Missing Christmas

The images of Christmas are quite vivid in most of our minds. You haveprobably heard about the boy who, when asked about the Christmas story, could only remember the three maggots who brought gold, frankincense and smurfs to the baby Jesus.

In addition to this distorted image of Christmas, there are many other ways that we view Christmas. Some see it as a time of giving and thus, shopping. Some think of family. Others are reminded of plays, candy, and presents.
It is, as one writer has said, ``harder and harder to see Christmas throughthe wrapping paper of our culture.''
In 1989, the actor Charles Durning made a film entitled, ``The Christmas That Almost Wasn't.'' The film portrays Santa as very unhappy. He is so bothered by the greed and selfishness of the world that he has threatened to cancel the holiday, thus causing everyone to miss Christmas. Sadly, almost everyone misses Christmas every year.

How is it that we miss Christmas? We miss Christmas when we don't personally receive the gifts that the Lord Jesus Christ came to give us. Jesus came as a Savior to save us from our sins and to give us a new life, as well as eternal life. We miss Christmas when we don't receive his free gift of salvation.

We also miss Christmas when we fail to personally give the gift of ourselves to Jesus Christ in worship and thanksgiving. We almost always give gifts to those whom we love. Why, we should ask, do we forget our Lord.

The ``how'' of missing Christmas is simple but the ``why'' of missing Christmas is somewhat more complex. Let me suggest some reasons why we miss it that are taken right from the Biblical account of the very first Christmas.

Firstly, it is very possible to miss Christmas because we are preoccupied. Like the innkeeper who had no room in his inn for Joseph and the very pregnant Mary (Luke 2:7), we are not hostile or unsympathetic. We are just very busy. The shopping, the Christmas parties, the Christmas concerts, the wrapping of gifts, etc., make it so very easy for us to miss Christmas. It takes a real effort to focus on the real reason for the season.

Second, we can miss Christmas if we are perplexed about the Christ child. Just as those who heard the shepherds' first announcement of the Savior's birth (Luke 2:18). These individuals marveled at the good news, but did not personally go to check things out for themselves. They missed Christmas. Sadly, to most people, who Jesus really is and what he came to do is some what of a blur. Growing up in church I had a vague idea about the identity of the baby Jesus, but I understood very little of the implications of His coming to earth. I made very little effort to checkout His claims. Frankly, I was comfortable in my ignorance. The result was that for many years I missed Christmas.

We can also miss Christmas because of our own fears regarding Jesus Christ. I call it the phobia of Christmas. When Herod and the Jewish leaders were approached by the Magi from the East they were troubled (Matt. 2:1-3).The Magi sought a new born king. King Herod feared that new king might take away his title as king of the Jews. Jesus comes not only to us as a Savior, but as our King. We miss Christmas when we are afraid to give Christ full reign in our lives because of the changes that He most certainly would require.

Lastly, we can miss Christmas because of pride. The chief priests and scribes were experts in the law. They even quoted Micah 5:2 to Herod about the whereabouts of Christ's birth (Matt. 2:4-6). Yet they failed to seek out the Christ child. They were content in their religious tradition. They had a concept of a Messiah that they were comfortable with. Evidently, the Jesus that the Magi sought was not what they were looking for. We must never forget that it is not the religious traditions that make Christmas. It is Jesus. Let's be sure not to replace Him with ceremony.

In a few short days Christmas will come and go. Let’s not miss it. Let’s put aside our preoccupations with the presents and focus on the person of Christ. Let’s deal sincerely with the questions we have about Christ. Let’s search the Scriptures to find the answers. Let’s bow down before Him as King. Let’s humble ourselves in His presence.

Regretfully, this year many will once again miss Christmas. Don't be among this group. Jesus Christ extends an invitation for us to experience Him and His salvation all year `round.
Receive His free gift of salvation with its forgiveness of sin and
eternal life today and in turn, give to Him the gift of your heart.

Merry New York City Christmas,

Dave Watson, An Urban Christian

Reflections on the 2008 Election

In a couple of days Americans will go to the polls and pull a lever to elect a new President of the United States of America. We are truly a privileged people. Christians in centuries past had to put up with maniacal dictators who persecuted and martyred our forbears. Even today there are places in the world where believers are suppressed and oppressed. Because of our freedoms I hope you will avail yourself of the right to vote. Being a good Christian means being a good citizen, rendering to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s, so go and vote on Tuesday, November 4th.

A sample of internet sites from and for believers will yield a multitude of reasons to vote for one candidate or another. Many times we are told to pray and seek the Lord’s leading as to who we should vote for. I do believe we should pray. However, I don’t think we should so much seek a leading as we should seek discernment. We need discernment to see through the media’s hoopla and the candidates’ smoke and mirrors. They are, after all, politicians. But there is more.

As Christians we have been given the infallible, life-changing, inspired Word of God. From these Scriptures we can discern, at best, which candidate we should vote for or, at worst, which candidate not to vote for. It seems to me that there are five timeless truths in Scripture that give us the guidance we need.

These truths are:

Principle #1 - A commitment to a pro-life position – All life is sacred because we are all made equally in the image of God (Genesis 1:27-28). The life of the innocent unborn is indeed precious. The Scriptures teach us that God supervises our creation in the womb (Psalm 139:13-16) and that He has a purpose for us from before we were born (Jeremiah 1:5). In Amos 1:13, God promised to judge the Ammonites for their mistreatment of the unborn. God is clearly on the side of the unborn, so the person we vote for should be fully of that persuasion as well, both in their personal and political convictions.

Principle #2 - A commitment to a pro-traditional family position – From the time of Creation, God has defined marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman; Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve or Eve and Elaine (Genesis 2:22-25). Same sex marriage and or polygamous marriages are outside of God’s design. A society cannot survive without strong traditional families. Every effort should be made to hold this Biblical model up as the standard. What’s more, any perversion of God’s original design for the family is both dangerous and destructive to a society. The person we pull the lever for should share God’s view of marriage and the family.

Principle #3 - A commitment to a pro-Israel position – God promised Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you. And I will curse him who curses you.” This Abrahamic Covenant is unconditional and carries through to today. It behooves our nation then to bless Israel, to support her. This is a Biblical conviction we should embrace and hold to. It doesn’t mean we don’t confront Israel’s evils and faults. Israel doesn’t get a free pass to do whatever it pleases. However, it is clear that the Jewish nation is still the apple of God’s eye and we and the person we vote for should see them that way.

Principle #4 - A commitment to a pro-Judeo/Christian values position – Proverbs 14:34 tells us that “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people”. The Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount reflect what the Lord means by righteousness. Psalm 94:20 asks, “Shall the throne of iniquity which devises evil by law, have fellowship with You?” The Lord says He will have no part with the kingdom/nation that legislates evil behavior. As Christians, we should support those who share our values. We live in a pluralistic country, but we are under no obligation to vote for those who don’t share our Judeo/Christian values. These values are a major foundation for the goodness of our land.

Principle #5 - A commitment to a pro-compassion position -- Psalm 9:17-18 tells us, “The wicked shall be turned into hell and all nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten, the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever.” It is clear that God cares about the poor and needy. The Church should have that same concern and so should those we vote for. Turning our back on those who are genuinely in need can result in God turning His back on us as a nation.

I encourage you to use these five simple principles to determine which candidate would best reflect our Christian values. As believers in Jesus Christ we are told to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”. Thus, we don’t vote a political party but our Savior’s priorities. We cannot vote our color, but His creed. We don’t vote our ethnicity but His ethics. We don’t merely vote for “A Change we can believe in”, we vote according to “God’s Word that we can count on.” We don’t vote “Country First”, we vote “Christ’s Kingdom First.” We don’t even vote according to our pocketbook, but rather, we must vote according to His principles. And in the end, our prayer is not for what we want but what He Wills.

If you aren’t sure where a candidate stands, Google that candidate and the principles above. This time around, let’s be sure we search the Scriptures, search the internet, search our hearts and on Tuesday, search out our polling place.

As a citizen of the United States of America I am grateful for the privilege of voting to elect a president and other public officials. As a citizen of heaven I am grateful for the knowledge that the Lord ultimately selects our leaders. Daniel 2:20 tells us that the Lord “changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings”. First, foremost and always though, you and I are committed to follow one person, our Lord, Jesus Christ. He is our only real Hope both now and eternally.

Dave Watson, An Urban Christian

On the Money

We live in very confusing times. Political leaders are warning of a dire economic crisis. Elected representatives are stumped as to what to do. The Stock Market is up and down like a yo-yo. Credit is tight and sales of antacids are up. Gas prices are high and consumer confidence is low. Presidential candidates try to offer hope while the media seeks to instill fear. What’s a person to do in the midst of this craziness?

As I have watched the news over the last week I have tried to navigate my way through all the reports and commentary. However, all of my efforts have just left me frustrated. Our political leaders do not seem to have any real definitive answers.

As I mull over the role our Christianity plays in daily life I move from frustration and fear to faith and peace. It seems to me that, as believers, there are at least five simple anchors that we can drop that will hold our lives steady when we find ourselves in tumultuous times or circumstances. Please allow me to share them with you.
Anchor # 1 - The Creator of the universe is not surprised by any of the present happenings in the Stock Market. This is true because God is omniscient, He knows everything. He knows the future completely even when it takes an unpredictable turn. The early church father Augustine wrote, “To confess that God exists, and at the same time to deny that He has foreknowledge of future things, is the most manifest folly.”
Anchor #2 - Our Heavenly Father is ultimately in control of the affairs of this world, even in the world financial situation. Speaking of Him in Daniel 2:21, the Scripture states, “And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise, And knowledge to those who have understanding.” God is always in control. He is Sovereign. As our Father we can be sure He has our best interests in mind. The One who holds the future holds us in the palm of His hand.

Anchor #3 - God should be praised no matter what happens around us, even in a fiscal crisis. The Biblical character Job is legendary for suffering. His example is one we should aspire to follow. Having lost everything he says, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.(Job 1:21)” We should seek to praise God not so much for what He gives us as for who he is.
Anchor #4 - The Lord Himself has us given timeless truths in His Word that are relevant even in challenging economic times. Biblical principles and promises are something we can take to the bank (figuratively speaking). The borrower will be a server to the lender (Proverbs. 22:7). We do reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). If I seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness all these things (the meeting of my needs) will be added unto me (Matthew 6:33). In His Word I can hope unashamedly.

Anchor #5 - The Solid Rock of our salvation is the only safe place to put our trust when things on Wall Street affect us on Main Street. .The Psalmist, King David, tells us, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2) Later on he will say “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:2) Thus, we can say, ”God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

These five anchors can be summed up in one simple phrase. “In God We Trust”. In times of financial crisis or economic uncertainty we do well to follow this command. It is more than a cliché. It is way of life and it is “right on the money”, literally.

Dave Watson, An Urban Christian

September 11, 2008

This morning around 5:30 A.M. the alarm on my PDA sounded. When I got up to shut it off I got a chill in my bones as I read to myself the date. September 11th.

I really don’t know how and I really don’t know why but I am and it seems I will always be affected by those two words. September 11th.

I just came from the Firehouse where almost everyone in Engine 158 was gathered. Some of the retired guys had even come back. We had breakfast, we laughed, we joked. But at 8:46 we stood in front of the house and were silent and somber as we remembered the 343 members of their department who had died on September 11th

I don’t understand how much of the country goes about their business today. I don’t understand how business can be as usual. How can you go to class, how can you buy a new pair of pants or a DVD? How can you have a party? I guess everyone copes with things there on way. But I just want to shout “Don’t you know it’s September 11th. “

Like masochists who need the pain I think we must grieve. We must remember the horror of the 2968 who lost their lives in New York, in Washington and in a field in Pennsylvania. We must hear the strained voices as their family members read the names of the loved ones they’ve lost. We must see their tears. We must cry with them. Not to do so would be sacrilege. It’s September 11th.

This is a day like none other. I guess it’s our generation’s and our kid’s generation’s Pearl Harbor. But I really don’t know. It seems so odd. Our elected officials treat it like a holiday and I really think it should be. It could be called “The Day Things Changed Forever, September 11th.”

On this day those of us in this in this city want to be close to our families. We want to hug each other, eat together, and catch up with each other. We miss those who aren’t with us. We ask in advance “what are you doing on 9-11”. We seek religious experiences, that is we watch the coverage of ground zero or we attend a ceremony, go to a firehouse or write. We sing or listen to our 9-11 hymns; Amazing Grace and God Bless America. We hear the 9-11 bells ringing, those sharp pings marking the striking and then falling of the towers and the crashing into the Pentagon. Then we watch the tree lighting; those two overwhelming spotlights from Ground Zero at dusk, piercing the sky where once those two beautiful towers touched the heavens. It has all the hall marks of a holiday. We just will never be able to say “Happy September 11th. “

I know there is much to be thankful for today. Things could have been much worse. We’ve not been attacked in 2557 days, we‘ve made improvements in security. So much good has come out this unthinkable evil. But there are still boys and girls who don’t remember or never met their dads. There are 8 year olds who want their missing mommies when they fall down, there are grown men who were robbed of a lifetime with their sons, grown women who will never help their daughters prepare for her special day, middle age husbands and wives who will never celebrate a 25th wedding anniversary. It seems so unfair, so wrong. One day, a few moments, marred these lives forever just seven years ago on September 11th

We make memorials, lay wreaths and try to make sense of it all. Sometimes life doesn’t make sense. I wish for our nation, for myself and for my city for more than moment of silence. I think in light of this extremely loud and incredibly close event we should have a yearly national day of silence. Perhaps if there was a sacred Sabbath, a day where we shut down, we could know in a life altering way, the presence of our God, comforting our souls and strengthening our hearts, showing us the way. Then we might be able to commemorate “The Day God Changed Us Forever, September 11th. “

Dave Watson, An Urban Christian

Got Integrity?

The long political season is in full bloom around us. The candidates are in mid- season form as they and their surrogates exchange charges and counter charges with their opponents. On a daily basis we have new accusations involving each candidate’s integrity. The “spin” is not that lies were told but that individuals misspoke or had a memory lapse of some sort. Finding truth in the midst of a political campaign is like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack.

A sad fact in politics is that one of the first casualties of any campaign is the candidate’s integrity. Unfortunately, this political season seems to be no exception. As a society, we have come to expect a lack of integrity from our elected officials, therefore, we are not surprised or disappointed when it comes to light. Sadly, we seem to willingly accept this lack of integrity as normal instead of demanding better from those who desire the great privilege and responsibility of leading us.

In contrast to our society’s standards for those who would lead us are God’s clear demands for integrity. As King Solomon was ascending to the throne of Israel the Lord set forth His conditions for blessing and prospering Solomon’s kingdom. He said, “Now if you  walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and My judgments, then I will establish the throne of your kingdom…”(1 Kings 9:4-5a) In Psalm 78:72 we get a little more insight into David’s leadership when it says “So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.”

Integrity from a Biblical standpoint is important because of what it means and what it implies. The Hebrew word for integrity is “tom” and it means “soundness” and “completeness”. Someone with integrity doesn’t lie, deceive, or swindle because, spiritually speaking, they are complete. Their heart is sound. They don’t have gaps in their character. Character flaws and defects cannot help but affect someone’s behavior. A sound and complete heart, a heart of integrity, grows out of respect and reverence for God and His Word.

Life is filled with many challenges. There are many pitfalls and snags that can easily derail us. Integrity is an indispensable quality that keeps us on the right track. Proverbs 11:3 tells us that “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.” King David beseeches the Lord to “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You” (Psalm 25:21). He prays “Vindicate me, O Lord, For I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip.” (Psalm 26:1).

Integrity is not just something that is of benefit to the one who possesses it. It is also of great benefit to those around that individual. Specifically, this soundness of heart follows the family of the person who has integrity. In Proverbs 20:7 we read, “The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.” Integrity then, is critical not just for public officials but also for parents.

The concept of living a life of integrity comes into play in yet another area. When it is all said and done we will be judged by our integrity. Psalm 7:8 says “The Lord shall judge the peoples; Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, And according to my integrity within me.” Scripture lets us know in no uncertain terms that “man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart”. When we are judged, our soundness, our completeness, our lack of hypocrisy, will be what God evaluates.

As far as God is concerned integrity is one of, if not the most, important quality for us to possess in terms of character. We see how valuable he considers it in Proverbs 19:1 where we read “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.” In other words, the one who “walks the talk” is better than the one who “talks the walk” no matter how good his/her talk is.

This is probably why Job clings to his integrity so tenaciously. In the midst of his suffering he says, “Till I die I will not put away my integrity from me” (Job 27:5). Later he proclaims “Let me be weighed on honest scales, that God may know my integrity” (Job 31:6).

Almost all the verses for this study on integrity are found in the wisdom books of Scripture. If you or I are to be wise people we are going to have to be people of integrity. Begin to pray this very day that God will help each of us to be just that. May who we say we are as Christians line up with who we really are in heart. And as that sound heart guides and directs our words and deeds, our reputation will not require defense or spin.

Dave Watson, An Urban Christian

He's More than a Story

More Than a Story

He’s more than a story.
He is risen and is Our Savior
The sinner can be forgiven
The transgressor can be transformed
The corrupt can be cleansed

He’s more than a story
He is alive and He is the author of new life
The cheating politician can be born again
The adulterous call girl can find salvation
The moral failure can have a second and a third and a fourth chance

He’s more than a story
He has left the tomb and is the reconciler of all men
The white supremacist bows to the supremacy of Christ
The black panther falls to the lion of Judah
The anti-semite is a child of Abraham
The racist is a lover of all men.

The slave trader has become the slavery reformer singing amazing grace
Archie Bunker has become William Wilburforce crying against the injustices of bigotry

He is more than a story
He is here and He is the great deliverer
He delivers the addicts from their self medicating and gives them peace
He delivers the hedonists from their self indulgences and gives them joy
He delivers the depressed from their self-loathing and gives them hope

He is more than a story
He has won and we share in His spoils
We are no longer overcome but overcomers
We are no longer victims but victors
We are no longer bond but we are free



He is more than story
He has beaten death and the grave forevermore
He has changed our temporal goodbyes to eternal hellos
We are not afraid – Because for me to live is Christ to die is gain
Death where is thy victory, O grave where is thy sting
Made like Him, like Him we rise, ours the cross the grave the skies, alleluia

He is more than a story
He is exalted and been given a name that is above every name
Those who are satan possessed He indwells
Those who are satan oppressed He empowers
Those who are satan obsessed He enlightens saying “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world”

He’s more than story
He is our living hope and our daily helper
The ugly sinner is a lovely saint
The spiritually defeated is more than a conqueror
The lost and undone has been found by God’s Son

Yes, He is more than a story
He has prevailed and owns the world
We look not to the united nations but the Healer of all nations
We believe not on earthy judges but in Heavens Just One
We trust not in human leaders but in the King of kings and Lord of lords
We listen not for election results but bend our ears for that final trumpet when riding on a white horse He will return in all his glory to repay every evil, right every wrong, reward every deed and reign forever

He is more than a story
He is risen and He is the central figure of history. He calls each of us follow Him.
He is risen and He is the central figure of my life
He’s everything to me and since I met Him things have never been the same

Burglar Proof Your Home!!!

The last few evenings my sleep has been disturbed by a nightmare. I don’t ever remember having this one before. In this dream I am confronting a burglar in my home. It really is quite scary and I don’t remember the outcome either night. I just know I woke up shaking.

It is possible that coverage of the Staten Island Ninja burglar has gotten to me. It is also possible that I’ve seen or heard too many commercials for house alarms. Regardless, after this nightmare I couldn’t help but be reminded of Jesus’ words in John 10:10 when he said: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Jesus is obviously talking here about Satan, His enemy and our adversary. He is warning us about the devil’s designs upon our lives. Though two thousand years have passed since Jesus spoke these words they are very applicable to us today.

When you and I come to faith in Christ we pass from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of the Son (Colossians 1:13). We are no longer blinded by the god of this age, (2 Corinthians 4:4) but God has given to us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). We have a very privileged position.

As believers, the Scriptures give us some very sound advice regarding protecting ourselves from the thief, the liar, the accuser of the brethren, namely, Satan. We do well to take these admonitions seriously. We ignore them at our own peril.

In his letter, James the brother of our Lord tells us, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:7-8a)”. Simply put, resisting Satan requires submitting to God. Every time I obey God I am protecting myself from the evil one. Every time I choose not to obey God I am opening myself up to Satan’s schemes. Thus, we must submit ourselves to God.

Peter, a man Jesus described as someone sifted by Satan, writes a similar admonition to us. He states “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith (1 Peter 5:8-9a)”. There is danger on almost every side. Therefore, we must be alert at all times. We must watch ourselves.

The most prolific New Testament writer, the apostle Paul gives us the most extensive set of prescriptions reading our battle with the forces of darkness and their perverse leader. He commands us to “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11)”. He then goes on to enumerate for us our armor for the battle. We are to gird ourselves with the belt of truth, don the breastplate of righteousness, put on the helmet of salvation, shod our feet with the sandals of peace, and carry with us the Sword of the Spirit and the shield of faith. As a soldier would never go into battle without his armor, we should not face our foe without the protective armor that God provides. Everyday we must arm ourselves.

Earlier on in this same letter Paul gives a critical bit of advice. He says “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil (Ephesians 4:26-27).” When I allow my emotions to rule me and I don’t deal with my anger I give strategic ground to Satan, I give him a foothold, a strategic location from which he can launch an offensive attack. Thus, I must check myself. I must not sleep on my anger. I must go to bed having my heart right with God and others.

In summary, I need to burglar-proof my home and my life. I need the S.W.A.C. Shield. Daily I must Submit myself, Watch myself, Arm myself, and Check myself. Not to do so will result in a real-life spiritual nightmare.

Dave Watson, An Urban Christian

Get in Shape in 08

A month of this New Year has already past. Time flies when you are having fun or closing in on fifty years of age. Before too much more of this year goes by I want to encourage each of us to accept a very special challenge.

My personal challenge for 2008 is to get in shape. I want to be in the best shape of my life as I face this year and the coming years ahead. These years may hold difficult times as well as overwhelming joys. I want to be in great shape to endure and enjoy them.

You are probably saying “It’s about time -- Pastor Dave needs to get off the couch and over to Balleys.” I would be the first to agree with you and I intend to do just that. However, the shape I was speaking of was my spiritual shape. My challenge to myself as well as to you is in regard to our spiritual shape.

Our inner man, just like our outward man, needs to be cared for. Indeed, failure to care for the soul will cause damage that can be more severe than not caring for the body. Neglecting the soul causes spiritual maladies like apathy, apostasy and hard heartedness. With this in view, here are some surefire ways to get your soul in great shape this year.

In many ways the world is God’s gymnasium for us. It is after all, God who works in us both to will and to do His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). To get in shape in 08 I must see my life in this way. I am in God’s gym and everything that comes my way is designed or permitted by God to exercise me. That strenuous place of employment is a stairmaster sent to develop my endurance. Those difficult relationships are the heavy weights designed to strengthen me. Those trails and tribulations are the treadmill permitted by God to insure my heart’s good health.

My spiritual diet is going to play a major role in my soul’s welfare in the New Year. Here are a few simple suggestions. Take in some of God’s Word, our spiritual meat and substance, everyday. Days on end without time in the Word make the soul malnourished. It’s been said that “Seven days without prayer and Bible reading make one weak”. One Proverb a day can make our souls wise. Five Psalms a day keeps our souls worshipful. A regular reading of the gospels will stir our souls to Christ-likeness.

I would be smart to eliminate certain things from my soul’s diet as well. Books, magazines, movies, websites, or TV programs that lack virtue have no place on my plate. They are junk food at best. Negative people and influences can be toxic to the soul and thus should be avoided whenever possible.

In addition to our diet, our conversation with God -- our proper breathing, if you will, is critical. Daily, I need to make time for this conversation. Minute by minute I need to be conscious of this conversation. Prayer enables my soul to draw strength from God as well as claim God’s promises. I need to pray for forgiveness when I sin, pray for wisdom when I am confused, pray for help when I am in trouble and pray a huge “thank you” when God answers my prayers. It is well with the soul that prays.

For my soul to “get in shape in 08” I am also going to need to enlist a personal trainer. By this, I don’t mean just the Lord. We all need mentors, or in contemporary language, we all need a “life coach”. Joshua had Moses. Elisha had Elijah. The Disciples had Jesus. Timothy had Paul, and Paul had Barnabas. We need someone with experience, who knows the ropes, to keep us accountable. Who is your spiritual life coach?

Finally, for my soul to be healthy in the New Year, it is going to need rest. Yes, I said rest. The Sabbath rest is a Biblical principal that just can’t be violated without causing harm. My life schedule must carve out time for rest and restoration. Rejuvenation takes down time. If I don’t take time to “come apart”-- I’ll just plain come apart.

Welcome to the gym. Get in shape in 08.

Dave Watson, An Urban Christian

Don’t Read This!

New York City is truly a great place to live. As I begin my 19th year living in the Big Apple I feel qualified to make this statement. Let me explain.

Perhaps the greatest thing about living here in our fair city is that we share it with some eight million other people. Obviously you know that, but you are still wondering why living here is so great. Simply stated, I have found that living with so many people in such a large city allows me to always have someone else to blame for my problems and failures. I never have to take personal responsibility, or experience accountability. Everything that happens can always be someone else’s fault. Let me elaborate.

I have a little problem with tardiness to meetings with other Pastors. I usually start later than I should and thus show up late. I’ve had this problem as long as I can remember but here in the city I can blame it on the traffic. I don’t even have to go into a long explanation. I just walk in the room and say, “Has anyone seen how bad the expressway is today? Wow, when are they going to do something about that?”

I have always eaten chocolate and other sweets when under stress. I could get away with it when I was younger but now it shows. Fortunately, I’m here in the city and it’s easier to rationalize because, you know, living with all these people and dealing with all this traffic stresses all of us out and how can I help but indulge in a little “comfort food”?

I have, like everyone else, a hard time carving out a place for time with God in His Word and prayer. The city moves so fast and, you know it’s hard to keep up and well, it just makes this quiet time thing almost impossible. Don’t you agree? It’s not my fault. What’s a man to do?

Being a good citizen or a good employee can be hard. Doing our part to make the city better or giving an employer a day’s work for a day’s pay is really just too much to ask. Fortunately, we live here with all these people… so, since almost no one cares about being a good citizen or a good employee, we have the “everybody’s doing it” or in this case “nobody’s doing it” defense.

Given the fact that there are so few authentic Christians among us, this excuse-laden mindset can be easily extended into our daily walk in the world. I mean, after all, what do you expect? It is crazy to think we could actually make a difference. We are outnumbered 1000 to 1. The best we can hope for is mere survival. Who could blame us if our language is a little, shall we say, “colorful”? Or if our ethics are a little, shall we say, “shady”? We’re doing the best we can! What’d you expect, it’s hard here!

It’s the Mayor’s fault, it’s the commute’s fault, it’s the neighborhood’s fault, it’s the boss’s or the job’s or the big company’s fault. These excuses provide a somewhat reasonable defense and all sound great. Well, they do sound great, if you want to be a victim.


In 1 John 5:4-5 we read, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” These verses make it clear that as a Christian I’m not a victim, but a victor. I am not overcome, but an overcomer. Thus, I really have no excuse. I have no one else I can blame.

The apostle Paul wrote this to the Roman Christians, “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12) This points out the truth that not only am I responsible for my actions, I am also accountable to God. I can’t blame anyone else for what’s up with me and I am going to stand before God and explain my actions to Him.

With my responsibility and accountability clearly in view I do well to follow another exhortation of Paul to the Romans. After calling for total surrender to God, in Romans chapter 12, verse 2, Paul says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” I can get above the world’s low expectations by allowing God through His Word to transform me into an individual who seeks His goals and ideals for my life.

My watch words for the New Year are personal responsibility and personal accountability. I’m taking personal responsibility for my spiritual growth because I will be personally accountable for my spiritual health. I’m taking personal responsibility for my physical conditioning because I will be personally accountable for my physical condition. Since you have read this article, you too are now personally responsible and personally accountable. I warned you about reading this.

Happy New Year!

Blessings,
Dave Watson – An Urban Christian