Devotions Archives | New Rocky Creek Baptist Church

Chat Bot Jesus

Posted on Nov 14, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: Is Chat Bot Jesus becoming more popular than going to church to hear the Word of God? You tell me?
Recently, a friend sent an article on this particular subject:

November 13, 2025
LIZ TICONG
Churches Turn to Chatbot Jesus as Pews Go Empty
SmartNews

What do you think about this modern trend? Do you see a problem? Should we be overly surprised? Didn’t our Lord forewarn His faithful followers?

So what are the dangers of listening to Chat Bot Jesus? Is this the real Jesus? Here are some red flags.

1. A clear violation of other Scripture! (Heb. 10:25; Eph. 5:25) – “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Assembling means gathering together, namely at church. Howbeit, most are aware that the early church met in homes with other believers; nevertheless, they assembled together for the purpose of WORSHIP and being instructed in the WORD of God (Acts 2:41–47). Please DO NOT overlook this irrevocable discipline for the church.

Next, look at what Paul wrote, inspired by God, concerning the church. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” PLAIN and SIMPLE. JESUS LOVED the CHURCH!

Obviously, he is not talking about the exterior building but rather the people that make up the church. To disregard this would be nothing short than bypassing biblical principles. The church is important to Jesus and the New Testament writers. How do you get around that? You cannot!

2. Extra biblical voices! (1 John 4:1) – “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”

QUESTION: Is Chat Bot Jesus only quoting the Scriptures? Or is Chat Bot Jesus giving out opinionated information based on human data and psychological information? Be careful. There is a huge difference!

3. Spiritual quest for searching for truth! (1 Tim. 4:1,2) – “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”

Interesting to note, the word “seducing” is πλάνος (plan’-os), which means deceiver, and does include seducing deceiver. Are you seeing the picture? Satan’s emissaries are busy misleading people to TRUST ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE more than the REAL JESUS CHRIST. Who are you seeking? Who are you trusting?

Conclusion: Lastly, our Lord JESUS tried to warn all CHRISTIANS everywhere that this would be happening. Do you reckon that CHRISTIANS ought to start listening?

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.” (Matt. 24:24,25)

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Nov '25

Syria – Damascus in Prophecy

Posted on Nov 13, 2025 in Devotions |

Nov '25

Introduction: Recently, President Trump met with the leader of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Prior to this unprecedented meeting with him at the White House, President Trump met with him along with another leader, “Saudi Arabia prince” Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince.

Supposedly, the Syrian leader made a deal with President Trump. In exchange for oil and gas, he requested the tariffs be dropped, plus the possibility of building a TRUMP TOWER in DAMASCUS.

As my grandfather used to say, “Follow the money trail!”

Anyway, this is interesting. This recent development prompts a closer look at “Damascus” in Bible prophecy.

Isaiah the prophet prophesied Damascus’s utter destruction. At the present time, this prophecy has not been completely fulfilled, but will be in the future.

1. Damascus Will Be Destroyed! (Isaiah 17:1–2) – “The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.”

According to most conservative scholars, this prophecy has yet to be fulfilled. But just as hundreds of other prophecies have precisely been fulfilled, this one also is guaranteed to come to fruition in the future. Even though some point to a past fulfillment—such as this being fulfilled by Tiglath-pileser (2 Kings 16:9)—a “ruinous heap” seems to indicate obliteration, which has not happened.

2. Israel’s Dependency Upon the Enemies of God Resulted in Its Downfall! (Isaiah 17:3–4) – “The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts. And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.”

Speaking of the northern kingdom’s downfall, Isaiah pronounced judgment, which technically happened in 722 B.C. during the Assyrian invasion.

3. Jesus Christ Will Come in Power and Glory! (Isaiah 17:13) – “The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.”

When and how this will happen, no one really knows for sure. But be assured, it will happen sometime—in God’s time. Meanwhile, keep reaching up to Jesus, reaching out to others, and reaching in for the grace and blessings from the Lord.

Conclusion: Besides Isaiah’s prophecy concerning Damascus, Daniel describes the “King of the North.” This will be during the Antichrist’s seven-year (pseudo) peace plan with Israel, in which nations will rise up against the man of sin. Syria is believed to be one.

However, please note that eventually all nations will come against Jerusalem to battle, according to Zechariah’s prophecy. Yet Jesus Christ will demolish these nations, which also include the Kings of the East, in what is known as the Battle of Armageddon.

Jesus Christ’s Kingdom is coming!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Nov '25

CHOSEN to be SOLDIERS

Posted on Nov 12, 2025 in Devotions |

Nov '25

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” (2 Tim. 2:3)

“And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matt. 10:38–39)

Introduction: Zohran Mandani, at the age of 34 years old, has been elected as the first Muslim mayor of NYC. Are you surprised? There are some crazy folks in NYC! As a matter of fact, there are some crazy folks in Mansfield and Monticello, GA. They need Jesus! Let’s tell them and show them. By the way, our Lord Jesus, who is the Captain of our salvation, has CHOSEN us to be SOLDIERS.

When chosen as a soldier, one must go through basic training. There are 3 basic parts for training to be a CHRISTian SOLDIER—see if you are serving in the Lord’s Army and what you need to do.

Are you RETIRED from the Lord’s Army? Or do you need to be REFIRED? Do you need to STEP UP because you have FALLEN DOWN?

Well, GET UP and GET BACK! Our God is a God of second chances! Have you laid down your sword for a remote control? Pick it back up. Have you joined the political “Mickey Mouse Club” of whiners instead of carrying a cross for reaching the lost?

Thank God for Christians marching under the blood-stained banner of the Cross with the sharp two-edged sword in their hand—shouting TRIUMPH!

1. Christian soldiers are trained to know the Will of God!
Islam — past, present, future (Gen. 16–25; Ezekiel 38–39)
Christianity — past (Matt., Mark, Luke, John 1–21) — future (Rev. 2–3; 4–21, 22)

Do you need to be a part—join together with other soldiers to help fight in the battle? Why not today?

2. Christian soldiers are trained to study the Word of God!
How to witness to Muslims — Koran vs. Bible (2 Pet. 1:16–21; 2 Tim. 2:15)

Would you be prepared? “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Don’t forget to spend time studying the Word of God and then applying it to your life by the power of the Holy Spirit.

3. Christian soldiers are trained to witness with the Power of God!
(1 Pet. 3:15) — “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

“Give an answer” is the word ἀπολογία, which means to give a logical defense for what you believe.

Can you? Are you ready? Do you need more preparation?

Thanks for reading this devotion! That is the ultimate purpose for writing these devotions—to equip us. Please share them with someone you love so that they will be prepared to give a defense.

Conclusion: Seeing that JESUS CHRIST has CHOSEN us to be SOLDIERS, keep FIGHTING the GOOD FIGHT of FAITH!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Nov '25

Soldiers of the Cross on Veterans Day

Posted on Nov 11, 2025 in Devotions |

Nov '25

Introduction: How do you want to be remembered when you are gone? Certainly, you want to be known for being a godly man or woman, right? But with all the distractions we face today, how can we leave a lasting legacy?

Writing in what is considered Paul’s “swan song,” there are some lifelong principles for laying down great ways to be remembered. In other words, some things are worth fighting for. Read this list and see what you think:

1. Your Testimony is Worth Fighting For! (2 Tim. 4:1) – “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.”

Remember—Jesus is Savior today but will be Judge tomorrow! Believers will stand before the Lord at the Judgment Seat of Christ to give an account of how we have lived and served Jesus with the gifts we have been given. What gifts do you have? How are you using them?

2. Your Family is Worth Fighting For! (2 Tim. 4:6) – “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.”

Are you ready to be offered? The truth is—we must be ready. Why? Because no one knows the hour or the time when we will see Jesus. So let’s get ready!

3. Your Ministry is Worth Fighting For! (2 Tim. 4:2) – “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”

Everyone has a ministry! Jesus has a calling on all who will follow Him (Matthew 10:38–39; Romans 11:29). His gifts and callings are without repentance, according to the Scriptures.

4. Your Legacy is Worth Fighting For! (2 Tim. 4:7–8) – “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

At the end of life’s journey, will you be able to say that you have fought a good fight? What about keeping the faith? And lastly, are you watching for His return?

Conclusion: Thank God for our soldiers who have sacrificed for our freedoms! Then again, praise God for all the Soldiers of the Cross who are sacrificing for our spiritual freedom. It is a privilege to be called to serve under our Captain of Salvation in His army. So, keep fighting the good fight of faith!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Nov '25

Picking Up & Moving On

Posted on Nov 10, 2025 in Devotions |

Nov '25

Introduction: Do you ever get down? Perhaps you are down in the dumps today as you read this devotion. Our prayer is that our Lord Jesus will “pick you up”! As a matter of fact, it seems that when we are down but are willing to pick up someone else, we in turn are lifted up. Do you think that is what the Apostle Paul meant when he was inspired to write this letter to the Galatian believers?

By the way, when we are willing to pick up someone else, it helps us to “move on” and stay faithful to our calling, thus fulfilling our purpose. Check it out:

1. Will you pick someone else up who has fallen down or is carrying a heavy burden? (Gal. 6:1–2) – “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Did you notice while reading this text that whether someone has fallen or is carrying a heavy load, our Lord encourages believers in Jesus Christ to be available to lighten their load—either by “picking them up” or by helping them “carry a heavy burden.”

Look at the technical meaning of these words bear and burden. Bear is the word βαστάζω, which means to bear, carry, or literally take up. Now focus on the word burdens. It is the word βάρος, which means burdensome or weight. You get the picture!

Help someone, if you can, to carry a big weight. The weight may be emotional, spiritual, relational, or financial. Regardless of the need, we are to help carry the load by the grace of God.

2. Will you “keep on keeping on” or quit? (Gal. 6:9) – “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Look at the word weary. What does it mean? Better yet, are you weary? It means to be utterly spiritless, or it can mean to be wearied out or exhausted. The word is ἐγκακέω.

Are you feeling tired and exhausted with all that you need to do? With the demands of life and the responsibilities as a parent, grandparent, or citizen, it can be very taxing at times. But remember—stay focused on God’s plan for your life as you navigate through this world. After all, it is His life working in and through His people by the power of the Holy Spirit that brings glory to His name. That is what keeps us from growing “weary in well doing”!

Conclusion: Now that we can put these two truths together—helping carry someone else’s heavy burden will encourage us to “move on” and not quit because of the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. So pick up and move on!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Nov '25

Revival Before Jesus’ Arrival

Posted on Nov 7, 2025 in Devotions |

Nov '25

Introduction: What should we be doing in light of Jesus coming again?

Reaching out is the answer. But how? Here are at least three ways we can REACH OUT and touch someone.

1. REACH OUT and TOUCH SOMEONE who is hurting and needs healing! (Gal. 6:1) – “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”

Do you believe that anybody can fall? Do you feel like somebody ought to pick them up? What about everybody ought to watch your step?

2. REACH OUT and TOUCH SOMEONE who needs helping! (Gal. 6:2) – “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Are you carrying a heavy load? Will you help carry someone’s burdens?

3. REACH OUT and TOUCH SOMEONE who is hurting and needs hope! (Gal. 6:9) – “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Do you know anyone who has lost hope? Remember, hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12). Solomon wrote, “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick.” Furthermore, he said, “when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.”
Do you feel hopeless about a situation? Are you ready to quit? Give up? Friendly reminder: we are not home yet!

Conclusion: These are practical pointers to revival before Jesus Christ’s arrival. Look over the list again and see if any apply to you.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Nov '25

Reviving Relationships

Posted on Nov 6, 2025 in Devotions |

Nov '25

Introduction: Do any of your relationships need reviving? Probably so. Just about every person has specific needs when it comes to relationships. Whether it’s husbands and wives, moms and dads, grandparents, sons and daughters, even friendships—all could use some improvement. But how?

This devotion offers a few biblical directions for enhancing your relationships. Hopefully it will be timely with Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner.

1. Unconditional Love for One Another! (Rom. 5:5) – “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Let’s face it—unless our Lord Jesus pours His great love into our hearts, we do not have the capacity to love unconditionally. Are you exercising that kind of love?

2. Intentional Forgiveness! (Col. 3:13) – “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

I love this verse! “Forbearing” means putting up with. Wow! You may not like it, but sometimes you just have to put up with it—and don’t forget to forgive! Will you forgive? Have you been forgiven?

3. Dependable Grace! (Rom. 6:1) – “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?”

Grace is in place! Is it in place in your relationships?

4. Sustainable Patience! (Rom. 15:5; Gal. 5:22–23) – “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus.”

Patience—do you need a double dose? Pass the patience please!!

5. Continual Prayer! (1 Thess. 5:17) – “Pray without ceasing.”

Are you praying instead of criticizing your loved ones? Try it—you’ll like it!

Conclusion: Revival is absolutely needed these days—from the heart to the home. Make this Thanksgiving a memorable time with your family and friends.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Nov '25

Revival for Survival

Posted on Nov 5, 2025 in Devotions |

Nov '25

Introduction: Do we need to be REVIVED in order to SURVIVE? Oh yes, no doubt about it! Constantly. Right now, are you feeling down and discouraged? Does your ATTITUDE need ADJUSTING? Is your WORRY WINNING? How about, is your FAITH FIZZLING? Does your FUTURE seem FRIGHTENING?

Revival is God’s prescription for sin-sickness. Riding on life’s ups and downs can bring a cold chill on our spiritual vitality. Do you agree? One minute, we are up on the mountain of victories and blessings. The next minute, we are knocked off our feet with setbacks. Right?

Yet, please do not forget a message that our Lord has revealed in His Word. “SETBACKS are SETUPS for COMEBACKS!” Revival is the vehicle He uses. REVIVAL lifts our spirits! REVIVAL brings us back to our first love!

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” (Rev. 2:4–7)

REVIVAL picks us up out of the quicksand of sin! REVIVAL gets us back on the right path! REVIVAL refreshes our relationships! REVIVAL releases Holy Spirit Power! REVIVAL puts our priorities back in place! REVIVAL gives us a new perspective! REVIVAL gets us out of a rut! REVIVAL puts a song back in our mouth! REVIVAL gives us a biblical worldview! REVIVAL keeps the devil’s deception away! REVIVAL gives us spiritual discernment! REVIVAL keeps us from apostasy! REVIVAL guards us from false teaching! REVIVAL puts a burden on our heart to witness fervently! REVIVAL keeps us awake watching for Jesus to come again! REVIVAL creates a hunger in our heart for the Word of God! REVIVAL drives us to our knees in prayer! REVIVAL rids us of pride in our heart! REVIVAL restrains us from hypocrisy! REVIVAL propels us from judgmental spirits! REVIVAL causes us to confess our sins! REVIVAL helps us love one another! REVIVAL imparts grace for the race! REVIVAL allows us to focus on the Lord’s will!

The case is made. We need REVIVAL!

Conclusion: Are you a candidate for REVIVAL? We all are. Why not make this your prayer?

“Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” (Psa. 85:6)

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Nov '25

Reasons to Rejoice

Posted on Nov 4, 2025 in Devotions |

Nov '25

Introduction: Will you make a CHOICE to REJOICE! Or will you CHOOSE to LOSE? Why should we REJOICE?

Here are several good reasons to make a CHOICE to REJOICE:

1. Your Name is written in the Book of Life! (Luke 10:18–20) – “And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”

Did you get that? Jesus said to REJOICE! Think about it. REJOICE not because devils were subject to the disciples but because their names were written in heaven! That is a good reason to REJOICE!!

2. Other reasons for rejoicing! (Phil. 4:4) – “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”

Remember the circumstances when this epistle was written. Paul was in prison. Eventually, he would be executed for his faith in Jesus Christ. Yet, he was admonishing the believers in the Church in Philippi as well as us today. So if he could REJOICE, then we ought to REJOICE!

3. Reasons to Rejoice! (Rom. 12:15) – “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”

Notice the balance of both weeping and REJOICING. In other words, be sensitive to others, and more specifically, what they are going through at the time. The Holy Spirit is our enabler.

4. Reasons to Rejoice! (Psa. 118:24) – “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Thank God for a new day! Go ahead and REJOICE in it!!

5. Reasons to Rejoice! (1 Thess. 5:16) – “Rejoice evermore.”

The word “REJOICE” is χαίρω, which means “to be cheerful.” It can have to do with being calmly happy or even well-off. Are you cheerful?

Conclusion: There we have it — “REASONS to REJOICE.” So go ahead and REJOICE in the LORD!!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Nov '25

A Song in the Night

Posted on Nov 3, 2025 in Devotions |

Nov '25

Introduction: Do you ever have any long nights? Are you ever awakened at midnight or beyond? Can God give you a song in the night? This encouraging text before us is a narrative from the book of Job. Do you remember his ordeal?

1. Satan accused God of protecting Job. (Job 1:9–11) – “Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.”

“Sure he was UPRIGHT”, said Satan. “Look”… he went on and in… and basically he said that Job turned from evil and blessed his family because a hedge had been built around him. But if the Lord would take that hedge down, then Job would curse God, said Satan. But he was dead wrong!

2. One stroke after another left Job broken and destitute (Job 1, 2).
All of his children were tragically killed when a terrible storm caused their fatalities. Next, all of his wealth vanished overnight. This included all of his sheep, camel, oxen, and servants. Boom. Boom. Boom. He was down for the count. But Satan was not finished. Even his own health was inflicted with putrefying sores from the top of his head to the sole of his feet. Yet, in all of his calamities, Job refused to curse God!

3. In the midst of his pain and suffering, three fair-weather friends showed up to try to analyze Job’s situation.
Unfortunately, they were all wrong. Why? Because they did not have a clue as to the challenge of Satan. Nevertheless, through their false accusations, Job defended himself. While feeling depressed and defeated, he cried out to God who became silent.

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.”
“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 13:15; 23:10)

Often times, the test of faith turns into the best of faith!

4. Elihu, the fourth friend and the wiser even though he was younger, pointed Job to trusting God.
By trusting, the Lord would give him a “SONG in the NIGHT”! “But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night.” (Job 35:10)

Here is a BRIGHT LIGHT on a NIGHT! Turn on the LIGHT!! By the way, this will not be any old song; but rather, it will be a heavenly, spiritual song given by the Lord God. Do you need a SONG in the NIGHT?

5. After finally hearing from God, eventually, Job was able to climb out of his pit, get back to his feet, and see the BIG PICTURE! (Job 38–42)
The SONG in the NIGHT comforted Job’s heavy heart! The SONG in the NIGHT encouraged Job’s hopeless situation! The SONG in the NIGHT filled Job with a deep abiding PEACE! The SONG in the NIGHT lifted Job’s spirit! The SONG in the NIGHT got Job’s eyes off of himself and on the God of the Bible! The SONG in the NIGHT was just in time!

Conclusion: Are you going through a “tough time”? Will you cry out to the Lord for A SONG in the NIGHT? If you will, then it will make your NIGHT get brighter, your PURPOSE become clearer, your FAITH grow stronger, your LOVE last longer, and HEAVEN become sweeter!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese