In God’s Will Instead of God’s Way
Introduction: Don’t you want to be in God’s will? What is God’s will? Some things are crystal clear to be God’s will and other things are gray areas. For instance, we know these things to be God’s will:
* All to be saved (1 Tim 2:4)
* In everything give thanks (1 Thess 5:18)
* To deliver us from sin (Gal 1:4)
* For believers to abstain from sexual immorality (1 Thess 4:3)
But what about where to live, to work… who to marry, what to invest, and a multitude of other decisions we must make daily. Paul identifies with the Ephesian CHRISTians by laying down some biblical principles in regards to how to be in God’s will instead of His way.
1. How can we choose to get in GOD’S WAY? (Eph 5:1-12)
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleaness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving if thanks.”
{The Greek word for “jesting” is yootrapeleeah, which means crude joking; TV, songs, etc)
- Get in God’s Way?…With dirty walk (v 2, 3)
- Get in God’s Way? …With dirty talk (v 4)
- Get in God’s way?…With dirty thought (v 4)
2. How can we choose to get in GOD’S WILL? (Eph 5:13-17)
” …. Wherefore he saith Awake thou that sleepeth, and arise from the dead and Christ shall give thee light.”
- Wake up in a sleepy world! (v 14)
- Get up in a world falling down! (v 14)
- Light a world in darkness! (v 14)
Conclusion: Are we in God’s WILL or His WAY? “Daily Decisions Determine Devoted Disciples Direction.” In other words, whatever goes into our mind and comes out of our mouth is a “dead giveaway” or indication of whether we are in God’s will or His way?
* Guard your mind
* Guard your heart
* Guide your mind
* Guide your heart
Love y’all,
Mega Promises
2 Peter 1:1-10
“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises.”
Introduction: Is your faith growing? Throughout this journey called the CHRISTian life, our FAITH in the God of the Bible ought to be increasing. It begins as a root, then adds the foliage, and finally blossoms into the “fruit of faith”- much fruit (John 15:1-7). Peter is an old man at this time. He’s getting ready to depart from this life into the life to come. The Holy Spirit led him to remind us what “MEGA PROMISES” our Lord has for those who trust in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
1. The Root of “PRECIOUS Faith”! (2 Pet 1:1-3)
“Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God….according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.”
{The word “Precious” is timeeos which means especially dear, great price, held in honor}
• How do we get “Precious Faith”? (2 Pet 1:1)
“Through the righteousness of God, and of Jesus Christ.”
• How does it work? (2 Pet 1:3)
“According to his divine power.”
2. The Foliage of “PRECIOUS Faith”! (2 Pet 1:4)
“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
• “Mega” great promises (v 4)
• “Might” be partakers (v 4)
3. The Fruit of “PRECIOUS Faith”! (2 Pet 1:5-9)
“And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue: and virtue knowledge: and temperance….. patience….godliness….brotherly kindness….charity”
• “Virtue” {Greek word aretay, which means moral character, purity, modesty}
• “Knowledge” – understanding
• “Patience” – self control, endurance
Conclusion: This new life in Christ “Promises” every believer a life of fulfillment filled with much fruit. Good and delicious fruit because it’s produced inwardly as a result of being indwelt by a living God! Peter concludes, “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 1:8).
Isn’t that Good News because of His “MEGA PROMISES”!
Facing the Lions
2 Samuel 23:20-22
1 Chronicles 11:22-25
Introduction: What would you do if you faced a lion? You say, “Run”! A full grown lion is a massive creature….with its large fangs, sharp claws, solid muscles, an intimidating roar! No wonder they are called “The King of the jungle”! Seeing a lion up close [outside of a cage] has to be a frightening experience….terrifying. This reminds me of a little boy that told his friend that God spoke to him when he saw a great big dog coming at him. His friend asked, “What did God say?” The little boy replied, “God said…RUN JIMMY…RUN!” But seriously, King David had some “Mighty Men”; one of which was named Benaiah. He faced and fought a lion. Consider (3) points to ponder as we FACE the LIONS:
1. We’ve got to FACE our LIONS! (1 Chron 11:22)
“Benaiah….who had done many acts; slew two lionlike men of Moab; also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.”
• What kind of lions are you facing? (1 Pet 5:8)
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour.”
• Will you face your lions? “He went down..”
2. We’ve got to FIGHT our LIONS! (1 Chron 11:22)
“Benaiah …..slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.”
• Why fight? (2 Cor 10:3-5; Eph 6:10-12)
Paul writes, we are not not wrestling against flesh and blood but principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness.
• How fight? “With the Sword of the Spirit” (Eph 6:10-18)
3. We’ve got to have FAITH in Jesus, the LION KILLER! (1 Chron 11:22; 1 Pet 5:8-10)
“Benaiah….slew a lion”
• Jesus defeated death (John 11:25)
• Jesus defeated the devil (Heb 2:14)
Conclusion: Although we may not be looking for LIONS, they come looking for us. Therefore, we need to be ready to “FACE our LIONS,” and “FIGHT our LIONS,” with “FAITH in the LION”- killer, Jesus!
You facing any LIONS?
Love y’all,
How to Take a Load Off
1 Peter 5:6, 7
Introduction: Do you feel like you are carrying a LOAD? Load of CARE? What is it you are troubled over today? Is it consuming your mind and energy? How can we deal with “CARE” without it dealing with us? Peter understood the significance of facing hardships and sufferings; and yet he was led by the Holy Spirit to give us some instructions as to “what to do” during those experiences. In his epistle, 1st Peter, he covers a number of both spiritual and practical “truths that transform”:
* Suffering of the strangers scattered (1 Pet 1)
* Suffering of the Savior as our Substitute (1 Pet 2)
* Suffering and the Scriptures for the Skeptic (1 Pet 3)
* Suffering for the saints for not singing (1 Pet 4)
* Suffering and struggling under stress (1 Pet 5)
1. Lay all your TROUBLES DOWN! (1 Pet 5:6, 7)
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him:”
{The word “Exalt” is Greek “hoopsoo” which means to lift up on high}
{The word “Cast” is the Greek “epirhripto”, which means throw, place}
{The word “Care” is the Greek “merimnan” which means distraction, anxiety}
• Are you distracted?
• Will you humble yourself?
• How much CARE are you carrying? Throw it down!
2. Lay all your TROUBLES DOWN upon the Lord Jesus! (1 Pet 5:7)
“For he careth for you…”
{The word “Care” is Greek “melo” which means “cares about”}
• Doesn’t it bring Comfort and Peace to your heart to know that our God CARES for US?
• After all, He knows us!
Conclusion: ***Decision time….Are we going to continue to carry our cares around until they drag us down (mentally, emotionally, spiritually – breakdown)? Or will we “Throw” our anxieties on Jesus because not only does He CARE for us, but PRAISE GOD, He can CARRY them as well.
* He loves us
* He cares for us
* He bought us
* He’s gone to prepare a place for us
* He’s coming back for us
Love y’all,
Partnering with Jesus
Hebrews 3:14
Introduction: Have you seen God working in the lives of people lately? Don’t you love it! Isn’t it life’s ultimate fulfillment when our Lord uses us? Learning to COOPERATE with the Holy Spirit should be a desire of every CHRISTian. With so many people today experiencing both spiritual and relational issues, it is absolutely important for us to be Spirit-filled believer’s who can give “godly counsel and prayer.” The writer to the book of Hebrews (many say Paul – this author too) carries us thru (3) steps to being used in a mighty way:
1. Starts with the ACTIVATION process! (Heb 3:14)
“For we are partakers of Christ”
{The word “Partakers” is the Greek word metochos, which means sharing in, partnering, partaking.}
• Our Faith in Jesus needs to be ACTIVATED (Example – a cell phone doesn’t work unless activated)
• His work “In” us and “through” us will then be MOTIVATED (2 Cor 5:14, 15)
2. Then Goes to the PARTICIPATION process! (Heb 3:14)
{The word “Confidence” in the Greek is hupostasis, which means assurance.}
• 1st Cooperation with Christ (Come under)
• 2nd Participation with Christ (His hands – feet)
3. Ends with the DEMONSTRATION process! (Heb 3:14)
” Steadfast unto the end”
{The word “Steadfast” is the Greek word bebios, which means sure, firm.}
• The end is death
• Rewards await believers at the Judgement Seat (2 Cor 5:10)
Keep up the Good work – PARTNER!!
Love y’all,
Just a Closer Walk With Thee
Genesis 5:21-24
Introduction: How many of you would like to have a CLOSER WALK with JESUS? Guess what? It doesn’t happen automatically; rather, decisions, changes, sacrifices, commitments, must be made. Are you willing to do “Whatever it Takes”? If so, be assured, our Lord will make it well worth it! A look at the life of Enoch, who WALKED with his Lord during a tough time, gives us some insight as to how we can have a CLOSER WALK with HIM:
1. When Enoch WALKED with God! (Gen 5:21, 22, 24)
“And Enoch lived sixty and five years….and begat Methuselah…..And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” {Enoch’s name is Hanoch in Hebrew and means “Dedicated”} {The word “Walk” is halak which means to go, to come, a manner of life}
• Enoch walked with God with the demands of a family
• Enoch walked with God while living among evil and sin sick people
2. How Enoch WALKED with God! (Jude 14)
“And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold the Lord comets with ten thousands of his saints.” {The word “Prophesied” is the word “propheteuo” which means to Foretell or predict the future}
• Because Enoch had a relationship with God, he was given insights
• Because Enoch had a relationship with his Lord, he was given foresight
Conclusion: Besides Elijah, Enoch was the only other human being who did not die in the Bible. God took him. Somebody said the Lord said to him as he WALKED with Him, “It’s closer to My house than yours Come on home!” Will we make some important decisions today that will determine if we WALK with our Lord? He’s ready, willing, and waiting for us to decide…
“Just a Closer Walk with thee…grant it Jesus is my plea….daily walking close to thee….dear Lord, let it be.”
Under His Control on the Edge of Eternity
Revelation 19:1-21
Introduction: Does it seem like things are spiraling downward and spinning out of control? John, in the book of Revelation, sees the BIG PICTURE….the past, the present and the future! This should bring great comfort and confidence to every CHRISTian!
Is this world Falling Apart? What have we learned from this Deadly Disease? Consider (7) lessons learned from Covid 19:
1. The Reliability of Authority! (Rev 19:1, 2)
“And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying Allelujah: Salvation and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God.”
• Government’s under God-given authority (Rom 13:1-8)
• God’s superseding Authority over the Government (Acts 5:29)
2. The Authenticity of Bible Prophecy! (Rev 19:10)
“And I fell at his feet to worship him…..and have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
• Past & Present Fulfillment of the Bible
• Future Fulfillment of the Bible
3. The Audacity of the Enemy! (Rev 19:19)
“And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse and against his army.”
• China (Rev 16:12)
• Russia (Ezek 38, 39)
4. The Vulnerability of Humanity! (Rev 19:15)
“And out of his mouth govern a sharp sword, that with it, he should smite the nations and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: he that treadeth the wine press of the fierceness, and wrath of Almighty God.”
• Indispensable? Really?
• Undeniable
5. The Dependability of God’s Sovereignty! (Rev 19:6)
“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and the voice of many waters, and the voice of mighty thundering, saying Allelujah: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”
• Helpless
• Hopeless
6. The Priority of Humility! (Rev 19:4)
“And I saw the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying Amen and Allelujah.”
• The way Up is down (Isa 14; Ezek 28)
• Jesus came down but got Up (Phil 2:5-11)
7. The Urgency of Eternity! (Rev 19:20)
“The beast….and the false prophet were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.”
• Time’s running out (Eph 5:16; James 4:14)
• Teach us to number our days (Psa 90:12)
Conclusion: Since things are going according to God’s plan (permissive will), what CHANGES do you need to make? Who do you desperately need to talk to immediately before it’s too late? Who can we reach out to and offer HOPE? Where are you heading? How are you doing?
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
In Times Like These
2 Samuel 22:1-50
Introduction: Are you facing some “Tough Times”? It seems like most everybody is having unresolved conflicts, irreconcilable problems, and heartbreaking disappointments. You too? Well what do we do, “In Times like These”? The writer of 2nd Samuel (writing from a prophetic point of view) describes the multifaceted life of King David. Up in age, perhaps late 70’s or early 80’s, and after facing almost immediate death from the hand of the giant Ishbibenob, not to mention the mad-man Saul, the king offered worship and praise to his GREAT God! Learning from his example, we too can experience these (3) life changing decisions.
1. In Times like These, we need to know, “WHERE to GO!” (2 Sam 22:3)
“And David spake unto the Lord in the words of this song….The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer.”
• In times like these, Where do we go? To our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.
• In times like these, Why? Because He’s able to deliver us, calm our storm, heal our bodies, and give us strength.
2. In Times like These, we need to know,” WHAT to DO!” (2 Sam 22:3)
“The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou saves me from violence.”
• In times like these, put our our TRUST in the Lord.
• In times like these, REST in Him.
3. In Times like These, we need to know, “WHY to Go to the LORD!” (2 Sam 22:4, 21)
“I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised….The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness.”
• In times like these, He has blessings for those who trust Him
• In times like these, He is worthy to be praised
Conclusion: While we can’t help the “Times,” we can help our response to the “Times.” Are we going to complain? Be bitter? Be depressed? Or are we going to call upon the Lord and trust in Him?
Love y’all,
Take the Stress Test
Esther 1-10
Introduction: Do you feel “stressed”? Have you (we) learned to REST while you’re stressed? Speaking of stress, I heard about a man that went to the doctor. After examining him thoroughly, the doctor recommended that the man take a RED pill in the morning with a full glass of water, a BLUE pill at lunch time with a full glass of water, and finally, a GREEN pill at night with a full glass of water. The man agreed. Then he asked, “Doc, what’s my problem?” To which the Doctor replied, “You’re not getting enough WATER!”
A careful study of the book of Esther reveals (7) steps to RELIEVE your STRESS and RESTORE your REST. Esther’s Persian name means “star,” but her Hebrew name means “myrtle.” Here is a brief outline of the highlights in this book that does not mention the name of God but demonstrates His Sovereignty on every page:
Chapter 2 – “The Beauty Pageant”
Chapter 3 – “The Bitter Poison”
Chapter 4 – “The Blessed Providence”
Chapter 5 – “The Best Provision”
The nation of Israel was taken into captivity (Babylon – which later became Persia) for a total of 70 years because of her disobedience. Yet, according to the Lord’s chastening purpose, she had been promised to return to her home land. While in captivity is the setting of the book of Esther.
1. Esther was willing to Fulfill her Purpose by SERVING & HONORING God! (Esther 1, 2:7)
“And he brought up Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.”
{Esther went thru the (1) year prepping process with oil, myrrh etc. (Esther 2:12)}
• Esther overcame her set backs
2. Esther found FAVOR with the King! (Esther 2:15, 17; 5:8)
“And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight….and he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.”
• Then she found “Favor” with the king Ahasuerus
3. Esther learned to DEPEND upon God as her SOURCE of STRENGTH! (Esther 4:16)
“Go gather all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day….so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”
• A commitment to die to self
4. Esther accepted the role to be CALLED by God to be a servant LEADER! (Esther 4:13)
“Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews….who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
• Then she realized that He would give her influence in motivating others
5. Esther placed herself on the altar and let God have His WAY! (Esther 4:16)
“If I perish, I perish”
• Hands off – Lord, take control
• Hands on – Lord, take control
6. Esther engaged the ENEMY and let God FIGHT her BATTLES! (Esther 6, 7:6)
“And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman.”
• God will fight the battles if we let Him
7. Esther witnessed the Lord CHANGING the course of Human History! (Esther 9,10)
• Instead of the Jews being hung, he met his demise
• To this day, the Jews celebrate the Feasts of Purim commemorating this great victory by the hand of Esther and her God
Conclusion: After studying the book of Esther, our stress is reduced. Right? We like her, can Fulfill our Purpose by serving our risen Savior, and find “FAVOR” with the King. Because He who Called us is the SOURCE of our STRENGTH! As we PLACE our will under His Will, He not only fights our Battles but He changes the course of “history”….because it’s “His Story.”
Three Steps in God’s Will
Introduction: Have you ever gotten in trouble for not being home on time? As a boy we would play out in the woods and at supper time, my dad would whistle for us to come home. It was our signal. He was calling us (this was before cell phones!?). Would we answer? What do you think? Is Jesus calling you? Calling you to follow Him? Calling you to put aside other less important things than being in His will. How will you answer His call? Isaiah had a life-changing experience when he saw the Lord, saw himself, and answered the Lord’s call! Follow his (3) steps:
• Jesus towers above us (v 1)
• Jesus’ overpowering presence is all around us (vv 1-4)
*** If we ever see our Lord Jesus with the eye of FAITH, we will come away forever CHANGED…ready to go!
{The word “Woe” is oy, which means a passionate cry}
{The word “Undone” is damah, which means to be cut off, cease, undone….. one English Bible translates it, “I am dumb…I have no words…I am guilty of silence….I am ruined.”}
• Our confession (v 5)
• His cleansing (vv 6, 7)
*** When we see Jesus with the eye of FAITH, it causes us to see ourselves in the light of His Holiness.
3. The 3rd Step to getting into God’s will is to hear the CALL of Jesus and answer with an AFFIRMATION! (Isa 6:8-13)
“Then one of the seraphim….having a live coal in his hand….laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged…And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
* 1. Confession
* 2. Cleansing
* 3. Calling
• Look up & look in
• Look out and go out
*** If we see Jesus with the eye of FAITH, and see ourselves in the light of His holiness, then we should confess our sinfulness and be cleansed by His blood, which will result in our answer to His CALL to be in His WILL.
Conclusion: Maybe our Lord Jesus is calling you to do the following:
* Be saved ( develop a personal relationship)
* Break away from bad habits
* Be bold in witnessing
* Be ready for His return
* Be pro active in serving Him
* Be faithful in praying for others
* Be a student of the Word of God
* Be forgiving
* Be kind and loving
* Be willing to let go of past hurts
* Be visionary in His will
* Be strong instead of being afraid
* Be patient
* Be Spirit-filled
* Be purposeful in leaving a lasting legacy
* Be able to defend what you believe
* Be engaging the enemy in spiritual warfare
* Be a blessing to others by giving to meet their needs
* Be a servant leader in your home