Let Us Pray... for One Another!

My Mom, Lady Melba, repeats a lovely line often to our family: "Let’s remember to pray one for the other." Surely, one advantage of being a Jesus-believer is being able to ask another believer for prayer and being ready to pray for other believers. It’s truly a double-blessing to me. 

I love James 5:16, especially from the Jubilee Translation of the Holy Bible: "Confess your faults one to another and pray for one another that you may be whole. The effectual prayer of the righteous is very powerful."

Let me encourage you to ask one or more Jesus-believers in your life how you can pray for them, today, and let them know how they can also pray for you.

Below is the message I sent to members of our district staff, today. I want to practice what I blog. 

“You are on my heart, District Staff. Usually, I mostly include you in my thanksgivings, but today, especially I sense I should ask you to share a specific way I can pray for you? Please share. No obligation, just opportunity. I will lift you and your request before The Throne of Mercy and as staff members we can also pray for one another. My own request is ‘for more of Jesus to be evident in my every expression.’ Grateful. pk”

Let us pray... for one another. 

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

A Soul-Sobering Question

This soul-sobering question came to my mind in my quiet time today...

"Does the life I am living on earth cause angels to stand up and cheer and demons to flinch back in fear, or vice-versa?"

Note: "Vice-Versa" happens if we continue in sin, making angels to weep and demons to rejoice. 

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis

Rest for the Weary

Jesus invites the weary to come to Him for rest. What an invitation! He is our calm in the storm, our peace in the turmoil, our reprieve in the onslaught, our solitude in the uproar, our way in the wilderness, our strongtower in the battle. 

Have you asked Jesus to be your rest? Would you like to? How about now?

The psalmist said: "The name of the Lord is our strongtower; the righteous run into it ... for salvation." Proverbs 18:10. 

Let’s find our rest and refuge in the only One Who is wanting to transform us -- Jesus. 

He gives rest for the weary. I will not be afraid. 

https://youtu.be/xLjHZA4v6b0

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

More... More... More...

This song is my prayer for my life and for yours...

https://youtu.be/FrCDh3wizQk

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Find Us Faithful

About 24 years ago our local church adopted a theme song. The song’s message is this: "may all who come behind us find us faithful."

All these years later, I find myself still praying that prayer. Yesterday, I asked my mom to pray that we as the Philadelphia District Church of the Nazarene would reach lost souls. I told her: "If we do not do this, I will have wasted my time here." 

Mom said that she was praying specifically for my request and then she added these words: " You, can only be faithful, Kerry."

Find us faithful, Lord Jesus. You deserve souls. Help our lives to be the light that points those in sin’s darkness to You as Savior.

Here is the link to the song I referenced:

https://youtu.be/eERKnxzNzwg

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis

All People Matter to God

I’ve had this thought strong on my mind -- "all people matter to God."

While in Kansas City recently, I could sense Jesus in me seeking to love others through me. By "to love others through me," I mean, "to love people who were complete strangers to me." 

For example, my two Uber drivers. (1) Philip is a Vietnam vet. We talked of the pain of life and the goodness of God. I could tell by the time he dropped me off, Philip felt valued by God. (2) And Ahmad, an immigrant from Afghanistan. He told me he didn’t practice his religion anymore. I told him not to worry because since God gave His Son for us, he could just seek a right relationship with God instead. He was moved deeply. Pray that he will do just that. I believe the good seed found good soil.

And then there was my Delta flight attendant, Wendy, from Alabama. Early in the flight she told me she loved my silver cross pendant. We talked a few moments about Jesus. At the end of the flight, she came by my seat again and gave me a $25 gift card and said: "Each flight I ask God who I am to give a gift card to. Today, it’s you!" 

Wow! Even I matter to God. 

Reminds me of the time Pastor Joseph, our local church worship leader, was sitting at the piano with his then toddler, Miranda. They were singing "Jesus loves me" when all of a sudden she stopped and proclaimed aloud "Jesus loves ME!"

Think on this. 

Presence Matters Most! 

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Blessing of the Table

Since I was a little child, I remember the blessing being prayed before every meal at our family table. I know my experience is not everyone’s experience, nevertheless, when it comes to this experience of thanking the Lord for each meal, I wish it was everyone’s experience. Praying our thanks to God at the table, in many ways, is not only a blessing of the table, but a also a blessing of those present around the table.

Speaking of the table, I learned in December that I have now inherited from my ancestors -- on my dear Dad’s side of the family -- Type 2 Diabetes. I take two pills daily at mealtime. Therefore, what I do and/or do not eat, is more essential than ever. Let me say, the blessing of the table is now more tender to me than ever. Why? When I pray a blessing on the food, my well-being is more in the mix than ever before. I am grateful more than ever for the blessing of the table.

Since my recent heath diagnosis, I have studied foods more than ever and really am doing my best, so that, when I pray the blessing of the table, I am honestly asking for partnership from the Lord in my eating practices, not just choosing to eat whatever I want and then unrealistically expecting God to perform magic to make everything somehow okay. God is not a magician. However, He does invite us to partner with Him in miracles.

Finally, I will close by sharing a few photos from my "tables" recently. I’ve carefully counted the carbs and really do sense God wanting to bless me at mealtime.

Eggs-in-a-basket with sugar-free raspberry preserves on the lids. Italian bread 6 carbs a slice and tastes like real bread. Costco.

Giavoni’s Caesar Grilled Chicken salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing.

Harvest Chicken salad with fruit and raspberry vinegerette dressing.

Eggs-in-a-basket, sugar-free marmalade and fresh blackberries.

Wonton soup with shrimp, Yummy! But note, I only had a cup, not a bowl. A real table blessing! 

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Pastor Responses to My Monday Blog Post

This past Monday I sent out my first "Extra Edition" of my "Four Winds Forecast" — it’s this past Monday’s Blog Post, actually as well — and some have asked me what were the responses from the pastors? Not sure what those who asked expected the responses to be? Anyway, it’s a fair question and I have zero reservations about being transparent. So, here are the first five responses so far. I am humbled and grateful. 

Response #1: Pastor, your "extra edition" is totally on point and received with an open heart! Pastor Wil Sarog, Burlington, N.J.

Response #2: Pastor Kerry, You’re a good man. You’re God’s man. You’re a blessing. I just read your most recent email to the district pastors. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for sharpening me. Thank you for loving us with bold words. I look forward to sharing the "preaching scripture" with my church family this Sunday! You are loved! Pastor Owen White, West Chester, PA 

Response #3: Wonderful, Pastor Kerry. Will do! You revealed your heart and are showing us that you will speak the truth in love! I appreciate your heart and MOJO! Pastor Andy Ervin, on loan to the Methodists 

Response #4: Thanks! Will do! Pastor Del, Tom’s River, N.J. 

Response #5: Good morning brother. I will gladly share the scripture. It has been awhile since I intentionally asked for prayer and it is my desire to be under His anointing. Have a blessed day. Pastor Tony Zibolski, Rosedale, Middletown, PA

Thanks pastors. 

There you have it. :) Wonder what the responses will be to this blog post? :) Too funny. 

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

"Faith Under Fire" The Message

Sunday, I was blessed to preach on "Faith Under Fire" in the four weekend services at our Fairview Village Church of the Nazarene. The church placed the final proclamation on their YouTube channel. If you have half-an-hour, I believe it will strengthen your belief in Jesus. 

https://youtu.be/MEzgD6nfZRI

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Four Winds Forecast -- "Extra Edition" -- February 18, 2019

Disclaimer: I generally post my email newsletters for our local district pastors also on my blog. Maybe, it’s helpful to the Philadelphia District and even Beyond.

February 18, 2019

Four Winds Forecast -- "Extra Edition"

Greetings Beloved Philadelphia District Pastors and Partners:

This is my first Four Winds Forecast -- "Extra Edition"... What do I mean by "Extra Edition" of my Four

Winds Forecast? Just that. I know I already sent out a February 14, 2019 email, but I have something extra to say. In fact, when you see "Extra Edition" it may have a very practical application suggestion. So, here goes, "Extra Edition" -- the maiden voyage. I will share just three ideas. 

1. "Familiar Grounds" will be meeting for Session #3 on Saturday, February 23, 2019, 2-4pm at Macungie Church of the Nazarene. (See attached document for more info.) If you are able to come, please do. You are not expected, only invited. It’s a valid option if you truly believe we are better together. 

2. Some have asked me from time-to-time, what my leadership expectations are as a "ds" for pastors and leaders on our district? It’s a fair question and I have, I believe, shared many of my leadership expectations by the way I live my life among you. Also, quite honestly, up to now, I have been primarily watching and listening to you as pastors and leaders to see what your practices as pastors and leaders actually are. 

After our first district assembly together, I hope to find a time in the next 12 months to speak with each local pastor and ministry leader to listen specifically to your leadership practices and to lovingly and passionately share some of my own leadership expectations going forward. Continuing the conversation will be good for you and for me. "As iron sharpens iron..."

For the overly curious, let me share one example of a leadership expectation I have. 

If it is your custom not to report what is required of you and your church by the District and the General Church of the Nazarene with excellence and on-time, to me that is a clear sign that there could be a spiritual issue you need to attend to. So, that is one small example of the things we will talk about together in the next church year. All hearts clear? Do you still love me? You have to love me if you want to go to Heaven. :) More later. Exhale. 

3. Now, to the main reason I wrote this Four Winds Forecast -- "Extra Edition" in the first place. 

An invested member of the district recently told me -- rather candidly and unsolicited -- something akin to this: "Pastor Kerry, our preachers need a lot of help." Okay. I heard that. I didn’t ask for specific details, because I am a preacher and in essence the comment is spot-on. We do need a lot of help. So, let me give a specific application to that general comment that I know will help any and all preachers. It really will. 

You ready? Okay. Here goes. 

I ask you to take the Scripture below and print it on small slips of paper and to give it to each person who attends your church THIS SUNDAY (and/or over the next few Sundays.) Just do it. Distribute it right before you preach and ask for people to personalize it towards you as a preacher as you preach, asking them to please pray over you as a preacher, continuously. 

Throughout my own ministry as a local pastor, I practically made this simple, but profound, application to my congregation on multiple occasions. It is an exercise in humility that brings power from On-High to us as preachers. It will, without doubt, add clarity to the weekly messages you bring on behalf of Jesus, The Nazarene. 

I once turned the passage into neat, little bookmarks. Do as you please. (Perhaps some will simply and profoundly have the passage projected on the screen, from now on, each time you come to the sacred desk to declare the Word of the Lord.) 

But please don’t ignore my practical suggestion, altogether. That could,

in and of itself, point to a possible deeper spiritual issue. How’s that, Mr. ds? As preachers here below, we ALL need A LOT of help from Up Above. 

My name is Kerry and I’m your friend. 

Here’s the Scripture:

Ephesians 6:19-20 

(19) Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, (20) for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly as I should. (NIV)

Lord, please add Your holy blessings to our humble requests for Your Help as preachers. May our preaching be fruitful with souls being saved and sanctified and sent to see other souls saved and sanctified. In the Name of Jesus. Amen. 

And yes, I will send some district dates again in this "Extra Edition":

We are better together... We really are!

FEBRUARY

* Feb. 19 District Nominating Committee 5 p.m., then DAB Meeting 6 p.m. / Royersford, 

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

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

MARCH

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

* Mar. 11 PCDC / Fairview Village at 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

* Mar. 19 Finance Committee 5 p.m., then DAB Meeting / Royersford, PA 

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

* Mar. 30 - Chic Shaver Seminar / Lavelle, PA (Contact Lavelle details)

* Mar. 28-31 Festival of Life / ENC

APRIL

* Apr. 1 PCDC / Fairview Village, PA at 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

* Apr. 6 District Ladies Retreat

* Apr. 14 / Palm Sunday

* Apr. 21 Easter / Resurrection Day

MAY

* May 2-4 District Conventions and Assembly "The Gathering" at Lansdale, PA & Ordination at Fairview Village, PA Friday Evening. BE THERE!

* May 18-20 Pastor Kerry in Revival / New Holland, PA 

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

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

JUNE

* June 3 PCDC / Fairview Village, PA at 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

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

* June 24-28 NYI Camp / Dallas, PA

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

JULY

* July 11-15, Children’s Camp

* July 19-28, Erma Holiness Association Campmeeting, NJ

AUGUST

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

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

SEPTEMBER

* Sept. 15-17, Pastor Kerry in Revival / Selinsgrove, PA

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

* Sept. 28 Gospelrama Philadelphia

OCTOBER

(Stay tuned.)

NOVEMBER

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

* Nov. 22-23 MAC (TBD)

DECEMBER 

* Dec. 14 District Pastors & Leaders Christmas Brunch TBD

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis

District Superintendent

www.PhilaNaz.org

When Your Faith is in a Desperate Place...

I was blesssed to preach four times over the weekend at the four worship services at our Philadelphia District’s flagship Nazarene church, Fairview Village. That’s right, the Village currently hosts four worship services -- one Saturday night and three on Sunday morning. So many dear souls were present. And they were so kind to give me open hearts as I shared the Gospel. The room was totally lit in Jesus-worship prior to my preaching. What a blessing! 

As I sought the Lord and the message He would have me to share, it was clear that I should preach "Faith Under Fire -- When Your Faith is in a Desperate Place!" 

Here are the three main points I preached passionately:

1. Faith in God Should Be Committed.

2. Faith in God Must Be Tested.

3. Faith in God Will Be Rewarded. 

One verse I shared are the words Jesus sent to John the Baptist when he was in a desperate place in his belief about Jesus. Hear those words:

Luke 7:23 GW -- "Whoever does not lose faith in me is indeed blessed."

In other words, when your faith is on trial, that’s the time to pray in full surrender to the Lord. Don’t get bitter. Get better. Don’t become offended in the way Jesus chooses to work or not to work in your life. Desire only increased intimacy with Jesus. Why? "Whoever does not lose faith in Jesus is indeed blessed!" Blessed equals REWARDED! Let’s keep on believing! 

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Accomplish Through Us Your Desires

Lord, we cannot accomplish the things that You desire unless Your Holy Presence indwells us, leads us, surrounds us, follows us, oversees us, undergirds us, and empowers us.

We depend upon Your promises to never leave us or forsake us, to be with us to the very end of the age. 

Lord, keep us safe in your embrace and make us dangerous to the powers of darkness. As our inheritance, give us the lost for your glory. 

We know you are the Great One who designs the grand spiritual scheme of things in order to make your mission a reality, nevertheless, we also need you to be the Good One who is intricately and undeniably involved in the details of our everyday lives. Surely, we believe you are both Great and Good. Reinforce our faith in Your Greatness and Goodness. 

Finally, help our lives to clearly reveal Who you are, with all we are. Be the music that plays loudly and beautifully from our lives. Let the radiance of your countenance shine from our faces. Make us your true witnesses of Your Good News in this world we live in and You died for. 

Accomplish Through Us Your Desires! In the Name of Jesus!! Amen and Amen and Amen!!!

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

A Difficult Path...

The life of Christ Himself was marked with difficulty. At His birth, Herod tried to hunt Him down to murder Him. Throughout His ministry, the religious leaders showed Him anger. As His mission neared conclusion, His own disiciples deserted Him -- one denied Him and one betrayed Him. Gethsemane gave Him agony; the Sanhedrin slapped Him around; Pilate had Him whipped; and Calvary’s soldiers saw That He was crucified. Indeed, it was a difficult path. 

So, the Christian way is marked by a difficult path. In fact, the road of righteousness seems to have a genius for finding hard times, nevertheless, the holy way seems to also possess a genius for handling hard times, even overcoming difficulty.

On her deathbed, my Granny Margery had a marvelous chant: "If I suffer (with Jesus), I shall also reign with Him." 2 Timothy 2:12a (Jubilee Bible)

She knew, like all believers who endure to the end, that our difficulties as Jesus-believers soon pass but our delight in His Kingly Presence is for forever. 

Be encouraged, Jesus-believers... 

This is not our home, we’re just passing through. This is not our home, ours is brand new. The end of our difficulty is in sight, and is leading us to never-ending delight.

Meanwhile, life here can be hard, but our God is always good and He is with us now and until the end gives way to eternity. 

* This post inspired in part by "Streams in the Desert" Vol. 2, Cowman 

If you need more encouragement about how the difficult path of Christ gives way to everlasting delight, read Romans 6:5. 

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Four Winds Forecast -- Valentine’s Day 2019

February 14, 2019

Four Winds Forecast 

Greetings Beloved Philadelphia District Pastors and Partners:

I hope your Valentine’s Day was amazingly graced. We can only love, because God first loved us. 

As I write, I am in flight from Kansas City where Kim and I just spent 8 days in training sessions for DSs and then in evangelism conference sessions and ministry workshops at M-19. 

Yes, we are a little tired physically and mentally, nevertheless, our souls are topped-off spiritually. We are grateful. 

I was blessed Tuesday and Wednesday to lead Gethsemane Gatherings -- prayer laboratories with attendees from across the USA and Canada and beyond. The Lord met us in a similar way that He met us at our Philadelphia District Four Winds Prayer Retreat. It was indeed, humbling and glorious. Thanks to those who were praying for us as we prayed. 

Wednesday evening, the M-19 gathering concluded with our general superintendent from Mozambique, Africa, Dr. Fili Chambo, preaching passionately on God’s Mission. My heart was set aflame again as he reminded us that apart from God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit... ONE, there is no mission.

A statement that resonated deeply with my own heart was this: "Nothing is more powerful than the Gospel!" He went on to say that "Our God is a Missionary God, a Sending God and a Sent-God." When Jesus came to Planet Earth, it was proof that the Triune God was committed to restoring God’s creation!" Hallelujah!

Those ideas are true and so very freeing. If we will only become His dwelling places, His mission will continue to happen through us. You know what I am thinking? Yes, you do! "PRESENCE MATTERS MOST!"

Let’s not forget Whose mission we have been called into. It’s not the Nazarene church’s mission; it’s not the general superintendent’s mission; it’s not the district superintendent’s mission; it’s not the local pastor’s mission; it’s not your mission or mine. The mission we have been invited into is Almighty God’s mission. And "He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it!" (Philippians 1:7 Remix)

Another thought that has grabbed my deepest thoughts -- during these seemingly dark days we are living in -- is the idea that every soul, ever born, will spend all of eternity either with Almighty God or separated from Him. It’s a troubling thought. However, in this present darkness, I am inspired as I recall... we have the lanterns. 

Yes, indeed. As the Irish hymn-writer wrote: "Be Thou My Vision... Thy Presence, My Light", so let us be like Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, and let us urgently wave the bright lanterns of God’s Presence to everyone we encounter. Let there be no invisible people in our circles of influence. People need Jesus! All people! Let’s BE LIGHT! GO SHINE!

"God does not want anyone to perish (do we?), but wants everyone to repent." (2 Peter 3:9 Remix)

Let’s re-embrace the mission of Almighty God and remember that nothing is more powerful than the Gospel of Jesus, The Nazarene! 

Finally, let us never forget that Jesus is still seeking to save those who are lost. He is seeking them through us. That’s God’s mission. Let’s thank God in advance for the victory of His mission. Let’s spend our days and nights in participation with God and in anticipation of a coming celebration!

PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF DATES:

We are better together... 

FEBRUARY

* Feb. 19 District Nominating Committee 5 p.m., then DAB Meeting 6 p.m. / Royersford, PA 

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

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

MARCH

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

* Mar. 11 PCDC / Fairview Village at 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

* Mar. 19 Finance Committee 5 p.m., then DAB Meeting / Royersford, PA 

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

* Mar. 30 - Chic Shaver Seminar / Lavelle, PA (Contact Lavelle details)

* Mar. 28-31 Festival of Life / ENC

APRIL

* Apr. 1 PCDC / Fairview Village, PA at 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

* Apr. 6 District Ladies Retreat

* Apr. 14 / Palm Sunday

* Apr. 21 Easter / Resurrection Day

MAY

* May 2-4 District Conventions and Assembly "The Gathering" at Lansdale, PA & Ordination at Fairview Village, PA Friday Evening. BE THERE!

* May 18-20 Pastor Kerry in Revival / New Holland, PA 

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

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

JUNE

* June 3 PCDC / Fairview Village, PA at 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

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

* June 24-28 NYI Camp / Dallas, PA

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

JULY

* July 11-15, Children’s Camp

* July 19-28, Erma Holiness Association Campmeeting, NJ

AUGUST

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

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

SEPTEMBER

* Sept. 15-17, Pastor Kerry in Revival / Selinsgrove, PA

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

* Sept. 28 Gospelrama Philadelphia

OCTOBER

(Stay tuned.)

NOVEMBER

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

* Nov. 22-23 MAC (TBD)

DECEMBER 

* Dec. 14 District Pastors & Leaders Christmas Brunch TBD

FINAL NOTE: The book I am reading right now was written in 1912 by J.M. Humphrey and is titled: "The Lost Soul’s First Day in Eternity."

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis

District Superintendent

Philadelphia District 

Church of the Nazarene

MARANATHA! 

"Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" 

Rev. 22:20b GW

www.PhilaNaz.org

Restore Mission

Let us remember that as believers we are invited to partner with God and let us never forget the mission is God’s mission. He can restore His mission within us.

Today was the last day of our Nazarene M-19 Evangelism Conference. Restore and mission were today’s theme words. It was an inspiring day for my soul.

With my dear pastor-friend from Nazareth, Israel, Nizar Touma. 

Dr. Fili Chambo, our General Superintendent born in Mozambique, Africa was anointed with the message of God’s Misson.

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Story

Story is so essential. I remember reading an article about 25 years ago that said being communicators who tell stories is more important than most people can know. Story-telling was surely a Jesus-thing. His stories were called parables and they were and still are powerful!

At our Nazarene M-19 conference, each session begins with one word. "Story" was our word Tuesday morning. Here are some thoughts I wrote from today’s sessions.

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis

The Galilee

I love the Sea of Galilee in the Holy Land. Most of the earthly ministry of Jesus happened along its shores. I have been blessed to visit there fifteen times. I hope to go many more times. I even host a yearly November gathering along the coast of my native North Carolina called "Project Galilee".

Today in Kansas City, Dr. Eugenio Duarte, from Cape Verde Islands, Africa, and general superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene preached from the words of the resurrected Jesus -- His words spoken first before His death and repeated again by the angel at the empty tomb and sent by Mary Magdalene to redirect His disillusioned disciples -- words telling them "He Himself was going ahead of them to the Galilee." He invited them to meet Him there. Talk about Good News! (Matthew 26:32/Mark 16:7)

Anyway, my own heart was wondrously warmed during Dr. Duarte’s Galilee message. Find below some thoughts from today and some photos on and around the sacred sea from my past discipleship journeys. Be encouraged. Jesus goes before us, still.

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

"Acts 3" ACTions in the Church

I had this thought today, shouldn’t an Acts 2 Church expect to experience the fruit of Acts 3? Here are eleven verses from Acts 3. Oh, Lord, that we would see ACTions like this in our Acts 2 Churches theses day,

Touch image to enlarge:

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis

Mission Matters

The international Church of the Nazarene is in 162 countries and comprised of 2.5 million members.  I am humbled to be on the small end of something big that bears the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus, The Nazarene.

I am blessed to be with leaders from across the USA and Canada this week as we are remixing our mission and missions in Kansas City, our homebase for the Global Ministry Center. Here are some quotes my heart embraced from today’s leadership sessions:

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

KC Thoughts, etc.

Here are some Friday thoughts, etc. I had in KC, today. 

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis

"You Raise Me Up"

My friend, Pastor Joseph, who was worship leader alongside me for 23 of my 24 years when I pastored in Virginia, often sends me good song links. Today, was one of those days. 

The link he shared is pasted below and is by a couple of friends who call themselves "The Singing Contractors". It’s a beautiful rendition of "You Raise Me Up" and hearing and seeing it sung by a duet who raises houses for a living is really special. Stay encouraged as you enjoy listening. 

https://youtu.be/_9WrNr_Eu-U

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Gethsemane Gathering Prayer Lab

This is one of multiple orders of service I have written to lead prayer labs called Gethsemane Gatherings. Let us pray. 

GETHSEMANE GATHERING -- NAMES OF JESUS

(One Hour-Plus of Worship-filled Prayer -- Kerry Willis)

SONG 1: SONG OF INTRO: "In Your Presence" Paul Wilbur Arrangement or "Be Thou My Vision" Ginny Owens or "When You Walk into the Room" Bryan & Katie Torwalt

1. SAVIOR -- Luke 19:10 -- Indeed, The Son of Man has come to seek and to save people who are lost.

Silent Prayer for Lost Souls 

2. FRIEND -- John 15:15b -- ... I've called you friends, because I've made known to you everything I've heard from my Father.

SONG 2: WHAT A FRIEND, Kathryn Scott

3. SHEPHERD -- John 10:11 -- I am the Good Shepherd, the Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 

4. HELPER/COUNSELOR -- 1 John 2:1 -- My dear children, I'm writing this to you so you will not sin. Yet if anyone does sin, we have Jesus Christ, Who has God's full approval. He speaks on our behalf when we come into the presence of the Father. (We come to Jesus for pardon, He represents us as our counselor, advocate, defense attorney, yes, our Helper before the Judge, God The Father.)

SONG 3: "GIVE ME FAITH" Elevation or "LORD I NEED YOU" Matt Mayer 

5. EMMANUEL -- John 14:18 -- I will not leave you all alone. I will come back to you. Matthew 28:29b -- And remember that I am always with you, until the end of time. (God with us and within us.) 

6. LORD -- Romans 10:13 -- So then, whoever calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved. 

SONG 4: "MARANATHA" Reyer Version 

7. COMFORTER -- 2 Thess. 2:16 -- God our Father loved us and by His kindness gave us everlasting encouragement and good hope. Together with our Lord Jesus Christ...

COMMUNION SET-UP HERE

8. SUSTAINER -- John 6:35 -- Jesus told them. " I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me will never become hungry, and whoever believes in me will never become thirsty."

SONG 5: SONG FOR COMMUNION HERE: "Remembrance" Matt Mayer or "JESUS IN OUR TIME" Bob Bennett

ANOINTING SERVICE SET-UP HERE

9. HEALER -- Malachi 4:2a -- The Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings... Isaiah 61:1 -- The Spirit of the Almighty God is with me, because The Lord has anointed me to deliver Good News to humble people. He had sent me to heal those who are broken- hearted, to announce that captives will be set free, and prisoners will be released.

SONG 6: SONG OF HEALING HERE AS WE ANOINT: "YOU ARE THE GOD WHO HEALETH ME" Don Moen / "TWO OR MORE" Bob Bennett or "LORD OF THE PAST" Bob Bennett

10. KING -- Revelation 17:14 -- They will go to war against The Lamb. The Lamb will conquer them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings...

SONG 7: VICTORIOUS SONG OF CONCLUSION: "WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS" Rend Collective or "MARANATHA" Reyer 

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis

Pray for Awakening and Harvest

In my public ministry, I have been so blessed to have had and still have wonderful Jesus-believers alongside me. One that I have alongside me these days as a partner in ministry is Kevin Griffin. 

After one of our district leaders’ gatherings Monday, Kevin and I were both very encouraged with what the Lord is undeniably doing within us and among us. Later in the afternoon I sent this prayer reminder to him. Pray specifically and fervently with us please along these lines.

"We need to be extra prayerful these days as the Lord is allowing a fresh wind and fresh fire among us. The enemy will try to sabotage what the Holy Spirit wants to accomplish but we know our team wins. Through us Jesus will implement the victory that He is has already won. I am pleading the blood of Jesus over the Philadelphia District from the Susquehanna River to the Atlantic Ocean. May the Lord give us an awakening and a harvest like we have never imagined. In the name of Jesus. Amen!"

Words from James 5:16 — “fervent prayer is powerful...”

Presence Matters Most!

That is: Presence. Unity. Souls. Love.

Pastor Kerry Willis

Capt. Billy Willis -- "A Witness"

This morning I had a 3-hour drive from Cape May to the north-west beyond Philadelphia. I searched through some old CDs in my vehicle and found my Dad’s testimony interview that my son, Grayson, and I produced for our frontporchtalks.com podcast back in 2012. Hearing it again was such a blessing, especially since Dad went to be present with the Lord in 2014. What a tender and true encouragement his testimony was and still is.

One thing my dad said was this: "I am by no means a minister, but I am ‘a witness’ of Jesus. As dad spoke I could hear the echo of Jesus’ words recorded in Acts, chapter 1, verse 8: "You will be my witnesses!" My Dad, Capt. Billy, surely was "a witness." He did not push anything on anyone, nevertheless, he loved when he had an opportunity to tell others all that Jesus had done for him, personally.

Being "a witness" who belongs to Jesus is important to others and important to us. How will others know that Jesus is the way to hope everlasting, unless we tell them. Also, in Revelation, we are told that we overcome the deceiver of our souls by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony --by the Atonement of Jesus and by being "a witness" of Jesus. 

While God called me in 2018 from being primarily "a witness" in Virginia USA to primarily testifying on the witness stand in and around Philadelphia USA , my son, Grayson, is still primarily witnessing through the podcast in Virginia. If you have not visited frontporchtalks.com in a while or ever, I would encourage you to do it today. You can listen to a new testimony or you can scroll back and listen to older ones. Take it from me, hearing others witness about the goodness of the Lord will lift your soul and will give you a greater desire to simply and profoundly be "a witness."

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

A Vulnerable Prayer

Lord, you are the essence of everything to me. Without Your presence, all else would be void. Please know that all of my worship is Yours. Friendship with You is above all other desires. Knowing You, Jesus, is the meaning of living. Thank You for promising rest for my weariness. Apart from Your love from above, I’d be lost. Never let me escape Your embrace. Amen.

Presence Matters Most! 

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

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Winter in Cape May and PA

It was 3 degrees when I left Cape May this morning and headed for Philadelphia. We’ve had some wintry weather this week. Here are some images to prove it with a few warm shots thrown in, too.

Romans 5:19 -- Once Desperate Sinners, Now Devoted Saints

God’s Word is our Hope. And the Apostle John said "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us!" His name? Jesus! 

Romans 5:19 is just one verse from God’s Word that assures our souls with Hope because of Jesus. Listen and be encouraged: 

"For just as through the disobedience of the one man (Adam) the many were made sinners, so also through the one man (Jesus) the many will be made righteous." (NIV)

Let’s embrace the Hope that is ours in Romans 5:19. Though we were declared sinners because of the disobedience of the fallen Adam, we can now be declared righteous, yes, in right relationship with God, because of the obedience of the lifted-up Jesus.

The hymnwriter was inspired to write these wonder-filled words: "Be Thou my vision, Oh Lord of my Heart... Thou my best thought by day or by night. THY PRESENCE MY LIGHT!" 

So, let us -- once and forever -- fix our gaze and transfix our thoughts on the sacrificed Son of God, Jesus, and be transformed from our never-ending spiritual death to His everlasting spiritual life. Though we were once desperate sinners, we can now be devoted saints. 

Note: A saint in one who now chooses to belong exclusively to God -- THY PRESENCE NOW MY LIGHT. A sinner is someone who chooses to still belong exclusively to sin and willingly forfeits eternal life.

https://youtu.be/ihJAJA4ibEs

Presence Matters Most!

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

Pastor Kerry Willis