Introduction: Did you know that God established the government? In fact, during Noah’s day we read God’s governing law for man (Gen 9:6).

“Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”

1. What about the Political system, is it Scriptural?

“For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he will save us.” (Isa 33:22)

• The judicial – enforces the laws
• The legislative – makes the laws
• The executive – signs the laws

A careful study of the world’s Political future, according to Scripture, reveals that we are on track.

2. What about the Political – Governmental system set up in Scripture? (Rom 13:1-7)

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Rom 13:1).

“Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation” (Rev 13:2).

“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same” (Rev 13:3).

“For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil” (Rev 13:4).

“Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake” (Rev 13:5).

“For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing” (Rev 13:6).

“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour” (Rev 13:7).

• This was the Lord’s way of establishing a ruling – governmental system that would both protect its citizens and allow them to worship their God according to the dictates of their conscience. We are to submit to this God-given authority as long as it does not violate the Scriptures. Then, we are free to “Obey God rather than man.”

“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

• A biblical example of this truth is found in the life of Daniel. He chose to obey God rather than man’s law by praying to his God regardless of the consequence, which was being thrown into a lion’s den (Dan 6). But God delivered him as He did the three (3) Hebrew boys who did not bend, bow, or burn (Dan 3).

3. What about both Good & Bad Political Leadership, is it Scriptural? (Prov 29:2)

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”

“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)

• It is the Lord’s will to set up one and to take down another. James Garfield held his hand on this verse (Prov 21:1) as he was being inaugurated as the president of the United States of America.
• God is in control!

4. What about Political Babylon, is it Scriptural? (Rev 18)

“And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all,” (Rev 18:21).

“Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come,” (Rev 18:10).

• This is a description of “Commercial Babylon” -this world’s system- which will be prominent during the end times and will be overthrown by the Lord as described in this chapter.

5. What about both Political and Religious Babylon, is it Scriptural? (Rev 17)

“And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters,” (Rev 17:1).

“So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns,” (Rev 17:2).

“These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast,” (Rev 17:13).

• The beast described in this chapter is a description of the Antichrist, which according to Daniel will have 10 kings heading it.

“After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns” (Dan 7:7).

“I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things” (Dan 7:8).

• The woman riding on the beast is the “false religion” -apostate Church- that the false prophet will head as described in Rev 13.

“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon” (Rev 13:11).

“And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed” (Rev 13:12).

“And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men” (Rev 13:13)

• The false Church and the state -political- will merge during this time. Evidently, the Political ruler – the Antichrist, will use the “false Church” and then turn on her during the tribulation.

6. What about the Political Antichrist Governmental system, is it Scriptural? (Rev 13)

“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy,” (Rev 13:1).

“And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast,” (Rev 13:2).

“And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him,” ( Rev 13:4).

• Notice that this GLOBAL Government will be worldwide. 
• Notice the world will worship the beast – Antichrist.

7. What about Jesus Christ’s Governmental “Kingdom,” is it Scriptural? (Rev 11:15)

• Originally, in the beginning, God set up a “theocracy”….ruling over the universe. Meaning, He established it with perfection. However, due to Satan’s lie, which led to the fall of man and the origin of sin, the theocracy turned into a satanocracy. But ultimately, it had been decided from eternity past that Jesus Christ would set up His Kingdom on earth and rule and reign forever.

“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David” (Luke 1:32).

“And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:33).

• One glorious day after the second coming of Jesus, not the rapture (Matt 24:36-42; Luke 21:24-28), the Kingdom of God will be inaugurated. “The King of Kings” and the “Lord of Lords” will sit on His throne in Jerusalem in the new temple described in Ezekiel 40-47. His eternal government will be ruling and reigning throughout eternity future in the NEW JERUSALEM! (Rev 20-22).

Conclusion:

“For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled,” (Rev 17:17).

For the time being, Jesus Christ is allowing the world’s government to function under the power and influence of evil. But as mentioned in this devotion, it is all moving toward the consumption of human history. And then, Jesus will RULE in RIGHTEOUSNESS! Hallelujah!!

Even so come, Lord Jesus.

Text: 2 Timothy 4:21

Introduction: Some people dread “Winter Time” because of the cold. Others love it….what about you? After CHRISTmas and New Year’s people seem to be SAD –

Seasonal
Attention
Disorder

Cold weather has a way of CHILLING us! However, the Holy Spirit WARMS us up with the “FIRES” of Faith in our heart.

The apostle Paul, while awaiting execution in a Roman prison {some bible teachers say the sanitation conditions were awful} writes this second letter to his son in the Lord Timothy…..which is called his “Swan Song.” While unable to travel, he exhorts Timothy to keep “Fighting the Good Fight of Faith” (2Tim 4:1-8), because troubling days were on the horizon (2Tim 3:1-7). But the Lord Jesus was with him, as He is with us.

By the way, travel was forbidden by ship in the Mediterranean Sea from November to March.

1. How can we keep from getting “ICE COLD” toward people this WINTER? (2Tim 4:9-20)

“Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:”

“For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia…. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works. Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.”

2. How can we keep the “FIRES of FAITH” burning in our hearts? (2Tim 4:13)

“The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.”

Conclusion: During “WINTER TIME,” we need the proper clothing to warm our bodies. At the same time, while most CHRISTians are experiencing stormy “spiritual” blizzards, the parchments (the Word of God) are sure to ignite hot coals of fire that will burn in our hearts brightly. Do you need thawing out? Are you feeling the “chill” of the world blowing on your neck? As we stay on fire, it will insure those around us to stay warmed with the Father’s LOVE & Forgiveness!

Turn up the HEAT!!

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese 

1. Before the “BIG TEST”! (Gen 37)
Preparation

“2These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. 3Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. 4And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

5And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. 6And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: 7For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. 8And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.”

Personal Application: The old saying is true.

• God has a PLAN.
• God finds a MAN.
• God begins to SAND.

“12And his brethren went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem. 13And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I. 14And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.

And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.

18And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. 19And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. 20Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. 21And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. 22And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again. 23And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; 24And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.

25 And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. 26And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? 27Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. 28Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.”

Personal Application: Have you ever failed a BIG TEST? I have. Once, I took a test in order to get a license for Class 1 Electrical Contracting (studied at home – never went to tech school). Scored 68….. needed 70 to pass…. if you need some wiring done… don’t call me! Needless to say, I was greatly disappointed. However, looking back in retrospect, it becomes very clear that our Lord Jesus had different plans for my life, even though at the time it wasn’t clear. Praise the Lord!

If we are going to pass the “BIG TEST” like Joseph, we must…..

“31And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; 32And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son’s coat or no. 33And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.”

**Overcome Temptation (Gen 39)

3. Passing the “BIG TEST”! (Gen 39-52)
Promotion“19And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. 20And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. 21But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. 23The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.”

Personal Application: Just like Joseph had to pay a BIG PRICE in order to to get PROMOTED, it is God’s prescription for the virus called self-sufficiency and self-dependency. When the price is right, there will be “payday someday”! Through interpreting the dreams of the butler and baker and ultimately Pharaoh, Joseph was elevated to Prime Minister of Egypt. Why? All because he humbled himself under God’s mighty hand even though he was mistreated. But instead of being “bitten with bitterness” he both experienced God’s amazing grace as well as extended His grace to his hateful brothers. He passed the “Let it Go” test!

(Gen 45:1-8)

“1Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. 2And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. 3And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.

Conclusion: Are you on the potter’s wheel like Joseph?….maybe you don’t understand why you are having to go through what you are going through. Perhaps it doesn’t make sense. However, the “BIGGER Picture” shows the Lord’s PURPOSE and PLAN. Step back and look. Can you see it? Ask the Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes.

It’s PROMOTION TIME!
Get ready.

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

Introduction: Does the Lord TEST our FAITH? The answer is YES! Is your FAITH in Him being TESTED right now? Can He be TRUSTED? Today we are going to learn these irrevocable principles in serving our Lord.

1. The PROMISES God makes!
2. The PROBLEMS we run into!
3. The PROVISIONS our Lord gives!

Consider the biblical account of Moses and the children of Israel. They went into Egypt as a family of 70, but were  multiplied to over 2 million when they were set free. After being in bondage from slavery for 430 years, the Lord raised up a man named Moses who led the nation of Israel out of Egypt. Under the strong hand of the Almighty, they were set free through a series of 10 plagues, the last of which being the death of the firstborn. Finally, deliverance came, but Pharaoh and his armies pursued the Israelites until they reached the Red Sea. That was the “BIG” TEST of FAITH for Moses and the Hebrew people. Yet, God remained FAITHFUL to His PROMISES!

1. The Lord LEADS us! (Exo 14:1-4)
“The PROMISES”

“And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea. For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in. And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord.  And they did so.”

2. The Lord TESTS us! (Exo 14:8, 10-12)
“The PROBLEMS”

“And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.”

“But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.”

“And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them ; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord .”

“And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?”

“Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.”

3. The Lord INTERVENES! (Exo 14:13, 14)
“THE PROVISIONS”

“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord , which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.”

“The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

Conclusion: Has our Lord Jesus saved you? Has He led you to where you are at today? Will He continue? Can we TRUST Him? These irrevocable principles can be seen in every believer…..

** God’s Promises
** Our Problems
** Holy Ghost Provisions

The New Year – 2021 will bring NEW challenges, but God the Father will be FAITHFUL to His Promises… Mark it down!

Introduction: Does it appear that we are living in the “End Times” or what? Are you preparing? What if Jesus comes today? It could be today. How close are we? What is the forecast?

1. Will you get READY for the PROMISE of His “GLORIOUS VISITATION”? (2Pet 3:1-4)

{The word “scoffer” is empaiktai, ἐμπαῖκται, which means false teachers, mockers}

2. Will you get READY for the PROMISE of His “FINAL DESTINATION”? (2Pet 3:5-7)

“5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”

3. Will you get READY for the PROMISE of His “GREAT SALVATION”? (2Pet 3:8-14)

“8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”

Conclusion: The headlines in the newspaper reveal that this world is in big trouble. But Peter reminds us where this world is heading; namely, it’s going to see Jesus Christ coming in the clouds of heaven with power and glory…..and then the world will be burned up….going up in smoke. But the Lord will create a New heaven and a new earth. That’s why we need to be busy about the Master’s business until He Comes!

Time is running out! Don’t you see us….”Under the Gun in 2021″?

Introduction: There are those who claim that “HAPPINESS” comes at HAPPY HOUR while under an intoxicant beverage or mind-altering drug. Really? Come on? Have you been deceived?

My sweet mom who later became a genuine CHRIS  follower told me she drank at night to “help calm her nerves”! But after experiencing the great “LOVE of JESUS,” she realized that Jesus could calm her nerves and not give her a “hangover”!

“To Know Jesus is to know PEACE.
But No Jesus = No PEACE”

What others are looking for in a bottle or popping a pill, we can find in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Have you discovered life’s greatest discovery?

Does “HAPPINESS” really come in drinking your problems away? On the contrary, it just complicates them more….the next day, they are still there! And actually, the emotional and mental state of a person who turns to such a counterfeit crutch hits a low point afterwards called “depression” (scale from 0-10…..person on 2, or 3… the devil doesn’t tell that part). So in order to cope or feel better, the process must be repeated….another drink….an unbreakable, vicious cycle…demonic stronghold…chemical imbalance…. Next thing a person knows, they don’t have the bottle; the bottle has them! Can a person get FREE? Yes…the “TRUTH” can set you free (John 8:32). Jesus is the TRUTH!!(John 14:6).

1. Start Enjoying the Journey! (Eccl 3:1)

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

Solomon understood the “vanity” or emptiness of the world’s philosophy…”Wine, Women, and Wealth.” Summarizing the book of Ecclesiastes, it would be fair to say, here’s a man looking back on his life, as if a tornado hit it, which evolved around indulging in self-gratification while searching for meaning and purpose in life only to come up short and feeling empty. And yet, he writes in the last chapter, his conclusion of making a mess of what time he had on earth, even though he was given wisdom by the Lord and accomplished more than most do in a lifetime.

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
(Eccl 12:13)

Personal Application: Let’s learn from Solomon.

2. Start retaking some ground from the enemy! (1Sam 30, 31)

David was in trouble!

” And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; 2 And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way. 3 So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. “6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. “

“8 And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.

3. Start Appreciating your family & friends! (Prov 17:17)

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

4. Start witnessing with your “walk & talk”! (Psalm 126:5, 6)

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

5. Start watching what you eat! (1Cor 10:31)

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

Personal Application: God’s given us a certain amount of responsibility for our life. He lets us choose. If we abuse and misuse our bodies, then we cannot blame that on the Lord. Ultimately, our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

6. Start listening to CHRISTian music! (Col 3:16)

“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.”

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,” (Eph 5:19)

7. Start practicing a daily devotion (Psa 119:9-11, 89, 105, 130)

“9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

“89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.”

“105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

“130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”

Personal Application: Without feeding on the Word of God daily, a believer becomes weak and ineffective. Paul describes the Scriptures as the “Sword of the Spirit,” our only offensive weapon against the enemy (Eph 6:10-18).

8. Start building stronger relationships (Eph 5:18-33; 6:1, 4)

“18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”

“1Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

9. Start developing your prayer life! (Eph 6:19; Col 4:2; 1John 5:14, 15)

“14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

Personal Application: Developing a time to both talk & listen to our Heavenly Father is absolutely necessary in order to stay in fellowship -communion- with our God.

10. Start trusting the Lord more! (Prov 3:5, 6)

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Conclusion: We hold the NEW YEAR in our hands. What we do with these 10 ways for a “HAPPY HEAD START” will determine the spiritual outcome of the year. I’m praying for you, as I appreciate your prayers as well!

“11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.” (Eccl 3:11)

May our Lord bless us in the NEW YEAR – 2021  -with His PEACE, POWER, and PRESENCE!

1. Do you need a CHANGE, which starts with a HEART – Felt CONFESSION? (Psalm 51:1-6)

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.”

{After David’s unwise decision; namely, to give into the flesh and sin against God by committing adultery with Bathsheba, and having Joab to do away with her husband, Uriah, he felt himself isolated from fellowship with his God. Consequently, he cries out in confession of his sin….broken-hearted because of the law of the harvest of sowing and reaping….a BAD HARVEST! But irrevocable. Mercy and pardon, yes….yet, the scars of blatant disobedience would remain.}

• The word “mercy” is ḥān·nê·nî חָנֵּ֣נִי, which means be gracious, show favor, have pity
• The words “loving kindness” are kə·ḥas·de·ḵā; כְּחַסְדֶּ֑ךָ, which means merciful
• The words “tender mercies” are a·ḥă·me·ḵā, רַ֝חֲמֶ֗יךָ, which means compassion, tender love
• The words ” blot out” are mə·ḥêh מְחֵ֣ה, which mean to wipe, exterminate, obliterate, to strike
• The word “transgression” p̄ə·šā·‘āy.פְשָׁעָֽי׃, means rebellion, sin

2. Do you need a CHANGE that goes to a SOUL – SIN CLEANSING? (Psalm 51:7-11)

“7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.”

• The word “purge” is tə·ḥaṭ·ṭə·’ê·nî תְּחַטְּאֵ֣נִי, which means forfeit me, cleanse me, make reconciliation

{David’s sin hurt him to the point his bones felt crushed.}

• The word “create” is bə·rā- בְּרָא־, which means shape, form, cut down, dispatch
• The word “renew” is ḥad·dêš חַדֵּ֥שׁ, which means repair, rebuild
• The words from your “presence” is mil·lə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā; מִלְּפָנֶ֑יךָ, which means face, front of

3. Do you need a CHANGE that ends in a LIFE – CHANGING CALLING? (Psalm 51:12, 13)

“12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”

• The word “restore” is hā·šî·ḇāh הָשִׁ֣יבָה, which means turn back
• The word ” joy” is śə·śō·wn שְׂשׂ֣וֹן, which means gladness, cheerfulness
• The word “salvation” is yiš·‘e·ḵā; יִשְׁעֶ֑ךָ, which means deliverance, rescue, victory
• The word “teach” is ’ă·lam·mə·ḏāh אֲלַמְּדָ֣ה, which means instruct, be trained
• The word “converted” is yā·šū·ḇū. יָשֽׁוּבוּ׃, which means to turn back, go back home

Conclusion: While we are focused on the CHANGES we long for in the NEW YEAR, Jesus is centered on CHANGING us. He does this with the goal in mind for us to be enthusiastic about sharing His “precious blood’s” Cleansing Power with others who are steep in the filth of sin and feeling separated from the LOVER of our soul, Jesus Christ. This process never CHANGES….

Text: Jeremiah 29:11-13

Introduction: Have you ever failed? Failed the Lord? Israel did. But God wasn’t finished with them…..neither is He through with you!

The context of Jeremiah’s writing takes place to address the people of the southern kingdom of Judah (605 B.C.), which were in trouble because of their idolatry and immortality, and downright negligence (Lev 25). Consequently, the prophet announces the discipline of the Lord would be coming…..in the way of 70 years of bondage in Babylon.

1. Jeremiah’s CALLING (Jer 1:5)

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained[1] thee a prophet unto the nations.”

Contrary to the political perspective from a liberal view, life begins at conception. Here is the proof…actually, from our Lord’s perspective, it begins before that. David also describes the miracle of birth in Psalm 139.

2. Jeremiah’s CONDITION! (Jer 3- 17)
Jeremiah cannot keep silent. His spiritual discernment led him to denounce the wickedness and evil that was prevalent during that time. Lies, cheating, adultery, bribery, greed, and injustice was filling the streets, even spiritual hypocrisy among the Jews seemed to be the norm. It takes a live fish to swim against the current of apostasy.

Personal Application: Any time a perverse culture calls “good evil” and “evil good” you can expect a backlash of persecution if you go against the grain of society. Even the best of CHRISTians today are compromising their convictions when it comes to carnality and worldliness. Even though the Jewish people would not listen to the warning of the prophet, he must stay true to God’s calling in his life.

3. Jeremiah’s CONFINEMENT! (Jer 20)

This world is not a “friend of grace”! No wonder Paul writes, “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution,” (2 Tim 3:12).

4. Jeremiah’s COMFORT! (Jer 29:11-13)

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

• The word “peace” is šā·lō·wm שָׁלוֹם֙, which means completeness, wellness, safe, favor
• The word “expected” is wə·ṯiq·wāh וְתִקְוָֽה׃, which means thing that I long for, things hoped for

Personal Application: God the Father’s great redemptive love was demonstrated in His merciful chastisement on Israel in allowing them to be taken into captivity for 70 years (for every year they failed to allow the land to lay rest – Lev 25). However, after the allotted punishment, Israel would be restored to their land and yield a peaceful fruit of righteousness.

This New Testament principle is found in Hebrews 12:5-11:

“My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”

Introduction: Did you miss the words, “ANOTHER SPIRIT”?

The Lord had supernaturally delivered Israel from Egypt, and provided water and (angel food) manna for them; in addition, He led them by a “cloud by day” and a “pillar of fire” by night. Jehovah God’s plan was to bring them into the PROMISED land that He had foretold His servant, Abraham, which would be for his descendants. They were right on the brink, within walking distance. But as you know, there will always be…..”TESTS of FAITH”……along the way. Some exams we pass; some we fail, and consequently have to take over again. Are you studying for the big test? So Moses was instructed by the Lord to send out 12 spies to check out the land that He promised to them.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them,” (Num 13:1).

Here’s the BAD NEWS! Negative words bring Curses! No wonder Solomon writes, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” (Prov 18:21). Be careful what you say!

(Num 13:25-33)
“And they returned from searching of the land after forty days. 26 And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land. 27 And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. 28 Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. 30 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. 31 But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. 32 And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. 33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”

Moses writes something was different about CALEB compared to the other 10 spies who turned out to be unbelieving men. Because of their UNBELIEVING report, the children of Israel would wander aimlessly (40)….LONG…. YEARS in the wilderness instead of going straight into the promised land called, Canaan land…BLESSINGS.

However, because of both CALEB and JOSHUA’S faith in the Word of God, they would be BLESSED!

**What Lesson’s Learned?
**Does CHARACTER Count?

1. Character Lesson – CALEB had a “Spirit of Courage”! (Num 13:30)

“And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.”

2. Character Lesson – CALEB had a “Spirit of Loyalty”! (Num 14:24)

“But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.”

3. Character Lesson – CALEB had a “Spirit of Faith”! (Num 14:1-8)

“1 And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. 2 And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! 3 And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? 4 And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt. 5 Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. 6 And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: 7 And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. 8 If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.”

Conclusion: God REWARDS obedience! When we exercise faith in His WORD, we can expect BLESSINGS! We are to “walk by faith and not by sight.” CALEB is our example to follow.  It PAYS to SERVE the LORD JESUS! He keeps His Word!! (Joshua 14:1-13)

“6 Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea. 7 Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart. 8 Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God. 9 And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children’s for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God. 10 And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old. 11 As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in. 12 Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said. 13 And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance. 14 Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.”

Text: Matthew 6:19-34

1. Our EYES will need to be “FOCUSED” in the RIGHT PLACE! (Matt 6:21-23)

“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!”

• The word “light” is lychnos, λύχνος, which means portable candle light, lamp
• The word “single” is haplous, ἁπλοῦς, which means whole, properly folded together, good

2. Our HEART will need to be “FIXED” in the RIGHT PLACE! (Matt 6:19, 20)

“19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

• The word “treasures” is thēsaurous, θησαυροὺς which can mean deposit wealth, or a place where good and precious things are laid up

Personal Application: Jesus seems to be comparing the things we treasure here on earth, which shall fade away or be taken away, to spiritual things, which once deposited in heaven, will remain forever.

3. Our LIFE will need to be “FORTIFIED” in the RIGHT PLACE! (Matt 6:24-34)

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

He exhorts us not to be concerned about worldly things

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

• The word “mammon” is mamōna, μαμωνᾷ, which means wealth, assets, treasure, riches

Personal Application: This passage needs clarification. There is nothing wrong with having possessions….the problem develops when the possessions have us. In other words, if our life evolves around the things we’ve accumulated, they can become idols. Consequently, our time, energy, focus, and life will be controlled by our possessions instead of being controlled by the Holy Spirit.