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But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere (2 Corinthians 2:14) Few things in life are more needed in life than an appropriate sense of commitment. During times of discouragement and difficulty, how we need to focus on the priority, importance and place of commitment to Christ. Few passages explain the nature of commitment better than Paul’s words through the Holy Spirit…

So many people these days seem overwhelmed by fear, worry and anxiety. Everything seems so uncertain. Not even Christians are immune to feeling the strain of things. It’s amazing how David so long ago described life in Psalm 23. The Psalmist utilizes concepts like want (“I shall not want” due to my Shepherd ), weariness, hunger and thirst (The Lord provides “green pastures” and “still waters”), wandering (He “restores my soul”), journeying (“He leads me”), valleys (He’s with me even…

It’s a great phrase, isn’t it? Let us not lose heart – consider it for a moment. There are six times in the New Testament where the admonishment is to not lost heart. In these six verses, we have God’s prescription for the blues. How does God prescribe picking ourselves up when feeling down and out? Please give some thought to each one on these passages. Pray always (Luke 18:1). If you turn to the passage, you will find these…

Surely the best way to move forward during difficult days is on our knees! One of the greatest blessings on earth for Christians is to be able to communicate with the God of heaven in prayer. There’s mercy and grace to be found at the throne of God (Heb. 4:14-16; 1 John 5:14-15). This coming Sunday (August 23), both of our services will especially be emphasizing prayer. Individually and congregationally, Christians ought to be known as people of prayer (Acts…

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).  Surely the soldiers responsible for carrying out the Crucifixion of Jesus that day had never heard words like these before. They were probably accustomed to hearing curse words, protests of innocence and screams of agony but not words like these. Just after the nails had been placed in His hands and feet and as the Cross is placed in the ground, Jesus finally speaks.  Look…

It is a song that has brought smiles to the faces of singers for years – exactly 100 years to be more precise. The song was written in 1920 by Mrs. A.S. Bridgewater and it is titled, “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be.” Do you recall the first words of the first verse and chorus?  We read of a place that’s called heaven, It’s made for the pure and the free; These truths in God’s word He has given, How beautiful…

The life of Joseph has always been one that stands out to most who have done any study of the Old Testament. He was the favorite in many respects of his father and the source of much jealousy from his brothers. They sold him at a young age to traders headed for Egypt and it was in that foreign land he would spend the rest of his days. His life was a bit like a good roller coaster, several peaks…

It is astounding how many people God will use to bless us in an incredible number of ways during a lifetime. The people who bless us seem to be remarkably diverse – they have different backgrounds, personalities, gifts, and are different ages. They have different skin tones and appearances. What they all have in common is that they blessed us at some point in our lives. Whether in great or small ways, these people invested in us, and our lives…

It really is that simple! We must not overcomplicate the desires of God when it comes to those who are in a right relationship with Him. Will you allow Paul to make four simple points that really sum up what those who belong to God will do. You can read it simply from your copy of God’s word in 1 Timothy 6:11-12. Oh yes, so much more could be said, but when the man of God is contrasted with the…

The Westside family mourns this week in the passing of a faithful brother, Jim Powell. In the leading of a public prayer, it was not uncommon for him to use the sentence used in the title of this article. He was thankful to have a God who would, “Say what He means and means what He says.” When he said it, the words might have brought a wry smile to your face, but the more thought that is given, it…

Our deepest sympathy is extended to Diane Powell and family in the passing of Jim last Sunday morning. Jim and Diane have faithfully worshiped and served at Westside for years and have been most appreciated for their sweet spirits and servants’ hearts. For years Jim served as one of our deacons and especially excelled in the area of benevolence.  A Visitation will be held at Nalley Pickle Welch Funeral Home in Midland this Thursday from 5-7 PM. The funeral service…

It is one of the simplest of all statements made in the New Testament. The words at the end of Mark 12:37, “And the common people heard Him gladly.” Jesus did not come to be heard by the elite, the rich, or the famous. Jesus came to be heard and listened to by the common. The gospel is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek (Romans 1:16). The…