Father is Downstream | Feb. 20th

 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you...”

   Isaiah 43:2

  North Brook was the stream behind my childhood home. I spent most of my childhood fishing and playing there . Some places were shallow, while others were deep enough to swim. In early spring, the stream would run high. One evening, while fishing with my dad, I slipped and was swept downstream. Thankfully, Dad was downstream and grabbed me, lifting me out of the water and setting me on a rock. It all happened so fast. I was probably in no real danger, but it was good to have my feet planted again and my head above water.

  Beloved, our heavenly Father is always downstream, ready to support us when unexpected circumstances unsettle our lives. At times, we are swept off our feet and feel disoriented, lacking the strength or clarity to regain our footing. Life can shift suddenly from moments of safety and enjoyment to unforeseen challenges.

  Do not doubt God’s watchful eye or His ability to lift you from the waters. The waters will not overwhelm you, for He is with you. It is not your own strength or wisdom that sustains you, but His love and constant presence in times of trouble. The Lord remains with you as you navigate the challenges of today.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Fireflies | Feb. 19th

  “You are the light of the world.”

   Matthew 5:14

  Beloved, I know it might be hard to imagine seeing fireflies again when the countryside is covered by a cold blanket of snow, but green-up time is coming.

  If you remember summers when the skies are blue and the air is hot, you do not see fireflies. But when evening comes and all is dark, this tiny insect delights adults and children. The darkness lets us see these little creatures of God, and we are drawn to them when they are illuminated.

  We long for blue skies in life and calm summer breezes without a care in the world. But sometimes we shine brightest in the darkest times. The apostle Paul asked God to remove his thorn in the flesh, but God denied the request and answered in a greater way by supplying sufficient grace.

  Do not resent periods of darkness or be intimidated by challenging times, for the One within you is greater. God’s grace will surpass even the darkest circumstances, and in Christ, you are the light of the world, drawing others to Him.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

In the Fight | Feb. 18th

“I have fought the good fight,...”

   2 Timothy 4:7

  Beloved, it is regrettable that, in contemporary times, the Gospel is often portrayed merely as a means of personal improvement. While it is true that receiving Jesus brings transformation, He is not simply a means to an end. Unfortunately, the ongoing struggle inherent in this new, blessed life is frequently overlooked.

  Christ has ransomed us from our sins and delivered us from the kingdom of darkness. Now that you belong to the kingdom of the Son, that darkness will assail you. The tempter, the spirit of this age, and our own flesh will war against us. Each day, you must crucify yourself in Christ and count yourself dead to this world. It is a struggle.

  This struggle can be overwhelming. It weighs on the mind and spirit. It is constant and will not end in this side of eternity. Like Paul, we must fight the good fight by being strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. In Christ, we find victory. We can ask the Holy Spirit each day to help us overcome by His strength, and when we are tired, trust in the mercy of God to keep us.

  Resolve to engage in the spiritual battle today, not by relying on your own strength, but on God’s. Remember that the victory has already been secured, and your ultimate reliance is on Christ and His sustaining power.