Obedience Over Opinion | Sep. 25th

"Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep your precepts."

Psalm 119:134

Many of us have not experienced physical oppression or opposition. But mental oppression is probably experienced more than we would like to admit.

We often care too much about what others think of us or how they look at us. The Psalmist is considering this in light of his faith. To this day, Christians struggle with what others think about their faith and what God may be asking them to do. We wonder how they will receive what we say or do rather than dwelling upon pleasing the Lord.

Let us seek the Lord for liberty in our minds so that we may be more focused on what pleases the Lord and then do that. Do not worry about how it will be perceived by others. Serve Christ in boldness, freedom, love, and wisdom. Keep the precepts of God above the opinion of others.

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Wight

Listen | Sep. 24th

"I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, " To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" And the four living creatures said, " Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped."

Revelation 5:13-14

Beloved, what sounds do you find pleasant? Is there something that you hear that evokes emotion? Perhaps you enjoy the sound of the waves in the ocean? The fall wind moving through the trees. Instrumental music can be inspirational and moving. Many sounds compel us to respond.

One can only imagine what heaven sounds like. The sight of God's glory will put us in awe but when we read these verses the sounds of heaven are equally glorious as the sight of what faith will finally behold.

We strain our ears at times trying to catch what someone says or the soft melody of nature. Our ears cannot hear the chores of heaven yet but soon our eyes and ears shall be overwhelmed with the splendor of paradise.

When the daily news causes weariness to the heart, encourage yourself by listening to scripture and the hymns. Be inspired by the praise of God's people and set your heart to the time when you will hear the beauty of heaven.

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Wight

Running to Finish | Sep. 23rd

" let us also lay aside every weight, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, "

Hebrews 12:1

There is a race set before us, beloved. One that every Christian must consider. We cannot enter this race unless we have been placed there by Christ Himself. Once we enter this race, we must run according to His will.

Christ is the reward and the one we are striving for. Just as an Olympian runs for the glory of their country, we should have the same desire. We compete as one who does not want to bring reproach to ourselves or shame to the Kingdom of God.

So we endure in the race. We are pressing forward as we lay aside anything that would embed our progress. The runner goes to great lengths to ensure nothing takes away from them completing or hindering them during the race. This requires intentional discipline and wise choices.

Let us consider the race set before us today. Choose to run in the race with God's power and godliness. Pressing towards the high calling in Christ with your eyes fixed on the eternal reward.

In Christ Alone,

Pastor Wight