Posts by Westside Church of Christ (Page 2)

“It’s too good to be true!” How many of us have uttered that statement before? Sadly, we live in a time when many are skeptical of most things. We live by the mantra, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” meaning that it’s a lie and we should pay it no attention. However, when it comes to the promises of God, we must challenge ourselves to put that mantra aside and realize that if God said…

Some of the last words stated in the letter of Hebrews are these: “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased,” (Hebrews 13:16). God desires people who are dedicated to Him in service, willing to make sacrifices in this life. Jesus said that He was seeking disciples willing to deny themselves, take up their cross on a daily basis and follow Him (Luke 9:23). As we scan the pages of…

In a world consumed with worries, Jesus makes it clear that worry to the point of being distracted from spiritual matters is unacceptable. Rather, as God’s people put first seeking His spiritual kingdom and His righteousness, all worries or distractions should take a back seat. How is this possible? Jesus offers three keys to avoid worry in this life. First, we don’t need to worry because we have a God who is able to see even in the secret places.…

“What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? You have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet” (Psalm 8:4-6).  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth…

The best investment anyone can make these days is to wisely invest ourselves in others in the body of Christ who will faithfully love and serve long after we’re gone (cf. 2 Cor. 12:19). I recently sat down with a couple of younger men and asked them how can we better encourage future leaders. After all, isn’t this really what “The 2 Timothy 2:2 Principle” is all about? Here are 5 practical suggestions for encouraging future leaders. 1. Be Intentional.…

The song bearing the name, “Step by Step,” is based loosely on Psalm 63 (with some other possible Scripture references as well.) It begins with these words: “O God, you are my God, and I will ever praise You. I will seek You in the morning, and I will learn to walk in Your ways, And step by step You’ll lead me. And I will follow You all of my days.” Consider now the first verse of Psalm 63: O…

Is there anything that has promised so much, but delivered so little as procrastination? Some delays are dangerous, while others are absolutely damnable? Procrastination has been aptly called, “the Devil’s chloroform,” or “spiritual suicide on the installment plan.” Procrastination blinds us to the opportunities and blessings of today, promising action “tomorrow.” There is a wealth of wisdom in Proverbs 27:1, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Procrastination undoubtedly costs souls –…

“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city,” Proverbs 16:32. It might not be the exact wording that first comes to mind, but the thought behind the words of Solomon in this verse is exhibiting self-control. Have you considered that controlling yourself is equal to ruling your spirit? Sometimes when we look at things using different words, it can help us to grasp what is…

Although there is some disagreement among experts as to precisely why, there is an abundance of evidence which indicates young people are experiencing a seemingly unprecedented level of stress. Psychologist Daniel Keating noted: “Depression, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed are not all the same thing, but they do share a common feature: experiencing a level of stress that is beyond an ability to cope, with a negative impact on health and on the ability to function well in many situations” (Keating,…

God is a God who blesses! He knows how to give good gifts and provides for the cares we all need in life. God allows His sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). He is a good who blesses all people with physical needs because He is gracious and kind (James 1:17). However, Ephesians 1:3, tells us that spiritual blessings are only found in one location, “In…

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Our familiarity with these words should not cause us to become complacent or negligent. The words of our Lord are ever applicable. The “Therefore” (NKJV and others) or “So whatever” (ESV) links the thought of this verse to what immediately preceded in verse 11. Just as God gives “good gifts,” so His children should seek the…

It is one of the most graphic displays of human suffering in all of the Bible! You can read about it in 2 Kings 6:24-7:2. In the end, it is also one of the greatest displays of God’s power in all of the Scriptures, as well. The nation of Syria had come against the city of Samaria and cut off all food supply entering the city. The people within the walled city were starving. The Bible says that they were…