Man kneeling in prayer beside an open window overlooking a desert town
Allies, Bible, Holy Spirit, Intercession, Prayer, Romans, Scripture

STRIVING IN PRAYER

ROMANS 15:30

“Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,”

When I read the words “strive together,” I thought of the game tug of war. You have probably played that as a child, maybe even as an adult. Two groups get on opposite ends of a long, large rope and try to pull the other group across a line. It takes every member of the group pulling together and using all their strength to win. That’s my mental image of striving together.”

I doubt Paul was thinking about tug of war, lol. But he knew he needed fellow believers “pulling” for him as he sought to share the Gospel in the Gentile world. The word Paul uses here for “strive together” is only used here in the New Testament. It’s the Greek word synagōnízomai “(from sýn, ‘identified with’ and agōnízomai, ‘agonize, strive’) – properly, fight (agonize) together; ‘to strive together with, to help (properly, “sharing in a contest”)’” (HELPS Word-studies) Remember, that preposition sýn is the one that means once together it can’t be separated. That is the kind of intercessor Paul is seeking.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes says, “The word ‘strive’ denotes intense ‘agony’ or effort, such as was used by the wrestlers in the Greek games; and then the ‘agony,’ or strong effort, which a man makes in prayer, who is earnestly desirous to be heard. The use of the word here denotes Paul’s earnest desire that they should make an ‘intense’ effort in their prayers that he might be delivered.” Paul knew the success of his ministry depended on the prayers of others. In the ministry I serve, we have said many times that the success of Every Man A Warrior is due to the millions of women who have been praying for their husbands, brothers, fathers and sons.

Do you have people in your life who pray for you this way? Do you pray this way for others? I have shared before that I have daily, weekly and monthly prayer lists. I have been praying for some missionaries for decades. They send me specific prayers to lift before the Father and other times I just pray generally for them. I have been praying for a specific family need for a few years now. I will continue to “strive” in that prayer until God answers.

Now, it is important if you are striving in prayer that you pray according to God’s will. We know if we do that, He will answer (1 John 5:14).  Claim His promises for those you are praying for. Search the Scriptures for praying according to His will. Ask the Lord to show you exactly how to pray and what to pray for. He loves to hear our intercessions for others. And He will answer in His perfect time and His perfect way. So, pray believing He is listening to every word.

I know You are listening, Lord, so I come together with my fellow believers to ask that You set the prisoner free.

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

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Bible, 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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Auto mechanic cleaning a wrench beside tools in a garage
Bible, Completeness, Completion, Finish, Perfection, Romans, Scripture

FINISH THE JOB

ROMANS 15:28

“Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain.”

I can still remember my dad teaching me how to do certain things. He could do just about anything. He was truly a “Jack of all Trades.” No matter what task he assigned me, he spent the time to show me how to do it correctly. And more importantly, he taught me how to finish the job. He always said the job was not finished until you had cleaned up. That might mean blowing off the lawnmower and putting it away properly. It might mean cleaning and putting away any tools I might have used. He didn’t want me to be lazy about a job but instead to finish it well.

Paul uses a Greek word for “I have finished” that is used ten times in the New Testament. Paul uses it seven of those times, Peter once and it appears twice in Hebrews. The word is epiteleó from epi and teleó. Epo is a preposition that reinforces the result of an action while teleó means to complete or finish. Put those together and you get the idea that Paul’s finishing this task of delivering the gift to the Jerusalem church had a major result on these saints. Paul made sure he completely finished this task.

APPLICATION

I love how this word is used in 2 Corinthians 7:1. “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let’s cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” You see here that our obedience of cleansing ourselves results in holiness. That’s simple – pursue flesh and stay unholy. Cleanse yourself and achieve the holiness God expects from His children.

My favorite use of epiteleó is found in Philippians 1:6 which says, “or 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.” What is Paul saying here? God does not simply work on us. He completely finishes the job. He perfects us. He saved us, He is saving us and He will completely save us. We are currently a work in progress, but God promises to finish the job.

Has the Lord given you a job to do? You know He spoke to you and told you exactly what to do. He has equipped you to do it. Finish the job. You may not see the end results right now, but God will perfect it. Don’t stop short of completion. And when you have finished that job, put your “tools” away and be ready for the next job He gives you. Always keep them ready to use. One day you will hear those words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Use me, Lord, to complete the tasks You have given me, and I will lead the results up 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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Bible, Blessed, Blessing, Gifts, Giving, Romans, Scripture

THE JOY IN GIVING

ROMANS 15:27

“For they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to do them a service also in material things.”

As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, I have always enjoyed giving to others. I wish I had a million dollars to give away. Don’t you? Think of the people or ministries you could bless with an unexpected gift. I have some very generous supporters who give sacrificially to our ministry. I am always exceedingly grateful for their gifts. It doesn’t matter the amount. It’s the thought of them believing in us. I thank them each time I receive a gift, but “thank you” is never enough.

Paul continues to express his appreciation to the churches who gave to support the saints in Jerusalem. I really like that he writes “they were pleased” to give. Don’t you know those churches loved that they were able to give to those who had helped them receive the gift of the Gospel? I bet they would have loved to have been with Paul when he delivered the gift. They didn’t have zoom or FaceTime back then to see the expressions on their faces. I am sure Paul let them know the gift was delivered.

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 9:11 Paul urged the church in Corinth to be a part of this when he wrote, “If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” And undoubtedly, from Paul’s words in today’s verse, they willingly contributed. This was just one church. We don’t know the amount they all gave. That doesn’t matter. The fact they gave speaks loudly.

I just got off the phone with one of my supporters who has been a part of my ministry partners since I started with my current ministry. He and his wife have been so faithful through the past few years. I thanked him again for his gift and wanted him to know just how much it means to me. I have the luxury of phone calls to express that. Our material blessings can mean the difference in a ministry continuing or not. Let me encourage you, if you are giving to a ministry, to reach out and check on them. I am sure they have great stories to share.

1 Corinthians 9:6-7 comes to mind. “6 Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Be a cheerful giver and receive the Lord’s blessings for your obedience.

Thank You, Lord, for those who support my ministry and for the ability I have to also give to those in need.

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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Uncategorized

FROM WHENCE IT CAME

ROMANS 15:26

“For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.”

I have never had a lot of money. I do dream about that sometimes though. If I suddenly fell into a huge financial blessing, I am sure my wife and I would give to a lot of needs around us. We are not into worldly possessions beyond what we need to get along. I have joked what I would do if I won the lottery. The only problem with that is you have to buy a ticket to win, right? But giving to others has always given me joy.

Paul is overjoyed that he is able to “make a contribution for the poor” in Jerusalem. This “mother” church was under constant persecution from the Jews and the Roman government. Many had lost their jobs, businesses and homes because they were followers of Christ. As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, Paul is delivering the gifts he had been given by the Gentiles in Macedonia and Achaia to the church who had, in a sense, given them birth. Because of their faithfulness in the midst of persecution, the gospel had spread to them.

APPLICATION

Can I give you a short historical geography lesson which I think will help as we look at this verse today? Macedonia was a Greek region which contained a few important cities Paul visited. Berea was the city where they examined the Scriptures closely to make sure what Paul was preaching was true. You may have heard the expression “Be a Berean.” That’s where it came from. Philippi was also in Macedonia. We know the importance of this city, perhaps the first city where Paul started a church. And Thessaloniki was the capital city. I visited there once and was told that it is the only Macedonian city that has never been without a Christian church.

Along with Achaia, which contained Corinth, a collection was made to present to the Jerusalem saints to relieve their suffering. There is no indication that the Jerusalem saints asked for this help. The Gentiles volunteered the assistance out of love and respect for their Jewish brethren. You can read more about this in the book of Acts.

How does this apply to us? Look back to the source of your salvation. Was it a person from your hometown, college, neighborhood or a stranger on the street who witnessed to you? I attribute my coming to Christ to my former Youth Pastor, Julian Larsen, who knew what kind of kid I was but still loved on me and allowed me to be a part of a youth choir that changed my life. That’s a whole other story I would be glad to share with you sometime. Reach back and give thanks to those who influenced you, if you are able. We are where we are spiritually because of other saints who invested in us one way or the other.

Thank you, Jesus, for sending all the people in my life who have influenced my walk with You. Bless them today.

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

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Bible, Called, Calling, Isaiah, Romans, Saints, Scripture, Servant, Service

SERVING THE SAINTS

ROMANS 15:25

“but now, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the saints.”

Serving the saints is a noble cause. I am reminded of a verse in Isaiah (32:8) which says, “But the noble person devises noble plans; And by noble plans he stands.” When God gives us a task, He expects us to follow through. I have been given many opportunities to serve the saints in my lifetime. I have tried my best to do that, but I have to admit there have been a few occasions when I did not do what the Lord asked. I didn’t exactly have a Jonah experience, but He did get me back on the right track.

Paul had been given some resources to share with the saints in Jerusalem (we’ll see more on that in the next verse), and now he is planning to do that before traveling on to Rome. In Acts 19:21 we read about his plan. “Now after these things were finished, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, ‘After I have been there, I must also see Rome.’” Then again in Acts 24:17 we see his purpose mentioned. “‘Now after several years I came to bring charitable gifts to my nation and to present offerings,’” Paul was a noble man with a noble plan, and he planned to see it through.

APPLICATION

How can you serve the saints? My pastor recently made a plea to our church for more volunteers. We need nursery workers and children ministry workers. We need teachers in different age groups. I am sure there are a lot of other needs that he did not mention. The trouble is most of the time, twenty percent of the church winds up doing eighty percent of the work. That is not serving the saints well. Do you think?

Now, I believe strongly that God will call individuals to fill every need in the church. The problem is most aren’t picking up the phone. Is there something you know God has called you to do but you have not responded? What are you waiting for? Don’t wait for an engraved invitation. Step out and trust Him. If He has called you, He will equip you. You may have heard the expression “God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called.” Is that you?

The ministry in which I serve is all about helping men become qualified to serve. We know that men are the key to strong churches. Men are the key to strong families. Simply put, men are the key. Then why do so few men serve the saints? I want to encourage all the men reading this blog today to ask the Lord how He wants to use them. Young men need mentors. Older men need companionship. Serve the saints in whatever way you can. You are not pleasing the pastor. You are pleasing the Lord.

Use me Lord however You choose. I want to be Your vessel in serving the saints.

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

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Woman with camera standing beside red car near detour and Scout's Overlook signs
Appointed, Bible, Detours, Listening, Romans, Scripture

PASSING THROUGH

ROMANS 15:24

“whenever I go to Spain—for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while—”

Sometimes when you take a trip you plan to go through towns, cities or maybe even parks that are not your final destination. On my Google Maps app, I can add stops along the way between my departure location and where I am planning to go. Sometimes those stops may be random. You see a billboard or attraction sign that spurs your interest, so you make a detour. Unless you are in a hurry to get where you are going, allow some time on your next trip to explore those “in between” places.

Paul, as I mentioned yesterday, had been eager to visit Rome for some time. So, as he was planning his next trip to Spain or Spania as it was called in Paul’s day, he writes he would pass through Rome and visit. Little did he know his “detour” to Rome would be as a prisoner awaiting his appeal. There is actually no biblical evidence which states he made it to Spain. After his first imprisonment in Rome, we do not know exactly where he went. Tradition states he went on the undocumented fourth missionary journey which may have included Spain. I guess we will have to ask him when we see in heaven.

APPLICATION

The Greek word translated “passing” is diaporeuomai which means “to travel through, go through, journey in, pass by.” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). It’s only used five times in the New Testament. I love what the Topical Lexicon says about it. Diaporeuomai “expresses more than physical locomotion; each instance frames a purposeful passage that advances redemptive history. Whether describing the Messiah moving toward the cross, the apostles circulating conciliar decrees, or Paul charting a route to unreached frontiers, the verb constantly links travel with divine appointment.”

Did you catch that last thing? Divine appointment! I believe we miss out on some divine appointments because we are always too busy to get where we are going. I am guilty of that. I watch the map on my phone as I drive. I gauge the success of my trip on how fast I can get from point A to point B. I don’t think Jesus was too concerned about that, do you? He wasn’t in a hurry as He walked the dusty roads of Galilee.

Let me encourage you to slow down and smell the roses. On your next trip, allow for some divine appointments. It might be a lingering conversation with a waitress at a restaurant. God may have already mapped out your “detours” to see if you are willing to listen to His rerouting your trip.

I want to go only where You want me to go. Show me the path You have for me today.

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

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Bible, 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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Police officer directing cars at a highway road closure with traffic cones and a police car.
Bible, Direction, God's Will, Hindrances, Purpose, Romans, Scripture

FOR THIS REASON

ROMANS 15:22

“For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you;”

Have you ever wondered why things happen the way they do? Often you can’t see any reason for it. You wonder if you had done something else you could have prevented it. You second guess yourself. The truth is, as followers of Christ, everything that happens in our life has a reason. I have often said that nothing can touch us that God does not allow. And if God allows it, He can see us through it.

Paul uses a little Greek conjunction at the beginning of today’s verse that ties the previous verses to these words. It’s dio which can mean “because-therefore, on account which therefore.” (HELPS Word-studies). It has the idea of two directions -backward and forward. Paul is saying because of my past actions I could not move in your direction. Barnes says Paul is saying, “I have been so entirely occupied in this leading purpose of my life, that I have not been able to come to you.”

And the word translated “been prevented” is egkóptō “(from en, ‘in’ and kóptō, ‘cut’) – properly, cut into (like blocking off a road).” (HELPS Word-studies) I was coming home the other day and when I got to the 4-way stop near my house, the whole road was blocked by utility trucks installing new power lines for a new subdivision being built. I had to turn around and go a much longer route home. What was a ¼ mile trip became a 5 mile one. That is what Paul is saying. He had roadblocks in his path to them which led to other ministry opportunities, all directed by the Lord.

APPLICATION

How can this short simple verse about Paul’s dilemma apply to us? Think back to the roadblocks in your life. I bet, if you are like me, you complained and whined. Spurgeon once said that ten minutes of praying was worth so much more than a whole year of murmuring. God has a reason for our delays. Remember, His timing is always perfect. He will place those roadblocks in your life to redirect you to the place He wants you to go. He will hinder your ideas so you will rely on His.

Now, I know that Satan will also try to change your course. He will place things in your path to entice and deceive you. However, Satan is not God’s co-equal. He does not have the power to thwart God’s will for your life if you are surrendered to it and trust. If God closes a door, look for the open window. He will not leave you with no direction wandering aimlessly. Listen to His voice.

Lord, it is hard to accept some of the roadblocks You place in our lives, but I know You see the whole picture so I trust You.

 ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Person walking towards a wooden cross on a hill at sunset with mountains in background
Bible, Gospel, Isaiah, Messages, Messenger, Messiah, Romans, Scripture

THE MYSTERY OF THE MESSAGE

ROMANS 15:21

“but just as it is written: ‘THEY WHO HAVE NOT BEEN TOLD ABOUT HIM WILL SEE, AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD WILL UNDERSTAND.’”

Okay, be honest. How is today’s verse even possible? They will see what they have not been told about and will undertand what they have not heard about? Really? How is that even possible? Have you not heard about the dreams and visions that have been happening around the world where unbelievers are coming to Christ after seeing Him in a dream? It is happening a lot in the Muslim world, but it is not limited to that. God can speak in ways we cannot even begin to comprehend.

Paul is quoting (not exactly) Isaiah 52:15 which says, “So He will sprinkle many nations, Kings will shut their mouths on account of Him; For what they had not been told, they will see, and what they had not heard, they will understand.” You really need to read the preceding two verses in Isaiah 52. “13 Behold, My Servant will prosper, He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted. 14 Just as many were appalled at you, My people, So His appearance was marred beyond that of a man, and His form beyond the sons of mankind.”

APPLICATION

Who does that remind you of? That’s right! The crucified Christ. Jesus came to “sprinkle” many nations with the blood of the perfect Lamb of God. Through that all men may be saved. But don’t they have to hear? Paul even says back in Romans 10:14, “How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?” Paul is not contradicting himself. He knows God is able to do great and mighty things well beyond his comprehension.

One of the concerns I have today among some followers of Christ is they try to put God in a box. You have to say the magic words to be saved. God only chooses certain people. God requires us to do this or do that. Don’t limit the Almighty God. Remember the context of this verse. Paul is making sure everyone knows that he is not responsible for anything he has accomplished. He is just a vessel who has been willing to be used.

Have you written certain people off of ever being saved? We have probably all done that at some point in our lives. We hear of the death of someone we knew as an unbeliever and we automatically assume they are now lost for eternity. We don’t know what happened in those last minutes of their lives. There have been a lot of deathbed confessions. Just do your part to usher in as many as you can while you have breath. God will take care of the rest.

Lord, use me to do Your will 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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