"For you are recognizing [more clearly] the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [His astonishing kindness, His generosity, His gracious favor], that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich (abundantly blessed)." 2 Corinthians 8:9 AMP
“Ears Wide Open… Listening…”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5 AMP
“Ears Wide Open… Listening…”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”” Daniel 3:16-18 NLT
“Ears Wide Open… Listening…”
Pastor Kerry Willis
"For it is not an enemy who taunts me-- Then I could bear it; Nor is it one who has hated me who insolently exalts himself against me-- Then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man my equal and my counsel, My companion and my familiar friend; We who had sweet fellowship together, Who walked to the house of God in company." Psalms 55:12-14 AMP
"Ears Wide Open… Listening…"
Pastor Kerry Willis
"Just as it is written and forever remains written, "For Your sake we are put to death all day long; We are regarded as sheep for the slaughter." [Ps 44:22] Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced--beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:36-39 AMP
So i cry out to The Good Shepherd: "Baa! Baa! Amen!"
"Ears Wide Open… Listening…"
Pastor Kerry Willis
P.S. Calling out to The Good Shepherd. Surely He is with and within us. He is The Life of our Lives, The Merger of our Minds, and The Source of our Souls. Amen!
“Lord, help me to welcome all unexpected surprises and even disturbing interruptions in life, realizing such events are used by You to prepare me for Your Coming Again. Amen.”
“Ears Wide Open… Listening…”
Pastor Kerry Willis
Christians must exemplify the values and standards of their permanent home, Heaven. Paul reiterates that theme in Philippians 3:20, reminding the church that “our citizenship is in heaven.” We are sojourners here, ambassadors for our Father, the King (2 Corinthians 5:20).
This world is not our home. The knowledge that we are sojourners on this earth keeps us from setting our hearts on its treasures. Jesus warned us that this world’s treasures are subject to loss. Therefore, we must store up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19–20).
We are to hold all God gives us with open hands, knowing that any earthly gain is only temporary. Sojourners don’t put down deep roots in the places where they reside because they know they will soon move on. Likewise, Christians don’t pour their hearts and passions into things that won’t last. The wise Christian is one who lives every day with bags packed, ready to move on when God directs and eager to vacate this world when our Father calls us home. (copied)
“Ears Wide Open… Listening…”
Pastor Kerry Willis
