Wednesday, December 30, 2020

My Personal Prayer Based on John 3:17 

Lord, please live Your salvation and sanctification through my life so that all others will see Your presence in me. Let condemnation of any person and all people have no part in my heart. Let Your Truth set souls free. Help me to love You passionately so that especially unbelievers will believe but also that believers will not lose heart. In Your Wonderful Name, i pray, Jesus. -kww

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most! 

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Moves Me to Tears / Invigorating 

It’s been said my people come in part from fishermen families in Wales. Could be why this song moves me to tears. i don’t know Welsh so the words i do not know but the music invigorates my soul. It is a hymn about "A Pure Heart" - Matthew 5:8. -kww

Here is one line translated in English: "For the sake of my Savior give me a pure heart."

https://youtu.be/AARrVAHnkdY

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most!

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis 



Sunday, December 27, 2020

An Advent Afterglow -- Joy and Loneliness 

In the afterglow of Advent we realize that it is not only a time of enhanced joy but also a season when loneliness increases. Still, in community, Advent and Christmastime really do make pure joy available to all. 

Here’s a lesson i’m learning in the afterglow of Advent. When joy is ruling, i will choose to also remember those moments when i have felt lonely. Why? Loneliness can reappear without warning. Nevertheless, i don’t want to forget the reality of loneliness during joyful times, so that in the days ahead i won’t forget the joy that is my inheritance whenever loneliness is approaching. 

i really do believe that remembering Jesus-joy strengthens the soul whenever lonely seasons show up. So, even though loneliness sometimes seems to choose me, i will choose joy at all times. 

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most!

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis

Friday, December 25, 2020

My Friend, Dave...

A dear friend of mine from the Raleigh, North Carolina, area has been struggling with his health for several years. Despite less than encouraging reports, he made a trip with me a few years ago to the Holy Land. It was life-changing for him. He carried his mom’s old Bible along and reading it where it all happened was transformational. i won’t soon forget him reading the Christmas Story as our discipleship journey group sat outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. 

Anyway, my friend, his name is Dave, has given out olive wood prayer crosses ever since the journey — probably 2,000 or more. Many of the hand-clutch crosses have been given to those he encounters on his many hospital and doctors’ office visits. 

Finally, this week he sent me this YouTube and once again he has served to put my foot to tapping and my heart to soaring. Hope you enjoy it. Thanks Dave. i love you, man. Here’s a hint of what’s in the video ❄️ 🐎 🛷 🔔 ⛄️ 🎶 ...

Blessed Christmas Day, my friends. 

https://youtu.be/khQN5ylb3H0

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most!

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis 



Thursday, December 24, 2020

My Friend, Ken’s, Favorite Bible Verse 

i preached my childhood friend’s funeral a few years ago. His name was Kenneth Grey Davis. We met at around age 6. Often people believed we were brothers because we shared likenesses, mainly round faces and curly hair. 

Before Ken passed with cancer, i was able to lead him to Jesus and baptize him. i encouraged him to choose a favorite Bible verse. He chose Matthew 1:21. 

During this Advent 2020 season and especially today, Christmas Eve, i am reminded that Ken’s verse gives all who will believe, HOPE!

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins." ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

i am glad to be among "His people." Are you? 

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most!

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Christmas is About The Present of Presence 

Christmas is about the present of presence — yes, the gift of God’s presence is offered to us. Christmas is about the companionship of Christ coming to us as an indescribable gift from God the Father. -kww 

“Praise God for his astonishing gift, which is far too great for words!” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:15‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most!

No Invisible People! UNITY! 

Pastor Kerry Willis

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Advent Leads Us...

Advent leads us to a growing, inner, stillness and joy allowing us to realize that He for whom we are waiting has already arrived and speaks to us in the silence of our hearts.

- Henri Nouwen 

Jesus, help us to keep listening for You in the stillness of our hearts. Amen.

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most! 

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Monday, December 21, 2020

The Bethlehem Star -- December 21, 2020

I know some have seen the post about The Christmas Star appearing this year on December 21st. I couldn't help but really take a deeper look at how amazing that this occurrence would be happening in the year 2020.

In the year when Jesus was born, there was violence, chaos, political and social unrest. It was dark.

The Magi found him by way of the star, which was the "meeting" of 3 stars: Jupiter, Saturn and Mars. They followed the star until it rested on where he was and they began to worship him. In a time when there was darkness, Light was brought in to our world. Jesus stepped into the chaos and brought peace.

Fast forward to this year, 2020. It's a time of violence, chaos, political and social unrest. It is dark. Winter Solstice, December 21st, being a time where the day is the shortest and night is the longest... it's literally the "darkest day" and is the beginning of what most would say the cold, dark winter season.

But on the darkest day this year, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars meet, giving us the Christmas Star! How fitting...that in the moment of time during the Christmas season that we get to see this beautiful reminder... that even in the darkest of times... Light will, and has, stepped in. In our chaos He is there. In our darkest time, He is there. He brings Light, and makes all things new.

So as you look out on Dec 21st for the Christmas Star, may we be reminded of His power, and His Light that he brings for all mankind. He is perfect at stepping into chaos and bringing it into peace. 

-- copied 

Enjoy this classic Christmas song:

https://youtu.be/sSEcU-liGDs

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most! 

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Christmas Means "All is Well!"

Friends, if Christmastime has any message to convey to our eternal souls, it’s this three-word proclamation: "All is Well!" 

Enjoy hearing it sung gloriously by my dear friend Brian Arner. 

https://youtu.be/wwuZFB758r8

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most!

No Invisible People! UNITY! 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Saturday, December 19, 2020

The Promise of Perfect Peace 

Our God promises us His perfect peace, if we will [1] keep our mind stayed/fastened on Him and [2] keep trusting in Him. -kww

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most! 

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Friday, December 18, 2020

Advent Peace 

i pray this favorite Advent song of mine will increase your peace during the Christmas season and beyond. 

https://youtu.be/Vm2T8Xqbt6A

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most!

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Ever-Deepening Communion 

"The whole long history of God’s relationship with us as human beings is a history of ever-deepening community." Henri Nouwen

"My soul is restless until it rests in You, O God." Augustine 

Lord, help me to know you more intricately and more intimately, even moment-by-moment, until Your face my eyes embrace. Amen. -kww

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most! 

No Invisible People! UNITY! 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Sunday, December 13, 2020

Joy and Sorrow -- Advent 

The Season of Advent holds holy promise for us as Jesus-believers. Yes, Advent promises us that human sorrow will soon retreat once-and-for-all and holy joy will reign for forever and forever and forever and forever and [How Long is That?!!!] and forevermore!!! 

Amen and Amen and Amen!!! So be it!!! Let it happen!!! Maranatha!!! Our King has come, is comforting our hearts even now, and is Coming Again Soon!!! -kww

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most! 

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Saturday, December 12, 2020

Suffering’s Reward 

Only by suffering for Jesus’ sake can we claim Heaven’s reward. Suffering for our own agendas is not holy. -kww [Mt. 5:11-12]

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. [Jesus Words in Matthew‬ ‭5:11-12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬]

How ecstatic you can be when people insult and persecute you and speak all kinds of cruel lies about you because of your love for me! So leap for joy--since your heavenly reward is great. For you are being rejected the same way the prophets were before you. [Jesus’ Words in Matthew‬ ‭5:11-12‬ ‭TPT‬‬]

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most! 

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis

Friday, December 11, 2020

Psalm 34:5 [The Passion Translation]

What a blessing to know and to be known by The Lord of Lords, yes, The One Who is my Life and The One Who surely is The Joy of My Life! King Jesus. 

These words are all true for my own soul: 

“Gaze upon him, join your life with his, and joy will come. Your faces will glisten with glory. You’ll never wear that shame-face again.”‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34:5‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Lord, let the Joy of Your Salvation flood my face, yes, cover my countenance like a beacon of hope for all to witness the wonders of Your Presence. Amen. -kww

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most! 

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis


Thursday, December 10, 2020

Psalm 96 -- The Passion Translation 

Psalm 96 is inspiring my soul these days. This rendering from The Passion Translation of God’s Holy Word is especially hope-filled:

"Don’t stop! Keep on singing! Make his name famous! Tell everyone every day how wonderful he is. Give them the good news of our great Savior. Take the message of his glory and miracles to every nation. Tell them about all the amazing things he has done.

Let the skies sing for joy! Let the earth join in the chorus. Let oceans thunder and fields echo this ecstatic praise until every swaying tree of every forest joins in, lifting up their songs of joyous praise to him! Go ahead--sing your new song to the Lord! Let everyone in every language sing him a new song.

For the Lord’s greatness is beyond description and he deserves all the praise that comes to him. He is our King-God and it’s right to be in holy awe of him. Other gods are absolutely worthless. For the Lord God is Creator-God, who spread the splendor of the skies! Breathtaking brilliance and awe-inspiring majesty radiate from his shining presence. His stunning beauty overwhelms all who come before him. Surrender to the Lord Yahweh, all you nations and peoples. Surrender to him all your pride and strength. Confess that Jehovah alone deserves all the glory and honor. Bring an offering and come celebrate in his courts. Come worship the Lord God wearing the splendor of holiness. Let everyone wait in wonder as they tremble in awe before him. Tell the nations plainly that Yahweh rules over all! He is doing a great job, and nothing will disrupt him, for he treats everyone fair and square.

For here he comes, the Lord God, and he’s ready to judge the world. He will do what’s right and can be trusted to always do what’s fair."

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭96:1-13‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most!

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Now More Evident Than Ever 

"While Christians have been so busy, that is, preoccupied with themselves, they have lost sight of the rest of the world. Therefore, a growing need for salvation outside of Christianity is now more evident than ever." 

-- Henri Nouwen 

Reading these sobering words written by Henri Nouwen reminded me of the song i gave our district churches as a mission theme for 2020-21... especially this line of the song: “...and for our inheritance give us the lost!”

https://youtu.be/4xebSUoveno

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most!

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis 


Tuesday, December 8, 2020

WHEN?

"Christ is paralyzed WHEN you will not surrender to Him. He prayed for you. He died for you. He sent the Holy Spirit to woo you. WHEN are you going to let Him have His way?" Oswald Chambers 

WHEN? Friends? 

Forbid it Lord, that our hesitation would usher in our devastation. -kww 

Forgive us, Lord, WHEN we hesitate in our obedience and forbid that we would not surrender to Your will and to Your way. Amen. 

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most!

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Monday, December 7, 2020

God in a Cradle 

Christmas is overwhelming to the human mind. God the Father purposely sent God the Son by the power of God the Holy Spirit to be born as a baby in a cradle. 

Holiness was willing to become helpless because we were so very hopeless. Amazing love how can it be? God in a cradle became a candle of light in our confusion of darkness to lead us back Home. 

Ultimately, the Bethlehem Baby would take on our crown of thorns where a kingly crown belonged. And He would wear our sin all the way to crucifixion so our lives could find true reconciliation with Father God. 

So, do something this year to celebrate Christmas. If you hang just one decoration, or wrap just one gift, or share just one salutation, do it out of authentic appreciation for the Almighty One, Who would rather become like us in time than live forever without us. 

Yes, God in a cradle means Christmas happened and Hope is Alive! 

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most!

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Sunday, December 6, 2020

Mary’s Boy Child 

This song sung by the group known as Boney M. lifts my heart in this Advent Season. 

https://youtu.be/T7H1_Y_Jgpo

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most!

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Friday, December 4, 2020

"AKIN TO THE ADVENT SEASON!"

"AKIN TO THE ADVENT SEASON"

A mental health awareness moment: 

Today, i am sharing perhaps the most vulnerable words i have ever shared publicly. It won’t be a surprise to those who know my story well, but for some it may be a breath-taker.

My family on my Mom’s side have seemingly always battled depression, discouragement, and even despair for generations now. When my grandfather was born, the family said "his mother lost her mind." She had to be cared for in the upstairs of the old homeplace until she passed 57 years later. My granddaddy’s older sister cared for her all of those days and never married herself. It’s called sacrificing for the family. [My granddaddy’s aunts raised him as their own.]

My grandfather continued to carry the family suffering himself and would have two nervous breakdowns before passing away himself at age 85. [He was such a Jesuslike man.]

My Mom, his daughter, the third generation has been burdened with what she calls "bad nerves" for most of her days and nights as well. No official nervous breakdowns yet. She’s almost 79. She says the Lord’s presence and her love for her family have kept her above it, but she’s the first to say most people don’t "just get over it" in their lifetime. At least two of her sons know it’s true. i am one.

Here’s the good news: "Being nervous and depressed is a battle, but friends, it’s not sin!" It may be what the Apostle Paul called "our thorn in the flesh" but it’s only part of what makes us who we are. i repeat: It’s not sin. Real faith surely helps with it, nevertheless, sometimes God chooses to prove His grace is enough rather than granting full deliverance in the here and now. 

i am sure some wonder why i am so crazy about my hound dog. Here’s why. Having a loving dog helps me in my oft heavy-hearted moments or overly dreadful-minded seasons. 

Also, i know i post a lot. i have Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and a Blog. Guess what? Posting helps me as well. It may "get on your nerves" but it helps me with mine. i try to always share only good news from my quiet times with Jesus or good views -- that’s photography -- from my prayer-walking with Him, the One called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

My whole life is very "AKIN TO THE ADVENT SEASON." In other words, i spend every waking moment of my existence leaning into His presence as i hopefully await "THE ULTIMATE UNVEILING" of all He has promised. Maranatha. Amen. 

P.S. If you identify with anything i have written, just remember Jesus cares and He, our Deliver will come again. And if you know someone who struggles with depression, nerves, or dread, be in touch with them, especially during these days we are living in now. 

i am kerry... kerry i am.

"Because of Our Confidence in Christ..."

"Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing--without guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly to what is good. Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor; never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord; constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength], contributing to the needs of God’s people, pursuing [the practice of] hospitality. Bless those who persecute you [who cause you harm or hardship]; bless and do not curse [them]. Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself." ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:9-16‬ ‭AMP‬‬

"Let the inner movement of your heart always be to love one another, and never play the role of an actor wearing a mask. Despise evil and embrace everything that is good and virtuous. Be devoted to tenderly loving your fellow believers as members of one family. Try to outdo yourselves in respect and honor of one another. Be enthusiastic to serve the Lord, keeping your passion toward him boiling hot! Radiate with the glow of the Holy Spirit and let him fill you with excitement as you serve him. Let this hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble, but commune with God at all times. Take a constant interest in the needs of God’s beloved people and respond by helping them. And eagerly welcome people as guests into your home. Speak blessing, not cursing, over those who reject and persecute you. Live happily together in a spirit of harmony, and be as mindful of another’s worth as you are your own. Don’t live with a lofty mind-set, thinking you are too important to serve others, but be willing to do menial tasks and identify with those who are humble minded. Don’t be smug or even think for a moment that you know it all." Romans‬ ‭12:9-14, 16‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters Most!

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Born Away, Born Again 

During this season of Advent, let’s remember Jesus is the Season and we are the reason. 

Yes, the Christ Child was born away in a manger, so that we might be born again in His mercy. 

Let’s offer our lives as mangers for Him to be born again in.

This song kind of says it all:

https://youtu.be/QsXOP7aQeqQ

Hope Happens HERE!

Presence Matters More!

No Invisible People! UNITY!

Pastor Kerry Willis