Category Archives: Promises

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

LORD OF CREATION

HEBREWS 1:10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Fresco of Christ and God the Father with the Holy Spirit
Application, Bible, Glory, Hebrews, Majesty, Promises, Sacrifice, Scripture

DONE WITH THAT

HEBREWS 1:3

“And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”

As I write this devotion I have just sat down from a long day that began at 6 a.m. It’s been a 13 hour day. Whew! But I am now sitting in my recliner upstairs doing some writing and relaxing. I love my recliner. I have taken quite a few naps in this thing. It is my place of refuge after a long day. When I plop down my wife knows I am done, I have finished for the day. No more chores for me today.

The writer of Hebrews goes on in today’s verse to describe Jesus as “the radiance of His glory.” He is just like the Father in nature and power. Then the writer tells us what He did for us. “He made purification of sins.” That’s important! His divine blood was the perfect sacrifice to cleanse us eternally. But I want to focus today on the last phrase of the verse – “He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Jesus was done. He didn’t have a recliner like me, but His throne is just as comfortable. After all, He is sitting there for eternity.

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

In today’s verse we obviously see a promise to claim. His sacrifice paid the price for our salvation. That salvation is a promise He has made to us once we believe in His name and receive Him as our Lord and Savior (John 1:12). What a promise! Is there a greater promise than that? If you know of one, let me know. And this promise was made to everyone who chooses to follow Him. Hallelujah!

There’s another promise – He sat down next to the Father. Do you understand the significance of that? In Psalms 110:1 we read, “The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’” Christ’s position next to the Father symbolizes power and authority. He had done what the Father had asked of Him. He came to earth and died for mankind. Now He is highly exalted, being one with the Father. This act of sitting promises us that no other work is required of Him or us. He has finished it all.

I believe there is also an application to make in our verse. We need to take the time to reflect on His majesty more often. We need to lift praise to Him in song, making melody in our hearts to the Lord. We need to live like we believe in what He has done for us. Can we do that today? I know He would be pleased.

Lord, I thank You for the finished work of Christ and for His sacrifice for me.

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

A NEW SPOKESMAN

HEBREWS 1:2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Water overflowing from a glass mason jar onto a wooden table
Bible, Completeness, Filled, Holy Spirit, Promises, Romans, Scripture

FULLNESS

ROMANS 15:29

“I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.”

There’s a Christian song that has a line in the chorus that says, “And now I’m filled to overflowing.” Have you ever felt that full? Maybe you had an experience and could not wait to tell someone about it. I can remember many times when a child in one of the children’s homes where I served accepted Christ and could not wait to call their mom or dad or grandma or grandpa. They just had to let them know about the change in their life. They were filled with joy and excitement.

The word used here for “fullness” is pléróma. The Topical Lexicon says it “denotes that which fills, the state of being filled, or the sum total that makes something complete. Scripture applies the term to cloth, baskets, time, the created order, Israel and the Gentiles, the incarnate Christ, the Church, divine love, and apostolic blessing. Together the references reveal a single, coherent testimony: God plans, provides, and perfects until His purposes stand complete.” I am sure that is what Paul is thinking of when he says, “the fullness of the blessing of Christ.”

APPLICATION

This word is used in Mark 6:43 and Mark 8:20 to refer to the complete filling of the baskets after Jesus filled the 5,000 and the 4,000. There wasn’t just a little bit leftover. There was a lot. When God fills us with His Spirit, we don’t get just a little bit. We get the complete and whole Spirit of God. We are filled so full we overflow with joy.

Paul says in Colossians 1:19, “For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,” Christ wasn’t half man and half God. He was fully human without the sin and fully God. I love it that Paul says, “it was the Father’s good pleasure.” The same is true for us. He takes great pleasure in filling us completely with His blessings.

Never let the evil one whisper in your ear that you are not fully indwelt by the Holy Spirit. We are told that we are sealed by the Spirit. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and surrender our lives to Him, He sends the fullness of the Spirit to indwell us. And to make sure it sticks, He seals us with that Spirit. God does the sealing, not us. We are full of Him through His Spirit. What a blessing that is!

I proclaim that I am filled to overflowing and I don’t mind the whole world knowing!

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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Two women happily hugging on a busy train station platform with luggage
Bible, Longing, Promises, Romans, Scripture, Waiting

BUT NOW

ROMANS 15:23

“but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you”

I had the privilege last year to travel down to the Dominican Republic to lead a conference for our Every Man a Warrior ministry alongside a colleague from here in the U.S. and our leader there in the D.R., Dierf Dumene. I had known Dierf for a few years but had never had the privilege of a face-to-face meeting. When he picked us up at the airport, our embrace lasted more than a little while. I had finally made it to see him. We had been praying for this for a long time.

I can relate a bit to Paul’s words in today’s verse. From the time of Paul’s first missionary journey back in A.D. 47 to the time Paul wrote this letter to the Roman church, ten years have passed. It would be a couple of more years until he actually made it there and would arrive as a prisoner under house arrest. Not exactly the way he probably wanted to get there. Paul knew his journeys were at the will of the Father, so he has waited patiently.

APPLICATION

Maybe you have had some of those “but now” moments when at long last you were able to go somewhere or do something you had been longing for. You may have wanted to get married for years, and when you finally do, you are so excited. Maybe it’s the longing for a baby. You have planned and planned, and the day finally arrives. You are a mom or a dad! Now what? Yea, now the fun begins, lol.

Paul wasn’t trying to run away from where he was at the time. He had a fruitful ministry in Corinth and had been able to teach and train others to carry on the ministry there. Now his sights were set once again on Rome. He had heard plenty about the believers there and wanted to be with them and encourage them. Paul had a shepherd’s heart. His desire was always pointed heavenward. He knew he could be of service to the Roman church.

They say good things come to those who wait. When Paul finally arrived in Rome as a prisoner under house arrest, he was allowed certain freedoms. He could welcome visitors to the home where he was held awaiting his hearing. Think of the countless Roman believers who made that trip to see Paul there. They were thrilled to sit and hear him teach. And those Roman soldiers who guarded him were influenced by those teachings. We know of many Roman soldiers who came to Christ, probably as a direct result of Paul’s time there.

Don’t underestimate your waiting time. God is never late and is preparing you for the right place and right time. God may have been telling you to wait, but now…

Lord, I am ready for the “but now.” Use me however You choose.

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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Ancient manuscript on stone altar lit by sunlight from a church window
Bible, Eternal Life, Eternity, Father, Holy Spirit, Promises, Scripture

A PROMISE IS A PROMISE

ROMANS 15:8

“For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision in behalf of the truth of God, to confirm the promises given to the fathers,”

It is so important that we keep our promises. Parents have to keep their promises to their children. When dad promises to take the children to the park after school, he needs to make that his priority. When mom promises to bake cookies for her son’s class, she needs to bake them with earnest. I read a quote this morning that really stung. It said, “Twenty years from now the only people who will remember that you worked late are your kids.? (Sahil Bloom) Keep those promises you make to your children and grandchildren.

Christ kept not only His promises, but the Father’s promises. After all, He and the Father are one, right? I love how Ellicott expresses his view on this verse. “My doctrine is that Christ came with a two-fold purpose: on the one hand, with a mission to the Jews, the chosen circumcised race, to vindicate to them the truthfulness of God in respect to His promises, by Himself confirming and fulfilling those promises; and, on the other hand, with the object to exhibit the mercy of God in rescuing the Gentiles from their state of condemnation, and giving them cause to glorify God’s name.”

APPLICATION

What are these “promises” Paul refers to here. The Topical Lexicon says, “The noun epaggelia occurs fifty-two times in the Greek New Testament and consistently denotes a divine commitment that is certain, gracious, and future-oriented. Every use anchors the reader in God’s unbreakable word, whether the referent is the patriarchal inheritance, the outpoured Spirit, salvation in Christ, or the consummation of all things.” Wow! A divine commitment! When God promises something, He keeps it!

One of my favorite verses is Joshua 21:45. “Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; everything came to pass.” Can you say that about the promises you’ve made? I sure can’t. It seems today promises are not considered worthy of keeping. Isn’t that sad? Divorce rates among believers are practically the same as among unbelievers. Breach of contracts in business occur daily. Promises made should be promises kept.

Of course, one of the greatest promises Jesus made and kept was the sending of the Holy Spirit into our lives as believers. Just look what He said in Acts 1:4-5. “4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, ‘Which,’ He said, ‘you heard of from Me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” Again, promise made, promise kept. Thank You, Jesus.

I give You praise, O Lord, for being a promise keeper. Help me be more like You in that way.

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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Politician speaking at podium during community voting rights rally with crowd holding signs
Approval, Bible, Blessed, Conviction, Promises, Romans, Scripture

YOUR OWN CONVICTION = NO CONDEMNATION

ROMANS 14:22

“The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is the one who does not condemn himself in what he approves.”

Every political season we see politicians making speeches about what they stand for and what they believe. Most of them forget all about those convictions once they are elected. They say what they have to say to get elected but never truly held to it. I have known some politicians, however, in my lifetime who stuck to their beliefs. They were shunned by most of the other politicians and usually did not stay long in office. The pressure to succumb to the establishment became too great.

As we wind down this discussion of judging others in chapter 14, Paul writes something in today’s verse that really hit me. He wrote, “have as your own conviction.” That struck a nerve. My beliefs are my beliefs. I can’t be held liable for someone else’s beliefs. I have my own convictions. The Greek literally says, “hold before God.” That’s pretty powerful, don’t you think? If we believe something strongly and God approves that conviction, we have to stand by it. God does not condemn that and nor should we.

APPLICATION

We see a similar statement in 1 John 3:21 where we read, “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;” The last phrase of today’s verse tells us to be happy that God approves, so we cannot condemn ourselves. I know far too many Christians who beat themselves up constantly. They are trying to live for Christ, but with each shortcoming they heap tons of condemnation on themselves. How sad. Now, we should grieve our sins. There is nothing to celebrate about falling short. But we cannot beat ourselves up every time. We confess and move on, knowing that His grace is sufficient. Amen?

If you are sure of your choices and are sure those choices line up with God’s Word, walk in confidence. Paul says to be happy. The Greek word for “happy” is makarios.  HELPS Word-studies this word, “describes a believer in enviable (fortunate) position from receiving God’s provisions (favor) – which (literally) extend (make long, large ) His grace (benefits).” Literally, it means God has blessed you. God does not bless sinful decisions. He doesn’t bless things He knows are not good for you.

The truest test of our convictions is always if they line up with Scripture. As you develop your core convictions in your walk with Christ, first ask the Lord about it. Now, you have to listen to His voice to hear what He has to say. That is revealed most often through His Word. Someone said if you want to hear God’s voice, read His Word out loud. That’s been my go to for a long time and has never failed me. It won’t fail you either.

Father God, I am so happy (blessed) by You and am thankful how You have led me to my convictions.

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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Lightning bolt striking ancient warriors surrounded by burning tents in mountainous terrain
Bible, Enemies, Promises, Revenge, Romans, Scripture, Vengeance, Wrath

VENGEANCE IS MINE

ROMANS 12:19

“Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: ‘VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,’ says the Lord.”

We’ve all heard this statement from Scripture at some point in our lives. It comes from Deuteronomy 32:35 where it reads, “‘Vengeance is Mine, and retribution; in due time their foot will slip. For the day of their disaster is near, and the impending things are hurrying to them.’” We don’t have to worry about getting our own revenge on our enemies. God, in due time, will take care of that for us.

As Paul continues to tell us how to engage with others, he warns against taking our “own revenge.” The verb here is ekdikéō which means to “dispense justice, carrying a judgment completely through.” (HELPS Word-studies). This verb is used six times in the New Testament. In this verse we are warned against becoming our own self-appointed avenger. We are not in a position to judge anyone, are we?

APPLICATION

In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells the parable of the judge who reluctantly gave the woman justice who kept coming to him asking him to do that. That is the same verb used here in Romans. The woman could not avenge herself. She was reliant on the judge to do that for her. The same is true for us. God is the one who judges, not us.

The last time this verb is used is in Revelation 19:1-2. “1 After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God, 2 BECAUSE HIS JUDGMENTS ARE TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS; for He has judged the great prostitute who was corrupting the earth with her sexual immorality, and HE HAS AVENGED THE BLOOD OF HIS BOND-SERVANTS ON HER.’” God will avenge His children. We may not live to see it done, but it will be done by a holy, just God.

Paul tells us in today’s verse to “leave room for the wrath of God.” Here is where we fail. We don’t leave room for God to avenge us. We retaliate first and then ask for forgiveness. That is not how God works. The word “wrath” is a strong word. Paul knew God had all power and was quite capable of handling his enemies. Can we do the same? If we can trust Him with our eternity, can’t we trust Him to handle our enemies? Surely, we can.

Lord, forgive me when I jump out in front of You to take vengeance on 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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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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