Category Archives: Creator

Full moon glowing above Earth’s curved horizon in space
Bible, Scripture, Creation, Promises, Creator, Hebrews, Application

LORD OF CREATION

HEBREWS 1:10

“And, ‘YOU, LORD, IN THE BEGINNING LAID THE FOUNDATION OF THE EARTH, AND THE HEAVENS ARE THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS;’”

Tonight is the full Harvest Moon! I was actually driving yesterday morning very early before sunrise, and I think I could have driven without the use of headlights. It was so bright. Every time I see a full moon I am reminded that the moon has no light. It simply reflects the light of the sun. The same is with us. We have no light except for the light which is reflected from the Son. I hope you are shining brightly.

Hebrews continues with the description of the Messiah. Some scholars argue that the writer deviates from discussion about Jesus to talking about the Father here and in the following two verses. That really doesn’t seem to fit the pattern the writer has established. It seems he just shifts to another character trait of Jesus as being part of creation. I think about the passage in Colossian 1:15-16 which says, “15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation: 16 for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.” Don’t you think that fits here?

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

The quotation in today’s verse comes from Psalm 102:25. We will see verses 26-27 in the next two verses in Hebrews 1. So far in chapter one we have already seen the writer reference six other Old Testament verses. It is obvious that whoever the writer is, he has a great grasp on the Scripture. That is a great Application to make. We need to know the Word to defend the Word and to share with others. Memorization is key for any believer. Filling your mind with God’s Word and applying it to your life are two ways to guarantee your growth in Christ.

There is also a Promise to claim. I see that in the fact that Jesus is Lord over creation. Every molecule ever created came from Him. Go back and read the passage I quoted from Colossians. Therefore, He knows every cell in You. When you go through some physical struggle, rest in the fact that Jesus knew about it before there were even signs. Could He have stopped it? Of course, He could. But He has counted you worthy of the trial. He has created you, and you are perfect in His eyes.

I want to encourage you to go ahead and read the next two verses in Hebrews (1:11-12) and then read Psalm 102:26-27. Notice any differences? Look at some other translations of these verses. Isn’t it amazing that the same Holy Spirit inspired the writer of Psalm 102 and Hebrews, and they can agree even though written centuries apart. God is amazing!

You are amazing, Lord. I am grateful for creation and making me a part of it.

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Bearded robed man holding a staff addresses people at sunset
Bible, Scripture, Promises, Appointed, Heirs, Words, Creator, Hebrews

A NEW SPOKESMAN

HEBREWS 1:2

“in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom He also made the world.”

I love to hear a good story told by someone who lived through the event. I’ve known some veterans who survived some horrific battles in World War II, the Vietnam War or the Iraq War. Their stories hold more meaning because they are telling it from a first person account. They knew exactly what happened. You can hear it in their voice. And almost every one of them give God the credit for bringing them home.

Jesus is the One Who tells the story of grace because it is a first person account for Him. He is the giver of grace through His Father. He has the authority given to Him by His Father. That was evident from the moment of creation. We are told that nothing exists that did not come from Him. That is why He can tell the story so well. Let’s look at why.

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

In today’s verse I can see a promise to claim clearly in the first phrase, “in these last days has spoken to us in His Son.” His words were the Father’s words. Five times in the gospel of John, Jesus as much. In John 12:49-50 we read, “‘49For I did not speak on My own, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.’” Again in John 8:28: “So Jesus said to them, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.’” Other references include John 7:16; 8:26 and 14:10.

I also see something new about God. The writer says Jesus was “appointed heir of all things.” Who appointed Him? The same person Whose words He spoke – the Father. That word “appointed” is tithémi which literally means to place, to set, to appoint or to establish. It’s an Aorist Indicative Active verb (I know that just blessed your heart, lol). That means it was a fact it happened and God did the appointing. All that is belongs to Him and He still chose to come and tell God’s story of His love for us.

Have you stopped lately to thank the Lord for making such a sacrifice? He gave up heaven to come to earth to be treated so poorly. All He did while He was here was love people and tell them how much the Father loved them. He knew His purpose for coming meant a cruel death on a cross. He gave it all for you and me. Give Him praise today. Thank Him for His story telling. It changed the world.

Father God, I praise You and Your Son, Jesus, for the love story You have written on my heart.

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Radiant angelic figure above a worshiping crowd in a mountain valley
Bible, Scripture, Creation, Gospel, Manifested, Mystery, Romans, Creator

DISCLOSURES

ROMANS 16:26

“but now has been disclosed, and through the Scriptures of the prophets, in accordance with the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith;”

When you sell a home, you are obligated to disclose any known defects in the home. You may have some you are not aware of, but you at least have to share what you know about. That’s just being truthful. That establishes a trust between you and the buyer. You, after all, expect the same from the seller of the home you want to purchase, right?

God discloses truth to us bit by bit. We are not able to handle the whole truth all at once, so He gives us what we need as we need it. Paul is declaring such a disclosure by God of the mystery of the Gospel. Looking back at last week’s verse, we read, “according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past,…” This leads directly into today’s verse that starts with “but now has been disclosed,…” Let’s take a look at this disclosure.

APPLICATION

First of all, the word “disclosed” is phaneróō “(from phṓs, ‘light’) – properly, illumine, make manifest (visible); (figuratively) make plain, in open view; to become apparent (‘graspable’).” (HELPS Word-studies). Notice the -oo at the end of that word. That ending in the Greek puts the emphasis on the result of the action of the verb and not just the action. In other words, the mere act of disclosure of the mystery of the Gospel is one thing. But the impact that disclosure has on us is another story.

We see this word used by John in 1 John 1:2. “and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was revealed to us…” Jesus manifested Himself to mankind when He took on human form. He manifested Himself again in all His glory when He was transfigured before James, Peter and John. That was after He had already spent quite a bit of time teaching and leading these men. Only then were they ready to see Him in His glory.

God discloses Himself to us in many ways. Look around today and see how He is revealing Himself to you. It may be in your children or grandchildren. It may be by showing you something in His creation. God is always seeking to show more of Himself to you, but you must be looking. Don’t overlook this manifestation today. You really don’t want to miss it.

Lord, I am looking for new manifestations of You today. Open my eyes that I may see.

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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Winding river through forested mountains leading to ocean at sunset
Bible, Creation, Creator, Eternity, Glory, Romans, Scripture

FROM, THROUGH AND TO

ROMANS 11:36

“For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”

Let’s make something perfectly clear. Everything is from God. This whole universe rests in the palm of His hands. He placed the stars (all of them in all the galaxies) in place. Paul drives that point home in the last verse of Romans 11.

Paul’s use of these three prepositions (from, through and to) was not just a random thought. There are deep theological truths here. Here is what one commentary said about this verse. “All things are from God (primal cause), in so far as all things have proceeded from God’s creative power; through God (ground of mediate agency), in so far as nothing exists without God’s continuous operation; for God (final cause), in so far as all things serve the ends of God (not merely: the honour of God, as many think).” (Meyer’s NT Commentary) That’s pretty good, huh?

APPLICATION

This verse is very similar to a verse in Paul’s letter to the Colossians. In Colossians 1:16 we read, “for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.” That pretty much covers it, right? It was all created by, came through Him and is for Him.

In 1 Corinthians 8:6, Paul writes this thought again, “yet for us there is only one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.” I really like that last phrase, “and we exist through Him.” Don’t forget that! We exist because of Him and through Him. I pray each day that my actions will only be what He wants to do through me. I don’t always do that, but that is my prayer.

So, as Paul concludes this chapter (I know, I know, there were no chapters in his letter), we find ourselves giving praise to the only true God. The last phrase of today’s verse is such a great way to finish this thought. May we all join Paul when he says, “To Him be the glory forever. Amen” Everything we do should bring Him glory. It is all for Him! Praise Him!

We praise You, O Lord, for all You have done, are doing and will continue to do for us.

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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