Our Blog

By: Pastor Peter Schlicht

Rachel and I moved into a cozy little split-level in DeForest this past August. One of the unexpected blessings of the new house was a skylight in the living room ceiling. It provides a lot of natural light during the day and at night I get to see a few stars while I rock my baby girl to sleep. More than anything, though, I appreciate that it helps me look up.

I need the encouragement to lift my eyes. Do you understand what I mean? Where do your eyes focus naturally? Are they mesmerized by the stresses and challenges in front of you? Are they stuck looking back through rose-colored glasses at the way things used to be? Are they closed in exhaustion? Are they rolling around in annoyance? Are they glued to a phone screen? Are they downcast in shame because of sin? If you’re anything like me, you know that it is easy to look almost anywhere but heavenward. We need the encouragement to look up!

When I look up through the skylight, my perspective is corrected. I remember that the sun is shining and that the God who created the heavens still sits upon his throne. I remember to fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith. I remember that he is the Light of the world, the Lamp for my path, the Sun of righteousness who died to redeem me. And I know that when I walk in his light, I can make it through any valley, even one as dark as the shadow of death itself. Whether days are hard or easy, a skylight perspective is vital. Christian faith looks up!

What will be your skylight during these cold days of March? Here are a few ideas to help you look up:

Christian Fellowship – Sometimes we miss out on the blessings of Christian fellowship because of the hectic pace of life. Take advantage of the Christian family or friends God has given to you. Get together with a friend from church and encourage each other to have a skylight perspective! Take a quiet moment with your spouse to read the Word. Ask your children about their faith and pray with them.

Your Church – It’s obvious, but I’d be remiss not to mention that coming together in worship and Bible study at Eastside is a great way to maintain a skylight perspective. Especially during March as we begin the season of Lent. Besides our Sunday services, on Wednesday, March 6th, our midweek services begin at 3:30pm and 6:30pm. Come fix your eyes on Jesus on Sunday and Wednesday with your church family. Let’s look up together as we focus on our Savior’s love!

Christian Art – Christian art, in all its many forms, has a unique way of communicating God’s love to us. Perhaps it will be a cross necklace, a Bible verse written on a scrap of paper in your wallet, or a picture of Jesus on your computer desktop. Maybe you tune your radio to 102.5, sing a hymn before bed, or draw a picture based on a favorite Bible story. Get outside (I know, it’s cold!) and look at the beauty of God’s art in nature. Utilize your favorite art medium to keep a skylight perspective.

Whatever this month holds, I pray that you look up. Shift your perspective heavenward. Fix your eyes on Jesus and the reality of his control and care in your life and in the world. Keep a skylight perspective and remember that because of Christ you will shine in one day in eternal glory. Look up with joy knowing that ultimately nothing can separate you from the love of God.