Posts by Cody Westbrook
Three Things to Remember in Sorrow
Our hearts have been heavy for the last week as we have absorbed the devastation of the Guadalupe River flood. It can be difficult to know what do think or do during such difficult times. My mind went to the prophet Jeremiah, who watched a city burn while men, women, and children were killed or carried away captive. Here are three things he would have us remember in a time such as this. Remember the MERCY of God (Lam. 3:22-24).…
A Case in Point: Naboth’s Vineyard
Solomon counseled, “Get wisdom!” (Pro. 4:5), and how we ought to heed that admonition. James would have us know, however, that not just any wisdom will do. There is a kind of wisdom that “does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic” (Jas. 3:15). Literally, it is “earth bound,” “spiritually dead,” and “from hell.” This kind of thinking manifests itself in fruit like envy, selfishness, pride, deceit, confusion, and every kind of evil thing (Jas. 3:14, 16). It…
Memorizing God’s Word
Bible memorization is a sticky subject for some. “I’m too old!” “It’s too difficult!” “My memory isn’t good!” “Is it really necessary?” These are just a few of the sentiments sometimes expressed about the subject. It can, admittedly, be an intimidating task, but it doesn’t have to be! Memorizing God’s Word will bless your life and greatly benefit your spiritual growth. And, it is something that everyone can do! Consider, briefly, some thoughts about the “why” and “how” of Bible…
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Every generation has its heroes – its giants. Those who pave the way for us through their hard work and dedication. Those who exemplify prized virtues like humility, integrity, devotion, and ingenuity. Our nation has been shaped by figures like these, their pictures hang in monuments throughout the country. The church has giants too. Preachers, elders, Bible class teachers, and servants of all kinds, who have set forth profound examples of what it means to be a New Testament Christian.…
The Positive Power of the Tongue (Jas. 3:2-5a)
In Exodus 4:11 the Lord asked Moses, “Who has made man’s mouth?” and in Romans 6:13 Paul commanded “present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” The Lord intricately designed our bodies (Ps. 139:13-16) to be used for His glory, and that includes our mouths. But, sadly, we often underestimate the good that can be accomplished for God with them. If you were to ask any Bible student to…
The Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit
It is one of the more intriguing but also difficult, and sometimes frightening passages in the New Testament. Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation” (Mark 3:28-29; cf. Matt. 12:24-32). The idea of an “unpardonable sin” is unsettling. What is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? Can it…
He Stole Our Hearts
The ever suave and masterful politician, Absalom carefully and purposefully engrained himself within the hearts of Israel. Second Samuel 15:1-6 records his strategy. For four years the king’s son positioned himself at the city gates, shaking hands and kissing the people. When someone felt slighted because their case had not garnered the attention of the king, Absalom was quick to console them. “Oh that I were made judge in the land, and everyone who has any suit or cause would…
Fulfilling the Royal Law (Jas. 2:8-13)
Love your neighbor as yourself. The command is simple enough to understand but, as is evidenced so often by our failure to do it, sometimes difficult to obey. There are several reasons why this could be the case. Perhaps the culprit is laziness. Love requires action and we are sometimes too lazy to put forth the effort. Sometimes it’s selfishness. Love requires sacrifice but occasionally we are too selfish to give anything. But sometimes it’s prejudice. We may look at…
Stop Chasing Bubbles!
I have 3 children who are all very different– each one with his own unique personality, equipped with very specific likes and dislikes. But as different as they may be, there are some things they have in common. One, in particular, is a love for playing with bubbles. We’ve spent countless hours in our back yard with wands, machines, and every kind of bubble gadget imaginable watching them laugh and play, chasing bubbles all around the yard. It’s incredible how…
4 Pillars in Times of Change
Change is the only constant in life. Presidents come and go and culture shifts in different directions. Accidents happen, illness comes unexpectedly, children are born, and parents pass away. Elderships change, members move away–preachers too–deaths and births occur, and congregational dynamics shift. As we often sing, “Time is filled with swift transition.” So, how do we navigate those transition? By holding fast to that which does not change. The first chapter of Joshua chronicles a time of change for the…
Receiving God’s Word (Jas. 1:21)
When we hold a Bible in our hands, we hold the most potent force and most powerful weapon humanity will ever know. God’s Word has the ability to accomplish more good than anything or anyone on earth could ever imagine. The most hardened sinner, the most doubtful skeptic, or the most hate-filled heart can be transformed by the power of Scripture (2 Cor. 10:3-5). But in order for God’s Word to bring about change in our lives we must do…
What’s Your Ear Worm?
Are you familiar with ear worms? If you have ever found yourself singing or humming a song throughout the day-sometimes even unintentionallythen the answer is “yes.” “Ear worm” is the colloquial term for a catchy tune stuck on repeat in your head. The song you hear on the radio that sounds great and just sticks with you. Not all ear worms should be secular songs. The Psalmist wrote, “Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage”…