Israel, Iran, and America at War

Introduction: Officially, we have been at war with Iran. As of less than a week ago, the U.S. bombed the Iranian nuclear facilities with devastating bunker bombs. These 30,000-pound explosives penetrated approximately 200 feet underground where the nuclear facilities are located before they detonated. Only America possesses this capability.
 
But more importantly, what does this mean not only militarily but spiritually as well as prophetically?
The question on the table is: Where is Iran or Israel in Bible prophecy?
 

Iran will eventually join a coalition of other nations described in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, who will attack Israel from the north. Among those nations (predominantly Muslim) will be Russia, Turkey, and a few others. When will this happen? Even though there are differing opinions regarding the timing, most Bible prophecy teachers hold toward either the beginning of the tribulation or just before.

According to Ezekiel’s prophecy, these nations will be drawn by a “hook in the jaw” and will invade Israel to perhaps acquire the “gold and silver” that is mentioned—or even their newly disclosed natural gas off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. However, unknown to them will be a supernatural intervention by Almighty God.

While Israel will be deceived and living during a time of “false peace and safety” (Ezekiel 38:11; Daniel 9:27; 1 Thessalonians 5:2–3) because of the Antichrist’s confirmation of a covenant, the God of the Bible will cause a massive earthquake, infighting between the nations, pestilences, and hailstones to destroy 5/6 of the attacking armies.

Why is God going to do that? Because He made an unconditional covenant with Israel (Abrahamic, Davidic, Land, and New Covenant). In fact, in Jeremiah’s writings, he mentioned that the day God takes away or nullifies His covenant with Israel will be the day the sun, moon, and stars cease to shine!

“And the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season; Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.” (Jeremiah 33:19–21)

In other words, the Lord God is going to watch over His word to perform it! He cannot lie!!
 
Conclusion: Regardless of those nations that have attempted to destroy Israel in the past, present, or future, God—who has a plan for Israel as well as the Church—will fulfill His promises. That means if He is going to preserve the nation of Israel in His timing, then we can trust Him to preserve His Church until Jesus Christ comes for His bride.
 
“Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Are You Speaking Curses or Blessings?

Introduction: “Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” (James 3:9,10)
 
The TERRIBLE TONGUE – who can tame it? Are you discovering more and more that DEATH and LIFE are in the power of the tongue? What causes a negative tongue to CURSE instead of BLESS? How does the Holy Spirit CURE the TONGUE? Honestly, all of us at times have been negative. Instead of BLESSING, there has been cursing. Check out what the writers of the Bible had to say about “Taming the Terrible Tongue.”
 

1. What did James say? (James 3:6–8) – “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”

There we have it. Only God can tame the terrible tongue. Do you say things without thinking about what you are saying? The world says, “Speak your mind”! But God says, “Guard your mouth”!

In fact, again James writes, “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” (James 1:26)

Clearly, if our mouth is “cleaned up” then it is a good indication that the Holy Spirit is taking control.
 

2. What did Solomon say? (Proverbs 18:21) – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

Have you ever been around a “negative” person? They can pull you down. Howbeit, it usually indicates something deeper is going on within their heart.
 

3. What did Paul say? (Ephesians 4:29) – “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

The word edifying means “upbuilding.” In other words, instead of tearing down, CHRISTians ought to build up. However, this does NOT mean FLATTERING! Today, much of what is called encouragement is nothing more than FLATTERY. Do you flatter people so that they will like you? And then do you talk about them negatively behind their back?
 

4. What did Jesus say? (Matthew 15:16–20) – “Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.”

Wow! Our Lord cut through the hypocrisy and got down to the nitty gritty!!

Question: If you taped yourself talking, how would it sound?
 
Conclusion: So rather than CURSING with our TONGUE, try BLESSING! This brief study on the subject speaks volumes to our hearts. Now let’s CONFESS, GO and OBEY.
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Moving Forward

Introduction: Have you ever got bogged down talking with someone, and you couldn’t get anywhere in the conversation? Suggestion: One of you needs to speak up and say “MOVING FORWARD!” Speaking of MOVING FORWARD, the great missionary to Africa, David Livingston, once said, “I will go anywhere provided it is FORWARD!” There’s not any wonder why God used him in a mighty way. In fact, although he faced hardships on every hand—including being attacked by lions who shredded his arm—besides that, he battled the diseases of the rainforest constantly, but he PRESSED ON! When he finally died, he requested that his heart be buried in Africa because that was where his heart belonged.

By the way, he answered the CALL of God by hearing this verse read: “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” (John 10:16)
 
Here are a few others who answered the CALL to GO!
 

1. David Brainerd was a missionary to the North American Indians. He too went through suffering and persecution. As he prayed in the snow for the conversion of those who were destined to hell, he sweated profusely—melting the snow.

2. Bertha Smith was a tremendous soul-winner in China. Years ago, I read a book about her life and powerful witness. Perhaps, according to some, she was one of the greatest women missionaries that ever lived. Our Lord used her in a mighty way here in America by helping spread fires of REVIVAL throughout churches.

3. Jim Elliot was a martyr to the Auca Indians. He literally gave his life for the Gospel’s sake. His words echo down through the years. Listen: “No man is a FOOL to give up what he cannot keep to GAIN that which he cannot LOSE!”

Conclusion: Either it was Livingston or Brainerd who, while praying, had a poisonous snake crawl by him—but it did not bite him. From that point on, many believed in his God. What a powerful testimony of the PROVIDENCE of a living God!

So now, after looking into the lives of some men and women who were used mightily by Jesus Christ, are you determined to MOVE FORWARD?

 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


The Will of God

Introduction: Are you doing the Will of God? Are you in the Lord’s Will? Hopefully, you have answered yes to these questions. If not, perhaps you can today. Nevertheless, there is a saying that goes like this: “The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God cannot keep you!” I love that!! Why? A few years ago, I was getting ready to leave my home, go across the world for almost a month, fly over the ocean without seeing land for about seven hours, and stay in a jungle full of anacondas and Muslim terrorists. What a great comfort it is to know that God’s Will is supreme!
 

Do you have that blessed assurance? You can. Consider knowing and doing God’s Will consists of the following:

1. Walking wisely! (Eph. 5:15) – “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.”

In order to stay in the Will of God, we must “walk wisely”! That means praying, thinking, and contemplating the consequences of our every decision. That is huge! Not only is that huge, but it is a challenge every day. Being faced with life’s dilemmas can be overwhelming at times. Therefore, we need God’s wisdom and discernment constantly. How are you doing?
 
2. Working efficiently! (Eph. 5:16) – “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

By the way, the word “redeem” is ἐξαγοράζω, which some translate “making the most.” It also can mean to buy up—like a ransom. Do you make the most of your time? As it has been said, time cannot be stopped! Therefore, our Lord, through Paul, encourages CHRISTians to “redeem” the time.
 
3. Warring constantly! (Eph. 5:16–17) – “…because the days are evil. Wherefore, be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”

While the days are evil, Jesus is Good! It stands to reason—since the days are evil with the evil one, Satan, and his emissaries—then as believers in the God of the Bible, we are to know and do the Will of God in every situation. Are you concerned about His Will in every decision and circumstance?
 
Conclusion: These few verses in Ephesians give great insight, hindsight, as well as foresight into knowing and doing the Will of God. Staying in His Will should be the heartbeat of every Christian. Is it yours?
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Rest in the Work

Introduction: There is a huge difference in “resting from the work” vs “resting in the work”! Take Martha for example. She learned how to “rest in the work.”
 
1. First of all, she is all stressed out in the work for the Lord! (Luke 10:38–42) – “But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things.”

By the way, there is absolutely nothing wrong in what Martha is doing; it’s just how Martha is acting! Honestly, most all of us can relate to Martha. Do you agree? Perhaps the big overarching lesson for us is not neglecting to wait at the feet of Jesus. That must be first and foremost. Is it in your life?
 
2. Second, she learned how to find rest in the work of the Lord! (John 12:2) – “There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.”

On this occasion, do you know how many people Martha served? 17 people. Compare that with just the 4 persons she served recorded in Luke 10. The bottom line: Martha apparently learned the key to having a “good attitude” while “resting in the work” of the Lord.

Please note: she did not give up and quit serving Jesus. Instead, she discovered how to serve Him without being overly distracted by people and problems. Do you want to discover that glorious REST? This writer does!
 
3. Finally, she is greatly blessed because of the work of the Lord! (John 11:27) – “She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.”

Lazarus, Mary, and Martha’s brother had died. Four days passed by after they had sent word to Jesus to come to their village of Bethany and see them. In a whirlwind of confusion, Martha greeted Jesus affirming her faith and trust in Him, no matter what had happened! Suffice to say, her faith was rewarded as Jesus called him back to life from the dead.
Somebody said had He not called Lazarus by name, the whole cemetery would have been emptied!
Anyway, Jesus proved that He was indeed the RESURRECTION and the LIFE. Do you believe that?
 
Conclusion: From our devotion today, clearly, Martha had learned how to get the Victory over complaining. Not only that, but she seemed to be at PEACE from fault-finding and nit-picking people around her. Could it be that our Lord is carrying us through trials and tribulations, along with adversities, to mold us more into His character and image, and thus honor Him?

Our prayer today is, “Lord Jesus, teach us how to REST in Your work for Your glory!”

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Mental Spiritual Health

Introduction: Is your mind divided? Tormented? Restful? Peaceful? How would you describe your thought life? How can we tap into the Holy Spirit’s control?
 
Here are some practical suggestions:
 

1. Listen to CHRISTian music! (Eph 5:19) – “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” 

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Col 3:16)

Warning: Protect your mind! Sing to the Lord!!
 

2. Read and MEDITATE on Scripture? (Psa 19:14) – “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” 

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psa 119:11)
 
3. Guard your eyes and ears from evil! (Prov 4:23) – “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
 
4. Take time to rejoice in the GOODNESS of the Lord! (Phil 4:4) – “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
 
5. Think on your PURPOSE for living! (Rom 14:8) – “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.”
 
Conclusion: Set your focus on things above. Paul wrote, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col 3:1,2)
 
How is your mental spiritual health? Why not take some biblical advice and let your mind be controlled by the Holy Spirit?
 
Love,
Dr. Randy Reese


Loving Sinners Without Loving Their Sin

Introduction: After being born again by the power of God, a new believer has difficulty drawing the line between witnessing to sinners (the lost) without compromising with their sin, especially if it is a family member. Or another challenge is for the new CHRISTian who desires others to be saved and forgiven, to not come across as a self-righteous Pharisee.
How do we keep the balance?
 

1. Remember what Paul wrote to the Corinthians. (1Cor 6:9-11) – “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” 

Bottom line: Don’t forget where Jesus has brought you (me) from and brought you (me) to!
 

2. Remember what Jude wrote while debunking false teachers. (Jude 1:22-23) – “And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” 

If we could only have this attitude in reaching those without a relationship with Jesus Christ, it would make more of a difference.
 

3. Remember what Jesus said. (Matt 7:1-5) – “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” 

This verse is perhaps the most misunderstood verse in all the Bible. A closer investigation reveals that Jesus is saying 1st….we are to judge ours selves! Then, we are in a better position to lovingly and gently get the “splinter” out of our brother’s eye….only after we take the “2×4” out of our eye.
 

4. Remember where you once were. (Eph 2:1-7) – “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” 

Bottom line: From Root to Fruit, it is all by God’s GRACE!
 

Conclusion: Going over this checklist will help ensure every CHRISTian to LOVE sinners and share JESUS without being a Pharisee or without compromising with the sinner’s sin…to Him be GLORY.

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Will There Be Scars in Heaven?

Introduction: Have you ever thought about if there are going to be scars in heaven? On the one hand, undoubtedly, we will have a brand NEW BODY. Imagine that! The further we get down this road called life, the more precious this becomes. Right? Some people say when they go to the breakfast table, they hear the SNAP, CRACKLE, and POP—but it’s not their cereal! Well, anyway!
 

But on the other hand, will Jesus have the nail prints in His hands? Most argue in the affirmative—that Jesus will indeed have the scars that He bore on earth, particularly the ones He endured during His crucifixion. So where do they derive that reasoning?

Consider the logical deduction among those who say in the affirmative:
 

1. John reminds us! (John 20:20, 25, 27, 28) – “And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord… Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.”

Here, Thomas the DOUTER turns into Thomas the SHOUTER! Listen to his response. Thomas said, “My Lord and my God.” Have you gone from DOUBTING to SHOUTING?
 

2. Zechariah reminds us! (Zech. 12:10–11) – “…and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem.”

Zechariah, who was both a prophet and priest, writes specifically to the Jewish remnants who returned from Persian captivity of 70 years to Jerusalem for the purpose of rebuilding the temple. However, prophetically speaking, his focus in the last chapters of the book is in regard to the “DAY of the LORD.”

More specifically, he mentions Jesus Christ’s second coming. Since the Jews rejected His kingdom when Christ came the first time, it will be God’s will that they receive Him as their Messiah—Savior and Lord—when He returns.

On another note, some Christians who are not leaning toward the affirmative wonder why John, in the book of Revelation, does not make reference to the “SCARS” in the glorified Jesus Christ’s hands, feet, or side.
 

3. John reminds again! (Rev. 1:12–16) – “His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.”

Perhaps John is focused on the glorified Christ who is no longer hanging on a cruel Roman cross, but instead has conquered death, hell, and the devil! He’s ALIVE!!

While we do not want to ever FORGET the ultimate price for our sins—paid in full by Jesus Christ’s redeeming blood—yet, our focus now should be on our RISEN Lord and SOON COMING KING!!
 

Conclusion: While there is good reasoning to believe that our Lord Jesus will have SCARS in heaven, it does not seemingly appear to be in Scripture that we will have any scars in heaven—no handicaps or deformities. Why?

The answer comes echoing down through the centuries, that according to both John and Paul’s writings, we will have a body like Jesus Christ.

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)
 
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” (Philippians 3:20–21)

Well, one thing is for sure—despite the debate about scars in heaven, God is going to wipe away all of our TEARS! And there will be no more sorrow, suffering, or sin!

Are you looking forward to that day?
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Godly Fathers

Introduction: Do you have distinguishing “Hall Marks” of a godly father? In this devotion, we will discuss only a few. Obviously, there are many more. Actually, these could apply to every Christian.
 

1. Godly Father’s FORGIVE! (2 Sam 14:33) – “So Joab went to the king and told him. And when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king. Then the king kissed Absalom.”

2. Godly Father’s have FAITH in the God of the Bible! (Heb 11:17) – “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.”

3. Godly Father’s FIGHT the GOOD FIGHT! (1 Tim 6:12) – “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

4. Godly Father’s do not live in FEAR! (2 Tim 1:7) – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

5. Godly Father’s do not FORSAKE the assembling together with the saints on Sunday! (Heb 10:25) “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.”

6. Godly Father’s find FREEDOM! (Gal 5:1) – “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

7. Godly Father’s FINISH FAITHFUL! (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.”

Conclusion: Are these “HALL MARKS” evident in your life? If not, what changes do you need to make? And more importantly, will you be courageous enough to trust Jesus as you cooperate with the Holy Spirit to facilitate the changes for the glory of God?

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


1,000 Years

Introduction: Imagine a wolf and a lamb lying down together, without the wolf eating “lamb chops”! Beside them is a bear and an ox eating straw together. In the same field is a ferocious lion playing with a goat. Does this sound like a Disney movie? Or does this perhaps describe something that would happen at a Barnum and Bailey Circus? No. Actually, this is what is going to be scenery after Jesus Christ lifts the curse from the animal kingdom on the earth.
 
“The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat.” (Isa 65:25)
 
By the way, this will be considered the biblical account of Christ’s Kingdom on earth. From a timeline perspective, remember, Jesus will come in the RAPTURE. This will be followed by the seven-year tribulation, and at the conclusion of it, Christ will come in His second coming. Next, as His feet touch down upon the earth, He will overthrow the Antichrist with his armies. Subsequently, His Kingdom on earth will be inaugurated as He sits upon His throne in Jerusalem in the temple which Ezekiel describes. Here is a further description of this “yet to come” supernatural event.
 
1. A BRAND NEW CREATION! Isaiah’s perspective! (Isa 65:17–22) – “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”
 
This prophecy starts at the end of the 1,000 years as Jesus makes a New Heaven and Earth. Isaiah describes the transformation of the animal kingdom and the earthly Kingdom. The curse of decay and death will be somewhat lifted as in the Garden of Eden; and yet, sin and death will remain.
 
2. A BRAND NEW LIFE! (Isa 65:20) – “There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.”
 
Did you notice the longevity of life will be extended? Also, did you catch that God will give a sinner one hundred years to repent during this 1,000-year reign? Both “Perfect Peace” and bountiful prosperity will be present during the Millennium.
 
3. A BRAND NEW EARTH! (Isa 65:22–23) – “They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.”
 
We have never seen anything like this before in our day! “When the Lord reigns in Zion!”
 
Conclusion: All of creation longs for this day to come! Paul writes, (Rom 8:22–23) “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.”
 

The Day of the Lord will come soon enough. But meanwhile, we need to be “BUSY” about the “MASTER’S BUSINESS!”

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese