In this process, the dross of our heart is burned away, and a greater likeness to Christ is formed. There, we discover the beauty of God and realize the sufficiency of His grace in our weakness. Do not despise the providence of God; instead, trust that He is working all things for the good of your salvation. The Lord is with you and actively at work within you.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Facing Affliction | Feb. 24th

 “For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.”

  1 Thessalonians 3:4

  Beloved, the early church was taught to expect affliction. The Apostle Paul reminds the church that they were forewarned about suffering for their faith in Christ. Opposition would arise both from the world and from the adversary of their souls.

  We are far removed from the first-century church; this warning remains relevant. Christians in every era should be prepared for and anticipate affliction. While there have been periods in history when the church experienced less opposition from the world, Satan has always been at work against God’s people.

Our faith is precious and strong. God has given us faith to trust in Him. The Holy Spirit keeps the flame of faith burning in our hearts. We may feel weak at times and intimidated by the world, but we are sealed by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God in us is greater than the spirit of this age or any affliction that comes our way.

  Acknowledge before the Father your dependence on His grace. Confess your weakness and affliction to Him. He is ever-present in times of need, and the Holy Spirit will strengthen your spirit to endure in Christ. Embrace God’s word today to receive strength during times of affliction.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight