Willis' Blog

bballwc8 — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:25:14 +0000

Haven’t updated this thing in a while it seems. A lot has happened but right now I don’t feel like pouring it all out on here haha. Been having way more dreams than usual these past few days too. Not sure what to make of it. I’ll be back later…

Rock Of Ages

bballwc8 — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 12:38:45 +0000

I’ve been listening to Christian radio stations and a lot of the songs are so centered on “oh God, my life is so horrible right now, i need You to step in!” (or something along those lines) Songs that praise God aren’t played as often. In listening to hymns and what those writers wrote in those songs, it is obvious that they knew God, not just as their Helper in times of hardship, but as their GOD and KING! I look in Scriptures, especially in the book of Acts, how the apostles’ prayers were all concerning the Kingdom of God and not so focused on their own needs and desires. What would it look like today if we would just stop focusing on our own lives and needs and start being prayerful for the Kingdom of God? Despite the apostle’s sufferings, even to the point of death, they were rich and joyful because of God’s faithfulness and grace in providing all they need. Sometimes the way we were brought up in church or family need to be compared to what the Word of God says…

I Have Decided…

bballwc8 — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 13:09:09 +0000

Simple words but I desire this to be wholly and genuinely true of me and not just “simple words” from my mouth…

Be Thou My Vision

bballwc8 — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:44:49 +0000

I love songs that speak the Gospel message with a heartfelt surrender and reverence of God…

Be Clear Minded

bballwc8 — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:19:09 +0000

I woke up this morning with such a strange disturbance in my heart and mind. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this sort of thing before where my mind was jammed with all sorts of things while in my heart I felt really bothered with something but for no apparent reason…But even as I was awakening, these words kept repeating within my mind, “be clear-minded so that you can pray.” I spent some time trying to read through some Scripture, particularly in Colossians 3 and 4, 1Thess. 5 where I saw a lot of emphasis on setting our minds toward heavenly things, to be united, loving, and encouraging toward all, and to be prayerful. Those words that kept repeating in my head of being clear minded kept pressing on me so I looked it up and it was in 1 Peter 4:7 , “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” This whole chapter in 1Peter 4 spoke to me a lot this morning. I know I still have sins that I’m confessing and repenting of daily and through all that, I’m starting to see less and less of it in my life because of God’s grace and faithfulness. But there are still times when I do fall not because I wanted to, but because I did not make war against these sins. My mind and heart were not aware and clear to turn to Christ. I really got convicted through the beginning of this chapter, “Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” This got me thinking some more…to suffer for the sake of Christ does not only apply to the physical persecutions and hardships that we must face, but also to suffer daily with the sinful nature that’s warring against us. This is both a spiritual and physical battle, but because of Jesus, we can walk in victory. No matter how big the ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ in a believer are, no matter how fast or slow they grow, the Christian’s life is always one of advancement and strife toward holiness by the power of Jesus Christ. And it is He who will finish the good work. I realize more of what a life of worship really is. It’s not just through singing songs together, but to obey the Words of God daily. I was never taught what it was to have a “life of worship”. Pastors and teachers would emphasis it but never explain how to do it. This was something I’ve been striving to learn almost my whole life up to now. I see clearer at least, that a life of worship is obedience and submission to God’s commands and every Word spoken through the Bible. I’m so thankful that it is not by our own strength to do these things, otherwise it becomes religion. But by the transforming power of Christ, He will do it in us as we seek diligently. When worship becomes work and performance, it becomes deadened by religious activity. But when worship becomes a holy reverence for God, it becomes living and active.

We are told to be clear minded and self controlled so that we can pray…Which is why we see multiple times throughout God’s Word to not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by renewing our minds, to be holy because He is holy, to be children of light and not darkness, etc. etc. All these things is so we can be watchful and continue to endure to the end. We eagerly await for Christ’s return. May we not grow idle or lose what God has so freely given, even while we are so undeserving and pitiful. God loves those who are His with a love that man will never comprehend or grasp. That is so amazing. Those who still don’t know Him, run to Him with all your heart. He is a rewarder of those who seek Him diligently…

A Thought While Driving Home Today

bballwc8 — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:45:24 +0000

Every time I’m out driving or walking, I always look at how amazingly beautiful and vast God’s creation is. His creation is all around us, from all the trees, grass, skies, clouds, sun/moon/stars, animals, bodies of water, etc. God’s presence and markings are all around us yet I see so many too busy with the routines of life that they miss it every day. As I make my way down the stairs and hallways of the hospital each morning, all I see and hear are people with footsteps that are in so much of a hurry. There’s not a single hint of an emergency or anything, just people walking super fast trying to get the day started and over with. I’m thinking to myself, “what’s the rush?? Can’t you just slow down and enjoy another day?” But anyways…

As I was driving home today, I found myself just looking at all the big tall trees that have been near my neighborhood ever since I could remember. Nobody really pays attention to all the trees and flowers near a busy intersection these days haha. But I was reminded of how grand and tall a tree may get, but if its fruits are all rotten and nasty, it’s not a very productive/fruitful tree at all. If our churches, from an outward perspective, look to be grand, popular, and seemingly “spiritual” yet its members are not producing the proper Spiritual fruits in their individual lives outside of fellowship, then it may be deceiving. There are so many teachings these days that seem biblical but are merely add-ons by men with their own feelings and ideas that are not grounded in Scriptural truth. I was reminded that we need to have churches that are preaching the Word of God and not the latest ideas or opinions. That each member also needs to be reading and studying the Word for themselves as well as be having a life of prayer and growth in Christ. If every member in a church doesn’t read the Word for themselves, but just listens to the preacher teach, what would happen? Who knows if the preacher is preaching from solid doctrine and Truth. I liked what A.W. Tozer said…”If the church says it but Scripture does not say it, I will reject it.” Something to keep in mind =]

Biblical Missions

bballwc8 — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 18:54:11 +0000

The Path Gets Narrow

bballwc8 — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 03:14:03 +0000

I’m not sure what’s going on with me these days. Feels as if I’m walking away from the path of life that I used to enjoy and going on this road that seems so much more “narrower”. To be honest, it feels like I’m losing friends or growing more distant from them as well as seeing less of an attraction toward the worldly things. I’m not saying I don’t enjoy being with friends and doing things with them, but as I mentioned before, the things we usually do are less appealing. I’d rather be spending time in prayer, worship, and fellowship. I do love being with God’s people…I had to ask myself many times whether or not I’m just secluding myself from the “outside”, but then I look at Scriptures and the more it makes sense to me. Because the world does not know Christ, it will reject Him and those who follow after Him. Jesus tells of the straight and narrow path that leads to salvation, and few will find it. But wide is the path that leads to destruction and many will be on it. I just want to be transparent and honest here…many times it gets lonely in trying to walk this walk of faith. Not the sort of loneliness where I need someone to be with, but the loneliness of becoming more and more against the current of the world. Lord, i need Your guidance so much…

I fear for those whom I know who are growing cold, idle, lukewarm, and just going through the motions day by day. I fear for those who find entertainment and going with the cultural flow more appealing than diving into the Word, worship, and prayer. This burden has been on my heart very strongly these days and I feel God is leading me to intercede for these people. Jesus warns us that not all who claim to be in Christ will enter His kingdom. (Matt.7:21-23) There is still the possibility of pursuing a lawless righteousness which is why it’s so necessary to constantly be checking our hearts before God, to allow Him to work in us and to have a moment by moment dependence on the Spirit. If this applies to anyone, please do not harden your heart toward God’s Word. Seek Him and repent while He still may be found. The days are coming to an end. If you are a child of God, do not grow so complacent and comfortable in this life because you do not belong to it. Seek and pursue God’s kingdom and righteousness. His kingdom is not just a matter of talk, but of power! (1Cor.4:20)

bballwc8 — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 02:18:33 +0000

Wanted to share an awesome song my bro Jon Wang played in the his stereo this weekend that spoke a lot to me. The struggles and trials in life are great, but the love of God is infinitely greater. It also reminded me of the dangers of growing too comfortable as well, especially in a place where we’re surrounded by so much “entertainment” and getting caught up in going with the flow of this world/culture that worship and prayer seem less appealing. There is such a heaviness/burden not just for the lost, but for those who are growing cold, idle, lukewarm, or just going through the motions. Reality is, not everyone who says, “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt.7:21-23) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed! (Rom.12:2) Always be alert, clear-minded so you can pray (1Peter4:7) This world is fleeting, do not pursue after worthless things in it. Our reward is Christ Himself! and He will reign forever and ever!

[Chorus] – Jai:

We are Your hands, we are Your feet

It’s time for us to stand, yea ‘cuz we love you, Sudan

[Verse 1] – Swoope:

If I’m honest, I’m tired, hungry, I’m frustrated, all of the above

A little sore from civil war, when all I seen was blood

I shed tears, heartbroken, all I need is Love

I’m drowning fast in my sorrow, all of me is flood

I’ve seen hurt, seen death, seen slaughter

Now I need some clean water

All I see is mud

It’s like nobody out there cares ‘cuz all I see is shrugs

It’s like nobody out there hears ‘cuz all their ears is plugged

(Psalm 34)

Man I’m feeling like a lion whose hungry and weak

So it’s the mighty God of Zion who humbly I seek

I stumble and weep

With the tears running from cheeks

Each moment I wonder if He will ever so subtly speak

And I’m confident He will, so I’m confidently still

Deliver me from sickness, Lord, conquer what is ill

I still stand, and when I’m rescued is His choice

I stand still and know my refuge is His voice

[Chorus] – Jai:

We are Your hands, we are Your feet

It’s time for us to stand, yea ‘cuz we love you, Sudan

Actions speak louder, louder then words

Put our prayers in motion, and bring Heaven on Earth

Let’s bring Heaven on Earth

[Verse 2] – Tedashii:

God, today another home somebody owned is now a puddle

Why the rain came I wonder while they wander through the rubble?

Why me, why now, should I think why not?

Is everything against me to take everything I got?

Someone got out the bed this morning, some got off the floor

Some went off to work this morning, some went off to war

Some ate half a plate and trashed it just to get some more

But trust me, that’s not an option in places like Darfur

Vision blurry as the skies cries like my eyes

In despair I cast my cares, as I cry to the sky

Never hope in Man, though some are willing they’re unable

But I’m the kind who’ll be fine with crumbs from the Master’s table

I know this situation hasn’t caught You by surprise

In fact, it’s with faith I choose to walk instead of sight

I know that You love ‘em, since the womb You knew them

And You never forget, so may the grace that drew them, renew them

[Chorus] – Jai:

We are Your hands, we are Your feet

It’s time for us to stand, yea ‘cuz we love you, Sudan

Actions speak louder, louder then words

Put our prayers in motion, and bring Heaven on Earth

Let’s bring Heaven on Earth

[Verse 3] – Lecrae:

I don’t have the words to articulate,

The way You let me drown in Your never ending grace

How my crimes are covered and washed away in blood

There is nothing in me conditioning You to make You Love

I can’t attract, impress, or try to win Your heart

But You give it all

And You been involve

And You never change, even when I’m wrong

Your Love still goes on to make an atonement

Love infinite and unconditional

Nothing can separate us, ‘cuz now I live in You

There is no amount that can calculate Your divine Love

It’s so much that Christ was given to die for us

It’s stronger than death, deeper than the ocean

Bigger than the night sky, the Earth could never hold it

And it’s not impulsive, it’s holy and pure

It’s not a weakness or soft it’s sharp as a sword.

[Outro] – John Piper:

“God in eternity looked upon me forseeing my faultness, my pride, my sin and said “I want that man in My family, I will pay for him to be in My family with My Son’s life. That’s Love folks. That is mega, off the charts, Love!”

[Chorus] – Jai:

Actions speak louder, louder then words

Put our prayers in motion, and bring Heaven on Earth

Let’s bring Heaven on Earth!

Life Is But A Vapor

bballwc8 — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 01:40:56 +0000

I got to meet with a few friends whom I haven’t seen in a while today. Also got to meet some new faces. I was walking along the lake with a brother and we were just in awe at how beautiful and peaceful God’s creation was. Even though it was rainy and a little cloudy, it still did not cover God’s wonders. It got us seeing how even God’s creation is in worship before Him. God doesn’t need us to worship Him when all the wonders of creation are bowed down before Him, but He delights in His people and wants to bring us back to Him, to who we truly are before sin came in. I see how much of an honor and privilege it is to be called His child. Sometimes i ask myself, “why me?” or “what is man that You would be so mindful of?” But because He promises that He will never leave nor forsake us, that He is unchanging and faithful, is where i can respond in such a way that i can’t help but love Him and want to be with Him forever. It was quite a beautiful time of worship with His creation today…

As I encounter more people and friends and just seeing how dark this world really is, the more I realize how fleeting and short life is. At any moment, someone could die or have something traumatic happen. We don’t know when our time will come, but while we are still breathing there’s still work to be done. I don’t want to waste my life on earthly and temporary things. I don’t want to be content and comfortable in this life. While I’m still able to, I want to see the kingdom of God advance here on earth as it is in heaven. As Paul said in Philippians 1:21,”For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” I want to have such a heart to see and live for Christ while I’m here on earth, and when I pass here, it will be even better because I will be with my Maker and my Father in eternity…life is truly but a vapor without knowing Christ. He is not something to “add” to life as another “check-off” on the list to make our lives complete…He is the ONLY One that makes life worth living and dying for. God is who we were made for and without Him there is nothing to be lived for.