Watkiss & Tell

Discipleship at its Best

Matthew 28:16-20
16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

This portion of scripture is known to support the "Great Commission" Jesus gave the disciples before leaving their side. Jesus said to GO and MAKE disciples of all nations! He didn't choose the words send, give, or pray, but told us to GO (the sending, giving, and praying is very important as well). PI’s purpose in facilitating short term missions trips is two fold; (1) to reach the hurting, hungry, and helpless masses of people around our world, (2) to expose individuals/the church to depth and development in their faith that can only be established on the mission field (discipleship at its best).

Sunday School, Small Groups, Bible Studies, Devotions, Sermons, and Books all play an important part of discipleship in a believer, but some areas of discipleship depth can only be found by fulfilling the words Jesus gave His first followers. Be a part of the greatest discipleship tool and go on a missions trip!

A Hockey Night at the Watkiss Home

Luke and I love playing floor hockey together in the evenings. Luke likes to put hockey and football moves together when he is charging towards the goal, he will tackle you and then shoot and score. We have yet to build a penalty box for either of us, we might have to sometime soon if I keep getting hurt. Speaking of being hurt, say a prayer for Sid the Kid who will be out of the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup for 6-8 weeks.

Discipline through Fasting

A major part of becoming a disciple and follower of Jesus is to learn areas of discipline in our lives. Fasting plays a strategic role in teaching spiritual disciplines as well as physical ones. Fasting is not intended to be easy nor something we long to do for the fun of it. I personally would love to be eating a pepperoni pizza as I'm typing this blog right now, but that would be giving into the flesh. Denying "King Stomach" has to be one of the best ways we learn discipline in our lives. The last three weeks have not been very easy for me to get through, but my plan is to go two more! Please understand I'm not sharing this to receive credit or to get a pat on the back, but rather to share with you something I'm personally learning through this fasting experience. When you place yourself in submission to His word and take action upon it, that is when true discipleship shapes the destiny for your life. The bottom line is that some spiritual development can only take place through a Fast!

**Last night I spoke at RMU's (Robert Morris University) Chi Alpha. It happened to be the same day of a shooting that took place killing two RMU students and critically injuring another. God poured out His Spirit in a powerful way during the service! I know that a spiritual collision is taking place across the campus and God's going to use these 50+ Chi Alpha students in that process! Here is a great quote from Erwin McManus, "Whenever God moves forward, it is in conflict with many other forces. The kingdom of God can expand only out of conflict with the kingdom of darkness." We need to bear the initial impact of spiritual collisions in our lives!

Reasons for Fasting

Here are a few good reasons to help those of you who are involved in a FAST. It always helps to be encouraged and motivated to finish what you started. The following are some notes that I took listening to a message from John Lindell's podcast. James River Podcast

Here are the Benefits of Fasting:
1-To secure favor in situations
2-It helps us discern the will of God
3-Fasting humbles our soul
4-Gives us power in the spiritual realm
5-Fasting can help us to gain protection
6-Can bring us healing
7-Prepares us for ministry
8-Fasting gives us a greater awareness of God's presence

** Join us in prayer the next few weeks as we coordinate many details for the missions team trips this 2008 year. We will be leading hundreds of individuals into life changing moments! Many blessings to all of you who join us in prayer and partner with us to make it possible!

Taking it Personally

Often things take place in our lives that generates emotions and actions. The way something impacts our lives personally most often determines the way we take action. I'm sure most of us have passed up an accident on the road or have walked by someone on the street that was in need. If the car accident involved a friend or that person on the street was a family member, we would stop with out thinking...well most of us would :). When we take something personally, it changes how we view things and how we respond. God desires us to take His presence personally, His word personally, and His heart for the Lost personally! When we are able to develop those areas into the depths of our hearts, the response that follows will carryout God's will for the future. Take the things of God Personally today!

**Yesterday we had a great service at New Life Robinson (our home church when we are in town). Pastor Nathan delivered a great word on having "Heart Burn" for Jesus. If you are interested in listening, click HERE.

Living the True Life

Video Link

Living the life is having a frame of mind that keeps us centered around God's heart for the lost. Many of us get so consumed by our responsibilities in life that we become hostage to them. God's purpose in restoring us back to a right relationship with Him shouldn't stop with just us. We have an incredible responsibility to live the true life by doing the simple things God intended us to do. Click the video link above to see what that looks like!

**This weekend my family and I will be able to attend our home church since I will not be traveling to speak. This doesn't happen very often and it's always nice to worship at home!

Craving Jesus ?

The New Year for many Christians and non-Christians starts with fasting. Most people fast food for a number of reasons. Some to lose the weight they gained over the holidays, some to just get in shape, and others to follow a biblical practice in order to position oneself to hear from God. I happen to be doing all three at the same time :)... During the duration and process of a fast, your body begins to crave certain types of food. It can be a pretty hard physical battle to remain committed to a fast. The word CRAVING is defined as "a powerful desire for something". It's just that, "A POWERFUL DESIRE". What are you craving for today in this life? Love, Belonging, Truth, Success, Destiny, Meaning, Significance, Change, Hope, Food, or a A New Start; whatever it may be, if you crave Jesus first He will grant the other desires of your heart. Begin your fast today by craving the King!

**The start of this New Year is exciting! I'm believing with you that this year will be filled with many people coming to know our Lord and Savior. A great harvest is ready for the masses to see, lets connect to God's heart beat for the lost in 2008 everywhere we find ourselves.