For the last year (to date) my mind has been swimming in an ocean of wonder. Wondering what has happened. I am not going to go into detail about what happened on this date last year to make this my D-Day, but I can say with certainty that God has taken care of my family and my self even during the midst of confusion and wonder. God has made His presence known to me even when struggles with anger and frustration creep into my mind.
Many have asked why things happen the way they do. Why would my circumstance happen? If God truly loves and wants to take care of us why would He allow this to take place? In my opinion the only answer is He DOES love me. He loves me enough to allow me to go through hard times so that He can show me just how much He wants to take care of me. If we only had joyful and happy times we could never see God’s awesome presence through the bad times. It is during those bad times that we appreciate Him even more.
I can’t tell you what a joy it has been over the past eight months to be where we are. And looking back what a joy it is to not be where we were. We made some amazing friends (Ryan, Mindi, Jamie, Julie, Debbie, Rick, the Anderson’s, the Chavez’s, and countless others) and we will always be friends with them (love you guys. Sorry to leave people out but I don’t have time to type everyone’s names). But God has shown me so much through the time we were “no where.” I actually substituted in a kindergarten class (5 times). I EVEN subbed in Pre-K. Now that was nuts. Even though I subbed in those classes and many others in those 4 months it was a time where God was preparing me for Big–T, Terlton that is. He prepared my heart for pastoring the best church in the world, and I don’t say that flippantly.
Why do bad things happen to people who do nothing wrong? So that God can show you just how awesome He is. He never promised an easy road, but He did promise that He would be there with you and take you to places only He has for you. What a great God He is!!!
In the blood of Christ,
Scott Watkins
Acts 4:13
Friday, August 29, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
the gospel according to superman; part 1
As many of you know I am a Superman geek. I have a Superman lunch box in my office that I had when I was in grade school. It was one of the old vintage metal ones. It has Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, and Jackie Cooper on it. Such a classic. I also have about 4 Superman t-shirts, a Superman cap, and other Superman memorabilia in my office. To me, Superman is the embodiment of all that is good, other than Christ of course. But Superman is a symbol known around the world as someone good and full of justice.
Of course being a Superman fan I purchased the DVD of Superman Returns (2006) when it first hit the stores. I received Superman 1–4 staring Christopher Reeve from my sister for Christmas. Yesterday I took some time to watch Superman Returns and enjoyed watching my favorite super hero. the movie not receive stellar reviews but watching it for about the 5th time I now have really enjoyed it. But as I watch it I pick up on some interesting things mentioned in this film.
In once scene Superman takes Lois on a private flight into the sky. Lois has won a Pulitzer Prize for an article she wrote entitled, “Why the World Doesn’t Need Superman.” The dialogue goes like this:
Superman: Listen; what do you hear?
Of course being a Superman fan I purchased the DVD of Superman Returns (2006) when it first hit the stores. I received Superman 1–4 staring Christopher Reeve from my sister for Christmas. Yesterday I took some time to watch Superman Returns and enjoyed watching my favorite super hero. the movie not receive stellar reviews but watching it for about the 5th time I now have really enjoyed it. But as I watch it I pick up on some interesting things mentioned in this film.
In once scene Superman takes Lois on a private flight into the sky. Lois has won a Pulitzer Prize for an article she wrote entitled, “Why the World Doesn’t Need Superman.” The dialogue goes like this:
Superman: Listen; what do you hear?
Lois Lane: Nothing.
Superman: I hear everything. You wrote that the world doesn’t need a savior, but every day I hear people crying for one.
It seems like there are so many people in our world who believe they don’t need a Savior and they try to accomplish things on their own. But aren’t you glad that God hears everything. He hears the cries of people. You may not realize it but there are people all around the world crying out to God. They may not say it vocally but their very lives tell it. We as Christians can become like Lois. We get so caught up in our own lives and tune people out and forget they need to know about Him.
What are we doing to share the Gospel? It is imperative that we become attentive to the cries of those needing Christ. Make it a commitment to live your life sharing the only thing that can truly save mankind. Not the man in the blue tights but the Man who defeated sin. The ultimate superman – Jesus Christ.
It seems like there are so many people in our world who believe they don’t need a Savior and they try to accomplish things on their own. But aren’t you glad that God hears everything. He hears the cries of people. You may not realize it but there are people all around the world crying out to God. They may not say it vocally but their very lives tell it. We as Christians can become like Lois. We get so caught up in our own lives and tune people out and forget they need to know about Him.
What are we doing to share the Gospel? It is imperative that we become attentive to the cries of those needing Christ. Make it a commitment to live your life sharing the only thing that can truly save mankind. Not the man in the blue tights but the Man who defeated sin. The ultimate superman – Jesus Christ.
Scott
Acts 4:13
Friday, August 22, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
it's coming soon!!!
D–Day will be here soon. Only 10 days away. Make sure you check out this blog then and maybe a couple of times before then too.
Scott
Acts 4:13
Scott
Acts 4:13
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
what is most important to you?
When I was growing up, my parents always took us to church. When we woke up on Sunday morning we never asked the question, “Are we going to church today?” We just got up, put on “church” clothes and went. BTW, if I ever DID ask my parents would have slapped my face and told me to get dressed. My dad was our Music Minister and my mom was as faithful as anyone else in the church.
When I was five (5) I began to ask questions about Jesus, mostly because some of my friends were and they were getting baptized and I wanted to be baptized. So I learned the answers and I knelt down by my mom & dad’s bed and my dad led me through a sinner’s prayer. I got baptized and thought it was cool.
When I was nine (9) the cool thing was to be saved AGAIN, and as most people know nine year olds know exactly what “cool” is. (You cannot be saved more than one time. Read John 10:28-30). So at a Vacation Bible School at Calvary Church in Hominy, OK, I asked Jesus to come into my heart. But my prayer was not sincere. Again I was baptized and felt good about myself.
At the age of 16, I was at a crusade in Bartlesville, OK. It was August 28, 1990, and I don’t think I heard a word the preacher was saying. All I remember was that if I did not get saved that night I was going to go to hell. Well, I didn’t want to go to hell. So I went forward at the invitation. A friend of mine saw me and began to talk to me about salvation. He thought I was already saved because I was one of the most active students in our Ministry. He began to talk to me about Scriptures and when he would start on, like Romans 3:23, ‘For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” I would finish it for him, every verse. I knew it in my head but not in my heart. I had even led a boy to Christ when I was in 7th grade without even knowing Christ myself.
That night in Bartlesville, I came to know Christ as my Lord and Savior. I have had no doubts since then. Since then God has called me to serve Him in ministry and I have been doing that for 15 years. God is so good to me even when I am not good to Him (2 Timothy 2:13 reads, “if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself”).
If you are reading this and have questions about a relationship with God, please feel free to send me a message. I would love to talk to you about the most important decision of your life.
http://www.mostimportantthing.org/People/ShowStory.aspx?t=109
thank You for the cross Lord
thank You for the price You paid
bearing all my sin and shame
in love You came and gave amazing grace
thank You for this love Lord
thank You for the nail pierced hands
washed me in Your cleansing flow
now all i knowYour forgiveness and embrace
worthy is the Lamb seated on the throne
crown You now with many crowns
You reign victorious
high and lifted up Jesus Son of God
the Darling of Heaven crucified
worthy is the Lamb
worthy is the Lamb
In Christ,
Scott
Acts 4:13
When I was five (5) I began to ask questions about Jesus, mostly because some of my friends were and they were getting baptized and I wanted to be baptized. So I learned the answers and I knelt down by my mom & dad’s bed and my dad led me through a sinner’s prayer. I got baptized and thought it was cool.
When I was nine (9) the cool thing was to be saved AGAIN, and as most people know nine year olds know exactly what “cool” is. (You cannot be saved more than one time. Read John 10:28-30). So at a Vacation Bible School at Calvary Church in Hominy, OK, I asked Jesus to come into my heart. But my prayer was not sincere. Again I was baptized and felt good about myself.
At the age of 16, I was at a crusade in Bartlesville, OK. It was August 28, 1990, and I don’t think I heard a word the preacher was saying. All I remember was that if I did not get saved that night I was going to go to hell. Well, I didn’t want to go to hell. So I went forward at the invitation. A friend of mine saw me and began to talk to me about salvation. He thought I was already saved because I was one of the most active students in our Ministry. He began to talk to me about Scriptures and when he would start on, like Romans 3:23, ‘For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” I would finish it for him, every verse. I knew it in my head but not in my heart. I had even led a boy to Christ when I was in 7th grade without even knowing Christ myself.
That night in Bartlesville, I came to know Christ as my Lord and Savior. I have had no doubts since then. Since then God has called me to serve Him in ministry and I have been doing that for 15 years. God is so good to me even when I am not good to Him (2 Timothy 2:13 reads, “if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself”).
If you are reading this and have questions about a relationship with God, please feel free to send me a message. I would love to talk to you about the most important decision of your life.
http://www.mostimportantthing.org/People/ShowStory.aspx?t=109
thank You for the cross Lord
thank You for the price You paid
bearing all my sin and shame
in love You came and gave amazing grace
thank You for this love Lord
thank You for the nail pierced hands
washed me in Your cleansing flow
now all i knowYour forgiveness and embrace
worthy is the Lamb seated on the throne
crown You now with many crowns
You reign victorious
high and lifted up Jesus Son of God
the Darling of Heaven crucified
worthy is the Lamb
worthy is the Lamb
In Christ,
Scott
Acts 4:13
Friday, August 8, 2008
what the heck are we doing?
In all honesty I never saw myself being the Pastor of a traditional Baptist church. I believed I would continue in Student Ministry for a few more years (5–8) and then move into a Minister of Missions or even student evangelism. I love proclaiming the Word to students and adults and I love missions; not just going but helping others go as well. So when my Student Ministry days ended abruptly, my thoughts and desires began to change as well.
I saw my friends endure different trials and deacon’s meetings while they served as the Pastor or their churches. Who wants to put themselves through that garbage? I know I didn’t. I was always under the impression that church was a place where people loved the Lord and loved each other and loved sinners to salvation. I guess I was just too naive. I had no idea that the church was a place where grown men and women belly-ached and complained when they thought the color of the carpet should have been brick and not burgundy. (For those of you not familiar, brick and burgundy are EXTREMELY similar.) When people complain because the Pastor is talking about going to one restaurant but forgets to mention that he went to another where a church member really enjoys THEIR tacos instead. Regardless, “church” has become a four-letter word to many people, even though it has six letters (actually it has four because “c” and “h” are repeated.) I sit back and think why would anyone, if they knew how Christians really were, would want to come here?
That is where my calling has come into play. Because of God’s great mercy, and probably His humor, He has allowed me to become a Pastor. I believe He has called me to help lead the church to be different than it has been. To be focused on what really matters. You may ask, “Scott, what really matters?” I’m glad you asked. Sinners coming to a place of repentance and salvation. That is what really matters! The color of carpet and the restaurant you go to have nothing to do with eternity. BUT, our petty differences in God’s church can make the difference between someone spending an eternity in Heaven or spending a life damned in hell. The church must wake up and realize that what we are doing is hurting Christ. Let’s be real men and women and dismiss our petty differences and strive forward to win the lost to Jesus. Are you with me? I CAN’T HEAR YOU!!!! Are you with ME?!?!?!
Scott
Acts 4:13
I saw my friends endure different trials and deacon’s meetings while they served as the Pastor or their churches. Who wants to put themselves through that garbage? I know I didn’t. I was always under the impression that church was a place where people loved the Lord and loved each other and loved sinners to salvation. I guess I was just too naive. I had no idea that the church was a place where grown men and women belly-ached and complained when they thought the color of the carpet should have been brick and not burgundy. (For those of you not familiar, brick and burgundy are EXTREMELY similar.) When people complain because the Pastor is talking about going to one restaurant but forgets to mention that he went to another where a church member really enjoys THEIR tacos instead. Regardless, “church” has become a four-letter word to many people, even though it has six letters (actually it has four because “c” and “h” are repeated.) I sit back and think why would anyone, if they knew how Christians really were, would want to come here?
That is where my calling has come into play. Because of God’s great mercy, and probably His humor, He has allowed me to become a Pastor. I believe He has called me to help lead the church to be different than it has been. To be focused on what really matters. You may ask, “Scott, what really matters?” I’m glad you asked. Sinners coming to a place of repentance and salvation. That is what really matters! The color of carpet and the restaurant you go to have nothing to do with eternity. BUT, our petty differences in God’s church can make the difference between someone spending an eternity in Heaven or spending a life damned in hell. The church must wake up and realize that what we are doing is hurting Christ. Let’s be real men and women and dismiss our petty differences and strive forward to win the lost to Jesus. Are you with me? I CAN’T HEAR YOU!!!! Are you with ME?!?!?!
Scott
Acts 4:13
Thursday, August 7, 2008
building clean up
As many of you know our church is joining with our community to clean up the old school facility that is lying in ruins across the street. A few years ago the school lost funding and since all the students would funnel into Cleveland High School, Cleveland Public Schools decided to close it down. From there it became a target for vandalism. Kids were shooting out
windows and creating a bigger problem. Pawnee County came in and decided to demolish the building but left it looking like the picture on the side.
There is still playground equipment that can be used but because of the rubble it is too dangerous for kids to play on it. So we want to do something about it. Shelly’s parents are the College Directors for the Monterey Baptist Church in Lubbock, TX. Their students want to be part of missions so they decided to come up to Terlton and help us clean up this mess. Friday and Saturday, August 15–16, we are going to have a Community Project to clean up the school. We will be clearing out bricks, wood, and doing whatever we can to get that place ready for a park. Some will be cleaning off the bricks so they can be sold. Others will be helping with water and other refreshments while others will be doing whatever else is needed. This will be a HUGE project.
windows and creating a bigger problem. Pawnee County came in and decided to demolish the building but left it looking like the picture on the side.
There is still playground equipment that can be used but because of the rubble it is too dangerous for kids to play on it. So we want to do something about it. Shelly’s parents are the College Directors for the Monterey Baptist Church in Lubbock, TX. Their students want to be part of missions so they decided to come up to Terlton and help us clean up this mess. Friday and Saturday, August 15–16, we are going to have a Community Project to clean up the school. We will be clearing out bricks, wood, and doing whatever we can to get that place ready for a park. Some will be cleaning off the bricks so they can be sold. Others will be helping with water and other refreshments while others will be doing whatever else is needed. This will be a HUGE project.
It has been said to me that in any small town the school is the hub for everything that happens in that community. When there is no school someone MUST step up and take that place of the hub. If the church does not take it someone else will. I want this church to be that hub. This church needs to make an IMPACT in the lives of these people and this project can help us begin to do just that. If you can come help us on either day, please do so. If all you can do is pray (that sounds tacky) then please do so. Prayer is so much more powerful than we think. God desires each of us to do something for Him that is significant. Please help us reach people for Christ and see His Kingdom advanced.
In Christ Alone,
Scott
Acts 4:13
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Scott
Acts 4:13
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Wednesday, August 6, 2008
have you ever?
Maybe it is just me, but have you ever just wanted to strangle your children, at least those of you who have children. Today we had a little excursion to Hominy (GO BUCKS) to get our hair cut. Yes we all go together to the same person on the same day. I am an old married guy with three girls. Anyway, the whole time we are in the place they are psychos. I don’t mean the cute cuddly psychos. I mean the ones who won’t stop grabbing hairspray bottles and putting them in their mouths (that was mostly Emiley who is 19 mos.). I decide to take them on a walk through the metropolis known as Hominy and I am pushing Emiley in the stroller and Sydney and Taylor are walking with me. About ¼ of mile into it Taylor is sooooo tired and wanting a break. I am trying to tell her that I need to get back to get my hair cut and she is dragging her feet and Sydney is not keeping up. When we finally get there and get done we go eat.They actually weren’t too bad in there. So we get in the van and drive to Tulsa because a girl in our church just had a baby yesterday and we are going to see them. They fight and argue the entire way. So I finally told them that no one else is to talk. So we finally get to Southcrest Hospital and go see the baby. Cute kid. Then back in the van and that is when it got crazy.
We stop for gas and they HAVE to have a drink. So I get Taylor some water and she shares it with her sisters. Then Emiley is yelling, “MOM! MOM! MOM! MOM! MOM! MOM!” and won’t stop because she wants more water. Then Sydney is mimicking her. Why in the world did God give them voices before they were 12?
I am really praying that I be the dad these girls need me to be. In 3 John 1:4 it reads, “I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” What an awesome thought. Even though my beautiful daughters may drive me into an insane asylum, I want them so much to love God with all their hearts. No great joy will I ever have than to know that they are walking with the Lord. God bless.
SDW
Acts 4:13
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
in my head
To be honest I am not really sure why I am starting this. It seems a bit arrogant to think that people would actually want to read what I think. I am by no means a deep theologian. I have a Bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Baptist University but have never been to seminary. And I really don't plan on going to seminary.
I have been the Lead Pastor now for a little over 7 months. Before this I was in Student Ministry for about 15 years. There is a part of me that misses Student Ministry but at the same time I really enjoy the pastoring. Probably the hardest thing I have experienced while being THE GUY is the loss of connectedness with students. When we went to Falls Creek it was so weird because in the past I would spend so much time investing in students through the year and then see my time and efforts grow while at camp. This year I found my self not knowing the kids that well at all. I suppose it will just have to be an adjustment I will make.
I am so blessed to be here at Terlton's First Baptist Church. God is blessing us and we are having a great time. For those of you bored enough to read this I would like to invite you to our Terlton Community Project. We are cleaning up the old school grounds. It is quite an undertaking. But we hope that the people of Terlton and our church can create a bond that will allow us to reach out more to them. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. Have a wonderful day and God bless.
Scott
Acts 4:13
I have been the Lead Pastor now for a little over 7 months. Before this I was in Student Ministry for about 15 years. There is a part of me that misses Student Ministry but at the same time I really enjoy the pastoring. Probably the hardest thing I have experienced while being THE GUY is the loss of connectedness with students. When we went to Falls Creek it was so weird because in the past I would spend so much time investing in students through the year and then see my time and efforts grow while at camp. This year I found my self not knowing the kids that well at all. I suppose it will just have to be an adjustment I will make.
I am so blessed to be here at Terlton's First Baptist Church. God is blessing us and we are having a great time. For those of you bored enough to read this I would like to invite you to our Terlton Community Project. We are cleaning up the old school grounds. It is quite an undertaking. But we hope that the people of Terlton and our church can create a bond that will allow us to reach out more to them. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. Have a wonderful day and God bless.
Scott
Acts 4:13
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