Spiritual Markers

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This post was originally from 11/16/2009.  I find it to be a good reminder of what God has been doing in my life over the past several years.

Joshua 4:20-24 (NASB)
20 Those twelve stones which they had taken from the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal.
21 He said to the sons of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’
22 then you shall inform your children, saying, ‘Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground.’
23 “For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed, just as the Lord your God had done to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed;
24 that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”

spiritual markersYesterday, my pastor preached on the benefits of having spiritual markers in our lives; which motivated me to remember the spiritual markers I have placed in my life over the years.  I appreciated the fact that as he was preaching, he identified a few of his.  Just as he did yesterday, I would like to take the opportunity to identify some of mine.

  • Marker 1:  My adoption, 1962.  I know that I do not “remember” anything about being adopted except what I have been told, yet it is a marker in my life of how God was and is very active in developing who I am.

 

  • Marker 2:  My salvation, 1969.  I was six years old at the time I received Christ.  I remember going each night to the revival services and coming home and talking to my mom about what was shared.  I remember her attempting to talk me out of making a decision because so many others were.  On the Sunday I made my decision public, my dad was home sick and I was sitting by myself in the sanctuary of my home church.  My mom came out of the choir and asked me if I was for sure Jesus was speaking to me.  I made my decision public that morning.  I was then baptized with about 15 others the following week.
  • Marker 3:  Glorietta, 1978.  It was the first year for Centrifuge and I was 15.  I was walking with a girl up the side of the mountain and talking to her about her relationship with her boyfriend.  That night during the service, God called me to the ministry, but I told Him I would be the best Christian friend and listener I could be.
  • Marker 4:  My call, 1982.  I had just experienced a true rededication as I had been running from God in my life.  On a Thursday night, I was sharing with a group of teenagers about trusting God with all they had and God asked me if I was doing what I was speaking about.  I knew the reason for the question.  He was calling me again to serve Him.  The following Sunday, I was going to make my decision public when the pastor began preaching on “Sexual Sin.”  I decided I would have to wait because I did not want anyone to think that I was guilty of any of what the pastor was preaching on.  God told me to go ahead and make the decision public.  I remember asking God if He really wanted me to do that.  I then said that I would step out and if He did not want me to continue, He could break my legs.  He did not break my legs and my made my decision public on that day.  Just a couple of weeks later, my home church licensed me to the ministry and I left for East Texas Baptist College at that time to begin the formal training for the ministry.
  • Marker 5:  My Marriage and Family.  God has given me a wonderful wife and two awesome children to help me and motivate me in my daily living for the Lord.  Yes, there have been some struggles along the way.  But as I look back on the past 24+ years I see the hand of God directing us, providing for us, and taking care of us.  On one specific occasion, a man gave me $67 and told me that it was the most unique amount of money God had ever given him to give to someone else.  The next day I went to seminary to buy books and they cost me $66.90.  God even gave me $.10 to buy some gum for the drive home which was 125 miles.  On several occasions He has blessed us in the same way.
  • Marker 6:  The Defining of my ministry, 2008.  As I was driving back from an interview with my home church I was praying about what God wanted me to do.  I really thought that going back “home” was exactly it as in my mind that would be the right thing to do.  I could help my parents.  I knew the town.  I knew the church.  To me, this was going to be an easy decision.  God had other plans for me.  During the 5 ½ hour drive back to Wake Village, He laid on my heart the vision for Directed Path Ministries.  He began placing names of men to serve on my board of directors.  He outlined many of the steps that I was going to have to take in order to pursue this Pastoral Counseling ministry.  When I got home and shared it with Lisa, she had many of the same confirmations of the direction for my ministry.  Over the past eighteen months, God has reaffirmed the direction.  I have had people who have donated money for the launch of my website, a design for shirts (even gave me several), as well as becoming regular donors for the ministry.

As I have looked at each one of these markers as well as some of the others in my life, I know that God is still working in me and defining my calling so that I can better serve Him and glorify Him.  What are your markers?  Do you understand the significance of each one so that your life reflects who God is creating you to be? Are we using the markers to help us teach our children who God is in our lives?

 

Brad 2014

Bradley D. Watson, BCBT
Directed Path Ministries

After spending more than 25 years on church staffs, God has allowed me to take the experiences and knowledge that I gained to develop a Biblical Counseling ministry.  The basis of this ministry is to allow God’s Word to shine on the main issues in peoples’ lives in order to bring His resolutions to problems.

Develop The Life and Marriage You Desire

Does God Answer Prayer with Sin?

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A young couple had been married for several years and they had reached a point that they were not satisfies in their marriage.  Something was missing.  They had children, owned their house, and drove fairly nice cars.  Each had jobs that kept them busy and then they chased kids during the evening.  They had very full lives but still there was something missing!!  The wife began to pray about having a better husband.  See, her husband said he was a Christian, but each Sunday he chose to stay home rather than go to church.  He worked most Saturdays and so Sunday was the only day he could sleep in or do whatever “he wanted to do.”  This attitude left his wife wanting more in the relationship.  The husband would argue with her that he was working so much to provide for her needs as well as the kids needs.  Those arguments still left her wanting more.  He would just get angry and go out to the shop or work in the yard.  He was a good dad, most of the time.  He went to the kids events, when he could.  He helped around the house, he thought.  He was a good provider and that should be enough.  The wife continued to pray for a better husband.  One day she was talking with a man at her work.  He was married and faithful to church.  She started thinking that she wanted a husband like this man, which the more they talked she decided she wanted this man.  What she didn’t realize was that he too was going through some struggles at home and he was looking for more.  She began to believe that this was God’s will for them both to divorce their spouses and marry each other.

I could go on with this story.  Many of you have heard it before or even could write a better version. I begin with this story today in order to address a question that I believe many Christians have answered incorrectly…Does God answer our prayers with sin?  Your immediate response to this question should be a resounding “NO,” yet the scenario mentioned above is far too common in the church.  Why do we even consider such a thing as God answering our prayers with an answer that leads us to sin?  Here are a few suggestions as to why.

  • People have the wrong idea of God.  We understand that God is loving, merciful, and full of grace.  We concentrate on those aspects of God.  (I am very thankful for the grace and mercy He shows me daily.)  We forget that God is equally as just, holy, and righteous.  We also do not wrong to think about the wrath of God.  We have put God in a box that mostly reflects what we would like in a god.  We do not see God as who He really is.
  • People are selfish.  I know that this is an obvious statement.  We allow our selfishness to control our thoughts and our actions.  In our selfishness, we are also impatient when it comes to waiting on God to answer our prayers in His timing.  When we pray for God to change someone or our circumstances, we must allow Him to do His work.  Sometimes, God does things immediately while other times He works methodically which takes time.
  • People have their own idea of how the prayer is to be answered.  When we pray, do we want God’s solution or do we want God to bless our solution?  I know that Psalmist says that “God will give us the desires of our hearts.”  What people fail to realize is that there are conditions to that promise.  “Delight yourself in the Lord,” “Commit your way to the Lord,” and “Trust in Him” are the three conditions to the promise. (Psalms 37:4-5) When we are willing to follow the conditions, He is willing to give us the desires of our heart.  Not before.

The Bible says in James 1:13b “and He Himself does not tempt anyone.”  God has never tempted anyone to sin.  He would not answer a prayer with a sin.  When someone tells you that God has told them to do something that is sin, don’t believe them.  God will not and does not go against His Word at any time.  It is important that as we walk on our journey with God that we consider that God is wanting our lives to give Him glory and show His character to others.  We cannot do that if we give God credit for the sin in our lives.

2014 and Directed Path Ministries

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LogoforteesAbout this time every year, I begin evaluating the year that is winding up and looking toward the year that is just around the corner.  I know that a lot of people and business owners do the same thing.  I believe that it is a healthy practice because with out proper evaluation and goal setting, the status quo would be the norm.  I don’t know about you, but the status quo is not what I want to accomplish.

As I reflect on this past year, I can see some progress in Directed Path Ministries.   The operation budget has increased, which means growth.  The clerical needs have increased as well.  Over the course of the year, I have averaged 11 appointments per week.  I have had at least 1 new appointment each week.  Now I realize that these numbers do not sound like a lot, yet it reflects an increase in the ministry from last year.

Now as I think about this coming year, I obviously want to see more growth.  I have been asking myself as well as praying about how that is going to be accomplished.  Over the past few weeks I have been in several pastors’ offices introducing the ministry of DPM to them.  I believe the more pastors that I can have a face-to-face with, the more referrals I will receive.  I also am asking for more feedback from individuals so that I can be more sensitive to the “customer service” aspect of owning a business (even if it is a ministry). I am looking to visit with more business-minded individuals as well to understand the business side of running the ministry.  I know that you might be thinking, if it is a ministry why do you need business ideas?  I believe that I have ignored the business side of Directed Path Ministries for the first 3 years of her existence and it is beginning to show in some areas.  My desire is for Directed Path Ministries to be seen as a ministry of excellence as well as a ministry of compassion for people.

I share this with you today for two main reasons.  The first is that I would ask that you would pray with me concerning the future of DPM.  In relationship to the future, I have some specific requests for prayer. images

  1. The ministry would increase.  I would love to be able to see more people each week.  I know there are hurting people and I believe that Biblical Counseling can help heal the hurts.
  2. There would be an avenue into the churches.  I am praying about offering seminars or different events to minister to the area through the local churches concerning specific topics.
  3. The finances would increase.  Yes, I am asking for prayer concerning the finances of DPM.  Even though I have seen growth in the ministry, so many of the people I counsel with are individuals that cannot pay for the counseling.  I am asking that God provides all the needs so that I can continue to minister to each and every person that calls.

images2The second reason that I share these things with you is to ask you to pray about you becoming a financial supporter.  To be quite honest with you, I hesitate to even write this request.  My board of directors knows that when it comes to asking for money, I am the worst.  I never want to be seen as someone that is only doing something for money.  I know that God is going to meet the needs of this ministry.  I am asking you to see if you are supposed to be an instrument of God concerning the finances of Directed Path Ministries.  If you would like to give, you may do so through the website, www.directedpathministries.org.

I want to thank each one of you for reading today and doing what God has laid on your heart to do.

Believing God

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images There is so much going through my mind at this time that I really don’t know where to begin. I have been on a roller-coaster over the past few days as far as my ministry is concerned. On some days, it is very evident that I am to minister to people through the counseling ministry of Directed Path Ministries. I know God’s hand is on me and He continues to give me wisdom and discernment for the individuals and couples that come to see me. Then there are other days that I long to preach and lead a group of people as their pastor. The burning desire to preach gets so hot that I don’t think that I will ever be able to survive if I don’t get to preach.
A few weeks ago, I began talking to a small church to be their pastor. It would be a bi-vocational position, so I would be able to keep my counseling ministry and still get to be a pastor. Things progressed very well and God seemed to confirm His call to the church. Lisa and I agreed that God was moving toward there…Just not everyone in the church heard the same thing from God. Several members decided that they would prefer someone else as their pastor. Man, was I disappointed! I truly felt that God was calling me. I realize that God is still working and I am not counting anything out, yet I have to focus on God and not on the disappointments.
As far as the counseling ministry is concerned, I know beyond a shadow of doubt that God has called me and gifted me to help people work through their problems using Biblical principles. The main issue today with the ministry is the financial aspect. I have not been good at raising money or even asking for money. I have listened to the fundraising that is taking place on the radio and I have wondered about all the emotionally charged tactics that are used and how God is glorified in that. I know that it is not my place to judge other ministries. I am only pointing out that I have had to ask myself about trying to make Directed Path Ministries more financially stable.
I am asking you today to pray about possibly giving to Directed Path Ministries. There is a link on the main web site that will allow you to give directly. If you cannot give, would you please take a moment to pray for God to provide for the ministry of DPM to continue so that couples and individuals alike can find the help that only God can give for the solutions to their life’s problems. Thank you in advance for both your financial and prayer support.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Financial Security for your Wife

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Have you ever noticed how many arguments take place in marriage that deal with finances? These arguments might happen on pay days or when bills are paid or maybe at the most inopportune times. These arguments are started because there is not enough money for things that we think we need or maybe because there is not enough money even to pay the bills. Money is a major contributor to conflict in today’s marriages. How can we prevent these arguments from taking place? How do we function as a couple or a family in light of all the financial needs and problems that arise?
Part of the security needs of a woman is in the financial area of her life. Many women like money…they like to spend money…they like nice things…they feel safe when there is money in the bank. Women’s level of security or insecurity can be found in how much money they have or don’t have. (Again, I am speaking in generalities. Not all women are the same.) Men, where is your wife in the money issue? Does she seem to spend money regardless of what else is happening? Does she get angry because there is not any money for her to spend? Is she upset because there is no money in savings or that you are in major debt? All of these questions can describe a single woman. Maybe your wife is not that complex and only one of the questions relate to her. I also realize that there might be more questions to ask for each wife.
So what can we do? I do not know where you are financially. I know where I am. I started a new ministry a couple years ago after being in a full-time associate pastorate for a large church. My salary was cut by about 66%. I am not complaining. I am just stating a fact. I also know how much fear was associated with my changing ministries, not only for me but also my wife, Lisa. I know what our conversations were all about and even the few arguments that ensued. Don’t worry, I’m not going to air my personal life with everyone. I just know that the past couple of years has been a trial for Lisa and me as we have had to really watch some things about our spending that we had become accustomed to not worrying about previously.
So here are some things that are needed to help your wife feel secure with you financially.
1. Pray about your finances together. Men, we need to be praying with our wives daily. Part of our prayers need to be for God’s provision in our lives. When our wives hear us pray specifically for certain things financially, they know that we are truly trusting God for those specifics.
2. Talk about your finances together. l know many women who are actually better at keeping a checkbook than men. I know women who like numbers and can crunch them very well because they are proned to be detail oriented. We need to include our wives in the financial process of our homes.
3. Budget. I know that this is an ugly word with many people. I also know that using a budget can feel like a chore for people. But, I also know that using a budget helps you keep a record of all of your spending and allows you to be able to use your money appropriately.
4. Tithe. Yes, this could have been the first statement on this list. Yes, I am a Baptist preacher who believes that everyone will have financial problems if they do not tithe. I believe that tithing is very important in our relationship with God as well as our spouse. This principle needs to become a priority for you as a couple to work toward creating the security your wife so needs.
These statements are just a couple of items that will help you create a secure financial environment for your wife as well as for you. I could suggest several more items that would go along with many of the Christian financial teachers that are popular today. I truly hope that you find these suggestions helpful in your marriage.

Motivation for Ministry

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The past coSuperStock_1555R-218054uple of days I have been wondering about when Christianity and ministry became such a money making business.  I realize that even the Pharisees of the New Testament wanted their finery to show everyone how “blessed” they were of God.  What started my thinking is the fact that it can be difficult to find a speaker to help raise money for our local pregnancy resource center.  We have wanted to invite several “big” name speakers, but they have priced themselves out of our market.  I realize that they use a speaker bureau and the prices are set by the manager.  My question is “where is the ministry?”

It is aggravating to try to host a concert only to be told that you have to provide X number of dollars.  It is just as aggravating to invite someone to come to speak and be told he requires so much money.  Yes, everyone is entitled to make a living.  I understand that.  I want to make a living just like the next person.  I like some of the “finer” things of this life as well.  Yet that cannot be my motivation of why I do what I do.

Please believe me when I say that I am not judging anyone.  I am simply asking the question about the ministry in general.  I am in favor of individuals making as much as possible.  I just wonder if the money has become the motivation instead of the Love for God and the Love for His people and causes.  I can ask these questions because I make a salary.  I wonder if I would do what I do for free and then get a job somewhere else.  Paul made tents so that he would not be a burden to a church in the New Testament.  As I am rambling again today, the main point of the ramble is “Is the Love of God the main motivation?”  If we set our own amounts that we have to have are we saying that we do not trust God for our provision?  I do know that the bills have to be paid.  I have plenty of them and each one has a specific due date attached.  Without money to pay those bills, I would be in trouble.  If I am to trust God for my provision, than I am to demand what I need? (or what I think I need?)  These questions are for me more than anyone else.  I am asking myself as I have been over the past several months, Is God enough?  I want to scream out with a might YES.  Do I live like that now or not?  I don’t know.

I can tell you that I believe my motivation is Love for God and His people.  I am not sure I would do what I am doing otherwise.  I just truly want to never be accused of being motivated by money as it seems so many Christian leaders today can be accused of that.

 

Purpose Statement

I provide Biblical Counseling for:
  • People who are hurting in their marriages and families.
  • People who are hurting emotionally and spiritually.
  • People who are seeking freedom from the bondage in their lives.

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Location & Phone Number

5411 PLAZA DR STE G
TEXARKANA, TX 75503
PHONE: (903) 244-5150


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