Category Archives: Family

Older woman and younger man smiling while embracing in a rustic home
Bible, Chosen, Family, Romans, Scripture, Servant, Service, Testimony, Witnessing

A MAN NAMED RUFUS

ROMANS 16:13

“Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine.”

I am sorry if I sound disrespectful for what I am about to write. I don’t mean to be. But Rufus must have been a redneck bubba with a name like that. Lol. I’ve only known a few men named Rufus, and they were all just good ole boys. And we will see something else about him that I think adds to that description.

Paul sends greetings to Rufus and his mother there in the Roman church. Most scholars agree that this was probably the same Rufus mentioned in Mark 15:21 where we read, “And they compelled a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to carry His cross.” Think of that! Rufus’ dad carried the cross for Christ. He was watching Jesus struggle down the road on the way to Calvary when He fell beneath the weight of it. The Roman soldiers compelled him to pick it up and carry it for Jesus. That had to have changed his life. The blood of Christ would have been all over that cross and now it was on him.

APPLICATION

Rufus’ reputation was well known by the time Paul wrote this letter to Rome. He and his mother were both there, but there is no mention of his brother Alexander in today’s verse. Perhaps he had already lost his life for Christ or was in another city. He is not mentioned again in Scripture. But here is Rufus, this North African Jew living in Rome with his mother. He must have been a mama’s boy since she is mentioned right along with him. Paul obviously knew Rufus and his mother since he calls her “mine” also.

What do you think would have happened to Rufus in today’s world? I mean, you’re famous, right? Your daddy carried Jesus’ cross. He could have demanded a tv series depicting their lives before the famous event occurred and how it changed their lives. He would have been on high demand to speak about what he perhaps saw that day. But not this Rufus. Paul would not have had such high regard for someone who tried to take advantage of their fame. Paul calls Rufus a “choice man.” That meant he had been chosen by Christ. You know he was faithful to his calling.

Can the Lord call you “choice”? It doesn’t matter where you have come from. If the Lord has chosen you, He has a purpose for you to fulfill. Rufus accepted his. He was being used in the church of Rome, not exactly the easiest place to witness for Christ. He risked it all for Jesus. Will you?

Help me, Lord, to be just as loyal to Jesus as Rufus was in that Roman church.

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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Traveler walking through a medieval stone gate toward a village landscape
Bible, Conviction, Family, Prison, Respect, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture

HOWDY CUZ

ROMANS 16:7

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsfolk and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding in the view of the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.”

I grew up with a slew of cousins. We were always gathering at a grandma’s, aunt’s or uncle’s house for some kind of celebration. I was closer to some than the others, but we were all part of the family. I never felt belittled or put down by any of them. Most of them were older than me so I guess they took pity on their little pesty cousin, lol. We are all up in years now, but when we do see each other, that family love comes through.

Paul mentions two other people in today’s verse, and this time it is personal. Scholars disagree whether this was a husband and wife or two men. It doesn’t matter. They were Paul’s kinsfolk. Scholars disagree on this, as well. Some say Paul was referring to fellow Jews or some from his same tribe. Others say these were most probably close relations to him. I like that view, myself. But they were so much more than just “cousins.”

APPLICATION

Paul says they were “fellow prisoners.” We don’t know what imprisonment he was referring to. Perhaps they were already in a Roman prison. Maybe they had been arrested with Paul on one of his missionary journeys. We don’t really know, but we must believe Paul knew they had been persecuted, like he, for their faith.

Then he says they were “outstanding in the view of the apostles.” Obviously, their names were well known among the apostles back in Jerusalem. They had proven themselves in the early church and had won the admiration and respect of the early church leaders. Wow! What an honor to be identified in that manner.

And then finally, Paul says “they were in Christ before me.” Perhaps these two were in Jerusalem and had been converted directly by Christ. They may have even been two of the large group of early disciples who followed Christ before His crucifixion. I am purely speculating, but Paul says they were Christians before he was and we know when that occurred.

I bet Adronicus and Junia never dreamt their names would be recorded in history, much less in God’s Word. But their names are worthy of admiration by us all. Fellow prisoners, respected by the apostles and some of the earliest believers! I can’t wait to meet them. Could someone one day read about your life as a Christian and say such things? Let us all strive to bring honor to His name.

Father, I am amazed at how You use every follower who gives themselves to You fully.

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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Mother crouching and embracing two young children smiling in a park
Acceptance, Bible, Blessed, Family, Forgiveness, Passion, Romans

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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Man in orange jacket clearing rubble as a woman holds her child in ruins
Bible, Family, Humility, Living, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture, Service

NOT FOR OURSELVES

ROMANS 14:7

“For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself;”

I never knew what it meant to live for someone else until I got married and had children. Now, as a man who pursues the Lord’s will, I know my life comes second to my wife, children and grandchildren. My role as provider and protector is paramount. It is no longer about what I want. It’s about what is best for them. Even that has changed as my children have grown and have children of their own. My wife and I are empty nesters, but my priority is still my family.

Paul brings out a major teaching for these Roman believers and for us. As followers of Christ, our life is not our own. Albert Barnes says, “The meaning of the expression is, that no Christian lives to gratify his own inclinations or appetites. He makes it his great aim to do the will of God; to subordinate all his desires to his Law and gospel;” That is exactly right. Because Jesus gave His all for us, we are expected to do the same for others.

APPLICATION

I am currently taking a man in Belize through our Every Man A Warrior curriculum. We are in book 2 which is about Marriage and Children. I made the remark this week that I believe applies to our verse today. I said, “Isn’t it interesting that almost every husband would give his physical life to protect his wife but won’t die to himself for her?” Isn’t that right? We say that we would die for Christ, but we won’t lay down our own rights for Him.

Perhaps no other passage in Scripture says it better than 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. “4 Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. 5 It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, 6 it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away with; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away with.”

Are you loving that way? Are you living that way? Read those verses again. After each “love is” ask yourself if that describes your life and your love for others. We are to live for others, not ourselves. We should not hold our lives so tightly that we are not free to let it go. Jesus can give you the strength you need to die to yourself. Not I, but Christ!

I praise You, O Lord, for giving me the strength and humility to die to myself daily. 

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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Three generations of family hugging on a couch by a fireplace
Bible, Devotion, Family, Honor, Love, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture

DEVOTED AND ESTEEMING

ROMANS 12:10

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor,”

Family is important. We should always show honor and love to our parents and children, grandparents and siblings. It’s just the right thing to do. I can look back at my life and see times when I wasn’t so devoted or didn’t show proper honor. I am sorry now because in some of those cases, I can’t make it right. Those family members have passed away. For instance, I wish I had spent more time with my paternal grandmother and great grandmother. They both loved Jesus. I know that now.

Today’s verse is a great memory verse. Why don’t we all commit to memorizing this one? I have already done that with some other brothers. Paul continues in this verse to give us some very practical and down to earth guidance for our walk with Christ and others. Don’t forget that every word Paul writes he has received from God through the Holy Spirit. We are not just reading Paul’s words. They are God’s words spoken to us through the hand of a man.

APPLICATION

I wanted to concentrate on the two verbs in todays’ verse – “be devoted” and “give preference.” Both of these verbs are only used right here in today’s verse. Isn’t that interesting? The first one, “be devoted,” is the Greek word philóstorgos “(from phílos, ‘lover, friend’ and storgē, ‘natural or family love’) – properly, a lover of family. Philóstorgos (‘devoted love, shown by family-members’) is that special affection shared between members of God’s family – people born-again (divinely adopted) and serving the same (heavenly) Father!” (HELPS Word-studies) That’s pretty clear, huh? Instead of trying to find fault in our brothers and sisters in Christ, we are to be affectionately bonded to them.

The second verb, “give preference,” is the Greek word proēgéomai. Again, it is only used here in Romans 12:10. I love what the Topical Lexicon said about this verb. “The term … carries the idea of stepping forward first so that others may be elevated. It describes an intentional initiative that puts another believer’s worth ahead of one’s own, not by passive acceptance but by active, deliberate action.” Wouldn’t the church be so much better off if we all did that?

Now, put those two verbs together. Paul is telling us to love each other so well that we are always looking to put others first. Isn’t that exactly what Jesus did? Jesus tells us in John 15:13 that we can show no greater love than to lay down our lives for our friends. That doesn’t just mean physically die for someone. Jesus means to sacrifice for others. Can we do that for each other today?

Lord, I need Your help to do what You have asked me to do. I am willing, but my flesh is weak.

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, Childbirth, Children, Family, Romans, Salvation, Scripture, Witnessing

YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE A BABY

ROMANS 9:9

“For this is the word of promise: ‘AT THIS TIME I WILL COME, AND SARAH WILL HAVE A SON.’”

When a couple is in a loving, healthy relationship, the words “I’m pregnant” bring shouts of joy and jubilation. For many those words may come after years of trying to get pregnant. Others have this happen quickly. Whether it is a surprise or a planned pregnancy, the relationship determines the response. I was blessed to hear this a few times from my wife. Not all those pregnancies ended as we wanted. We lost one child at birth and experienced a couple of miscarriages. But each time we found out we were expecting, we were thankful.

Can you imagine how Sarah and Abraham felt when they discovered she was pregnant with the long-awaited son, Isaac? Even though God had promised this child years earlier, they were probably a little taken back when it finally happened. After all, the Word says Abraham was “as good as dead.” The odds were against them. But God…

APPLICATION

Now, we get to hear these words from God, “Welcome to the family!” He has birthed us into His family. We are the sons and daughters of God. Those words should give us reason to shout for joy. I know He and all the angels in heaven rejoice every time a new soul is saved. Angels don’t really understand this. They have not experienced salvation. They have always been in God’s presence. But we are new to this. We get to celebrate with all the heavenly hosts.

Paul writes in Galatians 4:28, “And you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise.” Keep in mind that Paul was not writing to a Jewish audience there. He was writing to mostly Gentile believers. Just like most of us, they had no direct ties to the Jewish nation. Yet Paul tells them they children of promise. And so we are. You are a child of the King.

Now that you are a child of promise you need to share with others how they also can join the family. May I share a really good app with you? It’s called “Share Your Faith.” Check it out in the App Store or wherever you find apps for your phone. It will walk you through how to share the gospel utilizing the Bridge Illustration. This app is so simple even a child could use it. Don’t let the enemy stop you from sharing our “family secret.” We want to grow our family one soul at a time.

I give You praise, O God, for birthing me into Your kingdom. I am so thankful for my sonship.

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, Called, Calling, Family, Promises, Romans, Scripture, Service

CHILDREN OF THE PROMISE

ROMANS 9:8

“That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants.”

My daughter wanted to have a child so badly. After she married my son-in-law, they tried for a few years, even utilizing invitro fertilization. But nothing worked. We prayed. Family prayed. And then one day my wife and I got the call. They were pregnant! The picture on this blog today is of my grandson wearing a very appropriately named onesie. “For this child we have prayed.” It was much like Abraham and Sarah when they learned she was carrying Isaac. Celebration time!

God chose Abraham and Sarah to birth the nation of Israel through their son Isaac. The promises He made to them still hold true today. But God went one better. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, He has now also included us as part of that promise. I am not Jewish, but I am part of God’s chosen people. I love what Peter said in 1 Peter 2:9. “But you are A CHOSEN PEOPLE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR GOD’S OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” Praise be to God!

APPLICATION

So, what do you do with this sonship? God never called us to sit back and just wait on heaven. No! He expects us to serve Him through being used by Him to advance His kingdom. When I was growing up, I had chores to do in my house. At first, they were small ones like vacuuming or mopping our floors. As I aged, I was assigned bigger tasks like mowing our lawn. My physical and cognitive maturity was observed by my dad and mom as they assigned these chores. I was never asked to do something I was not capable of.

The same holds true for us as followers of Christ. As you mature in your faith and gain more knowledge of the Father, you too are called to do more. Jesus even told us in John 14:12, “‘Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father.’” Jesus has entrusted us to do greater works than He did. Is that even possible?

What has He called you to do? It may be serving in the church nursery. Let me tell you – that is a high calling. As a former Children’s Pastor, these workers are highly esteemed. Perhaps the Lord has called you to leave your homeland and serve in another country. Whatever it is that your Father has tapped you to do, do it with gusto. Do it faithfully. Seek to please Him and only Him in all that you do. You are a child of the promise, His promise to you.

Father, You are so good to trust me with “chores” to do in Your family.

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, Companions, Enemies, Family, Friends, Romans, Scripture

GOD IS FOR US

ROMANS 8:31

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”

Psalm 118:6 says, “The LORD is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me?” What better way to start this blog than to remind us that God is for us? Let me ask you – who is on your side? Family? Friends? Co-workers? They will all let you down sometimes. No one on earth has the ability to always be there for you. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been married or how long you have been friends with someone, there will come a point when they will let you down.

But…God is for us…always and for eternity. Paul has spent the last several verses explaining what we have in Christ and how His Spirit works in our lives. He ends this discussion with this simple, yet powerful verse. Paul is speechless. “What then shall we say to these things?” Paul knows he has done nothing to deserve such a response from God. In fact, he had done some terrible things in the name of God, but God was still for him.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes says this about this passage. “Be on outside, or is our friend, as He has shown Himself to be by adopting us (Romans 8:15), by granting to us his Spirit (Romans 8:16-17, Romans 8:26-27), and by his gracious purpose to save us, (Romans 8:29-30).” That kind of wraps it up, doesn’t it?

I have this little Precious Memory figurine in my office which I have owned for over 40 years. I have used a picture of in this blog. It shows someone standing behind a pulpit that has been pummeled with tomatoes, eggs, tin cans and other assorted items. Today’s verse is the name of this figurine. The point is this – no matter what or who we face in this life, we must stand behind the Word of God and the truths therein. God expects us to stand firm in the face of our enemy.

Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” We are told over and over to stand firm. How is the possible? Because God is for us. Who can stand against us? They are outmatched and will never win. Therefore, beloved, stand firm today knowing that God has your back.

I can face uncertain times because I know You are 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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