Devotions

HomeDevotions

How to Keep from Being Anxious

Posted on Jul 18, 2025 in Devotions |

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

How to Stay Cool in a Hot-Headed World

Posted on Jul 17, 2025 in Devotions |

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

Living Now and Dying Later in Jesus

Posted on Jul 16, 2025 in Devotions |

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

Faith in the Making

Posted on Jul 15, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: Our faith in Jesus Christ and His Word is being tested every day, sometimes multiple times! But neither He nor His Word can be moved!! Neither of them ever change. Isn’t that comforting? When things around us are uncertain, He can be TRUSTED! By depending and relying upon His promises, that is what will certainly carry us through any storm. Are you going through a storm at the moment? If so, just remember, Jesus is right there “with us” every step of the way. In fact, He has promised never to leave us!

But how can we be sure? Consider His Word, which is truth (John 17:17), and His presence:

1. Our Confidence is in the Will of God! (Heb. 10:35–36) – “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”

The word for “confidence” is παρρησία, which means an all-out spokenness or assurance. Thank God, we can have “ASSURANCE”! This is based on what God will do. Payday Someday will be based on our faith in God.

2. Our Faith is not in what we see alone but what His Will is! (Heb. 11:1) – “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

The word “evidence” is ἔλεγχος, which means proof or conviction. In other words, faith is not believing God can but that He will—in His Will—and for His glory! Faith is like having a sixth sense.

3. Our Rest is in His Sovereign Will! (Heb. 4:9) – “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.”

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon puts it this way: “The blessed rest from toils and troubles looked for in the age to come by the true worshippers of God and true Christians.” Are you resting from the troubles of life? Hallelujah, there is a rest!

4. Our Trust is in His Willingness to endure the cross and beyond it! (Heb. 12:1–2) – “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Needless to say, JESUS WON the battle over sin and death! Besides that, He loosed us from the handwriting that was against us, having nailed it to His cross. That means that our faith in His finished work should turn into our faith in His return. Do you have faith that He will come again?

Conclusion: Real faith is taking God at His Word. After all, it is unshakable, unmovable, and unchangeable. Therefore, “STAND on IT”! Why? Because it “STANDS”!!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

God’s Big Beautiful Plan

Posted on Jul 14, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: Did you know that God has a “Big Beautiful Plan”? Well, what is it? It is called His Will. While there are clearly numerous Scriptures that pertain to the Will of God, this devotion will consider just one that can be practiced every day.

First, consider the background of the text. Paul is incarcerated awaiting martyrdom. However, he is not SAD or MAD but GLAD! Why? Because he knows where he is going. But meanwhile, he is being used of God the Holy Spirit to encourage believers while warning unbelievers.

The Church of Philippi is on his radar. Because he has had an encounter with Jesus Christ, he loves the Church. In turn, the Church loves him. So, among other insights into the Will of God in this letter, he mentions these keys to staying fulfilled and happy in the Lord.

1. God’s Big Beautiful Plan for a happy life! (Phil. 4:4) – “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”

If most of us were writing this, we would probably say, “Rejoice in the Lord, sometimes…” Right? Or better yet, we would say, “Rejoice in the Lord when you feel like it”! Or what about, “Rejoice in the Lord when things are going good”!

But the thought to “Rejoice in the Lord always” is somewhat foreign. Hopefully, you did not miss the key words “in the Lord”. You may ask, what is so significant about that? The answer is because if we do not put the Lord in the equation, then it doesn’t make sense to “Rejoice” when trouble comes. However, once we discover that the God of the Bible is SOVEREIGN, then it becomes a “game changer”! Therefore, we can “Rejoice”!!

Are you REJOICING? By the way, the word “rejoice” is χαίρω, which means to be “cheerful or calmly happy or even well-off.” Can you be cheerful no matter what? But how? That leads us to the second truth of God’s Big Beautiful Plan.

2. God’s Big Beautiful Plan for a prepared life! (Phil. 4:5) – “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”

Did you catch the word “moderation”? What does it mean? It is the word ἐπιεικής, which means gentle or patient. Are you known as a person who has a gentle spirit? Patient? Please tie the two verses together. There is room for “Rejoicing” constantly and patiently because Jesus is coming soon.

Did you notice the phrase “The Lord is near”? Most scholars agree that this is in reference to the RAPTURE.

Conclusion: Have you gotten in on God’s Big Beautiful Plan? Remember, it is twofold. First, the key to a HAPPY life! Secondly, the key to a PREPARED life!!

So REJOICE and be PATIENT because Jesus will return for us.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Summertime Goals

Posted on Jul 11, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: Dog days this summer can be hot, but a time to produce good fruit. What is our Lord up to in your life? Where does He want to take you? How is He preparing you? Who is it that He wants you to reach?

Please make these your summertime goals:

1. Spend some time watching out for CARNALITY! (James 4:4,5) – “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?”

Spiritual growth takes initiative; it doesn’t happen automatically. What are you trusting our Lord to do in regards to answering prayers, giving biblical insight, evangelistic opportunities?

2. Spend some time staying under AUTHORITY! (James 4:6,7) – “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

This will be a daily decision. It is a matter of dethroning SELF and enthroning JESUS!

3. Spend some time appreciating HUMILITY! (James 4:8-10) – “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

As you can read, God resists the proud but gives GRACE to the HUMBLE.

Conclusion: What choices will you make this summer?

Grow.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Kindness and Forgiveness

Posted on Jul 10, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: A kind spirit is only one of the flavors of the Holy Spirit. But it is a great tasting fruit nonetheless. I love it when someone genuinely shows a KIND spirit, especially when he or she has been wronged. That is both impressive and contagious.

Let’s do a word study:

1. Kindness (Eph 4:32) – “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

The word “kind” is χρηστός,(khrase-tos’), which means useful, gentle, pleasant, kind.

The opposite of gentleness is harshness, bitterness, or rudeness. Have you noticed? A bitter person will speak or react harshly. Yet, the Holy Spirit produces the fruit of Kindness. Are you a kind person or a bitter person? Are you jealous? Envious of others? Mad at God? Resentful because of your circumstances? Feel cheated? Angry at the world? Throwing a pity party? Revengeful?

The word “tender hearted” is εὔσπλαγχνος, which means tender-hearted, merciful, compassionate. Admittedly, with so much injustice and bitterness in this world, it is tempting to feel uncompassionate. Do you show compassion? Jesus showed compassion on the multitudes. And at the same time, He rebuked the Pharisees and others in the religious crowd because of their hypocrisy and self-righteousness. They felt that they were alittle “better” (superior – 1 up!) than others.

But listen. Praise His name because He imparts to us His compassion through the power of His Holy Spirit! If He did not, we would not have compassion. It is not in our nature. That is where the transforming GRACE of God changes us.

2. Forgiveness (Eph 4:32)

The word “forgive” is χαρίζομαι, which means to show favor to, to pardon, forgive, to show kindness.

Forgiving is like releasing a debt. When you are “born again,” Jesus Christ releases the payment (wages Rom 6:23) for sin. This is possible all because Jesus poured out His life’s blood to pay for our sins. As we trust in His sacrificial death and resurrection God the Father releases the debt we owe, which must be paid (either by Jesus or in the lake of fire).

Did you notice “kindness and forgiveness seem to be related?

Conclusion: Where do you need to show kindness and forgiveness? Why not thank God for His kindness and forgiveness? Perhaps then, we can offer kindness and forgiveness.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Spending Quality Time

Posted on Jul 9, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: Everybody is busy these days. Someone has described our generation as a generation of “hurry, worry, and bury”! Yet, in order to build meaningful relationships, not only does it take intentional planning, but also mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation.

So here are some biblical guidelines for making it happen.

1. Blocking some time off from busyness! (Eph 5:16) – “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Taking time for what is important is extremely worthy. Let’s face it. There are only 24 hours in a day. Therefore, we must prioritize our relationships with the time that is allotted. How are you doing with your time? Do you need to rearrange some things in your life?

2. Removing distractions when talking; i.e. cell phone! (Col 4:6) – “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

Distractions are on the rise! It seems like living in this world, we are bombarded daily with INFORMATION OVERLOAD! Between being flooded with text messages, social media, and other responsibilities, it is hard to “KEEP UP”! No wonder we feel separated!! What can we do? Let some of the less important things go! Be decisive. You will be glad in the long run.

3. Listening intently! (James 1:19) – “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

Again, due to the mental distresses, emotional digressions, and relational divisions, it becomes very challenging to stay focused while others are talking. Are you finding this to be the case with you? What can you do? Take out the trash!

4. Engaging with the other’s interest! (Heb 3:13) – “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

Putting ourselves to the side while communicating with others will certainly help communicating with others. Furthermore, working deliberately to enhance your relationships will usually result in better connections. In other words, negativity breeds negativity. Are you a negative person?

5. Leaving with a heartfelt connection! (Prov 12:25) – “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”

Building “good relationships” takes a lot of work. Plus, it calls for much prayer. Are you praying about your relationships? Start with Jesus. Then move on to others.

Conclusion: Building meaningful relationships does not happen overnight. Instead, it takes setting priorities, being intentional, showing interest, prayerful meditation, and executing the biblical approach as the Spirit of God leads. And ultimately, that means spending quality time.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Spiritual Freedom

Posted on Jul 8, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: Are you really FREE? Let’s see! Freedom comes with a price. Real freedom seems to always include a death. Think about it. Here in America, many have sacrificed their own lives for the FREEDOM we enjoy. More importantly, Jesus Christ became our substitute through His sacrificial death on the cross. But also, thank God, He arose! The believer’s freedom after conversion comes with death to self.

1. Are you set free or held in captivity spiritually? Will you die with your sins? (John 8:21–36) – “Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.”

Those Pharisees had a chance to be set free but they refused. Why? Because Satan had blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts. By the way, he is doing that today. But Jesus Christ can set you free! Can I get a witness??

Will you die in your sins? “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”

Sin has a penalty. In Rom 6:23 Paul wrote, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Whereas the penalty has been paid by the blood of Jesus, yet it must be appropriated.

2. Are you set free truthfully? (John 8:31–36) – “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Did you notice the conditional word “if”? In other words, some will “profess” but not “possess”. There is a big difference between our head and heart. Do you really believe? Are you continuing in His Word Checkup time.

3. Are you set free eternally? (John 8:33–36) – “They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

Having eternal security is an absolute! Do you know that you know?

Conclusion: Like the Pharisees in Jesus’s day, today people do not understand about spiritual freedom. But hopefully those of you who are reading this (praying for you) do understand the PRICE of spiritual freedom! As equally important, this devotion is written with the intention of you experiencing spiritual freedom daily. Are you? What needs to take place in order for that to happen?

May our Lord bless you today with His unfailing peace, unlimited power, and unwavering presence.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Happy Birthday, America!

Posted on Jul 7, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: America has just celebrated her 249th birthday! But the question remains—was it truly a “Happy Birthday”?

Actually, America is not very old compared to other nations. Yet, the hand of God was clearly on this nation from its beginning. A brief history lesson will confirm this truth.

From Christopher Columbus’s (1400s) discovery, to the landing of the Puritans (Pilgrims) in the 1600s, to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776—the providential hand of God can be seen in every step.

To summarize, let’s take a look at where we’ve been—drawing a parallel from what the Lord said to Israel.

1. Where We’ve Been – A Parallel from Israel (Deuteronomy 11:8–12) – “Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it; And that ye may prolong your days in the land, which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give unto them and to their seed, a land that floweth with milk and honey. For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs: But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven:
A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.”

History records the motive of the Puritans—God-fearing Christians—for sailing away to establish a new home. Why did they pack up their families? They did so in order to start a new life in a brand-new land of freedom:

Freedom to worship the God of the Bible

Freedom to share and witness the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world

Freedom to build a government of the people and for the people

Freedom from government-controlled religion

Freedom from authoritarian taxation by the British

When the leaders of this nation—both political and spiritual—cease to totally depend upon the Word of God for direction, the Holy Spirit for illumination, and the Son of God for salvation, America will ultimately fail.

May we as a people come under the authority of those over us—unless it contradicts clear biblical teaching. Why? Because this is the will of God (Romans 13:1–8).

Conclusion: While we sang “Happy Birthday” to our beloved nation just a few days ago, remember: Jesus Christ has promised to come again and set up His Kingdom—a government that will rule from His throne forever and ever.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese