Cold As Ice!

When I was a high-schooler, one rock band, Foreigner, had a song titled "Cold as Ice!" Some of the lyrics were: "You’re as cold as ice; you’re willing to sacrifice our love."

With the winter temperatures anything but southern here in South Jersey, that song came to mind this morning. Immediately, I made a spiritual connection. Unless we keep the homefires of prayer burning in our everyday lives, our faith will grow fridged and we will forsake our first Love, Jesus.

In Revelation, Jesus said He would rather we be hot or cold towards Him, than lukewarm. In other words, keeping our hearts hot toward Him is preferred, but there’s something worse than cold-hearted to Christ. It is being lukewarm. 

How is cold and lukewarm different other than in temperature. Cold means we have at least considered Christ though we have made a decision to walk away from Him.  That’s bad, however lukewarm means we do not even care enough to consider Christ and make a decision about Him. It’s called apathetic. 

I have heard it said that the opposite of love is not hate, but apathy. Apathy means we could care less. To care less is to be careless and yes, prayerless. Lord forbid. Lord forgive. 

Stay warm, my friend. Dare I say, stay holy hot and never forsake your first love, Jesus, yes, the One who loved you first and most. And don’t sacrifice that love between you and the One called Wonderful Who sacrificed His all so you could love Him back. 

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

A Hundred Billion / So Will i

I love this song. Worship our Awesome Creator God with me... 

https://youtu.be/GfVd5x9W1Xc

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Time Flies

I have had some time for reflection this week and one thing I know for sure is this: "TIME FLIES!" One song writer said it best: "the secret of life is enjoying the passage of time." (It’s at least one secret of life.)
I have lived most of my years with a very grateful heart. Especially, the latter years of my life. The older I get the more glad I am about that reality of my chosen attitude of gratitude over the years. I think one of the great regrets in life can be not appreciating the times of our lives.

It’s true, we cannot live in the past, however, taking time to reflect on our yesterdays can truly give us a better perspective for our todays and our tomorrows. In other words, the past is a great teacher.

So, I would counsel you from time-to-time to reflect back on your life. Your family. Your friends. Your faith. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it is good for the soul. I tend to cry and laugh and become very quiet when I am being reflective. Today, has been like that.
I am the oldest I’ve ever been. Yes, 57 now, almost 58. Often, it seems hard for me to believe that I will be 60-years-old in-the-blink-of-an-eye. To be honest, the thought at times can take my breath away. Yes, indeed! "TIME FLIES!"

For perspective, this morning I talked on the phone with my 80-year-old ministry mentor. James is so obviously grateful for his life so far and believes the Lord has recently told him he will have "at least 5 more good years of ministry -- preaching and teaching. Maybe more," Hearing his passion for the future helps me on a reflective day Like Imammhaving, today. Because, while I truly tend to mourn somewhat over the past that has seemingly slipped through my fingers like sand, I presently know and believe that the future is still preferred for Jesus-believers like me.
My prayer today is made of of words I penned for an an old Lordship Season theme I led our local church through maybe a dozen years ago now:

"Lord, help me to savor my yesterdays, to seize my todays and to see my tomorrows. Let my day of reflection give to my life your redirection. Woo me forward with the heavenly vision. Remind me that while "TIME FLIES" here on earth, in Heaven with You, Eternity is forever. In Your Holy Name, Jesus, I ask. Amen."

Evening sky today reminded me of Heaven’s glory.

Presence Matters Most!
That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love.
Pastor Kerry Willis

Well Done

This morning in the very early hours, I was praying deep within my soul these words: "Lord, one day I want to hear you say: ‘Well Done!’" As I continued to lean into the Lord’s presence, my prayers turned to thanksgivings as I cried: "Lord, I will only be able to hear You say: ‘Well done’ because of all You have done well for me, in me and through me."

Some days are more beautifully and tenderly emotional than others. Today, has been one of those days for me. More than ever I realize how much I need and want Jesus to be my Everything, all-of-the-time. 

Yes, I know the song writer said: "I can’t even walk without Him holding my hand." Nevertheless, I am so glad I can know my Lord closer than mere hand-holding, yes, because He has placed Himself within me through His Spirit of Truth. So, more than only walking with Jesus, I now desire what He desires -- that I might be His sanctuary to live in and to love through. What a deep and emotional reality!

So, Lord, when You say "Well done" to me, I want you to know that I know I can only hear those two words of spiritual success because You have done well on my behalf. I love You!

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

To Worship "Him"

I love the holy words from Matthew 2:2 as spoken by the Magi on their way to Bethlehem to see the Infant King, Jesus. I especially love the way the passage is rendered in the Message Paraphrase -- these seven words: "We are on pilgrimage to worship Him!"

Today, my wife, Kim and I, left Cape May, New Jersey, around 7:15 a.m. to arrive by 10 a.m. to worship with our brothers and sisters at Birdsboro, Pennsylvania Church of the Nazarene. It is my duty and delight as district superintendent to install their new local pastor, Rev. Scott Campbell. 

During the worship time, the band led us in a song very close to my own heart of worship titled "The Heart of Worship". The key theme of the song is: "I’m coming back to the heart of worship and it’s all about You, it’s all about You, JESUS!"

Let’s declare about own own life-journeys the same thing the Magi declared on their trip to Bethlehem: "We are on pilgrimage to worship Him!" Yes, Him! Jesus! Let’s make our lives all about worship and all about worshipping Him!

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

In a Hurricane?

Today, I texted a friend of almost 40 years saying, "Something I saw today reminded me to pray for you." The friend replied, "Need all the prayer I can get." To which I said, "How are you? Be specific." The response? "I feel like I am in the middle of a hurricane. But I know it’s only for a season."

Finally, I sent this link below to an old song of the church. And the reply was, "Thanks!" 

So, I hope the song also helps you, especially if you feel like you’re in the middle of a hurricane, about to enter one, or hoping to soon come out of one.

Song title: "PeaceSpeaker" / Heritage Singers 

https://youtu.be/1PDO_I_fJWw

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Finish "Your" Course

From 2 Timothy 4:7 ..."finish your course...

Leaving the local church that I pastored faithfully and loved dearly (for 24 years) was heart-wrenching. Nevertheless, surrendering and going with God to the next harvest field was right. The powerful words "in quotes" below helped me so very much. A great perspective. I’m glad to have handed that precious, holy work over to a young, wonderful successor, and humbled to have been called to put my hand to another one’s kingdom plow for a while. 

"We are not responsible for finishing everything we begin, it may be our part only to begin it; the carrying on and finishing of it may be the work of others. They may be those we know or do not know and perhaps others not yet born. We all enter into the work of those who have gone before us, and others who come after us will in return enter into our work. Our duty simply is to do -- well and faithfully -- our own little part. Why fret over what we cannot do when that which we can do will occupy all our time? What we cannot do is not our responsibility. It belongs to some other worker, waiting even now, perhaps, in some obscure place, who at the right moment will come forth with new zeal and dedicated skill, anointed for his task."

-- Streams in the Desert, Volume Two

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Believing Comes By Hearing

Romans 10:17 contains four powerful words: "Faith comes by hearing..." 

Surely, faith matters so very much to God and to us. If you are not convinced how very much, simply read "The Faith Chapter -- Hebrews 11" and you will be. 

Nevertheless, another thought was revealed to me yesterday. It was an epiphany of reality to my mind. 

A friend and I were discussing how wonderfully created people cannot believe they are wonderfully created. I’m talking about Christian people who doubt they are highly valued or even valued at all. 

Suddenly, God’s Word came to me: "Faith comes by hearing..." Then, a synonym for "faith" passed through my thoughts -- the word "believing". In that moment I understood something powerful. People, even Christians, cannot believe they are wonderfully created because they have never heard it from anyone in their lives. 

Wow! Now, I know why one of my favorite things to say to others always seems to be a delight for them to hear. I say: "I believe in you and I believe in Who’s in you?" What can be more wonderful than to be created by God and then recreated to be a sanctuary for Him to dwell in!

If you hear me, I hope your belief of your high value to God is becoming stronger. Also, I hope you will seek to speak transforming truths to others about how wonderfully created and recreated by God they really are! "Believing comes by hearing..."

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Prayer Requests

Recently, for our Four Winds Philadelphia District Pastors’ Prayer Retreat, we were all asked by the retreat leader, Pastor Jonathan Merki, to send our prayer requests in prior to the gathering so a proper prayer list could be created for distribution. These were the prayer requests I sent in:

Prayer Requests:

Presence -- (That we would desire God’s essence more than we ever have and live nonstop as real sanctuaries of His presence.)

Unity -- (That our lives would make others hungry and thirsty for holy oneness with Jesus and true friendship with one another.)

Souls -- (That the Philadelphia District would be like the lifesavers of old with an urgent passion to reach the lost before it’s too late.)

Love -- (That the world will know that we belong to Jesus, by the way we love one another.)  

And 3 unspoken requests / family-related

Thanks for praying with me still. 

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Four Winds Forecast -- January 21, 2019

Greetings Beloved Philadelphia District Partners:

My prayer for each of you today is that you will clearly and dearly know how very valuable your life is to Jesus, The Nazarene. May you experience the loving embrace of His amazing grace deep within your soul, in your family and especially as He ministers through you to eternal souls. In the Name of Jesus. Amen. 

January has been beautifully busy for me. The future is upon us! Is there an accuser to triumph over? Is there a spiritual war to overcome? Yes! Yes! Nevertheless, our King Jesus has always been, still is, and forever will be: The Overseer of the Overcomers.

"They triumphed over him (the accuser) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony... (Revelation 12:11a NIV) 

Friends, let us remember that the blood of the Lamb is never in question; only the word of our testimony. Therefore, let us be His witnesses in Philadelphia, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and The State of New Jersey, and to the ends of the earth beginning in our own homes.

The Lord gave me an encouraging word of anticipation to cling to in 2019 -- "Epiphany!" In other words, I am living each day anticipating a sudden revelation, yes, a miraculous manifestation of the Presence of King Jesus in and through my life. I want day-by-day "Epiphany" to happen in my own life, and I want to be His "Epiphany" happening day-by-day in the lives of others.

If God has given you a word or even a verse for 2019, please take time to email it to me at Graynalli@aol.com so you can encourage me by sharing God’s word to you for these days ahead.

Note: My word "Epiphany" is based on Matthew 2:2 (MSG) "We are on pilgrimage to worship Him." 

The Four Winds Pastors’ Prayer Retreat at Black Rock in mid-January was in the words of Pastor James Fennell: "A modern-day Pentecost experience!" 50 of us gathered for a portion of three days and prayer was the agenda. My whole soul was wondrously inspired and invigorated. Thanks to Pastor Jonathan Merki and the many partners who made sure we prioritized prayer during this gathering. I hope even more can be present in 2020. Remember, scholarships are available. Pastor Jonathan encouraged our zone leaders to host at least one prayer event together before next year’s Four Winds Prayer Retreat. Let us pray! 

MAC -- Ministry Assesment Conference was recently hosted at Lancaster Church. Pastor Byron Hannon led a wonderful team to access and equip local licensed ministers who plan to request district licenses. Pastors, please make sure you promote this among your local licensed pastors and get them to the next MAC. It is a powerful two days.

LOTS OF DATES. TAKE A LOOK:

JANUARY

* Jan. 22 DAB Meeting / Burlington

* Jan. 26 Holiness Symposium 10 a.m. at Royersford

FEBRUARY

* Feb. 2 Board of Ministry Interviews District License / Royersford (For any questions about any Board of Ministry Details please contact Rev. BW Hambrick, Chairman.)

* Feb. 4 PCDC / Fairview Village at 9 a.m. followed by Board of Ministry Meeting 

* Feb. 11-14 M-19 / Kansas City

* Feb. 23 Familiar Grounds / Saturday at 2 p.m. at Macungie

* Feb. 25 District Assembly Team Meeting / Lansdale Noon - 2 p.m.

MARCH

* Mar. 2 Board of Ministry Meetings with Ordinands / Fairview Village 

* Mar. 11 PCDC / Fairview Village at 9 a.m.

* Mar. 19 Finance Committee and DAB / Royersford 

* Mar. 24 - 26 Pastor Kerry in Revival / Pennsville 

* Mar. 30 - Chic Shaver Seminar / Lavelle

* Mar. 28-31 Festival of Life / ENC

APRIL

* Apr. 1 PCDC / Fairview Village at 9 a.m.

* Apr. 6 District Ladies Retreat / District Email was sent out

* Apr. 14 / Palm Sunday

* Apr. 21 Easter / Resurrection Day

MAY

* May 2-4 District Conventions and Assembly Lansdale & Ordination at Fairview Friday Evening (Details Coming Soon)

* May 17-19 Pastor Kerry in Revival / New Holland

* May 21 Lordship/Stewardship Lifestyle Training Workshop for Local Pastors and Church Leaders led by Pastor Kerry / Royersford 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (More Details to Come.) 

* May 24-26 Pastor Kerry preaching Erma Memorial Day Campmeeting / Cape May

JUNE

* June 3 PCDC / Fairview Village at 9 a.m.

* June 9-12, Pastor Kerry in Revival / Mifflinburg 

* June 24-29 NYI Camp / Dallas, PA

* June 30 p.m. -July 6 a.m. Philadelphia Family Campmeeting / Erma Camp, Cape May (More Details to Come.)

JULY

* July 19-28, Erma Holiness Campmeeting, New Jersey

AUGUST

* Aug. 17-19, Pastor Kerry in Revival / Pennington Grace

* Aug. 30-31 NYI Back-to-School / Camel Back Resort 

SEPTEMBER

* NOTE: Sept. 6-8 Pastors’ and Spouse Retreat (POSTPONED: Labor Day Weekend Seemed Difficult to plan. New Date Soon.)

* Sept. 22-24, Pastor Kerry in Revival / Ephrata Grace Point  

* Sept. 28 Gospelrama Philadelphia

OCTOBER

(Stay tuned.)

NOVEMBER

* Nov. 3-5 Pastor Kerry in Revival / Lansdale Immanuel

DECEMBER 

* Dec. 14 District Pastors & Leaders Christmas Brunch TBD

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Jesus, You Are...

Jesus, You are...

My Helper, my Hope, my Holiness...

Jesus, You are...

My Lifeline, my Laughter, my Lord...

Jesus, You are...

My Guide, my Goal, my God...

Jesus, You are...

My Desire, my Delight, my Deliverer...

Jesus, You are...

My Savior, my Sanctifier, my Shalom...

Jesus, You are...

My Righteousness, my Redeemer, my Ruler...

Jesus, You are...

My Maker, my Master, my MARANATHA!!!

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Day-By-Day

Day-by-day, i am delighted to awake and to know my God is for me. On those days when i open my eyes and it seems i am full of sighs because of the burdens of life, i am quickly embraced by hope. Yes, i suddenly remember i am not alone as the Presence of the Lord begins to comfort and encourage my whole being.

Take this week for example. It has been very busy and also very beautiful. Some days have presented heavy challenges, nevertheless, holy companionship has been undeniable everyday. 



The theme of my life these days has been and will continue to be... "Presence Matters Most!" In fact, without His Presence i know i cannot continue, yet, with His Presence i am assured the future is preferred, Yes, knowing Christ is for me, with me and within me, i surely continue forward, onward, even upward. How? Day-by-day.

Speaking of my days, here are some images posted below from this week...

Pastor Kerry Willis

Your Cross Will Become Your Crown

The blind Scottish preacher, George Mattheson wrote these words: "There is a day coming in which your glory shall consist in the very thing which now constitutes your pain."

I say, "Your Cross Will Become Your Crown."

The Apostle Paul wrote: "God will allow no suffering, no trial above what you are able to bear." 1 Corinthians 10:13

Our suffering will give way to celebration.

Presence Matters Most!
That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love.

Pastor Kerry Willis

Making Prayer Imperative

I’ve had the privilege the past few days to be in a prayer retreat gathering hosted in rural Pennsylvania. About 50 of our Philadelphia District Nazarene Pastors met together for the purpose of making prayer imperative! 

Because of prayer, we can enjoy holy communion, even friendship with Jesus. O that we would all give more prominent attention to praying. What might God do for us as a human race and his beloved church if we will only live outloud God’s words recorded in 2 Chronicles 7:14a: "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and PRAY..." 

I have no doubt God is waiting to be our Helper if we will only place prayer -- once again or for the first time -- as the priority of our days and nights. 

As we left the retreat center, Rev. James told me with great enthusiasm: "God answered our prayer! We have experienced a modern-day Pentecost in many ways by being here together to pray." I’d say that testimony alone proves that God has helped us simply because we set aside time to seek Him. By purposely engaging Him with all other distractions set aside, Jesus undeniably endeared Himself to us. The fruit of our gathering will soon be known. What a glorious expectation praying together has given to our hearts! Holy anticipation is alive within us all!

Philippians 4.6 -- ...in everything, by prayer..."

Presence Matters Most!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

An Awakening Prayer

I awoke at 5:53 am this morning at our Four Winds Philadelphia District Pastor’s Prayer Retreat with this clear prayer on my mind: 

"Lord, as the wind shapes the oak tree, 

let your Holy Spirit shape my soul." 

I guess I could call it an "awakening prayer".

Later in the day we were assigned quiet time. I drove south a ways and walked through a rural cemetery. It was a cold stroll but it did warm my soul. 

Presence Matters Most!!

Pastor Kerry Willis

Your Presence Matters Most

For a few years now, my ministry philosophy has been “the ministry of presence”, that is, I only live that Christ might manifest Himself through me. To be a sanctuary of His Holy Presence is my life’s purpose.

When I became district superintendent of Philadelphia, I decided to focus our mission statement on three words: “Presence Matters Most!” 

Also, after a couple of years, I just finishing co-writing a new book manuscript — with Pastor Margaret Michael and Dr. Brian Charette — that is now hopefully in its final edit stages and should be printed in 2019. The title is, of course, “Presence Matters Most!”

Recently, in preparation for our district pastors’ prayer retreat, Pastor Jim Lucas from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, moved deeply by our mission statement, has written a new song. Yes, he was inspired simply, but profoundly, by “Presence Matters Most!” 

While I was totally humbled when I heard the new song, it also gave me deep affirmation in my own soul that God is on the move. 

Listen to the song, that Pastor Jim Lucas has also turned into a beautiful YouTube:

 https://youtu.be/xaIaqz1LjHw

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis

Epiphany Afterglow

This was my Instagram post today, Sunday...

 Snowy cold on the outside but what a warm tender worship service on the inside at Bethany Harrisburg PA Church of the Nazarene. I love preaching in the afterglow of Epiphany. Humbled to see altars lines with children early-on and adults at the end. Grateful, my Lord, because I only live that You might use me as an Epiphany, yes, that You might reveal Yourself in me, that you might manifest Your glory through my story to others. #FourWinds #PresenceMattersMost #Maranatha

Let the little children come unto Jesus. Prayer time. 

God You’re So Good. Worship time 

One of my Scripture texts today... 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Let Us Not Behave Like Unbelievers

I do not believe there is anything that breaks the heart of our Faithful God more than for us as professed believers to behave like unbelievers and to doubt that God is good and that He cares for His own. Yes, surely, our seemingly subtle acts of unbelief in God sink to the very deepest depths of human rebellion. 

Shame on us when we act as if God is unaware and without care for our lives. It must surely feel again like the kiss of Judas upon His holy face, yes, a bitter betrayal in its most obvious representation. 

How quickly we forget that God is Love. How many days do we overlook the fact that He loved us (and still loves us) so very much that He gave His only beloved Son to become a broken, crucified and dead sacrifice to pay in full our wretched ransom of unrighteousness? 

Let us pray: God forgive and God forbid! God forgive us for our lack of true trust in You! God forbid that we should live as spiritual shams, claiming to be sold-out believers while actually selling You out by behaving like unbelivers. Lord, You are worthy of all of our worship, all of our praise, and truly, all of our trust! Help our unbelief! Restore Your steadfast Spirit of loyalty within us. In The Name of The One called Wonderful, Jesus! Amen. 

A framed photo by a young farm boy named Charles hanging on the wall by the elevator in a New Jersey nursing home I visited. 

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

We Do Not Lose Heart

This morning as I held the Word of God close, I came upon The Apostle Paul’s letter,  2 Corinthians, chapter 4 and verse 1. It strengthened me just to read the words silently in my mind. 

Too often it seems too easy to simply quit at life and ministry. Nevertheless, we must not be among those who cast aside perseverance and just give up. As one called by the Lord, I never want to take my hand off the plow and look back. Though many sadly have. 

When we are weak we need to remember God’s mercy. The Word of God can work wonders within us and give us the desire to journey onward and upward instead of sadly not finishing the race. 

Before I reveal the words of 2 Corinthians 4:1, hear the words immediately before them, yes, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18: (17) “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (18) And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord Who is the Spirit.” 

We must not quit while “we are being transformed into His likeness!” Now, onto 2 Corinthians 4:1, my dear friends:

Because of God’s mercy we have a ministry, and we do NOT, we will NOT, we must NOT... LOSE HEART! 

I pray your Spirit is lifted as mine is. I can hear the words of that old hymn of the church in my soul: “My Heavenly Home is bright and fair, Oh I feel like traveling on!” 

Here’s an additional thought that the mind of Christ gave to me this week and I have posted it also on my Instagram feed today. I hope it helps you not to lose heart as well:

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

The Ministry of Absence — Capt. Billy

Those who are carriers of Jesus in their lifetime practice the ministry of presence. Once they are gone, they continue to touch our lives though they are no longer present — the ministry of absence. 

This was my Instagram post today: 

Hardly, if ever, does a day go by that I don’t glean wisdom from the life my dad lived. I call it “The Ministry of Absence”. The book I wrote, “Relational Leadership”, has this by-line: “What I learned from a fisherman about leading a church.” I never knew a better leader than my own dad, a simple shrimp-boat captain. And surely a day does not pass that I do not miss his voice. (Thanks dad for leaving me voicemail that I replay often.) This past Sunday, Epiphany Sunday, was my dad‘s spiritual birthday. He came to Christ in the early morning hours — during the 4th watch of the night — aboard his first shrimp-boat, Miss Vickie, docked in Wanchese, North Carolina in 1969. I love this relaxed photograph of him on his last shrimp-boat, Lady Melba ⚓, steering with his feet. #FourWinds #PresenceMattersMost #Maranatha

Presence Matters Most! 

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Jesus Still Seeks to Save The Lost

The mission of Jesus as spoken in the New Testament by Jesus Himself is that “He came to seek and to save those who are lost.” (Luke 19:10)

Do you know Jesus still seeks to save those who are lost. Now He does that through our lives. Yes, because He has made His Home in us on earth until we finally make our Home with Him in Heaven, He is seeking souls everywhere and all-the-time through our everyday lives. His mission is now our mission.  

Today, it happened for me at a greasy spoon coffee shop along the South Jersey Shore. I went for a late lunch with a friend and I was amazed at how God manipulated my whole schedule today and worked in the details of even my own desires and my friend’s schedule and desires, too, so that we could encounter a disheartened waitress who needed to know her life mattered to Jesus. 

Before we left, the young lady I had gladly ministered the Hope and Love of Jesus to for about an hour cried tears of gratitude and asked permission to hug me. Her awful day had turned awesome simply and profoundly because Jesus sought her out through my life. 

She may not be totally found yet, nevertheless, her face is turning from the darkness to the light. I pray for more favor with her in the future.

That’s what I mean by “Presence Matters Most!”  As carriers of the Spirit of Truth, we give way too little credit for simply “showing up” in the lives of lost and hurting souls. Friends, we are sanctuaries of the Living God! Christ in us is THE HOPE! (Col. 1:27) When we are present with others, His Presence shows up and shows off and we are left humbled and speechless. 

Partnering with Jesus in His mission to seek and to save those who are lost is a life worth living, indeed! 

Presence Matters Most! 

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

My Daddy’s Favorite Psalm

Today, I was reminded of my Daddy’s favorite Psalm. It’s Psalm 107. Yes, as a boat captain who loved Jesus passionately, he often quoted this portion penned by the Psalmist and verse 29 is engraved on his tombstone. 

Cape May, New Jersey Lighthouse, where my Dad was in the Coast Guard Reserves in early 1960s. 

TKe 2: Cape May Lighthouse behind St. Mary’s By The Sea Convent 

Cape May Shore at Sunset Beach on the Atlantic Ocean just after sunset 

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

The Motives of Our Prayers

Very early Monday morning I was driving toward Philadelphia. Christian radio was playing softly. Lauren Daigle’s song titled “First” came on. The opening words defined my own heart’s cry:

“Before I Bring My Need, I Will Bring My Heart!”

When we pray, our motives matter so very much. Whenever I pray, I desperately want my desires to be purely for The Giver Himself — first and foremost — not for the gifts He gives.

How important are right motives when we seek God. These words from The New Testament book of James tell us:

Lord, move us beyond selfish supplication when

we seek Your face. Help us to bless You before we ask for Your blessings. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Here the link to the song:

https://youtu.be/RbWQV3OiRqA

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Praise Before...

Sunday evening as i prepared for rest, this song — about praising God before we understand what He’s up to, before He visibly breaks through into our lives — came my way... The lyrics touched me. 

Peace... trust... listen at the link... 

https://youtu.be/MNHTPEkj90Y

And a few images and thoughts from my day...

Bridgeton, NJ Nazarene Worship — Epiphany Sunday

The afterglow of Christmas... Epiphany Sunday

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

An Atheist Bows Before God — “Adoration”

I love stories like this one that I read on Instagram recently. 

And here’s the song sung by Matt Mayer. In English the title is “Adoration!”

https://youtu.be/S8Sz0uFridc

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

“We Walk Not Alone!”

The first week of the New Year of 2019 is still underway. In my reading today, seven words from an old text of the Bible spoke strongly to my soul:

“And the Lord shall guide thee continually...” Isaiah 58:11

As I read, the seventh word moved me mightily: “And the Lord shall guide thee CONTINUALLY!”

The Lord doesn’t just lead us initially or occasionally; He leads us CONTINUALLY! Yes, to the very end He leads us. He led us yesterday, He leads us today, and He will lead us tomorrow, even for forever. This truth makes my heart strong! 

Also, I was inspired as the text reminded me that I am not all by myself on my journey. “The Lord shall guide thee...”  Yes, God accompanies me, He guides me, He is with me, as I scale this new mountain called “2019” and then beyond. His ever-abiding presence is my assurance, so I feel like traveling on!

In Mrs. Cowman’s classic Streams in the Desert Volume 2, this illustration is shared: 

Some of the bravest of mountaineers have related incredible tales concerning their climbs up the hills of this earth. Sometimes they were aware of the Presence of a Companion, Who was not among the earthly party of climbers on the mountains. How much more positive is the Presence of the Heavenly Guide as God’s mountaineers climb the high places of the Spirit!

With Him, our Companion, we can face the mysterious trail of a New Year unafraid, for We Walk Not Alone!” 

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Made Me Laugh (And Pray)

While celebrating Christmas with my wife’s family, her older brother, Bruce, really made me laugh (and i also prayed on the inside for him). This was his statement that caused holy humor in my heart...

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Focus (My Prayer)

My Dearest Lord Jesus:

Remind me that You are focused on the future and i only need to fasten my focus on You. 

Help me to be still and to know that i am not God, but that You surely are. 

Help me to keep margin and boundaries in my life, lest i become humanly overwhelmed and am sadly and suddenly overtaken by busyness or burdens or brokenness. 

i want to live my life fully in Your Light, as if Your Light, in my life, alone, could somehow make the whole world delightfully different. 

As i face forward, let me hear Your holy voice declaring to my eternal soul these words of encouragement: “FOCUS ON ME! I AM YOUR HEADLIGHT AND THE WAY IS CLEAR!”

In Your powerful name, I pray all of these things, my Jesus. Let it be so! Amen!

P.S. Lord, remind me Your mercies renew every morning. 

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Another Unknown Year, Nevertheless...

A few photos below from our Holy Day Season... 

Kim’s Mom’s tree

My Mom’s tree

Kim’s Mom and Brother 

My lifelong friend, Pastor Paul, leading worship 

My Mom, nephew and Uncle William 

With my brothers at the NC family oak tree 

My childhood home-place in Christmas decor at sunset 

Harkers Island Holly 

Presence Matters Most! 

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

Pastor Kerry Willis