Category Archives: Friends

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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Bible, Family, Friends, Joy, Rejoicing, Scripture

REJOICE IN OTHERS

PHILIPPIANS 2:28

“Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly, so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you.”

I just love seeing family and friends I haven’t seen in a long time. There are lots of hugs and laughs (I’m a hugger). My wife and I are going to see some of her family next month. I can’t wait. I haven’t seen them since their oldest brother’s funeral a couple of years ago. I know we are going to eat, tell stories, eat some more and just enjoy each other’s company for a couple of days. We will be, in a matter of speaking, rejoicing in each other.

Paul knew sending Epaphroditus back to Philippi would bring smiles and rejoicing. And in doing this, he says he “may be less concerned” about the Philippian church. They had been so distressed by the news of Epaphroditus’ illness and were worried about him. Seeing him again, healthy and in person, they would truly rejoice.

APPLICATION

The word Paul uses here for “rejoice” is chairo which means to be cheerful or glad. Paul uses that same word later in 4:4 where he writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” We see James use it James 1:1 where it is translated as “greetings.” Then in 1 Peter 4:13 we read, “but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed.”

That last one is a tough one! Who wants to rejoice in suffering? Not me! Been there, done that! No fun! But we are told to rejoice in it. Be glad in it. This applies so well to our relationships. Even when things aren’t going so great in a particular relationship, we can rejoice in the life of that person. I am not implying that we should rejoice in those who do us harm. We pray for them. But we can rejoice in others.

Tell someone today that you are rejoicing in them. Tell them they give you joy. My ten month old grandson gives me joy. My wife gives me joy. My family gives me joy. My friends give me joy. My church gives me joy. And, most of all, my Jesus gives me joy. Rejoice in the Lord always!

I rejoice in You, O Lord. You give me joy each time I think of what You did for me.

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Bible, Family, Friends, Prayer, Remembering, Scripture

REMEMBERING YOU

PHILIPPIANS 1:3

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,” 

Well, it is true. As you get older, you begin to forget things. For me, it’s where I put my phone or my keys. I can remember things from way back, but short memory gives me fits. They say chemotherapy drugs can cause that. Since I have had that twice with my two stem cell transplants, I am going to use that excuse rather than the getting old one. What do you think?

Paul has strong feelings for these believers in Philippi. Do you remember how that church got started? Paul had been arrested and thrown into jail for preaching about Jesus. God caused quite a disturbance. Acts 16:26 says, “and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened.” As a result of that, the jailer and all his household were saved. Praise God! That would definitely stir your memory.

APPLICATION

Only Paul uses the Greek word mneia in the New Testament. Each time it is used, it involves Paul recalling a memory about someone or something. In Romans 1:9, he writes, “For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you.” Paul was praying for all those he had met in his missionary journeys.

Paul tells the Ephesians, Philemon, Timothy and the Thessalonians that he was “making mention” of them in his prayers. Paul cared enough, despite his imprisonment as he writes these letters, to let people know they were still on his mind and in his prayers. Can you imagine how these people felt knowing Paul was praying for them?

Who are you praying for? Who are you remembering in your prayers? I hope you have a prayer list of people you pray for daily, weekly or monthly. Praying for your own needs is important, but I believe praying for others is much more special to the ears of God. Remember and pray!

Father, bring to my remembrance those for whom I should pray for today.

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Bible, Friends, Ministry, Partner, Reconciled, Scripture

MAKING UP

COLOSSIANS 4:10

“Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’ cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him);”

Have you ever made up with an old friend? Once you make up, you both often realize how silly your dispute was in the beginning. There’s an old song that says, “Making up is hard to do.” Well, it is if we allow our flesh to stand in the way. But if we allow the Spirit of God to rule us, we will be quick to reconcile.

Paul mentions a couple of people who are with him during this imprisonment. He directly calls Aristarchus “my fellow prisoner.” He doesn’t call Mark a fellow prisoner, so he must have been free to leave and go to Colossae. It is noteworthy that Paul asks specifically for Mark to be welcomed by the church there. He was probably afraid they may have heard about the rift between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15) over Mark and hold that against him. Paul is giving Mark an introductory letter to the church there with his full confidence.

APPLICATION

Mark had undoubtedly matured and become, once again, a trusted partner in ministry with Paul. Mark must have also lost some of his fear of persecution (some think this was the reason he deserted Paul earlier). Why else would he have been there with Paul during this imprisonment? Perhaps Mark had been rebuilding his relationship with Paul since that first breach.

We are told in Ephesians 4:1-3, “1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Paul was a peacemaker. He had made peace with Mark. Is there someone you need to make peace with?

Maybe you’re saying, Well, it’s been too long. They would never forgive me now.” Wrong. We don’t know how long it took Paul and Mark to make up, but they did. It may have been months or years. The time doesn’t matter. Do it today. At least try. You may be spurned by that person. If so, forgive them anyway. Pray for them daily. Do all you can to reconcile and then leave the rest with God.

Father, help me to be a peace with all those around me.

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Attitude, Bible, Enemies, Friends, Scripture, Separation

PREVIOUS ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS

COLOSSIANS 1:21

“And although you were previously alienated and hostile in attitude, engaged in evil deeds,” 

As I get older, I realize I cannot do everything I used to could do. For instance, when I was in high school, I could bench press well over 350 lbs. Now, if I could do half of that I would be excited. What I could do previously is not possible today. But also, what I used to do behaviorally, I don’t do anymore. That previous lifestyle is dead to me. I don’t want to do those things anymore. That’s the point of today’s verse.

Paul says in today’s verse that that were “previously alienated and hostile in attitude.” Whew! That’s harsh, but it’s true. Just like the Colossians believers to whom Paul is writing, I also was alienated from God and hostile in my attitude towards Him. I was basically an enemy of God. But look what Paul says about that in Romans 5:10. “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”

APPLICATION

You and I were alienated from God before Jesus. That Greek word translated “alienated” is apallotrioó. Notice the “-oó” at the end. Whenever you see that on the end of a Greek word, the emphasis is more on the result of the action of that word and not the action itself. What is the result of being alienated? We are cut off and separated from God.

Then Paul says we are “hostile in attitude.” We have all seen that, haven’t we? The Greek word here is echthros which means an enemy, someone who hates you. Paul is saying we were separated and hateful. That was our lifestyle before Jesus. But we didn’t stay there, did we?

Go back to the beginning of the verse. Paul says we were “previously” this way. That little adverb pote changes everything. It denotes a change in status or condition. You were once that way, but now you are different. You were enemies with God, but now you are friends. You were separated and, now you are joined together. Thank God for changes, amen?

O Lord, You have changed my heart and mind to be more in line with Your heart and mind. I am forever grateful.

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Abiding, Affection, Bible, Choices, Commands, Friends, Gospel, Neighbors, Scripture

UNKNOWN

GALATIANS 1:22

“I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which are in Christ;”

In this day of Facebook, Instagram and other social media, it is harder and harder to not be known. People leave a digital footprint all over the place. You may not know somebody personally, but you are friends on the internet. I have friends all over the world, most of whom I have met. But there are some whom I have never met in person. I am known to them, but I am also not really known by them.

Paul stated in today’s verse that the churches of Judea (outside of Jerusalem) did not know who he was. He had not visited them. There were no pictures of Paul being circulated. He could have walked into any of those churches, and they would not have known who he was. Sure, his reputation as a Christian persecutor had spread quickly, but they did not know Paul, especially this new Paul who had been converted and was now preaching Jesus.

APPLICATION

Let me ask you a question. Who knows you? I mean, who really knows you? Do your neighbors know you love Jesus? I have to admit that a lot of the people who live on my street do not know me. Oh, they know I am the guy who drives by in his white pickup. They may have met me at an HOA meeting, but they don’t really know me.

Today’s verse has convicted me that I need to get to know my neighbors, not so much for me, but for them. I need to find out who they are spiritually. I have been placed where I live for a purpose. I have been given the opportunity to be a witness for Jesus right on my street. Would you pray for me that I could be a better neighbor and reach out to those who are literally all around me?

In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus asks the question – who proved to be a neighbor? If we answer as the lawyer did, we will get Jesus’ reply. Luke 10:37b “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do the same.’” We are commanded to take the healing balm of the Gospel to those around us. Will you join me in reaching your neighbors for Jesus?

Forgive me Father for not being more “neighborly” and reaching out to those who are all around me.

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Allies, Bible, Companions, Friends, Ministry, Scripture

WHO IS WITH YOU?

GALATIANS 1:2

“and all the brothers who are with me, to the churches of Galatia:”

I have mentioned in the past that I travel as part of my ministry with Every Man A Warrior. I really don’t mind traveling by myself, but it is so much better with others. Don’t you agree? Having someone with you allows you to share the experience. It allows you to have someone to get you out of jail (just kidding). It does allow you to have others to give witness to what you share with others about the trip. Traveling buddies are good.

Paul had some traveling buddies in his missionary journeys. Even though no specific person is mentioned in today’s verse, many scholars believe Titus was one of the brothers. He was usually with him on these trips, as was Timothy, Tychicus and Trophimus. Maybe it was a “T” thing, since all their names began with “T.” I know, that’s not funny. Regardless of who “and all my brothers” were, it was evident that Paul wanted companionship on these trips.

APPLICATION

It is so important to surround yourself with worthy traveling companions as you go through life. When I stop to think about it, I am blessed by a godly wife who has been by my side for over 38 years now. There have been so many “journeys” during those years covering five states and eight homes. She is truly a worthy traveling companion. I pray you have someone like that in your life.

Proverbs 12:26 gives us some great advice. “The righteous person is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” How about this one? Proverbs 24:6 says, “For by wise guidance you will wage war, and in an abundance of counselors there is victory.” One more – Proverbs 27:9 tells us, “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and a person’s advice is sweet to his friend.”

You get the picture. We need good companions around us. It does not have to be a spouse. It can be anyone who is following the Lord and wants to help you follow Him more closely. They would never lead you astray and suggest something that goes against the Word of God. Choose wisely.

Father, You have given me such great friends and colleagues. I am so thankful.

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Abundance, Bible, Calling, Counting, Friends, God's Will, Gospel, Judgment, Salvation, Scripture, Witnessing

A LITTLE MATH

ZECHARIAH 13:8

“‘And it will come about in all the land,’ declares the LORD, ‘that two parts in it will be cut off and perish; but the third will be left in it.’”

I used to be pretty good at math. I kind of naturally got the concepts. So, when we were taught fractions, I understood it.  Fast forward to adulthood. Who would have ever thought I would use those numbers again? But they come up all the time. Just about every day there is something to measure or weigh or divide. Thanks Mrs. Barry, for all those things you poured into my head.

The Lord did not need to be taught math concepts. He is the Creator of all things. He uses numbers in describing the judgment that would befall Israel. Scholars disagree whether this prophecy shared by Zechariah applied to Israel’s fall under Rome or a judgment yet to come. Either way, it had to be hard to hear that only one third would remain.

APPLICATION

We find similar measurements in other parts of the Bible. Look in 2 Samuel 8:2. “And He defeated Moab, and measured them with the line, making them lie down on the ground; and he measured two lines to put to death, and a full line to keep alive. And the Moabites became servants to David, bringing tribute.”

How about in Ezekiel 5:12? “A third of you will die by plague or perish by famine among you, a third will fall by the sword around you, and a third I will scatter to every wind, and I will unsheathe a sword behind them.” God has always measured judgment exactly.

Romans 11:5 tells us, “In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice.” God is always looking out for the remnant, those who will choose to follow Him. Unfortunately, the mass of people in this world will not. It is our job as believers to try to share with as many of them as we can.

While we are doing math, count the number of lost friends you have. How many are there? Now, how many of them are you going to share Jesus with this week? This year? Start counting the number of people you see come to Christ this year because of your friendship. God is counting every soul. We should too.

Father, help me be a better enumerator of souls that are won into your kingdom that are part of my circle of friends.

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Abuse, Affection, Bible, Blessing, Comfort, Commands, Deceit, Family, Friends, Goodness, Mercy, Scripture

DOING GOOD TO OTHERS

ZECHARIAH 7:10

“‘and do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.’”

When I read this verse today, I thought Who would hurt a widow or orphan? Who would mistreat a stranger or a poor person? However, I am very aware of the evil in this world. The intentions of man are not normally in tune with God’s principles. It’s a dog eat dog world, and some people will take anything from anyone at any time just to get ahead.

The Lord, through Zechariah, continues his instructions to the people. In verse 10 He expands His commands to include how to treat the widow, orphan, stranger and poor. The Hebrew word for “oppress” can be translated as deceive, defraud or violate. In other words, He is saying do not treat these people badly. All through Scripture we read how God cares for these individuals.

APPLICATION

I spent over thirty years caring for the “orphans.” My years in the child welfare field had me involved in residential care, foster care and adoptions. Nothing stirs the heart strings of people like sharing stories about these children. Is there a children’s home near you where you can volunteer? They always need volunteers. You will be blessed.

James 1:27 is one of my favorite verses. “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” Our good treatment of these individuals is pleasing to our heavenly Father because they are near to His heart.

Look around you. There are tons of opportunities for you to minister to this population. Widows and widowers need friends they can talk to. Orphans need loving families. The strangers and the poor need a hand up. Just ask the Lord how He could use you. You might just be surprised at His answer.

Open my eyes to people around me who need some love and compassion.

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Abiding, Bible, Compassion, Friends, Justice, Kindness, Neighbors, Obedience, Scripture

HOW TO TREAT OTHERS

ZECHARIAH 7:9

“This is what the LORD of armies has said: ‘Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother;’”

We have all heard about the “Golden Rule.” You know, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I have to admit – that is easier said than done. It is easy when dealing with a kind person. But when you have to deal with a real troublemaker, that is a little bit harder. These words in today’s verse really are convicting.

Zechariah pulls from Ezekiel and some other prophets and complies this list from the Lord. He says to show justice, kindness (mercy) and compassion. Easy enough, right? Wrong! But these are the Lord’s words, not Zechariah’s. It is God who is telling us how to treat others. Obviously, this was not being done by all the people. They needed a reminder.

APPLICATION

Jesus told us in Matthew 22 how to treat our neighbors. In verse 39 He says, “‘The second is like it, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”’” This comes from Leviticus 19:18 which reads, “‘Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your own people. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.’”

It both cases, this is the Lord speaking – Jesus and God. Just like in Zechariah, God is giving us direction on how to treat our neighbors. Treat them right (justice). Show them mercy. The Hebrew word here is hesed, which is a key word in regards to our relationship with God. And also show them compassion. This is a tender love often used to describe a mother’s love for her child.

Just this week I told my wife that I wanted to get to know our neighbors better. And now I read this verse. Coincidence? I don’t think so. I haven’t done a very good job of doing these three things to my neighbors. Will you pray that I will be able to do that better? I will pray that you can also.

Show me how to show justice, mercy and compassion to my neighbors, Lord.

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