Watts' Words

A Message from a few weeks ago which is needed by the culture and the church.  May it speak to you...because Jesus is coming!!Studio

While admittedly I have rarely been a 'prolific' blogger (mainly because many who believe the world 'needs to hear their opinion' have little basis to feel that way), our country, culture, and even our planet is now seeing things happen at a phenomenal rate. Perhaps the 'rate' by which events are unfolding have not increased as much as my personal knowledge and perception have been awakened to these undesired changes. Furthermore, there is a great possibility that these changes (which have taken place largely over the past 15 years) have weighed on my heart and life as well as is now bearing down on the future of this country, the world, God's church, as well as my children and grandchildren. Most of my posts have been inspirational in nature and I would desire to continue those types of posts. However at least in the USA, there are many other things to which a spiritual leader (I.E. a pastor) should be speaking – and as time passes I intend to do so....

In 2006, I had the opportunity to go to Saddleback Church in Southern California for two seminars in one week.  In the process I had the privilege of meeting Rick Warren and seeing, first hand, His heart and passion, as well as sense the heart and passion of the people who make up the Saddleback flock. For these reasons I am interested in Rick's view on a number of issues.  In one of his recent blogs, he give "9 Actions You must take to Reach Your Biggest Goals."  There are worth sharing with the few who read my writings.  If nothing else, browse the main points.  I pray that God will use these words to stir you to the life He WANTS YOU TO HAVE. _______________________________________________ Rick says" 1. Determine your present position. You can’t figure out where you want to go until you know where you already are. You’ve got to know your present position, your current condition. You have to know where you are right now. Where am I now financ...

Several years ago, Deb and I enjoyed a week long cruise.  It was fun (and "I" would like to go again. Her, not so much with the many incidents on cruise ships these days).  On the last night, some of the guests became (tongue in cheek) "Legends" and put on a show for the rest of the ship.  I portrayed "Frank Sinatra" and had a blast.  The show was fun.  Deb taped this on HER PHONE!!!  Not too bad (I'm talking about the video) for her first stab at it.  Posted on Youtube, I will say "It hasn't gone viral yet."  Listen and you'll know why....GRIN

I have such a great family, they treat me really good at all times of the year but especially on those Holidays.  Honestly, I have never written anything about them because I attempt to not publicize them at all, but they are great!!  I only mention them because they give me more and better gifts than any man deserves. That said and understood, this past Christmas week (year 2014) was a fulfillment of the dream of a lifetime. Since the mid-1970's I have attempted to be a 'published' song writer.  During those days I would write out the score and submit to publishers.  The first piece I sent of went to the old "Crescendo Publishing" company out in Dallas, Texas (as I  recall).  It took the company ( after calling every 6 weeks) 13 MONTHS to decide they were not going to publish the arrangement. In the 1980's I did a 'little better' as the predecessor to "LifeWay" publications picked up my first song and in short order, the old John T. Benso...

Okay….I’m going to confess and as the same time, I’ll try not to complain.  Candidly, I’m tired.  If I were Bill Cosby I would precede tired with sick, you know, “I’m sick and tired.”  (Okay, I know, that sure sounds like complaining) The issue which has drawn my attention is the banter among us “BAPTISTS.”  It seems that the entire online “Christian” blogosphere, videos, blog videos, and all the rest seem to all have the same desire.  That desire is to set straight the theology of people who dare to speak, post, or act.  Also in the ‘bull’s-eye’ are the projects which attempt to point people and influence mankind to turn their backs on the world’s system and turn their faces toward Jesus.  From where I sit, one guy states an opinion in which his heart is, obviously, given to the Lord and he’s attempting to influence his readers toward Christ, the cross, repentance, and salvation.  Does he cross every theological “T” and dot every theological ...

Over the last 40 years as a staff person and Senior Pastor, I have watched across 5 states as every Baptist church has their 'own set of expectations' for their Pastor and staff.  Candidly, when I was young in ministry and a staff person, more than one Senior Pastor expressed to me that most people do not understand the Biblical vocational calling of a pastor or staff person.  Not long ago in a private group conversation one of the things I shared was that the reason for this lack of understanding is no one but YOU is present when God places that call on your life.  Personally, I was content as a Worship Leader because that was where my talents seem to lay.  However, God's voice was much louder than audible that night He called me to preach.  In simple words, that was His call to me.  I can still clearly hear His words. Many people (Clergy as well as Laity) have been heard to say things like, "All our preacher wants to do is preach."  And while genera...

I am posting this because I can't believe this has actually been written. Too often the first thing considered is the age of a man - which may be the least important detail. Since I am now older that I want to be, I'm glad that I didn't write this, but I am sharing it in hopes that, as Southern Baptists, we reconsider putting age constraints on our list of considerations. It is nothing to see an ad for a "Senior Pastor" with age requirements of "30-50"...Take a read... 3 Problems With Choosing Youth Over Wisdom In Church Staffing By Danny Watterson A few years ago, I got the itch to try out for my neighborhood tennis league. In my first match, I was slotted to play an older gentlemen in his mid-to-upper sixties. In my arrogance, I felt sorry for him and figured I’d get a quick victory and make it home by dinner. However, it was apparent after the first few minutes that this “old guy” was clearly taking me to school. Every one of his shots was plac...

This past weekend, Deb and I went to see Noah.  Admid the controversy of this movie release I desired to see for myself so as to offer a ‘First Person’ response when asked.  So here are my ‘post-viewing’ thoughts.  By the way, there is nothing divine or ‘inspired’ about my thoughts, for they are simply that, my personal thoughts about this movie. First as a movie, I would give it a C-.  While it wasn’t boring, the development of the plot seemed to be very slow and arduous.  The character generated animals were pretty good.  When the flood came, there was a sense of the power of nature over the power of man.  Probably the only real moment of beauty was when the trees and forest appeared.  While certainly not a part of the Biblical account (I’ll get to that), it was admittedly an “attention getting moment” for a movie that lack the ‘attention-getting’ characteristics.  One person suggested this was a "Save the Whales", "Save t...

The story of Jesus and the house of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus is found in two passages of scripture, Luke 10 and John 12.   Interestingly, Martha is seen doing the same thing in John 12 as she does in Luke 10, she is serving.   However, as previously noted, after the encounter of Luke 10 where she had a “Fresh Encounter” in the words of Jesus she served the crowd in John 12 with no complaining.   This is an important note for us today because we live in a “culture of complaining.”   Last week a Sunday School class was giving a report about their ministry outside of the ‘four-walls-of-the church’ and we heard that people complained.   Certainly, the world teaches us how to complain and we can be good learners!   However, a “Fresh Encounter” could well change you from being a chronic complainer to being focused on serving Jesus with a whole heart. Also interesting is knowing that Mary is found in the same place doing the same thing as she did during th...

Walk into the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus (we literally did last Sunday).   Each of these three experienced a “Fresh Encounter” with Jesus that ‘changed their lives!’   This is true of EVERYONE who has an “Encounter with Jesus.”   Today, on this Tuesday before we gather for the weekend where we seek God for a “Fresh Encounter”, consider “Martha.”   She is known as a person of service.   She does much.   Every time the family needs something ‘done’, Martha is the girl.   She puts muscle and action to whatever is needed.   She is like many today; to see a need or a task that needs doing is to respond, do, work, and act.   Such was the life of Martha in Luke 10.   However again like so many, there is a dark side of Martha; she demands everyone do ‘like she does’ and if they don’t, she complains!   Martha might fit well in the 21 st century culture because it would seem that we live in a “Culture of Complaining.” ...

Recently I read that a call from God was like a 'telephone' ringing, our Lord calls and we answer and listen.  When Jesus saw the four fishermen, his call was very simple.  All He said was, "Follow Me."   While the call was indeed a simple call, the response was more difficult.  Peter and Andrew left their boats and nets, James and John left their "Father, boats, nets, and his hired help", and later on scripture recorded that Matthew left his lucrative accounting business (tax collecting).  Following Christ will always mean leaving 'something.'  While this is not a popular message and certainly one that is less than palatable, it is certain a scriptural part of the call of Christ. His callings extend to every part of our lives.  He calls us to SALVATION - in other words to be saved.  This call, in and of itself, is a call to leave one life and take on another.  Following Christ means a change of our entire life and direction, a repenta...