Wooden sign with the word 'FAILURE' on a rural dirt path
Bible, Failures, Gentiles, Israel, Romans, Scripture, Victors, Victory

FAILURE

ROMANS 11:12

“Now if their wrongdoing proves to be riches for the world, and their failure, riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be!” 

When we lose a loved one to death, we often will say, “Our loss is heaven’s gain.” That does not diminish the agony of grief, but we know where our loved is and will be reunited with them, if we too are followers of Christ. The same could be said of Christ’s death on the cross. What the world may have seen as a failure was actually a victory. Christ suffered for us, so that we may have redemption and life everlasting with the Father.

In today’s verse, Paul continues his discussion about the Jewish nation’s rejection of Jesus and the inclusion of the Gentiles into God’s promises. I love how this one source describes this verse.

“Paul contrasts Israel’s present héttéma (failure) with its promised ‘fullness.’ Their stumbling becomes the unexpected means by which Gentiles receive salvation, revealing God’s sovereignty over apparent losses. The verse invites expectancy: if God can turn a national failure into global blessing, He will surely bring surpassing glory when Israel’s fullness arrives.” (Topical Lexicon)

APPLICATION

The Greek word héttéma only occurs once more in the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians 6:7 it is used to describe the failure we, as followers of Jesus, exhibit by taking each other to court instead of settling conflicts biblically. We’ve lost from the very beginning. We are setting a poor example of what it means to trust the Lord. This lawsuit craze isn’t new. In the Roman culture, legal victories meant power.

So, how do we apply this verse and this idea of “failure” to our Christian walk? We are going to have failures in life. No one is victorious all the time. I have friends who struggle with certain aspects of their life. They do well for a while and then slip back into old patterns of sinful behavior. But God’s grace is sufficient and can return us to victorious living if we will allow His will to be our will.

Can I ask you a personal question? When was your last spiritual failure? Last week? Yesterday? This morning? Do not let the devil rob you of your victory in Christ. I read a quote from Oswald Chambers yesterday that applies here, I believe. “If the devil can hinder us from taking the supreme climb and getting rid of our wrong traditional beliefs about God, he will do so.” Don’t let him. When you do fail, let God raise you up. He stands ready. He has not abandoned you. Call to Him. He is waiting.

Forgive me, Father, when I fail You. Lift me up and place me back on high ground.

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
Woman with green glowing aura looking tense beside smiling woman holding a trophy
Bible, Jealousy, Romans, Salvation, Scripture, Stumble, Stumbling

MAKING SOMEONE JEALOUS

ROMANS 11:11

“I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? Far from it! But by their wrongdoing salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous.”

Have you ever been jealous of something someone else had and you wanted? Not me, Carl. I’m more spiritual than that. Right! We have all had that tinge of jealousy at some point in our lives. Maybe it was for a new car or new home. Maybe you longed to be married and were jealous of your friends’ relationships. Jealousy can destroy you, as we will see today, but it can be a motivating force for change.

We have seen Paul make his case for the rejection of the Jews and the inclusion of the Gentiles over the past few chapters of Romans. He has shown us verse after verse from the Old Testament that foretold this. In today’s verse, he does a little backpedaling. Look at the first part of the verse. “I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? Far from it!” It’s important to look at the words used by Paul for “stumble” and “fall.” Stumble means to trip up, to err, to sin. Fall means to fall so that you cannot recover. Paul clearly means to say that the Jews were not completely cast off by God. His plan was to make them jealous for the simple faith that the Gentiles had found in Jesus.

APPLICATION

I am reminded of a parable told by Jeus in Matthew 22. Jesus tells a parable about a king who held a wedding feast for his son. But the invited guests did not come and made excuses for their absence. They even treated his messengers poorly and killed some. So he sent his army against them. Then Jesus says the king did this in verses 8-9. “‘8 Then he said to his slaves, “The wedding feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 9 So go to the main roads, and invite whomever you find there to the wedding feast.”’” God indeed allowed judgment to fall on the Jewish nation because of their continual rejection of His message. This wasn’t a new thing. They had been doing this for generations.

But now, God has redirected His message to include the Gentiles which Jews could not understand. In Acts 13:46 we read, “Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “‘It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first. Since you repudiate it and consider yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.’” This was Paul’s mission. He had been instructed by God to reach the Gentiles. However, he still had a desire to see his fellow Jews come to Christ.

Are you jealous of anything today? Let that go. But are you jealous of someone’s walk with Jesus? If so, ask them how they walk so closely. Ask them to show you their secret to holy living. Discipleship involves holding others’ hands and leading them down that path. We want to build disciple makers who are jealous for God, who desire Him about all else. Is that you?

We know You are a jealous God and will not tolerate us worshipping other things. Make me jealous 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). 

Standard
A man carrying a glowing, magical orb with constellations and runes on his back while walking on a mountain path
Awe, Bible, Bowing, Isaiah, Romans, Scripture, Sin, Worship

BOWED BACKS

ROMANS 11:10

“‘MAY THEIR EYES BE DARKENED TO SEE NOT AND BEND THEIR BACKS CONTINUALLY.’”

When I was growing up in rural Southwest Georgia, I worked for Walter Pollock and Sons. Mr. Walter was a farmer and businessman. One of his operations was a Feed and Seed store. We also sold fertilizer and other crop products. During peanut season I would often get sent out to the warehouse to load land plaster which the farmers used to dust their peanuts. Those bags were about the size of concrete bags and weighed about 80 pounds each. We would load two or three bags on our shoulders and carry them onto awaiting trucks, usually ten to fifteen tons. That will bow your back after a full day.

The imagery Paul uses in today’s verse is of the Jews who would suffer hardships due to their refusal to follow the Lord. We know that during Paul’s day he saw many Jews suffering under Roman rule. Some of those Jews were forced into servitude in mines or building roads. Their backs were bent from this work. Hardships often follow disobedience. You’ve seen it, and I’ve seen it.

APPLICATION

Paul isn’t referring to bowed backs due to just hard work. There’s nothing wrong with hard work. But when our disobedience causes extra burdens to bear, that’s when God’s judgment can come into play. Are you hearing me? Are you under a heaven burden right now of your own making? Take a step back and do a little observation. What is the Lord trying to steer you away from? What is He asking you to change about your life?

The Topical Lexicon explains the word used by Paul for “bend.” It is the word sunkamptō and appears once in the New Testament here in today’s verse. “Paul quotes Psalm 69 to portray divine judgment that leaves the unrepentant with ‘backs … bent forever’ (Berean Standard Bible). The verb pictures a forced, continuous bowing that contrasts sharply with the joyful, voluntary bending of worship.”

So, tell me what you would rather do – bend your backs in servitude to the sins that weigh you down or bend your knees in worship? I know what I prefer. Bowing before a holy God in reverence is a good bending. It is a sign of humility and awe. Try that today. Bend your knees and your back before Him. He will lift you up. I guarantee you the devil won’t pick you up. He’ll keep putting more weight on your shoulders.

Thank You, Lord, for lifting my burdens on Calvary. I bow before You now is reverence to Your name.

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
Soldier firing machine gun in rainy jungle combat scene
Bible, Enemies, Freedom, Psalms, Romans, Scripture, Trap

BOOBY TRAPS

ROMANS 11:9

“And David says, ‘MAY THEIR TABLE BECOME A SNARE AND A TRAP, AND A STUMBLING BLOCK AND A RETRIBUTION TO THEM.’”

In the first Rambo movie, John Rambo is falsely accused by a Sheriff of a crime. If you have seen the movie, you know what happens. One of the things Rambo was good at was setting booby traps for those who were trying to hunt him down. Those traps were, well, kind of tough. They were meant to stop them, and they did. No one wanted to face Rambo in the forest.

Paul is quoting from Psalm 69 in today’s verse. Ellicott’s Commentary says, “In the original of Psalms 69 these verses refer to the fate invoked by the psalmist upon his persecutors; here they are applied by St. Paul to the fiat of the Almighty which had been pronounced against the unbelieving people of Israel.” Paul’s words still apply to us today. If we fail to yield to the Lord, we are really setting our own booby traps against ourselves.

APPLICATION

The verses Paul references seem to come from Psalm 69:23-24. “23 May their table before them become a snare; And when they are at peace, may it become a trap. 24 May their eyes grow dim so that they cannot see, And make their hips shake continually.” He does not quote literally from the Hebrew or the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) but gives us the thought behind these verses very clearly. The enemies of God, those who refuse to follow Him, are going to fall into a trap at some point. They will not see it coming, and there will be no escape.

Tough words! We don’t hear this too much today, but the words are still true. All roads do not lead to heaven. There is only one way – Jesus. Those who do not bow to Him will fall. We may never see the fall ourselves, but it will come. God doesn’t play around with things eternal. He has given a clear message in His Son which is easily followed. But we must abandon our own ways and follow His.

Have you fallen into a trap of your own making? What has enslaved you? Call on the God who is able to set you free from the things “which so easily entangle” you. Stop fighting to set yourself free. You can’t! Only Jesus can. You may be a follower of Christ who has not let go of those old traps in your life. Lay them down. Turn to Him. He will set you free and place you on the victorious path which He has already blazed.

Praise You, Father, for setting me free and opening my eyes to the traps the enemy lays for 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
Elderly woman reading Braille book in library
Bible, Blind, Deaf, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Romans, Scripture

BLIND AND DEAF

ROMANS 11:8

“just as it is written: ‘GOD GAVE THEM A SPIRIT OF STUPOR, EYES TO SEE NOT AND EARS TO HEAR NOT, DOWN TO THIS VERY DAY.’”

I have known several blind people or others who were deaf, but I have never known a blind and deaf person. One of the most famous was Helen Keller who lost her sight and hearing after an illness when she was 19 months old. She was taught by her teacher, Anne Sullivan, how to communicate by feeling lip movements and reading braille. She eventually learned to speak. Check out the 1962 movie, “The Miracle Worker,” to see this remarkable story.

Paul uses an Old Testament passage to show the extreme disregard of the Gospel message by the Jews. He calls them blind and deaf. Scholars disagree which passage Paul is referencing. One is found in Isaiah 29:10 “For the LORD has poured over you a spirit of deep sleep, He has shut your eyes—the prophets; And He has covered your heads—the seers.” Another is Deuteronomy 29:4 “Yet to this day the LORD has not given you a heart to know, nor eyes to see, nor ears to hear.” But my favorite is found in the calling of Isaiah as a prophet in Isaiah 6. In verse 10 we read, “Make the hearts of this people insensitive, Their ears dull, And their eyes blind, So that they will not see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their hearts, And return and be healed.” Regardless of which passage Paul had in mind, the message is clear. The Jews refused to see or hear.

APPLICATION

Go back to the phrase “GOD GAVE THEM A SPIRIT OF STUPOR,” in today’s verse. What does that mean? The Greek word for “stupor” is katanuxis, and it only occurs in this verse. Look at this description of the word. “The word refers to a condition of spiritual numbness—a deadening of the faculties of perception so that truth is heard without being grasped and seen without being perceived. It is not mere ignorance but a divinely permitted torpor that seals the heart against repentance until the appointed time of mercy.” (Topical Lexicon)

So, let me ask you again if you have known any blind and deaf people – spiritually? I bet you have. I have known many who could not see the truth or hear the truth. Some of these people were good people. They lived pretty moral lives, but they couldn’t see or hear how much God loved them and had a plan for their lives. They thought they were fine just like they were.

But just like Paul’s eyes were opened when Ananias laid his hands on him, anyone who wants to see the truth and hear the truth can once they turn to Jesus. Jesus healed the blind and deaf. He is still doing that today. If you know someone who falls into that category spiritually, continue to speak truth to them. Perhaps they will have their eyes and ears opened through the Holy Spirit’s wooing.

I was blind and deaf, Lord, until You opened my eyes and ears. Thank You for touching 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
Woman hiking on a mountain trail with anatomical heart graphic on her jacket
Bible, Hard, Heart, Israel, Jesus, Refusal, Romans, Scripture

HARDENED BY REFUSAL

ROMANS 11:7

“What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened;”

Have you ever known a hard person? You know, someone who is colder than ice. They refuse any emotional connections. They see themselves above others. I could go on, but you get the drift. I often wonder what caused them to be that way. Was it their childhood? Was it a traumatic event in their past? For whatever reason, they have hardened their heart to others, even the love of God.

Paul says in today’s verse that some of the Jews had become hardened. The Greek word translated as “hardened” is pōróō. HELPS Word-studies says this about that word, “(from pōros, a kind of marble) – properly, made of stone; (figuratively) insensible; dull, unperceptive as a rock; calloused (hardened); i.e. unresponsive (dense), completely lacking sensitivity or spiritual perception. pōróō (from pōros, a kind of marble) – properly, made of stone; (figuratively) insensible; dull, unperceptive as a rock; calloused (hardened); i.e. unresponsive (dense), completely lacking sensitivity or spiritual perception.” I wanted to include that whole definition so you could get the full picture.

APPLICATION

I was amazed to see this word used to describe the disciples when they saw Jesus walk on the water. In Mark 6:51-52 it says, “51 Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, 52 for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.” Wow! Wasn’t aware of that, were you? I guess I just missed that before. Even the disciples were hardened in their hearts at this point.

Two chapters later in Mark 8:17, we see Jesus call them hardened again. “And Jesus, aware of this, *said to them, ‘Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet comprehend or understand? Do you still have your heart hardened?’” Ouch, double ouch! If the disciples who walked with Jesus were hardened in their hearts, aren’t we just as susceptible?

In 2 Corinthians 3:14 pōróō is used to describe those who have refused to respond to Jesus. “But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ.” Do you see it now? But praise be to God Who has lifted the veil from over our eyes when we give our heart and soul to Jesus. He softens that old hard heart. Even the hard hearted person can have theirs softened if they will only yield to the Master.

Thank You, Father, for taking my old hard heart and making it pliable and moldable in Your hands.

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
Antique balance scale with heavy stones on one side and glowing feathers on the other, beside a decorative box labeled Grace
Bible, Grace, Jesus, Romans, Salvation, Scripture, Works

ONLY GRACE

ROMANS 11:6

“But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, since otherwise grace is no longer grace.”

Let me remind you what grace is. Grace is getting something you don’t deserve. So, anytime someone gives you something you don’t deserve, you are receiving grace. That’s different than mercy. Mercy is not getting what you do deserve – like hell. God’s mercy is extended to me because of His grace towards me through His Son, Jesus Christ. You really need to know the difference in those two. Aren’t you glad you have His grace and His mercy?

Paul is continuing his teaching on the importance of justification by grace and grace alone. The Jews were adamant that only through their obedience to the law could they be justified. Paul knew all too well the futility of that thinking. Remember, Paul was Jewish and had been a Pharisee. He knew the difference in grace and works firsthand. That is why he spent so much time on this topic in his letters. He wants everyone to understand the free grace that is offered to anyone who turns to Jesus.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes says this about today’s verse. “And from this it follows that salvation cannot be partly by grace and partly by works. It is not because people can advance any claims to the favor of God; but from his mere unmerited grace. He that is not willing to obtain eternal life in that way, cannot obtain it at all.” I am reminded of Galatians 2:21. “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”

Paul writes a similar statement in Ephesians 2:8-9. “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Only God’s grace is sufficient to pay the price for our sins. That grace was made manifest in His Son, Jesus Christ. What else do you need? Nothing! Nothing else can help you. No one can pay the price for your sins, except Jesus. There’s nothing you can do, no matter how holy you try to live, to earn that grace. It’s a free gift from God based on your decision to follow His Son.

I have six grandchildren which I would give my life for if asked. If there was something I could do to earn them their salvation, I would do it. But there’s nothing I can do. They each have to make that personal decision to follow Jesus or not. And based on that decision they will or will not be with me and their Mimi/Nana in heaven. I pray every day for them to know Christ personally and follow Him. I know God desires to see them come to Him. I pray they are listening. Are you?

Lord, thank You for the gift of grace that requires nothing from me except believing in and following Your Son.

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
Prime hand-cut steak labeled choice and locally sourced on wooden board
Bible, Choice, Election, Remnant, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

GOD’S CHOICE

ROMANS 11:5

“In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice.”

I love when I see a steak that has been labeled “choice prime.” I know that is going to be a good cut of meat and will, if prepared well, taste great. Now, that piece of meat didn’t label itself “choice prime.” That was done by a person who knows meat and cuts of meat. That person has the experience and knowledge to make that “choice.”

That’s probably a very poor analogy to what Paul is saying in today’s verse about God’s choice of His remnant (all analogies fall short at some point). Paul is still reflecting on his story about Elijah in the previous two verses. Just as God told Elijah that he was not alone in serving Him, there were seven thousand others whom He had preserved (a remnant) that had not turned to Baal. “As in Elijah’s time the apostasy of Israel was not so universal as it seemed to be, and as he in his despondency concluded it to be, so now, the rejection of Christ by Israel is not so appalling in extent as one would be apt to think:” (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary) 

APPLICATION

The Greek word translated “choice” is eklogé. It’s used seven times in the New Testament, four of those times in Romans (9:11; 11:5, 7, 28). It’s interesting that this same word is used in Acts 9:15 in God’s conversation with Ananias about Paul. God says to Ananias after Ananias had expressed concerns about going to Saul (later to be called Paul), “‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;’” Saul (Paul) was God’s choice then and was still His choice when Paul was writing this letter to the Romans. 

Paul uses eklogé again in 1 Thessalonians 1:4, “knowing, brothers and sisters, beloved by God, His choice of you;” We see the word used again by Peter in 2 Peter 1:10. “Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choice of you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;”

The Topical Lexicon says that eklogé “is rooted in God’s grace, advances His redemptive purpose for both Israel and the nations, and summons believers to holiness, assurance, and mission.” As a follower of Christ, you are God’s “choice prime.” He has deemed you worthy of His stamp of approval, not because of anything you have done, but because of what His Son did on your behalf. Praise Him for all He has done!

O Lord, words could never express my gratitude for Your stamp of “choice” on 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
Ancient man in robes sitting in a cave listening to glowing magical waves
1 Kings, Bible, God's Will, Purpose, Romans, Scripture, Voice, Willingness

GETTING SET STRAIGHT

ROMANS 11:4

“But what is the divine response to him? ‘I HAVE KEPT for Myself SEVEN THOUSAND MEN WHO HAVE NOT BOWED THE KNEE TO BAAL.’”

There is nothing quite as humbling than to be set straight by someone for something you have done or said in error. I can’t say that has ever happened to me (lol), but it could. Seriously, I have had that humbling experience before. I did not enjoy it while it was happening, but afterwards I learned to appreciate it. I have erroneously judged someone in the past, only to learn that I was wrong. I have shared something that I later found out was false information. Humility is good for us from time to time. I am definitely a better person because of those experiences.

Elijah got taken to the woodshed, or so it seems. In yesterday’s verse we saw where he was bemoaning the fact that he was all alone as a servant to God. He’s hiding in that cave, and God comes looking for him. Of course, God knew where he was the whole time, didn’t he? He could have stopped him, but He let him stew for a bit. He even listened to Elijah’s bellyaching. Then God speaks.

APPLICATION

Paul continues the story from 1 Kings 19. He doesn’t tell the whole story of God speaking through the “gentle blowing.” Let’s just say when Elijah heard that, he knew it was the Lord speaking. Let’s give Elijah credit. When God confronted him and pointed out his wrongful thinking, he responded to God’s direction and did what the Lord said. He immediately found Elisha as God said he would. God put someone is his life to mentor and prepare to succeed him. What a renewed purpose!

The Greek word used by Paul which is translated “divine response” is chrématismos. It is only used here in the New Testament. The Topical Lexicon says chrématismos “designates a decisive utterance from God—a communicated response that settles a question, corrects misperception, or charts a course for His people. It is not ordinary counsel but a word issued with divine authority that obligates the hearer to trust and obey.”

Have you received one of those? I have. I know God led me to the ministry I am now a part of, Every Man A Warrior. He has given me a desire to disciple men and lead them to become disciple makers for their families, their churches and their communities. Nothing gives me as much joy as seeing a man “get it.” I wonder how Elijah felt after his “divine response” from God. Being a prophet of the Lord, I am sure he felt a resurgence in his spirit. Don’t you want that same kind of resurgence in your spirit? Listen closely. He’s speaking! Don’t look for the great wind or earthquake or fire. Listen for the small gentle wind of God speaking truth to you.

I am listening, O Lord. Speak!

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
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). 

Standard