To Deliberately Continue Sinning is a Scary Scenario

"For if we go on willfully and deliberately sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice [to atone] for our sins [that is, no further offering to anticipate], but a kind of awful and terrifying expectation of [divine] judgment and the fury of a fire and burning wrath which will consume the adversaries [those who put themselves in opposition to God]. Anyone who has ignored and set aside the Law of Moses is put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much greater punishment do you think he will deserve who has rejected and trampled under foot the Son of God, and has considered unclean and common the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and has insulted the Spirit of grace [who imparts the unmerited favor and blessing of God]?" Hebrews‬ ‭10:26-29‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Lord forgive. Lord forbid. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Immediate Family With Jesus

Reading recently in Mark 3:31-35 gave to me a beautiful truth to claim. Let me share the passage and then i will share the beautiful truth given to me:

“Then His [Jesus’] mother and brothers come. Standing outside, they sent word to Him, summoning Him. A crowd was sitting around Him, and they tell Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for You.” Answering them, He said, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” Looking at those sitting in a circle around Him, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.” Mark‬ ‭3:31-35‬ ‭TLV‬‬

Here’s the beautiful truth given to me as i saturated in these words recorded by Mark: 

“EMBRACING [OBEYING] THE WILL OF FATHER GOD MAKES US IMMEDIATE FAMILY WITH JESUS HIMSELF!” -kww

Pastor Kerry Willis 

 

Emissaries for Jesus

Today, in reading Mark 3:14, from the Tree of Life Translation of God’s Holy Word, these words penetrated and even invigorated my mind:

"He [Yeshua / Jesus] appointed twelve (who He also named "EMMISARIES") so that they might be with Him and He might send them to proclaim the Good News…"

Love that word "emissary" -- envoy, ambassador, diplomat, delegate, attaché, minister, agent, representative, deputy, factor, proxy, suragate, liaison, messager, courier, herald, apostle. 

The synonym for "emmisary", "proxy" really touched me deeply. A "proxy" is someone given authority to represent Someone else!" Wow! 

Penetrating, indeed! Invigorating, as well! 

Pastor Kerry Willis  

Ephesians on Evil

My Mom and i were sharing recently on the phone and words from this passage became the topic. Read and pray through this passage prayerfully and carefully. Hearing the words written to the Ephesians on evil seem sadly to fit the world we now live in.

"Imitate God, since you are the children he loves. Live in love as Christ also loved us. He gave his life for us as an offering and sacrifice, a soothing aroma to God. Don’t let sexual sin, perversion of any kind, or greed even be mentioned among you. This is not appropriate behavior for God’s holy people. It’s not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned among you either. Instead, give thanks ⌞to God⌟. You know very well that no person who is involved in sexual sin, perversion, or greed (which means worshiping wealth) can have any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Don’t let anyone deceive you with meaningless words. It is because of sins like these that God’s anger comes to those who refuse to obey him. Don’t be partners with them. Once you lived in the dark, but now the Lord has filled you with light. Live as children who have light. Light produces everything that is good, that has God’s approval, and that is true. Determine which things please the Lord. Have nothing to do with the useless works that darkness produces. Instead, expose them for what they are. It is shameful to talk about what some people do in secret. Light exposes the true character of everything because light makes everything easy to see. That’s why it says: "Wake up, sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."  So then, be very careful how you live. Don’t live like foolish people but like wise people. Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days." Ephesians‬ ‭5:1-16

Lord have mercy. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

They Prayed Together

This seven-word description of the early Jesus-believers recorded in the Bible moves my heart deeply: 

“They all joined together constantly in prayer...” Acts‬ ‭1:14‬a NIV‬‬

Lord, help us as those who believe in You to pray together as often as possible. As we seek Your heart together, surely You will hear us and prove to be our Helper, our Healer, and our Holiness. Amen. 

Let us pray… yes, together! 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

The Word, The Truth, Your Word!

i love these words recorded in Mark 2:2a TLV — “He [Jesus] kept proclaiming the word to them.”

Think about this powerful idea: “The One Who was Himself, The Word, kept proclaiming The Word to the people.”

 “Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions; the revelation of Your Word makes my pathway clear.” Psalms‬ ‭119:105‬ ‭TPT

Deo Volente — as God wills. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

A Moving Gospel Passage

These words penned by Mark make up a moving Gospel passage i love to preach from: 

“Jesus and his companions went to the town of Capernaum. When the Sabbath day came, he went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law. Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” But Jesus reprimanded him. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him. Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. “What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!” The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee. After Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, they went to Simon and Andrew’s home. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away. So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them. That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. The whole town gathered at the door to watch. So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak.” Mark‬ ‭1:21-34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

O how i love You,  Jesus. Amen. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

At the Foot of the Cross

This sacred song is strong on my heart today…

https://youtu.be/hk7_SBxYSZs

Grateful for the Cross, Jesus. 

Pastor Kerry Willis

Maranatha — Repeat of My Life’s Heart Cry

On my blog i sometimes repeat the best stuff, like today, i am reposting the link of my own life’s heart-cry ever since December 2017 when i first heard this song: “MARANATHA!”

https://youtu.be/87bx0j8EoYQ

Come Lord Jesus, Come!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Don’t Give Up On Longevity

Perhaps one of the quotes most people will remember me saying once my life’s work has ended is: "Longevity is/will be the greatest convincer!" 

Often when i have found myself at an empasse with someone in a hard conversation, rather than prolong an argument i simply say: "My life lived over the longhaul will be my argument." In other words, "Longevity is/will be the greatest convincer!" 

Finally, i began this post to encourage you with this specific idea in mind: "Please don’t give up on longevity." We’ve all heard it said: "Good things come to those who wait!" i would like to strengthen these words in this way: "Good things come to those who wait on/trust in the Lord over the longhaul."

Another way i encourage myself in this vein is to say often to myself and to others and to even pray the words below to the Lord Himself -- and i will share the words in a prayer now: 

Dearest Our Almighty God: You had the first word! You will have the last word! And i believe You will have the next word. Amen."

Because of our Lord’s faithfulness, longevity will truly be the greatest convincer!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Your Voice

“Lord… Open my ears and bless me with the sweetness of Your voice.” -Prayers on Fire 

Today, someone asked what i missed most about my Dad. i didn’t even have to think three seconds before i answered: “i miss His voice!” 

Lord, Your voice is my reward. Attune my listening to hear and obey everything You say. i also long to hear Your voice say to me: “Well done!” 

i am a great and grateful debtor. Amen. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Your Holy Presence [My True and Tender Prayer]

"Lord, the glory of Your Presence builds my faith. Amen." - Prayers on Fire 

Jesus, my life’s very essence is Your Holy Presence! 

i long for You in unfathomable measure, for You alone are my most Beloved Treasure!

Inside my soul please always see, that i want my whole life to belong to Thee!

As my earthly life is fast passing by, assure me when it’s over to You i will fly! 

i pray all of this truly and tenderly, knowing you will now and forever remember me!

Amen. -kww

Pastor Kerry Willis 

 

Repentance

SHARE THE WORD — Words of Jesus… “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mark‬ ‭1:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ 

There is no true transformation for the soul that sadly refuses to turn from sinning. Repentance is turning from sin and turning to Him. -kww

Lord, help us to practice obedience in repentance. Amen. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

“Come Now And Overwhelm Us With Gladness!”

“Let the sunrise of your love end our dark night. Break through our clouded dawn again! Only you can satisfy our hearts, filling us with songs of joy to the end of our days. We’ve been overwhelmed with grief; come now and overwhelm us with gladness. Replace our years of trouble with decades of delight. Let us see your miracles again, and let the rising generation see the glorious wonders you’re famous for. O Lord our God, let your sweet beauty rest upon us. Come work with us, and then our works will endure; you will give us success in all we do.” Psalms‬ ‭90:14-17‬ ‭TPT‬‬

We pray this prayer with the Psalmist. Amen.

Pastor Kerry Willis 

The Holy Spirit Still Speaks To Us Everything Jesus Has Said

Some say God doesn’t speak to people anymore in these days we are living in. i couldn’t tenderly disagree more. These words spoken by Jesus are the reason why:

"But when the Father sends the Advocate as My representative--that is, the Holy Spirit-- He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you." John‬ ‭14:26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sounds like to me, God the Holy Spirit, our Lord’s representative, is still teaching and reminding -- yes, still speaking to Jesus-believers even in these days we live in, especially in these days we live in. 

On the witness stand of your life let me be the first to testify, yes, God is sometimes silent, nevertheless, God still speaks, too. 

The last two weeks as i have prepared messages from God’s Word, the Written Word has been loud and the Holy Witness has been giving me deep Jesus-teaching. The Lord is speaking to me, yes, in indescribable ways, but also in undeniable ways. 

Speak Lord, Your servant is listening. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

P.S. In those times when it seems i am not hearing from God, i ask Him to examine my trust and my obedience. That almost always seems to bring His tender voice back alive again in my life. Ask the Advocate to speak the words of Jesus into Your life. It’s His joy-description! 

The Seasons Point to Creator God

For me personally, the four seasons of each year point me to Creator God. It’s autumn now, and my wife, Kim, and our hound dog, Lucy, just took a few days to explore the beauty of the fall foliage. i have lost my breath several times already. Yes, my Creator God’s spectacular painting of every leaf causes me to worship Him outloud. 

Also, it seemed to me every tree was praising Creator God, as well. Isaiah 55:12 is truly in effect as we drive these colorful mountain roads. Listen to the words recorded by the prophet Isaiah: "You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands." Isaiah 55:12 is truly in effect because the prophet is a truth-teller. Creation recognizes its Creator. 

My mentor, James Spruill, calls my fascination with fall -- and the other three seasons as well -- as "worshiping with your eyes!"

If you’re having trouble praising Creator God, take a walk outside. Maybe the trees will clap their hands unto God and get you started in adoring Creator God afresh and anew for yourself. He is worthy of all our worship! He is worthy of all our praise! 

Let’s celebrate Creator God with the rest of Creation! 

Pastor Kerry Willis  

Teach By Living — Feel the Heartbeat of Another

The authentic rabbi promises “to teach his student by living.” The teacher and the student covenant to help each other on the journey. Make sure your heart is big enough to feel the heart beat of another. Make sure your heart is focused on people. - John Haines 

These thoughts inspire me. 

Pastor Kerry Willis

Clearly, EVERYONE Needs the Hope of Jesus Being Present… ALWAYS!

These two verses from Mark’s Gospel move my heart deeply. In reading this account in Capernaum where Jesus was staying shows a clear vision of the pain and anguish people have in this life. Clearly, everyone needs the Hope of Jesus being present: 

"When evening came, at sunset, the people [of Capernaum] brought to Him [Jesus] all the sick and those who were afflicted by demons. The whole town gathered together at the door." Mark 1:32-33 TLV 

People Need the Lord to be present! All people. Why? Hope has a Name -- JESUS!

Here’s the best news, spoken by Jesus Himself to those who will belong exclusively to Him: "And remember! I Am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20b TLV

Clearly, EVERYONE needs the Hope of Jesus being present… …ALWAYS! -kww

Pastor Kerry Willis

My Off-The-Grid Prayer from a Maritime Forest

My wife, Kim, and our hound dog, Lucy, are taking a few days “off the grid” in a Maritime forest. If you know anything about me, you know nothing quite inspires my inner man like a prayer-walk in tall trees near the water. It’s so therapeutic to my being. i am grateful for this short yet sacred time to prayer-walk over and over again. 

Life moves so fast, doesn’t it? That’s why we just decided we needed to pull the plug for a short season of seeking Jesus with minimal distractions. We didn’t know our phone service, along with texting, emailing, and social media usage would be relatively nonexistent here, however, it’s a blessing of sorts. If i walk Lucy a mile away, i get like a-half-a-bar of service. (In other words, as i write this blog post, maybe it will post online and maybe it won’t. It’s all good either way.)

Here in the the deep woods my heart of devotion is turning to prayer. Pray with me if you will:

Dearest Lord Jesus. You know how much i need and want intimacy with You without interruption. All Your children do. 

Take over my entire heart, mind, soul, and strength. i have no desire to lead my own life. You are my exclusive Lord, so lead me according to Your agenda. i say “Yes” in advance to whatever You want. And to my total surrender, i also speak “Amen!” “So be it!”

i belong only to You Jesus. You gave Yourself for me, so i give myself to You. Gain glory from my story for Your sake, alone. You are my King of Everything. Amen, again! 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Obey, Don’t Delay!

“Immediately, Jesus called them and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired hands and followed Him.” Mark 1:20b TLV

Let us not delay going with Jesus, today. -kww

[Obey, don’t delay!]

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Matthew 4:1

“Then (after His baptism) Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Matthew‬ ‭4:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Dr. Stephen Manley preached on this verse tonight in Hershey, Pennsylvania. These are the words that are still penetrating my thinking:

“…led up…”

“…by the Spirit…”

“…to be tempted…” 

“…by the devil…”

Spoiler alert: JESUS WON THE BATTLE!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

My Prayer: Jesus, Fill the Nets!

Recently, standing in one of my personal storage areas, i was praying beside my Dad’s last shrimp net and my red wooden cross. This is the fervent prayer i prayed: "Lord, my Dad harvested shrimp to sustain our family physically so our family could now harvest souls spiritually. Fill the nets for Your glory. Amen." -kww 

For such a time as this! 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

7 Sobering Words Jesus Spoke

THINK ABOUT THE 7 WORDS IN ALL CAPS BELOW… 

“So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, THE SON CAN DO NOTHING BY HIMSELF. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.” John‬ ‭5:19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Go ahead, read especially those 7 words again. Sobering, heh? 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

As Jesus Was Leaving Jericho…

“Then they came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting beside the road [as was his custom]. When Bartimaeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout and say, “Jesus, Son of David (Messiah), have mercy on me!” Many sternly rebuked him, telling him to keep still and be quiet; but he kept on shouting out all the more, “Son of David (Messiah), have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, telling him, “Take courage, get up! He is calling for you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni (my Master), let me regain my sight.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith [and confident trust in My power] has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Jesus on the road.” Mark‬ ‭10:46-52‬ 

Imagine Jesus asking the blind man “What do you want Me to do for you?”

Pastor Kerry Willis