The West Side church of Christ

“The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the upright, But ruin to the workers of iniquity” (Proverbs 10:29 NASU). Everyone is going to be affected by the Lord’s way. We can run to God’s word and find a place of protection, refuge, and safety, or we can turn against God’s word and find [...]

“The hope of the righteous is gladness, But the expectation of the wicked perishes” (Proverbs 10:28 NASU). In the Bible, Hope = Desire + Expectation. The righteous hope in the promises of God They don’t just have a wishful desire or a “wouldn’t it be great if” attitude. They are firmly expecting God to fulfill [...]

Most of the bad choices in our lives involve an instant reward. Esau chose the instant gratification of a full stomach over the future reward of his birthright (Genesis 25:29-34). People choose the pleasures of smoking, alcohol, or the ease of fast food over a healthier and longer life. People choose to enjoy present purchases [...]

“The fear of the Lord prolongs life, But the years of the wicked will be shortened” (Proverbs 10:27 NASU). How does the fear of the Lord prolong life? The fear of the Lord causes one to hate evil, pride, and arrogance all of which can shorten one’s life span (Proverbs 8:13). The fear of the [...]

One warm afternoon, after a morning climbing through the mountains hunting deer, my dad and I decided to rest for a while on the side of a mountain. Hearing a snap, I opened my eyes to see a mountain lion about 15 feet away. I pointed my gun at the lion while my dad threw [...]

“Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So is the lazy one to those who send him” (Proverbs 10:26). It is extremely irritating to ask someone to do something you need done and they are slow about doing it or do not do it at all! If we accept a mission we [...]

“When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation” (Proverbs 10:25 NASU). The wicked are typically crippled with fears (Proverbs 10:24), sins (Proeverbs 5:22), hopelessness (Proverbs 10:28), and troubles (Proverbs 15:6). As a result, they typically cannot overcome the trials of life. The righteous have a peace and [...]

“What the wicked fears will come upon him, But the desire of the righteous will be granted” (Proverb 10:24 NASU). The wicked fear being discovered. They have secret and hidden parts of their lives they do not want others to know about. They fear having to answer and take responsibility for what they have done. [...]

“Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, And so is wisdom to a man of understanding” (Proverbs 10:23 NASU). There are many who amuse themselves and occupy their time with wickedness. Some people brag about their ability to cheat (e.g., in games or on their taxes), some on their ability to lie, and some [...]

“It is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich, And He adds no sorrow to it” (Proverbs 10:22 NASU). The way wealth is acquired is important. Many people want to be rich, but most try to do it without God. This only causes sorrow, especially when illicit means are used (see A Proverb A [...]