Bible, Law, Perfection, Righteous, Righteousness, Romans, Scripture

DON’T PURSUE THE WRONG THINGS

ROMANS 9:31

“however, Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law.”

Too many people strive after perfection only to fall short time and time again. Their motive is driven by their belief that they must do something themselves to achieve this. But no one is perfect or ever will be perfect. Only one perfect human being ever walked this earth – Jesus. The good news is He doesn’t expect perfection from us even though we are told to “be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)

This was the problem with trying to achieve righteousness by following the Law. Paul knew that. He had tried to gain this righteousness by perfectly adhering to the requirements of the Law. The problem was if you could keep the whole Law and fail in just one, you were guilty of failing the whole law. The word translated as “arrive” is phthanó which is used seven times in the New Testament. It has various meanings but generally means to attain or arrive at. We’ll look at some of the other uses later.

APPLICATION

Matthew Henry says of this verse, “The Jews talked much of justification and holiness, and seemed very ambitious to be the favourites of God. They sought, but not in the right way, not in the humbling way, not in the appointed way. Not by faith, not by embracing Christ, depending upon Christ, and submitting to the gospel. They expected justification by observing the precepts and ceremonies of the law of Moses.” That’s why the Jews struggled with the fact that the Gentiles who gave their lives to Christ achieved what they had been pursuing through simple faith.

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he has a section in chapter 3 that talks about his pursuit for perfection. Take a minute and read Philippians 3:12-16. It ends with these words, “however, let’s keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.” He acknowledges the journey of faith includes a process of sanctification, but states that we need to live in what we have already attained. What does that mean? It means, I believe, that Paul knew his righteousness did not depend on what he could achieve. He could never achieve perfection. But Jesus saw him and sees us perfected in Him. Hallelujah!

In Matthew 12:28 and Luke 11:20 phthanó is used to describe what Jesus taught about the kingdom’s arrival. The Topical Lexicon says, “Jesus declares that His exorcisms prove the kingdom’s present arrival, not merely future hope. Phthanō underscores immediacy: the reign of God has already overtaken His hearers.” You can celebrate your attainment of God’s righteousness in your life today. Know your identity in Him and strop pursuing things you think will gain you a perfection not necessary in the eyes of God.

Lord, I love You and thank You for seeing me as perfected already through Your righteousness.

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, Gentiles, Gentleness, Good, Peace, Righteousness, Romans, Scripture

WHAT ARE YOU PURSUING?

ROMANS 9:30

“What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, but the righteousness that is by faith;”

Before Christ radically transformed my life and gave me a desire to pursue Him over all things, I was like every other guy out there. Before Christ, I pursued everything that could give me pleasure. I won’t mention those here, but you can figure that out. After Christ, I still pursued enough of the world to keep me from developing that deep, intimate connection with Him. But…when He transformed me through the obedience to His Word (special thanks to Every Man A Warrior), I became a man, although not perfect, who was pursuing Him and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)

The word used by Paul for “pursue” is diókó which has a description to include a hunter chasing a prey. If you have ever tracked a deer in the woods, that’s the picture here. The hunter does not give up finding his prized prey. He will climb hills, forge streams and even climb over boulders and trees to get to it. Paul was saying in today’s verse that the Gentiles (as a group) had not pursued righteousness that way in the past. But those who have tasted of the righteousness of God have now obtained it through faith. Praise God!

APPLICATION

Diókó is used 45 times in the New Testament. We can’t possibly look at every single instance. However, we can look at a few things we are told to pursue. First, look at 1 Timothy 6:11 that says, “But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” That’s a pretty good list of things to pursue, isn’t it? I love how Paul said at the end of that list to pursue gentleness. That is something that most, if not all, of us need to pursue more.

Then the writer of Hebrews writes in 12:14, “Pursue peace with all people, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Now this is a toughy! Paul adds a little clarification of that later in the book of Romans in 12:18. He says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.” Sometimes our best efforts at peace are thwarted by those with whom we are trying to make peace. Pursue it anyway.

Finally in 1 Thessalonians 5:15, Paul tells us, “See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek what is good for one another and for all people.” The word “seek” is diókó. Pursue what is good, not for yourself, but for others. That’s what a real man does. He pursues what is good for his wife and children and grandchildren. He sacrifices for them. I pray that every man reading this today will pursue God passionately and with abandon so he can pursue all the things God has for him.

O God, I will pursue You. I will chase after You knowing that You will always be there for me.

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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Angels, Army, Bible, Isaiah, Romans, Scripture

THE LORD OF ARMIES

ROMANS 9:29

“And just as Isaiah foretold: ‘IF THE LORD OF ARMIES HAD NOT LEFT US DESCENDANTS, WE WOULD HAVE BECOME LIKE SODOM, AND WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE GOMORRAH.’”

Right now there is another war going on in the Middle East. There seems to always be one or two going on there. This time it seems everyone over there has had enough with Iran’s threats. The U.S. has entered into the war and has displayed some incredible weapons, both defensive and offensive. But if you combined all the weapons and militaries of all the countries in this war they would pale in comparison to the army of heaven.

Paul refers to this army in today’s verse. He is quoting from Isaiah 1:9 this time. Here we see God described as the Lord of Armies. The Greek word used here is sabaóth, which is used here and in James 5:4 which says, “Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of armies..” Let’s take a closer look at this description of God as used in the Old Testament.

APPLICATION

The Hebrew equivalent of this word in Isaiah 1:9 is tsaba. It means “a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. Organized for war (an army)” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). Remember in the previous verse we looked at yesterday, it referred to God completing his plans thoroughly and quickly. I can’t help but think about Desert Storm back in 1991. After a massive 42-day air campaign, a swift 100-hour ground offensive heavily damaged Iraqi forces and restored Kuwaiti sovereignty. Experts said the U.S. would need weeks or months to defeat Sadaam Hussein. It took less than five days on the ground!

God doesn’t need an air or ground campaign, unless your count his angelic army (which you can’t begin to number). They are at the ready, just listening for their Commander’s call. Shouldn’t we be the same? Aren’t we part of the Lord’s army here on earth? We may not carry swords like the angels, but we have THE sword, His Word. We need to wield that in defense and offense. Defensively, it shields us from the attacks of the evil one as we memorize more and more of it. Offensively, we can attack any force of evil that tries to battle against us.

Aren’t you glad we serve such a God? Aren’t you glad He’s on our side? Abraham Lincoln was asked during the Civil War whether God was on the side of the Union. His reply, “I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord’s side.” Shouldn’t we all feel that way? Shouldn’t we all be on His side?

I serve You, Lord of Armies, because I know You are always on the side of right.

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, Completion, Isaiah, Judgment, Romans, Scripture

THOROUGHLY AND QUICKLY

ROMANS 9:28


“FOR THE LORD WILL EXECUTE HIS WORD ON THE EARTH, THOROUGHLY AND QUICKLY.”

I like to watch videos of yard cleanups. I follow a few YouTube channels and am amazed at the before and after pictures. My wife asks me all the time why I like to watch these videos. I tell her that I like to see the work being done, how they do it and how it turns out. I guess I really like the finished product. There’s satisfaction in seeing a job well done which is carried out to completion.

The Lord is busy finishing His work. Paul alludes to that in today’s verse. I really like the how the NIV reads. “For the Lord will carry out His sentence on earth with speed and finality.” Paul is quoting Isaiah 10:23. Albert Barnes gives some great background on this verse. “This is taken from the Septuagint translation of Isaiah 10:23. The Hebrew is, ‘The Lord God of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.’ Or, as it may be rendered, ‘Destruction is decreed which shall make justice overflow; yea, destruction is verily determined on; the Lord Yahweh will execute it in the midst of all the land.’ (Stuart.) The Septuagint and the apostle adhere to ‘the sense’ of the passage, but do not follow the words. The phrase, ‘will finish the work,’ means ‘he will bring the thing to an end,’ or will accomplish it.” I think you get the picture.

APPLICATION

The Greek literally reads, “The sentence for conducting and bringing swiftly the Lord will perform upon the earth.” The word for “concluding” is sunteleó which is defined as “to complete entirely” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance) And the word translated as “bringing swiftly” is suntemnó and is only used once right here in this verse. Both words have the preposition syn which is the preposition for “with” but means unseparable. So, both those words have the idea of finality.

God isn’t messing around. He is a God who is unchangeable. What He says goes. You’ve heard the expression “Mean what you say and say what you mean.” That’s God! When He says something, you can take it to the bank. God will have the final say in all things regarding judgment. Which side are you on?

We don’t know the day or hour when God will unleash His judgment on the earth. We know as followers of Christ that we will not face the Great White Throne judgment. But we will be judged according to our works. I want all my service for Him to pass the test. Don’t you? And I don’t want any of my loved ones to face the harsher judgment, do you? Know this, the Lord is a God of His word.

I am thankful that I am secure in Your hands whenever You complete Your final judgment on this earth. I am Yours eternally.

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, Isaiah, Remnant, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

THE REMNANT

ROMANS 9:27

“Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, ‘THOUGH THE NUMBER OF THE SONS OF ISRAEL MAY BE LIKE THE SAND OF THE SEA, ONLY  THE REMNANT WILL BE SAVED;’”

A remnant is defined as a small remaining quantity of something. If you are a seamstress, you may go to the fabric shop and buy some remnants of cloth that are left over from a bolt of cloth. Usually, these are smaller pieces that are not enough for a large project but are still useable. Question: Are leftovers considered remnants? Inquiring minds want to know.

Paul begins quoting from the prophet Isaiah in today’s verse and will continue doing so for the next two verses. Paul references Isaiah 10:22 in today’s verse, showing that only a small remnant of those Jews taken into captivity would be saved by God and returned to their homeland. Why is that important? Because they meant the larger percentage would not be saved. Compare the descriptions – “like the sand of the sea” and “only the remnant.” Two very different sizes.

APPLICATION

In 2 Kings 19:31 we read, “For out of Jerusalem will go a remnant, and survivors out of Mount Zion. The zeal of the LORD will perform this.” Is the Lord still rescuing the remnant today? Think about it. Billions of people are alive today on earth, but only a remnant will inherit His kingdom. That is truly a remnant, isn’t it? Take for example the population of Iran, who is at war with the U.S. and others right now. Out of approximately 92 million people there are about 400,000 Christians. Estimates range from just over 117,000 to 1 million. Still, that is just a remnant.

What is our role as part of that remnant of believers today? We are to spread the Gospel to as many as we can with the desire to see that remnant number increase. Isn’t this God’s Will? Just read 1 Timothy 2:3-6. “3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.”

Did you catch verse 6? Christ was given “as a ransom for all.” Not just the remnant. The sad truth, though, is that only a remnant of the entire population will accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Will you be diligent as long as you have breath to tell the world about Jesus? Let’s expand that remnant. There is room at the cross for all who believe.

I am thankful, Lord, that I am part of Your remnant having accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

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, Hosea, Living, Restoration, Romans, Salvation, Scripture, Witnessing

CHILDREN OF THE LIVING GOD

ROMANS 9:26

“‘AND IT SHALL BE THAT IN THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS SAID TO THEM, “YOU ARE NOT MY PEOPLE,” THERE THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF THE LIVING GOD.’”

When my mom and dad were alive, my relationship with them was very different than it is now. My mom has been with Jesus for over 15 years now and my dad just over 10. Hard to believe. I am still their son, but they are my late parents. They are no longer alive in this world. Our view of being alive differs greatly from God’s view. Let’s see what Paul says today about this.

Paul quotes again from Hosea 1:10. You have to remember that Israel’s great sin was forfeiting their worship of the living God for dead idols. They forsook their birthright as His children and pursued other gods who did not exist and had no power. They had witnessed firsthand His mighty acts on behalf of their nation, but that did not matter. The term “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” fits them perfectly. Why did Paul quote from Hosea here?

APPLICATION

Because just as God restored a fallen Israel, He has restored a fallen mankind through His Son Jesus. We just have to turn to Him, believe in Him and follow. Then we too have that relationship as children of the Living God. John 1:12 tells us, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name,…” It really is that simple. Why can’t we believe that?

When Paul and Barnabas said these words to the people in Lystra, they were urging them to turn to the living God. “‘Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them,’” (Acts 14:15) Aren’t we doing the same today? Aren’t we urging those chasing manmade idols like money, power and success to do the same? They need the living God!

Psalm 42:2 cries out with the same desire. “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?” Psalm 84:2 speaks the same. “My soul longed and even yearned for the courtyards of the LORD; My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.” Is this your desire? Do you long to be in the presence of the living God? Well, you can. Every day! Just lean into Him. He is there, waiting for you. He was and is and will always be!

I am so thankful I serve a living God Who reigns eternally.

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, Faithfulness, Hosea, Love, Redemption, Romans, Scripture

REDEEMING LOVE

ROMANS 9:25

“as He also says in Hosea: ‘I WILL CALL THOSE WHO WERE NOT MY PEOPLE, “MY PEOPLE,” AND HER WHO WAS NOT BELOVED, “BELOVED.”’”

In the book of Hosea, we have a beautiful picture of God’s redeeming love for a nation. He used the prophet Hosea to show how Israel had treated Him and how He in turn would restore her. In fact, there was a movie made a few years ago called, “Redeeming Love.” If you haven’t seen it, I encourage you to take the time. It’s a modern day portrayal of this story that paints a clear picture of God’s love for Israel.

Paul quotes from Hosea in today’s verse. In fact, Hosea 2:23 reads in full, “‘I will sow her for Myself in the land. I will also have compassion on her who had not obtained compassion, and I will say to those who were not My people, “You are My people!” And they will say, “You are my God!”’” Earlier in Hosea 1, Gomer (Hosea’s wife) had given birth to three children, which were named Jezreel, Lo-ruhamah (no mercy) and Lo-ammi (not my people). God changes the names of the last two to Ruhammah (mercy) and Ammi (My people) and sends Hosea to redeem Gomer back to himself.

APPLICATION

What’s the point of Paul’s words today and the reference to Hosea? God takes the outcasts and makes covenant with them. In our case, He cut covenant with us through His Son, Jesus Christ. We were no better than the adulterous prostitute Gomer before Christ. We did not deserve His sacrifice. We did not merit redemption. But He chose us before the foundation of the earth to be His.

Have you stopped lately to consider what God gave up for us? John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” Romans 5:8 tells us, “God demonstrated His love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Do I need to go on? Do you need more reminding of the depths of His love for you? He loves you with an everlasting love. And He has redeemed you from an everlasting damnation.

What did Hosea expect from Gomer in return for her redemption? Her love and faithfulness. Isn’t that all God expects from us? John says, “We love, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19). Paul said earlier in Romans 1:17, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Can you love Him? Can you be faithful to Him? That’s all He requires, but it will cost you everything. All you have belongs to Him. And in return, He makes you joint-heirs of His kingdom alongside His Son. Praise be to God!

Thank You, Lord, for redeeming me from the depths of despair and setting me on a firm foundation.

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, 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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