Heavenly city on a mountaintop with golden gates and people entering, surrounded by animals, trees, river, and angels above.
Appeasement, Bible, Joy, Kingdom, Peace, Rejoicing, Righteous, Righteousness, Romans, Scripture

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS…

ROMANS 14:17

“for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

When you hear the expression “the kingdom of God,” what does that mean to you? There are as many opinions of what that means as there are Christian denominations. Every one of them thinks they have the correct thought on this. But the best description of the kingdom of God comes right from Scripture. Remember, the best commentary on the Bible is the Bible itself.

As Paul continues his instruction on judging others, he reminds us of what is really important – the kingdom message of righteousness, peace and joy. Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers gives a very interesting comparison regarding this verse. “It is remarkable how, with all the wide difference in terminology between the writings of St. Paul and the Gospels, they yet come round to the very same point. The ‘kingdom of God,’ as here described, is exactly what we should gather from the fuller and more detailed sayings of our Lord. ‘Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man;’ ‘The kingdom of God is within you;’ ‘The kingdom of God cometh not with observation;’ ‘If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light;’ ‘Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness;’ ‘Blessed are the peacemakers;’ ‘Rejoice and be exceeding glad.’”

APPLICATION

Let’s look at some of the sayings of Christ regarding the kingdom of God.

  • Matthew 6:33, “‘But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.’”
  • Luke 6:20, “‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.’”
  • Mark 4:26-29, “26 And He was saying, ‘The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; 27 and he goes to bed at night and gets up daily, and the seed sprouts and grows—how, he himself does not know. 28 The soil produces crops by itself; first the stalk, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. 29 Now when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.’”
  • Luke 13:18-21, “18 So He was saying, ‘What is the kingdom of God like, and to what shall I compare it? 19 It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and threw into his own garden; and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the sky nested in its branches.’ 20 And again He said, ‘To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three sata of flour until it was all leavened.’”

Why did I list all those verses (and there are many more sayings of Christ about God’s kingdom)? Because if the kingdom of God was on the mind of Christ, shouldn’t it be on ours? We cannot obtain the kingdom by what we eat or drink. That’s what Paul is telling us. We obtain God’s kingdom through righteousness (being made right through the blood of the Lamb), through peace (having made peace through submission to the Creator) and through joy (rejoicing and giving praise for our great salvation). That’s the kingdom of God. Celebrate it!

O Lord, I praise You for my salvation and my admission into Your kingdom.

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 speaking at a podium with Turning Point USA sign at Freedom Conference
Bible, Scripture, Truth, Evil, Blasphemy, Gospel, Judging, Romans, Good

GOOD IS NOT EVIL

ROMANS 14:16

“Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil;”

When I read this verse, I thought of the late Charlie Kirk. He was assassinated for speaking truth – plain and simple. Those who hated his message of adherence to holiness and truth rallied against him and tried to turn his message to one of hatred and intolerance. What was meant as a good thing was turned into something evil. Charlie never wanted this. He only wanted to encourage others to live a life honoring God and His Word.

Paul warns us in today’s verse to not let our freedom in Christ be seen as judgmental toward others, thereby, turning the good news into a message of hate of others who have a different view. Sure, we must stand for the truth. That can alienate some. But we must always share the good news of our freedom in Christ with an attitude of humbleness and love for others.

APPLICATION

The word used “be spoken of as evil” is the Greek word blasphémeói from which we get our word “blasphemy.” We often think that only applies to us speaking against God. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day accused Him of blasphemy against God when Jesus spoke of forgiving sins. They had no idea what Jesus was really talking about. They did not realize they were accusing the Lamb of God of doing the very thing He was sent to earth to do – forgive sins.

We are taught in Scripture that the sin of blasphemy is speech that dishonors, slanders, or demeans the divine character, titles, or works of God. When we flout our spiritual superiority over others, we are blaspheming. We may never speak a word against God, but our attitude goes against everything that honors Him. Paul is warning us to guard against this spirit of blasphemy by honoring all people, whether they are correct in their teaching or not. Honoring does not mean condoning.

Have you ever thought about blasphemy in that way? I sure had not until reading this. When we are quick to judge others, we are in danger of blaspheming the very nature of God Who dwells in us as followers of Christ. There may come a time when you have to draw a line in the sand and defend the truth of the Gospel, like Charlie Kirk did, but we are not called to pick a fight and risk driving people away. We do not want them to call evil what we know is good. We are also told back in Romans 12:19, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.” Let’s strive to do that today.

Father, I never want my words or actions toward others to be construed as evil. Forgive me if I ever lean that way and correct me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Defensive football player tackling opponent who is dropping the ball on a football field.
Bible, Destroy, Destruction, Jesus, Judging, Judgment, Romans, Scripture

DON’T BE A DESTROYER

ROMANS 14:15

“For if because of food your brother or sister is hurt, you are no longer walking in accordance with love. Do not destroy with your choice of food that person for whom Christ died.”

When I was in high school, I played football (real football, not soccer, lol). I loved to destroy people! I had the privilege to play linebacker on defense. That position usually gets the most tackles in a game. During my freshman year I was still dressing out for the Junior Varsity team, as well as the varsity. I practiced all week with the varsity squad and played JV on Thursday nights. After a week of playing with the “big boys” those Thursday night games were like shooting ducks in a barrel. I dominated and destroyed many an opponent.

That is NOT what Paul is talking about in today’s verse when he writes about destroying others. That destruction is mainly done with words through judgment of others or unkind or even mean words and actions. Paul is not letting up on this judgment thing. He reminds us that every person we think we have the right to judge is a person Christ died for. They are precious in His sight.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “destroy” is apóllymi “(from apó, ‘away from,’ which intensifies ollymi, ‘to destroy’) – properly, fully destroy, cutting off entirely (note the force of the prefix, apó). Apóllymi (‘violently/completely perish’) implies permanent (absolute) destruction, i.e. to cancel out (remove); ‘to die, with the implication of ruin and destruction’ (L & N, 1, 23.106); cause to be lost (utterly perish) by experiencing a miserable end.” (HELPS Word-studies). I know that was a long definition, but I wanted you to see the weight of this word. Paul is saying our judgmental attitudes toward others can totally destroy them.

This is the same word used in John 10:10 where it says the devil comes to kill, steal and destroy. Just as he wants to totally destroy you, your judgments can have the same effect. How is that possible, Carl? Your judgmental attitudes can push someone away from Christ. They see you, who profess to be a follower of Jesus, acting that way and decide they want no part of Him. Supposedly Gandhi once said that if it weren’t for Christians, he would become one. Obviously, some “Christian” had not been very Christlike to him.

Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.” The word “perish” is apóllymi. God does not want this for anyone. So, He certainly doesn’t want us destroying someone. We should desire that everyone we meet come to a saving knowledge of the Lord. Watch your words. Watch your actions.

Keep me from ever saying or doing anything that would push someone away from You, O God. 

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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Wooden sign with the word TRUTH in capital letters on a pole in a forest
Bible, Conviction, Jesus, Persuasion, Romans, Scripture, Truth

CONVINCED IN THE LORD

ROMANS 14:14

“I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to the one who thinks something is unclean, to that person it is unclean.”

Let me tell you something. It takes a lot to convince me nowadays. With the emergence of AI it’s hard to know what is real and what is not. You can’t tell if that person you know is really in that picture or someone planted them there. And don’t even get me started about the internet. People are fooled all the time by something they find via Google or Safari. We all need to be more careful what we believe is true.

Paul lays those doubts to rest with today’s verse, if we will follow his instructions. Look at just the first part of this verse.
“I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus…” I know he is still talking about the issue of judging others over food and stuff. But that first phrase hit me like a ton of bricks. I asked myself, “Self, do you know that you are convinced in the Lord Jesus?” My first response, of course, was “Yes, I am sure.”

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “convinced” is a primary verb and is used over 50 times in the New Testament. The word is peíthō which is the root of pístis (faith). It means “to persuade; (passive) be persuaded of what is trustworthy. The Lord persuades the yielded believer to be confident in His preferred-will (Gal 5:10; 2 Tim 1:12). Peíthō involves obedience, but it is properly the result of (God’s) persuasion. (HELPS Word-studies)

Remember my opening paragraph? There is a “however” here. If God is the one persuading you can take it to the bank. Why? Because He is trustworthy. He is truth! Anything He says or does is based in truth. God cannot lie. Wouldn’t it be great if you could say that about everyone? And God only wants what is best for you, so if He says for you to do something or go somewhere, He has prepared you for it.

Paul wrote to the Philippian church in Philippians 1:6, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.” May I repeat those words over you? I am confident that He will continue to work good in you and will complete you one day. I just got word that a good friend of mine saw his sweet bride of 56 years go to her ultimate glory a couple of weeks ago. I had not heard about this, so I instantly called him. He was doing great because he is convinced in the Lord Jesus. He knows exactly where his sweet wife is now. Are you that confident in your belief in the Lord Jesus? I certainly hope so. He certainly believes in you.

O Lord, I am persuaded fully in Your awesome power and grace in my life. Thank 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 hiking on rocky trail losing balance while stepping on a rock
Bible, Judging, Judgment, Obstacle, Romans, Scripture, Stumble, Stumbling

DON’T TRIP OTHERS UP

ROMANS 14:13

“Therefore, let’s not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this: not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s or sister’s way.”

The topic of not being a stumbling block to others is not unique to today’s verse. There are actually two different Greek words used to describe “an obstacle” and “a stumbling block.” We will look at each in today’s study. But let us begin with a quote from one of my favorite commentaries. I agree with Barnes when he says, “If every Christian, instead of judging his brethren severely, would resolve that ‘he’ would so live as to promote peace, and so as not to lead others into sin, it would tend more, perhaps, than any other thing to advance the harmony and purity of the church of Christ.” There we have it!

Paul is so concerned that we as followers of Christ do nothing to hurt the chances for others to walk victoriously with Jesus. We shouldn’t judge harshly which could turn someone away. We shouldn’t behave in such a way to confuse a young follower or an unbeliever. He urges us to not be a determent to anyone in today’s verse.

APPLICATION

“Obstacle” is the Greek word proskomma. It means “any obstacle that causes a person to trip, literally on a path or figuratively on the way of faith.” (Topical Lexicon). We see that word used four times in Romans (9:32, 33; 14:13, 20). It is used by Paul again in 1 Corinthians 8:9 where he writes, “But take care that this freedom of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” This was written in the context of eating food which may have been sacrificed to idols. Interestingly, this word is used once more in 1 Peter 2:8 to describe Jesus when Peter quotes from Isaiah 8:14. “and, ‘A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE’”

The other word Paul uses in today’s verse is translated as “stumbling block.” It is skándalon. It is used three other times in Romans (9:33; 11:9; 16:17). This word represents the trigger or mechanism which closes a trap on an unsuspecting prey. We should never set a trap for another person to make them fall into sin. You and I have heard far too many stories of Christian leaders who have done this. They will answer for this one day.

Who is watching you? Are there little ones who mimic your every move? How awful it would be for them to see you engaged in some sinful activity and cause them to choose a similar action. Our intentions toward others must always be about building them up in Christ. We do that my setting the example ourselves. We do that by living holy lives worthy of imitating. Will you do that this week? Be Jesus to those around you.

Father, I am far from perfect, but I want to be just like You so others will follow You, not me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Two professionals sitting and discussing business charts and strategy notes in an office
Eternity, Glory, Service, Works, Judgment, Accountability, Judging

WE WILL GIVE AN ACCOUNT

ROMANS 14:12

“So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.”

Have you ever been called into your boss’ office to give a report on your work? It can be intimidating, can’t it? If you have done your job well, there is usually nothing to worry about (unless your boss is just an ogre, lol). But if you’ve been slacking on the job or have not met goals that were set for you, you might me in for a little “woodshed” time. That is never comfortable. I always tried to avoid those kinds of meetings by doing what I was asked to the best of my ability.

Paul continues the discussion of the bema seat judgment for believers with today’s verse. He reminds us that we have to give an account of ourselves to the Lord and Master of the universe. Don’t skip over that first word, though. Paul writes, “So…” This participle in the Greek is ara and it is decisive. You could translate it as “no doubt, then, therefore, wherefore.” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). No believer will be exempt from this. It doesn’t matter how long you were a Christian and how much you think you may have done for the Lord, you will give an account.

APPLICATION

But let’s take a look at that phrase “give an account.” Barnes says this phrase means, “That is, of his character and conduct; his words and actions; his plans and purposes. In the fearful arraignment of that day every work and purpose shall be brought forth and tried by the unerring standard of justice. As we shall be called to so fearful an account with God, we should not be engaged in condemning our brethren but should examine whether we are prepared to give up our account with joy, and not with grief.” I love how he points it back to Paul’s discussion earlier in this chapter about judging others.

The Greek for this phrase, however, is not anything elaborate or difficult to understand. It literally reads “will give a word.” We will have to explain ourselves. Afterall, at the time of this judgment we will not be able to justify our actions or lack of action. What has been done is done. I wonder if the Lord will ask us any questions. I don’t think so. All we can really say at this point is, “Here I am, Lord. These are the works I have done in Your name.” Then the fire will test them. Whoof!

And it is important to point out that we will give an account of ourself. No one is going to step up and defend our works for us. Nor will we be able to speak on behalf of someone else. Each believer will give an account for their own works. So, let me ask you, are your works fireproof? Will they pass the test? Make sure the works you are doing for Jesus are works He has initiated and blessed. Don’t do something and then ask the Lord to bless it. Ask Him first. If He says to do it and you do it as He instructs, I guarantee it will pass the test. Serve Him wisely.

Father, I want all my works to be done for Your glory and not mine.

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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Elderly woman kneeling and praying with rosary beads in a church pew
Bible, Bowing, Confession, Isaiah, Kneeling, Romans, Scripture, Tongue

EVERY KNEE AND TONGUE

ROMANS 14:11

“For it is written: ‘AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, TO ME EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, AND EVERY TONGUE WILL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD.’”

One day we know the Lord will return for His bride, the church, and take us away with Him to glory. Some of us may precede this event having gained our heavenly reward through death. But even when this day occurs, there will still be those who refuse to believe in Jesus as Lord. However, one day will come when they all will.

Paul quotes from Isaiah 45:23 which reads, “‘I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out from My mouth in righteousness And will not turn back, That to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance.’” This is God Himself talking. By using this passage, Paul is undoubtedly attributing God’s attributes to Jesus Himself Whom he has just been talking about in the previous verse (Romans 14:10). Paul makes it very clear what will happen one day.

APPLICATION

Paul says just about the same thing in Philippians 2:9-11. There we read, “9 For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

Bowing the knee indicates paying homage or submitting to someone greater than you. There is no one greater than Jesus. Unfortunately, there are many who think they are. One day they will understand His greatness. And Paul says every tongue will confess. That means they will agree with Jesus’ words about Himself. They will see that everything He said while He walked this earth and every word of His in His Word is true.

Bowing and confessing! We had better get used to it. If you are a follower of Christ, you have one posture – the bended knee. You should have one profession – Jesus is Lord. When we live in this posture and with this profession, we are living according to truth and glory. Celebrate Who Christ is! Submit your everything to Him today and proclaim Him far and wide!

We do bow in Your presence, O Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Thank You for dying for me and giving the opportunity to live for 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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Judge T.D. Anderson seated at bench with attorneys and courtroom audience during proceedings
Love, Bible, Scripture, Judgment, Judging, Romans

JUDGMENT SEAT OF GOD

ROMANS 14:10

“But as for you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you as well, why do you regard your brother or sister with contempt? For we will all appear before the judgment seat of God.”

I have only had to appear before a judge in court once. That was for a traffic accident way back in 1984 or 85. I sat in that courtroom for a few hours until my case was called. Then I had to approach the bench, which was at least four feet above me. There the judge sat while the officer gave the details of the accident and said that it was a “no-fault” accident and recommended dismissal. The judge never lifted his eyes from what he was reading. He just banged his gavel and ordered me to pay the fine. The officer shook his head at me, and we walked away.

The judgment seat Paul refers to in today’s verse is the Bema seat. The bema seat was a raised platform which someone had to approach to receive a reward or a punishment. The Topical Lexicon describes it this way. “Paul applies the familiar civic image to Christ’s final evaluation of believers. The context is not condemnation (Romans 8:1) but accountability. Works are tested, motives revealed, and rewards dispensed (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). The judicial metaphor lends weight to everyday choices, urging holiness and sincere service.”

APPLICATION

I want all my works to pass the test. I desire they all be done for His glory and not my own. However, I am sure there will be a little smoke when I approach it. Some of the “good” things I have done have not been exactly what He would have had me do. A lot of my worldly achievements will vanish like a vapor. I truly want to lay everything down at His feet and know they are acceptable.

Paul gives this description of believers’ future accountability as he has been discussing how we treat each other. So, this must be a big deal. This must really matter to the Lord. He must really want us to love and respect one another. What do you think? Why else would this be brought up in today’s verse? After all, didn’t Jesus tell us to love another?

So many of our actions are done out of selfishness or jealousy. These can play no part in the life a follower of Christ. Those emotions will lead us to judge each other wrongly and to mistreat others. See your treatment of others as something that must pass the fire test. Will this behavior survive the bema seat? That’s a great question.

Father, help me love in such a way that I know my actions will be meet with approval on that fateful day I appear before 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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Wooden cross on a hill with sunset behind and a valley with hills and river
Bible, Death, Life, Lord, Resurrection, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture

DEAD OR ALIVE

ROMANS 14:9

“For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.”

It is always important to know the reason something is done if you are going to do it. When workers can see the finished product, they are more likely to take interest in their work. If all they see are the piece they assemble time and time again, they will never see the overall purpose of their work. The big picture helps, doesn’t it?

Christ saw the big picture. Nothing escaped His view. He knew exactly why He came to earth. He knew His mission and faithfully carried it out. Paul tells us in today’s verse what that mission was – to become our Lord here and in eternity. What a glorious promise. When we choose to follow the Lord and accept His free gift of salvation, He becomes our Lord and Savior for now and forever. Nothing can change that.

APPLICATION

I immediately thought of Paul’s words back in chapter 8, verses 38-39. “38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” To borrow a phrase from an old friend, “That’s shouting ground, folks!”

Jesus lived to be our Lord. Every day He walked this earth, He was Lord. When He laid down His life as a sacrifice for mankind, He was Lord. And when He rose from the grave, He was Lord. He was, is and always will be Lord. Hallelujah! C.S. Lewis’ famous apologetic “Lord, Liar or Lunatic” says it all. He knew who He was, therefore, He could claim it.

The question is do you know Him as Lord? We know that one day every knee will bow and profess Him as Lord. To those of us who have already made that decision, it will be a moment of celebration and praise. But for those who die without Christ, their profession will be too late. They will suffer the pain of eternity separated from a holy God. If you don’t know Jesus as Lord, don’t waste another second. Get on your knees right now and confess your sins and choose to follow Him as your Lord. He is waiting.

Thank You for being my Lord and Savior. I rest in the knowledge of Your Lordship which is over everything and everyone.

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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Wooden signpost with arrows labeled 'Living' pointing left and 'Dying' pointing right on a rural dirt path.
Eternity, Bible, Scripture, Eternal Life, Living, Romans, dying

LIVE OR DIE

ROMANS 14:8

“for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.”

Living and dying. That’s really what it boils down to, isn’t it? How we decide to live our lives here on planet earth may determine the quality of our life and could determine the way we die. I am not afraid of dying. In fact, I welcome it. Before you call the crisis help line, I mean I have chosen to embrace the certainty of death knowing where I will be the instant I take my last breath. I am the Lord’s.

Paul says as much in today’s verse. He says, “whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” Paul wrote this letter to the Romans while he was in Corinth, almost a full decade before he was beheaded in Rome. Isn’t it ironic that he penned these words to the very city where he would die? Paul wasn’t afraid to die. He knew the Lord had him on a mission, and he was safe as long as he stayed in His will. God would take him home when He was ready for him and not a day sooner.

APPLICATION

In Philippians 1:21-22, Paul addresses this life or death question. “21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.” Even though death may be a welcome thing for a follower of Christ, God can still use us here to spread the Gospel. We have work to be done, or as Paul says, “fruitful labor.”

Look again at what Paul says. If we live, we live for the Lord. We live to glorify the Master. We live to please Him and live according to His will. While we are here on this earth, as a follower of Christ, I belong to Him. Everything I am, everything I own belongs to Him. I am nothing compared to Jesus. To borrow the words of John the Baptist in John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

And then when we die, we also belong to Him. As a follower of Christ, I am guaranteed a front row seat with Jesus. How about that? Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:8 that we prefer to be absent from the body and present with the Lord. Wherever that may be, I am His. I will exist in eternity to glorify Him. Shouldn’t I be practicing that down here? I want to be well prepared to praise my Maker one day, don’t you?

Father God, I praise You that I am Yours whether I live or die.

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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