Category Archives: Service

Bible, Flattery, Obedience, Praise, Scripture, Servant, Service

PRAISE FROM GOD

ROMANS 2:29

“But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from people, but from God.”

Oh, to receive praise from the Lord! Doesn’t the last part of that verse just thrill you? Sadly, many of us prefer the applause of man. We had rather have our names up in lights and be the keynote speaker at a conference than quietly receive praise from God. Let me tell you, the praise of men is fleeting. One minute you’re the cat’s meow and the next you’re yesterday’s headline. You have to set your priorities.

Paul wraps up a discourse that he has had since verse 17 dealing with the Jews. I really love how he ends this with mentioning the praise from God. Most of the Jews preferred men’s praise. They wanted to be recognized and honored. Paul, being a former Pharisee, could relate to that. I am sure many a Jew showed him earthly honor as a Pharisee. But oh, how empty it was.

APPLICATION

1 Samuel 16:7 tells us, “But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’” As Samuel looked for the next king of Israel, he naturally assumed it would be Eliab, Jesse’s oldest. But the Lord quickly said these words to him. Don’t assume because something looks like the right thing that it is the right thing. We have to seek the Lord’s mind on these things.

I have had the honor of leading some great organizations in my ministry years. As part of my role, I have been recognized for my leadership and dedication. I even received plaques and certificates saying so. Guess where those plaques are now – in the garbage. I moved them from place to place and hung them for years on my office walls. But a few years back the Lord told me to discard them. They meant nothing eternally.

There is nothing wrong with praising others. In fact, we should do that when we see them doing something that honors our Lord. We should praise our children for doing good. But the ultimate praiseworthy statements come from God. We want Him to look at us and be pleased. As His child, He loves us no matter what, but we all desire to hear Him say, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”

O Lord, I want to honor You by serving You. I long to hear You whisper praise over 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). 

Standard
Bible, Idols, Reverence, Scripture, Service, Worship

WHAT ARE YOU WORSHIPPING?

ROMANS 1:25

“For they exchanged the truth of God for falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.”

Man, we can really worship the wrong things. Some of us worship our sports teams. As we enter into the Fall, football here in America is kicking off. It’s played by all ages and billions are spent to play and watch. Some people plan their whole lives around the game. Those same people wouldn’t put church on their schedule, though, or make time to pray and read God’s Word. Wrong worship!

Until I dug into this verse, I did not know the Greek word for “worshiped” was sebazomai, which only occurs here in this verse. It’s a different kind of word for worship. HELPS Word studies says it means, “to revere; be in awe by one’s own twisted definition of what deserves reverence.” It is clear that Paul is saying that even though these individuals are totally confused, they still have the desire to worship something. It’s just sad that it’s the wrong thing.

APPLICATION

So, my question for you today is – What are you worshipping? Well Carl, of course I am worshipping the Lord. What else would I worship? Oh really? Are you sure that is all? How about that job? Do work to live or live to work? So many of us can be so driven by our job ambitions that we put everything else on the back burner. Family time suffers. Church attendance is low on the priority list. What are we worshipping?

I receive a newsletter each month from “Voice of the Martyrs.” In it are stories of Christians under persecution for worshipping Jesus. They risk it all to serve the Lord. Many, if not most, have lost loved ones to terrorist who killed them just because they were Christians. And we can’t worship correctly? What a shame!

I want to ask you today to take a look at what you are worshipping? How much time are you spending with Jesus each day. Martin Luther once said, “I am so busy today I only have time to spend four hours in prayer.” How about you? We are told to worship in Spirit and in truth. Are we doing that?

Father, show me how to worship You in truth every day. Let me not waste time worshipping false gods 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). 

Standard
Bible, Honor, Respect, Scripture, Servant, Service

HONOR GOD’S SERVANTS

PHILIPPIANS 2:29

“Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold people like him in high regard,”

When I was growing up in Southwest Georgia in the 1960’s and 70’s, preachers and missionaries were held in high regard. I can still remember the awe I felt every time a missionary visited our church. Their dedication and sacrifice hit me hard even as a child. Little did I know that in late 1977, at 17 years of age, God would call me into full-time ministry. I had no idea what that meant, but He has guided me all these years.

Paul gave the church in Philippi some instructions regarding the return of Epaphroditus. He wanted them to “receive him…with all joy” and “hold…him in high regard.” Epaphroditus had served faithfully and was deserving of the honor and respect due any servant of the Lord. Why would Paul have to ask the church to do that? Because, as Christ said, a prophet is not honored in his own town. Right?

APPLICATION

The Greek word used here for “high regard” is only used five times in the New Testament. It’s the word entimos, which means to hold in honor or to treat with respect. In Luke 7:2, entimosis used to describe the servant of the centurion who was sick. “And a centurion’s slave, who was highly regarded by him, was sick and about to die.”

But the verse I really like that uses this word is 1 Peter 2:4. “And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by people, but is choice and precious in the sight of God,…” The Topical Lexicon says this about the use of this word there. “Here, entimos highlights the intrinsic value and honor of Christ, despite human rejection, affirming His esteemed position in God’s redemptive plan.” Christ was precious to God.

Just as Christ is highly regarded and precious in the sight of God, we are to hold His servants in the same way. This week show your Pastor that kind of respect. Bless a missionary or church volunteer. Honor those who serve. Bless those who sacrifice for kingdom work.

Father, help me show honor and respect to those who are serving you sacrificially this day.

Standard
Bible, Calling, Immediately, Sacrifice, Scripture, Service

AT ONCE

PHILIPPIANS 2:23

“Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me;”

Some things need to be done at once, like putting out a fire when you see it or catching your baby before he/she falls. You can’t wait. It must be done right then, immediately. I am at the age now where immediately can mean in the next 15 minutes, lol. I just don’t move as fast as I used to. Neuropathy can slow you down, if you are not aware. So, I try to avoid those immediate situations. Amen?

Paul told the Philippians that he hoped to send Timothy immediately. He first wanted to make sure “how things go with me.” He was under house arrest and under guard by the Romans. His fate was uncertain, but something may have been going on to make Paul hesitate for a little bit sending Timothy. He obviously felt he would know soon of his release or his death. Either one could change the need for Timothy to go to Philippi.

APPLICATION

But Paul determined “to send him immediately” when he learned more about his situation. This particular word translated as “immediately” can also be translated as “at once.” It literally means “in the hour.” There is no time to waste. Do it now. In Acts 10:33 Cornelius sends his servants “immediately” after his vision. In Mark 6:25, the daughter of Herodias came “immediately” to King Herod asking for the head of John the Baptist.

Has the Lord called you to do something for Him? Don’t hesitate! Do it now! Don’t waste a minute. Time is fleeing. I know you have heard it said for decades, but I believe the time is drawing near for Christ’s return. As the Word says, the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Strap on your sword, grab your shield and let’s go.

This “immediate” task Paul gave Timothy didn’t start and end quickly. Timothy committed himself for the long haul. This was a long journey wrought with dangers and trials. This “immediate” task took valuable time. Yours may as well. Are you committed for the long haul? Let’s do this.

O God, You have called each of us for an “immediate” task – to share the good news of Your Son, Jesus.

Standard
Attitude, Bible, Jesus, Mind, Scripture, Service

LIKE-MINDED

PHILIPPIANS 2:20

“For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.”

Years ago, when our children were small, my wife and I asked some family members to be their custodian if something happened to us. They were chosen mainly because of their walk with the Lord. We knew they would bring up our children in the same manner we were trying to. We knew they would always have their best interest at heart and would do everything they could to give them a great childhood.

Paul makes a tremendous statement in today’s verse about Timothy. He had just told them in the previous verse that he was sending Timothy to them. Now, he describes Timothy as the only one “who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.” What a compliment for his disciple. We should all be striving to be that kind of trustworthy follower of Christ. Don’t you think?

APPLICATION

The Greek word used for “kindred spirit” is only used right here in today’s verse. It is isopsuchos, which comes “from ísos, ‘equivalent, equal’ and psyxē, ‘soul’ – properly, of equal-soul; having similar identity (values) because like-minded, i.e. equally (similarly) motivated.” (HELPS Word Studies). Like minded! I like that. Are you like-minded with other believers? Are you like-minded with Christ? We are told to have the mind of Christ in 1 Corinthians 2:16. “For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.”

Paul knew Timothy was like-minded with him regarding the Philippians because they were both like-minded with Christ. So, what does that mean? It means we have the views, feelings and temper of Christ, according to Barnes. We are influenced not according to the world but by the Spirit. He will always point us toward the welfare of others.

Today, ask yourself if that describes you. Do you have others’ best interest at heart? When we live our lives with the mind of Christ, we will always seek to serve Him by serving others. That was Timothy’s heart. That was Paul’s heart. It should be ours, as well.

Father, give me the mind of Christ. Let me live my life in a like-minded manner toward others.

Standard
Beloved, Bible, Scripture, Servant, Service, Trust

A TRUSTED BROTHER

COLOSSIANS 4:7

“As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information.”

Do you have someone in your life with whom you could entrust information of high importance? Maybe you have appointed someone to be the executor of your will or to oversee your financial affairs. Maybe you are that person for someone else. People in those positions have earned that trust through how they have proved themselves and by their character. We should all strive to be that kind of person.

Paul had such a person – Tychicus. Not much is known about him except he was from the region of Ephesus and delivered the letter from Paul to Colossae. We are not told when he came to Christ or what became of him. Paul did consider him to succeed Titus in Crete (Titus 3:12). Paul had great trust in Tychicus. He is mentioned in Acts, Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Timothy and Titus. I bet Paul and he had a great reunion the day Titus arrived in heaven.

APPLICATION

In Acts 20:4, Tychicus is named among a number of men who accompanied Paul went he left Greece. “And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.” Do you think for a second that Tychicus thought his name would be recorded in God’s Word for us to read about? I don’t think so. He was just serving Paul.

In the last letter written by Paul, he mentions Tychicus once again. 2 Timothy 4:12 says, “But I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.” He was probably delivering another letter to the church which we don’t have. When Paul wrote 2 Timothy, he was in his last days in a Roman prison. He trusted one of his most trustworthy servants to go to Ephesus, a place Paul dearly loved.

How can you be a Tychicus? Whom can you serve that way? Husbands, how about your wife and children? Wives, how about your husbands and children? Deacon, how about your Pastor? We all have someone to whom we can show that kind of service. Do it today.

Father, make me like Tychicus, an unfailing servant of others.

Standard
Bible, Goodness, Judgment, Reward, Scripture, Service

PAYBACK

EPHESIANS 6:8

“knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive this back from the Lord, whether slave or free.”

“You’re going to get what’s coming to ya!” Have you ever heard that? Usually, that is screamed at you by someone who wants to retaliate because they think you’ve done something to hurt them. So, you walk around looking over your shoulder, waiting for the hammer to drop, right? You’re paranoid they are going to get you back.

Well, that is not what Paul is describing in today’s verse. In fact, just the opposite. He says because of your “good thing” you do, you “will receive back from the Lord.” The Greek word for “receive this back” is komizó. It’s only used ten times in the New Testament. It means “I receive back, receive what has belonged to myself but has been lost, or else promised but kept back, or: I get what has come to be my own by earning, recover.” (Strong’s Concordance). I like that a lot better than the example I gave, don’t you?

APPLICATION

Komizo is used in 1 Peter 1:9. “obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” Peter uses it again in 1 Peter 5:4. “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” Both of these are worth waiting for, don’t you think? And remember, God always keeps His promises to us.

Of course, you may also be promised to receive the consequences for your actions. In 2 Corinthians 5:10, Paul uses komizo again. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for his deeds done through the body, in accordance with what he has done, whether good or bad.”

What are you going to receive? If you are a believer in Christ, you can be assured of your salvation. But your rewards will vary according to your faithfulness here on earth. You may say, Well Carl, I just want to get to heaven. It doesn’t matter what I am rewarded for. I understand that, but all those rewards you receive will be laid at the feet of Christ. I want my pile to be so high that I have to get on my glorified tiptoes to see Jesus. How about you?

Father, I want to honor You in all I do, so that I can give back to You all You honor me with in glory.

Standard
Bible, Bosses, Scripture, Service, Slaves

GOODWILL

EPHESIANS 6:7

“With goodwill render service, as to the Lord, and not to people,”

I really like my job. I have the opportunity to invest in the lives of men all over the world through our ministry (Every Man A Warrior). If you don’t know about us, check us out at www.everymanawarrior.com. Because I love my job, it does not feel like a job. It’s a lifestyle. I am nearing retirement age but haven’t decided what I should do about that. I really enjoy the ministry God has given me. That’s why today’s verse rang true for me.

Paul continues his address to slaves and masters by telling the slaves, “with goodwill render service.” The Greek word for “goodwill” is only used one time in the New Testament – right here in today’s verse. The word is eunoia which can be translated goodwill, kindliness or enthusiasm.” Paul reminds them they are working for Jesus, not their masters. It is He they are pleasing.

APPLICATION

To “render service” (douleuó) is the verb form of the Greek word for “slave” (doulos). Douleuó means to serve voluntarily or involuntarily. It also means that you have given up all of your personal ownership rights to someone else. Now, think about that for a minute. Isn’t that exactly what we are asked to do when we come to Christ? We place our lives in His hands and allow Him to mold and make us into the image He desires. At least, that is what we are supposed to do.

So, if we are supposed to do that with goodwill, we can’t be moaning and complaining about it, can we? Remember the definition of this word. It can mean enthusiasm. Have you ever met someone who was enthusiastic about their job? My wife and I had a server recently at a restaurant who served with goodwill. She greeted us cheerfully. She was observant of our needs during our meal. She even brought us “to go” drinks without being asked. That’s enthusiastic. That’s goodwill.

If you are working for a boss, can you serve them that way? Maybe you have been complaining a little too much lately. Maybe you have just been a little slack in your work effort. Serve them as unto the Lord. You are working to please Him, not them. And give thanks to the Lord for your boss, whether they are good or bad. Pray for them. That pleases our Lord.

God, I do want to serve You and my employer with goodwill, knowing that it pleases You.

Standard
Bible, Blessing, Calling, Family, Glory, Humility, Scripture, Service, Uncategorized

NAMESAKE

EPHESIANS 3:15

“from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name,”

My daughter and son-in-law gave me such a blessing a few weeks ago when our grandson was born. What was an even bigger blessing is they decided to name him Lucas Carl. He has my name. Why does that bless me? Well, I carry both of my grandfathers’ names – Carl Spence and Clarence William Willis. It’s kind of like carrying on the family name, in a way. Of course, my grandson has his dad’s last name (unless I can get him to change it, lol). Bearing someone’s name is an honor and privilege.

In today’s verse, Paul says all believers have their Father’s name. Now, he didn’t mean we all have to change our name to Jehovah. That would be kind of silly. What he meant was we are now all in the same family. We represent the Father. We are protected by the Father. This applies to all believers, alive or in heaven. We are all one big family.

APPLICATION

What does that mean for us? Well, first of all, it means we need to love each other. In John 13:34, Jesus tells us, “‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.’” How are you loving your fellow believer? Are you arguing about the color of the carpet in the sanctuary? How silly! We’re family.

Family means a lot of different things to people. Those who grew up in dysfunctional families can really struggle with the concept of family. They don’t understand that you can disagree and still love each other. Do you really think the disciples always got along? In Mark 10, we have a great story that I think illustrates this point. Remember when John and James asked Jesus if they could sit at his right and left in glory? Read the following and see what happened.

John 10:41-45 says, “41 Hearing this, the other ten began to feel indignant with James and John. 42 Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, ‘You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them; and their people in high position exercise authority over them. 43 But it is not this way among you; rather, whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant; 44 and whoever wants to be first among you shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.’”

So, love each other and serve each other. That’s what family does!

Thank You, Lord, for making me part of Your family.

Standard
Bible, Blessing, Goodness, Gospel, Humility, Kindness, Love, Scripture, Service

JUST DO GOOD 

GALATIANS 6:9 

“Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary.” 

I enjoy doing good. Don’t you? I mean, I really enjoy watching the reaction of people when I get the chance to do something good. Maybe it’s an unexpected, extra tip to a waitress. It could be secretly paying someone’s utility bill when you know they are struggling. We should never tire of doing those things when we have the opportunity. 

Why does Paul bring this up in today’s verse? He has just finished talking about reaping and sowing, flesh and spirit. He needs to remind the Galatians that doing good is admirable and is definitely Spirit driven, not flesh driven. He also knows that doing good, especially towards the unbelievers in their midst, could open doors for evangelism and the spread of the Gospel. 

APPLICATION 

Paul says over in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” In other words, don’t quit. Don’t give in. God’s work is never done. There is plenty to do. 

Paul even tells us there is a promise if we don’t give up. We will “reap, if we don’t grow weary.” Over in Colossians 3:23-24, Paul says, “23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” 

What work are you doing right now? What good? Don’t stop. You may never hear a thank you from the person you are helping. It’s not about them. It’s all about being obedient to the Lord when He tells you to do something. That’s where you will receive the reward from one day. Don’t grow weary. 

Father God, give me the strength to serve others as You direct. 

Standard