In times of distress and acute pain, our "bent-out-of-the-shape-God-intended" minds seem to gravitate toward lies rather than truth. (At least, mine does.) Like flaming arrows, our minds are battered with the unrelenting assaults of the enemy, filling our minds with all things untrue i.e. “Life is hopeless now,” “I’ll never know joy again,” and, for … Continue reading Truth vs. Lies
Author: Nick Watts
Soul Dance
When interpreting Scripture (and most any literature) correctly, “context” helps greatly. Someone once said “a picture says a thousand words.” True - but not always. To this day, five centuries after its creation, da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” still perplexes experts in regard to the context surrounding the painting i.e. “Who is the woman in the … Continue reading Soul Dance
The Lord Gives….The Lord Takes Away
A friend of mine snapped a pic of me leading the music yesterday morning during our Sunday Morning Worship Service here at Super Summer. Notice the lyrics on the screen. My 19 year old son died one month ago. I have a choice to make. I can curse God. Or, I can trust that He … Continue reading The Lord Gives….The Lord Takes Away
What’s In a Name?
If you grew up in ancient Israel, your name represented a lot. Every name meant something theologically significant. After all, the Hebrews were "God's people." The Old Testament name "Joshua" means "The Lord is Salvation". More importantly, it corresponds directly to the New Testament name "Jesus." The other day, to help change the decor in … Continue reading What’s In a Name?
Common Grace
There's a theological term used by scholars to describe the common good in all people: "common grace." For example, one doesn't have to be a follower of Christ to exhibit kindness, patience, love, etc. So where does that "charity in us all" come from? Scholars attribute "common grace" to the Bible telling us that all … Continue reading Common Grace
When Jordan Met C.S. Lewis
One of the last events Jordan and I attended together was a Lecture on C.S. Lewis given by renowned Irish Christian apologist, Dr. Alister McGrath, at LCU in Lubbock in April, 2013, one month before Jordan passed away. Jordan loved C.S. Lewis and all things Narnia. In fact, Jordan's world took on a Narnian vibe, … Continue reading When Jordan Met C.S. Lewis
I Ask Great Things of a Great God
"O God, destroy in me every lofty thought. Break my pride to pieces...annihilate each clinging shred of self-righteousness.... Nothing exceeds Your power.... Infinite is Your might; boundless is Your love; limitless is Your grace; glorious is Your name! Let angels sing for sinners repenting, prodigals restored, satan's captives released, broken hearts healed, the discouraged cheered....I … Continue reading I Ask Great Things of a Great God
Why We Pray
"We do not know all that Jesus gained from His times in prayer, but we do know this: a life without prayer is a powerless life." (L.B. Cowman, "Streams in the Desert") Much prayer - much power. Little prayer - little power. No prayer - no power. nw
Thou, O Lord
When I led music at FBC, Wolfforth, we made this song our "theme anthem," of sorts. Now, at Bacon Heights Baptist in Lubbock, we've done the same thing. The words, verbatim from the 3rd Psalm, are a theme song for all who are worn, beaten down, afraid, confused....you get the picture. Written by a very … Continue reading Thou, O Lord
Let the Dead Bury the Dead
Another disciple said to [Jesus], “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” (Matthew 8:21-22) Before you rush to conclude that Jesus was being mean, the man’s father wasn’t officially dead yet. The Greek wording of the man’s request tells … Continue reading Let the Dead Bury the Dead