Westview Church

This past Sunday we were challenged by the witness of King Joash to make faith our own. We can't forever ride the coattails of the 'Jehoiada' in our lives. As we continue to wrestle with this challenge, a few questions to consider:

* Who was/is a 'Jehoiada' in my life that has been influential in my faith development? (bonus challenge - thank them!)
* What situations and/or circumstances has God used for me to make faith my own?
* If I've yet to make faith my own, what is holding me back?

~ Pastor Josh

In the message on Sunday, Liz invited us to explore disappointment, despair and confusion as we attempt to process the ebb and flow of faithfulness of the Kings in the Old Testament. What are we to make of the attitudes and actions of the Kings, both good and evil? One song that can help steady us on this journey, reminding us of the sovereign power of our Creator and Sustainer is Christ Our Wisdom.

Christ our wisdom, we are humbled
When You hide Your ways from us
You have purposes unnumbered
Each one good and glorious
Help us trust when we grow weary
Free us from our anxious thoughts
Give us grace to see more clearly
You are God and we are not

~ Suzanne Lenters

A couple of groups from Westview were being the hands and feet of Jesus this week by helping with some yardwork for our fellow congregants and making casseroles and tie blankets for Hope Ministries. It takes a village (or a whole church) to pitch in during times of need. Thank you!

O Lord, I praise you for this sermon message that calls our enemy out! The enemy that schemes, and lies, and deceives us. I call our enemy out for his lies designed to defeat me, destroy me, kill me. My enemy says: You are unworthy. You are unwelcome. My Savior calls out, Come, All Who Are weary and heavy laden! And I come. And I stand.

Take your stand today to expose the enemy's scheming in your life. Claim today your identity in Christ. For when the enemy attacks with the same old lies, I have learned to proclaim, "I am a child of God. I am a friend of Christ. I am a protegee of Holy Spirit."

I will not be deceived by the enemy. I will be delighted by our Holy Triune God! Holy. Holy. Holy. In Jesus I am worthy! In Jesus, I am welcome. And so, my dear sister or brother, are you! Amen and Amen.

~ Beth Ann Fox

The Middle & High School Youth Groups had their first summer social recently, and even a dog joined in on the fun! Be sure to join the WhatsApp group to see what's happening next!

There is a pattern of dysfunction in the line of kings that influenced Ahaziah and ultimately shaped many of his own decisions. As we reflect on the influences in our own lives, it serves as a reminder that we are surrounded by brokenness and dysfunction. Yet God is still at work in and through it all.

I also enjoyed the analogy Josh shared about throwing a rock into a calm body of water. It was a powerful reminder that even the smallest decisions we make can create ripples that extend far beyond what we can see or predict. Whether God places a pebble or a boulder in your hands, use it to create positive waves this week and make an impact for His kingdom.

~ Eric Heynen