On Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2025, i was invited for my second time in almost eight years, to speak on Sunday morning at the church i pastored from 1994-2018. i hope the service serves to inspire your life towards deeper intimacy with the Lord. The message is titled “The Spirit of Pentecost.”
https://www.youtube.com/live/yHZkOmCaaUs?si=xIvrJKuwiy6wtqKZ
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“If we fail to honestly confront sin and brokenness, we have not loved. If we fail to love, we cannot participate in God's healing of brokenness.” Church of the Nazarene, Manual, Covenant of Christian Conduct
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
Acts 1 AMP
5 For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized and empowered and united with the Holy Spirit, not long from now." 6 So when they had come together, they asked Him repeatedly, "Lord, are You at this time reestablishing the kingdom and restoring it to Israel?" 7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know the times or epochs [ages] which the Father has fixed by His own authority. 8 But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth."
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in His suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to all the world. If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.” 1 Peter 4:12-14 NLT
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
This song written and sung by Larnelle Harris has been so very inspiring in my own life:
“When Praise Demands a Sacrifice”
The call to go to mount Moriah
came to Abraham
But the offering placed
before the Lord was not a lamb
He bound His only son
and when the knife was raised
A sacrifice became the price of praise
When praise demands a sacrifice,
I'll worship even then
Surrendering the dearest things in life
And if devotion costs me all
He'll find me faithful to His call
When praise demands a sacrifice
The call to go to Calvary
came to God's own Son
An altar waited for the lamb
He would become
His hands reached up to heaven
as the cross was raised
And with His life
He paid the price of praise
When praise demands a sacrifice,
I'll worship even then
Surrendering the dearest things in life
And if devotion costs me all
He'll find me faithful to His call
When praise demands a sacrifice
God hears the words of praise we lift
Yet I have found
He's honored more by what I'm willing to lay down
When praise demands a sacrifice,
I'll worship even then
Surrendering the dearest things in life
And if devotion costs me all
He'll find me faithful to His call
When praise demands a sacrifice
When praise demands a sacrifice,
I'll worship even then
Surrendering the dearest things in life
And if devotion costs me all
He'll find me faithful to His call
When praise demands a sacrifice
https://youtu.be/4DX6RYEht3Q?si=VdEU0BR8_9ygRho6
“Fully Surremdered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“‘I do not pray only for these people, My disciples. I pray also for those people who will believe in Me because of My disciples' message. I pray that all of them will become united. You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. I pray that they also will be united in Us. Then the world's people will believe that You sent Me.” Jesus Praying —John 17:20-21 EASY
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
"God, who knows the heart, showed that He accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us. He did not discriminate between us and them, for He purified their hearts by faith." Acts 15:8-9 NIV
"Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!"
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.” Psalms 126:5-6 NLT
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
Told an old friend this today:
"I truly believe that when we do not cease to be grateful for what God has done, it gives Him more favor to do the things He has not yet done."
I also reminded him of an old Kerryism from my local pastoring days:
Let us…
"Savor yesterday’s memories.
Seize today’s moments.
See tomorrow’s miracles."
Let’s be…
"Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!"
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Some people continue to trust God even when troubles happen. God will bless those people, if they show that they really trust Him. He will give them the gift which is life with Him. He has promised to give this gift to all people who love Him.” James 1:12 EASY
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
"Only by the power of the Holy Spirit within us as preachers will our exhorting of God's Word effectively cut to the heart of human beings as they listen to the messages we share." -kww
"When the people heard this (Peter at Pentecost) they were cut to the heart..." Acts 2:37a NIV
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
Sometimes it takes just a simple Bible verse to amaze me and to bless my soul. Today, it was this one:
“After Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, they went to Simon and Andrew’s home.” Mark 1:29 NLT
Think about it. Can you imagine Jesus coming to your home after a church service? Amazing for me to consider.
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
Joseph Parker, an English preacher of the nineteenth century, once said, "If we, as the church, do not get back to spiritual visions, glimpses of heaven, and an awareness of a greater glory and life, we will lose our faith. Our altar will become nothing but cold, empty stone, never blessed with a visit from heaven." And this is the world's need today— people who have seen their Lord. - Cowman
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“It was said by Chesterfield, the heartless dandy, upon his return from visiting Francois Fenelon, the Archbishop of Cambrai: "If I had stayed another day in his presence, I am afraid I would have had to become a Christian; his spirit was so pure, so attractive and beautiful." Cowman
Presence Matters Most!
Pastor Kerry Willis
"Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is to have no trouble. It is never to be fretted or vexed, or irritated, or sore, or disappointed; it is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when I am blamed and despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord where I can go in and shut the door and kneel to my Father in secret, and be at peace, as in a deep sea of calmness when all around and above is trouble." - Cowman, copied from an old bookmark.
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. [Ps 110:1] Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3 AMP
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
Perhaps my message preached this Lord’s Day following Easter 2025 will be a blessing to you…
https://www.youtube.com/live/xEOQ8mlGJaw?si=98lEwtoVTL4wKN1O
Shalom. Shalom.
Pastor Kerry Willis
In my life, Lord, be glorified, be magnified, be lifted high, be satisfied, today, and day-by-day. Amen.
This is my moment-by-moment prayer, precious Jesus. Amen, again.
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
I love to hear everyone get all theological about the term sanctification. Many convoluted definitions are given and I’ve probably given a few of those myself along the way. Still, what we as humans forget too often, is this: Sanctification, or to render one Holy, is a God-Thing!
If sanctification is a God-Thing, then what is our part in sanctification? Our part is simply to surrender our all to Holy God, Whose “Thing” is Holiness! As we give up our right to rule our own lives, He puts us in right relationship with Himself. Yes, He alone makes us holy. To surrender is to prove we really believe Holy God is willing and able and ready to sanctify us.
While our part in sanctification is simply to surrender, “simply surrendering” is not necessarily an easy thing. Simple and easy are not synonymous. For example, it’s a simple thing for a millionaire to go to the bank and withdraw a million dollars to give to the poor, but perhaps it’s not easy?
Finally, if we don’t surrender our all to God, and instead continue clinging to our stuff, our dreams, our sin, it will eventually cost us everything that is holy. Even eternal life will eventually escape our embrace if we refuse to wholly surrender to Holy God.
Have we wholly surrendered our all to Jesus, yet? Is living in full surrender to Him our preferred lifestyle?
Galatians 2:20 comes to mind: “I am crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ now lives in me. And the life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved and gave Himself for me.”
He is waiting for and worthy of our wholehearted surrender. The wholly surrendered life, that leads to the entirely sanctified life, is truly the most wonderful life ever, and it lasts for… forever.
Let’s Be Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!
Presence Matters Most!
No Invisible People! UNITY!
Pastor Kerry Willis
This passage reveals a lot of compassion on Jesus’ part and a lack of compassion on the religious leaders’ part:
"Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus’ enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, "Come and stand in front of everyone." Then he turned to his critics and asked, "Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?" But they wouldn’t answer him. He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, "Hold out your hand." So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus." Mark 3:1-6 NLT
Imagine this scene. Jesus shows compassion and the religious leaders began to plot for the death of Jesus. Because Jesus loved, they hated Him. Jesus wanted to save souls. The religious wanted to destroy the Savior. Heart-wrenching.
"Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!"
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Abba Father, apart from Your strength, we would surely faint as we journey onward. Make us more aware of Your Holy Spirit’s never-ending power and presence with and within us. In the Wonderful Name of King Jesus, we pray. Amen.” -kww
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
The idea of Jesus’ blood has been mysterious and offensive for quite a while, yet redemptive:
"So Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. I live because of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, anyone who feeds on me will live because of me. Many of his disciples said, "This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?" Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, "Does this offend you? At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him." John 6:53-57, 60-61, 66 NLT
"Fully Surremdered to God’s Agenda!"
Pastor Kerry Willis
Often my Mom, Lady Melba, shares in testimony over the phone a particular song that’s on her heart. Here’s her song for today:
“Let me lose myself and find it, Lord, in Thee.
May all self be slain, my friend, see only Thee.
Though it costs me grief and pain,
I will find my life again.
If I lose myself I'll find it, Lord, in Thee.”
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“I love the Lord, because he heard me when I called to him. He listened carefully to me. I will always pray to him, for as long as I live. The danger of death was very near to me. I was afraid of the deep hole of death. I was very sad and upset. Then I called out to the Lord. I said, ‘Lord, please save my life!’ The Lord is kind and fair. Yes, our God is very kind. The Lord takes care of helpless people. I was in danger of death, and he saved me! So now I know that I am safe again. The Lord has been very good to me. Yes, Lord, you saved me from death! My eyes no longer weep, and I do not fall down to the ground. Now I will serve the Lord here in this world where people live. I trusted in the Lord even when I said, ‘I have much pain.’ I was upset and I said, ‘Everybody tells lies.’ The Lord has done many kind things to help me. What can I give back to him? I will offer a cup of wine to the Lord, to thank him because he saved me! I will worship him. I will give to the Lord everything that I have promised. I will do that when all his people meet together. The Lord is sad when one of his servants dies, because their lives are valuable to him. Lord, I am truly your servant. I am like a slave in your house. You have saved me from death. I will offer a sacrifice to you to say ‘thank you’. I will worship you as Lord. I will give to the Lord everything that I have promised. I will do that when all his people meet together, in the yard of the Lord's temple. Yes, I will worship you in your temple in Jerusalem. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!” Psalms 116:1-19 EASY
This Phil Driscoll song, “Christ Remains”, has held my soul strong many days and still even to this day…
https://youtu.be/L1b0PbsaS5E?si=GBUJ3lw8aulDJUh2
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“O praise the Lord, all you nations! Praise Him, all you people! [* Rom 15:11] For His lovingkindness prevails over us [and we triumph and overcome through Him], And the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)” Psalms 117:1-2 AMP
* “And again, “Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, And let all the peoples praise Him!” Romans 15:11 AMP
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
"The Red Sea saw them (God’s people) coming and hurried out of their way! The water of the Jordan River turned away. The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs! What’s wrong, Red Sea, that made you hurry out of their way? What happened, Jordan River, that you turned away? Why, mountains, did you skip like rams? Why, hills, like lambs? Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob." Psalms 114:3-7 NLT
"Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!"
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Then Jesus turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, HAS NOT STOPPED KISSING MY FEET. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7:44-48 NIV
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
If you want wisdom, you will appropriate humility into your heart. Humility delivers wisdom as a chauffeur delivers his client. Wisdom travels with humility. In some ways, wisdom takes a back seat to humility. -Bible App
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
Moreover, the crown jewel of wisdom’s accumulation is the fear of the Lord.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Proverbs 1:7).
The fear of God positions you to receive wisdom. Having no fear of God means you lack wisdom. No wonder our world is filled with fools. — Bible App Reading Plan
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
Today, i will preach the memorial service for my mentor of presence, Dr. Stephen Manley, in Lebanon, Tennessee. Nearly a year ago standing in a church parking lot, Dr. Manley and i were sharing tenderly in the wake of his recent brain cancer diagnosis. When i asked if there was anything i could do for him other than to pray, he said, "Yes, you can preach my funeral." i was breathless.
As i write, it’s about four hours before the memorial service. i have been preparing for weeks and am still shuffling spiritual thoughts around in my mind.
Surely, these words spoken by Jesus will be part of what i speak: "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 5:3) This verse is what Dr. Manley called "The Premise of the Sermon of the Mount" taught by Jesus. In other words, if we forget that we are spiritually helpless apart from Him, we have no hope of living His requirements in the Sermon. So freeing.
i will likely begin my time of sharing about how my first impression and my last impression of Dr. Manley was that he was a true worshipper of Jesus. His personal worship and undeniable intimacy with the Lord is really what made his evangelistic messages so powerfully appealing. He was truly merged as one with the Master.
We met in December of 1992 at Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he was my professor of evangelism. That encounter changed the trajectory of my ministry forever. This hero of the faith became my faithful and forever friend. Speaking of forever, we shall meet again on that beautiful shore, because friends are friends forever if the Lord’s the Lord of them. Amen.
"Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!"
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Jesus, You embraced our darkness, so we could enter Your Light. You are Faithful. We are grateful. Amen.” -kww
Prophecy about the passion week of Jesus: “You have taken My loved ones and friends far away from Me. Darkness is My only friend.” Psalm 88:18 GW
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
"To continue in sin is to futilely seek soul fulfillment apart from an intimate relationship with the Savior, Jesus Himself." -kww
"Listen! Whoever is thirsty, come to the water! Whoever has no money can come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk. You don’t have to pay; it’s free! Why do you spend money on what cannot nourish you and your wages on what does not satisfy you? Listen carefully to me: Eat what is good, and enjoy the best foods. Open your ears, and come to me! Listen so that you may live! I will make an everlasting promise to you-- the blessings I promised to David." Isaiah 55:1-3 GW
"On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus was standing ⌞in the temple courtyard⌟. He said loudly, "Whoever is thirsty must come to me to drink. As Scripture says, ‘Streams of living water will flow from deep within the person who believes in me.’ "Jesus said this about the Spirit, whom his believers would receive. The Spirit was not yet evident, as it would be after Jesus had been glorified." John 7:37-39 GW
"Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!"
Pastor Kerry Willis
“If anyone lives in Almighty God's safe place, the Most High God protects them. I will say to the Lord, ‘You are the strong place where I will be safe. You are my God, and I trust in you.’ God will keep you safe, so that no trap will catch you. He will not let any illness kill you. He will keep you safe, like a bird keeps its babies safe under its wings. Because he is faithful, he will keep you safe like a shield and armour. Do not be afraid of danger that comes in the night, or of your enemy's arrows during the day. Do not be afraid of any illness that comes when it is dark, or any trouble that comes in the middle of the day. A thousand people may die near you. Even ten thousand people may die at your side. But nothing will hurt you. Your own eyes will see this happen. You will see wicked people receive the punishment that they deserve. You have come to the Lord to make you safe. The Most High God has become your home. No bad thing will happen to you. No illness will come to your home. For God will tell his angels to keep you safe. They will protect you wherever you go. They will hold you safely in their hands, so that you do not hurt your foot on a stone. You will win against lions and snakes. You will walk over them! The Lord says, ‘If someone loves me, I will keep him safe. Because he worships me, I will protect him. When he calls to me for help, I will answer him. When he has trouble, I will be with him. I will rescue him, and people will respect him. I will give him a long life, so that he is happy. He will see that I have the power to save people.’” Psalms 91:1-16 EASY
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
This morning I awoke at 1:35 AM, after dreaming about being in a worship service. The song we were singing was one I had never heard, and so when I awoke, I was careful to write down the lyrics that I remembered. It truly inspired me:
"Who can build a home in us? (3 times) Jesus!"
After writing down the line from the new song, i immediately remembered this verse:
"Jesus replied, "All who love Me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and We will come and make our home with each of them." John 14:23 NLT
"Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!"
Pastor Kerry Willis
“God’s provision frees us from traps. Simple obedience is our role; provision is God’s. Scarcity is a tactic the enemy often uses to dissuade us from following God’s purposes. God delights in sustaining His children in the work He calls them into.” -Bible App Devo
“Give us this day our daily bread.” -Jesus
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Trust in the Lord completely. Do not think that you understand things well enough for yourself. Whatever you are doing, remember that the Lord is with you. Then He will show you the right way to go.” Proverbs 3:5-6 EASY
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
This powerful passage was a portion of my Lent reading, today:
“My friends, I know that people are causing you to have bad trouble. It is like a fire that is burning you. Do not be surprised about that. These things are happening to you, to show whether you really trust God. Do not think that something strange is happening to you. Instead, be happy when you have trouble. Remember that Christ also received much trouble and pain. If you suffer like He did, then you will be happy when He returns. At that time, everyone will see how great Christ really is. Then you will be very happy with a great joy. People may insult you because you belong to Christ. But God will bless you when that happens. It shows that the Holy Spirit is with you. He is God's great Spirit.” 1 Peter 4:12-14 [EASY]
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
"My Christian friends, remember to be happy, even when many kinds of trouble happen to you. Troubles can help you. God wants to see if you really trust Him. Your faith in God will become stronger as a result of these troubles. So you should continue to trust God all the time. Then you will become stronger as a believer. You will become completely how you should be. You will not need anything more." James 1:2-4 EASY
"Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!"
Pastor Kerry Willis
“If Jesus is only a teacher, then all He can do is tantalize us, to erect a standard we cannot attain to; but if we know Him first as Savior, if we are born again of the Spirit of God, we know that He did not come to teach us only, but that He came to make us what He teaches us we should be.” Oswald Chambers
Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
George Mueller was responsible for caring physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually for 10,000 orphans during his life of ministry in Bristol, England is the 1800s.
When he died at age 92, the whole city came to a standstill to grieve and to honor his passing. The local newspaper, The Bristol Times, displayed this headline:
GEORGE MUELLER WAS RASIED UP FOR THE PURPOSE OF SHOWING THAT THE AGE OF MIRACLES HAS NOT PASSED.
These were his life principles:
1. Trusting in God
2. Living by Faith
3. Absolute Belief in God’s Word
When asked if he was a super hero of prayer and miracles, he replied:
"I (only) live in the spirit of prayer. I pray as I walk, when I lie down, and when I rise. In all my temporal and spiritual concerns, I pray to the Lord, and expect an answer to my requests. Anyone has the same access to God as me."
"Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!"
Pastor Kerry Willis
This has been my saturation passage all morning:
“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
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus. So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.” Acts of the Apostles 9:26-28 NLT
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Post-Pentecost Christianity is much less about imitating Christ and much more about demonstrating Christ.” -kww
“But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image.” 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 NLT
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Jesus said, ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Some branches that are part of me may have no fruit on them. My Father completely removes all those branches. But other branches do have fruit. My Father cuts all those branches to make them better. Then they will be good and make more fruit. The words that I have spoken to you have made you good already. Continue to live in me, and I will continue to live in you. A branch cannot make fruit by itself. It can make fruit only if it continues to be part of the vine. You are like that. You cannot make fruit unless you continue to live in me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. You must continue to live in me and I must continue to live in you. Only if you do that will you make plenty of fruit. That is because you can do nothing without me. If anyone does not remain in me, that person is like a dead branch. The gardener will throw that branch away and it will die. People throw all those dead branches into the fire so that they burn. You must remain in me, and my teaching must remain in you. Then you may ask for anything that you want. God will do it for you. If you make plenty of fruit, that will give honour to my Father. You will show that you are truly my disciples.” Jesus’ Words, John 15:1-8 EASY
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Lord, i praise You with my lips, empower me to please You with my living. Amen.” -kww
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” Philippians 2:13 NLT
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
Thoughts About The Season of Lent
Well, the Season of Lent 2025 is upon us. i feel compelled to share with you some tender thoughts I have been pondering:
General Thoughts of mine for Lent:
Lent mirrors the 40-day period of fasting that Jesus modeled and we read about in Matthew's Gospel account. Some Lent observers choose to have ash placed on their foreheads as the Season of Lent commences on Ash Wednesday. The ashes that are traditionally used are created by the burning of palm branches from the previous year's Palm Sunday celebrations. (This idea seems beautifully symbolic to me.) As the ashes are applied, the shape of the cross is re-enacted as the words from Genesis 3:19 are spoken: "You are dust, and to dust you shall return."
In a way, Ash Wednesday has a way of pointing my heart towards the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 5:3a -- "Blessed are the poor in Spirit…" My translation is "You’re blessed if you realize how very desperate you are for God at all times." (Remembering we are essentially dust, helps us embrace how desperate we truly are for our Creator God and the giving of His Son to save us from condemnation (John 3:16-17). Also, we should be reminded that while we are dust, we are undeniably very valuable dust to God.
But there’s more. Lent and the ashes invite us to remember repentance, even mourning, as we lay ourselves bare before Holy God, asking Him to search our lives as we seek and saturate in the deep thoughts of His precious life, His sacrificial death, and His powerful resurrection.
Lent is a holy leaning-in season, a spiritual learning session, and a prayer laboratory setup for the continued transformation and inspiration of our never-dying souls. Let us not waste this sacred 40-day timeframe. May it serve to lead us into renewed wonder, revived love, and reverent praise. -kww
Devotional Thoughts from another about Lent:
Lent is the opportunity to change what we ought to change but have not... Lent is about becoming, doing and changing whatever it is that is blocking the fullness of life in us right now... Lent is a summons to live anew... Lent is the time to let life in again, to rebuild the worlds we've allowed to go sterile, to "fast and weep and mourn" for the goods we've foregone.
If our own lives are not to die from lack of nourishment, we must sacrifice the pride or the sloth or the listlessness that blocks us from beginning again. Then, as Joel 2:12-18 promises, God will have pity on us and pour into our hearts the life we know down deep that we are lacking.
-- Joan Chittister
Finally, as i compiled these thoughts concerning Lent, 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT) has been strong on my mind: "Then if My people who are called by My name, WILL humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I WILL hear from Heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land."
If we WILL, God WILL! What a Glorious Hope!
MPastor Kerry Willis
“I know two things Jesus is surely doing in Heaven:
1. He is preparing a place for us.
2. He is praying for us.”
- Pastor Wayne Krell
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
The best and most tender 6 minutes and 39 seconds of my day so far. i miss Rich Mullins.
https://youtu.be/pmJMZuEKGYU?si=AH1-fxj9vrwiBxNZ
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
A young man i led to Jesus last July texted me this morning to say he just led his friend to Christ at the farm they work on together.
He added: “There were tears of joy on the farm this morning.”
New converts often make great soul winners. Jesus is satisfied. Amen.
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into His glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to Him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are His before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.” Jude 1:23-25 NLT
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“God blesses those people who depend only on him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven!” Matthew 5:3 CEV
“Happy are the people who know that they need God very much. The kingdom of heaven belongs to people like that.” Matthew 5:3 EASY
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
Sometimes God’s answer to our prayer is NO, but when He says NO, He often adds an INSTEAD.
God said NO to The Apostle Paul when he asked God to remove the thorn from his flesh, and then God added an INSTEAD, yes, INSTEAD my grace is sufficient for you.
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
My friend, Kim McLean, is a singer, songwriter and pastor in Tennessee. This song of hers really touches me deeply. I pray the lyrics will also encourage you.
CHORUS:
Sanctify me.
Make me worthy.
A testimony of your grace.
I am persuaded that you love me,
And I was born to give you praise.
Make my heart your holy place.
VERSE 1:
I come to you
And I believe
you’ll hear my simple prayer.
I bring my heart,
My broken heart
Please put forgiveness there.
VERSE 2:
If I forget
that I am yours
because of fear or pride
Shine your light
Your perfect light
Never let me hide
"Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!"
Pastor Kerry Willis
Today, at a funeral, this hymn chorus from the hymnal spoke deeply to me:
“He taught me how to watch and pray, and live rejoicing EVERY DAY; oh happy day, oh happy day, when Jesus washed all my sins away.”
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
Someone asked how they could pray for me? This was part of my answer:
“Pray that i will intimately know God’s heart and that i will wholeheartedly live surrendered totally to every detail He desires.”
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“There are substance addictions and behavioral addictions. Some are easier to hide than others, nevertheless, a stronghold is a stronghold and all addictions are demonic. Addictions breaks the heart of God. Only Jesus can deliver us from addictions.” Pastor Jenee Noriega, remix
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Evangelism is about the obvious — acknowledging Jesus is already at work in the lives of the lost souls of all people He died to deliver from sin. Acknowledging Jesus is already present is our part in reaching others before it’s too late.” -kww
“Fully Surremdered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
Texted this to a friend in Christ, today:
i want no one to say to me on that final day, “Kerry, in life, i knew you but you didn’t once tell me that you knew Jesus and that i needed to know Him! Now Hell will be my home forevermore.” -kww
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“But the LORD’s faithful love is from forever ago to forever from now for those who honor Him. And God’s righteousness reaches to the grandchildren…” Psalms 103:17 CEB
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
This morning during Sunday morning worship at The Nazarene Leadership Gathering in Kansas City -- as the worship team led us in "The Goodness of God" -- the Holy Spirit took me through a tender rewind of His goodness throughout my life. Yes, from my childhood, to my teens years, through my young adult days, to the years of raising children and pastoring, and right up to the present, sacred scenes of God’s presence showing up -- across all of my days and nights -- played very realistically in my mind. It was exactly what i needed. Twice during this worshipful, vision experience, i wiped away tears of gratitude from my eyes with my handkerchief.
My God, You’ve been so so kind to me. Lead me onward. i know You will. Your Name is Faithful. My name is grateful.
Also, previous to "The Goodness of God" song of worship personal experience, these words inspired my soul: "Thou in me dwelling and i in Thee one." (Lyrics from "Be Thou My Vision.")
"Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!"
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave His charge: “God authorized and commanded Me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” Jesus, Matthew 28:18-20 MSG
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
Your Soul's Comfort is Only Found in Me (I Care.) — God
In my own life-experience, I am learning there are two quite simple, yet very profound words, that are truly comforting for me to personally speak to others and truly comforting for me to personally hear from others. These two words are... "I Care."
There are other word combinations that bring comfort to me. Here are two samples, both song titles:
1. Just Remember Jesus Cares.
2. Life is Hard, But God is Good.
It’s good for us to consider the great care our Almighty, Personal God has concerning us? In fact, I believe He carries us continuously on the wings of His care.
I brought you to Myself and carried you on eagle’s wings. -- Exodus 19:4b (NLT)
After reading this soul-comforting message of the Lord recorded in Exodus 19:4, I spontaneously wrote these words, seemingly straight from my Father God's heart to mine:
Why do you weep when the closest of kin
or the dearest of friend leaves you?
Do you ask why?
You don't know why their kinship
or friendship can never satisfy?
When kin or friend deserts you,
it's meant to help you see,
That the deepest comfort of your soul...
Is only found in Me.
(And… one more care-full song title:
No one ever cared for me (and you) like Jesus!)
Let us always be found “casting all our cares upon Him, for He cares for us.” How comforting! Indeed!
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Jesus, before You were crucified, our sins were swallowing us alive. Yet, now because of Your salvation we enjoy eternal celebration.” Amen.” -kww
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
"Take heart. If we belong exclusively to God, we are the beloved ambassadors of Christ in this world and all of Heaven is waiting to have our backs, to fight for us, to meet our needs, and to come alongside us that the King of Kings might be glorified in and through us." -kww
See 2 Corinthians 5:20.
"Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!"
Pastor Kerry Willis
“I will not leave you comfortless [as orphans]. I will come to you." Jesus' Promise recorded in John 14:18
"Lord, i am not a spiritual orphan in this world. You have not abandoned me or left me alone to figure things out on my own. i am befriended, indwelt, empowered and comforted by Your Blessed Holy Spirit. Surely, i am very grateful, because You are truly Faithful. Amen." -kww
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
A contemporary Greek rendering or interpretation of Hebrews 12:1 — “Lay aside the sin and the environment that so comfortably envelops you…” In other words, “Turn away from sinning and remove yourself from a spiritually unprofitable situation.”
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Lord, i desire Your touch, Your truth, and Your timing in my life. i desperately need Your presence, Your purity, and Your plan as my inheritance.” -kww
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
(1 Samuel 17:37), David relied on God’s past faithfulness as his source of strength. Armed with a sling, five smooth stones, and unshakable trust, David defeated Goliath with a single shot, securing victory for Israel.
David’s courage wasn’t the absence of fear; it was his determination to act despite it, trusting in God’s power rather than human limitations. His triumph reminds us that challenges, no matter how daunting, are opportunities for God to reveal His strength in our lives. -Brian Dickinson
"Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!"
Pastor Kerry Willis
This is a message i preached on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at Crossroads Church of the Nazarene in Milton, Pennsylvania, USA.
“Asking for Insight” (And Intimacy.) Ephesians 1:17.)
https://www.youtube.com/live/6dE6QjD9lEE?si=TnIqfNKcengzP2aQ
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Dearest Lord Jesus, i do not want to see my life as succeeding or as failing, but as pleasing in your sight. Amen.” -kww
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
This prayer from a devotional guide became my own:
"Lord, i ask you to give me the insight and wisdom i need for this moment in my life. There is so much I need to know, but i am unable to figure it all out by myself. Today, i ask that the Holy Spirit would take away the veil that has obscured my view. i ask that my eyes be opened to see exactly what i need to know. i ask you to give me a real revelation about my life, my situation, and the truth i need to know right now. i pray this in Jesus name. Amen."
"Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!"
Pastor Kerry Willis
“Lord, help me to focus on the power of Your Resurrection that lives in me! Amen.” -kww
“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].” Romans 8:37 AMP
“Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 AMP
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
As my wife and i were praying together tonight, it seems the Precious Holy Spirit led me in this prayer:
“Hear us, Jesus. Help us, Jesus. Heal us, Jesus. Amen.” -kww
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
i awoke this morning with this inspiring prayer strong on my mind…
“Dearest Almighty Abba Father, remind me that all of Your Promises are Perfect in the Person of The Prince of Peace, Your Beloved Son, my Savior and Lord, Jesus of Nazareth. Let Your Blessed Spirit of Truth totally possess my life, making Your Desires happen in me. Amen.”
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
My Dad often said, “Jesus is not a disappointment.” Thinking this verse may have inspired his saying:
“…those who hope in Me will not be disappointed.” Isaiah 49:23 b NIV
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
"Lord, i am needy.
You are the Need Meeter.
i open my HEART anew to You.
Refill me with Your strong, sweet Spirit. Amen."
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
kerry
"Blessed Holy Spirit, search me, know me, cleanse me. Let the mind of Christ be the undeniable purifying stance of all my thinking at all times and in all things. Amen." -kww #purityiswhatilongfor
https://youtu.be/d5gAdAwriCI?si=rxZHMRLWBQfMIl3A
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
kerry
“Lord, keep me surrendered and sensitive to Your Precious Spirit of Truth. Cause me to pick up on every nudge given within my heart, mind, soul, and strength. Help me to live out the theme Deo Volente — whatever You desire. Amen.” -kww
"Let Your will be done rather than mine." Mark 14:36b [GW]
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
kerry
Today, i called my Mom, Lady Melba, and she beautifully quoted words from this old hymn written by Haldor Lillenas:
1. There’s a sacred and hallowed retreat,
Where my soul finds a fellowship sweet,
Where the Lord of my life I may meet,
In the garden of my heart.
Refrain
In the cool of the day He walks with me,
In the rose bordered way He talks with me;
In love’s holy union,
And sacred communion,
In the garden of my heart.
2. There is naught can disturb or molest,
There my spirit finds comfort and rest,
And my soul is no longer distressed
In the garden of my heart. [Refrain]
3. Shut away from earth’s strife and its din,
And protected from soul staining sin,
For my Savior is dwelling within,
In the garden of my heart. [Refrain]
4. There the dove of sweet peace always sings,
And my faith ever trustingly clings;
And the chime of sweet happiness rings
In the garden of my heart. [Refrain]
"Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!"
kerry
Trusting God's promise means rest.
When we trust God, we don't have to strive to protect and guard ourselves.
We have the best Protector and Guard in God. We can rest in Him, and when we do, it shows we are really trusting in His promise.
"Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!"
kerry
"We need time alone with Jesus. We can’t pour from an empty cup." Grayson Willis #HopeTalks #Podcast
"Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!"
kerry
This gospel song really ministered to me today…
https://youtu.be/-QzmHxrAFMw?si=ZcP4C6SvFb3Dc-Wu
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
kerry
This morning in my quiet time, i sensed the Lord’s desire for my prayer life is “to be found praying every possible moment.” i plan to live up to that desire. i want my life to become a never-ending, intimate, prayer time with my Lord. So help me Blessed Holy Spirit. Amen.
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
Pastor Kerry Willis
Today, i received a pastor friend’s blessing from Madgascar, Africa:
"I’m praying God’s best for you in 2025! And that in the darkest of days you’ll see His light shining through, feel His arms around you and know His power is enabling your strength to make it through. He’s a good Father! We can trust Him fully!" -M
"Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!"
kerry
The goodness of God gets us past that past we couldn’t seem to get past. His grace really is amazing. For Father God so loved us that He gave His Son to get us past the past that left us all alone to a present where His Presence never leaves us and truly sets us free! True! -kww
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
kerry
Counsel to myself as the New Year begins:
“Remember God’s faithfulness in the past, in the present!” -kww
So i pray: “Holy Spirit, help me to remember God’s faithfulness yesterday… TODAY and day by day!” Amen.
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
-kww
As 2024 gave way to 2025, this sacred song played tenderly in my mind…
https://youtu.be/Kr4TbK2D0XI?si=bjWpqQt3nMOuiTLD
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
-kww
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 NLT
“Fully Surrendered to God’s Agenda!”
-kww
