Category Archives: Glory

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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Man in gray blazer with skeptical facial expression talking to a woman in an art gallery
Awe, Bible, Conceit, Fear, Glory, Honor, Humility, Romans, Scripture

CONCEITED

ROMANS 11:20

“Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear;”

We’ve all known people who were full of themselves. Conceited hardly comes close to describing them. They are sure the world revolves around them. This comes out in their tardiness to any event or in their assumptions about the way they think you should treat them. These individuals usually think they can do no wrong. Any trouble they have is automatically someone else’s fault.

Paul has already warned the Gentile readers of this letter about being arrogant (verse 18) and now he tells them to not be conceited. Actually, the Greek is two Greek words which can be translated as “high minded.” The New Living Translation uses this language, “So don’t think highly of yourself.” Conceit and arrogance should have no place in a believer’s life. Humility is what we are called to by the Lord as we follow His example.

APPLICATION

We are warned not to allow spiritual pride to enter our lives. You may ask how you can become spiritually proud. You may brag about how many times a week you go to church. You may think you are more spiritual because you give more to missions. You could even exhibit this spiritual ego in how you serve, always drawing attention to what you do in the church. Spiritual pride is a precursor to a spiritual fall.

I used to sing a lot in church. I was part of the choir, praise teams and sang solos. I love to sing, but I often cringed when attention was paid to me for a song I had sung. I never wanted to be recognized for that. I wanted all the attention to be directed to Jesus as I sang. The last thing I wanted to be accused of was conceit. That would nullify any honor or praise to my Lord.

Let all your actions for the Lord be grounded in humility. If He exalts you for something, accept that. But don’t expect recognition. Never seek recognition. Let it come to you. Don’t allow the devil to rob you of your joy in serving Jesus because your flesh has reveled in your own glory. That does not honor the Lord. Paul ends the verse by telling them to “fear.” Be in awe of what He has done for you and point all the glory back to Him. Amen?

Lord, I bow before You today as Your humble servant who only wants to bring You honor.

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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Busy urban street with crosswalk, cars, bus, trees, and pedestrians
Bible, Glorified, Glorify, Glory, Ministry, Romans, Scripture

GIVE HONOR TO YOUR WORK

ROMANS 11:13

“But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Therefore, insofar as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry”

I had a conversation last week with a friend about making plans for the next few years. As I approach retirement age, I am looking ahead to backing off on my ministry obligations and focusing more on my family, especially my wife. This friend reminded me that my first ministry is to my family. I know that and have tried to maintain the proper priorities in my life. But as I look toward these next few years, I know I need to reprioritize that first ministry even more. I need to honor it as God does.

At first glance, if you just read today’s verse in English, you may think Paul is bragging about his ministry. He said, “I magnify my ministry.” Now, I’ve seen some pretty proud ministers in my life, but this is NOT what Paul is saying. I don’t usually lean on the New International Version, but in this case, I like how it puts this statement. It says, “I take pride in my ministry.” That’s the thought behind Paul’s statement. He was proud and honored to be the apostle to the Gentiles.

APPLICATION

The Greek word used here for “magnify” is a fairly commonly used word in the New Testament, occurring 62 times. It is most often translated as “glorify.” One great example of this word is found in John 13:31-32. “31 Therefore when he had left, Jesus said, ‘Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him; 32 if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately.” Five times this word is used in these two verses. Listen closely. Everything we do should be done to glorify the Father. Any ministry He has given us is for His glory, not ours.

Who are you glorifying today? Are you taking pride in what you have accomplished? Now, there is nothing wrong with having pride for your accomplishments, as long as you give credit to the One who made it all possible. Taking pride in your ministry, honoring the work God has given you to do, is important. By doing that you will strive to do your very best.

Martin Luther King Jr. famously urged that if a person is called to be a street sweeper, they should sweep streets so well that “all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street-sweeper who did his job well.” Let your work glorify God. Let your ministry efforts have the right priority, just as I am reevaluating my own. Glorify the One who deserves all the glory and honor.

You alone are worthy of glory and honor, O God. Let my work bring glory to You. 

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, Glory, Mercy, Revelation, Romans, Scripture

TO MAKE KNOWN

ROMANS 9:23

“And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon objects of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory,”

In my role as Global Ministry Shepherd, I converse with our ministry leaders around the world by Zoom, WhatsApp or Google Meet all the time. I have had to learn how to communicate clearly to these men considering our language and cultural barriers. It doesn’t do any good to talk if I am unable to clearly make known what we are talking about. As I get to know these men, it becomes easier and easier to communicate.

Paul uses a phrase here, “to make known,” that is important. He actually says that God wants to make known, “the riches of His glory.” Paul uses that same phrase in Ephesians 1:18 which reads, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,” I love how Gill’s Exposition describes this. “And that he might make known the riches of his glory,…. That is, his glorious riches, the perfections of his nature, his love, grace, and mercy, his wisdom, power, faithfulness, justice, and holiness; all which are most evidently displayed in the salvation of his people, here calledmvessels of mercy, which he hath afore prepared unto glory.” Isn’t that beautiful?

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “to make known” is gnórizó which “consistently describes an intentional act of communication that moves truth from hiddenness into clarity. Whether the subject is God, the incarnate Son, or the apostolic witness, the term always assumes both the reality of objective divine truth and the responsibility to communicate it faithfully.” (Topical Lexicon) God isn’t trying to keep this stuff secret. He wants to reveal His glory to us.

Deuteronomy 29:29 is a great verse about God’s revealing things to us. “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, so that we may follow all the words of this Law.” God’s purpose for making known these things to us is so that we can be obedient. How cool is that?

It’s kind of like me making known things to our ministry leaders in other countries. We want to help them follow the training tools we are giving them, so we “reveal” these to them. Then they can use them (obey the guidelines) to train others. There is no greater honor than for us to make known God’s mercy to others. Spread that knowledge to whomever you can. We all need to know that. Amen?

Father, I am forever grateful that You reveal Your glory to us and shower us with mercy and grace.

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, Glory, Hope, Patience, Perseverance, Romans, Scripture, Steadfast

PATIENCE THROUGH PRESSURE

ROMANS 8:25

“But if we hope for what we do not see, through perseverance we wait eagerly for it.”

Waiting is no fun, is it? My wife will tell you that I am not a patient waiter. If we decide to go out to eat somewhere and we drive up and find a wait of longer than 30 minutes, I am ready to go somewhere else. I’m not under any pressure if I decide to sit and wait. I had just rather not spend time in a cramped waiting area or waiting outside to get a seat in the restaurant. Isn’t that why God made drive-throughs? Lol

The kind of waiting Paul is describing is important. We’ve already seen his comments about hoping in things we do not see. But in today’s verse he adds something. He says, “through perseverance we wait eagerly for it.” Not exactly my cup of tea, if you know what I mean. The Greek word for “perseverance” is hypomonē which “conveys steadfast endurance that clings to God in the face of pressure. More than passive waiting, it is active, faith-filled perseverance that refuses to abandon obedience or hope.” (Topical Lexicon)

APPLICATION

So, let’s talk about that perseverance. The writer of Hebrews says in Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us,…” If you have ever run a race, you know it takes perseverance. I am not a runner, but I do walk a good bit. The first mile is always the easiest. You’re fresh and ready to go. By mile two the legs get warmed up and you get a second wind. However, around mile three, you start feeling it. Do you bear up under? Do you persevere under pressure. You do if you want to finish that walk/run and get home.

Ah! That’s what Paul is saying. We persevere to reach home, that thing we are hoping for which we have not seen but are fully convinced is waiting. James says the same thing in James 1:2-4. “2 Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” The word “endurance” there is hypomonē.

On the days you are struggling, remember these words. Remember that your perseverance under pressure will be rewarded. You have the hope of glory awaiting you. It is worth the struggle. I am not saying every day will be a struggle. But we will all have those days when it seems God has forsaken us. He hasn’t! Take this last verse with you today. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 says, “May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the perseverance of Christ.” Amen!

I shall persevere, O Lord, for I know in Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able!   

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, Flesh, Glory, Heaven, Romans, Scripture, Sin

HARD WORDS TO HEAR

ROMANS 8:20

“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope”

Do you remember as a child when your parents said, “This is for your own good”? Usually, that involved a spanking or some type of discipline for you to learn by. I never understood (or believed) that until I had children of my own and found myself saying the same thing. Sometimes the only way we can learn valuable lessons is go through a trial or perhaps even discipline. (Hebrews 12:11)

Today’s verse is a little difficult to comprehend at first glance. Can I boil it down for you? As followers of Christ, we are subjected to sin and all the consequences of it. God could have chosen to save us and then take us directly to heaven. Instead, He left us here on earth for a reason. Why would He do that? Didn’t He know it would be difficult for us? Didn’t He know we would fail and lapse into sin from time to time? Didn’t He know we would face discouragement in the midst of these trials?

APPLICATION

You know I reference Albert Barnes a lot in my blogs. Well, he gives some good reasons why God allows us to remain here and to be subjected to sin after we are saved. Look at these examples he gives: “1. Christians are subjected to this state to do good to their fellow sinners. 2. By their remaining here the power of the gospel is shown in overcoming their sin; in meeting their temptations; in sustaining them in trial; and in thus furnishing living evidence to the world of the power and excellency of that gospel. 3. It furnishes occasion for some interesting exhibitions of character – for hope, and faith, and love, and for increasing and progressive excellence. 4. It is a proper training for heaven. 5. It is fit and proper that he should engage here in the service of Him who has redeemed him.”

Now, these examples Barnes gives are not straight from Scripture, but each could be shown true in Scripture. For whatever reason God has chosen to leave us here, it is good because He is good and all that He does is good. We may not understand it now, but we can trust in His goodness. God is preparing us all for a future glory. Doesn’t that give you hope?

As you go through your own life lessons, lean on the truth of God’s Word. He has given us freedom from the penalty of sin and the power to refrain from it. He has not saved us to make us suffer here in our sinful, fleshy bodies. No, He has saved us to be a shining example of His power through fallen man. Trust in His power, not your own, to overcome the sinful desires in your life. He is able!

Lord, I so desire to be with You in glory but use me while I am here to show Your glory to others.

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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Anticipation, Bible, Glory, Revelation, Romans, Scripture, Waiting

EAGERLY AWAITING

ROMANS 8:19

“For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God.”

I watched this movie recently about a young girl who ran cross country. She overcame some great obstacles, including battling asthma, to win a state championship. Even though that race is a long distance race, it was won at the very end by just inches as she fell forward across the finish line in front of the previous state champion runner. It was literally a photo finish.

Why do I bring that up? Because the Greek word used by Paul which is translated “eagerly” gives us that picture. It’s the word apokaradokía “(from apó, ‘away from’; kara, ‘the head’; and dokéō, ‘thinking’) – properly, thinking forward (literally with head out-stretched), referring to eager, intense expectation.” (HELPS Word-studies). The word is used twice (here in today’s verse and Philippians 1:20). Paul’s use of the word here shows his keen desire for us to see the future of our glorified bodies. He can hardly contain himself.

APPLICATION

In Philippians 1:20 Paul uses apokaradokía when he writes, “according to my eager expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” Not only do we see our glorified bodies being eagerly sought, but we also anticipate that our current bodies are a means in which Christ is exalted. Don’t you just love that? We are to be always eagerly anticipating Christ’s work in our lives, now and in the future.

Can you honestly say that you’re eagerly anticipating these things? We all look forward to heaven, but most of us are in no hurry to get there. The older I get, the more my head strains toward that finish line. Don’t get me wrong. I love my life and what Christ is doing in and through me. But I am more and more ready for that day when I will see my Savior face to face. How about you?

More importantly, though, I have to ask myself if I am as eager to see Christ exalted in my mortal flesh, this earthly body. Every day I should strain myself towards that goal so that I can draw others to Him. I have to admit that I don’t do that as often. My prayer for you and for me is that we will be so busy straining our heads to exalt Jesus that the coming glory we will experience will just be icing on the cake. Will you join me?

Lord, I am stretching forth to reach all that You have for me, both now and later.

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, Eternal Life, Glory, Romans, Scripture, Suffering

SUFFERINGS AND GLORY

ROMANS 8:18

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Have you every endured some kind of suffering knowing that in the end it would be worth it? Take weight-lifting for instance. We push ourselves and cause momentary pain in our muscles so that we can get stronger and be able to do what we want to do physically. I remember vividly how Coach Powell pushed us in the weight room as football players. We didn’t appreciate all those off season hours in the gym until we hit the field in the fall. Then our strength we had built through pain paid off.

Paul knew all about suffering. He had endured his fair share of it. In 2 Corinthians 6:4-5 he shares some of his experiences of suffering. “4 but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in difficulties, 5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in mob attacks, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger,…” Did you notice how he started that? He said, “as servants of God.” You have to remember this through the suffering.

APPLICATION

We have to also remember why we even have suffering. Matthew Henry says it well. “Sin has been, and is, the guilty cause of all the suffering that exists in the creation of God. It has brought on the woes of earth; it has kindled the flames of hell. As to man, not a tear has been shed, not a groan has been uttered, not a pang has been felt, in body or mind, that has not come from sin.” So, as long as we are in this mortal body, we are open to suffering because of sin. This sin may or may not be of our own making. But all suffering is a teacher.

But Paul doesn’t stop with his talk of suffering. No! He says it doesn’t compare with “the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Hallelujah! Picture a scale you would use to weigh out seed or grain. On one side you have the weights you use to measure the amount of seed or grain you put on the opposite side. When the scale is balanced, you know you have the correct amount of weight. Sufferings will never outweigh our coming glory. Paul says they are incomparable.

The image of a mother right after birth of a baby just popped into my head. The intense suffering of childbirth gives way to indescribable joy as she holds that little life. That, beloved, is what Paul is saying in today’s verse. Any and all suffering we may endure will quickly fade away as we receive the glory He has promised. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.

Dear Lord, let my sufferings remind me of the coming glory.

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, Eternity, Glorify, Glory, Heaven, Life, Scripture

LIVE TO GOD

ROMANS 6:10

“For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all time; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.”

It’s funny how your life changes from season to season. I’m talking about seasons of life. When I was younger and single, I lived for Carl. All I thought about was doing what was good for me. I wasn’t a horrible person, but my priority was ME. When I got married and had children all that changed. Now, my priority was to my family. I worked to provide for them. I lived to protect them, to teach my children and hopefully live a life worth imitating in the eyes of God. Priorities shift, don’t they?

Jesus’s priorities never shifted. Before He came to earth, He lived to give glory to God. As a man on earth, He lived a life that pointed every to God. And now that He is in heaven, He still lives to point everything to His Father. Talking about consistency! Paul tells us in today’s verse, “the life that He lives (meaning now in heaven at the righthand side of the Father), He lives to God.” He points us all to the glory of the Father.

APPLICATION

Barnes has a wonderful explanation of Jesus’ life now and what that means for us as Christ’s followers. “He seeks to promote his glory. The argument of Paul is this: Christians by their profession are united to him. They are bound to imitate him. As he now lives only to advance the glory of God; as all his mighty power, now that he is raised from the dead, and elevated to his throne in heaven, is exerted to promote his glory; so should their powers, being raised from the death of sin, be exerted to promote the glory of God.”

Do you measure your plans and decisions against that metric? Are you seeking to give glory to the Father? It is so easy to make our plans and decisions and then ask the Father to bless them. Instead, we should be going to the Father first and ask Him what His plans are. Do you recall Jeremiah 29:11? “‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”

Before you make a list of New Year’s resolutions, consult the Lord. He may change your path drastically. He may point you toward someone you need to disciple. But whatever you do, be like Jesus and point it all to God. Give Him the glory for all He does in and through you.

Father God, You have ordained my days and given me a path to follow. I want to stay close by Your side each and every day.

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, Glory, Gospel, Salvation, Scripture, Sin

THE ROMAN ROAD BEGINS

ROMANS 3:23

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

Today’s verse is often quoted as part of the “Roman Road.” The following verses in Romans walks someone through the steps to receive their salvation in Christ:

  1. Romans 3:23 is the first step. One must recognize they are a sinner. This is today’s verse.
  2. The next step is Romans 6:23 which shows us the “wages of sin is death,” but God’s gift is eternal life through Jesus Christ.
  3. The third step is shown in Romans 5:8. It tells us God demonstrates His love by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
  4. Fourth is Romans 10:9-10. I mentioned these verses in yesterday’s blog. They tell us “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
  5. And finally we see a promise in Romans 10:13. “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  

APPLICATION

I think the application is pretty clear in today’s verse. We have to admit that we are sinners in need of a Savior. Otherwise, we will drive blindly off the cliff of eternity into the pit of hell. In 1 Timothy 6:9, Paul is addressing the danger of sinful behaviors, especially greed. But this verse fits here today. “But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction.” The Greek word for “plunge” is used one other time in Luke 5:7 when the disciples boats began to sink due to the large catch of fish. What a great picture of our verse today. Sin causes us to sink deeper and deeper.

But thanks be to God, we have an answer to this seemingly hopeless situation. God sent His Son Jesus to die to redeem us back to Himself. We “fall short” of God’s glory. We “fall short” of salvation on our own. The Greek word there is hustereos. The Topical Lexicon says this about the that word. “In the narrative arc of Scripture, human lack becomes the canvas upon which God paints redemption. Where hustereos surfaces, grace is poised to abound.” His grace is sufficient for us. Praise the Lord.

Are you falling short of God’s glory? Then stop trying and trust Him. He has already paid for the penalty of sin in your life. He can give you the freedom from sin you so desperately crave. Follow that Roman Road to salvation, if you haven’t already. If you have, share it with someone today.

Father God, thank You for redeeming me when I fell so short of Your glory.

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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