"And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Words of Jesus, Matthew 28:20 NLT
Because of Jesus…
We have peace that passes understanding.
We have joy that can't be taken away.
We have love that's everlasting.
We have nothing to fear and everything to hope for today, tomorrow, and always.
Author unknown
Ears Wide Open…
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Lord Jesus, please make me to be a sanctuary where your presence reigns on the inside, and shines to the outside. Christmas day has just passed, and soon the many bright lights of the season will all gradually fade away. However, between Christmases, please make your light within me more intense, more intentional, and more inspirational than I could ever imagine. Amen.” -kww
Deo Volente — as God desires.
Pastor Kerry Willis
Today, Krystal, the precious mother of a dear college student named Becca, sent me her daughter’s new Psalm written at a spiritual retreat. It touched me deeply and i believe sharing it here will be a blessing to many.
A Psalm by the Sea
by Becca Yount December 10, 2023
“Father, oh so great is Your love.
As the ripples of current sweep upon the softest of sand, so does Your love cover my being.
You have known me.
Even the waves obey Your commands; how could I not as well? And yet, I am gifted the choice to obey.
My response, dearest Jesus, is take it all. Let not myself stand in the way, but remove my foolish heart, and create in me anew.
Just as the bird sways through the air, the wind steers the ship, and the sand is pulled from its rest, Lord, uproot my traditions, religions, and self-centered convictions.
Purify me as You do the salt water to the fresh.
May others drink of me, and only say that it ‘twas by Heaven alone.
Search me, O God, and know me.
Teach me to listen to Your voice as I know my own.”
Amen and Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“FOR a Child is born to us, a Son is GIVEN to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLT
Hallelujah!
Pastor Kerry Willis
"BECAUSE HE IS THE WAY!" [A Vulnerable Post of Gratitude]
It seems as you get older, medical attention is more likely gonna need to come your way. That was 2023, for yours truly. But i am not here to grumble or complain, on the contrary, i only want to express gratitude and gladness. Yes, i really want to -- and need to -- confess pure thanks in three directions:
#1: To my beloved employer, the Philadelphia District Church of the Nazarene, for the good health insurance they provide Kim and me. It is -- in so many ways -- a gift of peace, as my mom often says.
Nevertheless, with higher deductibles necessary for all of us these days, the leftover bills can still be a little burdensome, especially when they arrive at Christmastime.
So, what’s the #2 purpose of this vulnerable post of gratitude? i must publicly give thanks to a local hospital that allows payment plans for the smaller financial portions yet unpaid. The hospital financial folk were so very kind as we spoke on the phone and they were truly helpful as well. Humbled, deeply.
And #3: i am so grateful most of all to our caring Lord, Who always makes a way, "BECAUSE HE IS THE WAY.” Kim and i are extreme debtors to Jesus of Nazareth, to the Nazarenes, to Sentara Hospital and to EVERYONE ELSE. [Romans 1:14]
Finally, just as an update, i am feeling so much better after all your fervent prayers and my health procedures. A few more check-ups to go and i hope to be cleared medically for a while. Many of you have prayed for me and though many of you didn’t even know that from March to October, i was somewhat struggling physically, your obvious ongoing, genuine care, and unending compassion for me is not lost on me. It is all indescribably tender to my heart, mind, soul, and strength. Personally, i feel so enriched and unworthy, especially in this present Advent Season. Maranatha.
Sincerely,
Pastor Kerry Willis
Sent this text message to my brothers, today. We are, of course, all three “pastors.”
“We shouldn't miss Christmas in our own lives either for good (ministry) or bad (miserable) reasons. We need Christmas ourselves as much as those we preach it to.”
So be it, Dearest King Jesus. Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
Prayers come at just the right time from my friends…
Just received this prayerful message:
"Lord, in this Advent Season, this Christmastide that brings to us the recollection of your birth and life among us, teach us your ways. Bless my brother Kerry, our Father’s beloved son, that "in quietness and confidence shall be our strength." Grant him silence for the season, time away from the pressures of the work you have given him, that he may know You in your fullness, experience your true shalom to the core of his being, and be refreshed to lead and be led in the coming year. You are our Good Shepherd. You know your sheep. Thank You for carrying us when the weariness of the way becomes too much. Equip us for the times ahead when we must take the role of shepherd and bear your little ones in your name to pastures of refreshment and joy. Thank you, Lord!" JH
Blessed Beyond Measure.
Pastor Kerry Willis
My pastor friend, Pastor Gary O’Shell, from Virginia recently wrote this devotional piece. He said the Lord used me to inspire his writing thoughts. Humbled. You just never know who might be touched by the light of Jesus that shines from the candle of your own life. Be light. Do shine. Amazing.
Here’s the devotional writing:
"When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, 'Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it." Genesis 28:16
“I've a good friend named Kerry Willis, who among his many talents, is a gifted photographer. Kerry is currently serving as a District Superintendent on the Philadelphia District of our denomination. He is based in Cape May, NJ, a town I know something about as I lived and served the Lord there for a little over two years in the beginning of the 90's. One of the things Kerry does is post a great number of photos of the town and area on Facebook. So many are truly beautiful, but I view them with a kind of bittersweet regret. You see, in all the time I lived there, I never saw most of the beauty he puts on display.
I could come up with a myriad of reasons why this is so, but there's only one real one: I didn't see the beauty because I was so caught up in all in my life that had no beauty. That time was one where I was adjusting to a totally different kind of life and ministry than I had ever expected or planned for. I never planned to be divorced. I never planned on being a part time associate pastor. Heck, I had never planned on living in south Jersey at all. I was thankful that the Lord had provided this place for me, and He used that place to do His ongoing work of healing. But in His healing process I had missed so much. There was real beauty all around, but I never really saw it. This was not the place I really wanted to be and as a result, everything I "saw" was obscured by that attitude. I know now that as much as He did in me there, He could have done even more if I had been fully open to all He wanted me to experience in that place. Might there be a similar reality in your life? How much beauty are you missing in the place where you're "living" right now, simply because it's not where you really want to be? It's not the place you envisioned for yourself.
Jacob was a schemer and manipulator. He was a man completely obsessed with himself. God had put His hand upon him while he was still in his mother's womb, but that hadn't really made a great difference to him up to this point. He had tricked his brother Esau out of his inheritance and was now on the run from his brother's wrath. Self-preservation was central to his thought process. That's what filled his field of vision. Then the Lord spoke to him in a dream, promising His deliverance and protection. When he awoke, he made his statement that in that place of hiding, the Lord had been totally present, yet he'd missed him. He never saw Him. For me, in too many ways, my time in Cape May was much the same. I lived, I ministered and grew in Him, but I missed too much of what He had for me there. I missed so much of the beauty that I could have experienced in that place. Right now, maybe you are too in the place where He's led you to for this time in your life.
Kerry's pictures always bring that tinge of regret. Not "seeing" what his camera sees while I had the opportunity to see it reminds me of how much deeper my contentment and well-being could have been if only I'd have been willing to see. How much better could my time have been there and how much deeper and quicker the healing if my eyes had been fully open? I'd missed so much, and though I can go back now and see what I didn't see then, the reality is that I didn't see it then, and it cost me more than I want to dwell upon.
Where in your life are you, like I was, unaware of all the beauty He has for you there? Not just the beauty of your surroundings, but the beauty of His presence. How much of your life is being lived out unawares? Unaware of Him, of His blessings for you there, and of what He is doing in that place. A place you never wanted to be, but a place He seeks to reveal Himself to you in ways you never dreamed of.
May we right now renounce our living unaware. Unaware of all the beauty He has for us even in the unenvisioned place. In the unenvisioned place, He has for us the most beautiful visions of Himself. May we not miss any of them.”
Blessings
Deo Volente!
Pastor Kerry Willis
This morning i awoke and from my heart came the lyrics to this new song of praise for my Jesus:
"IN EVERY STORM AND IN THE CALM,
CHRIST MY LORD, YOU ARE THE BALM...
...OF GILEAD, WHO COMES TO ME...
YES, YOU'RE THE HEALER THAT I NEED."
Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
"The Wisemen surely believed that a long journey of seeking to find The Truth, Jesus Himself, was well worth their time and their treasures." -kww
"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory--this was during Herod’s kingship--a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, "Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him." Matthew 2:1-2 MSG
Blessed Christmastime!
Pastor Kerry Willis
Luke 1:78-79 records the wonder-filled words of Zechariah:
“Because of God’s tender mercy, the light from Heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” [NLT — 1996 Edition]
Shine Jesus Shine!
Pastor Kerry Willis
Love this new version of the classic Christmas carol, “Carol of the Bells” by David Crowder.
https://youtu.be/qXVqMi0jPtg?si=ecqXdXkaJR3KcPlC
Christmas is Here!
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Jesus came all the way from Heaven on high to planet earth below as a vulnerable and irresistible baby to gain our love and to give His life.” -kww
“Today, your Savior, Christ the Lord, was born in David’s city.” Luke 2:11 GW
Born is The King of Kings!
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Wickedness was undoing the work of God in us, therefore, The Word, yes, Jesus Himself, became flesh to reverse the curse.” -kww
Grateful.
Pastor Kerry Willis
Lord Jesus, i pray that i will prove faithful in allowing You, the Good Shepherd, to prove faithful through me. The glorious burden is often daunting, nevertheless, always blessed. You first loved me. i now love You. Amen.
i am a grateful debtor.
Pastor Kerry Willis
This passage has been my place of soul saturation for a few weeks now:
“So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.” For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake.” 1 Peter 1:13-20 NLT
Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
Ever read or considered the words of this Old Testament verse? Read it and consider its meaning.
“Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come.”Isaiah 57:1 NLT
T-H-A-N-K-S-G-I-V-I-N-G
This T-h-a-n-k-s-g-i-v-i-n-g, let's not just focus on the first six letters of the holy day. Sure, we need to give thanks, but let's remember that only as we focus on all twelve letters will we truly experience a whole Thanksgiving Day. We must give THANKS and also be found GIVING.
In the New Testament we see our Lord giving T-h-a-n-k-s to His Father and then g-i-v-i-n-g to His disciples the bread representing His body that was about to be broken and the cup representing His blood that would soon be shed for the whole world. Talk about a real T-h-a-n-k-s... G-i-v-i-n-g... meal. Surely, the whole world is in a deep debt of gratitude because of the life our Lord lived and that same life that He willingly laid down as a gift for us all.
The Scriptures speak so tenderly into the T-h-a-n-k-s-g-i-v-i-n-g theme:
1 Corinthians 11:23b-25 (NLT) -- (23b) On the night when He was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took a loaf of bread, (24) and when He had given T-h-a-n-k-s, He broke it and said, "This is My body, which is g-i-v-e-n for you. Do this in remembrance of Me." (25) In the same way, He took the cup of wine after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant between God and you, sealed by the shedding of My blood. Do this in remembrance of Me as often as you drink it."
Finally, this sacred Scripture is actually my most favorite foundational verse between Thanksgiving Day and the first Sunday of Advent. (i have recently been saturating in the sacred words for a few days.) Hear it now:
“Now thanks be to God for His indescribable gift [which is precious beyond words]!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 AMP
i am a grateful debtor.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Now when the men of the Sanhedrin (Jewish High Court) saw the confidence and boldness of Peter and John, and grasped the fact that they were uneducated and untrained [ordinary] men, they were astounded, and began to recognize that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 AMP
So be it in my life, my Dearest Lord Jesus. Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.” Philippians 2:13
So be it, Dearest Lord.
Pastor Kerry Willis
Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna in the 2nd Century AD, who knew the Apostle John, was about to be martyred. He was asked by those who arrested him to recant his faith in Jesus and he could go free. This was his response shortly before being put to death…
"Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?"
Jesus is Worthy.
Pastor Kerry Willis
We have some really Christlike people -- clergy and laity -- who serve the Lord through our local congregations on the Philadelphia District Church of the Nazarene. One lay servant recently sent me this YouTube song link just to encourage me. She knows Jesus wondrously and she knows me pretty well, too, i’d say. i am a grateful debtor. Have a listen.
https://youtu.be/yxCb6l3jkis?si=CMSOx-d9koYTC0QDAmen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Yes, we are invited to come to Jesus just as we are, but that does not mean we stay just as we are. The invitation leads to transformation, even from death to life.” -kww
Welcome.
Pastor Kerry Willis
Lyrics from a praise song i wrote years ago, around the year 2000, are strong on my mind right now and it is still my testimony…
"i am not my own.
i belong to Christ.
And i am not alone.
With Him i‘m crucified.
He gave all for Me,
Because He loved me so.
Now, i give Him myself.
i give Him all my love."
-kww
“So many people believe in their beliefs, have faith in their faith, and are confident in their confidence. All of this is of no avail. It is our confidence in God that abides, faith in God that remains, and belief in God that lasts.” Oswald Chambers
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.”Psalms 118:8 NLT
Believe in God.
Pastor Kerry Willis
Sent this to a friend, today, in the afterglow of a surgery i had Monday…
"God longs to redeem whatever suffering comes our way. i see all suffering as mainly His suffering yet we get to enter it with Him. So humbling. He’s been shaping my soul in this present fire. About 7 months of questions physically. i have doubled-down in this season on the reality that i am as desperate for Him now as i have ever been. Yes, my little bit of suffering has made it more clear than ever. It’s a good thing."
Deo Volente.
Pastor Kerry Willis
This song touched me very deeply, today. Sharing link now, as a result…
https://youtu.be/eOagHp9vnA4?si=qL9Bf2Eli-ULpBZkHis mercy matters so much!
Pastor Kerry Willis
One great blessing in my life is my mom, Lady Melba. Often she calls on the phone from the homeplace along the shores of North Carolina to encourage me as i gypsy for Jesus from state to state.
This morning, she called. It was so very tender. i am in recovery following a medical procedure a couple of days ago and when she began to read the Scriptures aloud over the phone i just wept with pure gratitude.
This is the passage she shared:
“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:26-28 NLT
i am a grateful debtor.
Pastor Kerry Willis
This morning i have a procedure at the hospital. It’s kidney stone related. Anyway, as i entered the medical surgical area, a Carol King song was playing on the stereo softly in the background. The song? "You’ve Gotta Friend!"
As i await my turn in the OR, i am comforted by this truth: "i‘ve Gotta FRIEND!" Yes, JESUS is His Name and He HIMSELF is Here! Hallelujah!
"I have called you ‘friends!’" Words of Jesus recorded in John 15:15
Grateful debtor,
Pastor Kerry Willis
A dear pastor friend sent me kind words, and unbeknownst to him, a timely message for me, today that included this verse:
"For You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude." Psalms 32:7 NLT
* i am reminded of this prayer song…
https://youtu.be/vWSuDMGdzz0?si=WUOQ9-PTU7IdOn4N
Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.
Pastor Kerry Willis
”While we all should want to make a contribution in the world and while our individual participation really does matter, let us find our highest value and truest purpose fulfilled only in the Cross of Jesus Christ.” -kww
“May i never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and i to the world.” Galatians 6:14 NIV
“We can only know
The power that He holds
When we truly see how deep our weakness goes
His strength in us begins
Where ours comes to an end
He hears our humble cry and proves again
His strength is perfect when our strength is gone
He'll carry us when we can't carry on
Raised in His power, the weak become strong.”
- Stephen Curtis Chapman
Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
"If we are more focused on the work, making disciples, than we are on true worship, knowing Jesus, we won’t make genuine disciples." -kww
In my life, Lord, be glorified, be magnified, and be satisfied. Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“The great controlling factor in mission work is not the needs of the people but the command of Jesus. In mission work the great danger is that God’s call will be replaced by the needs of people to the point that human sympathy for those needs will absolutely overwhelm the meaning of being sent by Jesus.” Oswald Chambers
“Jesus said to them again, ‘…As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” John 20:21
Settle the call above all!
Pastor Kerry Willis
In my Journal on October 1, 2014, i wrote down my Dad’s testimony during his cancer season right after finding out at UNC Medical Center that a bone marrow transplant was not a final cure option:
Dad: “i will depend on my Savior.”
Dr. Gabriel: “He is the ultimate physician!”
Dad: “i am not afraid. i am not offended. i am having a good day. His banner over me is love. He keeps me singing. i have nothing to pout about and everything to shout about. i have eternal life.” #perspective
Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
"Always being sorry but never turning from sin and darkness is not really repentance, it’s self-centered nonsense. When we ultimately turn around, Jesus immediately turns the lights on and says “Welcome Home.’” -kww
Lord have mercy.
Pastor Kerry Willis
"Dearest Jesus, to be exclusively Yours is my only aim... And for You to have Your way in me is truly everything.“ -kww
“My heart hurts for those who seek — most of all — to be workers for God rather than — above all else — to see their great worth to God.” -kww
i am a grateful debtor,
Pastor Kerry Willis
“But you dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus told you, that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to enjoy themselves in every evil way imaginable. Now they are here, and they are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They live by natural instinct because they do not have God’s Spirit living in them.” Jude 1:17-19 [NLT — 1996 Edition]
Jesus, may we be carriers of The Holy Spirit. Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Once most people get into enough trouble, the name of Jesus is likely to be called upon. Why wait that long? Minimize future regrets by calling on Him now. By now, i mean now.” -kww
He’s waiting.
Pastor Kerry Willis
During each NFL season, i am reminded of my neighborhood friends, yes way back when we were all just young boys living at the west’ard end of Harkers Island, near Red Hill (for the most part.) One Christmas (maybe 1971ish) we all got NFL uniforms, helmets, pads, and cleats from Sears and Roebuck. On Christmas morning we had the big game. If i remember correctly, Craig Paylor, Mike Sparks and myself were San Francisco 49ers. Jeff Paylor was a Green Bay Packer. Rodney Yeomans was a Chicago Bear. James Ed Sutton was an Oakland Raider. Andy Scott was a Kansas City Chief. John Fulford, Billy Rose, Jay Castro, and William Piner were all Los Angeles Rams. Terry Yeomans did his own thing and got a Shetland Pony. Yep, a real pony. After the Pro Bowl in my back yard we all went to see Terry ride his horse around in circles. Those were the good old days.
We really were one. The west’ard gang.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” 2 Timothy 2:19 NIV
Love God’s Word!
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Lord Jesus, only You can open our eyes when we have been blinded by personal grief and our own limited points of view. We claim from You — for our own lives — what You did for the two disillusioned disciples at the end of the Road to Emmaus. Open the eyes of our hearts, too, Lord. Amen.” -kww
In Jesus’ Name.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Some people think intellectual assent is all that is necessary to be a Christian, but this is not true. Christian belief must become authenticated in one’s life. Truth comes first, and then personal experience. John Wesley preached the gospel a long time before his heart was transformed. In fact, one of Wesley’s most powerful sermons, ‘The Almost Christian,’ he wrote before he was ever born again. The truth must break into our lives in a deeply penetrating and intimately personal way. Jesus then goes from not only being ‘the Savior’ but to also being ‘my Savior.’ Is the truth we are proclaiming authenticated by our lives?” Dennis Kinlaw
So be it.
Pastor Kerry Willis
"But as for me, I will look expectantly for the Lord and with confidence in Him I will keep watch; I will wait [with confident expectation] for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. Do not rejoice over me [amid my tragedies], O my enemy! Though I fall, I will rise; Though I sit in the darkness [of distress], the Lord is a light for me." Micah 7:7-8 AMP
Glory to my God in the Highest!
Pastor Kerry Willis
“But now, this is what the Lord, your Creator says, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you [from captivity]; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.” Isaiah 43:1-2 AMP
i believe Your Word, Lord God. Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“My prayer is not for them (the original disciples) alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are one — I in them and You in Me — so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me. “Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given Me because You loved Me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the world does not know You, I know You, and they know that You have sent Me. I have made You known to them, and will continue to make You known in order that the love You have for Me may be in them and THAT I MYSELF MAY BE IN THEM.” Jesus Praying, as recorded in the Gospel of John 17:20-26 NIV
Amen. So be it, in Jesus’ Name!
Pastor Kerry Willis
"Jesus isn't interested in being included in our lives, He wants to be enthroned.“ -kww
King of my life, i crown Thee now!
Pastor Kerry Willis
"Testimony: In the year 2023, since about March, i have become more aware than ever how very dependent on and desperate for the Lord i really am. As a result, i testify that He has been more undeniably present with me and within me than i ever remember. Especially when i preach. His strength truly is perfect when our strength is gone. i am a grateful debtor, indeed." -kww
His.
Pastor Kerry Willis
A Lead Deep leader’s leadership style is much more foundational than fabulous, much more unseen than seen. Yes, a Lead Deep leader is characterized much more by a willingness to be viewed as being an under-leader rather than an over-leader. And finally, being a Lead Deep leader is much more about holy trusting than human trying, much more about God’s Presence than personal performance. -kww #leaddeep
Lord Jesus, Lead Deep within me always.
Pastor Kerry Willis
"Are not our current behaviors underway and our immediate attitudes on display among the most undeniable leading indicators of whether or not we are purely possessed by The Holy Spirit or another spirit?" -kww
Come Holy Spirit we need Thee!
Pastor Kerry Willis
Want to know what breaks my heart? Faith placed in deception!
Lean in…
One of the greatest deceptions of our day seems to be the false belief that when we die there’s only one destination for our souls to end up for Eternity. The Holy Bible says there are two -- Heaven and Hell. Only the Way of The Cross of Jesus Christ offers us authentic Hope and really leads us to a Heavenly Home for forever as we turn from Sin and turn to Him. All other avenues lead our souls far away from Heaven. There are also many false ideas about who Jesus Himself really is. Yes, there are different versions of "Jesus." Imagine that? Which Jesus are you placing your trust in? Are you focused on the One and Only Beloved Son of God described correctly only in The Holy Bible. Which destination will be yours for Eternity? If you are unsure about these essential truths, please carefully and prayerfully investigate and make sure your salvation is truly authentic before it’s too late. The devil loves when souls are lost by placing and keeping their faith in deception." -kww
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 16:25 NIV
*Shared in tender love.
Just remember Jesus cares!
Pastor Kerry Willis
Zechariah 4:6 has been a foundational verse for my life and the ministry God has called me to and entrusted me with for many years now. Today, i am praying that very verse, very fervently.
"Lord, i want You to know that i still know human might and human power has never been and will never be enough for spiritual triumph in my life or ministry, only Your Holy Spirit has ever been and will ever be enough -- even more than enough. Amen." -kww
i praise and trust in You alone! Amen!
Pastor Kerry Willis
i heard it raining hard all night in Cape May. This morning in my quiet time, the Lord brought this question to me: "You indeed heard the hard rain all night, but did you also envision the many days of flowers that will follow?"
Apply that spiritually:
"For the time being, no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose]." Hebrews 12:11 AMP
Deo Volente -- as God Desires.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“…the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job 1:21b KJV [Link below of Evangelist E.V. Hill, preaching his dear wife’s funeral (years ago in 1987) from this text is truly unforgettable and will be well worth 38 minutes of your life, today.]
https://youtu.be/c_CDtEERSiE?si=DzMnlCBs_VZ3ZylU
Trust God! Just Wait!
Pastor Kerry Willis
The LORD had me to send this verse privately to a few friends as i was quiet in His Presence today. Maybe it will also help you…
“Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’” John 13:7 NIV
Let’s… Just trust Jesus!
Pastor Kerry Willis
"The Apostle Paul did not say, ‘i became all things to all people that i might show what a wonderful human being i am.’ No, that’s the modern interpretation of what he said. The Apostle Paul said, ‘i became all things to all people that i might by all means save some.’"
— Oswald Chambers speaking from 1 Corinthians 9:22
Deo Volente. As God wills.
Pastor Kerry Willis
"…for God’s Spirit is upon Him without measure or limit." John 3:34b [NLT -- 1996 Edition]
* It is true of Jesus, and i pray it also might be true of [Jesus in] me. -kww #Nevertheless #DeoVolente
Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Nevertheless, i will not worry!” Capt. Billy [2 months prior to passing the line of worlds in his cancer battle, 2014]
My observation after Dad’s comment… “Some wilt in the midst of suffering, but Dad is glorying in it all.” -kww
If we suffer with Him, we shall reign with Him!
Pastor Kerry Willis
"My precious Jesus…
Your Presence is everything to me…
My heart’s sure Stronghold…
My mind’s Anchoring Ground…
My strength’s Constant Renewal…
Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me…
i humbly and desperately pray…
Amen. And Amen."
-kww, (written in 2014)
Deo Volente.
Pastor Kerry Willis
i shared this verse in part today with a dear pastor friend as requested prayer cover on this Lord’s Day. Please pray for him along with me and let’s claim this beautiful promise of Jesus personally as well:
“If I am lifted up above the earth, I will make everyone want to come to Me.” Words of Jesus, John 12:32 CEV
Jesus Be Lifted!
Pastor Kerry Willis
“We want to see Jesus!” — The words spoken by certain Greeks to the disciples in John 12
“Remember that the only One Who will touch sinners is the Lord, Jesus Christ Himself! 
Christians say that it is so hard to present Jesus Christ to sinners today. Of course it is! So hard that it is impossible, EXCEPT by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit [within is]!” — Oswald Chambers
“Christ in you, the Hope of glory…” Colossians 1:27b
Lord, let others recognize You in me. Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
So i pray God's Word over you…
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”” Psalms 91:1-16 NLT Amen.
When we pray God’s Word, we pray God’s will.
Pastor Kerry Willis
The Gospel is the power of God, and that’s talking about grace. Acts 20:24 and Galatians 1:6 both use the terms “gospel” and “grace” interchangeably. It’s saying that when you understand the Gospel, or the grace of God, it’ll release the power of God into your life.
“But I do not consider my life as something of value or dear to me, so that I may [with joy] finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify faithfully of the good news of God’s [precious, undeserved] grace [which makes us free of the guilt of sin and grants us eternal life].” Acts 20:24 AMP
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel…“ Galatians 1:6 NIV
Grateful for Grace of God and the Power of God — The Gospel.
Pastor Kerry Willis
As i write, i am cherishing a few days of rest with my family. Today, i sensed strongly that this short season of rest is probably somewhat overdue.
Weariness is real. In fact, to be human is to experience weariness. i have learned that when I am weary, it is imperative to reduce busyness. Unless we back down the throttle when we are tired, our desperation can turn quickly to devastation.
Jesus was such a Loving Leader to His disciples. i especially love a subtle but sure compassionate command given by Jesus in The Gospel of Mark. Yes, In Mark 6:31, Jesus told His weary disciples: "Come ye yourselves apart… and rest a while..."
Surely, if we do not "come apart and rest a while, we will sadly come apart."
i recently sat as a moderator for a panel to help question well-experienced, holiness, clergy leaders. The final question i asked was: "If you could say one thing to young pastors and leaders, today, what would you say?" Bishop Lemuel Thuston, now in his late seventies, replied: "Do all you can to restore the Sabbath Day of rest among the people you lead." His answer resonated deeply with my own heart, mind, soul, and strength. Does it resonate with yours?
Rest is akin to surrender. i encourage you to surrender anew, yes, to give away your weary life, but only to the One Who promises you rest -- Jesus Himself.
Deo Volente -- whatever God wants for us (is exactly what we need),
Pastor Kerry Willis
"When modern theologians do away with certain language that former generations gave to us, it does not mean we are smarter about spiritual things than they were (not by any stretch of the imagination.) Mainly, it probably points to the fact that they knew what they were talking about, and we do not know what they were talking about. Case in point, when it comes to our problem of Sin, they knew what they meant by the term ‘eradicate.’ We would rather do away with the idea rather than seek to understand what they meant by it. Food for thought.  A theologian born in the early 1900s once told me what they meant by ‘Sin being eradicated by the arrival and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.’ Therefore, i dare not let go of the idea. It spells Hope for my own spiritual soul and makes the Good News more ‘Gooder’ whenever I share it ." -kww
"For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be DESTROYED, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Romans 6:5-6 KJV
"For if we have become one with Him [permanently united] in the likeness of His death, we will also certainly be [one with Him and share fully] in the likeness of His resurrection. We know that our old self [our human nature without the Holy Spirit] was nailed to the cross with Him, in order that our body of sin might be DONE AWAY WITH, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin. For the person who has died [with Christ] has been freed from [the power of] sin." Romans 6:5-7 AMP
Pastor Kerry Willis
“In Heaven, i really believe the Bible teaches us that we will have a memory of our life spent on earth but it will be a cleansed memory, absent of the recalling of hardships, hurts, and hellish moments we experienced here.” -kww
i was studying this interpretation below when i posted my thoughts above on memory in the next life:
Isaiah 65:17 says, “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” Some interpret Isaiah 65:17 as saying that we will have no memory of our earthly lives in heaven. However, one verse earlier in Isaiah 65:16, the Bible says, “For the past troubles will be forgotten and hidden from my eyes.” It is likely only our “past troubles” will be forgotten, not all of our memories. Our memories will eventually be cleansed, redeemed, healed, and restored, not erased. There is no reason why we could not possess many memories from our earthly lives. The memories that will be cleansed are the ones that involve sin, pain, and sadness. Revelation 21:4 declares, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Maranatha!
Pastor Kerry Willis
“My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” Proverbs 4:20-27 NLT
So be it. Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
The song at this link helped my soul…
https://youtu.be/NwACyND_9zM?si=q1JkEoZOq8IBXnk-
Just Trust!
Pastor Kerry Willis
In the 1830’s, as Evangelist Charles Finney walked into a Cotton Mill, one of the opponents of the local revival meeting, a young lady employee, saw him. Looking at her co-employee, she began to laugh. Some writers say she made a cynical remark about Finney and his meeting. In a spirit of prayer, Charles Finney simply looked at this young lady without saying a word. As he kept looking at her, being grieved by her criticism, the lady stopped working as she had broken her thread. She became so upset that she couldn't repair the thread and start again. The Spirit of God mightily convicted her of her sin to the point that she began to weep. Soon her companions were convicted and began to weep. A chain reaction occurred as hundreds began to be overcome by their lost condition.
The factory owner, seeing this, was deeply moved himself and said. "Stop the mill, and let the people attend to religion, for it is far more important that our souls be saved than the factory run. " All the workers were assembled in a very large room and Finney said, “...a more powerful meeting I scarcely ever attended.” Within a few days nearly every employee was saved (some accounts say all were saved) several authors say there were 3,000 employees in this factory.
How beautiful.
Pastor Kerry Willis
A line from my Sunday message this coming Sunday:
“If we sin, others will likely suffer from our disobedience, nevertheless, God Himself is the One we rebel against.” -kww
Lord have mercy.
Pastor Kerry Willis
"God demands separation. Sometimes He wants us to separate ourselves from what we consider a good set of circumstances. That is exactly what He did with Abraham." Oswald Chambers
"…And he [Abraham] went out, not knowing whither he went… he sojourned in the land of promise…" Hebrews 11:8b-9a
i know these words are true, quite personally. -kww
Deo Volente!
Pastor Kerry Willis
"Regardless of Your desires for me, Jesus, i want my heart to always be good ground receiving totally whatever seeds You choose to scatter within me for Your glory. Amen." -kww
Deo Volente -- whatever God wants!
Pastor Kerry Willis
"So the Lord must wait for you to come to Him so He can show you His love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for His help." Isaiah 30:18 NLT
Deo Volente -- as God wills.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Many people are trying to live the life of a Christian, who have not been born again by the Spirit of God. My friend. If you are in this class, your difficulties will drive you insane. Apart from the new birth, the thorns of life will choke you.” Oswald Chambers
“You must be born again.” [Jesus’ words to the religious scholar, Nicodemus, in John 3]
Tenderly,
Pastor Kerry Willis
“More than being somewhat like You, Jesus, i want to be totally one with You. Amen. -kww [Intimacy > Imitation]
Deo Volente — as God desires!
Pastor Kerry Willis
If you have any doubts that God really is a faithful, patient God and that He cares about everyone, i encourage you to saturate in this verse of Scripture:
“The Lord isn't slow about keeping His promises, as some people think He is. In fact, God is patient, because He wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.” 2 Peter 3:9 CEV
Pastor Kerry Willis
A tender testimony: Our waitress last evening seemed quite unfriendly and appeared somewhat frustrated to wait on us, that was until i paid the bill and tipped her 100% and gently said, “God knows where you are.” The fruit of the Spirit, once tasted, seemed to bring an immediate and authentic transformation in her attitude, and perhaps even a deeper healing in her hurting heart. -kww #gentleness #beMywitnesses
Pastor Kerry Willis
“There’s no comparison between nets full of fish and altars full of souls!” Capt. Billy’s, yes, my Dad’s words to me when he blessed me in 1991 upon learning that i had surrendered 🏳️ and said “Yes” to God, to leave the Willis family legacy of catching fish to become a fisher of people. [Affirmed again this week as i have preached at Prairie Lakes Nazarene District Campmeeting as altars have lined with seekers of all generations service after service.]
Grateful.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“We cannot experience alone what happens when two or more of us gather together as the family of God.” -kww
True.
Pastor Kerry Willis
Been leaning into and living out of this Old Testament sacred passage for many of my life’s days… and today…
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom..." Proverbs 3:5-7a NLT
Deo Volente — whatever God wants!
Pastor Kerry Willis
Pray Now. Understand Later.
Praying is a very peculiar thing. While I would never deny prayer works -- it surely does -- I am still at a complete loss to understand how prayer works.
Prayer is a real mystery. Yes, though I am indeed drawn to pray non-stop, yet grasping words to explain what prayer really means to me all fall short and do not even come close to rendering a true expression.
Prayer was even an overwhelming idea to the original disciples of Jesus. Once they said to Him: "Lord, Teach Us to Pray." Though they saw and heard Jesus pray many times, they still could not get their human minds around this holy phenomenon.
When it comes to learning about prayer and knowing how to pray, I can only quote an old Englishman, Samuel Chadwick, who said: "We only learn to pray by praying."
Finally, as Vance Havner said: "I cannot comprehend prayer yet I must pray anyway. I don't understand electricity but I refuse to sit in the dark until I do. I just turn on the switch and bask in the light."
Let us pray now. Understanding will come later.
"... and i wait." Psalm 5:3 (GWT)
Grateful. Very.
Pastor Kerry Willis
I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.
After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie.
By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.
There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.
'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.
She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.
She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her.. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.'
'Oh, you're such a good boy,’ she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'
'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly..
'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.’
I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice.. ‘The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.
'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.
For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.
We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.
Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.
As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'.
We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.
Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move.
They must have been expecting her.
I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.
'How much do I owe you?' She asked, reaching into her purse.
'Nothing,' I said.
'You have to make a living,' she answered.
'There are other passengers,' I responded.
Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.
'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.'
I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life..
I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day,I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?
On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.
We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.
But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.
PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID ~BUT~ THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.
Taxi 🚖 Driver
“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,”
Galatians 1:15-16 NKJV
Dr. Stephen Manley #alifeverse
“Every thought I’ve ever thought, I’ve thought. I’ve never gone anywhere, I didn’t go. I’ve never done anything, I didn’t do. I’ve never been able to keep secrets from myself. Wouldn’t it be something to have an intimacy with Jesus like that?! Oneness with Jesus, in relationship!” Dr. Stephen Manley
Yes, Lord, Yes. Amen. So be it.
Pastor Kerry Willis
Sometimes, i attempt to put into words how the glorious burden for lost souls is always in play throughout my life. One example of the thoughts that reoccur in my thinking, as I pray for the mind of Christ, is this: "In 100 years, how many people will be in Hell forever that knew me during their earthly life? Souls are the diamonds in the Kingdom of God, in that a soul really is forever, my dear friends!"-kww
Prayer: "Lord, as our inheritance, give us the lost! Amen!" -Petra lyrics
i love this writing. It’s titled “Paths” and was written by James Spruill, My Mentor…
PATHS
A path is an expression of a habit,
Evidence of a journey often made,
A habit made visible where others can follow.
Most of us think of a path made by footprints,
But there are paths in the mind,
Both good and bad.
They are made by repeated words--and actions
Some sharp as daggers, others kind and gentle.
We all leave paths in the minds and hearts
Of those who journey with us. It is up to us
To see that the path leads HOME.
Ps 23:3 James Spruill
“Jesus is Truth — The Truth — and we cannot know the Truth apart from Him. To believe so is to experience a radical change in our lives.” Oswald Chambers
John 1:14b — “… full of Grace and Truth.”
Be my Truth, dearest Jesus, totally! Amen!
Pastor Kerry Willis
“My most favorite WORD for HOLINESS is JESUS!” -kww
“Jesus has become our wisdom sent from God, our approval, our holiness, and our ransom from sin.“ 1 Cor1:30b GW
Yes, Jesus Himself is Our Holiness!
Pastor Kerry Willis
The lives of the saints — those who belong exclusively to God — are songs of God, composed and rendered by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.” Oswald Chambers
Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
This message is the most vulnerable in my possession…
https://www.youtube.com/live/SPZUkk5GS0U?feature=share
Pastor Kerry Willis
“If we continue to live in sin all-the-while claiming to be in right relationship with Jesus, it is — at the very least — fatal trickery for our own souls and — at the very worst — profane mockery of Holy God Himself.” -kww
God forgive. God forbid.
LORD HAVE MERCY. AMEN.
Pastor Kerry Willis
Lord, help me to:
1. Trust in Your Word!
2. Take You at Your Word!
3. Obey Your Every Word!
In other words, i want to:
BELIEVE. RECEIVE. OBEY.
Amen. Amen. Amen.
-kww
"Good News! In Galatians 2:20, the Apostle Paul is testifying that he has a new identity in Jesus alone. More specifically he has a new disposition, a holy attitude. Yes, indeed he is pointing us to the Hope-filled possibility of exchanging our inherited carnal nature for a Spirit-cleansed nature. We no longer need to be against Holy God, for we can now be aligned with Holy God." -kww
"I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20 JUB
Good News, Indeed!
Pastor Kerry Willis
John Wesley’s 22 Questions of self-examination:
Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?
Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?
Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence?
Can I be trusted?
Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits?
Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
Did the Bible live in me today?
Do I give it time to speak to me everyday?
Am I enjoying prayer?
When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?
Do I pray about the money I spend?
Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?
Do I disobey God in anything?
Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
Am I defeated in any part of my life?
Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy, or distrustful?
How do I spend my spare time?
Am I proud?
Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican?
Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I doing about it?
Do I grumble or complain constantly?
Is Christ real to me?
Deo Volente — As God wills.
Pastor Kerry Willis
As many of you know, on Sunday, February 19, 2023, i drove to Asbury University Campus in Wilmore, Kentucky, and spent 7 sacred hours saturating in the presence of the Lord on the last public day of the undeniable outpouring of the Holy Spirit there. But don’t take my word for it. Click the link attached to hear an up-close and personal witness from someone who watched the Lord work from the onset and was there for the whole season. [Thanks also to my dear friends in Jesus, Pastors Kris and Ruth Peaden, who went before me to Asbury 2023, and shared this link with me, today. Honestly, my own soul is still basking in the fresh anointing of the awakening i experienced since having tenderly made my way to Asbury.] -kww
Desperate for You only, my dearest Jesus!
Pastor Kerry Willis
"It is wrong to think we must help only people who deserve it. Did we deserve salvation, sanctification, to be filled with the Holy Spirit? The work of God within our lives is done out of the sheer mercy of God. For this reason, kindness and holiness always go together."
- Oswald Chambers
To be kind and to be holy is my prayer. -kww
Pastor Kerry Willis
"The baptism with the Holy Spirit made the disciples the incarnation of what they taught. God grant that we may be the same -- Christian workers ‘approved unto God, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.’" Oswald Chambers, 2 Timothy 2:15
Deo Volente -- as God wills!
Pastor Kerry Willis
Click link… A tender account…
https://relevantmagazine.com/life5/why-i-gave-up-alcohol/Lord have mercy.
Pastor Kerry Willis
Sometimes as i consider certain words and stories that Jesus shared, i am personally left speechless. Like the words Father Abraham spoke and Jesus shared in Luke 16:31 for example…
New Living Translation
"But Abraham said, 'If they won't listen to Moses and the prophets, they won't be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead."" Jesus words about Father Abraham, Luke 16:31
Mind-boggling Truth! [Read the whole story Luke 16]
Pastor Kerry Willis
On our latest Episode of “An Open Door” Podcast, i promise you will be unable NOT to listen to the entire program, as Pastor Frank Short shares one of the most powerful, tender messages i have ever heard on sexuality according to God’s Word. It is bold yet beautiful. It’s the kind of message i had to listen to more than once and had no choice but to share it with as many others as will take the time to simply consider the claims herein. -kww
Speak the Truth on Love,
Pastor Kerry Willis
"In a world that wants to merely change the meaning of words, like ‘sin’ and ‘pride’ for example, Jesus still wants to forgive all our sins and deliver us from all our Sin (including pride). Yes, He desires to change us completely and change our ways totally, so we can be victorious, even holy, for His glory in the now." -kww
Deo Volente -- Whatever God Wants!
Pastor Kerry Willis
"When those whose lives are only American-dream-driven finally encounter someone who is exclusively God’s and Holy-Spirit-balanced, they realize how empty their temporary pursuits really are." -kww
Be salt. Be light.
Pastor Kerry Willis
💭 If a woman, Mary of Nazareth, was entrusted to carry The Word, Jesus the Son of God Himself, within her, could she not also speak the Word? Well, she, a woman, did speak a beautiful Word, in fact she proclaimed a magnificent message, indeed:
“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies and exalts the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has looked [with loving care] on the humble state of His maidservant; For behold, from now on all generations will count me blessed and happy and favored by God! For He who is mighty has done great things for me; And holy is His name [to be worshiped in His purity, majesty, and glory]. And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who [stand in great awe of God and] fear Him. He has done mighty deeds with His [powerful] arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And exalted those who were humble. He has filled the hungry with good things; And sent the rich away empty-handed. He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, Just as He promised to our fathers, To Abraham and to his descendants forever.’” Luke 1:46-55 AMP
That’s some good preaching!
Pastor Kerry Willis
“…so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” -Words of warning Jesus spoke to the crippled man he instantly healed in Jerusalem. John 5:14b [NLT — 1996 Edition]
Lord have mercy.
Pastor Kerry Willis
Anyone think the days we live in are anything akin to “the days of Noah?”
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its young shoots become tender and it puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near; so you, too, when you see all these things [taking place], know for certain that He is near, right at the door. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, this generation [the people living when these signs and events begin] will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth [as now known] will pass away, but My words will not pass away. “But of that [exact] day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son [in His humanity], but the Father alone. For the coming of the Son of Man (the Messiah) will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the [very] day when Noah entered the ark, and they did not know or understand until the flood came and swept them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be [unexpected judgment].” Matthew 24:32-39 AMP
Even so, Maranatha! Our King is Coming Soon! Let’s be ready!
Pastor Kerry Willis
"It is so easy to persuade myself that my convictions are the standards of Jesus. When i succumb to such thinking, i condemn to perdition everyone who does not agree with me because my convictions have taken the place of Jesus." Oswald Chambers
JESUS HIMSELF IS THE STANDARD!
"And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw all people to Myself [Gentiles, as well as Jews]." John 12:32 AMP
Lord have mercy.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Immediately after leaving earth for eternity, every atheist becomes a believer, neverthless, it’s one second too late.” -kww #todayisthedayofsalvation
“Every knee shall bow (eventually)…” Philippians 2:10
Believe and Bow, today.
Pastor Kerry Willis
If you watch just one service from Nazarene Assembly 2023, here’s the link:
https://www.youtube.com/live/3b-cK4g_FLk?feature=share
Jesus Is Lord!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
Patience is perhaps the most underestimated and most undesired slice within the fruit of the Spirit. Some even foolishly say things like, "Don’t pray for patience." Well, "love is patient" so we cannot have the fruit of the Spirit apart from patience, and that alone makes me desire it.
I am beautifully challenged towards patience by the commentary that Oswald Chambers gives for 1 Thessalonians 5:14. Let me share the verse first and then the commentary.
The verse 1 Thessalonians 5:14:
"We [earnestly] urge you, believers, admonish those who are out of line [the undisciplined, the unruly, the disorderly], encourage the timid [who lack spiritual courage], help the [spiritually] weak, be very patient with everyone [always controlling your temper]."
The Oswald Chambers commentary:
"Don’t lose patience with others if they do not see at once what you already see. God’s word exhorts us to be patient with all people. It brings to mind the question; How long did it take God to put me (to put you) where i am (where you are) now?"
So i pray: "God You are Love and You are patient, please make me like You! Amen!"
Presence Matters Most!
No Invisible People! UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
These ground rules for having healthy conversations — especially when discussing hard spiritual topics to agree on — have helped me and continue to help me. (i learned them in a church seminar years ago and would give the presenter credit if i could only recall his name.)
#1. We will begin our conversation by celebrating what we agree on.
#2. We will then, and only then, begin to tenderly investigate what we disagree on.
#3. And finally, regardless of our conclusions in the hard conversations, i still want us to be friends.
And i added….
#4: i would like the gift of staying in the conversation with you in the future. -kww #iamadebtor #NazGA2023
Sincerely,
Pastor Kerry Willis
"Even if the odds are against us, because Almighty God is for us, all is well." -kww #NazGA2023
Deo Volente -- as God wills.
Pastor Kerry Willis
What Jesus said about how essential it is for us that He knows who we are…
True Disciples Matt. 7:21-23, NLT-1996
21 "Not all people who sound religious are really godly. They may refer to me as Lord,' but they still won't enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in heaven. 220n judgment day many will tell me, 'Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and per formed many miracles in your name.' 23But I will reply, "I never knew you. Go away; the things you did were unauthorized."
Lord, above all else, i want to know You intimately and i want You to intimately know me. Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
"We should not be surprised as Jesus-believers that the world we live in rewards those who stand up for lies, and reviles those who stand up for truth. Did Jesus, The One Who is The Truth, not say ‘The world hated Me first?’ Let us ‘not become weary in doing good.’ And we must continue to live truth, and to ‘speak the truth and love.’" -kww
Stand up for Jesus!
Pastor Kerry Willis
“An earthly dream is a sad substitute for the Heavenly vision.” -kww
“Lord, let me not seek a life of ease for me, but only to breathe to please Thee. Amen.” -kww
”…i was not disobedient to the Heavenly vision.” Paul testimony before King Agrippa, Acts 26:19 [NKJV]
Deo Volente — whatever God wants.
Pastor Kerry Willis
In case you missed our May 2023 episode of “An Open Door” Podcast — “A Native American Jesus-Story.”
Live Anticipating!
Pastor Kerry Willis
"God wants to continually use you as an exhibition of His way of life, however, you won’t be conscious of it. Just allow Him to possess you fully." -Oswald Chambers, remix
Dear Lord, I want to be an exhibition of Your possession in my lifetime. Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
A dear friend and i had a wonderful conversation today about being light in the darkness along with the words Jesus spoke in Acts 1:8, "Be My Witnesses." After the conversation, i shared this older film clip with him (by atheist Penn Jillette) and it really served to fan the flames of my own heart once again to keep living in the light and speaking the Truth in Love to those who are spiritually lost on my watch, as the Holy Spirit gives me permission. -kww
Ephesians 4:15 -- "…speaking the truth in love…"
Pastor Kerry Willis
Today, my heart especially hurts as i fervently intercede for those who are, or those who have been, in the presence of my life and ministry and have sadly turned their backs on the light and embraced the darkness. They may think i have forgotten their precious souls but i have not. i pray that today might be their day of salvation. Abba Father awaits for them to return Home from their far country of lostness. "Come Home. Come Home. Ye who are weary Come Home." Just whisper the Name, "Jesus!" He awaits with arms open wide for any and all to turn from their sin and to turn once again to Him. Forgiveness and restoration awaits. Free Grace is still on the table. O what Savior! -kww
Just remember Jesus cares!
Pastor Kerry Willis
P.S. "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him…" Hebrews 2:3 NKJV
"Dearest Abba Father, it’s so easy to live our lives primarily as victims. You know it’s true. Indeed, life on planet earth can often be painful and hard, nevertheless, Abba Father, You are still -- always and forever -- caring and good. i *Hope to live my life as a victor who is crucified with, and resurrected in, Christ. So help me, God, i do not want to live as a victim only to be pitied, but as an earthly debtor who is at all times undeniably and eternally grateful. Amen." -kww
"Christ in me, the *Hope." Colossians 1:27 and "Christ now lives in me." Galatians 2:20
Jesus be glorified, magnified, and satisfied in me. Amen again.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“If we claim to be authentic believers in Jesus Christ, for better or for worse, we are all in some way witnesses to the world; and our lives lived moment by moment, prove to those paying attention whether we are really His true witnesses or only false witnesses of Who Jesus really is.” -kww
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”Jesus, Acts of the Apostles 1:8 NLT
Be My Witnesses! -Jesus
Pastor Kerry Willis
i awoke this morning, yes, came suddenly wide awake, with these thoughts clearly on my mind…
"Worship is offering our all, yes, our total selves, our total lives, to Holy God. Our all includes yielding to Him who we are and laying everything in our lives at His feet, beginning with our best, yet, also offering Him totally what seems only basic to us, then going on to dedicating our every breath and even our busyness to His Majesty. Yes, surely, we are to surrender to the Lord what is sacred in our lives, along with what is sucking the life out of us. Holy God is worthy, even waiting for, all of our worship -- the marvelous, the mysterious, and the mundane. Let us hold back nothing from Him. He deserves nothing less than our everything." -kww
And this passage came to me immediately afterwards…
"So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life--and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." Romans 12:1-2 MSG
i give You all
My worship!
Pastor Kerry Willis
My Confession: "Sometimes, i get very nervous thinking about the awful regrets people who refuse to draw near to Christ are building up in their lives." -kww
Your Invitation: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8a [NKJV]
Just remember Jesus cares!
Pastor Kerry Willis
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you. “I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, bereaved, and helpless]; I will come [back] to you.” Promises of Jesus, John 14:16-18 AMP
Grateful.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“… at best, each of us is but a breath. And so, Lord, where do i put my hope? My only hope is in You.” Psalms 39:5b, 7 NLT
Hope has a Name… Jesus!
Pastor Kerry Willis
In John 1, Jesus said to Andrew, "Come and See!" [v. 39] Then Andrew went and told his brother Simon and brought him to Jesus. [v. 42]
Afterwards, Andrew went and found Philip and said to him what Jesus had said to him, "Come and See!" [v. 46]
Question on my mind: Having met Jesus and been invited by Him personally to "Come and See" with Him, how can we NOT share His Good News invitation, “Come and See” with others? -kww
"Come and See! Come and See!"
Pastor Kerry Willis
"Jesus-believers beware of shock jocks masquerading as truth theologians." -kww
False prophets come to kill, steal and destroy.
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” John 10:10 AMP
Lord have mercy.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Jesus wants to forgive our acts of sin and purify our attitudes of sin, so He can enter in as our King of Everything.” -kww #holiness
Yes, Lord, yes. i’m grateful. Welcome in.
Pastor Kerry Willis
"Dearest Jesus, You said in John 4 that whoever drinks mere water will thirst again and in John 6 You said whoever eats mere bread will hunger again. Nevertheless, You also said whoever drinks the Living Water and eats the True Bread You offer will never thirst or hunger again. We give thanks, for You alone, Jesus, are the Sure Sustenance of our souls. Amen." -kww
Grateful.
Pastor Kerry Willis
"Just come and see [Jesus] for yourself." Philip’s invitation to Nathanel recorded in John 1:46b [NLT -- 1996 Edition]
Come and see…
Pastor Kerry Willis
“The devil and the powers of darkness know Who God is. Sadly, we are the ones who seem to always be questioning Who God is. Lord, forgive. Lord, forbid. Lord, help our unbelief. Amen.” -kww
Pastor Kerry Willis
i repeat the Good stuff…
Scholars and Rabbis have noted that the letters YHWH represent breathing sounds, or aspirated consonants. When pronounced without intervening vowels, it actually sounds like breathing. YH (inhale): WH (exhale). So a baby’s first cry, his first breath, speaks the name of God. #YahWeh
Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
i love this…
“Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, ‘If you are thirsty, come to Me! If you believe in Me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within.” John 7:37b-38 [NLT — 1997 Edition]
Thank You, Jesus!
Pastor Kerry Willis
i love the promises associated with The Day of Ascension. Especially, i love these words Jesus spoke as He prepared for lift-off from the Mount of Olives: “Surely I AM with you always to the very end of the age.” -kww
Maranatha!
Pastor Kerry Willis
“One thing i really love about the Kingdom of God is that our King still specializes in pulling resurrections out of crucifixions.” -kww
Praise Your Name. Jesus, My King!
Pastor Kerry Willis
Old Testament Propehcy:
"He alone has spread out the heavens and MARCHES ON THE WAVES OF THE SEA m." Job 9:8 [NLT]
New Testament Fulfillment:
"They were three or four miles out (on the Sea of Galilee) when suddenly they saw JESUS WALKING ON THE WATER TOWARDS THEM." John 6:19 [NLT]
WOW!
Pastor Kerry Willis
“You will be My witnesses.” Jesus, Acts 1:8
Thank You, Lord!
Pastor Kerry Willis
"It is the Spirit Who gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing." Words of Jesus, John 6:63a [NLT, 1996 Edition]
Deo Volente -- as God desires.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Is not our behavior and attitude as professing Jesus-believers proof of how we believe Jesus would behave and act?” -kww
“…we would like to see Jesus.” Request of the Greeks recorded in John 12:21 [NIV]
Deo Volente — as God desires!
Pastor Kerry Willis
Abba Father, You desire oneness with us and gave Your only Son to make it possible. i desire what You desire more than i desire anything. So, yes, Lord, yes, make my unity with You to be my reality and may i grow deeper and deeper in holy intimacy with You even as i breathe Jesus now and always. And make me one with all other believers. i know You want that, too. Amen. So be it. -kww
Make us one!
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Our God’s hand of protection is on all who worship Him, but His fierce anger rages against those who abandon Him.” Ezra 8:22b NLT
i worship You Almighty God. There is none like You! Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
Dearest Jesus, King Jesus, in Your Name i pray this prayer for those who might just need it today, even right now: "Abba Father, give to us Your strength to carry the glorious burden, until You, and You alone say, ‘Lay it down!’ Amen!"
Deo Volente -- whatever God wants!
Pastor Kerry Willis
Prayer in the Spirit makes all the difference. It’s like the Lord sacredly leading us through a private entryway to experience the behind the scene workings of His Holy Kingdom." [Thoughts Lady Melba and i shared on the phone today]
"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words." Romans 8:26 NLT
Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
As disciples of Jesus, shouldn’t we always desire to live on the edge of faith, so that unless the Lord helps us miserable failure will be the only outcome? -kww
In John 6, the disciples are living on the edge when the hungry crowds on the Galilean hillside need to be fed. It seems impossible, nevertheless, the Bread and Fish King was their Lord. Yes, King Jesus.
Here’s the story:
"After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. (It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.) Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, "Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?" He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do. Philip replied, "Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!" Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. "There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?" "Tell everyone to sit down," Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, "Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted." So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves."John 6:1-13 NLT
Let us only trust and obey!
Pastor Kerry Willis
A Parable: Saving Lives
When you walked into the foyer of the local church worship center that i once pastored in Harrisonburg, Virginia, just to the left sat a glass case where an old devotional book was opened to two pages that displayed this powerful story:
On a dangerous seacoast notorious for shipwrecks, there was a crude little lifesaving station. Actually, the station was merely a hut with only one boat . . . but the few devoted members kept a constant watch over the turbulent sea. With little thought for themselves, they would go out day and night tirelessly searching for those in danger as well as the lost. Many, many lives were saved by this brave band of men who faithfully worked as a team in and out of the lifesaving station. By and by, it became a famous place.
Some of those who had been saved as well as others along the seacoast wanted to become associated with this little station. They were willing to give their time and energy and money in support of its objectives. New boats were purchased. New crews were trained. The station that was once obscure and crude and virtually insignificant began to grow. Some of its members were unhappy that the hut was so unattractive and poorly equipped. They felt a more comfortable place should be provided. Emergency cots were replaced with lovely furniture. Rough, hand-made equipment was discarded and sophisticated, classy systems were installed. The hut, of course, had to be torn down to make room for all the additional equipment, furniture, systems, and appointments. By its completion, the life-saving station had become a popular gathering place, and its objectives had begun to shift. It was now used as sort of a clubhouse, an attractive building for public gatherings. Saving lives, feeding the hungry, strengthening the fearful, and calming the disturbed rarely occurred by now.
Fewer members were now interested in braving the sea on lifesaving missions, so they hired professional lifeboat crews to do this work. The original goal of the station wasn't altogether forgotten, however. The lifesaving motifs still prevailed in the club's decorations. In fact, there was a liturgical lifeboat preserved in the Room of Sweet Memories with soft, indirect lighting, which helped hide the layer of dust upon the once-used vessel.
About this time a large ship was wrecked off the coast and the boat crews brought in loads of cold, wet, half-drowned people. They were dirty, some terribly sick and lonely. Others were black and "different" from the majority of the club members. The beautiful new club suddenly became messy and cluttered. A special committee saw to it that a shower house was immediately built outside and away from the club so victims of shipwreck could be cleaned up before coming inside.
At the next meeting there were strong words and angry feelings, which resulted in a division among the members. Most of the people wanted to stop the club's lifesaving activities and all involvements with shipwreck victims . . . ("it's too unpleasant, it's a hindrance to our social life, it's opening the door to folks who are not our kind"). As you'd expect, some still insisted upon saving lives, that this was their primary objective---that their only reason for existence was ministering to anyone needing help regardless of their club's beauty or size or decorations. They were voted down and told if they wanted to save the lives of various kinds of people who were shipwrecked in those waters, they could begin their own lifesaving station down the coast! They did.
As years passed, the new station experienced the same old changes. It evolved into another club . . . and yet another lifesaving station was begun. History continued to repeat itself . . . and if you visit that coast today you'll find a large number of exclusive, impressive clubs along the shoreline owned and operated by slick professionals who have lost all involvement with the saving of lives.
Shipwrecks still occur in those waters, but now most of the victims are not saved. Every day they drown at sea, and so few seem to care . . . so very few. Do you?
Give away your life... To The Lifesaver and let Him rescue the perishing through you.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”Words of Jesus, Luke 19:1
Pastor Kerry Willis,
District Servant 🛟⚓️
The year was approximately 1947. My mom, Lady Melba, was 5-years-old. Her dad, Lloyd Davis, was an east coast fisherman on a Menhaden boat. The place he was currently working was off the coast of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Melba’s mom, Irene, decided to make a trip from their home in Davis Shore, North Carolina, to Atlantic City to visit Lloyd.
One day as they were on the boardwalk, young Melba drifted into a bakery and came out with a huge glazed donut. Irene thought she had stolen it. She was wrong. The baker told young Melba if she would talk a while in her southern accent, he would give her a donut. Deal made. Laughter broke out.
My wife and i have lived in New Jersey now for 5 years and finally today we spent a few hours in Atlantic City. And yes, that story mainly drew me there. Also, i immediately had a huge glazed donut. i had to pay for mine, however. #dateday
Memories matter to me.
Pastor Kerry Willis
A friend texted me this morning asking how he could pray for me? This was my prayer request:
“Pray that the Lord will take the things i might not know how to navigate and that i will trust Him totally to be the Captain of His Church. Thank you friend.”
Jesus take the wheel!
Pastor Kerry Willis
“The salvation of Jesus Christ is not for just "an experience." God save us from this "experience" business! Sin must be eradicated and strangled to death. An absolute surrender must be made to God -- we must yield ourselves to a full invasion of God. There is no deliverance from sin until we seek the Cross of Jesus Christ, who became sin for us. Holy character is the result of God's work -- a character pure in secret and in public.”
-Oswald Chambers
Deo Volente — Whatever God Wants.
Pastor Kerry Willis
Hungry For The Beauty of His Holiness
Indeed, the Beauty of God's Holiness is what i am hungry for, so i am feeding on these verses from The Holy Scriptures these days:
Give to the Lord the glory His name deserves. Bring an offering, and come to Him. Worship the Lord in His holy splendor.
-- 1 Chronicles 16:29 (GWT)
Give to the Lord the glory His name deserves. Worship the Lord in His holy splendor.
-- Psalm 29:2 (GWT)
Worship the Lord in His holy splendor. Tremble in His presence, all the earth!
-- Psalm 96:9 (GWT)
Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
-- 1 Chronicles 16:29 (NKJV)
Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
-- Psalm 29:2 (NKJV)
Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth.
-- Psalm 96:9 (NKJV)
Also, the lyrics of this song, “Hunger for Holiness,” makes for a powerful prayer:
There's a silent war that's raging deep within me
My lower nature fights to dominate
My spirit man is poised and locked in battle
With the carnal side of me I've grown to hate.
The trumpet of my prayers plays toward Heaven
A voice of desperation in my cry
Lord, strengthen me that I might not yield myself to sin
But keep Your righteous banner lifted high.
Lord, I hunger for holiness
And I thirst for the righteousness that's Yours
That my mind would be cleansed
And my spirit renewed
And this temple that You dwell in would be pure.
The tempter stalks about me as a lion
Searching for the slightest scent of blood
For when the skin of my resistance is broken
He moves in swiftly to deepen the cut.
Oh, Lord of all Creation, hear Your servant
You understand the weaknesses of man.
I'm counting myself crucified with Jesus
Alive to Christ and dead indeed to sin.
Lord, I hunger for holiness
And I thirst for the righteousness that's Yours
That my mind would be cleansed
And my spirit renewed
And this temple that You dwell in would be pure.
Songwriter: Carman Licciardellog
Worship the Lord in the Beauty of His Holiness! Amen!
Pastor Kerry Willis
Dearest King Jesus:
You have taken down the dominion of sin!
You have taken away the threat of death!
You have triumphed totally on our behalf!
No wonder we call You Wonderful Savior! Amen!" -kww
Grateful. Very.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“You cannot fool God, so don't make a fool of yourself! You will harvest what you plant. If you follow your selfish desires, you will harvest destruction, but if you follow the Spirit, you will harvest eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8 CEV
Deo Volente.
Pastor Kerry Willis
"Remember, we can only do our jobs to the best of our own ability, not to the best of someone else’s. And we will never have to give an account to God for gifts He never gave us. So, exhale. You are highly valued." -kww
And take heart in Philippians 2:13, above all:
"[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight."Philippians 2:13 AMPC
Deo Volente -- whatever God wants!
Pastor Kerry Willis
“The soul who has personal communion with God knows that a Paradise has (already) begun and will lead to a greater blessedness, more grand that one can imagine.” Oswald Chambers
“He who is able to hear, let him listen to and give heed to what the Spirit says to the assemblies (churches). To him who overcomes (is victorious), I will grant to eat [of the fruit] of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7 AMPC
Maranatha!
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Criticism is a sad substitute for intercession.” -kww
“So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 CEB
Deo Volente — whatever God wants.
Pastor Kerry Willis
“The Resurrected Jesus is the firstfruits of the Harvest of Eternal Life and we make up the remainder of the Harvest.” -kww
"For the Jesus-believer, earthly death is the doorway, yes, the entrance into eternal life." -kww
Grateful,
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Had some wonderful and vulnerable conversations with my Dearest Friend and the King of my Heart, Jesus of Nazareth, today. i am humbled in knowing that He really loves to hear my voice and listen to my heart being expressed aloud.” -kww
What a Friend!
Pastor Kerry Willis
Even though it may seem we are in the midst of bad things happening, God is still good. Jesus told us, “In this world you will have troubles, but I have overcome the world.” Life on planet earth is often hard, yet, God from Heaven above is always good. To not believe this is tragic for our souls. -kww
Deo Volente — as God wills!
Pastor Kerry Willis
"You [God] will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed [stayed] on You!" Isaiah 26:3 NLT
"Lord, i want my belief in You to be anchored deeply in devotion to You, for forever and today. Shalom. Shalom. Amen." -kww
‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus!
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Once again…” It’s been a tender day. It all began when a dear brother in Christ, who’s had lots of prayer requests for a while, sent a new one and prefaced it by saying “i feel like a such a whiner.” Then, shortly thereafter, a dear sister in Christ, also with many needs, contacted me to pray and said at the end,”Sorry if i’m a pest.” i assured them both that making a prayer request is not about being a whiner or a pest.
i am glad they knew i would pray for them “once again” and i asked them to also remember me in their intercessions. Late in the day this sacred prayer song came to mind for both of my friends and for me. Let us pray “once again” for His touch.
Amen.
Pastor Kerry Willis
