Just When You Thought…

“Just when you thought God had exhausted His kindness, His compassion comes and pulls you out of hiding…”

Lyrics from a song sung Saturday night at Pittsburgh Nazarene Family Camp, 2021

Lord, You’ve been so, so kind to me!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Do You Love Me?

This question the Resurrected Jesus asked Peter on the shores of the Galilee is deep in my thought-life this week: "Do You Love Me?"

Actually, i believe this is the most essential question we must answer if we really want to be devoted disciples of the Lord. 

If we truly do love Jesus, the proof will be in our full surrender to His desires for our lives. Peter would prove his love for Jesus in part by surrendering everything familiar to him as a fisherman to become what Jesus wanted him to be, yes, a fisher of souls and also a feeder of sheep, a shepherd. 

Peter was asked by the Lord to exit his comfort zone to prove his love for Jesus. And we know Peter did just what Jesus asked of him. The fisherman also embraced his discomfort zone, yes, in addition to pulling nets to catch lost souls, he also leaned into shepherding the flocks of the Good Shepherd -- not catch and release, but catch and then care for the Lord’s lambs and sheep. Will we surrender all of our dreams for our own lives for His Heavenly vision? Will we give up our right to ourselves to Him?

If we want to be His disciples, we must begin by answering the very personal question Jesus is asking us: "Do You Love Me?" 

Let’s Love Jesus Passionately!

Pastor Kerry Willis

Here’s Nothing. Here’s Everything. The Greatest Exchange.

"When we surrender our all to Jesus it’s like we are saying to Him, ‘Here’s Nothing’ and then hearing Him say back to us, ‘Here’s Everything!’" -kww

"For God took the sinless Christ and poured into Him our sins. Then in exchange, Jesus poured God’s goodness into us!" 2 Corinthians 5:21 TLB

Lord, thanks for calling me into the Greatest Exchange, ever -- all of me for all of You! Amen.

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Jesus Knows Busy

Sometimes even in kingdom work, busy happens… 

“One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon He and His disciples couldn’t even find time to eat.” Mark‬ ‭3:20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Be busy about the Father’s business…

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Amazing Teaching

"Jesus and His companions went to the town of Capernaum. When the Sabbath day came, He went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at His teaching, for He taught with real authority--quite unlike the teachers of religious law." Mark‬ ‭1:21-22‬ ‭NLT

Lord, please preach, teach, and reach with Your amazing authority through me. Amen. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

The Catch

My Dad passionately fished his whole life to feed his family. He never forgot it was ultimately all about the catch. Dad endlessly gave His all to increase the harvest in his nets. As a fisher of souls, i never want to lose sight of increasing God’s family. Lord forbid that i would see “fishing” as a mere pastime and forget the tragedy of empty nets. -kww

Go fish.

Pastor Kerry Willis 

The Man on the Middle Cross Said…

My friend and ministry partner, Rev. BW, sent me this video clip. It blesses my heart. I pray you will also be blessed by it… 

https://youtu.be/xk9wgJBoEd8

In Christ Alone…

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Say The Name of Jesus — He Alone is Our Salvation

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].” Acts‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Let’s say aloud the Name that saves us — JESUS!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

A Moving Story of Compassion About Jesus

This is such a moving story of compassion about Jesus…

"A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. "If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean," he said. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. "I am willing," he said. "Be healed!" Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning: "Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed." But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him." Mark‬ ‭1:40-45‬ ‭NLT‬‬

These are the things i wrote down as i read this account:

* The man with leprosy came, knelt and even begged to be healed. 

* He wanted to be healed and Jesus wanted to heal him. 

* Even though Jesus told him not to tell others, the man could not keep such Good News to himself. 

* As a result, the crowds gathered around Jesus so heavily that Jesus had to move to secluded places yet the people still came to where Jesus was. 

My prayer: Jesus, You were The Hope of the world then and you still are. Amen. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Traveling Preacher

“So He traveled throughout the region… preaching…” Mark 1:39b [NLT]

Humbled beyond description and blessed beyond measure that these seven words concerning Jesus’ joy-description seem to closely define my own call these days. -kww

”How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News…” — From Romans 10:15

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Goods News -- Beautiful Feet

i preached on this powerful passage Sunday evening. i love these Good News words Jesus shared….  simple yet profound:

"After John (the Baptist) was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. "The time has come," He said. "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" ‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:14-15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

”How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news…” — From Romans 10:15

How beautiful are the feet of Jesus! --kww 

Believe totally.

Pastor Kerry Willis 

“Church Attendance”

Many today don’t attend church probably because the church isn’t absolutely perfect. 

Jesus knew the synagogue of His day wasn’t absolutely perfect, nevertheless, we read these words about His “church attendance” in Mark 1:21 [NLT] — “Every sabbath day He went into the synagogue...” Yes, Jesus believed in showing up. 

Meeting together in a faith community must truly matter. 

Just thinking outloud.

Pastor Kerry Willis

Humbled and Grateful and Encouraged

This morning a friend sent me a message saying this passage reminded them of me for some reason. i am humbled and grateful and encouraged…

“Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Psalms‬ ‭16:5-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Presence Matters Most!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Fear

My dear friend, Dr. Brian Charette, wrote this devotional piece on the topic of fear for our Philadelphia District Church of the Nazarene family. i believe you will appreciate it as well.

Click link:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OIfmRcf2FGiVCd5EeFv5i83C1f46AuLHl_So0v0vxiI/mobilebasic

Fear? Not!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Turn Your Eyes…

This sacred song has been on my mind and across my lips since early morning… 

https://youtu.be/j5qc0EcNgqw

Jesus, i look to You. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Joseph of Arimathea Loved Jesus of Nazareth Passionately

After reading these words recorded by Mark immediately after Jesus died of crucifixion, i can only tenderly say: "Joseph of Arimathea loved Jesus of Nazareth passionately…

"This all happened on Friday, the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath. As evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.) Pilate couldn’t believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman officer and asked if he had died yet. The officer confirmed that Jesus was dead, so Pilate told Joseph he could have the body. Joseph bought a long sheet of linen cloth. Then he took Jesus’ body down from the cross, wrapped it in the cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus’ body was laid." Mark‬ ‭15:42-47‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Please love Jesus passionately.

Pastor Kerry Willis

“… Listen to My Teaching…”

“Then Jesus added, ‘Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. To those who listen to My teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.’” Mark‬ ‭4:24-25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Understanding requires listening… -kww

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Deo Volente. Amen.

This morning i awoke with these words in my thought-filled prayers:

"Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done…"

i posted these words on social media and a friend sent me this powerful song link titled "Amen!"

https://youtu.be/txwm368ViHM

Pray always. Deo Volente. As God wills. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Mock Worship

These words make my heart definitely tender towards and desiring to be true to my Jesus…

“The soldiers took Jesus into the courtyard of the governor’s headquarters (called the Praetorium) and called out the entire regiment. They dressed him in a purple robe, and they wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head. Then they saluted him and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” And they struck him on the head with a reed stick, spit on him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship. When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.” Mark‬ ‭15:16-20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

My Jesus i love Thee…

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Make Me One Mind With You, Lord.

i am not sure i can describe what i want to communicate today, but i am going to just begin sharing and see where it goes. 

This morning when i awoke, i sensed the Lord desiring me to seek His mind in a somewhat new and unique way. It was so intriguing. It was like he wanted me to silently focus and just to think on the issues going on in my life and ministry while simulataneouly aligning these issues at hand with the people and appointments written on my calendar presently and in the upcoming days. i could hardly believe the peace this practice brought to my inner being. 

i often counsel people to turn worry into worship. It was a little bit like that. It was almost like He was trying to get me to see the meetings with people i have over the next couple of weeks as being actual answers to some of the ministry challenges i have had on my mind. And it really helped me. i actually could see some answers coming together as i trusted the Lord in this manner. 

The best way i know to say it is the Lord is answering one of my nonstop prayers “to make me one mind with Him.”

i don’t know what else to say at this point except “i recommend trying to comprehend what i am attempting to share.” 

Basically, i am inviting you to believe that God is working all things for our good and for His glory. 

This song also comes to mind: 

https://youtu.be/WTJ2WYjhCVs

Think Christlike.

Pastor Kerry Willis 

"Jesus Said, ‘I AM… You Will See…’”

This passage from Mark’s account of the Gospel story concerning our Lord Jesus moves me deeply… 

"Then the high priest stood up before the others and asked Jesus, "Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?" But Jesus was silent and made no reply. Then the high priest asked him, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?" Jesus said, "I Am. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven." Mark‬ ‭14:60-62‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Maranatha -- O Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Amen. 

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Fourth of July Message in Song

On this Fourth of July as i reflect on freedom, this message in song is tenderly on my heart…

https://youtu.be/Q7EPZV56PuA

Please Love Jesus Passionately!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

Tears

In talking with my Mom, Lady Melba, today, she said this verse has been on her heart:

"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." Psalm‬ ‭126:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Then Mom said something that fascinated my heart: "Some people who say they don’t want tears can give theirs to me. Tears lead me to the joy of God’s presence."

Pray always.

Pastor Kerry Willis 

If We Reject and Don’t Accept Jesus, Judgement Comes.

"I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken." Words of Jesus, John‬ ‭12:46-48‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Father God, help us to hear and obey Jesus and never to reject Him or His message, for judgement will then be upon us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. 

Please accept, don’t reject, Jesus -- The Truth!

Pastor Kerry Willis 

My Prayer Request

Today, a dear pastor sent me a message asking: “May I ask how I can pray for you?” 

This was my reply:

“Thanks. Yes. That the mind of Christ would be being formed within me moment-by-moment. That i would trust Jesus in all things with childlike faith without interruption.” -kww

Pray always.

Pastor Kerry Willis