Keri Willis
The Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross: A Devotional Reflection
Even in His suffering, Jesus extends mercy and promises eternal life—a reminder of the power and efficacy of the blood of the Lamb.
5 min read
Keri Willis
- Keri Willis
- Keri Willis
The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Held in God’s Embrace
God holds us through pain and trials, like a parent comforts a hurting child. Be encouraged and rest in His loving embrace.
6 min read - Keri Willis
Resting in His Love: A Mother's Perspective - A Nighttime Prayer
“Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes arrogant; Nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me. I have certainly soothed and quieted my soul;Like a weaned child resting against his mother, my soul within me is like a weaned child.Israel, wait...
1 min read - Keri Willis
Resting in His Love: A Mother's Perspective
“Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes arrogant; Nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me. I have certainly soothed and quieted my soul;Like a weaned child resting against his mother, my soul within me is like a weaned child. Israel,...
3 min read - Keri Willis
The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Courageous
Whether He calls us to speak up or remain silent, courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s the presence of faith—knowing the Lord goes before us, stands behind us, and surrounds us on every side.…
5 min read - Keri Willis
The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Light
This world can feel like a fierce and stormy sea. Fear, confusion, pain, and division often rule and seem to be the only things visible to a lost world. But God has placed His people like beacons a…
6 min read - Keri Willis
The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Behold the Lamb
“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 Imagine Abraham and Isaac climbing the mountain to build an altar and offer a sacrifice. They had the wood, fire, and tools—…
6 min read - Keri Willis
The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Vigilant
That night in Yosemite reminded me of how the enemy operates. The devil, like a roaring lion, seeks to devour us. He wants to scare us, rob us of our precious resources, and teach his disciples how…
6 min read - Keri Willis
Creating a Sanctuary for the Presence of God
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. -- Psalm 16:11 (NLT)A friend once shared a story with me of going, as an exterminator, to a well-known Christian singer/songwriter’s house. He knocked at the door,...
3 min read - Keri Willis
Creating a Sanctuary for the Presence of God - A Nighttime Prayer
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. -- Psalm 16:11 (NLT)Please Pray:Dear Heavenly Father,Thank you for your promise to always be with me. Your rod and staff comfort me. You are a shield about...
1 min read - Keri Willis
The Be- Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Transformed
I love spring. The rains wash the world and clease the air. New life is all around me. The bright yellow and black oriole returns to my yard, and the worship songs of the sparrows chase away the da…
7 min read - Keri Willis
The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Prayerful
God knows our needs before we voice them. But He still appreciates a gracious appeal for those needs and a heart of gratitude when we recognize He is the one providing.
6 min read - Keri Willis
The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Forgiving
I, too, can get caught up in past wrongs. The enemy loves to parade them before me, tempting me to dwell on them like an irresistible offer. But then I remember the ultimate injustice—what Jesus su…
5 min read - Keri Willis
The Be Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Forgiven
Friends, we do not have to carry a knapsack full of guilt around with us. We can lay our burden at the foot of the cross and NEVER pick it up again. We are told that our Father has removed our sins…
7 min read - Keri Willis
Courageous Examples of Faith Conquering Fear
“Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with...
4 min read - Keri Willis
Courageous Examples of Faith Conquering Fear - A Nighttime Prayer
“Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with...
1 min read - Keri Willis
The Be Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Saved
Being saved is not just fire insurance. It is not just about getting to Heaven and eternal life. That is just the final result. He came to give us life, life more abundant.
6 min read - Keri Willis
Our Be Attitudes
NOTE; Sorry I have been a little under the weather and have not been able to be here consistently. I am working on updating my website… a monumental task, and I have begun working on a novel …
4 min read - Keri Willis
Worship Like You are at the Super Bowl
Once a year, people around the world stop what they are doing for a collective worship service. You may think I am talking about a Christmas Eve or Easter service at an iconic location such as St. …
5 min read - Keri Willis
The Journey of Marriage: From Hard Work to Joy - A Nighttime Prayer
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It...
1 min read - Keri Willis
The Journey of Marriage: From Hard Work to Joy
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It...
4 min read - Keri Willis
New Year, New Focus: Exit Signs and Spiritual Perseverance - A Nighttime Prayer
“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling...
1 min read - Keri Willis
New Year, New Focus: Exit Signs and Spiritual Perseverance
“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling...
4 min read - Keri Willis
Starting 2025 with a Clean Slate: Embracing New Beginnings
I have some big plans for this year. But the only plan that matters is that I seek to glorify God in my life with every breath and allow Him to be seen in me and through me. I want to be ready for …
5 min read - Keri Willis
A Bethlehem Night
“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good...
4 min read - Keri Willis
A Bethlehem Night - A Nighttime Prayer
`“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good...
2 min read - Keri Willis
Embracing Love: Lessons from Advent
And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ,
6 min read - Keri Willis
Embracing Eternal Joy: Faith and the Christmas Story
The third week of Advent brings the focus on joy. The pink candle represents joy the shepherds experienced when angels announced our Saviors birth. But the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” …
6 min read - Keri Willis
Christmas Presents with a Lasting Impact
I love writing this blog on a regular basis. However, writing books that I can hand a person to read when she (or he) is not connected to the internet or phone, one that can be passed from friend t…
7 min read - Keri Willis
Embracing Peace in This Advent Season
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderfu…
5 min read - Keri Willis
Embracing Hope This Advent Season
That hope is Jesus. The gift is eternal life. And it is free.
4 min read - Keri Willis
Turn Your Grumble Into Gratitude
When we focus our eyes on the One to whom we should be most thankful, our grumble can turn into gratitude.
4 min read - Keri Willis
Jehovah Jireh ~ The God Who Provides
Throughout Scripture, we see example of God providing at just the right time. He provided a ram for Abraham to sacrifice. He provided a meal for Elijah who was on the run and scared. He provided ma…
6 min read - Keri Willis
Finding Hope in God's Providence in Times of Uncertainty - A Nighttime Prayer
“But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue...
1 min read - Keri Willis
Finding Hope in God's Providence During Times of Uncertainty
“But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue...
4 min read - Keri Willis
Finding Peace Amid Holiday Chaos
In a season of hurry, why not take a step back and give yourself the gift of a quiet heart.
6 min read - Keri Willis
Praying for Leaders: A Call for Gratitude and Grace
November is traditionally the month we work hard to remind ourselves of all we have to be grateful for. Then the day after Thanksgiving the world goes into a frenzy to make out shopping and wish li…
5 min read - Keri Willis
Tea With Elephants Book Review
Usually when I get a new book from one of my favorite authors, the world stops. I make a cup of tea (hot or iced depending on the season). I put on my proverbial “do not disturb” sign and dig in. A…
4 min read - Keri Willis
The Healing Power of Laughter -- A Nighttime Prayer
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” - Romans 15:13Please pray:Heavenly Father, Thank you for creating us to have laughter in our souls. Help me to find joy and...
1 min read - Keri Willis
The Healing Power of Laughter
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength. -- Proverbs 17:22She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. -- Proverbs 31:25Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. -- Psalm 126:2aMom needed to...
4 min read - Keri Willis
The Special Treasure of God’s Children
Have you ever felt like a Cinderella, forgotten, doomed to the basement of life, getting the leftovers, watching the evil stepsisters get all the benefits of a life of wealth and comfort?
5 min read - Keri Willis
Divine Providence: Stories of Protection and Guidance
With God, there are no coincidences. He had that couple drive by our broken-down car by divine appointment. He had them going in the direction we needed to go and impressed on them to stop and help…
5 min read - Keri Willis
Overcoming Grief with Hope: A Journey of God's Enduring Protection
If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t...
2 min read - Keri Willis
Overcoming Grief with Hope: A Journey of God's Enduring Protection
If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t...
6 min read - Keri Willis
Finding Freedom in Knowing Jesus - A Nighttime Prayer
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NLT)Please Pray:Dear Jesus, I want to have all the freedom your salvation offers. Please forgive me and replace the chains of sin by binding my heart...
1 min read - Keri Willis
Finding Freedom in Knowing Jesus
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. -- John 14:6 (NLT)And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave...
4 min read - Keri Willis
Parenting Wisdom: Nurturing Godly Children with Biblical Guidance
From the minute they take their first breath, we are helping to mold our children into who they will become as adults. What we do, what we say, and how we do and say it can impact them for a lifeti…
5 min read - Keri Willis
Searching For Wisdom
If you are looking for a great daily devotional, this is a brand new online resource. Each day there is a new devotional and prayer to encourage you in your walk with God. As one of the contributin…
3 min read - Keri Willis
Seeking God’s Wisdom: Unearthing The Hidden Treasure - A Nighttime Prayer
“Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His...
1 min read - Keri Willis
Seeking God's Wisdom: Unearthing the Hidden Treasure
“Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His...
4 min read - Keri Willis
The Treasure of Worry
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. C…
7 min read - Keri Willis
Experiencing Freedom: Overcoming Fear with Faith
It was one of the most excruciating experiences of my life. It was frustrating. It was humiliating. And it was freeing.
5 min read - Keri Willis
Finding Freedom in Choosing Faith over Fear
It was one of the most excruciating experiences of my life. It was frustrating. It was humiliating. And it was freeing.
7 min read - Keri Willis
Finding Freedom in Talking to God
How do you view prayer? We can tend to think of it as a grocery list we take to the store once a week. In reality, it should be an ongoing conversation with God.
6 min read - Keri Willis
Breaking the Chains of Guilt: Embracing Grace and Redemption
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to …
7 min read - Keri Willis
She is Clothed With Strength and Dignity
She taught me, from her recliner and wheelchair, how to cook, how to serve, how to love my neighbor as myself. I learned compassion, patience, and true joy of serving through practical experiences …
11 min read - Keri Willis
NEW BOOKS!
I am also so excited to announce that I have completed two projects which are now available on Amazon.
5 min read - Keri Willis
Love and Good Works
Although the giving of gifts is one way to show love, I was reminded that the Bible tells us love is so much more than romantic feelings or familial affection; there is something much deeper.
6 min read - Keri Willis
Destination RESToration The Cost and Value of Restoration
I am a bargain hunter. My husband likes to remind me that it is only a good deal if it is something you need or really want and find it for a great price. But there is something very satisfying abo…
6 min read - Keri Willis
Destination RESToration Restoration for the Weary Soul
What restores your soul? Prayer? Worship? Fellowship? Quiet time? Feet in the sand? Rest? A good book? A hike in the mountains? Time with friends? Laughter? In my quiet time recently, I read this v…
6 min read - Keri Willis
Destination RESToration Ten Tools for Restored Relationships
Depending on God to give us the tools to use and relying on Him to give us the wisdom in knowing how to use them will make our relationship restoration go far more smoothly than if we try to fix th…
10 min read - Keri Willis
Destination RESToration Refining and Replenishing
This is part seven of Destination RESToration. If you have not read the first six segments, I encourage you to do so before you move on to this section. Destination RESToration, DR Restored to Our …
6 min read - Keri Willis
My Basket of Christmas Goodies
If you were to visit my home right now, you may be served leftovers or cheese and crackers. But they would be good leftovers. What I have to offer you here are some good leftovers from the past few…
5 min read - Keri Willis
A Biblical Response to The Epidemic of Loneliness
Sometimes the Lord will use loneliness to help us rest, even when we are resisting it. Reflecting on God’s goodness and blessing in our lives can dissipate the feelings of loneliness.
16 min read - Keri Willis
Destination RESToration: Remove Rinse and REST
If you feel like you have messed up God’s masterpiece, don’t worry, He is in the business of restoration. He has all the equipment and knowledge to restore your masterpiece to its original purpose …
5 min read - Keri Willis
Destination RESToration: Call the Carpenter
We don’t want to ask for help or let anyone see our flaws. We make a mess of things and ask for help after the fact. Or worse, we make a mess and then just try to hide so no one will discover our f…
5 min read - Keri Willis
Destination RESToration: Restored Communion with God
When I brought home an old worn out table that was bound for the trash, the first thing I did was sand a little corner and wipe it down with water to see what it would look like after the restorat…
6 min read - Keri Willis
Destination RESToration: Preparation for Restoration
Are you fighting battles that would be better fought if you had the shield of faith covering you? Do you put on the breastplate of righteousness to guard your heart? Are your feet fit with the Gosp…
6 min read - Keri Willis
Destination RESToration Restored to our Original Purpose
Honestly, I don’t want to live with an old, damaged, ugly, useless spirit. I don’t want to be a fixer upper, I want to be the Restored. So how do we get there?
8 min read - Keri Willis
Destination RESToration
Do you ever feel like an old run-down building, searching for the beauty within? Do you have trouble seeing yourself the way God sees you?
6 min read - Keri Willis
The Freedom of Dependence ~ A Mother’s Day Challenge
I have pondered the thought over and over: When my goal of raising my children is to teach them to be capable, independent, God-loving people, why is it so hard when they reach that point?
7 min read - Keri Willis
Splendor and Majesty ~ Imago Dei
The thought took my breath away. When my Heavenly Father looks into my eyes, does He see a reflection of himself?
5 min read - Keri Willis
Teachers, Why We Do What We Do, And a Book Review
Teacher friends, do you ever wonder why you show up to school every day? Do you wonder why you continue to do what you do? One of my most precious memories of teaching is when my 5th grade class was studying the Christmas story and the lineage of Christ. Mid-lesson,...
4 min read - Keri Willis
Splendor and Majesty ~ The Trees of the Field Clap Their Hands
Like David wandering in the wilderness of Judah, I have said in my heart, “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land …
9 min read - Keri Willis
Did Mary Know?
Have you ever struggled with God’s sovereignty? We want to believe we have faith enough to know God will is the best plan. But saying we believe in God’s sovereignty and living like we do are vastly different.
9 min read - Keri Willis
Splendor and Majesty ~ Absence of Light
Our world may seem dark to you today. Let the words of God’s light fill your life. Know that He is with you, guiding you and holding your hand. In Him there is no darkness. Rest in His magnificent …
5 min read - Keri Willis
Splendor and Majesty ~ Light
Have you ever stopped to consider why, before God created anything else, He said “Let there be light?” God, in His infinite power and wisdom, did not need the light to see what He was doing, yet the moment He spoke light into existence, He saw that it was good.
6 min read - Keri Willis
Do You Have FOMU (Fear of Messing Up)?
Do you have FOMU? We all know about FOMO, fear of missing out, but how does FOMU impact your work, your ministry, your productivity, and your joy? I am talking about the FEAR OF MESSING UP.
11 min read - Keri Willis
Book Review ~ A Grace Filled Homestead by Lana Stenner
What a fun and inspirational book. Lana blends her love of life on the farm with practical and biblical application. Her writing invites you into her home and heart in a way that makes you apprecia…
3 min read - Keri Willis
Splendor and Majesty – Be Still and Listen
Just like God spoke to Elijah, He has spoken to us. He tells us we are never alone; “I will never leave you or forsake you” Hebrews 13:5) And that He is enough: “Lord you are my p…
6 min read - Keri Willis
Splendor and Majesty ~ Knowing God Through His Magnificent Creation.
He gave us creation as a way to explain himself to us in terms we humans can understand. What does anything need to live, grow, and survive? Food, water, the sun, and shelter. He is the bread of li…
10 min read - Keri Willis
Splendor and Majesty
It is always good to take a break and revel in God’s magnificent creation
6 min read - Keri Willis
How to be a Royal Heir; Part II
The idea of our beauty as a Royal Heir is not that we can’t wear pretty clothes or do our hair up nice, but that we should be identified by the posture of our hearts, by our actions that are spurre…
5 min read - Keri Willis
How to be a Royal Heir
If I stayed held down by thinking I was no good, unworthy, or without value. I would be serving the Father of Lies, not the Father of LIGHT!
5 min read - Keri Willis
I Am a Child of God Part III
Knowing who I am in Christ, knowing where my strength comes from, feeling confident in the work He has called me to is a work of the Holy Spirit in my life. It is from believing what He says in His…
5 min read - Keri Willis
I am a Child of God Part II
I am so grateful to have a Heavenly Father who rescues me from the messes that I make; who goes before me and prepares the way for me; who walks beside me, so I am never alone. I am so fortunate to…
6 min read - Keri Willis
I am a Child of God
This morning, I woke up to a chorus of birds singing in my backyard. I was reminded how much God loves it when His creation worships Him. More than that, I thought of how much He cares for all of t…
4 min read - Keri Willis
Children of the King
But the truth of who I am is this; when I was five years old, God became my daddy.He wrapped His gentle arms of protection around me and told me that I was special and loved. He guided me from the …
6 min read - Keri Willis
The Apostle’s Sister Book Review
In this narrative, the Apostle Paul’s free-spirited sister, Aya grows up in the shadow of her brother who is a student of the Torah.
4 min read - Keri Willis
Jehovah Roi Who is God? Part V
We have been taught to not trust strangers, but our God has offered us the privilege of knowing Him, our King and Creator of the universe, intimately and personally. We learn to trust Him when we g…
6 min read - Keri Willis
Who is God? Part IV
The ENEMY wants us to forget all these benefits. He wants us to base our relationship with God on feelings and emotions. He frequently reminds us of our failures, mistakes, sins, but Jehovah Rapha …
6 min read - Keri Willis
Jehovah Rophe/Rapha Who is our King? Part III
Whatever season you are in, know that Jehovah Rophe is the God who heals because He is the God who hears. He hears your cry, knows your pain, and wants to bring you peace even in the Valley of the …
6 min read - Keri Willis
If We are Children of the King, Who is our King? Part II
Some of us are like Moses, we think we need to see a burning bush to really believe in God. Elohim came to Moses and introduced Himself in a very powerful way. The power of God and His name does no…
6 min read - Keri Willis
If We are Children of the King, Who is our King? (Part I)
If we are Children of the King, why do we so often live like paupers? Why do we look to the world for our satisfaction and comfort?
6 min read - Keri Willis
Behold The Lamb
We have all sinned. God loves us. Jesus died for our sins, was buried and rose again so we can have life, life more abundant.
5 min read - Keri Willis
Book Review The Grumble-Free Year
We get to receive the benefit from the work for Tricia’s family. She journaled the family progress, what worked and what did not. She challenges the readers with activities after each chapter…
4 min read - Keri Willis
The Ultimate Act of Worship
It takes practice to perfect the song. We are His choir, His orchestra. He wants us to be practicing the “song”, the “mele” with every Aloha – every breath.
7 min read - Keri Willis
Worship is More Than a Song
What do we do when our sports teams score? We hold up our hands in celebration. Isn’t salvation and the defeat of The Enemy worth celebrating?
6 min read - Keri Willis
Ho’Omana…
What prevents you from worshipping? Could it be our Expectation: what if we woke up every morning and thought “Wow, I can’t wait to see what amazing things God is going to do today?” Or Show me Lor…
6 min read - Keri Willis
She Had Hope
I received a gift in observing a saint go through the slow process of losing herself and gaining Jesus.
17 min read
Keri Willis
Keri has always loved Jesus but realized at the early age of five that she wanted to give her heart to Him and spend her life serving Him. She is married to her magnificent husband of almost 40 years, Harold. They live in San Diego with their lively Weimaraner, Belle and serve in leadership at their church home. They have two happily married adult children and one granddaughter. Keri is graduate of Liberty University and has a master’s in education from San Diego State University. She has worked in various areas of education and ministry with a special place in her heart for individuals with special needs. She enjoys teaching God’s children of all ages. She loves all things outdoors. Her favorite “office” is her backyard where many ideas for women’s retreats, speaking engagements, blog posts, and books have been born. You can find more of her writing at www.kerilynnwillis.com and all four of her books on Amazon, by going to Amazon and typing in Keri Lynn Willis.