Prayer as New Year Draws Near

Dearest Our Almighty Personal God...

Your faithfulness overflows in our past and present, reminding us that Your faithfulness will not fail us in the future. 

Your loving kindness calls us onward, making it possible for us to live a life of sweet surrender because we know You are trustworthy and true. 

Thank you for being our Redeemer God. You saw us in despair and desperation, unable to pay our debt of Sin and so You lovingly sent Your own Son to pay the full price for our ransom. 

Please restore in our lives what the locusts have eaten and wherever we have not been good stewards, forgive us and cause us to be loyal and in love with You without compromise. 

Your Presence, our God, is life to us. Never leave or forsake us. Enlarge our faith in You to such a degree of deep devotion that Now and Forever will be wondrously affected for Your glory and for the good of eternal souls.

Help us to gracefully release our yesterdays — today — and to boldly embrace Your tomorrows. 

In the Name of Jesus! Amen. 

God recently challenged me with these thoughts.

The eleventh commandment. :)

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love.

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Expect Continuation and Completion

As 2018 concludes and as 2019 commences, I have a deep sense of expectation that Philippians 1:6 is being emphasized in my life by the Lord. 

As we look ahead, the promise of God’s Word is a wonderful place to help find our way forward. 

Surely, we can count on this: what God has created in us, He will certainly continue and most certainly complete. 

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love.

Pastor Kerry Willis 

The Holy Spirit > Spirits

My Instagram post today as New Years approaches... 

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

A Wedding and A Funeral

The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us... “There is a season for everything...” I am experiencing that with people I care about during this Christmas afterglow season, in that, last evening I was invited to a tender wedding celebration and today I am attending a tender funeral remembrance — all within a short 24-hour time block. A quick change of seasons, in other words. 

As I type this blog post, I am sitting in the sanctuary where the funeral will begin in a few minutes. Christmas trees are beautifully lit on either side of the platform and funeral flowers adorn the pulpit and altar area. One word hangs on the wall at the back of the platform. The word “Wonder!” No doubt it was the Christmas Advent theme for the local church during December. 

I will testify that attending a wedding and a funeral all

within the span of just two sunrises and one sunset has been enough to activate my wondering mind and to fill my heart with wonder as well. The Psalmist prayed before the Lord: “Teach me to number my days.” That is underway in my own life right now. 

As I reflect, I think about my own wedding some 38 years and realize that I am somewhere between my wedding and my funeral. It’s good for my eternal soul to have this earthly experience. I feel sad for people who only attend weddings but avoid funerals. The writer of the Ecclesiastes also said...

A tender wedding 

A tender funeral 

Note: Both yesterday’s wedding and today’s funeral were sacred celebrations to my own soul. And yes, I unashamedly admit that I cried tears of joy at both venues. By attending the wedding and the funeral, I feel my current experience is best described in the first three letters of that word “wonder” — yes — I feel like “I Won!” 

I am now praying the words of an old faithful hymn of the church... “Great is Thy Faithfulness — Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.”

A final thought: “Whoever believes in Jesus will not be disappointed...” — The Bible, Romans 10:11

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love.

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Rise Up

As 2018 comes to a close, two words come to my mind and I do not know exactly what the words mean yet. Those two words are “Rise Up!” Maybe the words are meant for someone reading my blog today even more than for the one writing the blog. So, let’s hear the words again and be encouraged to obey them: “Rise Up!” 

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love.

Pastor Kerry Willis 

My Day-After-Christmas Prayer

In 2012, I wrote a small volume 2 booklet of December devotional readings for my local church. I concluded my writings for the December 26 entry with this prayer founded and grounded in the last seven words of Colossians 1:27...

“Lord, give me the desires of my heart only if they are one with your desires for my life. Make me to be a sanctuary where Your Presence reigns on the inside and shines to the outside. Christmas Day has just passed and soon the many bright lights of the season will all gradually fade away. However, between Christmases, please make Your light within me more intense, more intentional, and more inspirational than I could ever imagine. Amen.” — kww 

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

My Christmas Prayer for You 🐚

This is my Christmas prayer for you, friend — 12:45am Christmas Day 2018... 

A few photos from our Christmas celebration... 

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love.

Pastpr Kerry Willis 

Increase My Peace

Today, Christmas Eve, a dear friend, Dave, from North Carolina, sent me a screenshot of the December 24th reading from Oswald Chambers’ classic devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest. 

Dave journeyed with me to the Holy Land in October and though he’s been in a physical battle with his health, he’s been on a mountaintop in His spirit ever since the sacred trip. Today, God used Dave to increase my peace by sharing these words. 

From our hearts to yours, BLESSED CHRISTMAS! 

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love.

Pastor Kerry Willis 

The Christmas Story — Paraphrase

I pray my simple paraphrase of The Christmas Story from Luke 2:8-20 will help to clarify the event and magnify your hope during this holy day season...

Shepherds watching... Night falling...

Angel appearing.... Glory glowing... 

Shepherds shaking... Good News given... 

Great joy promised... Bethlehem honored...

Shepherds humbled... Angels announcing... 

Glory heightened... Peace resting...

Shepherds excited... Angels exiting.... 

Baby entering... Mary treasuring...

Shepherds returning... Shepherds glorifying...

Shepherds praising... Shepherds telling...

Dark ages are history... Light years now here! 

Born is our Infant King!

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Christmas Candle-Lighting Reading

My friend, Pastor Steve, from Asbury United Methodist Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia, shared a beautiful reading at The Court Square Unity Christmas Candle-Lighting Service this year. It was so inspiring to my own soul that I asked for his hard copy after the gathering and he gladly gave it to me. Here it is... 

“At Christmas, The Promised One appears, full of grace and truth.

For those who trust the power of God, a new way of living is made possible.

Isaiah foretells it. Luke tells what happened. We are offered an opportunity to join the celebration...

 ...to join ourselves to the Lord of hosts,

... to go with the Shepherd’s to the place where Love is born...

...to join the heralds of redemption in praise of God for this holy birth...

We are offered a sacred treasure.

Let us come to the Light of lights.

Let us be upheld in hope, peace, joy, and love.

Let us bow before the manger. 

Let us prepare to become good news in a weary land.

May Christ be born in us now and forevermore.

Unto us a child is born; unto us a Son is given!

God has brought light into every darkness. 

The promises of God are fulfilled. 

Wonderful Counselor! Mighty God!

Everlasting Father! Prince of Peace!

We hear, even today, a chorus bringing good news of great joy to all people. 

We light these candles — witnesses to the Savior Who is Christ The Lord.

Glory to God in the highest Heaven, and on earth peace among those He favors.”

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love.

Pastor Kerry Willis 

How Do You Pray?

These words written by Henri Nouwen for the Advent season bless my own heart. May they also bless yours:

How Do You Pray?

Take the Gospel — The Good News of Jesus — each day and spend ten minutes with it. Read it and read it again. Walk into the world with the Gospel in your heart. 

The Gospel Word of the day can become like a painting on the walls of your inner room, the inner room that is your heart... 

You have opportunities every second to live His Word, but it has to be in you. It can’t just be an idea, it has to sink from the mind into the heart. That’s (what) prayer (really is)  — to let God’s Word speak deep within you and to hear God say, “You are My beloved.” 

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love.

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Stealing the Baby Jesus

From my Instagram today...

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Grace Prayer

A dear friend of mine up in Michigan, Keith, knows how to pray powerful, timely prayers over me. The latest is simply titled “Grace!”

Also, i am so very humbled and grateful to have received confirmation yesterday that the publisher picked up the latest manuscript that i co-wrote with Pastor Margaret Michael and Dr. Brian Charette. This has been in the works for over two years. Yet, God’s timing is always perfect. The manuscript should be printed in book-form in 2019. The working title is three words. Three of my favorite words...

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love.

Pastor Kerry Willis 

All is Well

Sunday evening, our district pastors and leaders gathered in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, to celebrate this glorious Season of Light together with a marvelous meal and a Christmas Concert led by my dear friend, Brian Arner and his son, Chauncey and his daughter-in-law, Maisen. It was a glorious experience for everyone.

One of the final songs sung was the beautiful song of hope, “All is Well!” Hear the song now and be blessed in knowing our Savior’s birth offers each of us who will believe confidence and peace for forever and today. 

https://youtu.be/wwuZFB758r8

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Speak, O Lord

I heard this song for the first time today in a Christmas Worship service led by my friend, Brian Arner. The lyrics became a prayer for my own heart. 

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Christmas Means...

Presence Matters Most!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

“Little David”

Today, on the phone with my Mom, we were talking about our weaknesses as humans. I quoted the old classic children’s song: “I am weak but He is strong” and spontaneously Mom quoted lyrics of a song I am personally not as familiar with. The song is titled “Little David.” And since “Little David” is from “O Little Town of Bethlehem” then just maybe it is even more relevant during this season of the year. 

So, here are two “little” song links. Enjoy. 

https://youtu.be/oDjipCOa82M

https://youtu.be/jyPMDD8fGeA

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

My Holy Day Wreath

This was my Instagram post last evening. 

First Christmas Season in Cape May, NJ. Was feeling the Christmas🎄Spirit this afternoon and got inspired so much as to visit an old antique store by the shore where i picked out 9 old ornaments, got a holly tree branch out of the maritime forest outside the cottage, then picked up a strand of twenty white lights and a silver dove tree-topper from Walmart and all of a sudden — an original Kerry Willis holy day wall wreath. My tribute of praise to my King for these holy days. #parumpapumpum🥁 #newtradition #islandroots #nineequalsfruitoftheSpirit🍇 #berriespointtothebloodofJesus #hollyleafthornscrownofJesusonthecross✝️ #lightscryoutColossiansOnethirteen💡 #FourWinds #PresenceMattersMost #Maranatha

Preaching at Christmastime

When I surrendered the local pastorate, one pain in my heart was the possibility that I would not be able to preach during Christmastime — my favorite season of the year to proclaim The Good News of my Savior and Lord. 

Let me now testify. I am so very humbled as I realize the Lord has allowed me to preach seven Advent messages this year, yes, more that I would’ve preached even as a local pastor. My heart overflows with gratefulness.

Let us never limit God. Those holy desires in our hearts were placed there by Him. I have zero doubt about to. He is always leading us to His best. He loves us. We are His beloved children. 

The main verse I have preached this Christmas season is recorded in Colossians 1:13-14 (NLT). Saturated in it below and know that without Christmas nothing else would really even matter. Christmas is the birth of Hope — our Forever Hope!

Also, while preaching near Allentown, Pennsylvania, I was surprisingly inspired by seeing a lighthouse there. Maybe it calls in the farm cows? While it seemed out of place, it beautifully touched my island-boy heart. Photo below.

Countryside lighthouse 

Also, if you are unaware, with the Four Winds RV now winterized until Spring, we finally have a permanent place to call home on the Philadelphia District, yes, a precious God-provided cottage at Cape May, New Jersey. We are settling into our cozy, answer-to-prayer, sacred, place. We are debtors. 

Cape May home... 

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

“I Would Die for You”

Love this group and this song: It seems fitting to be reminded during the Advent Season, that Jesus was born unto us to die for us. 

https://youtu.be/9-jWFjtmo8c

Presence Matters Most! 

Pastor Kerry Willis

From the Cradle to the Cross

If a picture’s worth a thousand words, enough said.

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love.

Pastor Kerry Willis 

My Leadership Prayer — Latest Edit

Last evening, I sent this email to our district advisory board and leaders. I sensed I should share it on my blog today as an open letter for your inspiration. 

December 6, 2018

It’s Thursday evening and with the Advent Season now underway, you — the District Advisory Board, leaders, etc. — are specifically in my thoughts and prayers. Hope to see each of you on December 16 at our Sunday 4:30-in-the-afternoon District Christmas Meal and Concert at Ephrata Grace Point. 

Throughout my ministry I have prayed a leadership prayer over my own life. It was originally written from my own heart and I rewrite it each time I pray it. 

Now I’d like to pray my leadership prayer over us as leaders together on The Philadelphia District Church of the Nazarene. I hope it will prove to bless your beloved soul during this sacred season when we celebrate John 3:16-17. Please pray with me:

Dearest Abba Father: 

Please free us from all fear for this day, from all anxiety about tomorrow, from all bitterness towards another, from all cowardice in the face of danger, from all laziness in the necessity of work, from all failure before opportunity, from all weakness when Your power is so available. Please free us, Lord. 

Please fill us with love that knows no limit, with hope that knows no defeat, with sympathy that embraces the hurting, with courage that cannot be intimidated, with strength adequate for life’s challenges, with loyalty that proves our devotion, with release to soar on the wings of eagles, with wisdom to match life’s complexities, with faith that sees and glows in the dark, with holiness that proves Christ in us. Please fill us, Lord.

Lord, we surrender ourselves to You completely and we gladly say “Yes” to Your perfect will and Your divine way. Thank You for the Gift of Your Son — born in Bethlehem to die for us outside of Jerusalem. Because of His birth, life, suffering, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, we have a future and a hope, even in the present. Lord, we surrender ourselves.

We sincerely seek Your Holy Face, in the name of Your Holy Son, yes, in the Wonderful Name of Jesus. Let Your Presence be the undeniable Gift in our lives during this Christmas Season and and beyond, even without end. 

Amen and Amen. 

Blessed Christmas!

Presence Matters Most!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

FriendSHIPS

Tbe former Prime Minsiter of Canada and close friend to President George H.W. Bush, Brian Mulroney, spoke theses words from an Irish Proverb at President’s Bush’s funeral service in D.C.: “There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships! May they always be!” Later in the ceremony Michael W. Smith sang his classic song titled “Friends”. Link below...

https://youtu.be/uXctMaAd998

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love.

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Revelation Reading Brought Me to Tears

Today, watching the funeral services for President George H.W. Bush, I was brought to tears when his granddaughter, Jenna, read this passage from the final book of God’s Word:

Fox News Media Photo 

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love.

Pastor Kerry Willis 

A Few Days Off the Road

* This post will go out to pastors across the Philadelphia District Church of the Nazarene this week. Yes, it’s my “Four Winds Forecast” — December 4, 2018 edition. Seemed good for my blog as well. 

When I said “yes” to the new call God placed upon my life for His glory — to be district superintendent of the Philadelphia District Church of the Nazarene — I knew immediately I would purposefully spend many days on the road. Getting to the frontlines of where the local church gathers to encourage and to serve is the only way I know how to be a DS and maintain integrity. It’s a daunting undertaking but also quite sacred. 

So, for six months, Kim, Lucy, and I, have wholeheartedly embraced the highways and backroads of eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey and we have absolutely zero regrets. What a ride it has been — to form relationships with pastors and leaders and local church families. We continue to be humbled by this sacred season of seeking out “our people” — The Nazarenes. 

About two weeks ago we winterized our Four Winds RV and finally felt permission to exhale. Yes, we were and are a little road-weary now. And a few days ago I came down with a cough and a cold and chest congestion set-in. So, after the weekend past, Kim, Lucy, and I, have now taken a few days off the road to recover. It’s just what The Great Physician ordered. 

Amazingly, the Season of Christmas is beautifully upon us, and if Advent calls for anything, it calls for us as Jesus-believers to pull back the throttle of our lives and to seek the face of our Lord in a fresh way, to intentionally wait on His new-morning mercies, and to simply rest in His promised presence. So, that’s what we are doing. We look forward to being on the road again, but for now we are taking a God-ordered timeout. Pray for us. 

I pray your life slows down a little, too. May the One Who is Our Peace, be yours. And, let’s not miss Christmas this year. 

‘Tis the Season to be Lucy. 

My Instagram below from this week may interest some of you:

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

i believe

Presence Matters Most!

That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love.

Pastor Kerry Willis