Thorns in the Garden | Jan. 23rd

“ A thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.”

   2 Corinthians 2:17

  Living in the country often means encountering thorns. Whether walking a trail or working in a garden, it is almost certain that you will get pricked. These thorns, big or small, are painful and bothersome, and if left unattended, can cause irritation. While much has been debated about Paul’s thorn, let us simply recognize that he had one, saw it as a messenger from Satan that harassed him, and prayed to have it removed.

  Beloved, all of this unfolded under God’s providence for Paul and his spiritual good. If you are facing difficult situations or people, or if you feel harassed, take time to prayerfully consider God’s purpose in your current struggle.

   The Lord may be at work within you, perhaps even protecting you from something worse than the thorn. We often focus on removing challenges or troublesome people from our lives, but God does not guarantee us a life without difficulty. Wisdom tells us to set boundaries, but if God is working in you through these hardships, seek humility and understanding of His purpose.

  Eventually, Paul recognized that his messenger from Satan was for his good, that when he was weak, God’s grace was sufficient. Do you truly want to discover how sufficient God’s grace can be? The Lord knows exactly what you need and is working all things for the good of your salvation.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Living by Faith in Christ | Jan. 22nd

 “Through him we have also obtained access by faith into the grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

    Romans 5:2

  Beloved, I hope we stand firm in the conviction that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. This assurance lets us rest, knowing our salvation is secure in Christ. Christ the Redeemer saved us with His very life, and we belong to God.

  But how do you stand today? Is sanctification something we do on our own, or does the grace of God still work in us? Let us remember that we are justified by faith, and, in the same way, sanctified by faith, because God’s grace continues to transform us through Christ.

  From beginning to end, we stand on the grace of God through faith. This does not mean our faith has no evidence in works. Faith in sanctification is the same as in justification, a complete dependence on Christ. Rely not just on what He did, but on Him as our daily bread. The Holy Spirit is also working in and through us.

  So, as you did at salvation, keep your eyes on Christ. He alone is our strength and hope. Stand confidently in His relentless grace today and every day, assured that He will carry you through all things until the end.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Step by Step | Jan. 21st

 “Blessed be the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the Lord has led me in the way to the house of my master’s kinsmen.”

  Genesis 24:27

   Beloved, has the Lord ceased from leading His people? Scripture is marked by God’s providential guidance and care within the lives of His children. For example, there are monumental accounts, such as the parting of the Red Sea. Yet it is not only the spectacular events, but also the ordinary circumstances, such as the meeting at the well in this account, that reveal His guiding hand.

  In this instance, the servant of Abraham had requested God’s guidance, and God was faithful to provide it. This teaches us that it is the steadfast love of God that assures provision. We likewise should expect that God’s love remains steadfast toward us in Christ, remembering that our steps are ordered not on merit but by the providential wisdom of God.

   We must look to the Lord as the servant did and follow in faithful obedience. In following Christ, we know He is working all things for the good of our salvation. Therefore, we can be at peace in His will for our lives. God still guides His people; when we ask and obey, we find true direction and steadfast hope in His faithful hands.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight