Watts' Words

To view our culture with unfiltered eyes is to understand that the USA is in deep trouble. From the White House to the Court house to the church house to the ‘family house’, problems are more serious than at any time in this nation’s brief history. People are asking many questions. “What is happening to this great nation?” “Where are the leaders of principle?” “Why are we debating right and wrong?” The question even comes, “Where is the church in this melee?” These questions will be addressed in one form or another in the days and years ahead. Most people think that times are so bad because our economy is bad. Others think times are bad because crime is bad. Still others think times are bad because of our moral free fall. Sadly, all three (and more) of these are both true and bad, but sadder still is the truth that these are NOT the root of our problems; they are only symptoms from the problem. My favorite chapter in the Bible is Acts 2. This chapter tells us about one of the mo...

As I drove to the office today, I pulled through and bought that very nutritious meal for breakfast called “A sausage biscuit.” Now you will understand that this food cannot ride in your car to the office. In fact, I submit that if the biscuit arrives at the office with you, you have been very ‘neglectful.’ As I pulled out of the “What-a-burger” immediately I was stopped by a traffic light with cars both behind me, in front of me, and still attempting to get on the road beside me. When the traffic light changed to green (I was taking a big bite out of that mmmmm….mmmm biscuit) I took off only to hear the “honk, honk” (use your imagination) of the horn from the car behind me. Like most of us, I thought, “Why are they honking at me? What did I do?” Looking in the mirror, I discovered the car behind me was ‘waving’ at some friends who were going into What-A-Biscuit (GRIN) and was motioning for a car to get into traffic in front of them. In other words, the sound of that horn was a friend...

While the title of this blog is not correct grammatically, it is an accurate question – PRACTICALLY! The news stories which we read and hear seem to strike at the very core of our existence. The courts (and some churches) in this land appear to have lost touch with reality and common sense. For instance, I cannot imagine God sending HIS PEOPLE to a grave yard to belittle the parents of a young man who are attempting to bury their son killed on the battlefield. While it is true that America has and is taking the course of Sodom & Gomorrah and does need a course change; but does disrespecting and desecrating the internment of a fallen soldier accomplish this goal? It would seem to me that God is leveling judgment on America for many, many reason and in many, many ways, and God's people need to be the change 'agents' to right our course. That being said, we are also admonished to 'speak the truth in love.' This does not mean backing up from the truths which w...

While I don't necessarily consider myself to be a 'Political Mind', my mind has become increasingly focused on the adverse effects which the "Political Minds" of our day are having on this Nation which I dearly love. Recently I received an email with the following article being attributed to "Sherry Hackett", the widow of the late Buddy Hackett and a 'died in the wool' democrat. Reading this piece and its credited writer sent up my red flag so I checked it out. It was actually written in August 2009 by Faye Parrish of Bunnell, Florida. Originally she is supposed to have sent it to several friends, but I am glad to say that it has NOW made the 'email run.' For anyone who has not received this small article, here it is. Thank you Faye, for reminding us!   "WE NOTICED" President Obama: Today I read of your administrations' plan to re-define September 11 as a National Service Day. Sir, it's time we had a talk. During yo...

Most of the time I am completely silent (in print) about our country's leaders, because I am not a columnist, a commentator, nor a reporter. However, having watched Mr. Obama for these 2 years (which seem like a lifetime) and having read the myriad of 'pros' and 'cons' about his presidency, I have discovered one lesson which we would do well to understand. Since he stepped onto the national stage of politics there have been many questions presented about him and few answers have been offered. While this is sad in and of itself, there is a specific 'chink' in his armor that continually rises to the forefront and should speak to every authentic believer in Jesus. The question is this: WHAT DOES HE BELIEVE? Although this question is framed differently in the public press (I.E. Is he a muslin, is he a Christian, or is he an American, etc), the bottom line is that there exists great confusion over his religious beliefs. The reason Americans question his beli...

Very rarely do I openly recommend reading a blog or subscribing to a particular newsletter. However, in rare cases I do. Dr. David Jeremiah is, without a doubt, one of the most prolific speakers, teachers, and writers of our day. He always seems to have a fresh word for God for all who hear and read. This morning (Tuesday, August 03, 2010) he released a simply, yet impacting devotion on the Turning Points email so I offer it to all of us. To take this to heart is to make a change in our lives. Let us never forget, "God desires to change us every day."   Tuesday, August 3 Twelve Feet of Criticism Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he married. Numbers 12:1 (Holman Christian Standard Bible) Recommended Reading Numbers 12:1-9 In May of 1922, when the famous rescue mission in Chicago, the Pacific Garden Mission, had to relocate from Van Buren Street to 650 South State Street, a firestorm of criticism erupted. Some wh...

It is almost a daily occurance for me. Being subscribed to several 'blogging groups' within the Christian community delivers blogs to my email box. While I enjoy reading the thoughts of other, it seems that a common theme weaves its way through many blogs. Quite honestly, I am about to unsubscribe because of this theme. In writing these words, I understand that some of my 'friendships' might be stressed, strained, or separated. If this is the case, as much as it pains me, 'so be it.' The issue is Calvinism. First, my objection begins with the name. Quite honestly, reading the blogs of the Calvinists semms to almost deitize a man. Admittedly, a deeply intellectual man who deserves study along side of the other 'church' fathers, however, his name presents no reason to 'bow' and possesses no special power. My next objection is found in the premise that "if I'm not a Calvinist, then I do not believe in the sovereignty of God....

For the past year I have been diligently praying for the GCR Task Force. On this team of people are several whom I value as personal friends and I have a great deal of respect for those that I haven't had the privilege of knowing. Additionally, The concepts of 'great respect and admiration' pale in comparison of my feelings for our SBC President. He was a leader in Kingdom work long before he was elected to serve as SBC President. Additionally, Dr. Hunt continues to be a spiritual force for God and good in the world. These words begin this blog (which few people will actually read) because "I" happen to be one that 'clearly understands' that we need a refocus and recommitment to the Great Commission but, at the same time, am unsure and unconvinced that the way to accomplish this is by simply adopting the GCR report. Proponents will counter that they are proposing more than just 'adopting the report' and that adoption will only be the first s...

It has been many days since I have written a blog. Quite likely, it is because my writing get into so few hands that what I write (or think for that matter) makes little difference. However, as I continue to watch, read, and listen to the debate over the GCR in Southern Baptist life, it would seem to me that we are about to box ourselves in. Recently I read a message by the late Vance Havner and grinned at his words that sometimes we are like "an elephant with a blow torch in a room full of dynamite" and yet, it seems this is quickly becoming our position with the GCR. I, like 30,000 other Baptist pastors have listened to, downloaded, and printed out, the 'progress report' of the GCR task force given to the SBC Executive Committee. As I have digested the material, it seems to me that the focus on this report is to 'fixate' that which is not broken as oppose to 'fix' that which is in need of repair. My prayer is that TODAY (Monday, April 26, 2010),...

Today, one of my friends called me to tell me that something was going wrong on my blogger page. It seems that the link to my "Twitter" on this page was displaying all kinds of 'foul' language. Candidly, I went to my twitter account and checked out to block whoever was doing this. Come to find out, only the Twitter feed to my blog account was affected. So for now, I have deleted that feed to my blog page. I wish someone could give me the 'thought-processes' of someone who gets their kicks in life by making things difficult for other people. During this week of spending time with my family, many-many good people have been encouragers, providers, and even helpers for our family as we morn the passing of mom. Yet, it seems there is always one in every crowd who feels the needs to be mean-spirited to someone for no apparent reason. To whoever did this; I hope and pray that you will let your hack of my page be the last one. This was a distraction which I ...