Posts from 2025

Psalm 16 is a psalm every Christian should soak in and let sink deeply into every fiber of our being. Ultimately, Psalm 16 can be summarized in one word – Confidence. But the confidence expressed in Psalm 16 is not personal pride or arrogance; it is confidence in God (cf. John 15:4-5; 2 Corinthians 3:5). God is our treasure! (Matthew 6:21; Colossians 3:11). He is our present trust and future hope. Few have understood this as well than this psalm’s…

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Life can be full of “trouble” (Job 14:1) and “tribulation” (John 16:33), but God’s children can go through the tough times of life with a sense of…

Thomas R. Sweatmon was born in 1876. It is assumed that he was born in Georgia. The truth is, there is very little information we know about him. He died in 1969 and is buried in Marionetta, Georgia. We know the year of his birth and the of his death, but not a lot is known about what happened in between. The little we do know is that he was an exceptional poet. It is told that he taught in…

While introducing children to God and to His worship is an incredible privilege, it can also be quite a challenge. One young Christian couple jokingly referred to their life as Christians as “Worship B.C. and A.D.” – Before Children and After Diapers! It can be really hard for parents to properly focus on God during worship when little ones are fussy or in need of a diaper change! Churches should make a special effort to encourage good parenting in the…

Our special series, “Christ, the Cross & the Church” with Hiram Kemp begins this Friday evening at 7 PM (September 12). Much has been said about it in recent months. Here’s a few last-minute considerations to think about – Have I prayed that God greatly be praised and glorified through this special effort? (Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14). Have I made a special effort to invite at least 1 or more persons? Is my enthusiasm for this effort genuine and obvious?…

Our Gospel Meeting – a special effort with Hiram Kemp – is just around the corner (September 12-14). We can be very confident that Hiram will do a great job proclaiming the gospel of Christ. This effort is a special opportunity for those of us at Westside to make that little extra effort. After all, sometimes it’s important to have an “extra push” to stretch ourselves in praying, inviting others and scheduling more time assembling with others to worship and…

There have always been those who have been interested in Christianity and who have questioned its practitioners (Acts 17:18-20; 25:22; 26:1). We should not be surprised when people question our faith today. When it comes to answering questions about our faith and why we believe what we believe we must be careful and wise. We should be careful because many will not hesitate to “fact check” us and wise because if we are dishonest or inaccurate we may further their…

In concluding our recent study of First Timothy, it was striking to study the difference between greed and godly contentment in the lives of God’s people. It is possible as Christians to have misplaced priorities, even unintentionally. In our nation and culture, it is possible, even with the best intentions, to fail in our contentment. Here are some of the words of Paul to Timothy as he closes the letter: 1 Timothy 6:6-10 – But godliness actually is a means…

This year’s VBS almost is here (July 7-11). VBS is an excellent opportunity to make a lasting impression for good on both younger and older alike, on the congregation and on our neighborhood and community. Just to make a point: how many of YOU have special memories of VBS when you were younger? Here’s WHY our VBS can make a positive lasting impression – 1. God is the Star. This VBS is all about our awesome God creating the world.…

Let me share with you 7 Key Words of 1 Peter. I think it will greatly encourage us to be people of hope in Christ (See 1 Peter 1:3-4, 13; 3:15). 1 Peter is a book about GRACE. Notice 1 Peter 1:2, 10 and 13. In fact, the word occurs in all 5 chapters of the book (10 times in all). How we all desperately need greater awareness of God’s grace! What has been given so freely in Jesus is…

“He who has ears, let him hear” (Matthew 13:9) Good communication can be tough, can’t it? Experts say we spend about 75% of our conscious hours communicating: 10% writing / texting, 15% reading, 30% speaking and 45% hearing (ecgcoaching.com). If you were wondering why you feel so tired, now you know! English-speaking persons typically talk at a rate of 110-170 words per minute (debatrix.com), although you likely know people who absolutely obliterate both ends of that spectrum. But get this.…

All it takes is one generation. One generation was there and witnessed the awesome power of God in parting the waters of the Red Sea. One generation witnessed the backing up of the Jordan River when entrance was granted by God into the Promised Land. One generation followed Joshua all of his days. One generation knew Joshua and the mighty works of God and they served the Lord. However, one generation later, there arose a generation who did not know…