2 Thessalonians 1:1-3-12

Introduction: Are you going through a “Tough Time” in your life, when you don’t understand? Are you feeling tired and weary? Does it seem like you are losing focus on God’s will for your life? What are we supposed to do? In times like these, Paul reminds the Thessalonian believers of three (3) irrevocable experiences that are AHEAD and what we need to do:

1. Believers in Jesus Christ can EXPECT to be PURIFIED! (2 Thess 1:3-6)

“3We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; 4So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 5Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 6Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;”

     • Give thanks (v 3)

     • Growing your Faith (v 3) 

{The word “exceedingly” in the context of faith growing is in the present tense, which means constantly}

      • Love is showing (v 3)

      • Faith is growing  (v 3)

      • Patience is flowing (v 4) 

2. The devil’s crowd can EXPECT to be HORRIFIED! (2 Thess 1:7-9)

“7And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”

{The word “troubled” is thlee bo, which means “press – grapes, to afflict, persecute}

{The word “rest” is anesis, which means relaxing, relief, rest}

In other words, Paul was saying to those who were “troubled” persecuted, or pressed, to relax and be relieved, because Jesus is coming again and will make things right.

3. We can EXPECT JESUS to be GLORIFIED! (2 Thess 1:10-12)

“10When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. 11Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

     • Jesus will be glorified in His saints

     • Jesus will be glorified in His name 

Conclusion: Paul reminds all believers that God’s ultimate calling and purpose is to count His saints “worthy,” “fit” (v 12) through this life, even in “tough times,” that His power and His will may be accomplished. This will be fully understood and rewarded when Jesus Christ comes again.

Philippians 2:12-16

Introduction: Did you hear about the two boys that were walking through a field one day and discovered a big, black bull snorting and pawing the ground….getting ready to charge? Instantly, the boys starting running as fast as they could to the nearest fence. Meanwhile, the pursuing bull was overtaking them….. afraid and terrified, one boy screamed to the other, “Pray, Pray, Say a Prayer!” The other boy responded, “I’ve never prayed in public.” To which the other said, “Just say a Prayer…the bull is right on us!” “All right,” I’ll say the prayer my dad says at the supper table: “Dear Lord, thank you for what we are about to RECEIVE!!”

Paul gives us three (3) reasons for giving OUT instead of giving UP!

1. Keep GIVING OUT – Holding the Line – because of what Jesus has done! (Phil 2:8-12-14)

“8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;” 

“12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14Do all things without murmurings and disputings:”

      • Jesus’ sacrifice for us (Phil 2:8-10)   

“15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”

     • As sons of God “Shining” – lighting up!

     • As sons of God “Sharing” the good news – holding up!

3. Keep GIVING OUT because of where we are going! (Phil 2:16, 17)

“16Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 17Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. 18For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.”

     • Right now we are in a “RACE”

     • It won’t be long we’ll see Jesus “Face to Face”

Conclusion: Don’t quit! Hold the Line! If we are to continue GIVING OUT, then we must TAKE IN! So since Jesus did not quit, but finished His RACE after dying on the cross, rising from the grave, ascending into heaven, pouring out His Spirit, and promising to come again, we can HOLD the LINE!

Job 8:13, 14

Introduction: Spider🕷 webs….they are everywhere. Have you ever watched a spider🕷 weave a web or catch a bug? Unfortunately, we have to knock down spider webs when they come into our homes. Likewise, the devil builds webs which have to be knocked down. Consider two (2) thoughts about knocking down Spider 🕷 Webs:

1. How does a SPIDER build its WEB? (Job 8:13, 14)

“13So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite’s hope shall perish: 14Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider’s web.”

{Spiders 🕷 have 8 legs & 8 eyes. No ears, or nose}
{Spiders have hair on their legs & they have claws}
{Spiders are like sewing machines excreting a silky substance intertwining their web numerous times}

2. How can a SPIDER WEB be knocked down? (Job 8:13, 14)

“13So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite’s hope shall perish: 14Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider’s web.”

Conclusion: Using a Spider🕷 web as an example, Bildad, one of Job’s three friends who visited him after Job lost his health, his children, and his wealth, gives us some warnings as to “forgetting God.” Much like the web of “deceit” and “lies” the devil uses to entangle us, they must be knocked down! Are the devil’s spiders 🕷 weaving a web of lies right now around your mind and your thoughts? What about your emotions?

2 Samuel 9:1-13

Introduction: Define Grace. What is Grace? It is basically, God doing for us what we don’t deserve.

G- God’s
R- Righteousness
A- At
C- Christ’s
E- Expense

Do you feel unworthy of God’s GRACE? I do! But that’s why I love Him, and want to serve Him because of what He’s done for me; i. e.
** forgiven us
** loved us
** saved us
** provided for us
** changed us
** redeemed us
** filled us

One of the most beautiful examples of God’s GRACE is found in the four (4) biblical actions of King David and one of Saul’s descendants named Mephibosheth.

1. The King (David) REMEMBERED Mephibosheth! (2 Sam 9:1-4)

“1And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan’s sake? 2And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. 3And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. 4And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar.”

{Saul tried to kill David because of jealousy}

• David showed kindness to Saul’s house because of his son Jonathan.

{Lodebar means not a pasture}

2. The King (David) RESCUED Mephibosheth! (2 Sam 9:5-6)

“5Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lodebar. 6Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!”

3. The King (David) RESTORED Mephibosheth! (2 Sam 9:7-13)

“7And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. 8And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am? 9Then the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master’s son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house. 10Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master’s son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master’s son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. 11Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king’s sons. 12And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth. 13So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king’s table; and was lame on both his feet.”

• A nurse dropped Mephibosheth when he was 5 yrs old and he became cripple
• King David Restored Saul’s land (estate) in Gibea to Mephibosheth

4. The King (David) RETURNED for Mephibosheth! (2 Sam 19:24-30)

“24And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace. 25And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth? 26And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame. 27And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes. 28For all of my father’s house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king? 29And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land. 30And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.”

That’s GRACE!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

2 Samuel 19:31-40

1. Why not use “WHAT you have” to be a BLESSING to someone? (2 Sam 19:31-32)

“31And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan. 32Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.”

• What about the “Time” issue?
• What about the “Treasure” issue?
• What about the “Talent” issue?

***These three areas make or break a CHRISTian!***

2. Why not DO WHAT you can to be a BLESSING to someone? (2 Sam 19:33-37)

“33And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem. 34And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem? 35I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king? 36Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward? 37Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.”

• Do what you can while you can! (v 34)
• Go where you can while you can! (v 36)
• Help who you can as much as you can! (v 37)

3. Why not get READY to be BLESSED by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? (2 Sam 19:38-40)

“38And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee. 39And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.”

• Jesus will Bless you (v 38)
• Jesus will come to you (v 39)
• Jesus will kiss you with His forgiveness (v 39)

Conclusion: Will you do what you can and use what you have? If so, get ready and expect the BLESSINGS from our Lord when done with the right motives. That’s God’s way of taking us….from GOOD…..to GREAT! All for His glory!!

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

Philippians 4:1-5

Introduction: Have you ever heard of a “Perfect Church”? I haven’t either. It seems that people (CHRISTians) sometimes forget the old saying, “To live with saints above, that will be glory! But to live with the saints here below, that’s a different story.” While in prison, Paul wrote to a Church he helped establish in Philippi (Acts 16)…..there were women (Lydia) praying by a river. After his commendation in Philippian’s Chapter 1, his explanation of the deity of Jesus Christ (Phil 2), and his own personal pedigree that he counted as dung (Phil 3), the Holy Spirit led him to remind the Church that the “day of the Lord” was near. Therefore, four (4) admonitions were given for that Church back then, as well as New Rocky Creek and others today.

1. Don’t be DEFEATED! (Phil 4:1)

“1Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.”

2. Don’t be DIVISIVE! (Phil 4:2, 3)

“2I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.”

• United we Stand!
• Divided we Fall!

3. Don’t be DISCOURAGED! (Phil 4:4)

“4Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice”

• It’s Amazing what Praising can do!
• To Blessed to be stressed!

4. Don’t be DECEIVED! (Phil 4:5)

“5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”

• Attitude of gratitude!
• Jesus is Coming again!

Conclusion: The Church is made up of redeemed people who do not have fully glorified (bodies). That means a lot of Our Lord’s UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, Amazing GRACE, and FORGIVENESS is greatly needed. When extended and utilized in the body of Christ, this will build it UP instead of tearing it DOWN! Why is this important? Because “The Lord is at hand”!

Get ready.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

James 1:12

Introduction: Have you ever seen a beautiful rose🌹? How about one without thorns? Similarly, isn’t it wonderful to be a CHRISTian? But we do realize the CHRISTian life is not without “troubles and trials”! Right?

***No CROWN without THORNS***

However, the half brother of Jesus, called camel knees, otherwise known as James writes about the beauty of overcoming temptations…namely, the rewards awaiting the faithful believer! Two (2) ways to turn your THORNS today into a CROWN tomorrow!

1. Instead of “falling down” and being DEFEATED, we can “stand up” and be COUNTED! (James 1:12)

“12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

{The word “Blessed” makarios means happy}

But before verse 12, James writes this about trials (James 1:2, 3, 4)….

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

{Take the Good}
{With the Bad}
{Make the Best}

2. Instead of LOOKING DOWN thinking the worst, we can LOOK UP because CROWNS can be ours to cast at the feet of JESUS! (James 1:12)

“12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

{The word ” approved” is dokeemos, which means genuine – used for testing coins}

• Thorns in life
• Turned into Crowns in heaven

Conclusion: Praise the Lord! As a child of God we are:

* Saved
* Secure
* Sealed
* Seated
* Sons
* Strong
* Servants
* Sure

Psalm 66:1-20

Introduction: Anybody going thru some “Stuff” right now? Have you figured out why? Maybe not. Sometimes we’re not absolutely sure of our Lord’s purposes.

***Be assured***
You are going to make it thru it!!!

The Psalmist (many believe to be David) gives us some insights…. (3) steps you can take today.

In addition, note the emphasis on:
• Praise ( v 1)
• Preaching (v 16)
• Prayer (v 19)

1. How should we Respond when GOING “THRU” stuff? Trials? (Psa 66:10-15)

“10For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. 11Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. 12Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place. 13I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows, 14Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble. 15I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.”

2. What Lessons can we Learn when GOING “THRU” Stuff? Trials? (Psa 66:16-18)

“16Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. 17I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. 18If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:”

3. Where should we go when we’re GOING “THRU ” Stuff? Trials? (Psa 66:19, 20)

“19But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. 20Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.”

• The way up is down (v 19)
• Finding Favor (v 20)

Conclusion: Have you concluded that, “We’ve got to go THRU it in order to get TO it”? But instead of focusing on the GOAL, Jesus is focused on the process in order to get to the GOAL!

* Guide me Lord, when I can’t see my way
* Carry me Lord, when I can’t walk
* Fill me Lord, because I need your power
* Love me Lord, when I feel unlovable
* Lift me Lord, when I get down
* Pull me thru Lord, that I might Honor You

Exodus 33:12-23

Introduction: Do you want the “Blessings of God’s Presence” in your life? Are you willing to do what it takes to get the “Blessings of our Lord’s Presence” in your life? Just before Moses passed from this life, he desired more than anything else to see a glimpse of God’s GLORY! Three (3) daily decisions he made, that we too must make, determine if we are going to see God’s Glory:

1. Why do we need the “BLESSINGS of God’s Presence?” (Exo 33:13, 14)

“12And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. 13Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. 14And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.”

• Go to the Right Place (v 13b)
• Go to the Right Person (v 13c)
• Go with the Right Peace (v 14)

2. What are we willing to do in OBEDIENCE for the “BLESSINGS of His Presence”?  Exo 33:15)

“15And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. 16For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth. 17And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.”

• How much do you want God’s Presence? (v 15)
• Can we miss out on God’s manifested Presence? (v 15)

3. How can enjoy and experience the “BLESSINGS of God’s Presence”? (Exo 33:18-23)

“18And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. 19And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. 20And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. 21And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: 22And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: 23And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.”

Conclusion: Moses, while hidden in the Clift of the Rock, saw the back side of the Lord as He passed by…. Paul describes seeing the Glory of the Lord.

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord, ” (2 Cor 3:18).

John also describes seeing the glory of the Lord Jesus:

“13And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last” (Rev 1:13-17).

Matthew 18:21-35

Introduction: Have you ever been hurt by someone? Someone you loved? How did you handle it? Did you “let it go” or are you still “holding on” to it? Speaking of hurt, I heard about a 10-yr-old boy that was keeping his little 3-yr-old sister while his mama was cooking supper. All of a sudden, he let out a scream….owwww! His mother ran to the room only to discover the little girl had pulled her brothers’s hair. With a painful look on her face, his mother explained, “She doesn’t understand! She’s still young.” Later after returning to fix dinner, another scream came from the bedroom. This time it was the 3-yr-old girl. The mother rushed to the bedroom while the 10-yr-old boy explained, “Now…..she understands!” “FORGIVENESS is a CHOICE,” not a feeling. Jesus explained to Peter about FORGIVENESS:

1. F-Forgiveness! (Matt 18:21)

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?”

• Sin has a price
• Price has to be paid
• Jesus paid the price
• The Father releases the debt

2. O-Only way you can FORGIVE! (Matt 18:22)

“Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”

• Why should we forgive?
• How many times should we forgive?

3. R-Release! (Matt 18:27-31)

“27Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.”

4. G-Ground! (Matt 18:34)

“And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.”

• Giving ground to the enemy
• Taking back the ground

5. I-Impossible! (Matt 18:32)

“32Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:”

• Can’t move on in life
• Let go – move on

6. V-Vengeance! (Matt 18:33)

“Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?”

• We don’t have to repay
• The Lord will have vengeance

7. E-Everybody! (Matt 18:35)

“So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”

• Everybody needs God’s forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ (1 John 1:7)
• Everybody needs to forgive because of God’s Grace

Conclusion: Jesus not only taught about forgiveness, but set the perfect example of forgiveness, while on the cross. When we experience His forgiveness, we are set free to move on in life without having any guilt or shame, even though we may have the scars sin has inflicted (irrevocable principles of sowing & reaping – Gal 6:7, 8- i.e., David’s life (Psa 51, 32; 2 Sam 12). Once we have been released from the debt of sin, we have the same responsibility of letting go of the same debt others have incurred on us. Furthermore, it’s all because of His Grace we are FORGIVEN and that same GRACE is in PLACE for us to FORGIVE!

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese