Devotions Archives | Page 10 of 122 | New Rocky Creek Baptist Church

AI – The Big Lie – Jesus Coming in the Sky

Posted on Feb 7, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: AI technology has taken the world by storm, all the way from China to Saudi Arabia, to America and beyond. But where is it going? How could it be used by the Antichrist? Is the stage being set? While on the one hand, there have been needed breakthroughs with this new wave of technological advances. And yet, on the other hand, its capability appears to be terribly frightening. From developing new military weaponry to helpful economical advancements, along with the latest state-of-the-art medical breakthroughs, artificial intelligence is both scary as well as a blessing.

So, looking into the future from a biblical worldview, where are we headed?

1. AI and the Big Lie! (2 Thess. 2:7-11) – “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.”

The Antichrist is coming soon. Here in this text, the apostle Paul, led by the Spirit, described this one who is possessed by Satan, otherwise known as his puppet, the Antichrist. Did you notice that he has miracle-working power? Deception is his game! He will be the counterfeit Christ. But unfortunately, many will not know the difference. False religion, pseudo-miracles, and dirty lies will mark his territory. Can you see how AI, with all of its ability to masquerade falsehoods, could be used by the Antichrist? Stay awake!

2. AI and the Loud Cry! (2 Thess. 2:4) – “…that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”

After pretending to be a friend of Israel for three years by protecting them with a “PEACE PLAN,” this embodiment of the devil called the Antichrist will move into the temple. There he will proclaim to be God. Imagine the chaos following the rapture of the Church. Even as we speak, there are wars, pestilences, and economic woes setting the stage for the Antichrist to conquer the world for a brief time. Can you see how men and women are being deceived today by believing lies?

3. AI and Jesus in the Sky! (2 Thess. 2:1) – “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him.”

Here is the good news! Our hope is not in the government. It is not in economic success. It is not in military might. Rather, it is watching and being ready for the Bridegroom to return for His bride, the Church! Are you ready? Do you need to get others ready?

Conclusion: Since Jesus has forewarned us about what is ahead with the “Big Lie” and the “Loud Cry,” perhaps partnering with AI, what should His people be doing? What about reaching up in prayer, reaching out to share, and reaching in with care? While no one will be able to stop AI or the Big Lie, we need to be ready for Jesus Christ coming in the Sky!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Feb '25

Using Your Influence

Posted on Feb 6, 2025 in Devotions |

Feb '25

Introduction: Are you wanting to be used by our Lord? Would you like to “Make a Difference” in someone’s life? What is the key to being used? How can you continue to be a blessing to others? This devotion will explore the answers to those questions.

Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, is writing to his son in the Lord, Timothy. Please take note of what he says.

1. Regardless of your age, God wants to use YOU! (1 Tim 4:12) – “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

Check out the word “despise.” Do you know what it means? Here is the word: καταφρονέω. It means to dislike, or it can even have to do with scorning or looking down upon. The Lord is saying, do not let anyone look down upon you, Timothy, because of your age or experience. Conversely, he was urged to show others by his lifestyle. In other words, his “walk” and “talk” would be on display for others to see, which should point them to the GRACE of God, the LOVE of Jesus, and the POWER of the Holy Spirit.

Can others see a difference in your lifestyle compared to the world’s lifestyle? Does your life exhibit faith in Jesus, love for the brethren, and a clean lifestyle? If not, what changes need to take place?

2. Regardless of your past, God wants to use YOU! (1 Tim 4:13-14) – “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.”

What was meant by the phrase “attendance to reading”? In the context of this letter, the phrase ἀνάγνωσις meant recognition. It also had to do with public reading, more specifically the Law and the Prophets in the synagogue or church.

Next, what does “exhortation” mean? Technically, it means to comfort or encourage.

Finally, what does the word “doctrine” mean? It actually means to teach or instruct. A good study for you to do would be to examine all the references to this word “doctrine,” especially when it refers to “sound doctrine.” In other words, there can be unsound or false teaching in contrast to sound teaching. Are you sound in your teaching?

Conclusion: If we are going to use our influence for the glory of the Lord, then we must not only teach the right thing but also live the right life.

Will you take a moment and do a self-evaluation?

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Feb '25

Triumphant in Christ

Posted on Feb 5, 2025 in Devotions |

Feb '25

Introduction: As a Christian, do you need encouragement? Try reading this passage while letting its truth sink in! Take a moment out of your busyness to build up your spiritual batteries. If these verses do not recharge your heart, something is wrong.

Writing to the Church of Colossae under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, the deity of Jesus Christ was on the forefront. Why? Because of the misinformation—false teaching—which had infiltrated the Church. However, as a skilled soldier of the cross, the flaming missionary Paul, who was incarcerated at the time, totally debunks the false teaching.

Question: Are you able to defend the faith? Check out these three irreversible truths.

1. Once was dead in sin but made alive in Jesus! (Col 2:13) – “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.”

The Bible teaches that every human is born with a sin nature (Rom 5:12). Yet, at the same time, a sinner who is born “dead in trespasses and sin” (Eph. 2:1-4), he or she can be “quickened together” with Jesus. By the way, the word “quickened” is συζωοποιέω, which literally means to make alive. That is, once regenerated or quickened by the Holy Spirit, an exchange takes place. He comes inside of the believer to bring life to the one who was spiritually dead.

Have you been made alive? Please notice a sign of life in a person is their hunger for food. Are you hungry for spiritual food? Another reason for not being hungry is sickness. CHRISTians can get spiritually sick. So take in the Word and stay healthy.

2. Once was guilty but now released and set free in Christ! (Col 2:14) – “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.”

What does the word “blotting out” indicate? The word is ἐξαλείφω, and it means to wipe out or to blot out. It can mean to erase or even to obliterate.

Do you get the picture? Through the cross of Christ, including His cleansing blood, the believer’s sins are wiped away, removed, forgotten, forgiven, released, blotted out. Think about it. All the sins that you have ever committed are erased in the eyes of the God of the Bible.

If we could just do the same—by erasing the sins committed against us—there is no doubt that we would experience a freedom unparalleled to anything else. Will you thank God right now?

3. Once was dominated by satanic influences but now overcomers through Jesus Christ! (Col 2:15) – “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

The word “triumphing” is θριαμβεύω, which pictures One leading in triumphal procession. That One was Jesus Christ. Since He is victorious over the satanic influences, then we too can be overcomers in Him!

Are you conquering through Him or being conquered by our adversaries?

Conclusion: These threefold works of Jesus should both motivate us and cause us to evaluate the “gift” of knowing Him and letting Him be known. This is great news in a bad news world!

So pass out the Good News!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Feb '25

Resting in God’s Peace

Posted on Feb 4, 2025 in Devotions |

Feb '25

Introduction: Do you have trouble sleeping? Obviously, this is not meant for the daytime! How can you have a peaceful night of sleep regardless of your circumstances?

Here are several biblical principles on sleep and rest.

1. Sweet “SLEEP” during a troubled time! (Psalm 3:5) – “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.”

King David was on the run… running for his life. Believe it or not, his own son Absalom was attempting to usurp authority over the king, his father. But as you read, “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.”

The key was that God held him together. The word “sustained” is סָמַך (samak), which means to lean or to support. It has the idea of upholding and actually relates to rest. Isn’t it amazing how God can do that when we trust Him? Truthfully, we are being sustained by our Lord these days. Will you thank Him?

2. Lay down and SLEEP in PEACE! (Psalm 4:8) – “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.”

Think about it… Sleeping in peace, feeling secure! The word “safety” is בֶּטַח (betach). It has to do with security and safety. The word can also mean confidence and trust.

Do you feel secure? Safe? Confident? Peaceful?

3. SLEEP without fear! (Proverbs 3:24) – “When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.”

Instead of feeding our fear, Solomon is writing to fight our fear and feed our faith. Remember, God has not given us a spirit of fear… (2 Timothy 1:7).

Conclusion: Since our security, identity, and destiny are found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we can SLEEP in PEACE because our trust and faith are in Him.

So, SLEEP on, my friend, with His sweet rest!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Feb '25

Fully Sanctified

Posted on Feb 3, 2025 in Devotions |

Feb '25

Introduction: Do you know what the word “sanctified” means? Basically, it has to do with setting apart. In other words, God wants to set His people apart from the world. There should be a difference! Can others tell that you are different in your walk and talk?

So how does that happen? This brief devotion will study the subject.

1. Fully Sanctified Includes Our Body Being Set Apart! (1 Thess. 5:23) – “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

By the way, the word “sanctified” is ἁγιάζω (hag-ee-ad’-zo), which means to sanctify or to make holy. It can also mean to consecrate. But basically, it has to do with being set apart.

Do you know why God wants to set His people apart? So that the world will see Jesus Christ working in and through His people, producing a peculiar lifestyle that reflects His glory. And in so doing, they will desire the same by developing a personal relationship with Him. More specifically, Christian disciplines concerning bodily habits can be an indicator of this amazing transformation.

2. Fully Sanctified Includes Our Soul—Mind, Will, and Emotions! (1 Thess. 5:23) – “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

When Christ comes into the life of a believer, He changes it from the inside out! Starting in the mind, will, and even emotions, “the hidden life in Christ” is seen. It is an extraordinary life, which is impossible to live outside of the power of the Holy Spirit.

Can you tell our Lord is changing the way you think, feel, and react?

3. Fully Sanctified in Our Final State Will Take Place When Jesus Christ Comes Again! (1 Thess. 5:23) – “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Finally, the process will be finished. When Jesus comes for His children in the rapture, we will take on a brand-new body. That is, it will be a glorified body, not limited or restricted like this earthly body.

What will that be like?

Conclusion: Can you say you are being “Fully Sanctified”? Do you look forward to the day when you will be finally and fully sanctified?

What a day that will be!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Jan '25

From Failure to Freedom

Posted on Jan 31, 2025 in Devotions |

Jan '25

Introduction: What do you do when you feel like a failure? Remember, the Word of God is full of those who failed the Lord. Peter is no exception.

After being warned by Jesus that he would fail miserably by denying his Lord, Peter fell flat on his face in defeat. Oh, by the way, this was after caving in to peer pressure with tormenting fear—not once, but three times. Three strikes, and you’re OUT! Do you wonder if he thought he was done? Finished? A complete failure? Irreparable? Unreconcilable?

Well, here are three steps to climb to rise above your failures—the ABC’s to fixing our failures.

1. Admit Our Failures Need Fixing! (John 21:3-4) – “Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.”

Because of feeling defeated and discouraged, Peter went back to his profession—fishing. After all, that was how he made a living. Perhaps he was hoping to catch a mess of fish to make him feel better. However, he came up empty-handed—without a nibble!

Honestly, I love that statement: “When the morning was now come.” Thank God for the morning!
Are you patiently waiting for the morning?

2. Believe Your Failures Can Be Fixed by Fishing with Jesus! (John 21:5-8) – “Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.”

Get this: Jesus knows where the fish are biting, how to catch them, and He even cleans them!

Did you notice that our Lord told the professional fisherman, Peter, how and where to catch the fish—despite the fact that he had fished all night long?

Bottom line: We need to listen to Jesus even if we think we know what’s best. Right? Will you do that this moment?

3. Commit to Be Free from Failure by Following Jesus to the Finish! (John 21:12) – “Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.”

An invitation from the MASTER should result in a positive affirmation.

There is a song that comes to mind that was sung in children’s church. It goes like this:
“Follow, follow, I will follow Jesus, anywhere, everywhere, I will follow Him!”

That prompts this question: Are we really following Him? Or are we following our own agenda and wanting Him to follow us? Which is it?

Conclusion: Since we all fail at times, it is absolutely necessary that we get this right. Namely, we need to admit when we are wrong, listen to the words of Jesus as well as the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and finally—Lord, help us—follow You all the way to the finish!

And the church said…?

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Jan '25

Character Traits of Influential CHRISTians

Posted on Jan 30, 2025 in Devotions |

Jan '25

Introduction: In this New Year of 2025, do you need to evaluate your usefulness as a believer in Jesus Christ? What is it that sets apart those men and women who our Lord uses? Here are a few traits that answers that question.

1. Endurance! (2Tim 2:1-3) – “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

Remember. Quitters never win, and Winners never quit! Are you a quitter?

2. Humility! (James 4:4-6) – “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

Real humility is recognizing who we are in Jesus Christ alone. In other words, it is seeing ourselves as He sees us, and thus not thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought. Are you humble? One man was awarded a medal for being humble but when he put it on they took it away!

3. Vision! (Neh. 1:4) – “And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.”

Nehemiah first prayed and then was able to see what God wanted to do, namely rebuild the broken-down walls of Jerusalem. Are you able to see what needs to be done? Do you follow through as God leads? Is it your vision or the Lord’s?

4. Purpose! (John 20:21) – “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”

We are sent into this world on a mission. What is your mission?

5. Wisdom! (Phil 1:9) – “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.”

The word for knowledge used here means “spiritual knowledge.” Is that something you desire?

6. Integrity! (Phil 1:10) – “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.”

After passing the test {approve}, then our God-given goal is to be the REAL DEAL – without cracks. Have you cracked?

7. Patience! (Col 1:10,11) – “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.”

The word “patience” is μακροθυμία, which means long-suffering or forbearance. Forbearance has to do with restraint or tolerance. Pass the Patience Please!

8. Spiritual Mindedness! (Rom 8:5-8) – “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”

Due to the battle for the mind, the flesh is weak, but the Spirit is willing. Can you feel the war?

9. Obedience! (Isaiah 6:8) – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'”

When God speaks we need to listen! But more so, we need to obey. Is your life characterized by obedience?

10. Servant heart! (Matt 20:26-28) – “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

There you have it from the lips of our Master. Follow Him! Are you?

Conclusion: After reviewing this brief list of some essential character traits, what changes do you need to make? Perhaps all of us as redeemed believers could use some tweaking from time to time.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Jan '25

What the Devil Means for Evil, God Means for Good

Posted on Jan 29, 2025 in Devotions |

Jan '25

Introduction: Have you ever heard the statement that what the devil meant for evil, God meant for good? Is it true? Take, for example, the apostle Paul’s imprisonment. He was not only beaten by a mob but also eventually chained to a guard 24/7. How could anything good come out of that Christian persecution?

1. The Big Picture! (Phil. 1:12) – “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.”

Word had traveled—Paul’s in prison! His witness is hindered, or so they assumed. However, the opposite was true. Paul clarifies any confusion. Actually, he assured this special church whom he loved that his influence and opportunities had multiplied!

Now, for the first time, he was able to share Jesus Christ with all the Roman guards who were chained to him. Imagine being chained to the once-murderer who was transformed into a flaming missionary—how that must have been—a captive audience! The end results were many conversions. Although we are not chained to a guard, we have been commissioned to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ!

How are you doing?

2. The Blessed Passion! (Phil. 1:13-14) – “So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”

Get the picture: Paul had preached to the common people, but since becoming a prisoner, he was able to get inside the praetorian guard. While it looked bad for him, God the Holy Spirit was opening doors of opportunities.

Could it be the Holy Spirit is doing the same for us?

Conclusion: Pray for open doors. Even in bad circumstances, our Lord is able to open what appears to be closed doors. Get ready to walk through them! Then you can testify—what the devil means for evil, God can mean for good!!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Jan '25

Keeping Warm in an Ice-Cold World

Posted on Jan 28, 2025 in Devotions |

Jan '25

Introduction: Has it ever been extremely cold outside, and you needed to light a fire to keep warm? Would you be willing to admit that it is bitterly cold in this world toward spiritual truth? It seems like Satan is always pulling on us to keep us from the fires of God’s love and truth.

So, how can we stay on fire while Arctic air blows bitterly cold temperatures at us?

1. First, we must strike the match that lights the fires of faith! (1 Thess. 1:3) – “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.”

Faith is the victory that overcomes the world! Faith is taking God at His Word. Faith is not believing God can but that He will! Faith is the key that unlocks Heaven’s gates—saving faith. After saving faith, the Christian life is lived by faith (see Gal. 2:20; Rom. 1:17; Heb. 11:1,6).

Can you honestly say that you are living by faith? Where are you challenged to exercise trust in the Lord?

Your finances?
Your family?
Your future?
Your friendships?
Your fears?
Your foes?
Your faith?
Your freedom?

2. Second, we must fan the flames of faith with truth and love! (1 Thess. 1:3) – “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.”

Evidently, this church had expressed the great love of God. Is that seen in your life? Can you say you love the brethren?

3. Third, we must get close to the fires of hope in a hopeless world! (1 Thess. 1:3) – “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.”

After striking the match of faith and fanning the flames of love, we must move closer to the fires of hope! When you lose hope, the fires of faith often go out. Are you feeling hopeless? Hope in the Lord—He will never fail you! Look to Him with the eye of faith, believe Him with the heart of faith, and receive His promises with the hand of faith. Do it today.

Conclusion: Staying on fire in an ice-cold world is challenging, but with red-hot faith in Jesus Christ, unconditional love flowing inwardly from a heart of gratitude, and unshakable confidence in God’s promises, we can overcome this bitterly cold world with burning fires of faith—for the glory of the Lord.

Do you agree?

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Jan '25

White as Snow

Posted on Jan 27, 2025 in Devotions |

Jan '25

Introduction: Have you ever noticed that virgin snow is so bright and white? Comparatively, man’s sin is dark and ugly. In fact, in the first chapter of Isaiah, not only had the nation of Israel, including Judah, grossly sinned against their God, but also man is described as sin-sick from the top of his head to the sole of his feet. Isaiah the prophet, inspired by the Holy Spirit, uses the terminology comparing the color of sin with scarlet; furthermore, he compares them, once forgiven, to being “white as snow”! So how can God do this?

1. We have got to go before the Lord and REASON! (Isaiah 1:18) – “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

Interestingly enough, the word “reason” is יָכַח (yakach), which means to reprove or to correct. It also can have to do with arguing. Finally, the word “reason” means to decide or even to judge. In other words, God was saying to His people—the Israelites—in essence, let’s decide, judge what you have done, and where you are at so that I can pardon your sin. Is God calling America to “come reason together”?

2. We have got to see our sin as God sees it! (Isaiah 1:6,18) – “From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.”

A white fluffy sheep grazing on the background of pure white snow looks dirty. But on a green grassy background, it looks distinctly white. You get the picture. Comparing ourselves with ourselves, we do not look too bad, but when we stand in the brightness and brilliance of His glory, we should come away saying, “Woe is me,” like Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-8). In the light of His holiness, we see our blemishes and defects.

3. We need to know our sin separates us from the Lord, but His redeeming blood buys us back into a right relationship! (Isaiah 1:18) – “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

Remember, King David cried out, “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow!” Right there is the glorious truth of the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus Christ. Are you clean? Do you need to be washed whiter than snow?

Conclusion: Here in this passage, God reveals man’s sin-sick problem. But He has a remedy! The precious blood of Jesus Christ not only redeems but also cleanses. Once forgiven, we are not only forgiven but also restored back into a right relationship with our God. So now, shouldn’t we listen to the Lord?

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese