Podcast appearances and mentions of jon watson

In the small, midwestern city of South Bend, Indiana, for members of the LGBTQ+ community, having a space for themselves is life changing. And for twenty years, people here have had that space.  Today, it's called the LGBTQ Center. As the Center approached its twentieth anniversary, Dr. Jamie Wagman and students from Saint Mary's College students preserved the history of the Center by conducting oral histories of fourteen people who were foundational to the Center's evolution.  For the Center's anniversary gala in 2025, Dr. Wagman and student Phoenix McClellan pulled clips and organized them into this presentation.  Featuring the voices of some of the many people whose time and dedication have shaped the LGBTQ Center throughout its two decades, including Rhonda Redman, Hank Mascotte, Phillip Schatz, Meghan Buell, Eli Williams, Drew Gardner, Nancy Mascotte, H.R. Jung, Michael McMillion, Krista Cox, Angela Hankins, Kathryn Kirk, J.D. Schock, Jamie Morgan, Derek McDowell, and Rhiannon Carlson. This episode was produced by Dr. Jamie Wagman and Phoenix McClellan from Saint Mary's College, by Jon Watson and Caleb Matz from the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts at IU South Bend, and by George Garner from the Civil Rights Heritage Center.  Full transcript of this episode available here. Want to learn more about South Bend's history? View the photographs and documents that helped create it. Visit Michiana Memory at http://michianamemory.sjcpl.org/.  Title music, “History Repeats,” from Josh Woodward, used via CC-BY-4.0-DEED. Visit his website at https://www.joshwoodward.com.

Ms. Adeline Wigfall-Jones' west side barber shop has brought safety and built community for generations. Now in her 90s, Ms. Adeline shares her life's journey from a small farm in rural Georgia, to the rigorous studies she undertook to get her barber's license, to opening her famous shop in South Bend, Indiana.    This episode was produced by Jon Watson from the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts at IU South Bend, and by George Garner from the Civil Rights Heritage Center.    Full transcript of this episode available here.     Want to learn more about South Bend's history? View the photographs and documents that helped create it. Visit Michiana Memory at http://michianamemory.sjcpl.org/.    Title music, “History Repeats,” from Josh Woodward, used via CC-BY-4.0-DEED. Visit his website at https://www.joshwoodward.com.

John Charles Bryant was a lifelong historian of South Bend's African American community.    In 2021, after a colorful life of nearly 84 years, he reached out to us to record a series of four oral history interviews. Each would cover 20-year chunks, talking about the people who inspired him, and some of the many figures in local African American history that he spent so much of his life learning about and sharing.    In this episode of "South Bend's Own Words," we feature parts of that heartfelt conversation. With stories from over a century and a half, John Charles shares his rich family history and personal experiences. He takes us back to the 1850s, recounting his family's journey from North Carolina to South Bend and the legacy of his ancestors, Rebecca and Farrow Powell, who were pivotal in establishing the first African American church.    Topics include:    Childhood Memories: John Charles reminisces about growing up on Main Street, attending Olivet A.M.E. Church where his mother was an organist, and his cherished relationship with his parents.   Cultural Identity: He shares personal experiences of racial identity, discussing his light skin tone and the societal dynamics he navigated in both majority Black and white communities.   Career and Challenges: He shares candid stories about his professional life, including facing discrimination at the University of Notre Dame, as well as the life lessons he learned from family and friends.   Multigenerational Impact: Reflecting on the changing landscape of South Bend, John Charles speaks on the cultural shifts and the loss of Black businesses post-desegregation, while highlighting his efforts to give back through scholarships.     This episode was produced by Jon Watson from the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts at IU South Bend, and by George Garner from the Civil Rights Heritage Center.    Full transcript of this episode available here.     Want to learn more about South Bend's history? View the photographs and documents that helped create it. Visit Michiana Memory at http://michianamemory.sjcpl.org/.    Title music, “History Repeats,” from Josh Woodward, used via CC-BY-4.0-DEED. Visit his website at https://www.joshwoodward.com.

Episode 155 features Jon Watson from Sports 4U Podcast. This week we get to know Jon in a whole new way because we don't just talk sports. Follow @sports4upodcast on Instagram & Twitter. Also follow @sports4uwrestling on Twitter.

With makeshift decor and a boom box for music, the original Seahorse was totally undistinguished, but it became a sanctuary for South Bend's LGBTQ+ community seeking a place where they could be their whole selves. Tom Beatty was a frequent patron, and he shares his personal experiences of coming out, his family's reactions, the challenges he lived through, and some of the other LGBTQ+ spaces that the community in the 1990s and beyond called their second home.    This episode was produced by Jon Watson from the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts at IU South Bend, and by George Garner from the Civil Rights Heritage Center.    Full transcript of this episode available here.     Want to learn more about South Bend's history? View the photographs and documents that helped create it. Visit Michiana Memory at http://michianamemory.sjcpl.org/.    Title music, “History Repeats,” from Josh Woodward, used via CC-BY-4.0-DEED. Visit his website at https://www.joshwoodward.com.

After growing up in Puerto Rico, Joaquin Robles moved to South Bend, Indiana, and lived forty-plus years here. Joaquin talks about his experiences in this city, and his perspectives on multi-generational discrimination and evolution of the Latines community here.   This episode was produced by Jon Watson from the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts at IU South Bend, and by George Garner from the Civil Rights Heritage Center.   Full transcript of this episode available here.     Want to learn more about South Bend's history? View the photographs and documents that helped create it. Visit Michiana Memory at http://michianamemory.sjcpl.org/.   Title music, “History Repeats,” from Josh Woodward, used via CC-BY-4.0-DEED. Visit his website at https://www.joshwoodward.com.  

A Mississippi native who moved to South Bend in 1944 speaks about Black businesses on the west side.    Elmer Joseph came to South Bend from a resort community in Mississippi. His family was financially well off, yet still deeply impacted by Jim Crow segregation. He attended an all-Black school—and experienced a huge culture shock when he moved to South Bend to attend Central High.    Elmer remembers some of the many west side Black businesses around Linden Avenue.* He even opened up a business of his own, running a tavern on Chapin and Western.    In 2003, Civil Rights Heritage Center historian David Healey sat down with Mr. Joseph. They talked about his experiences growing up on the west side, and what life was like for a Black business owner here in the mid-twentieth century.    * Quick note: During the recording, the host says Linden Street instead of Avenue. He must have had the last episode with Odie Mae Streets on the brain and got his wires crossed. This episode was produced by Jon Watson from the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts at IU South Bend, and by George Garner from the Civil Rights Heritage Center.    Full transcript of this episode available here.   Want to learn more about South Bend's history? View the photographs and documents that helped create it. Visit Michiana Memory at http://michianamemory.sjcpl.org/.    Title music, “History Explains Itself,” from Josh Spacek. Visit his page on the Free Music Archive, http://www.freemusicarchive.org/. 

Ross Halls is joined by Tom Bloomfield, Jon Watson and special guest Alex Jones to look ahead to Town's clash against Norwich in the East Anglian Derby. The boys share their pre-match feelings, derby day memories and who can be the hero.   Plus another addition of the Strike and predictions for the game! You can shop the KOA range here - Kings of Anglia | Spreadshop (kings-of-anglia.myspreadshop.co.uk) Kings of Anglia is sponsored by Manscaped. Get 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code KOA at MANSCAPED.com

Andre Buchanan grew up in South Bend's east side African American community in a house that, today, is threatened by the rampant construction of the Eddy Street shopping areas right by the Trader Joe's. During the mid-1940s, when he was in the fourth grade, Andre was one of the first students of color to attend Saint Joseph Catholic grade school. Despite living and going to school on the east side of town, his family worshipped on the west side at the multi-racial Saint Augustine's Church. Andre's father even helped build Saint Augustine's.  In 2007, Indiana University South Bend student Imani Ingram and professor Les Lamon sat down with Andre. They talked about his different treatments between predominately white and Black South Bend schools, his experiences with discrimination at the Natatorium, and his perspective as part of the east side African American community.    This episode was produced by Jon Watson from the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts at IU South Bend, and by George Garner from the Civil Rights Heritage Center.  Full transcript of this episode available here.     Want to learn more about South Bend's history? View the photographs and documents that helped create it. Visit Michiana Memory at http://michianamemory.sjcpl.org/.    Title music, “History Explains Itself,” from Josh Spacek. Visit his page on the Free Music Archive, http://www.freemusicarchive.org/. 

Episode 86, FULL SHOW -- In the final home stand of the 2023 season, both Jackson Rutledge and Josiah Gray posted encouraging starts in front of the home crowd. Grant & Tobi discuss why it is a big deal for Josiah Gray to finish the 2023 season strong, after a disappointing stretch from August through early September; The Minor League season has come to an end across just about all levels. Before our interview with Nats Director of Player Development De Jon Watson, Grant & Tobi provide some closing thoughts on some of your most anticipated players in the system; De Jon Watson is the Nationals Director of Player Development, overseeing the Nats Minor League system in its entirety. He joins Bustin' Loose Baseball to give his perspective on some of the Nationals top prospects as their seasons come to a close. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 86, Segment 3 -- De Jon Watson is the Nationals Director of Player Development, overseeing the Nats Minor League system in its entirety. He joins Bustin' Loose Baseball to give his perspective on some of the Nationals top prospects as their seasons come to a close. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the Reel Turf Techs Podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Jon Watson, a Certified Turf Equipment Manager (CTEM) and the Equipment Manager at the prestigious Wycliffe Country Club in Palm Beach, Florida, as our guest.Jon's journey into the world of turf management is a true testament to hard work and dedication. Just eight years ago, he embarked on this fascinating career path by joining the grounds crew at a golf course. Since then, he has tirelessly worked his way up the ranks, eventually becoming the Equipment Manager at one of Florida's most renowned golf clubs.Jon's commitment to his craft is exemplified by his achievement of completing levels one and two of the Equipment Manager Certification Program (EMCP), culminating in his becoming a Certified Turf Equipment Manager. His story is an inspiring example of how passion, education, and hands-on experience can lead to success in the turf industry.Join us as we dive deep into Jon's journey, discussing his experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the turf industry. We'll explore the intricacies of equipment management, the importance of certifications like CTEM, and gain valuable insights from a true expert in the field.Whether you're a turf enthusiast, a fellow equipment manager, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes world of maintaining lush golf course greens, this episode promises to be both informative and inspiring. Tune in to the Reel Turf Techs Podcast and get ready to learn from one of the industry's rising stars, Jon Watson, CTEM. Tweet us @ReelTurfTechs and @MTrentManning Email us at ReelTurfTechs@gmail.com Check out our YouTube Channel

On this episode..Lamont King and Jon Watson from “All Fun & Games” are here as we discuss:If men need women, And How modern day dating has changed completely.Plus, we give you a sneak peak of the patreon as we do some listener mail and answer your questions about: How to handle “masculine women”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode..Lamont King and Jon Watson from “All Fun & Games” are here as we discuss:If men need women, And How modern day dating has changed completely.Plus, we give you a sneak peak of the patreon as we do some listener mail and answer your questions about: How to handle “masculine women”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

To support the ministry of Immanuel Church visit https://www.immanuelnashville.com/give

Kent Lapp talks with Rev. Jon Watson about Ephesians 4:17-32 and the gentile culture, narrative in scripture, the impassability of God, the aseity of God, & more. SHOW LINKS » https://christchurchtn.com/team » https://immanuelnashville.com/ ABOUT THE GUEST Jon has a Master of Divinity degree from Knox Theological Seminary and a Master of Theology from Edinburgh Theological Seminary. His academic emphasis is in biblical theology, Old Testament theology with a focus on Genesis, and narratology. Jon has spent years serving local churches, including two years as Minister in Training at St. Columba's Free Church in Edinburgh, Scotland (2019–2021). He currently serves as Pastor at Christ Church, which was planted in the north suburbs of Nashville, TN, as of April, 2022. CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS » Crowd Health: https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/ use promo code KLP » Baked & Free: https://www.bakedandfree.com/ CONNECT WITH US » Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kentlapppodcast/ » Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/thekentlapppodcast » Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KentLappPodcast » Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kentlapp » Website: https://www.kentlapp.com/ » Email: TheKentLappPodcast@gmail.com ABOUT THE KLP The Kent Lapp Podcast features conversations taking you inside the minds of the relentless. A rare blend of raw and polish, levity and depth, the KLP gives you an honest look into the mindsets of the few who refuse to settle. Known for honoring the moment by asking the question of greatest utility, Kent is a seasoned host with a knack for putting guests at ease while mining for the goods. Get the insight and inspiration you need to take the next step as we explore mindset, method, meaning, men's health & more. WATCH/STREAM » Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/thekentlapppodcast » Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/vfv2vgw » Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/y8yd2gcc » Overcast: https://tinyurl.com/y8veuoxl » Castbox: https://tinyurl.com/y8vwheqt » Stitcher: https://tinyurl.com/y75uy96u » Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yburnrld » Amazon Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/y7lszt2f

Ross Halls is joined by Jon Watson and Liam Whiting to discuss all things Ipswich Town from the win over Derby, Chaplin scoring 20 goals, the togetherness and much more!   Kings of Anglia is sponsored by Manscaped. Get 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code KOA at MANSCAPED.com In a pickle with your marketing? Then you need Ginger Pickle

Host Jon Olson's guests this week are FBI intelligence analysts Chris Tatarka and Jon Watson from the FBI's Minneapolis Field Office.  They discuss the FBI's role as a member of the US Intelligence Community.

Ross Halls is joined by Mark Beck and Jon Watson to discuss all things Ipswich Town from the run in, Barnsley postponement, new away ticketing priority system and any other improvements for the final 10 games.  Plus looking ahead to Shrewsbury and The Strike!   Kings of Anglia is sponsored by Manscaped. Get 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code KOA at MANSCAPED.com In a pickle with your marketing? Then you need Ginger Pickle

Arturo Bassick - 999 & The Lurkers - in conversation with David Eastaugh https://www.nineninenine.net 999 are an English punk rock band, formed in December 1976. From the period of 1976 to 1985, the line-up of 999 consisted of Nick Cash (vocals, guitar), Guy Days (lead guitar), Jon Watson (bass guitar) and Pablo LaBritain (drums). LaBritain was temporarily replaced in 1980 by drummer Paul Edward aka 'Ed Case' while he recovered from a motor accident. Bassist Jon Watson left the band in 1985 and was replaced by Danny Palmer, who was succeeded by Arturo Bassick in 1991.

On today's episode, my guest is Jon Watson, and we dive into the world of Junior College baseball. Jon is currently the head coach at Chandler Gilbert Community College in Arizona. He has a wealth of experience as an assistant coach at the JUCO level and now as a head coach. We talk about who JUCO baseball is for and why you should consider it if you're a high school baseball player.Timestamps[5:37] Time management strategies for game days [9:01] JUCO recruitment[19:44] Undiscovered talent in JUCO[23:51] Perception of transferring from JUCO[26:16] Reasons for attending JUCO[37:19] JUCO success storiesFollow Jon WatsonTwitter: @Jonwatson36 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross Halls is joined by Steve Wallers, Bono aka Matt and Jon Watson to discuss all things Ipswich Town from the much-discussed topic at the moment on if Town need to sign a striker in January and World Cup predictions.  Plus another edition of The Strike and hot takes for Exeter City. Kings of Anglia is sponsored by Manscaped. Get 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code KOA at MANSCAPED.com In a pickle with your marketing? Then you need Ginger Pickle

Ross Halls is joined by Mark Beck, Jon Watson and Bono aka ViewfromtheU2 to discuss all things Ipswich Town from their three word review of the September results and another edition of Town debate!  Plus another addition of the Strike, the ultimate beer taps and looking ahead to Portsmouth Kings of Anglia is sponsored by Manscaped. Get 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code KOA at MANSCAPED.com

New Fruita Monument athletic director Jon Watson on The Jim Davis Show.

Ross Halls is joined by Mark Beck and Jon Watson to look back at the 2021/22 season for Ipswich Town, plus the latest edition of The Strike! Kings of Anglia is sponsored by Manscaped. Get 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code KOA at MANSCAPED.com

Ross Halls is joined by Dan Botten, Jon Watson and Darren Maundrell to discuss their sliding doors moments this season and which player they would let go in the summer. They also discuss Lee O'Neill leaving the club, look ahead to the Easter fixtures against Rotherham and Wigan, plus another addition of The Strike!   Kings of Anglia is sponsored by Manscaped. Get 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code KOA at MANSCAPED.com

The sermon for the third Wednesday in Lent, March 16, 2022, preached by Jon Watson.

Some baseball is happening in West Palm Beach. De Jon Watson spoke after the Nats wrapped up early minor league camp. Bobby and Amy break down the latest on the top prospects.

Ross Halls is joined by Jon Watson, Harvey Davies, Matt Makin and Ben De'Ath to discuss Kieran McKenna and Mark Ashton dynamic, look ahead to Burton, plus The Strike and the latest Turnstile Blues!    Kings of Anglia is sponsored by Manscaped. Get 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code KOA at MANSCAPED.com

Jon Watson is a 2022 Raider graduate. Jon moved to Hastings at the beginning of his 9th grade year and has played baseball and basketball during his time at HHS. Jon went from not making the basketball team during his 7th and 8th grade year, to being voted the captain of the Hastings basketball team. John plans to major in mechanical engineering and has deep advice for parents and coaches, and urges them to focus on the heart of their athletes and notice the words they use.

Why I Am A Christian Reader: Jon Watson Date: 3rd January 2022 Time: Passage: Acts 26:19 ------------------- Three times in the book of Acts Paul the apostle tells how he became a Christian. In Acts 26:1-32 Paul's testimony comes in four steps that are very helpful for us, if we are Christians and want to tell others why we are believers in Jesus. **Step 1. What we were.** Paul tells about his past in verses 1-10. We all have a past — maybe not as colourful as Paul's but it is a past that needs to come under the searching gaze of the holy God. **Step 2. What we needed.** Paul needed to be changed. He had been persecuting Christians, fighting against Christ Jesus, thinking he was pleasing God. We too need to be changed. We have all sinned against God and it is only God who is able to make us change in the way that is needed. **Step 3. What happened.** Paul met with Jesus and his life was changed for ever. This is what happens to every Christian when we meet with Jesus as our Saviour and Lord. **Step 4. The new life in Christ.** Paul was given a job to do by Jesus and he carried it out faithfully. We too, as Christians, have a job to do for Jesus — to tell others who he is and how he can change their lives too. ## Prayer Dear Lord, help me to follow you day by day, and be obedient to your vision for my life. Amen

Getting Ready For Jesus Reader: Jon Watson Date: 23rd December 2021 Time: Passage: Luke 2:4-6 ------------------- Getting ready for the birth of a baby is usually a busy and an exciting time. Care is taken to have everything in place so that, if all goes well, the newborn child will be welcomed home with everything ready for him or her. When we read about the preparations for the birth of Jesus it is quite a different story. Although many of the usual preparations could not be in place for the baby's arrival yet, all that happened fulfilled what God had planned. Joseph did everything God asked him to do. The Roman authorities demanded that all the people go to their home towns to be counted in a census and that was why Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem, just as the prophets had foretold. God had everything in place. You can read all about this in Matthew chapters 1 and 2 and in Luke chapter 2. At this time of year I'm quite sure you are getting everything ready for Christmas Day — food, presents, cards, a host of things that we have 'tagged on' to the celebration of Christ's birth. With it all we need to be sure not to forget the Lord Jesus. As it is said, 'he is the reason for the season'. Let's put Jesus first in all the preparations. ## Prayer We thank you, O Lord, for the coming of the Lord Jesus. Help us to praise and honour him. Amen

Commandment No. 10 Reader: Jon Watson Date: 22nd December 2021 Time: Passage: Exodus 20:17 ------------------- Now I know it's getting near to Christmas so why am I writing about the Ten Commandments? I'm asking us to think about the Tenth Commandment so that you won't spoil your Christmas by being jealous about what other people might get as presents and you didn't! Jealousy spoils everything. Mind you, there is a good jealousy. The Bible tells us that God is jealous, meaning that he cares very, very much about the honour of his name and the good of his people. In that sense we can say God is careful about how we think of him. He alone is God and we must not worship any other so-called god. But there is a bad jealousy, meaning envying what someone else has or, as it is sometimes called, 'coveting' what someone else has. The Bible says "Don't set your heart on anything that is your neighbour's." If someone is to get a bigger or better present than you may get at Christmas, don't be jealous — it will spoil your attitude towards the other person. That is not good. In one of his famous sayings Shakespeare wrote: "O! Beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-ey'd monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on." In other words it spoils everything, especially you or me if we are jealous. So let's be content and happy and look forward to a happy and blessed Christmas. It's not about presents after all! ## Prayer Dear Lord, help me to set my heart on pleasing you most of all. Amen.

Proclaiming The Word Of The Lord Reader: Jon Watson Date: 21st December 2021 Time: Passage: Acts 15:36 ------------------- How would you describe what the minister or preacher does at the sermon time in church? You get a good clue in the verse above! Paul and Barnabas had **proclaimed** the word of the Lord in all the places they had visited. Proclamation is preaching — it is announcing publicly what God wants us to hear. The Apostle Peter used the word proclamation when speaking about the prophets foretelling the coming of Jesus (Acts 3:24). It is also used when we read that the Lord's Supper 'shows forth' (proclaims) the death of the Lord Jesus. Going to church should take on a new meaning for us if we took seriously the expectation that we were to listen to the proclamation of the word of God. It is not something to be just accepted as another part of the service — it is the main part — it is the public 'sending forth' of God's eternal word. As we are coming up to Christmas let's remember that God proclaimed Jesus as the great Messiah through whom all the promises of salvation were to come. It was a proclamation of Good News to a dying world — and it still is. Let us be thrilled by it! ## Prayer Almighty God, we pray that you will bless the proclamation of your word wherever it goes out. Amen.

Our Perfect Example Reader: Jon Watson Date: 20th December 2021 Time: Passage: 1 Peter 2:21 ------------------- Yesterday we were thinking about slates or papyrus which were used in former years to write things in school or, in the case of those who used papyrus, to write letters or documents. Today we go back to the school-room, to Primary 1 in fact! When I was in Primary 1 we were given books with letters which we had to copy. Gradually we became able to write the letters without the copy-book, but to begin with we needed the example letters and we had to be careful or else the teacher would become upset! In the verse at the top of today's page we find the word **example** - it was the very word use for helping children to learn to write at the time the New Testament was written. The Apostle Peter used this word (the only time it is used in the New Testament) to teach us about suffering. Christians expected suffering in those far-off times just as very many Christians endure suffering in our time. In this, as in every way, the Lord Jesus is our perfect example and we should follow in his steps. The old hymn states "Some will hate thee, some will love thee; Some will flatter, some will slight; Cease from man and look above thee: Trust in God and do the right." (Norman Macleod) We look above to Jesus — he is our Example and we need to follow in his steps. ## Prayer Dear Lord, you knew suffering and rejection. Please help me when I have to endure rejection and mockery for your sake. Give me courage, Amen.

A Clean Slate Reader: Jon Watson Date: 19th December 2021 Time: Passage: Colossians 2:14 ------------------- If you were as old as I am you would remember, as I do, learning to write on a slate tablet in school. One of the advantages of a slate was that it could be wiped clean and then used again and again. I don't think the Apostle Paul used a slate when he went to school but we do know that many people in his time wrote letters and even books using papyrus. One of the advantages of papyrus was that you could wipe it clean and use it again — if it was washed carefully there would be no trace of what had been written there. Paul, in this verse in Colossians, tells us an amazing fact about what Jesus has done for us if we are Christians. He writes about an "arrest warrant" or a written statement of a debt we owed. But that warrant or statement of debt has been wiped clean — like the slate or papyrus, there is no trace of it any more. The debt was our sin, all of it, and Jesus has wiped it clean so that God does not see it anymore — it is gone for ever. I find that absolutely wonderful, don't you? It is even more wonderful, if that is possible, because of what it cost Jesus to do all of that for us — it is by his death on the cross. He paid our debt so that we are now debt-free. What a Saviour we have! "Jesus paid it all, All to him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain; He washed it white as snow." (Elvina Hall) ## Prayer Dear Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for your wonderful love and grace to us who don't deserve it. Amen

Patience Reader: Jon Watson Date: 18th December 2021 Time: Passage: 1 Corinthians 13:4 ------------------- I'm quite sure that by this time, in families where there are young children, the question will be asked "How many sleeps till Christmas?" Patience is not one of the virtues enjoyed by young children. But we adults may find patience is not something that comes easily to us either. When Paul says that "love is patient", he is telling us about something that is really beautiful and is also quite counter-cultural in today's world. Patience is a great characteristic of the Lord himself. In Romans 2:4, Paul speaks of the patience of God and here in 1 Corinthians 13:4, the Apostle tells us that this kind of patience is so unlike what you find among worldly people. In the world in which Paul lived, patience was not a virtue. People would refuse to tolerate any insult or injury. But Christian patience did not react with anger in such circumstances. Christian patience is 'wedded' to love and love to patience — they are a great couple! When we read "love is patient" it means "it never gives up" (The Message) . There is an optimism in it that is going to seek the best for someone even if it takes a long time. "Love is patient" - it is in that spirit that God himself has dealt with us. Not many people rush to follow Jesus the very first time they hear the Gospel. But in patient love God allows us to hear the Gospel over and over again until we come to believe in Jesus. Thank God for such patience! ## Prayer How we thank you, O Lord, for your love which has brought us to trust in Jesus, Amen.

Is God Just An 'Add-On' In Your Life? Reader: Jon Watson Date: 17th December 2021 Time: Passage: Matthew 6:24 ------------------- I speak to myself when I think about these words of Jesus. He is talking about people trying to serve two masters at the same time. On the one hand we who are Christians do want to serve God. We follow him, we thank him for all he has done for us through the Lord Jesus, and we genuinely place great value on heavenly things. So far so good! But — and it is a big but — we also, if we are honest with ourselves, love what is here called money. The word really means more than just money. It means that in which we trust. That raises a big question: do we really trust in money/wealth/property/the things that we buy? When Jesus speaks about serving, he is using the kind of service a slave gave to a master — the slave had to do the master's will. We wouldn't like to think that we served the material things in life like that would we? Yet I think that very often we treat God as an 'add-on' in our lives and just get on with living in much the same way as the rest of folk around us, just as secular in most of our ways — except that we go to church! So we must give ourselves a check-up every now and then to take seriously how we are serving God. An 'add-on' attitude must never be true of our Christian walk as we think of what Jesus has done for us. He and only he must be our Master served in love. ## Prayer Lord, I don't trust my sinful heart. Please help me to reject the things I so often put before you in my life. Amen.

Big Bullies! Reader: Jon Watson Date: 16th December 2021 Time: Passage: Proverbs 21:24 ------------------- Bullying is a problem, a serious problem, whether at school, work or even at home. In recent times, with the advent of the social media, bullying can become very frightening and has even led to some young people committing suicide. Sometimes Christians suffer bullying because of their beliefs and may be rejected by peers at school or by work-mates. This can be very hurtful indeed. As a Christian, you may suffer bullying because your lifestyle may be very different from those around you, your language may be different — no swearing or telling lies or listening to dirty stories. You may also find that your lifestyle is actually 'showing up' the shallowness and unhappiness of those around you, so that they want to hurt you for making them ashamed. How then do you deal with the bullying? First of all, don't be afraid to speak about it at home or with a trusted Christian friend or, if appropriate, to a staff member. Don't bottle it up in yourself. Secondly pray about it. Pray for the bully or bullies. They may be very unhappy people although they are "mockers and proud and haughty people acting with boundless arrogance". Often that is a mask over their own insecurity. Cut off social media if that is threatening you. Seek out Christian friends. ## Prayer I need your help to be a courageous Christian, O Lord, when faced with the hurtful behaviour of others. Amen.

The Marks Of A Christian's Life Reader: Jon Watson Date: 15th December 2021 Time: Passage: 2 Peter 3:11 ------------------- There is an old saying that "We are the sinners' Bible, we are the scoffers' creed". In our day, when so many people do not go to church, that saying is really very important. The only contact many people may have with Christianity is you! Someone has said that a 'saint' is someone who makes it easy to believe in God. A life that has certain 'marks', a certain character and personality that mark him or her out as special is the kind of person God wants us to be. Peter mentions two special words in writing about the Christians he had in mind. They should be holy and godly. The word 'holy' sums up the kind of life we should be living — clean and pure in mind thoughts and words. The word 'godly' refers to the attitude we have to God — an attitude of humility and reverence that shows just how great and how good God is. In one of his poems, Robert Burns wrote: "O wad some Pow'r the giftie gie us, To see oursels as others see us!" So if you are a Christian, how do you think others see you? Can others see Christ in you? Can they see holiness and godliness in you? These are very challenging and personal words. I speak to myself as well. We must be signposts pointing people to Jesus. God bless you as you do that! ## Prayer Lord, I know I can't be a good and true Christian without your help. Please live in me so that your life will shine through me. Amen.

Does It Really Matter What I Believe? Reader: Jon Watson Date: 14th December 2021 Time: Passage: John 14:6 ------------------- I was reading today about a Presbyterian church in America where about 10% of those who attend may be Jewish, atheists or agnostics. They are admitted into membership as "Associate Members of the Church" and even those who are full members don't need to believe the fundamentals of the Christian faith. While we must, and do, always welcome all who come to church, it is quite another thing to admit people to membership in the church if they do not believe in the authority of the Bible and the whole teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ. It does matter what you believe and the church would be doing a bad thing if it said to anybody that you can believe what you like and still be considered a member of the church. You see, Jesus makes very serious claims in the Gospels such as the verse at the top of the page. There Jesus says he, and only he, is the way by which we can come to God and find the truth and the life that is acceptable to God. No doubt there are many people who enjoy the warmth and companionship that they can find in church, but church is more than a social club — it is a gathering of people to worship God; and to worship him acceptably, we need to believe and follow the teaching of Jesus. ## Prayer O Lord, it is vital that I believe your word — help me to put it into practice too. Amen

Christian Trials Reader: Jon Watson Date: 13th December 2021 Time: Passage: Psalm 49:5 ------------------- Almost every day we get news of terrible things happening to Christian people within countries like India, China, in Africa and several Middle Eastern lands. There seems to be no end to suffering that is inflicted upon innocent people simply because they love and serve their Lord, and are different from those in power. For too many people this world must seem a horrible place. When we think of that it may seem a bit trite to say with the writer of Psalm 49, _"Why should I be afraid of bad days?"_ Very many people are afraid of bad days because they suffer so much. So, was that writer wrong to say what he did? I don't think so — and I will tell you why. God knows the wrongs and the suffering that people have to put up with and he cares for all his people who are caught up in the conflicts going on in the world. And God has a day when all who practise evil and inflict suffering on others will die, no matter how powerful and rich they may be in this life, and God will then hold them to account. _"But God will save my life and will take me from the grave"_ (v15). That is the assurance of ultimate salvation given to every believer in Jesus. The memory of the pain rejection and persecution will be forever wiped away and God will give the joy and the glory of heaven to those who endured so much on earth in his name. ## Prayer O Lord I pray now for all those who are suffering because they are Christians. Please keep them strong in their faith and help them. Amen.

Cheating Reader: Jon Watson Date: 12th December 2021 Time: Passage: Genesis 31:6-7 ------------------- The words written by Sir Walter Scott in his poem Marmion are very, very true: "O what a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive". The story in the book of Genesis involving Jacob shows a whole web of deceitfulness, cheating and being cheated. You can read the story if you have time in Genesis chapters 27 and onward. Jacob became a practised cheat and he found himself cheated. How true the New Testament words are: "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the children of disobedience" (Ephesians 5:6). You see, God is the God of truth, he hates lies, he hates cheating, whether it has to do with sexual wrongdoing, family relationships, or religious worship, God hates the sins of cheating and deceitfulness. One result of cheating is that a person has to go on covering up (or trying to cover up) the results of the first time they cheated. It usually gets worse and worse. It becomes like a soiled dirty rag. Telling the truth is always clean, even when it is not always easy. You can be sure God is on your side when you tell the truth and act truthfully and that is a bonus every time. "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord." (Proverbs 12:22) ## Prayer Make me to act truthfully at all times, O Lord.

Lydia, Whose Heart The Lord Opened Reader: Jon Watson Date: 11th December 2021 Time: Passage: Acts 16:14 ------------------- Women today are in all sorts of top jobs, with a real push for women to take their place at the 'top table' in all kinds of business and professions. Lydia, the woman Paul and Silas met when they went to a Jewish prayer meeting on the banks of the river in Philippi, was a business woman selling top of the range goods and her customers would have been top of the range people. Lydia was from the city of Thyatira which was famous for its luxurious purple cloth. As Paul and Silas told the Gospel to the few people at the prayer meeting, Lydia's heart warmed to the message about Jesus and we read that "The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul" (v14). Lydia was converted. Her life was changed and her home soon became the meeting place for the Christians in Philippi. I think it must have been a real encouragement for Paul and Silas as they met with that small group of people to find that the message they brought became such a blessing to Lydia and maybe to the others as well. We are told that Lydia's household — maybe her family and others who worked for her — were baptised as believers. We find God was at work there and he worked through Paul to bring people to faith in Jesus. That's still how it is today. Pray that as you go to church on Sunday God will open the hearts of people to respond to the Gospel as the minister preaches.

Concessions Reader: Jon Watson Date: 10th December 2021 Time: Passage: Luke 13:24 ------------------- One of the many 'perks' of being older is that you are often given concessions when entering exhibitions or musical events or whatever. We even travel free on pubic transport! We get used to concessions — to free TV and a winter heating allowance. It's a sign of a caring society that wants to look after its elderly citizens. Concessions! Jesus found there were some people who wanted concessions to get them into heaven. Some would tell him how good they were at keeping the commandments or praying long prayers or giving money to the poor. They felt that these things would help them when it came to getting into God's heaven. But Jesus made no concessions on that score at all. When someone asked him if only a few people would be saved Jesus in effect said 'Yes'. Why? Because so many people thought their own good works were enough to get on God's good side as it were, whereas Jesus said the door into God's presence is narrow. You can only get through by humbly following Jesus and recognising that it is only through his saving work that we are saved. Of course good works are good, but they need to be the effects of our appreciation for what Jesus has done for us. Remember there are no concessions to get round God and into heaven. Jesus is the only way — the narrow door. ## Prayer Teach me, O Lord, to follow you and thank you. Amen.

Telling The Next Generation Reader: Jon Watson Date: 9th December 2021 Time: Passage: Psalm 48:12-14 ------------------- It was good going back to where our parents and grandparents had lived and showing these places to our children. Some of these places are now only ruins, especially the great-grandparents' homes, but they were still interesting - part of our family heritage. The Jewish people of old just loved Jerusalem and especially the temple area. The writer of Psalm 48 pictures people going round that area taking note of every part in it so that they could tell their children what a wonderful place it was and, more importantly, what a wonderful God their God was. And God still is wonderful. He is our God and we want the 'next generation' to know that too. Telling children about God is one of the most important jobs God gives us to do — as parents, as churches, as Christians, whether we are parents or not - and we should be excited when we do this. Psalm 48 is a really happy Psalm the writer was really excited about God and all that he did for his people. When we know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, we should be excited about that, about him and all he has done for us. We should be excited as we live out our Christian faith and that excitement should be obvious to our younger folk too. It should be infectious. And what a story we have to tell! The story of Jesus is the greatest story ever told — let us tell it to the next generation. ## Prayer Help us, Lord, to be your story-tellers to the young folk among us. Amen.

Not A Pretty Picture Reader: Jon Watson Date: 8th December 2021 Time: Passage: Jeremiah 17:9 ------------------- If you are like me you enjoy looking at the photographs people put up on Facebook. I think there is quite a competition among some folk to see just how dramatic they can make some of the places look — ones we know well — by using special lenses or drones. Sometimes, however, a picture comes up showing just how selfish people can be by leaving rubbish by the roadside or 'fly-tipping' at a beauty spot. Not a pretty picture! On a more serious note, the prophet Jeremiah wrote about the lives some of his people were living and that was not a pretty picture. This led him to give God's verdict on the way people look from the' inside' - the way God sees us. The human heart — that means the real person we are - _"The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked"_. That is certainly not a pretty picture. Are we all like that? Well, the deceitful part is always telling us we are not all that bad, indeed we are quite good. But God tells us a different story. Without his salvation we are _"dead, doomed for ever because of our many sins."_ Ephesians 2:1 (NLT). Not a pretty picture! But God in his mercy doesn't want to leave us like that like so much rubbish by the roadside _"But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead."_ Ephesians 2:4-5 (NLT) It is God and only God who can change our wicked hearts through all that Jesus has done for us. A very different picture! Let's put all our hope and confidence in him alone.

The Garden Reader: Jon Watson Date: 7th December 2021 Time: Passage: Genesis 2:8 ------------------- As someone who likes gardening I find it interesting to see other gardens and how other gardeners plant and lay out the gardens they have. I am interested too in the different references to gardens that we find in the Bible. The first reference in the Bible to a garden is of course to the garden of Eden which we are told God planted. In this garden he placed Adam to be his gardener. It must have been a beautiful place to work in with all kinds of plants and a fruitful orchard as well. It was also a well-watered place so it had all the makings of something very beautiful. Sadly we know what happened as Adam sinned and was expelled from the garden. And that sin has marred all of us since then. The Old Testament people of God were described by Isaiah the prophet as a garden without water (Isaiah 1:30) because they stopped doing what God wanted them to do. In my own garden there are plenty of weeds, plenty of slugs and snails which spoil the plants and lots of other things which tend to spoil what I want to have as a beautiful space. It's kind of like the lives we live — we keep so many 'weeds' in our minds and hearts, sinful things that make us very unlike what God meant us to be in the beginning. Our Lord Jesus Christ went to a garden, Gethsemane, the night before he was put to death and there in the garden he was in agony in his soul as he knew the terrible cost he was to pay to take away the sinful weeds in the hearts and minds of his people. Only Christ can make our lives clean and beautiful again like a well-watered garden.

Jon Watson makes a welcome virgin appearance on the show tonight, following yet another defeat in a week which sees increasing pressure building on Ipswich Town Manager, Paul Lambert.