This month’s sayings are some of my favorite quotes from Thomas Watson. He was a Puritan preacher who was renowned for his prolific theological writings. He resided in England and lived from 1620-1686. 

“A weak faith can lay hold on a strong Christ.” #ThomasWatson

This quote reminds me of the mustard seed that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 17:20 where He spoke of “little faith” and “faith like a mustard seed.” In Luke 17:6 He also spoke of “faith as small as a mustard seed.”

Stories about the tiny mustard seed were first impressed upon me when I was young child attending Sunday School back in the early 1960s. These stories interested me as a child but they also bewildered me somewhat as well. 

I went on to learn in my adulthood that when Jesus spoke of the mustard seed in these verses he was speaking figuratively about the power of God in the lives of those who have faith in Him.

First of all, faith is a gift from God and it’s not just “faith” but “faith in Christ.” And just like the tiny mustard seed that grows to become a huge tree, when we receive the gift of faith in Christ, that faith, no matter how small, spreads to become a huge part of our lives. Eventually, and as our faith in Christ grows, it overflows to others as we go about our lives and as we share our faith.

Ultimately, with Christ as the object of our faith, our faith will undoubtedly grow and be strong in Him; not because of our strength but because of His strength in us. 

#SaturdaySayings

May 2, 2026

————————————————————

When I was young I was a fairly average student and I probably came away with an average amount of general knowledge; very average actually. I remember when I studied I’d usually get a C or a C+, if I didn’t study I’d get a C or a C-, and any other grade I got was either a disappointment or a pleasant surprise. 

Thomas Watson wrote a bit about knowledge. A different kind of knowledge though. 

“Knowledge without repentance will be but a torch to light men to hell.”

#ThomasWatson

Not knowledge of the three Rs, Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic. 

Not the knowledge of the world. 

But, a warning about having a head knowledge of Jesus but never coming to know Him through repentance and faith. 

A simple warning that knowing of Jesus is not the same as knowing Jesus. 

“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!” James 2:19

#SaturdaySayings

May 9, 2026

——————————————————-

God sweetens outward pain with inward peace. #ThomasWatson

Reflecting on this saying by Thomas Watson reminds me of when, as a 9-year- old child, I saw my mom suffering due to the death of my 18-year-old brother.  I witnessed her grieving, praying, and looking to God for strength. 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction,…” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4a 

And when I was a young adult, I saw my dad reading his Bible while he was suffering from terminal lung cancer. 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalms 119:105

Also when I was a young adult, I saw my grandma closing her eyes in physical pain and praying. 

“But I am afflicted and in pain; let your salvation, O God, set me on high!” Psalm 69:29

This also serves as a good reminder for me today to not let the various cares and concerns in today’s world overwhelm me. 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

#SaturdaySayings

May 16, 2026