Young child pouring water from a jug into a mug causing a spill on the table
Admonished, Bible, Filled, Goodness, Knowledge, Romans, Scripture

GOODNESS OF OTHERS

ROMANS 15:14

“And concerning you, my brothers and sisters, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.”

Have you ever known a truly good person? You know what I mean. Someone who seems to always think of others first. I have known a few such people in my lifetime. Their goodness just rubs off on you. They make you want to do good also. These people are selfless but also wise. They can advise you and even admonish you and you are thankful instead of resentful.

That is how Paul is describing the Roman believers who received this letter. They weren’t puffed and haughty because they were Romans. Barnes said this about, “There was indeed danger in the city of Rome of pride and haughtiness; and among the Gentile converts there might have been some reluctance to receive instruction from a foreign Jew.” But Paul did not see this in them.

APPLICATION

Paul described them as “full of goodness.” The Greek word translated as “full” is mestos and means so full nothing else can be added. Let me give you a picture of that. My grandson loves to play with his little play sink outside. He will fill up little cups and pour them into another cup. He keeps pouring until it runs over. That’s this word. Filled to overflowing. That’s a lot of goodness.

And the word “goodness” is that benevolent goodness. Agathosune only occurs four times in the New Testament and appears to be a purely biblical term not used in secular writings. In Galatians 5:22 it is listed as a fruit of the Spirit. That means every follower of Christ possesses this since they have the Spirit within them. It occurs in Ephesians 5:9 where it says, “(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),” And the other time we see it is in 2 Thessalonians 1:11. “To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will consider you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power,”

So, let me ask you – how are you living out the goodness of God in your life? Are you thinking of others before yourself? Do you desire to see others receive blessings before you seek them yourself? There may be someone right now in your life who needs to receive some goodness from you. This week find a way to be a blessing. Find a way to bless them when they least expect it. I promise you the blessing will be all yours in the end.  

Let Your fruit of the Spirit be lived out in me today as I am truly filled with all goodness.

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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Two women smiling and exchanging a wicker basket filled with wrapped gifts, a teddy bear, books, and a bottle of wine in front of a decorated Christmas tree
Abounding, Bible, Blessing, Holy Spirit, Hope, Romans, Scripture

ABOUND IN HOPE

ROMANS 15:13

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

There have been a few times in my life when I have been the recipient of an extravagant gift. I have a supporter of our ministry who has blessed us for a few years now with an amazing gift, one I am surely not worthy of. I have been gifted a truck by a widow in my previous church. You could say I have been filled beyond measure by such gifts.

Paul uses a Greek word in today’s verse which has that same idea. Perisseúō is translated “will abound” and is “(from perí, ‘all-around’ which indicates abundance or surplus) – properly, exceed, go beyond the expected measure, i.e. above and beyond (‘more than . . . ‘); ‘what goes further (more), surpasses.’” (HELPS Word-studies) Paul says the God of hope will fill us with joy and peace so we can be filled beyond measure with hope (His hope) by the Holy Spirit. What a promise!

APPLICATION

This word is used 39 times in the New Testament. Let’s take a look at some of these. This word is used in Matthew 14 and 15 when it refers to the “leftover” bread and fish that Jesus served the 5,000 and then the 4,000. There wasn’t just a little bit leftover. It was an abundance. The baskets overflowed. Jesus never does anything halfway, does He? He made sure there was plenty for all to eat and even for some to be used at a later date.

We are told in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” “Excelling” is the word there. We are to do more than expected, to go beyond in our labor for the Lord.

In 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, Paul talks about “the God of all comfort” and how He comforts us so we can comfort others. In verse 5 we read, “For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.” Abundance in sufferings and also in comfort. One leads to the other.

I want you to think about how God’s blessings superabound in your life. Take a minute and list ten ways God has blessed you. Then give Him praise. God’s hope overflows into our life through the power of the Holy Spirit. Cherish that. Enjoy it. God is faithful to bless us way beyond what we ask or think.

O Lord, I praise You for the abundance of hope You have given me through Christ.

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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Small green plant growing from center of old tree stump in forest
Bible, Hope, Isaiah, Messiah, Romans, Scripture

THE ROOT OF JESSE

ROMANS 15:12

“Again Isaiah says, ‘THERE SHALL COME THE ROOT OF JESSE, AND HE WHO ARISES TO RULE OVER THE GENTILES, IN HIM WILL THE GENTILES HOPE.’”

One thing I have learned about removing invasive plants is you must remove the root. Just snipping off the top won’t work. And if you want to transplant a tree or plant, you need to dig down deep enough to include the root. A tree or plant without a root won’t survive. Alright, that’s my gardening tip for the day.

Paul quotes from the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 11:1 says, “Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit.” And then Isaiah 11:10 reads, “Then on that day The nations will resort to the root of Jesse, Who will stand as a signal flag for the peoples; And His resting place will be glorious.” Who is this “root of Jesse”? Of course, it is Jesus, the Messiah. He rules over all and in Him there is hope.

APPLICATION

Jesse was the father of David. The people recognized Jesus as coming from the line of Judah which ran through Jesse and David. In Matthew 15:22, a Canaanite woman gave Jesus the title Son of David. “And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely demon-possessed.’”

In Luke 18:39, blind Bartimaeus uses the same title. “And he called out, saying, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’” In fact, Jesus is called the “Son of David” seventeen times in the New Testament. Why is this significant? We have to go back to 
2 Samuel 7:12. This is the story of when Nathan, the prophet, delivers God’s message concerning building the temple to David. David was not allowed to build it, but God told him, “When your days are finished and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from you, and I will establish his kingdom.” Jesus was the fulfillment of that prophecy through Jesse and David. He was indeed the “Root of Jesse.”

What is your legacy? David was told his legacy was not in his son, Solomon, or any of his other sons. His legacy would be the Messiah. I know my children and my grandchildren are a part of my legacy. I also know, if the Lord tarries His return, my future descendants will be my legacy. My prayer is that the Christian foundation I have attempted to lay will stand the test of time. There is no greater legacy than to see you children, grandchildren and great grandchildren follow Jesus. Do your part by laying the foundation.

I am eternally grateful for the Root of Jesse who came to give me hope.

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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Group of people with eyes closed and hands raised singing worship songs in a church
Bible, Gentiles, Praise, Romans, Scripture, Singing

SING PRAISES

ROMANS 15:11

“And again, ‘PRAISE THE LORD ALL YOU GENTILES, AND LET ALL THE PEOPLES PRAISE HIM.’”

I can’t think of a better way to introduce today’s verse than with the hymn “God of Mercy, God of Grace.” Just take a look at these lyrics and then read our verse again.

1 God of mercy, God of grace, show the brightness of Your face.
Shine upon us, Savior, shine; fill Your world with light divine;
all Your saving health extend unto the earth’s remotest end.

2 Let the people praise You, LORD; by all living things adored.
Let the nations shout and sing glory to their gracious King;
at Your feet their tribute pay and Your holy will obey.

3 Let the people praise you, LORD; earth shall then its fruits afford.
To Your children blessings give; we to You devoted live,
all below and all above, one in joy and light and love.

Paul continues quoting the Psalms, this time quoting Psalm 117:1 which reads in the New American Standard Version, “Praise the LORD, all nations; Sing His praises, all peoples!” I like that translation. The Hebrew word translated “sing” is shabach. It’s only used eleven times in the Old Testament. The Topical Lexicon says it can mean “laudatory proclamation—public, enthusiastic praise directed toward the Lord;” That is what Paul is calling us all to do in today’s verse.

APPLICATION

I have shared before that part of my daily Quiet Time with the Lord involves singing to Him. I literally sing a hymn to Him each morning if at all possible. (I do that quietly since my wife does not want me to wake her at 5 a.m. with singing, lol). How do you praise Him? Do you read a Psalm? That’s a good way. Maybe you sing a praise chorus. That works, too. There are so many ways to praise Him. But make sure that when you do it, you are being sincere.

Some of my most cherish memories have been when I was in another country and could hear the people sing praises in their own language. If I knew the song, I would sing along in English. I once was at a conference where we asked every man there to sing in their local dialect the hymn “How Great Thou Art.” I get goosebumps just thinking about that. How the Lord must have smiled.

If you are not in the habit of singing to the Lord, try it. You do not have to be a soloist or have a great voice. After all, we are told to make a “joyful noise.” God can distinguish between the good notes and the bad ones and still be honored and glorified. As you finish this blog today, end with a song. Pick out your favorite hymn and glorify His name.

I sing praises to Your name, O Lord. Praises to Your name, O Lord!

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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Group of diverse people standing on a grassy hill at sunset with raised arms and smiling faces
Bible, Family, Psalms, Rejoicing, Romans, Scripture

JOIN THE FAMILY

ROMANS 15:10

“Again he says, ‘REJOICE, YOU GENTILES, WITH HIS PEOPLE.’”

When I married my wife way back in 1985, I was immediately welcomed into her family. Her parents and seven siblings, along with their spouses and children, became my family also. Also, my wife became family to my parents, siblings and their families. We are part of the Willis/Barker union. Over these almost 41 years, we have both grown closer to the other side of the family. Sure, we may argue and disagree from time to time, but the love we have for each other is always there.

Paul quotes from the first part of Deuteronomy 32:43 in today’s verse linking the Gentiles with the Jewish nation (“with His people”). Matthew Poole says regarding this verse, “Here it is evidently implied, that the Gentiles should become the people of God, and join with the Jews in his worship and service and rejoice in the sense of his goodness and mercy to them. The partition wall is now taken away, and they both became one sheepfold under one Shepherd.”

APPLICATION

This verse may sound simple, but it wasn’t. The Jews and the Gentiles were not exactly friends. Jews considered Gentiles as unclean and unworthy of any recognition by God. Remember the story of Cornelius and Peter in Acts 10? God had to show Peter beforehand that He had declared unclean things to be clean so that Peter would understand when Cornelius asked him to come. God was rewriting who belonged in His family.

Jesus came and declared all men worthy of being called God’s children. It was the Father Who declared to Peter, “‘What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.’” That was the message of the cross. God sent Jesus to die for all mankind. Therefore, we can say along with the Psalmist, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with His people.”

Listen carefully! You belong in His family. Nobody can tell you otherwise. If you have yielded to the call of the Spirit and have decided to follow Jesus, you belong. I don’t care where you came from. It doesn’t matter what race or nationality you are, you are now in His family. You can rejoice along with all His saints. Satan doesn’t want you to believe that, but it’s true. So, join the chorus and sing it loud. Hosanna, to the King of kings!

Thank You for adopting me into Your family, O God.

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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Wooden sign reading MERCY hanging from a wooden beam with greenery and stone buildings in background
Bible, Forgiveness, Mercy, Praise, Psalms, Romans, Scripture

HIS MERCY

ROMANS 15:9

“and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written: ‘THEREFORE I WILL GIVE PRAISE TO YOU AMONG THE GENTILES, AND I WILL SING PRAISES TO YOUR NAME.’”

I can remember crying out to God for mercy during my last health related battle. I was undergoing chemotherapy in preparation for a stem cell transplant and was suffering greatly. Without going into great detail, let’s just say I was at the end of my physical endurance. I was trusting the Lord to heal me, but there were days when I simply begged for mercy, for relief from the pain and suffering. And God is faithful. Here I am seven years later writing to you. His mercy is sufficient.

As Paul writes these words in today’s verse about God’s mercy to the Gentiles, it seems he breaks out in song quoting Psalm 18:49. It reminds me of Psalm 2:8, “‘Ask it of Me, and I will certainly give the nations as Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth as Your possession.’” Paul, a Jew, had been given the assignment by God to reach the Gentiles with the Gospel. He desired for them to experience God’s mercy firsthand.

APPLICATION

Let me remind you that mercy is not getting what you deserve while grace is getting what you don’t deserve. The Topical Lexicon describes this Greek word like this, “eleos speaks of God’s compassionate response toward human misery and of the believer’s corresponding attitude toward others. It is more than sentiment; it is love that moves to act and to relieve. Every one of its twenty-seven New Testament occurrences carries this note of active compassion, whether describing God’s saving initiative or the believer’s ethical obligation.”

I was actually surprised that eleos was not used more than 27 times. One of my favorite verses where it is found is 1 Peter 1:3. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” Don’t you just love that? His mercy “has caused us to be born again.” It’s mercy’s fault, amen?

Another verse where Paul uses eleos is Titus 3:5. I really love this one. “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,” There is nothing we can do to obtain this mercy on our own. His mercy is given freely and graciously. Have you received His mercy? If so, rejoice in it. If not, why not today?

Father God, Your mercy is more than enough. Thank You for showing mercy to me in the depths of my despair.

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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Ancient manuscript on stone altar lit by sunlight from a church window
Bible, Eternal Life, Eternity, Father, Holy Spirit, Promises, Scripture

A PROMISE IS A PROMISE

ROMANS 15:8

“For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision in behalf of the truth of God, to confirm the promises given to the fathers,”

It is so important that we keep our promises. Parents have to keep their promises to their children. When dad promises to take the children to the park after school, he needs to make that his priority. When mom promises to bake cookies for her son’s class, she needs to bake them with earnest. I read a quote this morning that really stung. It said, “Twenty years from now the only people who will remember that you worked late are your kids.? (Sahil Bloom) Keep those promises you make to your children and grandchildren.

Christ kept not only His promises, but the Father’s promises. After all, He and the Father are one, right? I love how Ellicott expresses his view on this verse. “My doctrine is that Christ came with a two-fold purpose: on the one hand, with a mission to the Jews, the chosen circumcised race, to vindicate to them the truthfulness of God in respect to His promises, by Himself confirming and fulfilling those promises; and, on the other hand, with the object to exhibit the mercy of God in rescuing the Gentiles from their state of condemnation, and giving them cause to glorify God’s name.”

APPLICATION

What are these “promises” Paul refers to here. The Topical Lexicon says, “The noun epaggelia occurs fifty-two times in the Greek New Testament and consistently denotes a divine commitment that is certain, gracious, and future-oriented. Every use anchors the reader in God’s unbreakable word, whether the referent is the patriarchal inheritance, the outpoured Spirit, salvation in Christ, or the consummation of all things.” Wow! A divine commitment! When God promises something, He keeps it!

One of my favorite verses is Joshua 21:45. “Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; everything came to pass.” Can you say that about the promises you’ve made? I sure can’t. It seems today promises are not considered worthy of keeping. Isn’t that sad? Divorce rates among believers are practically the same as among unbelievers. Breach of contracts in business occur daily. Promises made should be promises kept.

Of course, one of the greatest promises Jesus made and kept was the sending of the Holy Spirit into our lives as believers. Just look what He said in Acts 1:4-5. “4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, ‘Which,’ He said, ‘you heard of from Me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” Again, promise made, promise kept. Thank You, Jesus.

I give You praise, O Lord, for being a promise keeper. Help me be more like You in that way.

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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Family, Passion, Forgiveness, Bible, Blessed, Romans, Acceptance

ACCEPTED

ROMANS 15:7

“Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us, for the glory of God.”

In my years of ministry, probably one of the biggest desires of the children and youth I worked with was the need to feel accepted. I spent many years working with abused and neglected children who were cast away by their parents. These parents chose drugs, alcohol or partners over their children. These children longed for acceptance from just about anyone which led many to choose poor relationships themselves. It was truly heartbreaking.

Paul urges us today in verse 7 of Romans 15 to “accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us.” Do you truly understand your acceptance by Christ? Do you feel the depth of His love and sacrifice for you? Most of us don’t. We doubt it when times get tough. Where is God when I’m hurting? Have you ever said that? I have to admit I have felt that at times. But His acceptance isn’t just relegated to here. His acceptance is eternal. Wow!

APPLICATION

Paul uses a verb here that is used a dozen times in the New Testament, five times by him. I love the definition in HELPS Word-studies, “aggressively receive, with strong personal interest.” Doesn’t that change the way you see how Christ accepts you? Paul uses the word back in Romans 14:1 and 3, twice here in today’s verse and once in Philemon 1:17 when he instructs Philemon to accept Onesimus as if he was accepting him.

Christ accepts us while we are yet sinners. Never forget that. He doesn’t expect us to clean ourselves up first. He picks us up right where we are and He does the cleansing. When Paul says that Christ accepts us, he uses the Aorist Indicative Middle. I know that blessed you, lol. But listen, that means he is stating a fact about what Christ did and the middle voice means Christ chose to do that. He chose to accept you. That should light your spiritual fire.

And when Paul tells us to “accept one another,” it’s a Present Imperative Middle. That means it’s a command that you should continually do but, again, you choose to follow that command. Is there someone you need to choose to accept today? Make it a point to reach out to them and share how much God loves them. Tell them you love them too and want to walk with them in their spiritual journey. You will be the blessed one.

Thank You, Lord, for accepting me. Help me accept others with the same passion.

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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Five men sitting in a blue car on a rural road, engaged in conversation
Bible, Division, Passion, Romans, Scripture, Unity

ONE VOICE

ROMANS 15:6

“so that with one purpose and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

What kind of car is mentioned in the Bible? A Honda. It says they were all in “one accord.” Get it? Accord, like Honda Accord. I know, not very funny. What do you expect from a 65 year old missionary? We can wear out a good joke.

Why in the world did mention that? Because in today’s verse, Paul uses a word translated as “one purpose” which can also be translated as “one accord.” The Greek literally means “same passion.” Now, that is not so easy to do in most churches. People have their own opinions about how things should run. Paul also said we should be in “one voice.” That’s the point I want to concentrate on today.

APPLICATION

In Matthew 15:18 Jesus tells us, “‘But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and those things defile the person.’” The word “mouth” there is the same word used for “voice” in our verse today. Getting people in the body of Christ to speak with one voice is next to impossible. I have seen the biggest fights happen in churches over the color of the carpet or the songs that the choir should sing. Our mouth, our voice has a way of revealing what is really in the heart.

Barnes says it well, “That they might join without contention and unkind feeling, in the worship of God. Divisions, strife, and contention in the church prevent union in worship. Though the ‘body’ may be there, and the church ‘professedly’ engaged in public worship, yet it is a ‘divided’ service; and the prayers of strife and contention are not heard;” How true? You may have seen this yourself. You may have even been guilty of such “double talk” that caused division. Lord, forgive us if we ever allow our mouth to do that. Amen?

Paul wraps up this verse showing why it is important to have one purpose and one voice. He says so that, “you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” That is our reason for unity. We should always be about glorifying the Father, making Him known. I think Peter says it well in 1 Peter 4:11. “Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Can I get an amen? Are your words and actions giving glory to God? That is the question.

Father, I desire to glorify Your name about all. Help me guard my tongue so as to not do anything to cause disunity.

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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Father and three children exchanging Christmas presents sitting on the floor by a decorated tree
Encouragement, Bible, Scripture, Gifts, Perseverance, Body, Unity, Romans

GIFTS FROM THE FATHER

ROMANS 15:5

“Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another, according to Christ Jesus,”

As a father and grandfather, I love to give good gifts to my children and grandchildren. Of course, as most grandparents, I love to spoil my grandchildren. Whether it be a new Hotwheel for my grandson or a doll for my granddaughter, it’s such a joy to see their excitement when they receive it. As our children and grandchildren get older, the gifts change, don’t they? The Happy Meal from McDonald’s doesn’t have the same effect on a teenager as it did to a five year old. But the gift is still a gift.

Paul tells us in today’s verse that the Lord gives us a couple of very special gifts. Perseverance and encouragement are given to His children for the purpose of helping us have “the same mind with one another.” We’ll get to that in a minute. But let’s look at these two gifts and how they apply to our Christian walk personally and corporally.

APPLICATION

“Perseverance” is the Greek word hupomoné. This word is used 32 times in the New Testament. The first time it’s used is in the parable of the sower in Luke 8:15. “‘But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word with a good and virtuous heart, and hold it firmly, and produce fruit with perseverance.” We are told to persevere in our fruit production for the Lord. The Lord gives us this perseverance so that we will not become weary and give up. That reminds me of another passage where it used and translated as “endurance.” In James 1:2-4 we read, “2 Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Perseverance perfects and completes us.

The word “encouragement” is paraklésis and can be defined as comfort, consolation, exhortation or entreaty. (Strong’s Concordance) In 2 Corinthians 1:3, God is called the “God of all comfort.” Don’t you just love that? Take a minute and read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. I promise you will be blessed by it. God comforts so we can comfort. When you go through a difficult situation (death of a loved one, loss of a job, etc.), God comforts you so that you can comfort others going through a similar time.

God always has a reason to give us special gifts. He wants to bless us, yes, but He also wants us to bless others. Thus, the reason that is stated in today’s verse – “to have the same mind with one another.” God desires unity in the body of Christ. Through perseverance and encouragement, we are able to be unified. Accept those gifts today and bless someone else.

Use me, Lord, to be a blessing to others. Thank You for these special gifts.

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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