Eyes to See, Ears to Hear | Sep 28th

  “Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear?”

   Mark 8:18

  Beloved, sin has dulled our ability to listen and to perceive clearly who God is, what He has done, and what He continues to do.

  There are times in corporate worship when nearly all the songs, prayers, the opening scripture reading, and the sermon carry the same message. Even though the individuals are not aware of what the others have prepared, each element reinforces the others. Yet do we actually hear the Spirit's message that morning? Or are we instead distracted by what we think we need or by what is going to happen to us after worship?

  We do not always recognize the goodness of God in our daily lives. Often, we fail to see or acknowledge God's work around us. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit grants us insight and understanding to perceive God’s providence with clarity.

  May our hearts be awakened to the lessons of scripture, the wisdom found in providential circumstances, and the wonder of God’s glory revealed throughout creation.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Hard Hearts Made Soft | Sep 25th

  “Are your hearts hardened?”

  Mark 8:17

  Beloved, while we frequently turn to Scripture for comfort or to claim promises regarding our circumstances or needs, how often do we reflect on its truths and examine our own hearts?

  The word of God serves as a double-edged sword, enabling us to discern the state of our souls. The Holy Spirit reveals truth to clouded minds and unresponsive spirits. Scripture presses upon the heart until we recognize the uncultivated areas within and the need to break up this hardened state. If the Lord questioned the disciples because they did not understand His warning about the leaven of the Pharisees, have we truly comprehended the warnings throughout the Bible?

  As we read God’s word this day. let us ask for understanding and obedient hearts. Understanding leads to faith, and this faith creates within us the desire to obey. We want to follow Christ because we truly know who He is and what He has done.

  If we find that there is hardness within us, we can humble ourselves in repentance, and the merciful Savior will till the soil so that we might bear the fruit of the Gospel and Spirit.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Can We Answer the Question | Sep. 24th

  “Do you not perceive or understand?”

  Mark 8:17

  Beloved, the question Jesus posed to His disciples remains relevant for us today. Although we may seldom apply such questions to ourselves, the Holy Spirit continues to address them to us.

  If we reflect on how long we have been with the Lord, for most of us it has been far more than the three years the disciples have. Not to mention, we have all of Scripture before us and will still struggle to understand the things of God and His ways.

  The lessons from the Lord are ongoing, so we must continually ask ourselves, “Do I understand all that the Lord has taught me, and do I perceive all that He has done?” Thankfully, the Lord demonstrated patience with the disciples, and He continues to be patient with us. Let us humble ourselves before Him today, seeking greater perception and understanding of who He is and what He desires to teach us.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight