Category Archives: Promises

Group of people raising hands toward radiant divine hands in the sky at sunset
Beloved, Bible, Enemies, Forgiveness, Gospel, Promises, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

ENEMIES AND BELOVED?

ROMANS 11:28

“In relation to the gospel they are enemies on your account, but in relation to God’s choice they are beloved on account of the fathers;”

How is it possible to love your enemy? It isn’t possible on our own. But you have read where Jesus tells us to do just that. In Matthew 5:43-45, we read His instructions He gave the people during the Sermon on the Mount. “43 ‘You have heard that it was said, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.” 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.’”

Paul had undoubtedly heard these words spoken by Jesus, either through word of mouth or perhaps he was present in the crowd listening in (this is pure conjecture on my part). But He also knew of God’s election of the Jewish nation and how much God loved them. Let’s take a look a look at the two words used to describe them in today’s verse – “enemies” and “beloved.”

APPLICATION

The word used by Paul here which is translated “enemies” is exthrós, which HELPS Word-studies describes as “someone openly hostile (at enmity), animated by deep-seated hatred. Exthros implies irreconcilable hostility, proceeding out of a ‘personal’ hatred bent on inflicting harm (DNTT).” This word is used to describe Satan and his demonic army of fallen angels who are bent on our destruction. That’s a pretty strong word to describe the unbelieving Jews. But this was referring to their actions toward the believing Gentiles. Paul knew this all too well. Remember he was on the way to Damascus to arrest and even perhaps kill followers of Christ when he met Jesus face to face.

The other word Paul uses is “beloved.” That’s the Greek word agapétos which is used to describe God’s relationship with the Jewish nation. No matter what they did, God still loved them. The Topical Lexicon says it this way. “Divine affection is not merely sentimental; it describes the covenantal bond established by the blood of Christ.” Christ’s blood was shed for the Jewish nation, even though many of them rejected it. God was still in covenant with them and sought to redeem them.

We have a choice today. We can be enemies of the cross or God’s beloved. Which do you prefer? One holds certain judgment and damnation while the other promises eternal security and living in the presence of the Lord. One invites struggles and hardship while the other gives us the power to face life’s uncertainties knowing the One Who can calm any storm. 1 John 4:7 tells us, “Beloved, let’s love one another; for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

Father, I am grateful that I am one of Your beloveds. You love me with an everlasting love. 

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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Grafted olive tree branch tied with twine in an orchard
Bible, Grafted, Promises, Redemption, Return, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

THE RETURN

ROMANS 11:24

“For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?”

I can’t help but think about the story of the prodigal son when I read today’s verse in Romans. You know the story. The younger son of a man demanded his inheritance so he could go away and basically squander it. He rejected his father and his family and clung to worldly things. How did that end for him? In a pigpen wanting to eat what they were eating. So, the Word says, “he came to himself” and decided to return home. He was welcomed with open arms and a feast.

Paul tells us in verse 24 above that those Jews who have rejected Jesus will be welcomed back into the “olive tree” of God if they return. They will be welcomed back with open arms. They will be grafted back into “their own olive tree.” There’s room for all. Isn’t that amazing? God is waiting to welcome all who have turned away. He does not hold grudges.

APPLICATION

What’s all this talk about an olive tree? The Topical Lexicon gives us a picture of this symbolism. “Paul draws on this well-known imagery to explain God’s redemptive program (Romans 11:17–24). Israel is the cultivated olive whose nourishing root is the patriarchal covenant promise; believing Gentiles are the wild shoot graciously grafted in.” It goes on to say, “The illustration safeguards two truths: (1) the continuing faithfulness of God to ethnic Israel—“’how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree’ (verse 24); and (2) the unity of Jew and Gentile in one redeemed people, sharing one root and one life. The horticultural image repudiates replacement theology while urging humility, perseverance and hope.”

I know that was a long quote, but I felt it gave a clear picture of the imagery Paul was using in talking about the Jews and Gentiles. Isn’t it great that Gentile believers are now knit together with believing Jews into the same root and tree. The root of Jesse is Jesus. We are joined for eternity because of Jesus.

Do you know someone who has turned their back on God and walked away? It is never too late for them to return. Let me rephrase that. As long as someone still has breath and the Lord has not called His church home, there is time for them to return. God will welcome them home, just like He does the Jew who finds Jesus. As followers of Christ, it is our calling to bring as many as we can with us to our eternal home. Tell His story and let Jesus do the calling.

Oh Lord, thank You for grafting me into Your tree and for “regrafting” any Jew who returns 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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Woman with party hat at table under 'Pity Party' sign with sad face cupcakes and balloons
1 Kings, Alone, Bible, Faithfulness, Fear, Promises, Romans, Scripture, Victory

WOE IS ME!

ROMANS 11:3

“Lord, ‘THEY HAVE KILLED YOUR PROPHETS, THEY HAVE TORN DOWN YOUR ALTARS, AND I ALONE AM LEFT, AND THEY ARE SEEKING MY LIFE.’”

Have you ever felt that it was you against the world? Maybe you have had a run of bad luck, or a friend has turned against you. It is so easy to start a pity party. The problem with those parties is that you are usually the only one that shows up. We all know who wants to keep us feeling that way, don’t we? The devil may not be able to rob you of your salvation, but he is happy just taking you out of the fight. Don’t let that happen.

Paul recounts the story of Elijah in today’s verse. Do you remember the context of this story? Go back and read 1 Kings 18. Elijah had just had a tremendous victory over the prophets of Baal. He should have been on cloud nine, but instead, he flees from Jezebel who sought his life. He complains to God that only he was left alone to serve him. Boy, was he mistaken! We’ll see God’s answer to him in tomorrow’s verse. But let this verse sink in today. Are you feeling like Elijah, all alone and vulnerable?

APPLICATION

The passage Paul quotes is taken from 1 Kings 19:10. Let’s back up to verse 9 to get the full picture. “9 Then he came there to a cave and spent the night there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ 10 And he said, ‘I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of armies; for the sons of Israel have abandoned Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they have sought to take my life.’” Man, Elijah was in a bad way. He was hiding in a cave from Jezebel right after God had given him a tremendous demonstration of His power and might over the false god Baal.

You may not be hiding in a cave, but you may be hiding in your bedroom. You may be in a pit of depression. Is that where the Lord wants you? Of course not! To use Paul’s expression which we saw earlier, “May it never be!” Don’t allow Satan to rob you of your joy. Don’t let him pull you down. As followers of Christ, we walk in victory. Jesus defeated death and the grave and has given us authority over the devil. Claim that and walk in it.

I have had my own moments of doubt when I went through a dark time. People abandoned me. People betrayed me. Others may not have sought my life, but they sure wanted to tear me down. Some even spoke lies against me. But God was and still is faithful. We will see tomorrow how God woke Elijah up and gave him a renewed purpose. Let Him do the same for you. Stand up, shake it off and reclaim your victorious walk with Him. You are not alone!

Thank You, Father, for never abandoning me. You are always right there.

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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Large mound of gold coins, jewel-encrusted crowns, and pearls in a dark stone vault.
Bible, Blessing, Promises, Riches, Romans, Scripture

HIS RICHES – OUR RICHES

ROMANS 10:12

“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;”

We are all alike. Yep, we may have different ethnicities, skin colors or eye colors, but molecularly we are all made out of the same stuff. So, why is there such an emphasis on separating us into our little subcultures? The United States was founded by immigrants from around the world who came here and for the most part assimilated into the American culture. Sure, there were pockets of people groups, but we were all Americans. That has seemingly fractured some in the past few decades. That’s sad.

Jesus, however, broke down all those barriers. Paul tells us that through Him “there is no distinction.” Can you imagine Jews hearing that they were no better than the Gentiles? No wonder they tried to kill Paul over and over. But I want us to look at what Christ brings us. Paul says Jesus is “abounding in riches for all who call on Him.” What a promise? What are His riches? Let’s take a look.

APPLICATION

The Greek word translated “abounding in riches” is plouteó which comes “from ploutizo; to be (or become) wealthy (literally or figuratively) — be increased with goods, (be made, wax) rich.” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). The word is used a dozen times in the New Testament. It is the word used to describe the Laodicean church which claimed to be “wealthy” and in no need of anything. In most of the instances where plouteó is used, it refers to earthly wealth. But Paul uses it here to describe the riches of Christ which He gives to us.

In 2 Corinthians 8:9, Paul uses the word again to talk about this same act of Christ. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” So, again, how does He make us rich? How about this list?

Redemption and forgiveness, adoption and inheritance, His grace, the Holy Spirit, eternal life and hope, spiritual transformation, wisdom and knowledge, and provisions for every need. Do I need to go on?

There’s an old hymn, “Count Your Many Blessings,” which I believe fits this verse perfectly. The chorus goes like this:

Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count yours today.

Thank You, Lord, for blessing me with riches that are too many to count.

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

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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Answers, Asking, Bible, Prayer, Promises, Romans, Scripture

GOD IS SPECIFIC

ROMANS 9:7

“nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants, but: “THROUGH ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE NAMED.”

Isn’t it frustrating when you are trying to get an answer out of someone and all you get are vague responses? My wife accuses me of that. She asks me a simple question, and I launch into this complicated, more-than-she-asked-for response. As Joe Friday used to say, “Just the facts, ma’am.” I am thankful God doesn’t give us disguised answers and make us guess what He is up to.

In today’s verse, Paul refers back to Genesis 21:12 when God told Abraham, “‘Do not be distressed because of the boy and your slave woman; whatever Sarah tells you, listen to her, for through Isaac your descendants shall be named.’” His lineage would not come through a slave. Ishmael was not the answer. Isaac was! God named the specific child through whom He would bless Abraham.

APPLICATION

What are you asking the Lord for right now? Be bold and ask for a specific answer. I have a friend who prayed for a wife. But he didn’t just pray for a wife. He prayed for God to give him a wife shorter than he was, lighter skinned than he was and even a left-handed wife. He got specific. Needless to say, on their first date when that shorter, light-skinned woman picked up her fork with the left hand he shouted, “Hallelujah!” That may sound funny, but he got specific in his prayers.

Do you think God wants your family to live in peace with each other? Of course, He does. Do you need a specific answer to a specific prayer? Ask Him for it. Perhaps you need healing from an illness. Ask Him to heal you. You may need money to pay a specific bill. Ask Him for it. Then believe He hears and wants to bless you.

We are told in 1 John 5:14-15, “14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.” Do you believe God’s Word? Then believe this. Make His will your will so that your will will be His will. Get specific with God because He is a specific God.

Father, I believe You know exactly what I need and when I need it. Thank You for being so specific in my life.

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, Promises, Romans, Scripture, Trust, Trustworthy

GOD’S WORD NEVER FAILS

ROMANS 9:6

“But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel;”

Promises are meant to be kept, not broken. Have you ever made a promise to someone that you had no intention on keeping? That would be horrible and an outright lie. We make promises all the time, don’t we? We promise to have and to hold from this day forward… But so many marriages fail. We promise to pay a debt but spend our money elsewhere and end up in bankruptcy. We make promises to our children just to get them to behave. That is not how God operates. What He says, He means.

As Paul is reflecting on the state of his kinsmen, he says this basic truth about God – “not as though the word of God has failed.” I am instantly remembering one of my favorite memory verses from Joshua 21:45. “Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; everything came to pass.” Do you believe that? God has promised us a heavenly home. Do you believe that? I sure do.

APPLICATION

Although the Jewish nation was chosen by God to be the vessel through which He would bring His Son to save mankind, not all those who called themselves Jews understood this. In John 8:44, Jesus confronts these individuals with some rather harsh words. “‘You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father.’” Woah! They were Jews but were behaving like the devil’s children. We could say the same today of some who are in the church, couldn’t we?

Although God rejected the Jewish nation when they rejected Jesus as Messiah, He still has a plan for them. That’s a whole other topic for another day. Suffice it to say that God is not done with Israel yet. Why? Because God’s Word has not failed. His promises are still true. He will offer redemption to them again. Of course, it is offered every day, if they would just choose it.

What is your favorite promise from God’s Word? Do a search of God’s promises and see which one you can claim as your very own. I love Hebrews 13:5, “for He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER ABANDON YOU,’” Also Philippians 4:19 reassures me daily. “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Amen? Trust His promises. They always come true.

Lord, I give You praise for Your many promises You have made and kept in my life. I know You are the One Who can always be trusted.

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, Blessed, Christ, Fathers, Heritage, Promises, Romans, Scripture

WHAT A HERITAGE!

ROMANS 9:5

“whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.”

I wish I had more time to dig into my family heritage. I never really talked to my parents about their deep family heritage. I sure wish I had. I know nothing about my father’s extended family. I am thankful for the genealogy sites out there that can help us find that information. I have mentioned before that I have traced the Willis line back to 1555 in England. I wonder how many of those ancestors knew Jesus. I’ll find out one day, won’t I?

Paul goes into the last two points of his kinsmen’s heritage before ending the verse with an exaltation to Christ. Paul is undoubtedly thinking about Abraham, Issac and Jacob. Perhaps Moses or Elijah or Jeremiah were on his mind. These were the “fathers” he mentions here. But the high claim is that through his nation came Jesus Christ in the flesh. God chose the Jewish nation to bring forth the Savior of all mankind. Praise be to God for His faithfulness.

APPLICATION

This is not a verse that needs a lot of deep interpretation. It’s pretty straightforward. The question is then, what do we do with it. Remember, every single word in the Scriptures is God-breathed. For me, I believe the Lord is, first of all, reminding me of the importance of my legacy. It should not be about making a great name for myself. It should only be about making Him known. I want my family to remember me as man who sought to please the Lord in all he did. That’s legacy enough for me.

Secondly, this verse today commands me to glorify Jesus for all He has done and the Father for sending Him. Look at Paul’s words again. “the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever.” It seems Paul just bursts out in praise for Jesus. Shouldn’t we do the same? May the praise of Jesus be always on our minds and tongues. Afterall, He is “over all.”

I want to encourage you today to walk in Christ as if this is the last day on earth for you. What would you do differently if you knew that? Who would you reach out to? Strive to leave your name representing Him. Representing means we re-present Him. That requires us to live it out and talk about it. Present Christ to someone today. Tell the story of how He changed your life and how He can change theirs. Just be Jesus today.

I am so thankful for my earthly heritage but so much more thankful, Lord, to be in the heritage of Christ. I belong to His family now.

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, Cross, Death, Eternal Life, Jesus, Life, Promises, Scripture

DIED ONCE FOR ALL

ROMANS 6:9

“knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him.”

As a lifelong Baptist I have heard the whole debate about crosses verses crucifixes. A lot of my Baptist friends will argue that since Christ is alive and was resurrected, we should not have a symbol of Him remaining on the cross. My Catholic friends see the crucifix as a reminder of the sacrifice of Christ on that cross. They know He is alive and resurrected. Honestly, I don’t have a problem with the crucifix. To me it’s no different than watching a movie about the crucifixion each year. Let’s just agree to celebrate His sacrifice. Amen?

Paul knew that Christ had been raised from the dead. He had spoken to Him on that road to Emmaus. He knew Jesus’ shed His divine blood once for all mankind. He knew He had defeated death and the grave. Today’s verse is a reminder to us all of the supreme sacrifice and our promise of eternal life with Him one day. Understand this – for a follower of Christ the dominion of death has expired.

APPLICATION

Two of the verbs in today’s verse need to be explained. “Is…to die again” is in the Present Indicative Active. That verb tense is an ongoing action of the verb. Paul is saying that Christ is no longer dying constantly. He is not suffering for us now. He is advocating for us. He’s at the right hand of the Father. He died ONCE for all.

The other verb to look at is translated as “is..master.” It literally reads in the Greek “no longer rules over.” It’s the Greek word kurieuó and is also in the Present Indicative Active. Strong’s defines it as “have dominion over, exercise lordship over.” Death is not ruling over Jesus. Just the opposite, in fact. He defeated death. When He was resurrected, death saw its last day of dominion over mankind. Those who follow Jesus walk in that victory.

Where are you today in regard to Christ’s death and resurrection? I pray you have made that decision to follow Him. If you have, walk in that victory that is yours through Jesus. There is absolutely no reason to feel defeated. Trust Him to show you each day how to handle those situations that test you. He wants to see you living victoriously, not defeated. Remember, He died and arose again for you. This is an eternal promise from the Father.

O God, I praise You that I have victory of sin and the grave because of Jesus’ shed blood and His victory over death.

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, Death, Eternal Life, Life, Promises, Scripture

IF HE…THEN WE

ROMANS 6:8

“Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,”

One key parenting skill is teaching our children cause and effect. You can do that by saying to them, “If you do this, then this will happen.” For example, if you clean up your room, then you can have some extra video time. You get it. It’s important, though, to make sure if they do what you ask them, then you have to follow through with the “then.” Promises made equal promises kept.

Paul tells us in today’s verse that if we are dead to our sins because of our trust in Christ, then we shall live in Him. That’s a pretty good promise, isn’t it? In Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible there is this commentary on the last half of today’s verse. There was a lot more, but I chose to just include the following. “and are therefore under the greatest obligation, whilst here on earth, to live, not in sin, but to righteousness, and to his praise and glory; with whom they are now dead to sin, and with whom they not only hope, but believe they shall live throughout the endless ages of eternity.” That’s a wonderful explanation.

APPLICATION

How shall we apply this verse today? One is so clear in the first part of the verse. We must die with Christ daily. We must give up all our wants and desires to Him. We have no rights as crucified followers of Christ. All our rights are nailed to the cross. Does that mean we are powerless and helpless? Far from. It. Look at the second part.

Paul says, “we believe.” Don’t read that and just blow right past it. That is critical. So many believers make the decision to follow Christ but fail to believe in in His promises. We have to trust. We have to believe. We have to have faith in what He says is true.

Finally, Paul says, “we shall also live with Him.” That’s incredible. Paul is not referring to our future life with Him in heaven, though that is true. He is talking about our daily walk with Him now. We can live with Christ today. We can live for Him now. Every decision we make needs to flow from the Master. Every step we take is to be taken with Him.

You have to walk pretty close to someone on the beach to follow their footprints because the waves come in and wash them away. The same goes with Christ. We should be right on His heels every step. If He says something, we do it. If He guides us somewhere, we go. If – Then!

Father, I want to do whatever, whenever and however You lead. If You say it, then I will do it.

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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