Psalm 142:1-7

“I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.”

Introduction: Question… Have you ever been in trouble? Have you ever needed a refuge? David found himself in that predicament. Speaking of trouble, John Phillips has calculated that Saul tried to kill David about 9 different times. What do you do when you don’t know what to do? Where do you turn when you don’t know where to turn? In Psalm 142, an instructional teaching, David describes four (4) steps to finding a REFUGE and PEACE during a difficult time:

1. David “LOOKED IN” for a Refuge! (Psa 142:1-3)

“I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. 2I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. 3When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.”

“I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.”

3. David “LOOKED UP” for a Refuge! (Psa 142:5)

“I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.”

Hebrews 11:32-40

“Faith in a Coronavirus Crisis”

Introduction: Do you have FAITH in God? Faith in God doesn’t mean everything always turns out the way we want it to. Is there anybody reading this that is experiencing some things in life that you never thought you would? Life sometimes does not make sense! But God knows His will for His children, and He can be trusted. We can draw strength and encouragement from this passage of Scripture (Heb 11:32-40). Will you RENEW your FAITH in the God of the Bible by considering three (3) qualities of real FAITH?

1. Faith RELEASES what God can do! (Heb 11:32-34)

“32And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.”

{Battles will need to be fought; Victories will need to be won- vv 32-34}

2. Faith Recognizes what God will not do! (Heb 11:35-38)

“35Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”

{Have you noticed that even though you may serve the Lord, it’s not a bargain agreement with God?; i.e., as long as I do this, Lord I expect you to do this}

{Rather, this life is full of setbacks, disappointments, troubles & trials, hurts & pain….and yet Jesus can be trusted no matter what}

{They didn’t give up or give in – vv 35-38}

3. Faith REMEMBERS what God is going to do! (Heb 11:39,40)

“39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”

{Faith is looking beyond our present circumstances & seeing the fulfillment of what’s to come in the future}

Conclusion: A life of FAITH will be REWARDED by our FAITHFUL Lord! According to His Word, we can depend on Him because He has our best interest in mind. Even though things may not always go the way you we would like, that is not a reason to quit having… 

FAITH in Jesus!

**Remember 
The other alternative – “To Have Faith in ourselves”, which is not the best option on the table! Rather, may we….”Let FAITH  ARISE” in our hearts and homes!!

Proverbs 10:7

“7The memory of the just is blessed”

Introduction: Do you have some good memories of growing up? Spending special times with your family…..CHRISTmas, Thanksgiving, birthdays, vacations? How about “Good Memories” of the blessings of the Lord? Times He’s healed your body; saved your soul; brought you peace in troubled times; forgiven your sin; supplied your need; answered your prayers; reconciled your relationships; opened doors of opportunity; strengthened your faith; used you to be a blessing to others! “Blessed Memories”! This great verse of Scripture presents five (5) ways to build “Blessed Memories.” So how can we build “Good Memories”?

1. By SPEAKING Good Words in a BAD News World? (Prov 10:11-13)

“11The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. 12Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. 13In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.”

2. By Holding On when you feel like letting go! (Prov 10:1)

“The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.”

3. By Staying Strong when you feel like giving up! (Prov 10:29)

“29The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.”

4. By Praising God for His Blessings! (Prov 10:22)

“22The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”

5. By Living with Hope when things seem hopeless! (Prov 10:28)

“28The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.”

Conclusion: Are you living your life by looking into the rear view mirror or are you moving forward by looking out of the front windshield? Having a clear conscience, loving mercy, walking humbly, and doing justly is what the Lord requires of us (Micah 6:8).

*What kind of “BLESSED MEMORIES” do you have?

*What kind of “BLESSED MEMORIES” will you leave for others to have?

Introduction: Have you ever heard someone say, “You look just like your mother”? Or “Your Father”? Or your grandparent? There are certainly “Birthmarks” of our parents and relatives that seem to be evident in our lives. Likewise, according to John, there are “birthmarks” that we are CHILDREN of GOD…. resemblances of our Lord Jesus Christ. Can people see God in you?

1. The first “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is FELLOWSHIP with our FATHER! (1 John 1:5-2:2)

“3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.”

{The word “Fellowship” is “koinōnía,” which means partnership…someone has defined it as ” two fellows in the same ship going the same direction}

2 The 2nd “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is CONFESSION of SIN! (1 John 1:5-10)

“5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

{The word “Confession” is the word “homologéō,” which means to say the same thing as, to agree, to admit}

3. The 3rd “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is OBEDIENCE! (1 John 2:3-6)

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”

{Jesus said, “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46}

4. The 4th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is the WORD of GOD, which is in us makes us OVERCOMERS! (1 John 2:12-14)

“12I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. 13I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. 14I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.”

{The word “Overcomers” is nikáō, which means conquer or get victory}

5. The 5th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is a LACK of LOVE for the WORLD! (1 John 2:15-17)

“15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

6. The 6th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is to “KNOW the TRUTH”! (1 John 2:21-24)

“1I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 22Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. 24Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.”

{The word “truth” is alḗtheia, which means reality, Jesus is truth, grace & truth came through Him (John1:1-14; 14:6) He is the opposite of lies and deceit}

7. The 7th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is a LIFE LOOKING for JESUS to return which results in PURITY! (1 John 3:1-3)

“1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

{The word “Purify” is hagnízō, which means clean, sanctify, to make holy}

8. The 8th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is he is INDWELT – impregnated by GOD, which distinguishes us from the devil’s children! (1 John 3:6-10)

“6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.”

{The word “God’s Seed” is the word spérma, which means the life of God, offspring}

9. The 9th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is LOVE for the BRETHREN! (1 John 3:14)

“13Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.”

10. The 10th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is DISCERNMENT over FALSE TEACHING! (1 John 4:1-4)

“1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world…… . 6We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”

{The word “test” the spirits is dokimázō, which means examine, prove}

Needless to say with so much “religion” and Bible teaching going around today, it is extremely important for us as children of God, according to John, to “check it -them- out” to see if it’s doctrinally correct.

11. The 11th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is LOVE for GOD! (1 John 4:16,17)

“16And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19We love him, because he first loved us. 20If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”

12. The 12th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is the SPIRIT Bears WITNESS (1 John 5:5-8)

“5Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 6This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”

13. The 13th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is ASSURANCE of SALVATION! (1 John 5:11-13)

“11And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life… 13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”

{Do you have a KNOW SO SALVATION?}

14. The 14th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is ANSWERED PRAYER! (1 John 5:14, 15)

“16If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. 17All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.”

16. The 16th “BIRTHMARK of a CHILD of GOD” is to be KEPT from IDOLS! (1 John 5:21)

“21Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”

Conclusion: What an exhaustive study! May our Lord bless you richly for reading this devotion. Are you a CHILD of GOD? Because of Jesus’ great “Love & Grace” we can relate to these “birth traits” as sons and daughters- and now “brothers and sisters” in the FAMILY of God! But after reading and studying the NEW TESTAMENT definition of a “Child of God” some of us probably need to “CHECK UP” and see if we need some “Skin Grafts” because of the terrible disease of the fallen nature. But guess what? When we get to heaven, we are all going to look like JESUS!!

“2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is,” (1 John 3:2).

Luke 17:7-10

Introduction: If you’ve been SERVING our Lord for any length of time in and thru your local Church, being faithful to your mission field (wherever that’s at – job, home, school, etc.), you know from personal experience it’s not always easy. But as one man (Bro. Phil Phillips) used to tell me, “Its not easy Bro. Randy, serving the Lord, but it’s always Rewarding!” To which I would always respond, “Amen. Brother. Amen!” In the school of SERVANTHOOD, Jesus told His disciples and tells us today, there are two (2) major exams that must be passed.

1. When you actively and faithfully SERVE our Lord, it will not always be CONVENIENT! (Luke 17:7, 8)

“7But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 8And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?”

• Jesus is the one that Calls us to SERVE Him!

* Moses lacked capability (Exo 1, 2, 3)
* Moses lacked credibility (Exo 2:11)
* Moses lacked communication fluency (Exo 4:10, 11)

•The Holy Spirit is the One that equips us to SERVE! (1 Cor 2:5; Acts 1:8; 1 Thess 5:24)

Paul wrote,
“1And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

2. When you actively and faithfully SERVE our Lord, you will not always be CONGRATULATED! (Luke 17:9)

“9Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not”

• Don’t expect accolades here on earth! (1 Cor 1:26-31)

Paul wrote,

“26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

3. When you SERVE our Lord and get to heaven, then you will be CROWNED & COMMENDED! (Luke 17:10)

Jesus said in the parable of the talents,

{This Olivet discourse was written primarily to the Jews with end-time prophetic implications; however, this principle can be applied to the Christian as well at the Judgment Seat of Christ}

“21His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

2 Timothy 1-4

Introduction: It has been a privilege to preach so many friends and loved one’s HOMEGOING Services over the last 35 years. What kind of INFLUENCE a person has had is always mentioned, whether good or not so good! That prompts this question: What kind of LEGACY are we going to leave behind? Throughout the year, we REMEMBER special days….such as Thanksgiving Day, CHRISTmas, Resurrection Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence day, etc. How do you want to be REMEMBERED? God’s inspired Word, thru the pen of Paul, gives us four (4) ways to “LEAVE a LASTING LEGACY.”

1. We will be REMEMBERED by what we GIVE the Lord Jesus! (2 Tim 1:12)

“12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

2. We will be REMEMBERED by what we GIVE to those around us! (2 Tim 2:1-4)

“1Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”

3. We will be REMEMBERED by how we LIVED our lives! (2 Tim 3:1-17)

“1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

All Scripture is God-Breathed
10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

4. We will be REMEMBERED by how we FINISH the RACE! (2 Tim 4:6-8)

“I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

• How have you started in this race?
• How close are we to the finish line of this race?
• How are you running in this race?

Conclusion: In order to LEAVE a LASTING LEGACY, according to Paul, it will be decided by what we GIVE to the Lord and Others, how we live our lives, and finally, how we FINISH the RACE! Keep Running….you will be REMEMBERED!

Hebrews 11:1-40

In other words, Faith is taking God at His secure and firm Word and the certainty of things the human eye cannot see.

Faith is the key to CREATION.

“3Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”

1. For Abel it was a BETTER PLACE!

“4By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.”

2. For Enoch it was a BETTER PURSUIT!

“5By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”

3. For Noah it was a BETTER PROTECTION!

“7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”

4. For Abraham it was a BETTER PROMISE!

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”

“17By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.”

5. For Sarah it was a BETTER PICK!

“11Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 12Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.”

6. For Isaac it was a BETTER PASS!

“20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.”

7. For Jacob it was a BETTER POWER!

“20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.”

8. For Joseph it was a BETTER POSITION!

“22By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.”

9. For Moses it was a BETTER PURPOSE!

“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. 24By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 28Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.”

10. For Joshua it was a BETTER POSSESSION!

“30By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.”

11. For Rahab it was a BETTER PLAN!

“31By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.”

***For others it was a BETTER PROVISION!

“32And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38(Of whom the world was not
worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”

Conclusion: After all…

“6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

What a great way to end the Mountain Top of Hebrews 11….

“39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”

Psalm 91:1-16

Introduction: Are you happy? What’s it going to take to make you happy? On a hot summer day, a shade tree is very refreshing…..and so it is with God’s PEACE & PRESENCE. Speaking of SHADE, we have three (3) choices to make that can bring peace, purpose, and security in your life.

1. How can you feel “SAFE & SECURE” – and be happy – in an unsafe world? (Psa 91:1-4)

“1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”

2. Have can we have “PEACE and COMFORT” in a troubled world? (Psalm 91:5-10)

“5Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.”

3. How can we find “PURPOSE and MEANING” in a mixed up world? (Psa 91:11-16)

“11For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.”

Conclusion: Even though we live in a troubled, mixed-up, insecure world, God has made provision for us thru a relationship with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Peace, Security, Comfort, Purpose and Meaning are the result of knowing Jesus and letting Him be known.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-10

Introduction: Some of the believers in the Church called Thessalonica were wondering if the “rapture” and “day of the Lord” had already happened. Paul writes to remind them of the prophetic events that surround those end time prophecies. Looking back in retrospect to the inspired writings, we can glean the chronological timing of these occurrences, and thus not be deceived. There are three (3) urgent alarms that ring out to prepare us for the “Times” in which we are living! See if you agree:

1. It’s TIME to be AWARE of CHRISTIAN PREPARATION! (1 Thess 5:1-2)

“1But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.”

2. It’s TIME to Awake from the Devil’s Deception! (1 Thess 5:3-7)

“For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.”

**a state of national tranquility – exemption from the rage and havoc of war
**peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord
**security, safety, prosperity, felicity (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)
**of the Messiah’s peace – the way that leads to peace (salvation) of Christianity 
**the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot
**of whatsoever sort that is
**the blessed state of devout and upright men after death

{The word “Safety” is aspháleia, which means
**firmness, stability, certainty, undoubted truth, security from enemies and dangers, safety}

There’s a true and a false “Peace and Safety”!

2. It’s TIME to be ARMED with God’s Great Salvation! (1 Thess 5:8, 9, 10)

“8But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.”

{The Church – God’s people – have not been “appointed” to face or experience “God’s wrath”}

{There’s a difference between “Chastisement vs Wrath”}

Conclusion: Since it’s a late hour, believers need to know the TIMES in which we are living, and be ready for a pseudo PEACE that’s on the horizon. It is all a part of God’s prophetic plan. But at the same time, we need to be alert, awake, and armed for what’s ahead. How close are we toward the END TIMES?

Very close.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

Job 1-42

Introduction: Young people tell me they are hearing voices…..older people tell me they are feeling depressed….middle-aged people tell me they feel stuck…..CHRISTians tell me they are having doubts and confusion….preachers tell me they are facing discouragement because of so much complacency and indifference among Church people. Satan is wrecking havoc on our culture. However, by studying the life of Job, we draw three (3) conclusions that can turn into decisive actions which should assure us of “WINNING the WAR over the ENEMY”!

“1There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.” (Job 1:1)

* Job’s in the scene
* Satan’s behind the scene
* God’s beyond the scene

1. How does the ENEMY ATTACK? (Job 1:6-22)

“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. 7And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 8And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? 9Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. 12And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.”

• Satan attacks our HOMES (Job 1)

“13And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house: 14And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: 15And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 16While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 17While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 18While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house: 19And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 20Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, 21And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. 22In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”

• Satan attacks our HEALTH (Job 2)

“7So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. 8And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. 9Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. 10But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.”

• Satan attacks our HEARTS (Job 3-42)

“11Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him. 12And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven. 13So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.”

2. Where does the ENEMY Attack? (Job 2:1-10)

“1Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. 2And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 3And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. 4And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. 5But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. 6And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.

20Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, 21And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. 22In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”

***{ The enemy attacks our THOUGHTS with negativity….
“9Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. 10But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh,” Job 2:9,10}

****{The enemy attacks our TALKS….
“Shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips,” Job 2:10}

3. What do you do when the ENEMY Attacks? (Job 42:1-6)

“1Then Job answered the LORD, and said, 2I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. 3Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. 4Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. 5I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

• Look out! (vv 7-12)

“7And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. 8Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. 9So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.”

God Blesses Job
“10And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. 11Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold. 12So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. 13He had also seven sons and three daughters.”

Conclusion: How do we WIN the WAR over the ENEMY?
1.  Recognize and confess all sin
2. Renounce Self
3. Resist Satan
4. Reclaim ground
5. Rejoice in Jesus goodness