The song titled "Find Us Faithful" was an essential foundational stone in my initial ministry as a vision pastor when I began back in the mid-1990s. It is still a sacred song embedded very deeply in my heart and mind as I now serve as a district church leader. In fact, it’s more like a prayer that I pray than a song that I sing. Listen with me, and let’s make it our prayer even now.
Presence Matters Most! No Invisible People!
UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
Glad confession: I often return to my Southern Gospel Music roots and always seem to find there just what my soul needs for the day.
The powerful word-imagery of Christian songwriters so often offers such wonderful inspiration. (As a high-schooler I played drums with a Gospel Music group. As a result, many encouraging, Good News lyrics are gloriously filed in my mind.)
Here’s a song link to prove my point on this day and to hopefully lift your spirit toward the power of the Atonement of Jesus as well.
Presence Matters Most! No Invisible People!
UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
A dear, Jesus-like, pastor-friend of mine from the Middle East recently remixed these three points from John Wesley in a moving, modern-day message:
1. Do good.
2. Do no harm.
3. Stay in love with God.
Presence Matters Most! No Invisible People!
UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
I was emailing with a friend today and we had a healthy, holy exchange about watching our attitudes and not allowing the enemy to get a foothold in our lives and the ministries God has called us to.
Our foe loves to distract us, deceive us, and detour us in the wrong direction. One way this happens is by getting us worked up over things that don’t really matter. Yes, pettiness!
Another scheme of His is causing us to forget that our struggle is NOT against flesh and blood (people are NOT our enemy) but we only struggle against the powers of darkness -- the devil’s department of defense.
Which reminds me of something Dr. David Busic said recently, and I paraphrase: "We seem to have forgotten that the devil is on defense and we as the Army of the Almighty are on offense!" Let’s remember what Jesus said: "I will build my Church and the gates of hell will NOT prevail against it!" That is, the devil will not prevent the Kingdom of God from advancing! Hallelujah!!!
So, let’s guard against the enemy getting footholds in our life and let’s keep offending him by being constant light in this present darkness. We have no time to be defensive. We must be offensive. Like I like to tell other Jesus-believers from time-to-time: "Be safe, but stay dangerous!"
Good News: the battle belongs to the Lord. He is already The Victor so we already have The "Victory in Jesus, our Savior, Forever!"
And, "Faith is the Victory" over the footholds of our foe!
Presence Matters Most! No Invisible People!
UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
Many thoughts come into our minds as Jesus-believers. The Holy Spirit is present to help us take these many thoughts captive. That’s Good News! (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Our son, Grayson, prays this prayer from time-to-time. He says I taught it to him but his wording is much more wonderful than mine. He prays: "Take over my thoughts, Lord, so I won’t have to worry about what I’m thinking about." I love that.
He may have paraphrased a couple of my prayers over the years: 1. "Lord, most of all I desire the mind of Christ." And 2. "Lord, give me the desires of my heart only if they are one with the desires of Your heart."
Yes, many thoughts come our way. Some are pure and beautiful, while others are temptations and burdensome. Some come almost like prayers, while others try to load us done with cares.
Speaking of cares, let’s cast all our cares (and thoughts) on Him, for He cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7 remix) Let’s surrender our temporary thoughts for His eternal thoughts.
Presence Matters Most! No Invisible People!
UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
I love Psalm 84:10. I preached from it three times this past Sunday and a pastor friend who watched online (the sermon link is embedded in my Sunday, July 21 post) sent me this song today as an afterglow. I am so grateful for Your Presence, Lord! (And thanks Matt.)
Presence Matters Most! No Invisible People!
UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
Speak over us, Lord...
Speak Your will over our wants,
Speak Your pardon over our trespasses,
Speak Your wonder over our disillusionment,
Speak Your clarity over our mystery,
Speak Your hope over our despair,
Speak Your compassion over our brokenness,
Speak Your joy over our discouragement,
Speak Your kindness over our anguish,
Speak Your correction over our waywardness,
Speak Your mercy over our agony,
Speak Your purity over our dispositions,
Speak Your desires over our dreams,
Speak Your gentleness over our roughness,
Speak Your healing over our wounds,
Speak Your life over our death,
Speak Your power over our weakness,
Speak Your splendor over our corruption,
Speak Your love over our fear,
Speak Your blood over our sin,
Speak Your vision over our uncertainty,
Speak Your goodness over our badness,
Speak Your holiness over our carnality,
Speak Your peace over our confusion,
Speak Your Resurrection over our graves,
Speak Your Presence over our emptiness,
Yes, speak over us, Lord, for Your words alone are Life!
Presence Matters Most! No Invisible People!
UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
Lord, remind me moment-by-moment to live in the light of Your holy presence.
Lord, remind me to be kind to all people, realizing Your love for every person I encounter.
Lord, remind me to be merciful in my speech and in my actions, never judging always loving.
Lord, remind me to trust You in every challenge and in all circumstances, because You are Faithul.
Lord, remind me to be Your witness to every soul I am blessed to encounter.
Lord, remind me to desire a life You approve of instead of wanting the applause of people.
Lord, when You return to earth, find faith in my life, and find pleasure in making me Your treasure.
Amen and Amen.
Presence Matters Most! No Invisible People.
UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
Below find 13 minutes and 41 seconds of truth proclaimed by Leonard Ravenhill.
Presence Matters Most! No Invisible People!
UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
I was blessed to preach three services Sunday morning at our district flagship church -- Fairview Village Nazarene.
Here’s the YouTube link if you are interested? The message I preached is from my "Presence Matters Most Collection" and is titled "What Do You Want... Most?” (A Hunger for Presence) It was somewhat different all three services. This link is the third service.
Presence Matters Most! No Invisible People!
UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
Every year during July I start moving dates over to a new calendar so I can begin to record the following year’s dates, etc. Honestly, I am pretty tech-savvy in communications, like the iPhone, the iPad, etc. however, I still prefer an old-school paper calendar. Can’t really explain it. Just feels right to my old-school brain so I guess it’s fair to say I continue to be a dinasaur when it comes to scheduling my life.
Come to think of it, I’m still old-school about other things, too. For example:
* I still insist on attending a local church on almost every Sunday morning.
* I love black-and-white photography and scratchy-sounding music from old vinyl records.
* I like playing and hearing vintage, acoustic drum-sets over newer, electronic drums.
* I love the fragrance of a real Christmas tree in December (though I tolerate an artificial one because it makes post-holiday clean-up so much easier.)
* When it comes to communication of the Gospel, I am much more of an old story-teller at heart, than an up-to-date power-point user.
Yes, I kind of lean old-school, it’s true, nevertheless, this has been the hottest summer day of the year and tomorrow promises to be even more of a scorcher, so let me be clear! I desire a modern, air-conditioned environment over sweating myself silly like people did in the old days. In fact, with the good gift of AC, these are the good old days! :)
Presence Matters Most! No Invisible People!
UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
On this day, July 19, in 1940, my dear Daddy, Capt. Billy Cameron Willis, was born to Margery and Gray Willis on Harkers Island, North Carolina. Had he not departed for Heaven on November 17, 2014, he would have turned 79-years-old.
I miss him. But I am so glad He completed His voyage to victory and is even now in the undeniable and unprecedented Presence of The Lord.
In 2 Corinthians 5:8, The Apostle Paul penned this peace-filled promise for all Jesus-believers: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord!” Praise God!
Today, for reasons I cannot yet convey, I thank my Daddy for departing this world and leaving no doubt where He was going. That to me is the greatest gift he ever gave his family. On his deathbed he assured us that he was not afraid to die and told us all to make sure we don’t miss Heaven’s reunion.
Thanks Daddy and Happy Birthday. Pray for our safe and sure passage to Where you are.
Presence Matters Most! No Invisible People!
UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
A friend sent me this new song of praise today. Lift it with me to the Lord who is worthy.
Presence Matters Most! No Invisible People!
UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
This is my monthly newsletter to pastors and leaders on the Philadelphia District Church of the Nazarene, and an open letter to all who join us in prayer.
Monday, July 15, 2019
Four Winds Forecast
Greetings Dearly Beloved Philadelphia District Pastors and Partners:
(Please read carefully and prayerfully and thoroughly for inspiration and information. Pretty please.)
4 Winds / Here below are 4 Updates Blowing in these Summer Breezes of 2019 -- Pastor Kerry
• 4 WINDS / UPDATE #1. It’s Summertime. As, I write, I am at my 4th Camp of the Summer; this time as speaker at Pleasant Ridge Holiness Campground in Harrisonville, PA. Altars were lined with broken seekers Sunday and an undeniable move of the Lord is underway. I sensed the same move at our NYI Camp at Camp Orchard Hill, at the Philadelphia Family Camp, and Naz Children’s Camp at Refreshing Mountain.
Summertime is a season for God to work in our lives and also a time to recapture some Sabbath rest in our lives. I testify all of that is underway aboard the Four Winds. Praise Jesus.
• 4 WINDS / UPDATE #2. A few weeks ago we were pleasantly surprised at the awesome support shown for the Philadelphia District Family Campmeeting Gathering Rebirth and Remix at Cape May, NJ. It was a season of connection, healing, worship, sharing, caring, celebrating and transformation.
One evening 25 district pastors were present. I was blown away. Thanks especially to John Sharpless, our Camp Director, and the Camp Team. Also, thanks to the Erma Camp Board for working with us, and to all who attended, gave, and/or were with us in prayer.
We have scheduled the same week for 2020, Lord willing, June 28-July 4. Mark your calendars. No obligation, only opportunity.
• 4 WINDS / UPDATE #3. Our Familiar Grounds Gathering happens again on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m. - Noon at Media Church of the Nazarene. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us for Communion and Connection -- Yes, Bread, Cup and Friendship. We really do need each other. Let us grow up in intimacy together, not shrink back in isolation alone. Let’s be found leaning in as best we can. This is about invitation, not intimidation.
• 4 WINDS / UPDATE #4. It’s Summertime. My dear friend and pastor of Jerusalem Church of the Nazarene, Rev. Shahade Twal and his family of five, will be touring the district July 26-August 11, 2019.
Kim and I plan to travel with them as often as possible, so we hope to see all of you at one of our gatherings.
Please plan to be present somewhere and if you and/or your church can bring a love offering, it will be an investment in lost souls in The Old City of Jerusalem where our Lord Lived, Died and Resurrected from the Tomb. Here’s the full schedule:
1. July 26, Friday evening, Erma Camp Interview
2. July 28, Sunday Morning, Ephrata Grace Point, PA
3. July 28, Sunday Evening, Lancaster, PA
4. July 30, Tuesday Evening, Millville, NJ
5. July 31, Wednesday Evening, Seashore, Cape May, NJ
6. Aug, 2, Friday Evening, Brookside (Macungie, PA)
7. Aug, 4, Sunday Morning, Twin Hills, Montoursville, PA
8. Aug. 4, Sunday Evening, Mifflinburg, PA
9. Aug. 6, Tuesday Evening, West Chester, PA
10. Friday, Aug. 9, Friday Evening at Crossroads for local Church Campmeeting Days, Lewisburg, PA area (Call church for details.)
11. Sunday, Aug. 11, Sunday Morning, Lansdale Immanuel, PA
• A RE-REMINDER:
* Note CHANGES below about upcoming PCDC Gatherings...
A. All New Sessions of PCDC will begin at 9:30 a.m. instead of 9 a.m. We will conclude at 12:30 p.m. Lunch can be ordered off the menu as you choose at The Village Cafe. No lunch buffets will be planned going forward, but the cafe is glad to serve us. The chef salad and the soup and the sandwiches are in one word: "Marvelous!"
B. Beginning with our January 2020 PCDC Gathering, based on input we have received, we are moving from Mondays to Thursdays.
C. Breakfast will be provided by John Sharpless through 2019. Beginning January 2020 breakfast can be purchased in The Village Cafe before each session begins.
D. Calendar for next PCDC Series:
1. Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, 9:30 a.m.
2. Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, 9:30 a.m.
3. Monday, Dec. 2, 2019, 9:30 a.m.
4. Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, 9:30 a.m.
5. Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020, 9:30 a.m.
6. Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020, 9:30 a.m.
7. Thursday, Apr. 2, 2020, 9:30 a.m.
(*NO PCDC MAY, District Assembly)
8. Thursday, June 4, 2020, 9:30a.m.
Finally, Philadelphia District Nazarenes, Kim and I are blessed to partner alongside each one of you.
Remember, you are beloved and believed in. Between us, let there only be love, friendship and forgiveness. If we have failed any one of you in any way, please forgive us and pray for extra for us. We have no agenda only an allegiance to Jesus and to you. We have totally surrendered our human preference for His Holy Presence.
Your wholehearted prayers for us as we journey across the district in the Four Winds are beyond earthly value to estimate. Your kindnesses are so very appreciated! We are debtors to the Nazarene, the Nazarenes, and everyone else... because of our Lord and you, His Church.
Deo Volente -- whatever God wants.
* Some More 2019 Calendar Dates Looking Ahead...
JULY
* 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. 10, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PK leading "Lordship Living" Workshop #2: "The Actual (Season/Campaign) of Lordship/Stewardship" / Royersford
* Sept. 10, Next DAB Meeting / Royersford
* Sept. 15-17, Pastor Kerry in Revival / Selinsgrove, PA
* Sept. 22-24, Pastor Kerry in Revival / Ephrata Grace Point, PA
* Sept. 25, 10 a.m. - Noon, Familiar Grounds Gathering, Media, PA.
* Sept. 28, Begins 11 a.m. / Word in Action presents Gospelrama / Center City Philadelphia / A Main Event
OCTOBER
* Oct. 1-3, Dr. David Busic will be speaking at the Mid-Atlantic District’s Pastors & Spouse’s Retreat at Ocean City, MD. We are welcome to attend. You would need to register with the Mid-Atlantic District Office.
* Oct. 7, * PCDC #1, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. / Fairview Village
* Oct. 11-13 Pastor Kerry in Revival / Fairview Mountain, PA
* Oct. 27-29 Pastor Kerry in Revival / Oxford
NOVEMBER
* Nov. 2, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. / NMI Training Day, Brookside (Macungie, PA)
* Nov. 3-5 Pastor Kerry in Revival / Lansdale, is PA Immanuel
* Nov. 4, PCDC #2, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. / Fairview Village
* Nov. 22-23 MAC, Black Mountain Retreat Center
DECEMBER
* Dec. 2, PCDC #3, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. / Fairview Village
* Dec. 14 District Pastors & Leaders Christmas Brunch, Ephrata Grace Point, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (Mark your calendars now. Don’t miss Christmas with your District Family.) Saturday
* Remember to live out our Mission & Vision, these seven words below:
Presence Matters Most! No Invisible People!
UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
* Pray everyday with me at 4:44pm for souls.
When I first sensed God’s call to preach, my Jesuslike, fisherman Dad was among the first I told. The essence of his reply was: "Son, full fish nets cannot compare to lined church altars."
Aboard my Dad’s fishing trawler, I had witnessed the joy of large catches of seafood, however, Dad wanted me to know that the deep joy of my God-calling would be so much more wonderful than the occupation of our family. Harvesting souls would be much greater than harvesting the sea.
Over my ministry, I have experienced Dad’s comment to be so true and it never gets old. Yesterday, after I preached at Pleasant Ridge Campmeeting in the hills of Pennsylvania, I opened the altars and they quickly lined with broken seekers. I am humbled and grateful.
I also remember Dad’s follow-up comment: "Son, you’re going to be the first REAL fisherman in our family -- a fisher of souls."
Humbled. Grateful.
Presence Matters Most! No Invisible People!
UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
At 10:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, July 14, 2019, I begin as speaker through Wednesday night (7 p.m.) at Pleasant Ridge Campground in Harrisonville, Pennsylvania.
The location is about 2 1/4 hours northwest of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and 1 1/4 hour southwest of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This will be the seventy-eighth year of this particular campmeeting.
My campmeeting prayer request is that God will do a new thing at this old venue. Please pray with me and for me and especially for the souls who will be present.
And if you’d like to come join us, that would be a sweet surprise. I do not want to be guilty of having not because I ask not. All invitation, no intimidation.
Presence Matters Most! No Invisible People!
UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
i passionately pray this prayer today:
"i want to live all of my days in sacred surrender to You, King Jesus.
Please give to me...
...a restored fervor, a renewed focus and a revived favor...
...for Your glory and for the good of souls.
i truly pray this with all that i am. Amen."
Presence Matters Most! No Invisible People!
UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
