Devotions Archives | Page 131 of 135 | New Rocky Creek Baptist Church

Your Place of Blessing

Posted on Jun 16, 2020 in Devotions |

Numbers 13:1-33

Introduction: With the Red Sea in the rear view mirror, and while following their leader Moses, God’s people came to a crossroads….the promised land. Are you facing a decision? Does the road fork in front of you and you don’t know which direction to take? As demonstrated by Caleb and Joshua, the right (2) turns will lead to “Your Place of Blessing”!

1. In order to get to “Your Place of Blessing,” make the right turn to OVERCOME the Giants of OPPOSITION! (Num 13:31-34)
” But the men that went up said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we are….And they brought an evil report….all the people that we saw are men of great stature…..and we saw the giants….and we were as grasshoppers in their sight.” [After sending out 12 men to investigate the PROMISED land, 10 came back with grasshopper faith, instead of giant-killing faith.]
• Giants of fear (v 31)
• Giants of failure (v 32)
• Giants of Forgetfulness (v 33)

2. In order to get to “Your Place of Blessing,” make the right turn to OVERCOME the Giants with RESOLUTION!
(Num 13:2,30)
“Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan which I give unto the children of Israel…..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.”
• The Promise (Num 13:1, 2)
• The Problem (Num 13:30)
• The Provision (Num 13:30)

Conclusion: Perhaps today you’re facing some GIANTS? Does the size and sight of your OPPOSITION seem to be Overwhelming? Are feelings of fear and failure standing in your way, intimidating you? But has our Lord given you Promises to possess the land? With the Problems comes the door of Provision that can only be unlocked with the key of FAITH… Your Place of Blessing.

“We are well able to Overcome it”!!
Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Jun '20

The Great Exchange – Our Weakness for His Strength

Posted on Jun 15, 2020 in Devotions |

Jun '20

2 Corinthians 12:9-12

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”

Introduction: Did you know man’s EXTREMITY becomes God’s OPPORTUNITY? What looks “Bad” can turn out “Good”! Setbacks, can be Setups, for Comebacks….How about it? In our weakness, the Lord Jesus’ strength can be displayed. Paul experienced that very thing as the Lord Jesus carried him through the GREAT EXCHANGE…… (4) stages of God’s AMAZING GRACE that led to a breakthrough.

1. We go through experiences in life where we can get lifted up in our own EXALTATION! (2 Cor 12:1-7)
Paul was “caught up” into the third heaven. Because of such an experience, he was tempted to be lifted up with pride. But to prevent that, and to keep him usable, our Lord allowed a “thorn” to be put in his flesh. (“caught up” in v. 4 is in passive form – meaning God did it, not Paul) (” third heaven” is where God abides)

[See 1st Heaven by day] [See 2nd Heaven by night] [See 3rd Heaven by faith]

• Be careful being consumed about WHO we are
• Be secure in WHOSE we are
• Be aware what WE’VE done
• Be focused rather on what HE has done
• Be thankful for WHERE we’ve been
• Be more grateful for WHERE we’re going

2. God carries us through experiences in life where we’re bent over with HUMILIATION! (2 Cor 12:7, 8)
“There was given unto me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me….For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.” (“buffet” means to cuff, to slap with fist)(“besought” – parakaleo – means to beg)

• The devil’s behind the scene
• God’s beyond the scene
• Paul, (we), are in the scene

3. God’s GRACE is enough to strengthen us through experiences in life where the power of CHRIST rests on us in our AFFLICTION! (2 Cor 12:9, 10)
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

• “Sufficient” means enough
• “Perfect” is teleo, which means to finish

4. In our weakness, our Lord Jesus’ strength is released, thus producing the TRANSFORMATION! (2 Cor 12:10)
“Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I’m weak, then am I strong.”

• Thank Him for the exchange
• His strength for our weaknesses

Conclusion: Are you feeling weak? Has our Lord allowed you to go through a time of “distress”? Is Satan attacking you? Are you ready and willing to accept the “GREAT EXCHANGE”? If so, remember, rather than self-EXALTATION (2 extremes……whining or complaining……anger or bitterness), the position of HUMILIATION (humility – brokenness), activates God’s strength which produces the TRANSFORMATION in our AFFLICTION. Aren’t you glad that when we’re weak we’re really strong because of His GRACE!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Jun '20

Rewards with Right Relationships

Posted on Jun 13, 2020 in Devotions |

Jun '20

Ruth 1, 2, 3

Introduction: Would you like to have better RELATIONSHIPS? Are you willing to do what it takes to see that happen? How can we build closer and more meaningful RELATIONSHIPS? Studying the book of Ruth reveals (3) ways to get the most out of your RELATIONSHIPS:

Ruth 1 = a FAMINE

Ruth 2 = a FIELD

Ruth 3 = a FAITH

Ruth 4 = a FAMILY

1. We need to HOLD ON to the RIGHT People! (Ruth 1:14-18)

Ruth is from Moab (modern day Jordan). Naomi and her husband and two sons are from Israel (Bethlehem-house of bread). However, due to a FAMINE in Israel, Naomi and her family move to Moab (Jordan). There they meet Ruth who marries one of their sons. Ten years pass by with three funerals, Naomi’s husband Elimelech and two sons, Chilion and Mahlon, die. Ruth is without a husband and Naomi is without a family. The famine is over and Naomi heads back home… that’s when Ruth “clave” to her (Ruth 1:14).

“Ruth said, whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Where thou diest, will I die, and there I will be buried: the Lord do so to me… but death part thee and me.”

Ruth kept a RELATIONSHIP with her family (Naomi)
Ruth discovered a RELATIONSHIP with their God, which became her God

2. We need to believe that our Lord will BLESS us at the RIGHT TIME! (Ruth 2:1-23)

“Naomi has a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth… his name was Boaz… she went and gleaned in the fields… and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging to Boaz… Then said Boaz unto Ruth… go not to glean in another field… all that thou has done unto thy mother in law since the death of husband… The Lord will recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel.” (The word “hap” is mikreh which means chance, fortune – God led her to the exact field of Boaz)

Blessed with RIGHT people
Blessed with RIGHT place
Blessed with RIGHT price (reward from Boaz)

3. We need to EXPECT our Lord to fill us up the RIGHT way! (Ruth 3:1-18)

After returning home and explaining to her mother-in-law Naomi, how God had blessed her meeting Boaz, she is instructed the following: “Then Naomi said unto her… Boaz of our kindred? Wash thyself, anoint thee… get thee down to the floor and make thyself known to the man.”

Ruth’s FAITH is REWARDED
Our FAITH in Jesus is REWARDED (Heb. 11:6; 12:1-3)

Ruth is blessed by God and marries Boaz (and inherits the family’s possessions). Besides that, she had a son named Obed, who had a son named Jesse, who had a son named David, who had a son named… JESUS! (Matt. 1:1, 5).

Conclusion: Ruth became a believer in the One and true living God thru the example of her mother-in-law Naomi, while she went thru a crisis (her husband and two sons passed away).

Lessons learned concerning RIGHT RELATIONSHIPS from the book of Ruth: Hold on to the RIGHT ones; Pray and BELIEVE God will BLESS; EXPECT REWARDS in the RIGHT way and at the RIGHT time. Just as the Lord filled Ruth’s HANDS with BLESSINGS, “Handfuls of purpose (Ruth 2:16),” He fills our hands with Blessings!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Jun '20

Mega (GREAT) Faith

Posted on Jun 12, 2020 in Devotions |

Jun '20

Luke 7:1-10

“Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum. And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.”

Introduction: Ever had a “Bad Hair” day? Perhaps we all have. Building strong FAITH in Jesus is a process….one test after another….either pass or fail….and back to the drawing board – or the Potter’s wheel. Right? Dr. Luke shares (5) steps from a crisis of FAITH turned into a cure of FAITH:

If we are going to develop “MEGA FAITH”in Jesus…

1. Don’t lose HOPE! (Luke 7:2)

While in the Galilee area (upper area of Israel – most of His ministry), Jesus goes to a place called Capernaum.

“And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick and ready to die.” (A centurion was a Roman soldier, a man of authority who had between 50 -100 men)

• Feelings of hopelessness – You?

• Feelings of loneliness – You?

• Facing hardships – You?

2. If we are going to develop “MEGA FAITH” in Jesus…. (Luke 7:3)

Don’t GIVE UP!

“And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.”

• “When he heard of Jesus” – FAITH comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Rom 10:17)

• Real FAITH spreads! “he sent unto the elders”

3. If we are going to develop “MEGA FAITH” in Jesus…. (Luke 7:4-6)

We’ve got to MOVE forward!

“And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly…..then Jesus went with them.” (“Besought” – means kept on – “instantly” means earnestly)

• It’s one thing to BELIEVE in Jesus and go to heaven

• It’s another thing to BELIEVE in Jesus and let Him have CONTROL

4. If we are going to develop “MEGA FAITH” in Jesus…. (Luke 7:6-10)

We will realize His WORTHINESS!

“The centurion sent friends to him… saying Lord, trouble not thyself; for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof…but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed….For I also am a man under authority.”

• Coming under His Authority

• Is a Priority

• Not for the Superiority (“know it alls” – Lord help us!)

5. If we are going to develop “MEGA FAITH” in Jesus, (Luke 7:9, 10)

It requires a TRUST that He is greater than any situation we face!

“When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him….and said…I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel….returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.”

Jesus is greater than any Mountain (Mark 11)

any Valley (Psa 23:4)
any Storm (Acts 27)
any Sorrow (Psa 149:5, 6)
any Hurt or Pain (2 Cor 1:3-5)
any Trouble (John 14:1)

Conclusion: Jesus responds to “MEGA FAITH”! Keep in mind, the reason He demonstrated His miraculous healing power both THEN and NOW was and is to authenticate He is who He said He was, God; and by showing and proving that, we would TRUST Him, LOVE Him, and SERVE Him.

So don’t lose hope, or give up… but move forward, realizing His worthiness, and because Jesus is greater than any situation we face!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Jun '20

Searching for a City

Posted on Jun 11, 2020 in Devotions |

Jun '20

Hebrews 13:12-21

“Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Introduction: Once Billy Graham was scheduled to preach a crusade in a city. As he arrived needing to mail a letter and not being familiar with the city, he stopped and asked a little boy on a bicycle how to get to the Post Office. The boy gave him directions. Then turning to the little boy, the great evangelist invited him to come that night to the Revival crusade and hear how to get to HEAVEN. The little boy, with a puzzled look on his face said, “Mr. …how are you going to tell me how to get to HEAVEN when you don’t even know how to get to the Post Office! Unlike that situation, the Holy Spirit of God inspired the writer of the book of Hebrews, who I believe to be Paul, to describe how to get to that “CITY” called Heaven…. and the journey along the way.

1. How can we get on this road that leads to this CITY? (Heb 13:8-20)

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever…..Jesus…with his own blood, suffered without the gate….Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus.”

• Jesus Christ = Eternal God

• Jesus paid our sin debt

with His own BLOOD

• Jesus resurrected from the dead

By turning FROM our sin, and turning TO and TRUSTING in Jesus (and receiving Him) Christ’s death and resurrected life brings eternal life. (John 3:16-19; 5:24; Rom 3:23; 6:23; 10:9, 10, 13, 17)

2. What are we to do as we travel along this road that leads to this CITY? (Heb 13:5-21)

“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee….let us go forth therefore unto him outside the camp bearing his reproach….let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually…giving thanks unto his name…make you perfect in every good work to do his will.”

(5) stops along the way:

• Be content (v. 5)

• Be devoted (v.13)

• Be thankful (v. 15)

• Be surrendered to His will (v. 21)

• Be watching for His coming (v.21)

Conclusion: Since here on earth there is “No Continuing CITY….we seek one to come.” The road that leads to that celestial CITY on high is paved with the precious BLOOD of JESUS! Once on that road, through a relationship with HIM, we are to follow HIS will, while HE is working in and through us…for HIS glory!

Aren’t you looking forward to that CITY!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Jun '20

Let it Float

Posted on Jun 10, 2020 in Devotions |

Jun '20

Exodus 1:15-2:10

Introduction: Do you like fixing things? You know, there are some things we can’t fix! What do you do when your in a situation, and you can’t fix it? Moses shares (3) interesting insights as to what we are to do that will take our FAITH in the God of the Bible to a whole another level. All of us could probably use that! How about you?

1. There are some circumstances that we can’t CONTROL….and we need God’s PEACE! (Exo 1:15-22)
“And the king of Egypt…Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.”
• Bad decisions by leaders affect others (Prov 29:2)
• Cultural influences affect us more than we realize (1 John 2:15-17)
How do you think Moses mom Jochebed, and dad Amram felt? (Exo 6:20)

2. There are some things we can CONTROL….and we need God’s POWER! (Exo 2:1-4)

Speaking of Moses and his mom… “He was a goodly child, she hid him three months…and when she could no longer…she took for him an ark of bulrushes…and put the child there in…..and laid it by the river’s brink.” (“Goodly”means beautiful)
• She fought her FEARS
• She fed her FAITH
Imagine the alligators, excuse me crocodiles!

3. God is in CONTROL….and we need His PRESENCE! (Exo 2:5-11)
“And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash at the river…..she saw the ark…sent her maid to fetch it…..she saw the child and had compassion on him…..And Pharaoh’s daughter said Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother….nurse it for me and I will give thee wages.”
How about that? Get paid for raising your own child!
• In this case things turned out good, but not always the way we want it
• Learning to TRUST the Lord – His will be done

Conclusion: Do you need God’s PEACE for things out of your control, His POWER to change things under your control, and His PRESENCE to know He’s in control? By FAITH in the God of the Bible (Jesus Christ), Moses parents TRUSTED to “LET it FLOAT!
(Heb 11: 23-29)

God help us to do the same.
Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Jun '20

Relationships That Last a Lifetime

Posted on Jun 9, 2020 in Devotions |

Jun '20

1 Peter 3 and 4

Introduction: How many of you could use a little help to improve your RELATIONSHIPS? Do you want to be closer? Do you need some work in this area? Are you upset with someone? How can you “GET OVER IT”? How can you make it right? Every person knows somebody, whether a family member or a friend, that could use some “godly” materials to build better RELATIONSHIPS! Me included! Our resurrected Lord Jesus can restore and rebuild stronger, and more meaningful RELATIONSHIPS by His Holy Spirit! He used Peter to lay out (7) basic needs to connect and reconnect, and make “Relationships Last a Lifetime”:

If we are going to make the most of our relationships, we need to…..

1. Forgive CONSISTENTLY! (1 Pet 3:9)

“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”

• God does not “rub it in”! He “rubs it out” (our shortcomings, sin) with His blood! (1 Pet 3:18)

• With His power available, we can ….LET it GO!

2. Love UNCONDITIONALLY! (1 Pet 4:8)

“Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”

• Addition (+) adds

• Subtraction (-) takes away

3. Resolve conflicts DELICATELY! (1 Pet 3:1-2)

“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that if any obey not the word, they may be won by the conversation of the wives……while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.”

• Be right, but be wrong

• Make it right

4. Serve UNSELFISHLY! (1 Pet 3:5-6)

“For after this manner in old time holy women also who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: even Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.”

• Quality time

• Quantity time

5. Pray DILIGENTLY! (1 Pet 3:7, 12)

“Husbands dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and bring heirs together if the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”

The word “hindered” is egkoto, which means “cut off”.

• Disconnection in prayer

• Reconnection in prayer

6. Communicate MEANINGFULLY! (1 Pet 3:10)

“For that will live life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.”

• With our walk

• With our talk

7. Laugh FREQUENTLY! (1 Pet 3:14; Prov 17:22)

“A merry heart doeth good like medicine.”

• Joyful

• Not flippant

Conclusion: How many need help today in your relationships? The table is set…. if we FORGIVE, LOVE, RESOLVE, SERVE, PRAY, TALK, and LAUGH, we will discover better RELATIONSHIPS that will LAST a LIFETIME.

Let’s get started.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Jun '20

Just Make the Best of It

Posted on Jun 8, 2020 in Devotions |

Jun '20

James 1:2-4

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Introduction: Have you ever said, “Just make the best of it?” Do you need a turnaround today? Is something bothering you? The old saying is true, “It’s not what we are eating that’s bothering us, but rather, what’s eating us!” Only the Lord God can give us grace and help us to “MAKE the BEST of it!” He does this through the pen of James with (3) responses to difficult situations:

1. TAKE the GOOD! (James 1:2)

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.”

“Brethren” means CHRISTians. “WHEN” you “fall” not “IF” you “fall”… it’s going to happen! Do you know how to spell JOY?

Jesus
Others
You

2. Take the GOOD, with the BAD! (James 1:2-3)

“Fall into divers temptations.”

The word “fall” means in the middle, totally surrounded. The word “divers” pictures the different colors of a rainbow. The word “temptations” is the word pirasmos, which means trials, adversity, trouble, affliction.

When – not if
Why – sent by God to prove one’s CHARACTER

3. Take the GOOD with the BAD, and MAKE the BEST! (James 1:3-4)

“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

“Knowing” (ginoskow) means experiential
“Trying” (dokimae) means testing, proving (produces, works out, accomplishes)
“Faith” means trust in God
“Patience” (hupomene) means endurance
“Perfect” (telios) means complete, finished, full-grown

Conclusion: Troubles and trials come knocking on our door. Some things that happen are not GOOD. How can good come out of BAD? Make the BEST?…. but how? When Jesus was whipped, beaten, and ultimately crucified, it did not look good! But then, He resurrected from the dead, conquering death, hell, sin and the grave. That was GREAT! Why? Because He gives us both abundant life and eternal life! So He gives us His OVERCOMING life in order to TAKE the GOOD with the BAD and MAKE the BEST!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Jun '20

Stop, Look, and Listen

Posted on Jun 5, 2020 in Devotions |

Jun '20

James 4:13-15

“Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”

Introduction: Do you ever STOP and think about your life? How about making plans for tomorrow? Should we, as believers in Jesus plan for tomorrow, when He said, “Take no thought of tomorrow…?” (Matt. 6:34). Is that a lack of trust? James writes and gives us (3) reasons to STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN.

1. Where are you at in your life TODAY? “STOP!” (James 4:13)

“Go to now, ye that day, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain.”

Your Spiritual life
Your Relational life

“Life is one mad dash between diapers and depends!”

2. What are your Plans for TOMORROW? “LOOK!” (James 4:14)

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? Is it even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” (“Vapour” is the Greek word -atmos- which means mist, ex. pot on stove boiling)

Uncertainties about tomorrow (things out of our control)
Securities for tomorrow (God’s promises)

3. How should we live TODAY and TOMORROW? “LISTEN!” (James 4:15)

“For that ye ought to say, if the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”

“One day at a time Sweet Jesus” – in the Will of God
Planning for tomorrow – as the “LORD WILLS”

Conclusion: By the way, Jesus wasn’t talking about planning for tomorrow, rather He was speaking about ANXIETY in life in regards to our daily needs. Therefore, it is not a lack of trust; in fact, we must TRUST Him on the future plans as well! So we are to STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN to these biblical instructions about living our life today, and planning for tomorrow… as the Lord wills. How are you living and what are you planning?

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Jun '20

Happy in an Unhappy World

Posted on Jun 4, 2020 in Devotions | Tags: are you happy, do you have purpose, does your life have meaning, Dr. Randal Reese, John 14, New Rocky Creek devotion

Jun '20

John 14:1-23
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

Introduction: Why are so many people unhappy? Are you unhappy? Fill in the blank. If I could just___ __? Get another job. Meet the right person. Lose some weight. Be pain free. Get out of debt. Have a nicer car. If I just had some more money. Or…the list goes on. Since Jesus knows all about us, then He knows what will make us HAPPY. Consider (3) choices you can make now that will make you HAPPY!

1. Find something to do with MEANING and PURPOSE! (John 14:10-14)
” He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to my Father.”
• Do nothing – waste of time
• Find something to make a difference

2. Find someone to LOVE that brings AFFIRMATION and security! (John 14:15-27)
” If ye love me, keep my commandments…he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and manifest myself to him.”
• The LOVE of the FATHER
• The LOVE of the Son

3. Find something to look forward to with HOPE and ASSURANCE! (John 14:1-3)
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me….In my Father’s house are many mansions:…I go to prepare a place for you…I will come again, and receive you unto myself.”
• Heaven’s for real
• Jesus will come again

Conclusion: “Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord” (Psa 144:15). According to Jesus, a person can find MEANING and PURPOSE, LOVE and AFFIRMATION, HOPE and SECURITY in a relationship with the Father. That brings HAPPINESS! Are you HAPPY yet?

Be HAPPY in the Lord!!
Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese