Devotions Archives | New Rocky Creek Baptist Church

Jesus #1!

Posted on Oct 31, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: Is JESUS CHRIST #1 in your life? How can you tell? Two ways: how you spend your money, and how you spend your time. Check it out. What would you say? Is more time spent on doing what you {we} want to do, rather than what Jesus would have us to do? Wow! That is heart search, isn’t it?

Anyway, we all must admit that we are a work in progress. Right? Truthfully, at times we may “die to self,” and at other times “yield to God’s will.” Honestly, it becomes a struggle. Actually, it can be a real battle. As a matter of fact, would it be accurate to say that in certain seasons of our life we are more sensitive to the work of the Holy Spirit? But regardless, this passage of Scripture speaks volumes as to why JESUS desires first place.

1. Jesus designated as the Head of the Church who controls the Body! (Col. 1:18) – “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead.”

The word “firstborn” is prōtótokos and refers to the first among others who follow Jesus from the dead. Connect the dots. Jesus was crucified, buried, but arose from the dead. He was the first to conquer the grave and never die again! We, the Church {the body of Christ}, are the first to follow in His VICTORIOUS steps!!

First, our spirits rise to heaven at the moment of death. But then our bodies will rise from the grave at the RAPTURE! Finally, both our bodies and spirits will be reunited to be forever with Jesus in His FATHER’S house (John 14:1–3).

So follow the thought: since JESUS CHRIST has been given to be the head over the Church, then we must submit to Him. That is God’s will. Have you come under His authority? If not, why not?

2. Jesus deserves FIRST PLACE! (Col. 1:18, 19) – “…that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell.”

That word “preeminence” tells it all. It is the word πρωτεύω (pro-tyoo’-o). It literally means to have first place! It can be understood as “to be first.” Also, there is another interesting thought found in the word “fulness.”

It has to do with abundance or totality. One word picture uses the illustration of a boat being “filled” with sailors, etc. In other words, Jesus has been filled with all the “fulness” of God because He is God! Therefore, He should have FIRST PLACE.

Conclusion: So in a corporate Church setting, JESUS should have “FIRST PLACE” in worship, preaching, giving, and serving. In a personal setting, Jesus should have FIRST PLACE in one’s finances, family, and faith.

Does He need to be ENTHRONED in your life? Let Him be Lord!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Oct '25

Nations, Leaders, and Believers in Bible Prophecy Under God’s Control

Posted on Oct 30, 2025 in Devotions |

Oct '25

Introduction: Is God in control? Do you believe that? Really? How do you know? Does He have the king’s heart in His hand? “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” (Prov. 21:1)

Are nations under His control? David wrote, “For the kingdom is the LORD’S: and he is the governor among the nations” (Psa. 22:28). This great verse demonstrates that God rules and ever rules, even over the nations. In fact, the Scripture teaches that the Lord sets up one ruler and puts down another.

The prophet Daniel wrote, “And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding” (Dan. 2:21).

How about the phrase, “…he removeth kings, and setteth up kings”? That means that His orchestrated plan is moving forward in motion according to His purpose. Leaders are under His control.

Speaking of His purpose, I love Eph. 1:11. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is writing to believers. Listen to these words: “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.”

Besides God’s plan for believers, did you know that regardless of the wicked, God can get glory? Check out Psa. 76:10 — “Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee.”

Speaking of nations and leaders, some of the Gentile nations are listed in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream found in Daniel chapter 2. The God whom Daniel served revealed the “Gentile Powers” that would have control over Jerusalem. From Babylon to Rome, they have come and gone just like the Lord led Daniel to prophesy. God is in control!

As a matter of fact, speaking of prophecy being fulfilled, Zechariah the prophet described what is happening today in Jerusalem. He wrote (Zech. 12:2), “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.”

In other words, this apocalyptic literature (“cup of trembling”) describes an intoxicated man desiring power; i.e., there are those fighting for control of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Presently, the Jordanian government is in charge of its primary operation. This has been a major problem for the Jewish people. Why? Because they are not allowed to pray on the Temple Mount. However, having been on the Temple Mount, prayer can be offered to heaven with one’s eyes open!

Also, eventually, Jesus Christ will rule over His temple called Messiah’s Temple (Ezek. 40–48).

Additional studies reveal other nations that are listed in Bible prophecy. Whereas, as of today, these prophecies have not been fulfilled, their ultimate fulfillment is certain according to the Scriptures. Check them out:

1. Russia? Turkey? Iran? (Ezek. 38)

2. E.U.? (Dan. 7)

3. America? (Zech. 14:2–3)

4. Babylon? (Jer. 50–51; Rev. 18)

5. China? (Rev. 16)

6. Israel? (Dan. 9; Zech. 14)

7. Syria? Egypt? (Dan. 11)

Remember: “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another” (Psa. 75:6–7).

Conclusion: All of this information should lead every believer into a deeper trust with the God of the Bible! Can you say that since He is in control, you will trust Him more?

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Oct '25

Prevail or Fail

Posted on Oct 29, 2025 in Devotions |

Oct '25

Introduction: Are you a FAILER or PREVAILER? Although at times we may “FAIL,” ultimately, we were meant to “PREVAIL”! Do you feel like a FAILURE? Has sin worn you down? Do you keep tripping and falling? How can Christians CONQUER bad habits?

Here is JESUS’ last message to the Church:

1. PREVAILING instead of FAILING by not BACKSLIDING! (Rev. 2:4–8) – First, look at where believers were FAILING. “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.”

What are the first works? Perseverance and patience are marks of the Church of Ephesus. Evidently, the Christians got complacent and apathetic—not caring. So instead of FAILING, the Risen Lord designed for them to be PREVAILING!

“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Rev. 2:7) OVERCOMERS is an interesting word. The word is νικάω, which literally means conquer, prevail, or even get the victory. Do you see PREVAIL?

2. PREVAILING instead of FAILING by SUFFERING! (Rev. 2:10–11) – “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison… be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life….. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”

Do you see the phrase “faithful unto death”? It literally means willing to die for your faith! That PREVAILING crowd will not see the second death.

3. PREVAILING instead of FAILING by not yielding to Satan’s THRONE! (Rev. 2:17) – “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”

Will you substitute a white STONE—acquitted—instead of sitting at Satan’s seat—throne?

4. PREVAILING instead of FAILING by staying in the WORD of God and the WILL of God! (Rev. 2:26) – “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.”

False teaching is everywhere. Bad interpretations of Scripture. Peter, Jude, John, Jesus, and Paul all warned us. So PREVAIL instead of FAIL as you obey the Bible!

5. PREVAILING instead of FAILING by PARTING from their PRIORITIES! (Rev. 3:5) – “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”

It appears the Church had abandoned its WORK, WITNESS, and WATCH, and desperately needed to return! FAILING instead of PREVAILING was the sad indictment by our Lord.

6. PREVAILING instead of FAILING by staying TRUE to TRUTH! (Rev. 3:12) – “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.”

Crowns were ready to be rewarded to these FAITHFUL believers. Wouldn’t that be worth it?

7. PREVAILING instead of FAILING by being on FIRE! (Rev. 3:21) – “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”

Being lukewarm will make Jesus sick to His stomach. Yet, being a faithful witness (Rev. 3:20) will facilitate PREVAILING instead of FAILING.

Conclusion: What more can we say except “let’s PREVAIL—‘overcome’—instead of FAIL!”

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Oct '25

Hold On or Let Go

Posted on Oct 28, 2025 in Devotions |

Oct '25

Introduction: What are you going to do? Lose or Win? If you “HOLD ON” to anger and bitterness, you LOSE! But if you LET GO, you WIN! Which is it going to be? Thank God, He was willing to LET GO of our SIN DEBT by placing it on Himself; thus, paying it in full! (Rom. 6:23). Sometimes we forget that Jesus did not “HOLD ON” to our SHAME and GUILT but LET it GO! Listen to these liberating verses.

1. Choice #1: HOLD ON! (Eph. 4:26, 31) – “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath… Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.”

Do you remember the man named Philemon? By the way, Paul’s letter was written to him. What did he do? Actually, the better question is what was done to him? He had a trusted worker named Onesimus who stole from him quite a bit. Imagine how you would feel? You come home one day, and your truck, guns, and hidden cash are gone, plus your wife’s most expensive jewelry is missing—including diamonds, pearls, and rubies along with other valuable items. Now how angry would you be? Probably enough to SPIT BULLETS!!

Understandably, Philemon was bitten with a bitter spirit. But that resentment would ruin him if he HELD ON to it! Meanwhile, God was working on the other end by convicting Onesimus. Even though Paul was incarcerated in prison, he was really more free than most, although he was shackled with chains. Onesimus was walking in freedom but was haunted by guilt and tormented with shame. Nevertheless, God led him to the right person (Paul) at the right time to talk to. Guess what happened? Keep reading.

2. Choice #2: LET GO! (Eph. 4:32) – “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Back to Philemon. Onesimus comes face to face with God’s AMAZING GRACE! He was set free from the strongholds of sin and condemnation. After being forgiven, he had to make restitution. So the Lord mapped out a plan. He was to return to his boss, Philemon, with a letter from Paul who encouraged him to forgive—“LET it GO”! Even though he was done wrong, he had to make it right. And at the same time, even though Onesimus did the wrong, he had to get it right, which he did!

And guess what? Our Lord Jesus put all of this in His Word that we might learn from this example. What about all the millions and millions of people that have been helped by this biblical narrative? Does that include you?

Conclusion: Now then. Are you going to “HOLD ON”? Or “LET GO”?

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Oct '25

Praying Fervently but Waiting Patiently

Posted on Oct 27, 2025 in Devotions |

Oct '25

Introduction: We want it NOW! So impatient!! But learning to “wait” on God’s timing is so critical. Due to our impatience, either we give up praying or take things in our own hands instead of depending on our Lord to work.
Does this make sense? Are you in this dilemma? So what can you do?

Here are some guidelines that hopefully will help you:

1. Understand that at times there may be spiritual opposition to answered prayer! (Daniel 10:12–13) – “Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days.”

Perhaps you have been praying for years for a wayward child, a lost relative, a broken relationship, or even a financial goal. Regardless of what you are praying for, as long as it is in God’s will, it can be challenging to “hang in there”! So be patient. Wait. But wait in faith. After all, while we are focused on the changes we are asking our Lord Jesus to do, His purpose is to CHANGE us in the process. With that in mind, maybe we need to readjust our focus! Your thoughts?

2. Remember persevering in prayer helps build FAITH muscles! (1 Kings 18:42–45) – “And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times. And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain.”

Did you notice it was the SEVENTH time the rain finally fell? How many of us would have quit praying after three times? Remember. While we have our ultimate goal in the ANSWER to our prayers, God has in mind FAITH and CHARACTER building in His children through the process of the answer, whether it takes days, weeks, months, or years. Why? So that we can become more USABLE in order to become more USEFUL.

3. When feeling TEMPTED to give up praying, keep in mind that JESUS understands! (Hebrews 4:15–16) – “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Aren’t you glad that JESUS understands? Don’t forget that He lived as a man—the Godman—but faced temptations like we do and yet without sin. Therefore, He can relate. We serve a God that has overcome every temptation, who became obedient even unto death—the death of the cross. Here again, He overcame death by rising from the grave. Guess what? He now gives us His resurrection power to overcome the temptations we face. And in the context of prayer, that should give us boldness, yet humbleness to approach our FATHER’S throne of GRACE! Go ahead.

Conclusion: Where are you at? How are you doing? Impatient? Distracted? Or after reading this devotion are you more determined to PRAY with PERSEVERANCE and PATIENCE? PRAYER WORKS if you WORK it!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Oct '25

How Great Thou Art: From Creation to Salvation

Posted on Oct 24, 2025 in Devotions |

Oct '25

Introduction: How can you say, “God is in control?” Is He? What proof do we have? Look around, and what do you see? The blue sky, green grass, bright sun, twinkling stars, and shining moon are all indications of God’s handiwork. His universe is absolutely breathtaking! Consider the beauty of the Grand Canyon carved along the earth’s geological background, along with the raging force of water flowing from the Niagara Falls.

Have you ever stood on the sandy shores of a vast ocean and looked out in awe for miles and miles at God’s CREATION? JESUS created it all! The apostle Paul affirms this. Jesus Christ is the God of CREATION.

1. From the beginning of Time JESUS is the CREATOR of ALL — the heavens and the earth! (Col. 1:16; Gen. 1:1–2:7) – “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth…”

Unquestionably, this is clear. Even John affirms the Word (Jesus) made all things (John 1:1–14). How about what David wrote in (Psa. 19:1–2)? “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.”

Do you remember Gen. 1:1? “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” By the way, the word “create” is בָּרָא (bara), which means to make SOMETHING out of NOTHING!

Time, space, and matter instantaneously came into existence. How? By the Word of Jesus Christ! Wow!!

Not only is He the God of CREATION, but more importantly, He is the God of SALVATION. As God, He became a man in order to live a life without sin, and therefore die as a substitute for our sins. Praise His name because He arose from the grave, assuring everyone who trusts in Him can have eternal life.

Do you know that you know? Have you? Then tell somebody.

2. Next, this CREATION by Jesus included the INVISIBLE! (Col. 1:16–17) – “…whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.”

So you can conclude that this means angels, both good and bad. But please note that He controls them all!

Last, Jesus is holding it all together. “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”

What a mighty God we serve! Things are moving according to His purpose and plan. One day in the near future, He will create a NEW HEAVEN and NEW EARTH. What about that?

Conclusion: This time of year, our Lord is transforming our world with the changing of the leaves from bright orange to red, to brown, and many other beautiful colors. With one stroke of His Word, our landscape radiates the glory of God in Jesus Christ.

Yet, man—made a little lower than the angels (Psa. 8:3–6)—is His crowning work. “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet.”

Imagine the creature having a relationship with His CREATOR. That calls for us to sing out, “How Great Thou Art”!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Oct '25

Faith that Finishes Well

Posted on Oct 23, 2025 in Devotions |

Oct '25

Introduction: Will the testing of our FAITH ever come to an end? No. Get ready because it is a life-long process. Sorry. But with that being said, some have FAITH FAILURES before the FINISH line. Comparatively, some FINISH FAITHFUL! Where are you aiming? Remember, “if you AIM at NOTHING, you are sure to hit it!” So AIM high, shoot straight, and above all TRUST in JESUS!!

1. Constantly in and out of seasons of testing! (1 Pet. 1:6,7) – “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

Did you notice that Peter wrote our FAITH is going to be put to the TEST? Is your FAITH being tested right now? Where? Family? Finances? Health? How are you responding? Blaming? Fretting? Or Yielding? Please do not forget that these “Faith testers” are Divinely orchestrated with a useful purpose in mind. Don’t MISS IT! Often, we rush through life preferring NO INTERRUPTIONS. We feel like it is a DISTRACTION. Yet, God oversees our sometimes complacency and indifference while allowing or ordering friendly DISTURBANCES, kind of like a wake up call. Have you gotten one lately? Check your phone—you may have missed a call!

2. Final exam for our faith being tested! (2 Tim. 4:7,8) – “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

Look at that order: FIGHTING – FINISHING – FAITHFUL. Never reverse this order. Fighting for our faith is the first step. And it will be a DOG FIGHT! Can you relate? Next, FINISHING STRONG should be non-optional. Prepare. Plan. Persevere. And then stay FAITHFUL to JESUS CHRIST until you get to the FINISH line. HOME. HEAVEN. It is just in sight. Can you see it?

Conclusion: Overcoming obstacles that require Mountain Moving FAITH is on God’s agenda. With His ultimate purpose to purify His people while bringing honor and GLORY to His name! And at the same time, demonstrating His GLORY to a desperate world that they may see, believe, and join the fellowship of believers on their God-given journey by FINISHING FAITHFUL!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Oct '25

Faster than You Can Blink an Eye

Posted on Oct 22, 2025 in Devotions |

Oct '25

Introduction: Don’t blink! You might miss it. That is how fast it is going to happen. By the way, this highly anticipated event is next on God’s calendar. Oh, there are going to be more and more “wars and rumors of wars” certainly… along with earthquakes {heart-quakes}, false Christs, and terrible diseases. But remember, these are just the “beginning of sorrows” {ὠδίν pronounced o-deen’ – birth pains – labor increasing as it gets closer to the birthing of the baby}.

Keep in mind, the difference in the second coming of Christ which will have “SIGNS of the TIME” leading up to His return versus the RAPTURE which has NO SIGNS. Instead, the RAPTURE—which means “caught up” — snatching away — is imminent — meaning any moment, hanging over our head. Below is the greatly anticipated event and what we need to do to prepare for it.

1. When we are AWAKENED out of our DEEP SLEEP! (1 Cor 15:51-52) – “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

Although this transforming event is somewhat “hidden” (a mystery), it is without a doubt the next greatest event to happen. Imagine all of our loved ones raised from the grave with brand new bodies! Imagine being reunited once again. Imagine the homecoming celebration in the clouds. Imagine seeing Jesus. Imagine being like Jesus with a new body. Imagine no more suffering and pain. Imagine no more war or murder. Imagine no more sickness or sorrow. Imagine the bliss and glory. Imagine rising to meet Him in the air! Imagine being with Him and our loved ones FOREVER! Hallelujah!!

2. Meanwhile, through Jesus, we have WORK to do UNTIL THAT DAY! (1 Cor 15:57-58) – “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ…. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

There is ALWAYS VICTORY in JESUS! Since that is true, notice what we should do. “Be steadfast.” That means be “firm.” Next, be “unmovable.” Where? Unmovable in our faith, our fight, and our freedom.

You have heard it said, “the work of God is the most important work on earth!” I believe that!! Do you? Think about it. Eternity is a long, long time. Separation from God in eternity would be AWFUL! Going to hell would be terrible!! Tormented forever would be miserable!!! Weeping and gnashing of teeth would be horrible!!!!

So my friends, BE STEADFAST in your life. BE UNMOVABLE in your love. BE ABOUNDING with your LORD.

Conclusion: Since all of this is going to happen FASTER than you can BLINK your eye, stay awake for now, stay alert with diligence, and stay always abounding in the work of the Lord, until He comes for you.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Oct '25

All About Jesus

Posted on Oct 21, 2025 in Devotions |

Oct '25

Introduction: If you could sum up the Christian life in one verse of Scripture what would you use? How about Romans 11:36? Needless to say, it is POWER PACKED! After all, it is ALL ABOUT JESUS! Check out this BLESSED verse in the BIBLE. Get ready to SHOUT…..Praise the Lord!! “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”

Now let’s break it down into three main sections.

1. The Person of Jesus Christ! (Rom. 11:36) – “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”

Look at the phrase “FOR OF HIM”. Who is it talking about? No question. JESUS CHRIST. As we think about the “Person of Jesus”, remember that His BIRTH is marked with POVERTY (2Cor 8:9), but His LIFE is marked with HOSTILITY (John 1:11), and His DEATH is marked with AGONY (Matt 27), however, His RESURRECTION is marked with VICTORY (1Cor 15:3,4), and lastly His second coming will be marked with GLORY (Matt 24:30-36)! There you have the Person of Jesus Christ. But now move a little deeper into the Power of Jesus.

2. The Power of Jesus Christ! (Rom. 11:36) – “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”

Moving forward, do you see the phrase “THROUGH HIM”? That speaks of the POWER of JESUS CHRIST. He has all power (Matt 28:18-20)…..Power over death, demons, and disease!! Bottom line: we can trust Him. Will you have FAITH in JESUS today? If so, PRAISE to Him will be the result.

3. The Praise to Jesus Christ (Rom. 11:36) – “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”

Do not miss the last phrase. “…and to Him….to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” And all God’s people said…? Jesus is worthy of all PRAISE! Go ahead and PRAISE Him!!

Conclusion: What a doxology! This Compacted verse of Scripture sums up the Christian life. Put it all together. What do you have? JESUS CHRIST, Person, Power and Praise!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Oct '25

Irreversible – Gifts and Calling

Posted on Oct 20, 2025 in Devotions |

Oct '25

Introduction: Whenever you feel unworthy or cast down, read these verses. If you ever feel that God is finished with you, open your Bible to Romans 11:29. “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”

Whereas, the technical interpretation of this verse is to the Church of Rome, which probably was established after the day of Pentecost and included both Jews as well as Gentiles. Yet, the practical interpretation is to the Church today.

Question: Are you exercising your “Gifts”? Do you feel washed up? Finished? On the shelf? If so, then please read carefully the following:

1. Why Gifts? (Eph. 4:7–8) – “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.”

Progressing through this passage of Scripture, which was written to the Church of Ephesus whereas Paul had spent around three years refuting false worship of Dianna, but at the same time he taught in the school of Tyrannous, sharing the undeniable, unmistakable, UNBREAKABLE Word of God, here we find WHY God gave GIFTS.

With that being said, and led by the Holy Spirit, he wrote to believers for the purpose of them understanding the plan of God for giving “SPIRITUAL GIFTS.” Simply put, it was to edify the body of Christ.

“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” (Eph. 4:12–13)

Furthermore, these GIFTS were given to GLORIFY the Lord Jesus Christ! Are you glorifying JESUS?

2. What Gifts? (Rom. 12:6–8) – “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”

These are what this Pastor likes to refer to as MOTIVATIONAL GIFTS. You can see the list and presume where God has “GIFTED” you. Do you know which gift(s)? Are you USING them, not ABUSING them?

Why does that matter? Because the next point will discuss the utmost importance of functioning with the GIFTS in the Church.

3. How Gifts? (2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor. 3:10–11; Rev. 22:12) – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

Here we are told that the GIFTS given to believers are going to face scrutiny. We will be held to accountability as we stand before JESUS CHRIST at the BEMA judgment. Either we will be rewarded or suffer loss. That is of crowns, not salvation.

Are you ready to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ? What are you doing to prepare?

Conclusion: I love the Scripture that we studied today! It should motivate every Christian to be FAITHFUL to the Lord and His Church as we prepare to stand before Him at the BEMA judgment.

Remember, His GIFTS and CALLING are irreversible!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese