Category Archives: Children

Bible, Children, Circumcision, Grace, Grandchildren, Justification, Justified, Scripture, Works

NOT BY WORKS

ROMANS 4:10

“How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised;”

I love my children and grandchildren – period. Nothing they have done has caused that love. They are loved because they are my family. There is nothing they can ever do that will change that love. Once they were birthed into my family they were forever loved. Can you relate? I cannot imagine my life without them. Even if disagreements occur, even if separation occurs, I will never stop loving them.

Paul states it clearly in today’s verse that nothing Abraham did resulted in his justification. He states the facts of the case from Genesis. This is presented so succinctly in the following: “…hence it clearly appears that circumcision could not be the cause of his justification, since it followed it; and if Abraham when uncircumcised was a justified person, as it is certain he was, why may not uncircumcised Gentiles be justified also? and especially when it is observed, that the covenant made with Abraham when uncircumcised, included the Gentiles;” (Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible)

APPLICATION

God made a promise to Abraham in Genesis 15 to multiply his seed and give him a land. Fourteen years later God cut covenant with him through circumcision. Fourteen years! If God had required circumcision in order to be justified, He would have told Abraham to do it immediately upon the promise He made. Why did God do it the way He did it? Why wait fourteen years and then required circumcision? I think (and this is just my opinion) that God wanted to separate justification by faith from any works. He still does today.

Think about it. When you come to faith, you don’t have to do a bunch of stuff to get saved. John 1:12 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name,…” Receive and believe – that’s it. Now, once you are saved, God expects obedience. He does expect us to follow through on baptism as a sign of our salvation. He does expect us to give generously to invest in His kingdom’s work. He does expect us to serve Him by serving others.

But all those things I just mentioned are post-salvation, not pre-salvation. Just like Abraham was saved (justified) before circumcision, we are saved before any acts or works of faith. I pray you are not trying to achieve your salvation. You will never be able to do that. Receive and believe. Then God will give you Holy Spirit Who will guide you into righteous living. Amen!

Lord God, I am so thankful that I did not have to do something to be called Your child. I came in simple faith, believing in Your Son, Jesus 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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Bible, Child Raising, Children, Discipline, Father, Instruction, Scripture

A FATHER’S ROLE

EPHESIANS 6:4

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Being a father is a role I don’t take lightly. Even though my children, Christopher and Casey, are grown, I still relish my role as their dad. I have not always been the best dad. I’ll admit that. I am far from perfect. However, I have always tried to speak to them through the lense of my heavenly Father’s love. Looking back, I can see things I could have done better.

In today’s verse, Paul is encouraging fathers to correct their children in a way as to not provoke or exasperate them. That word “provoke” means to not be overdemanding or so strict as to discourage your child. And Paul gives them direction in what to do – to bring them up with discipline and instruction. Fathers carry a heavy responsible here.

APPLICATION

Think about your garden or your flower bed. If you don’t tend that properly, you will soon have a takeover of weeds and thorns. Tending your garden takes time and proper attention. It’s the same with your children. “Discipline” means “instruction that trains someone to reach full development (maturity).” (HELPS Word studies). It’s the same word used in 2 Timothy 3:16 which says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness;”

“Instruction” means “improves a person’s reasoning so they can reach God’s solution – i.e. by going through His thought-process.” (HELPS Word studies). Fathers need to instruct their children so they think properly according to God’s principles and commands. Too many parents want to let their children make their own minds up about religion or faith. Do you let them decide to go to school or not? Do you let them decide when it is time to go to the doctor? I don’t think so. Those are both temporal, earthly issues. We are talking about their eternal souls. We need to instruct them properly.

Fathers, you may be thinking it is too late. Your child is a teen, or they are grown. It is never too late. Pour into your children now. Point them to Jesus. Live it out in front of them daily so they are drawn to the Lord. If they see you living your life as an example of Jesus, they are more likely to hear Him calling them. Be the man of God He wants you to be.

Father, help all the dads out there live out their faith in such a way that their children are drawn to You.

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Bible, Children, Honor, Parents, Promises, Scripture

THE PROMISES OF GOD

EPHESIANS 6:3

“SO THAT IT MAY TURN OUT WELL FOR YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.”

God’s promises are true, no matter what. One of my favorite promises is found in Isaiah 41:10. “‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” There are so many promises to quote, but I want to limit myself to just a few. If you want a fuller list, check out this site: https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/gods-promises-verses-in-the-bible/

In today’s verse we see Paul continuing to quote from the Old Testament command to honor your parents. Here we see the promise He gives to children for that obedience. He says things “may turn out well for you” and “you may live long on the earth.” Those are some good promises. That does not mean every child who obeys will be rich and live to be 100. But it does promise that He will care and watch after them.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes says this about the promise of long life. “(1) that long life is a blessing. (2) it is still true that obedience to parents is conducive to length of life, and that those who are most obedient in early life, other things being equal, have the best prospect of living long. This occurs because: (a) obedient children are saved from the vices and crimes which shorten life. (b) Obedience to parents is connected with virtuous habits that are conducive to long life. (c) Many a life is lost early by disobeying a parent. (d) We may still believe that God, in his providence, will watch over those who are obedient to a father and mother.” Those are pretty good, huh?

I was walking this morning and listening to praise music and a song came on that speaks to this issue of God’s promises. Part of the chorus says this, “I’m reaping the promises God gave to me, taking back what the devil stole from me.” (From Faithful – Faithful is Our God) Don’t you just love that? As I obey the Lord, I can reap those promises He has given me. The devil comes to kill, steal and destroy. (John 10:10) But with God’s strength, I can reclaim those promises.

One of my all-time favorite verses on God’s promises is found near the end of Joshua. In 21:45 we read, “Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; everything came to pass.” That is still true today. It is for Israel, and it is for us. If God said it, that settles it. Amen? So, today walk in the promises of God.

You are so faithful, Lord, to keep all Your promises to us.

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Bible, Children, Honor, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HONOR?

EPHESIANS 6:2

“HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise),”

I have to say I had some pretty good parents. They weren’t perfect but who is. They raised four children who all grew up to be pretty responsible adults. I can’t think of a reason why I would not have honored my parents. I didn’t always agree with them, and I sure didn’t like some of their rules, but I feel like I honored them pretty well.

In yesterday’s blog, I began discussing Paul’s address to the children. Let’s talk a little about this “honor” word, though. The Hebrew word which is what Paul is quoting here, is kabad or kabed. It has a lot of definitions ranging from heavy, weighty, burdensome or honorable. Context tells us how it is being used. And here it means to show honor. In other words, to obey. It is not a complicated command, is it? Simple – just honor.

APPLICATION

But Carl, what do you do if your parents aren’t honorable? What if they are abusive or tell you to do things that are wrong? God does not expect children to honor such individuals. He would never tell you to submit to that kind of treatment. God is our protector and defender. I know, I know, children still get abused by parents. It breaks my heart, and I don’t understand it. I think hell will have a hotter corner for those who abuse innocent children.

When the command is mentioned again in Deuteronomy 5:16, it is expanded upon. “‘Honor your father and your mother, just as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well for you on the land which the LORD your God is giving you.’” We have a specific promised blessing for honoring our parents. God will bless us with a long life and prosperity in the land.

I don’t know your circumstance, but everyone of us reading this blog is a child of someone. Perhaps your abusive parent is still alive. You are grown now and are safe. How do you honor them now or do you? Ask the Lord. He will tell you what to do. Perhaps He will use you to draw them to a saving knowledge of Jesus. Just remember – God loves you and desires your obedience in all things.

Father, for some it is hard to show honor to their parents. Protect their hearts and show them how to obey Your command.

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Bible, Children, Disobedience, Grandchildren, Obedience, Parenting, Scripture

OBEDIENT CHILDREN

EPHESIANS 6:1

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”

What parent doesn’t want obedient children?! Can I get an Amen? Lol. Of course, we want children to obey us, but why? Well, there are just supposed to, Carl. Children should be seen but not heard. Yeah, right! Do you really believe that? I didn’t think so. Children are gift from the Lord. We are so blessed to have them in our lives. Isn’t it great that the Lord gives us so much instruction about them and for them?

After spending the last several verses discussing husbands and wives, he turns to the children. Now, as far as we know, Paul didn’t have any children. But remember, he is simply passing along the Lord’s words through the Holy Spirit. He says in today’s verse that children should obey their parents because it is right. We’ll look back at the Law in a bit and look at that command God gave Moses. This letter would have probably been read aloud in the Ephesian church, so the children who were present would have sat up and listened when they heard they were being addressed specifically.

APPLICATION

We all know the ten commandments, don’t we? The fifth commandment is the one addressed to children. Exodus 20:12 says, “‘Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be prolonged on the land which the LORD your God gives you.’” It is the only commandment with a promise. I think that is pretty cool, don’t you? God specifically talks to the children here in Exodus.

I can remember going away on business trips when my kids were little. I bet you can guess what I told them, can’t you? I would say, “Now, you mind your mother and no fighting.” They were usually pretty good, but occasionally I would come home to a very frustrated wife due to their behavior. Our children weren’t always perfect little angels.

Chances are there are not any children reading my blog right now. So, you parents and grandparents need to share this with the kids. Remind them that God expects obedience. A child that won’t obey their parents won’t obey God either. That is our goal as parents – to raise children who love and obey God. Why? So they will raise obedient children (our grandchildren). That’s our payoff, lol.

Father I need to be Your obedient child every day as well.

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Abiding, Bible, Children, Family, Father, Intimacy, Parenting, Relationships, Scripture

DADDY!

GALATIANS 4:6

“Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba! Father!’”

Oh, the joy that feels my heart when I hear my children say, “Daddy.” They don’t say it as much anymore. It’s been shortened to “Dad” now. My daughter will still call me daddy sometimes, but only when she wants something. (Just kidding, Casey) There was just something about hearing them holler “Daddy” when I would come home from work or a trip. It thrilled my heart.

Paul uses the Aramaic word, Abba, here in today’s verse. I was surprised to see that this word is only used two other times in the NT and only 9 times in the OT (2 in Ezra and 7 in Daniel). In Mark 14:36, Jesus uses it as He prays in the garden on the night before His crucifixion. Paul uses it in Romans 8:15 in a similar way he uses it here in Galatians. The word Abba means father but in a more tender way. Some translations use the word “daddy.” I like that.

APPLICATION

Can you just picture it? Jesus, kneeling in the garden, praying earnestly to His Father in heaven. And in the most intimate of ways, He calls Him daddy. I am not trying to be irreverent. Quite the contrary. By showing Jesus’ intimacy with the Father, we see His human side. In the same way, we can call our Father in heaven daddy. Abba Father.

As I mentioned, Paul uses this same word in Romans 8:15. “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’” We have been given the right as His children to call Him daddy.

As I picture this word “daddy,” I see the image of a child crawling up into their father’s lap, snuggling up under his chin. Maybe the daddy is reading to them or maybe the daddy is just listening to his child. Whatever the conversation is, be sure it is two-sided. In the same way, our talks with our “daddy” in heaven is two-sided. Let’s talk and also listen. He has much to say.

Abba, Father, I praise You. I truly want to be close enough to hear Your voice when you speak my name.

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Bible, Children, Freedom, Guardian, Law, Obedience, Redemption, Scripture

GUARDIANS AND MANAGERS

GALATIANS 4:2

“but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father.”

Have you ever seen the movie, Mary Poppins? It’s a story about a governess who is hired to care for and teach the children of a family. Julie Andrews plays the key role and does a magical job with the children. Her duties embodied the same duties discussed in today’s verse. However, back in Paul’s day there wasn’t as much magic used, lol.

Continuing the theme from yesterday, Paul explains how the minor child could not do as they pleased with their father’s estate. Normally a slave who was trustworthy would have been put in charge of the children for instruction. These same individuals may have often handled the family assets, thus controlling the disbursement of funds. This would probably have continued if the master of the home had passed until the minor child reached the age set by his father.

APPLICATION

The Law served as our guardian, dictating what we could and couldn’t do. There were strict rules to follow – what to eat, what to wear, etc. These can be found in the Old Testament books of Leviticus and Numbers, as well as other books. For the sake of time, we won’t read all of that. But let me encourage you to take the time, if you haven’t read these books, to dig into them. They are also part of God’s Word and should be read.

However, all those laws have been fulfilled through the atoning death of our Savior. He tells us in Matthew 5:17-18, “17 ‘Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter shall pass from the Law, until all is accomplished!’”

Romans 10:4 says, “For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” That’s the “age set by the father” to be released from the guardianship of the Law. When we accept Jesus, at whatever age that is, we are freed from the requirements of the Law. For me, that was at age 16. I am now an heir of the father’s estate and have full access to all He offers. Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!

O Father, You are far too good to me. May I bring Your honor and praise each day.

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Affliction, Bible, Children, Innocent, Protection, Rescue, Scripture

THE INNOCENT

ZECHARIAH 14:15

“And just like this plague, there will be a plague on the horse, the mule, the camel, the donkey, and all the cattle that will be in those camps.”

Most people want to protect the innocent. We don’t like to see them suffer for someone else’s choices. What immediately comes to mind for me are the unborn, those babies still in the womb. They are the ultimate innocent. Yet, we slay them mercilessly year after year in the womb through abortion. May God forgive us for this.

In today’s verse, we see the animals owned by the enemies of Israel suffering the same fate as their owners. How sad to know that thousands of innocent animals will die just because they are the property of these people. Now, understand something. I am not an animal lover to the extent that I want to rescue every stray cat or dog. But I do recognize in today’s verse the severe loss of these animals.

APPLICATION

So, how do you apply this verse to your life? Look out for the innocent. Protect them if you can. I’ve already mentioned the babies. How about the children? What did Jesus say in Luke 17:2? “‘It is better for him if a millstone is hung around his neck and he is thrown into the sea, than that he may cause one of these little ones to sin.’” That is what I call swift justice.

Jesus also said in Mark 10:14, “But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, ‘Allow the children to come to Me; do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” The innocent! We must protect them. We must see that they are brought to Jesus.

I have a five-year-old granddaughter that I pray for every day. I pray that she will come to Jesus. It burdens my heart. I want so desperately for her to love my Jesus and realize what He has done for her. That goes for every child, every unreached people group. Will you look out for those who are in need? The Lord can use you today.

Father, show me those to whom I must go. Help me protect the innocent.

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Bible, Child Rearing, Children, Correction, Scripture, Teaching

PARENTAL INFLUENCE

ZECHARIAH 13:3

“‘And if anyone still prophesies, then his father and mother who gave birth to him will say to him, “You shall not live, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD”; and his father and mother who gave birth to him shall pierce him through when he prophesies.’” 

As parents, we have the responsibility to teach and nurture our children. We have to hold them accountable and correct them when they stray. To do otherwise would be to condone or even encourage bad behavior. It’s never easy, but it is necessary. God has entrusted these lives to us and gives us His Word to guide us.

Today’s verse is harsh. False prophets were not to be tolerated. Even if it meant rebuking and denouncing your own child who was prophesying falsely, you were required to stand up to them. This comes from Deuteronomy 13:6-10. After addressing to whom this applies, Moses tells them in verses 10-11, “‘10 So you shall stone him to death, because he has attempted to drive you away from the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 11 Then all Israel will hear about it and be afraid, and will not do such a wicked thing among you again.’” This is why they had such hard rules.

APPLICATION

Let me be quick to say that the Lord does not expect you to kill anyone. These were Old Testament laws under the Mosaic covenant. We are under a new covenant through the blood of Jesus. He has paid the price for every man’s sins, if they will only turn to Him, repent and believe. We, however, are expected to teach and train our children in the Word of God. And if they decide to rebel against it, we hold them accountable.

Too many parents today are far too permissive in their child rearing. They let the child decide what they think is best. We don’t want to influence their decisions. Listen closely when I say that is a lie from the devil. We are most definitely supposed to influence their decisions toward Christ. How we handle this responsibility can and will directly affect your child’s trajectory in life.

Now, you may do your best and your child may still rebel. That is between them and God. But you have to do your part. Parents, be bold. Be brave. Teach your children from the Word each day. When they stray, correct them quickly. Correct them consistently. Above all, show them Christ’s love. Plant the seed deep. He will make it grow.

Father, give parents the boldness to teach their children Your truths and hold them to it.

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Access, Allegiance, Bible, Calling, Children, Dependence, Faithfulness, Obedience, Promises, Scripture

WHISTLE

ZECHARIAH 10:8

“I will whistle for them and gather them together, for I have redeemed them; and they will be as numerous as they were before.”

My dad was a great whistler. I did not inherit that trait. My wife makes fun of me every time I try to whistle. I would love to be able to whistle. It would come in handy from time to time to call a dog or maybe even a child. But I did not get than gene, lol.

In today’s verse, God just whistles and His children come. This same Hebrew word is used when God called the quail for His children and the bees to drive out their enemy. It is only used twelve times in the Old Testament. That might make a great word study for you sometime. The point is though, the people had to be somewhat attentive to the whistle of God to respond. I am sure His whistle was quite unique.

APPLICATION

I have never heard God whistle, but I have heard Him call my name. When I was sixteen, He called me to salvation. A few months later, I knew He called me to full time ministry. All through my life, at critical points, God has called me. Let’s just say He whistled, and I responded. How about you? Have you heard that unique whistle or call by God?

John 1:12 says, “To all who did receive Him, to all who believe in His name, He gave the right to be called children of God.” To receive and believe, you have to hear His whistle, His call. When we respond to that, we receive that promise – to be called His kids. I am God’s kid. He’s my Father. When He calls, I am supposed to come, just like any child should. When He whistles, I should listen for His direction.

Are you going to be listening for God’s whistle? When He calls, are you going to obey? It is pretty simple. He calls, we come. He whistles, we turn our attention to Him to see what’s next. When I played football in Junior High and High School, the coaches all had whistles they would blow to get our attention. We had better respond or there were consequences (extra laps, etc). There are dire consequences if we do not respond to God’s whistle. Listen up!

I am listening, O Lord, to hear Your whistle, Your call.

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