The Sleep of Sorrow | Dec. 13

"He came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, ' Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation."

Luke 22:45-46

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There is a sorrow so profound that it wearies the soul and body. One can only imagine the strain on the disciples that night. To hear Jesus speak of His suffering, to know that one would betray Him, and soon, Jesus would not be with them. To observe and hear the agony of Jesus praying in the garden was more than they could bear.

It is understandable that they were in this condition. Yet their loving Savior and Friend encouraged them to remain faithful in prayer. This would be the remedy for their heavy hearts, and strength would come through the grace of God. Jesus was not scolding them but encouraging them.

Beloved, perhaps some great sorrow has wearied your heart. The trials of life have become more than you can bear. You have lost your hope and slipped away into the sleep of sorrow.

May you hear the loving encouragement from your Savior. Though the flame of faith is faint, He will not snuff it out. Bring yourself in prayer before the throne of grace. Call to the Lord He will answer you. Christ is in the dark garden of sorrow with you but He has overcome and will lead you out in victory.

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Wight

Opening Hearts | Dec. 12th

"The Lord opened her heart."

Acts 16:14

Beloved, do not grow weary in praying for the lost. Perhaps you have prayed for years to see someone come to the Lord. You have shared your faith, given tracks, and blessed individuals with a Bible. However, you still have not witnessed a response. Maybe it is your family member, a child you raised in church, a grandchild you faithfully pray for who has not proclaimed faith in Christ.

Remember that the Lord opens the heart to hear His word. God is the one who breaks up the stony ground and softens the heart. What is impossible with man is possible with God. We cannot convince or save those we long to see in church serving the Lord.

As Christ called us, He is calling them. The Holy Spirit will open their hearts. He took our heart of stone and made it flesh. Christ can still open people's hearts as He calls them by name. Remain faithful and trust the Lord for those you bring before Him. Today could be the day of salvation.

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Wight

Help for the Weak | Dec. 11th

" I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant."

Psalm 119:176

"Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it

Prone to leave the God I love

Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it

Seal it for Thy courts."

Come Thou Fount

The Psalmist and the hymnist see within their heart the tendency to stray. If we look within, we find no strength to endure. No peace that we can muster that will keep us from dismay. We do not have a reservoir of hope to bring joy for the hour of testing or the wisdom for all our doubts.

Our plea and hope is Christ alone. He is the One that we cast ourselves upon. Christ is the One we hide ourselves in. If you are weary and afraid today, do not look to yourself. Acknowledge your need for God's mercy and grace. Ask Him to keep you and to finish the good work God has begun in you. You will find that the Lord is faithful to keep you. You are not alone in your weakness. All of God's people trust in Him to keep them.

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Wight