Posts from March 2020

What’s Westside doing during the pandemic? That is a good question! Here’s just a few things. (1). Our shepherds put a great deal of thought and prayer on how to best respond as a congregation to the threat of COVID-19 virus. There has been, and continues to be, a tremendous concern on their part for God and His word, for complying with the laws of the land and for the safety of every member of the Westside church. Just as…

“Humbly yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10) There are times all of us need a lift. We all get discouraged, and sometimes we even get depressed. When our hearts have become heavy, like anchors weighing us down and drowning us in a sea of struggles, how thankful we should be for the God who lifts! The psalmist declared, “I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up” (Psa.…

What a difference a week can make! There is a fight going on against a new disease spreading through our country, but the old tactics of the devil are still very much at work. Here are a few thoughts that are running through my mind: 1. This is an opportunity to grow closer to God. As the economy takes one hit after another, schools close, restaurants and grocery stores are in a different condition than we have ever seen them,…

What a message we’re privileged to proclaim as Christians. God has the power to take away sin (John 1:29). He can remove guilt and cleanse our consciences (Rom. 8:33-34; Heb. 9:14; 10:22). Jesus the “Great Physician” can provide true healing for those who hurt. Surely these are truths we must believe, humbly and lovingly apply, and tell to the whole world!  The Old Testament often beautifully depicts the vividness and power of forgiveness ultimately made possible in Jesus. Consider the…