Bible, Family, Jesus, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

A NEW FAMILY LINE

ROMANS 9:24

“namely us, whom He also called, not only from among Jews, but also from among Gentiles,”

When I look at my grandchildren, I am amazed how the Lord takes different family trees and combines them. For instance, my wife comes from the Barker tree, and I come from the Willis tree. My children have both trees within them. Then when they had their own children they come from the Willis tree, Barker tree and the trees of their spouse’s family. Now, we are getting more like a bush, right? Lol.

God has expanded His family to include all mankind, not just the Jewish nation. Barnes says it well. He says, “Christians, selected from both Jews and Gentiles. This proves that he did not refer to nations primarily, but to individuals chosen out of nations. Two things are established here.

(1) that the grace of God was not confined to the Jewish people, as they supposed, so that it could be conferred on no others.

(2) that God was not bound to confer grace on all the descendants of Abraham, as he bestowed it on those selected from the mass, according to his own will, and not of necessity ‘on the mass’ itself.”

APPLICATION

Paul goes into more detail about this in Romans 11. Look at what he writes in 11:17-18. “17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.” God didn’t disregard the Jewish nation. They are still His chosen people, but we have been “grafted” into that tree.

I am sure that God has His plan for the Jewish nation to this day. How He does that is beyond my knowledge, but I believe He will redeem His people one day when they bow to their Messiah, Jesus Christ. Until that day, we must continue to hold fast to that tree in which we have been grafted. We must pray for the peace of Israel. I am not getting political. I’m just stating what His Word says.

God’s family was designed to include all who call on His name. That includes all nations. Some people believe that America has been blessed because it was founded on Christian principles. Sadly, we see our country drifting further from that truth. Our responsibility as followers of Jesus is to proclaim His Gospel to all. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) tells us to go to all nations. Are you doing that? I don’t mean are you traveling all over the world. But are you reaching across the street? Are you telling the Good News? Let’s invite everyone we meet to get in this family tree. There’s one way – Jesus. He will graft them in.

Father, I am thankful that You grafted me into Your family tree.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Glory, Mercy, Revelation, Romans, Scripture

TO MAKE KNOWN

ROMANS 9:23

“And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon objects of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory,”

In my role as Global Ministry Shepherd, I converse with our ministry leaders around the world by Zoom, WhatsApp or Google Meet all the time. I have had to learn how to communicate clearly to these men considering our language and cultural barriers. It doesn’t do any good to talk if I am unable to clearly make known what we are talking about. As I get to know these men, it becomes easier and easier to communicate.

Paul uses a phrase here, “to make known,” that is important. He actually says that God wants to make known, “the riches of His glory.” Paul uses that same phrase in Ephesians 1:18 which reads, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,” I love how Gill’s Exposition describes this. “And that he might make known the riches of his glory,…. That is, his glorious riches, the perfections of his nature, his love, grace, and mercy, his wisdom, power, faithfulness, justice, and holiness; all which are most evidently displayed in the salvation of his people, here calledmvessels of mercy, which he hath afore prepared unto glory.” Isn’t that beautiful?

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “to make known” is gnórizó which “consistently describes an intentional act of communication that moves truth from hiddenness into clarity. Whether the subject is God, the incarnate Son, or the apostolic witness, the term always assumes both the reality of objective divine truth and the responsibility to communicate it faithfully.” (Topical Lexicon) God isn’t trying to keep this stuff secret. He wants to reveal His glory to us.

Deuteronomy 29:29 is a great verse about God’s revealing things to us. “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, so that we may follow all the words of this Law.” God’s purpose for making known these things to us is so that we can be obedient. How cool is that?

It’s kind of like me making known things to our ministry leaders in other countries. We want to help them follow the training tools we are giving them, so we “reveal” these to them. Then they can use them (obey the guidelines) to train others. There is no greater honor than for us to make known God’s mercy to others. Spread that knowledge to whomever you can. We all need to know that. Amen?

Father, I am forever grateful that You reveal Your glory to us and shower us with mercy and grace.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Longsuffering, Patience, Power, Romans, Salvation, Scripture, Wrath

LONGSUFFERING OF GOD

ROMANS 9:22

“What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with great patience objects of wrath prepared for destruction?”

I have had to put up with some things before in my life, particularly some other people. I recall one such individual with whom I worked. Every morning this individual did the same thing without consideration for the rest of us in the office. They were a little self-centered and intent on taking care of numero uno. We all tolerated them, even the boss, who could have fired them. Why he didn’t, I’ll never understand. He was much more longsuffering than me.

But my o my, isn’t our God longsuffering? The actual Greek word translated as “patience” in our verse today is makrothymia The Topical Lexicon says it “describes a God-centered restraint that endures provocation without surrendering to resentment or retaliation. Rather than mere passivity, it is a purposeful waiting that preserves righteousness and seeks the good of others.” That’s our God. That’s why makrothymia is one of the fruits of the Spirit. He knew we were going to need that.

APPLICATION 

In reference to this verse, Albert Barnes writes, “He suffered them to live while they deserved to die. God bears with all sinners with much patience; he spares them amid all their provocations, to give them opportunity of repentance; and though they are suited for destruction, yet he prolongs their lives, and offers them pardon, and loads them with benefits.” God is a just God, and just because He doesn’t zap these “objects of wrath” right away, that should never be interpreted as Him condoning their behaviors.

When I pray for my grandchildren each day, I always pray for their future spouses and families. I also always add “if the Lord tarries His coming.” I know the Lord will return one day. Right now, He is tarrying, waiting on the Father’s command. That doesn’t lessen my desire for His return. Longsuffering and patience are attributes of our Father which we need to learn to imitate in our own lives.

Is there someone in your life whom you need to be a little more longsuffering with? I don’t mean you need to be treated like a doormat or that you have to put up with behaviors that affect you personally. But our longsuffering toward someone may be just the thing that draws them to the love our Master. When they ask you why you put up with them, you can tell them it’s because of Jesus. Let Jesus do the talking for you. Be like Him.

Lord, I know all I deserve myself is hell, yet You showed Your longsuffering toward me which resulted in my day of salvation. I praise You for that.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Common, Creation, Creator, Honorablre, Pottery, Romans, Scripture, Service

HOW ARE YOU BEING USED?

ROMANS 9:21

“Or does the potter not have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one object for honorable use, and another for common use?”

When I was a little boy, I spent a good bit of time at my Grandma Carter’s house out in the country. Now, her house did have running water and a toilet, but it was a simple, farmhouse built for utility not luxury. I noticed this white pot with a lid in one of the bedrooms once and asked my grandma why she had a cooking pot by the bed. She laughed and said that wasn’t for cooking. Puzzled I asked what it was used for. She told me her mama used to use that for a toilet so she wouldn’t have to walk to the outhouse at night. It was a very desired item in homes back then.

Some scholars think Paul is referring to a chamber pot like my grandma’s when he says, “another for common use.” The value of the pot was determined by its use. Some were used for worship, like the ones described for use in the tabernacle or temple. But all pieces of pottery or every pot has its use. Sometimes those most common use items are the most valuable because they are used the most, like that favorite pot you may have in your house. Paul’s point is both are made by the potter, and their use is at His discretion.

APPLICATION

In Jeremiah 18:3-6 we have a great image of this. “3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. 4 But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make. 5 Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, 6 ‘Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?’ declares the LORD. ‘Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.’” We are only clay in the Potter’s hand.

Paul uses this imagery again in 2 Timothy 2:20. “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor.” God will shape us and use us according to His pleasure. That’s not a put down. It’s according to His perfect will. The question is whether we will submit to His use of us.

I have to admit that I have at times resisted His choice for me. I had other plans. I saw myself in another role or position in ministry by a certain point in my life. I had my career path mapped out. But then God stepped in. What I have found in my over 46 years of ministry is when I yield to the Master Artist’s touch in my life, I am much more fulfilled, no matter what He has chosen for me to do. Will you do that today? Will you yield to His touch on your life?

Thank You, Lord, for choosing me for the role You intended. That role has changed through the years, but You have been the consistent one.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Arguing, Bible, Creator, Molded, Romans, Scripture, Yielding

DON’T TALK BACK

ROMANS 9:20

“On the contrary, who are you, you foolish person, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, ‘Why did you make me like this,’ will it?”

One thing my dad and mom would not tolerate is one of their children talking back to them. They would put a stop to that very quickly. That’s not to say we didn’t mutter some things under our breath, lol. We could not understand some of their rules. We thought we knew better, which we didn’t. My folks have been gone for a while now, but I wish I could reach out for some advice just about every day. They knew what they were doing raising four kids.

Don’t you just love Paul’s example in today’s verse? But wait, is he calling me a lump of clay? I don’t think so. He is pointing out once again that God is in charge, not us. Just as a lump of clay is formed by the artist into something useable and beautiful, God is molding us into something He sees as beautiful. We simply have to yield to the Master’s hands. Sometimes that lump of clay doesn’t conform as the artist wants. So, what do they do? They smush it back down on the table and begin the process again. Boy, I’ve been there. Have you?

APPLICATION

Paul is quoting from Isaiah 45:9 which says, “‘Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker— A piece of pottery among the other earthenware pottery pieces! Will the clay say to the potter, “What are you doing?” Or the thing you are making say, “He has no hands”’?” The whole picture of this is ridiculous. When does pottery talk? Oh yeah, in that Beauty and the Beast movie! Lol. Seriously, pottery has no rights of its own. The maker determines the size and use of the vessel. Hmmm, doesn’t God have the same authority over us? We do not have the right to argue how God uses us.

Paul calls a spade a spade here. He says, “Who are we to argue with God?” The word “foolish” is not in the Greek text, but it is sure implied. “Answers back” is antapokrinomai which is only used here and in Luke 14:6 where it refers to the Pharisees who after seeing Jesus heal a man on the Sabbath. It says, “And they could offer no reply to this.” At least these Pharisees saw the futility of trying to argue with Jesus. Have you?

Ouch, Carl! That smarted a bit. Sorry about that. We are all guilty of doing that from time to time. We have a better plan than God, and we tell Him so. We don’t like the way He answered a certain prayer, and we tell Him so. We need to stop “telling Him so” and do more listening. Allow the Lord to change your heart. Trust His sovereignty over your life. Whatever He is making you into will be a holy vessel useable by Him and for Him. What else could you ask for?

Mold me and make me into whatever You choose, O Great Pottery Maker.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, God's Will, Resistance, Romans, Scripture, Yielding

FUTILE RESISTANCE

ROMANS 9:19

“You will say to me then, ‘Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?’”

Throughout the centuries, people have tried to thwart God’s will, but none have been successful. God’s will is well…God’s will. In Daniel 4:35 we read, “‘All the inhabitants of the earth are of no account, But He does according to His will among the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can fend off His hand Or say to Him, “What have You done?”’” Nothing has changed. God’s will triumphs always.

Paul uses a Greek word for “resisted” that “is commonly used to denote the resistance offered by soldiers or armed men.” (Albert Barnes). We see this same word in Ephesians 6:13 where we are told, “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” That kind of resisting is a good thing. We should resist evil, but not God. That will get us nowhere.

APPLICATION

Paul is presupposing some arguments against his statements about God’s sovereign will. “Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?” Those questions are still being asked today. May I suggest a rather simplistic answer? God’s ultimate, perfect will is based on the fact that He knows how all mankind will react. He doesn’t force our actions, but He knows them even before we do. Man’s free will has been evidenced since the Garden of Eden.

Now, I know you may not agree with my simple answer. That’s okay. You can be wrong. Just kidding. Seriously, just kidding. We can only base our beliefs on what His Word tells us over and over and over. I love the Expositor’s Greek Testament comment on this passage. “To this objection there is really no answer, and it ought to be frankly admitted that the Apostle does not answer it. The attempt to understand the relation between the human will and the Divine seems to lead of necessity to an antinomy which thought has not as yet succeeded in transcending.”

Don’t try to figure this out. There are some things you must believe on faith. I believe this in one of them. Knowing God’s will is simple. All through Scripture we see where He tells us straight out what it is. (Check out John 6:39-40; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Peter 2:15.) It’s not complicated, but you must yield to it. Do not resist Him. You will not win. But He wants you to win by trusting Him. You can take that to the bank!

Lord, I do not have to understand all the aspects of Your will for my life. I simply have to trust it each day. Thank You, Father.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Confession, Conviction, Heart, Holy Spirit, Romans, Scripture

DON’T GET HARDHEARTED

ROMANS 9:18

“So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.”

I have known some hardhearted people in my lifetime. No amount of love which was directed towards them changed their minds. They seemed to be mad at the world and everyone in it. I myself have had some hardhearted moments in my life when I felt someone had turned against me. But the Holy Spirit would not let me stay there. Why? Because He is love and will not allow a follower of Christ to remain there.

In verse 18 today Paul issues a warning. If we remain in a state of rebellion towards God and the things of God, He will allow that hardness to remain. God will not chisel His way into your life. The Topical Lexicon says this about the word sklérunó, which is the word Paul uses here. It “shows that hardening can be God’s righteous response to persistent rebellion, paralleling Pharaoh in Exodus. Divine hardening never violates human responsibility; rather, it ratifies the sinner’s chosen defiance.”

APPLICATION

If there was ever a need to apply a verse to your life, this is it. In Hebrews 3:15 we read, “while it is said, ‘TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME.’” This is a quote from Psalm 95:7-8 when David referred to the hardening of the hearts of the Israelites at Meribah and Massah when they quarreled with Moses about not having enough water. They had seen God’s miraculous demonstrations of His power, yet they were concerned about not having enough water.

Before you point your finger at them, however, what have you been quarreling with God about. Can I be honest? I have been quarreling with God about something in my family for the past few years. No amount of praying seems to move the hand of God. So, I have quarreled with God about it. Why doesn’t He move in this situation? Why won’t He let me fix it? We can all get there at times.

Listen friends, we have to trust the hand of God in all things. We cannot allow the enemy to corrupt our minds and lead our hearts into a hardening. That goes in direct conflict with God’s will for our lives. I have repented of my hardness. Have you? I give it over to the Lord daily. I want my heart to remain soft and moldable to His touch. How about you?

Lord, forgive me of being hardhearted. I confess that as sin and ask You to soften my heart to be tender to Your Spirit’s work in my life.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Demonstration, Hard, Love, Power, Romans, Scripture

GOD IS THE ULTIMATE POWER

ROMANS 9:17

“For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, ‘FOR THIS VERY REASON I RAISED YOU UP, IN ORDER TO DEMONSTRATE MY POWER IN YOU, AND THAT MY NAME MIGHT BE PROCLAIMED THROUGHOUT THE EARTH.’”

In today’s verse we have an illustration of God’s supreme power over even the vilest of people (more on that later). I believe the sovereignty of God is the most important attribute of God. Everything else in life hinges on that belief. If I live my life thinking there is some other force that can determine my journey, I am greatly disillusioned. God will use anything or anyone He chooses to accomplish His will. Hey, He used a talking donkey, didn’t He?

Pharaoh was an evil man. God didn’t make him evil, but He used Pharaoh in such a way that his own evil nature was exposed. Albert Barnes says this. “neither Pharaoh nor any sinner can justly blame God for placing them in circumstances where they shall develope their own character, and show what they are. It is not the fault of God, but their own fault. The sinner is not compelled to sin; nor is God under obligation to save him contrary to the prevalent desires and wishes of the sinner himself.” God simply exposes our sins!

APPLICATION

The term “raised you up” in today’s verse does not mean that God decided to create an evil ruler in Egypt to suppress His people. It means God sustained Pharaoh in order to expose his true evil nature. When we read in the Exodus passage about Pharaoh, we are often confused by the term that God hardened his heart. Ellicott’s Commentary explains this well. “The verb is intransitive, and ‘Pharaoh’s heart’ is its nominative case. Translate, ‘Pharaoh’s heart hardened itself.’” There you have it.

God, being God, knew how Pharaoh was going to respond to the request to let His people go. He knew Pharaoh would harden his heart against Him. Even after he cried out in pain due to the loss of his son, Pharaoh was still hardened against God. You would have thought he would soften. But no! Not Pharaoh. After all, he was worshipped as a god by the people of Egypt. Why would he bow his knee to God?

But God did use Pharaoh to demonstrate His power to the world. Only God could have done what He did. Now listen, only God could do what He did in our hearts. He softened them. He tenderized them with His Spirit. The moment we responded to the wooing of the Spirit, the draw of God, He made our hearts cling to His. What a powerful demonstration of God. We saw earlier in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Now that’s power!

Thank You, Lord, for demonstrating Your love for me. What a powerful display of Your mighty acts.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Desires, Grace, Mercy, Romans, Running, Scripture, Works

GOD’S MERCY

ROMANS 9:16

“So then, it does not depend on the person who wants it nor the one who runs, but on God who has mercy.”

In times past, when I have been considered for a new job, I became a little anxious about the process. After praying and seeking the Lord’s will about the new opportunity, I would begin to prepare for the new role and consider how I would carry it out if I received the offer. Some of those jobs I really wanted. I did everything in my power (resume, interviews, etc.) to win the job, but the offer of the job was not up to me. It was up to the one(s) who did the hiring.

Paul must have witnessed a lot of foot races in Corinth (where he wrote this letter). He uses the analogy of running throughout his letters. Those runners all ran because they wanted to achieve the prize. They ran in such a way to win it. But that is where the analogy breaks down in today’s verse because that runner could, in his own power, win that race. We cannot, in our power, achieve salvation. Paul says that depends “on God who has mercy.” God is the one who gives us the promise of eternal life. 1 John 5:11 tells us this. “And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.”

APPLICATION

The Expositor’s Greek Testament says, “Conclusion from this word of God. It (namely, the experience of God’s mercy) does not depend on man’s resolve or effort but on God’s merciful act.”  Every commentator I looked agreed that God’s mercy is not dependent on anything we do. We have all seen people cry out for mercy who had no desire to change. They just wanted release from some pain or some trouble they were in. My late brother-in-law used to say, “If you want relief, take a Rolaids.” Lol. But to the one who truly desires salvation, God is eager to provide that mercy.

Remember, mercy is not getting something you deserve. What do we all deserve? Hell! God’s provision of mercy on us relieves us of that. Why? Because of the grace poured out on the cross for us. Grace is getting something you don’t deserve. We don’t deserve the grace He gives, and we can’t earn the mercy He shows. Wow! What a Savior!

Now, let me ask you something. Is there someone to whom you need to show mercy? In the story Jesus told about the man who owed ten thousand talents, He makes a statement toward the end that I believe applies here. “‘Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’” Does that apply to you today? It sure hits home with me. Let us show mercy to others in the same way God shows it to us.

Lord, I am so thankful for Your mercy and grace in my life. I know what I deserve, and You have delivered me from it.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Compassion, Favor, Love, Mercy, Romans, Scripture

MERCY AND COMPASSION

ROMANS 9:15

“For He says to Moses, ‘I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOMEVER I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL SHOW COMPASSION TO WHOMEVER I SHOW COMPASSION.’”

I don’t know about you, but I have certainly been the recipient of mercy and compassion at times. People who did not have to give it showed those to me. Usually, I was in a place of desperation or turmoil, and they showed up to help me. It was undeserved but certainly appreciated. Those of you have received likewise can relate.

In today’s verse Paul quotes again from the Old Testament, this time from Genesis 33:19. To get the full picture of what is happening here, you need to go read Deuteronomy 33:12-23. It’s a beautiful exchange between God and Moses. Verse 19 follows right after Moses asks to see God’s glory. This is what God said to him before He told Moses He would cover him with His hand while Moses stood in the cleft of the rock as He passed by. “And He said, ‘I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion to whom I will show compassion.’” Let’s look at the meaning of these words, “mercy” and “compassion” in today’s verse by Paul.

APPLICATION

I am going back to the Deuteronomy passage to see the original words used there. Hanan is the word translated as “mercy” by Paul. It “expresses the free, heartfelt inclination of a superior to show favor, compassion, or generosity to one in need. The emphasis lies on unearned mercy, not contractual obligation. Whenever the verb appears, the recipient stands in dependence; the giver, most frequently the Lord, acts out of His own character.” (Topical Lexicon)

And the word translated as “compassion” is an absolute beautiful word. It is the Hebrew word racham. Once again, I am quoting from the Topical Lexicon. “Racham expresses deep, tender affection that issues in concrete acts of kindness.  The term denotes far more than momentary pity; it conveys steadfast, covenant-grounded mercy that moves the heart to intervene for the helpless.” This word is “linked to rechem, ‘womb’, the verb paints a picture of the protective, nurturing compassion a mother has for an infant.”

Wow! Do you see that? It’s as if God is bending down (a superior to an inferior) and scooping us up in His arms. When I bend down to pick up my grandchildren I exhibit those traits as well. When I lend a hand to someone in need, I do the same. To whom can you show hanan and racham today? It is not beneath you to do so. God will use you to show His own hanan and racham to others. Let Him use you.

Lord, I do not deserve Your mercy and compassion, but it is certainly appreciated.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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