29
Jul '25
Burned In or Up
29
Jul '25
Introduction: Dog days. Hot weather is in the forecast. The climate-change crowd calls it “Global Warming”; but we call it God Warming! Somebody said it was so hot that the birds were using “potholders” to pull worms out of the ground. That is hot! Well anyway, remember Jesus said to the Church of Laodicea that He would rather them be “hot or cold”; howbeit, He insisted that they had become “lukewarm.” Could that be said about you or me? Speaking of “burning up,” Peter shares some insights as to where this earth is going and God’s plan for the future. Check it out:
1. There is coming a day when the earth is going to get so HOT it will BURN UP! (2 Peter 3:10–11) – “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”
The world is literally going up in smoke! Burned up!! So what does that tell you? It should tell us several things: Do not hold on to your possessions too tightly. Why? Because they will be BURNED UP!
Think about it. You work all your life to accumulate “THINGS”? “THINGS” that will be consumed to ashes! By comparison, what can you accumulate that will not be BURNED UP?
2. Focus on what will not be BURNED UP! (2 Peter 3:12–14) – “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
What do you conclude from these verses in 2 Peter? First of all, “godliness” will not be BURNED UP! Secondly, “righteousness” will not be BURNED UP! Therefore, it is God’s will for His people to work on those things that will last throughout eternity. Are you focused?
Conclusion: So instead of focusing all of our time and attention on things that are going to be BURNED UP, we should take spiritual inventory on our lifestyle as it lines up with God’s plan for our life. Then trust the Holy Spirit to enable us to fulfill His purpose as we lay up our “treasures in heaven” where rust will not decay.
So allow the Holy Spirit to BURN IN godliness rather than getting BURNED OUT from weariness.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
28
Jul '25
Be a REFRESHER, not a DEPRESSOR
28
Jul '25
Introduction: Do you pick people up or pull them down? Are you an encourager or a discourager? When you are around others, do you “refresh them” or “depress them”?
So how can we “refresh” others?
1. Be a REFRESHER like Philemon, not a DEPRESSOR! (Philemon 1:7) – “For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee.”
The word “refresh” is ἀναπαύω, which means to take ease or to rest. Don’t you love to be around people you can “take ease”, relax, rest, and be refreshed? It seems like they are far and few between. By the way, this does not mean to be flattered, or manipulated, or even be hypocritical. Nor does this mean to be frivolous or speaking with foolish jesting. Instead, it means to find rest. Let’s face it — Jesus Christ through His Word is the very best “REFRESHER”! And actually, only after we’ve been “REFRESHED” by Him can we “REFRESH” others.
Does that make sense?
2. Be a REFRESHER like the believers in the Church of Rome! (Romans 15:32) – “That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.”
Here the Holy Spirit uses the word which means to rest or refresh one’s spirit with one. Technically speaking, it has to do with getting refreshment by mutual contact.
The idea is, Paul had been fighting spiritual battles, and apparently needed REFRESHING, which he received from the CHRISTians in the Church of Rome. Do you think that people are REFRESHED after attending New Rocky Creek Church? The obvious answer is — they should be!
Conclusion: Do not forget the order: First, we are “REFRESHED” by the Holy Spirit, and then we can be facilitators to do the same.
Will you make that your prayer today?
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
25
Jul '25
Climbing the Ladder That Reaches Heaven
25
Jul '25
Introduction: If you are a Christian, then you are “climbing a ladder that reaches heaven”! Explain that. Well, in the book written to the Church of Rome, Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, writes from ground zero, tracing the steps both from a divine perspective as well as a CHRISTian perspective. What a journey! It is almost as if you can see with the eye of Faith one step at a time. Let’s follow the trip.
1. God KNOWS before we take the first step – being born again at the beginning until the end! (Rom 8:28,29) – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow.”
This first rung on the ladder is amazing. Think with me. Not only does our Sovereign Lord work everything for our “GOOD”, but He also knows about it before it even happens! Wow!! This blessed truth should cause every believer in Jesus Christ to thank Him more, trust Him more, and share Him more. Do you agree?
2. God SHOWS the path of the journey! (Rom 8:29,30) – “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
Tracing the journey of every Christian who is heaven-bound, this next life-changing truth is discovered as we are being fashioned into His image. In other words, God takes the good, the bad, and the in-between that happens to us with the intention that it works in us to make us more like JESUS. Let that sink in!
3. God GOES after us and then GROWS us! (Rom 8:30) – “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
Did you notice that it is Jesus that does the CALLING? He comes LOOKING for us first! Then, as we respond in the affirmative to FOLLOW Him, He makes us RIGHT (justifies)! Hallelujah!!
4. God GLOWS us because He already sees His children in heaven! (Rom 8:30) – “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
At last, this journey from heaven’s view is already finished and visible. However, from the Christian view, we are in the process. Imagine being glorified already?
Conclusion: Since the journey includes the steps of God Who KNOWS, SHOWS, GOES, GROWS, and finally GLOWS, what is left to say?
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
24
Jul '25
AI in the Sky
24
Jul '25
Introduction: Is AI watching you? How does our cell phone know where we are at, and sometimes where we are going even before we get in the car? Is that scary or what? Who all is keeping up with every financial transaction you make? Are there direct ties to Amazon purchases? Have we been ID’ed as a number? Is our privacy eroding at the price of technological advances? Are medical breakthroughs worth the price of personal freedoms?
These and many more questions are going to be considered as we journey into the future. That is, if Jesus Christ tarries. So what are the biblical implications to all of this new wave of living?
1. Futuristically, this will lead to tracking every person! (Revelation 13:16–18) – “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.”
A system of tracking every person is being put into place today. Why? Because the Antichrist, with the help of the one world government, will be able to identify every person—facial recognition? In doing so, he will control the world politically, militarily, economically, socially, and spiritually.
2. Prophetically, this will lead to the Antichrist’s dominance! (Revelation 13:3–4) – “…and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?”
The devil’s desire is to control the world. He will accomplish this through the embodiment of the Antichrist. Thus, he will have dominion for a while. However, eventually, at the end of the seven-year tribulation, he will meet his demise at the return of Jesus Christ.
3. Financially, this will lead to the one world government! (Revelation 13:6) – “And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.”
Whoever controls the money controls the world. With a system capable of tracking every single person in place—which is now being built with the mega data centers all across America and the world—the Antichrist will be able to control who gets what economically; i.e., bread, food, groceries, cell phones, medical centers, etc. Think about that!
4. Realistically, an image of the beast will speak. (Revelation 13:14–15) – “And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.”
Interesting to note, the word “image” is translated “breath”! As of today—unlike ten, twenty years ago—through AI, chatbots, etc., robots have human-like features with abilities to talk and carry out multiple human tasks. They are being used at restaurants, nursing homes, hospitals, and factories. My wife and I went to a restaurant and met Rosy Bot—a robot who served our table. She had a good attitude!! Considered taking her home!!?
Have you heard of AI Jesus? Millions are communicating with an artificial Jesus daily. By the way, did not Jesus foretell His disciples (Matthew 24:24) there would be “false Christs”?
5. Spiritually, the battle lines are being drawn! (Revelation 13:6) – “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.”
It will be a TAKEOVER! This “man of sin” will have his heyday as God’s permissive will unfolds. Remember, this is all in His plan. However, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, reveals the Antichrist’s destination.
“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.” (2 Thessalonians 2:8–9)
While today the stage is being set, which will lead to these events described in this devotion, do not forget that the next event on God’s calendar is the RAPTURE of the Church. Are you ready?
Conclusion: Is AI in the sky? Whether that is true or not, we can be absolutely certain that Jesus Christ will come in the sky! So in spite of the advancements of AI, keep SHARING both the love of God and the judgment of God. Besides that, keep “LOOKING UP” because our “REDEMPTION” draws near!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
23
Jul '25
Reasons to Be on the Winning Team
23
Jul '25
Introduction: Have you read the last page? Satan loses! Jesus Christ wins!! Whereas, it may look like the devil is in control, but actually, he is not in control. Instead, our Lord Jesus is in control. Since that is true, will you let Him take control of your life? Well, do not misunderstand. When we talk about letting Him have His way, we are describing our deliberate intention of coming “under” His Lordship {as master–boss} and cooperating with the Holy Spirit. Why wouldn’t anybody in their right mind want to choose Jesus instead of Satan? It does not make sense. The only explanation is deception.
Here are some definite reasons for choosing “Team Jesus”:
1. Jesus Wins Over Demons! (Colossians 2:15; Mark 5) – “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
I love this passage! Do you remember the account in Mark’s gospel concerning the Gadarene demonic? Those legion {thousands} of demons had to obey the command of Jesus Christ; subsequently, they were thrown out of the MAD MAN that met the GOD MAN, and he became a GLAD MAN!
Bottom line: Jesus is Stronger than the strong man (Luke 11:21–26). Stay on His TEAM!
2. Jesus Wins Over Death! (Mark 5; John 11; Luke 7)
Did you know that Jesus never preached a funeral service? On the contrary, He broke up every one, while raising them from the dead. From Lazarus who had been dead for four days, to raising the widow of Nain’s son, to raising Jairus’s daughter — all of these examples demonstrate that Jesus had power over death. Do you know what that means? We do not have to fear death (Psalm 23:4; 1 Corinthians 15:55–56).
3. Jesus Wins Over Disease! (John 5; 11, etc.)
There are several instances recorded in the Word of God that reveal Jesus Christ cured lepers, opened blind eyes, deaf ears, healed paralyzed men, raised crippled bodies, etc. Has He healed your body? Why not PRAISE Him right now?
4. Jesus Wins Over the Prince of Darkness! (Revelation 20:10) – “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
Ultimately, the devil’s final destination is the lake of fire along with the Antichrist and the false prophet.
This should tell us unmistakably: JESUS Wins!
5. Jesus Wins Over Doomsday! (Daniel 7:14–16; Revelation 11; 19–22) – “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.”
Obviously, everything is racing at lightning speed toward this climax. Jesus will rule and reign forever.
Conclusion: Whose team are you on? Team Jesus or Team Satan? Remember: JESUS WINS!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
22
Jul '25
A Great Psalm
22
Jul '25
Introduction: Have you read Psalm 27 lately? It has some tremendous truths that should encourage every believer.
Check it out:
1. Illumination! (Psalm 27:1–2) – “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Light dispels the darkness. In the great classic Pilgrim’s Progress, written by John Bunyan, Pilgrim quotes this verse when he is attacked by Beelzebub—the prince of devils. Immediately, the devil has to flee! Remember, the Word of God is our offensive weapon against the enemy. Are you using this mighty artillery against principalities and powers?
2. Meditation! (Psalm 27:4) – “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.”
If you were to ask King David what was the main passion of his heart, would he say to be a great preacher, king, or leader? On the contrary, instead, he would quote this verse… to be a worshipper of the God of the Bible. What is your passion? What would you say?
3. Anticipation! (Psalm 27:14) – “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
The word “wait” is קָוָה (qavah), which means to gather, to look, to be patient, or even to tarry. Obviously, David fought many battles—physically, spiritually, and relationally. But he learned how to “wait” patiently. When we can wait patiently, then we can look with anticipation. Not only that, but we can also look confidently. Do you have confidence in the Lord’s will? Are you waiting patiently upon Him?
Conclusion: Now you see why this devotion is entitled “A Great Psalm.” Because it is indeed a Great Psalm!
Will you take it to heart?
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
21
Jul '25
Taking Personal Inventory
21
Jul '25
Introduction: Everyone has a past, present, and future. What is yours? All believers can look back at the GRACE of God, consider right now the PRESENCE of the Lord, and finally be visionary with unshakable FAITH in the coming days by the Holy Spirit of God.
Luke records Paul TAKING INVENTORY while sharing his testimony. Check it out.
1. Taking Inventory of the Past! (Acts 26:4–5) – “My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.”
Imagine being stuck in a legalistic lifestyle. Paul was religious but lost. However, did you notice that he uses his past mistakes for future witnessing? Will you do the same?
2. Taking Inventory of His Conversion! (Acts 26:13–16) – “At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee.”
Quite an extraordinary conversion, wouldn’t you say? But after all, our Lord takes ordinary people and does extraordinary things through them for His glory! Can you see that?
3. Taking Inventory Up Until That Day! (Acts 26:19–22) – “Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come.”
Following through on the Lord’s purpose in your life is absolutely mandatory — that is, if you want to remain usable. Isn’t it a joy to be a part of His plan?
Conclusion: Obviously, Jesus Christ turned Paul’s personal testimony (inventory) into a divine opportunity to share his faith in Jesus with the Jewish king Agrippa. Can our Lord turn your troubles into triumph? Your tests into testimonies? Your past failures into future blessings?
If you answered yes, then take a moment to do a Personal Inventory.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
18
Jul '25
How to Keep from Being Anxious
18
Jul '25
Introduction: Do you ever worry? Probably yes. Why do you worry? Can you keep from worrying? Jesus Christ has a “CURE for CARE” that can save you thousands and thousands of dollars!
Will you give Him a try? Follow these two steps:
1. The Nagging Problem of CARE – WORRY! (Phil. 4:6) – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Interesting that the word “careful” is the word μεριμνάω, which means to be anxious, or it can even mean to be “distracted.” Wow! Most of us can relate, especially to being distracted. Are you distracted? Honestly, in this day and time, there are multiple distractions all around us. Staying focused on God’s will and being Spirit-filled is becoming more and more challenging. Do you agree? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the things going on around you? People? Problems? Responsibilities? Families? etc.
So truthfully, the first step to being kept from ANXIETY is admitting that we are anxious at times. Do you agree? If so, then we can move on to God’s PROVISION for worry.
2. The Amazing PROVISION of CARE – PRAYER! (Phil. 4:6–7) – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
The word “supplication” is δέησις (deh’-ay-sis), which can be translated petitions. Better yet, it means telling God our needs. Do you make supplications—tell God your needs? Somebody might ask why we should do that since He knows our every need. The answer is at least twofold. First and foremost, He wants a RELATIONSHIP with His children just like you do. This involves both talking and listening.
Next, Jesus emphasized, along with other biblical writers, the importance of being persistent in prayer without using vain repetitions (Luke 11; 18; Matt. 7:7–8, etc.). Think about it. We have an infernal enemy that also can withstand our prayers (Dan. 10; Eph. 6:10–18). Are you persistent in prayer?
Remember: Prayer is not the vehicle where we get a reluctant God to get in on our agenda; rather, it is the method whereby we get in on His agenda as we pray in faith. Why worry when you can pray?
Conclusion: Lastly, “give thanks” in your prayers. Now, go and let somebody else know that the “CURE for CARE” is “PRAYER.”
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
17
Jul '25
How to Stay Cool in a Hot-Headed World
17
Jul '25
Introduction: It has been said, “People who fly into a rage make a bad landing.” “You can’t save face if you lose your head!” Is it a sin to be angry? Is your anger under your control or God’s control? Do you need “ANGER MANAGEMENT”?
This will be a brief study on the subject of “anger”. The Old Testament word for “anger” can be translated “wrath”!
Here are some examples:
(Psa. 2:12) – “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little.”
In this passage, it is used to mean “to blow through the nostrils.” This is in reference to God’s anger.
(Jonah 4) – “But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.”
Jonah was angry. Here it is used to mean “to be warm, to fume with resentment.”
Please read this book. Jonah went from being the Prejudice Prophet (chapter 1), to the Praying Prophet (2), to the Preaching Prophet (3), to the POUTING Prophet (4).
(Job 5:2) – “For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.”
Eliphaz is speaking to Job. The word “wrath” means “to burn to a red-hot coal,” and here it is used in reference to the heat of the mind. Also, the word anger is used in Judges 18:25, and it means to be bitter. Have you ever been bitten with bitterness?
Lastly, Cain was “wroth”:
(Gen. 4:5–6) – “And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth?”
The word “wroth” means fierce anger. Cain had a choice. But he rebelled and grew very angry.
With the exception where it is used in reference to God, these word studies on “anger” in the Old Testament show that these individuals made bad choices to harbor resentment, which eventually got them in trouble.
Conclusion: Are you losing (really finding) your temper with these hot days? What is the cause? How about the cure? If so, what should you do?
Remember: our Lord Jesus gives a way to escape (1 Cor. 10:13). Also, our great and loving God invites us to confess it, and be restored back in fellowship with Him and those around us.
Will you take a moment to do that right now?
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
16
Jul '25
Living Now and Dying Later in Jesus
16
Jul '25
Introduction: Is Jesus Christ the best thing that has ever happened to you? Honestly, when life comes down to its end, the only thing that really matters is JESUS! These verses speak volumes straight to our heart. Will you take a minute and evaluate where you are with your relationship with Jesus? After all, He’s the best thing that can ever happen to you.
Check this out to see if you are searching for SECURITY or IDENTITY in anything else:
1. Jesus Christ is our IDENTITY for LIVING! (Rom 14:8) – “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”
Paul is writing this letter, under inspiration, to this particular Church while discussing both doctrinal and practical issues. In the first eleven chapters, Bible doctrine stands out: i.e. condemnation, justification, sanctification, and election. But in the last five chapters, practical truth is discussed. Living abundantly in the Christian life is the goal of every believer. That includes with other CHRISTians. More importantly, as this chapter references, as believers, that we do not become stumbling blocks. Apparently there were some stronger CHRISTians doing things—nothing that was grossly sinning—but nonetheless, it was causing other believers to trip or stumble. Therefore, they were instructed not to do it. By the way, can you say with a clear conscience that you are not a stumbling block? Your testimony? What others (your children) see and hear?
2. Jesus Christ is our SECURITY for DYING! (Rom 14:8) – “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”
Eventually every person is going to die, unless Jesus Christ comes again. By the way, the Judgment Seat of Christ is mentioned in this context of Scripture. “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” (Rom 14:10)
Remember, how we live today will determine how we stand before Jesus perhaps tomorrow. Are you ready?
Conclusion: There we have it. Both in this life and in the life to come, it’s all about JESUS. Is He your SECURITY for the Judgment Seat? Is He your IDENTITY for this life? This is what really matters!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese