Devotions Archives | Page 14 of 128 | New Rocky Creek Baptist Church

Foretelling the Future with Accuracy

Posted on Mar 11, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: What would it be like if, in the early 1900s, someone wrote about a man named Donald Trump becoming President of the United States in 125 years? You might say, “That would be impossible!” Right? But that is exactly what Isaiah the prophet wrote concerning a foreign king that God would raise up providentially for the purpose of rebuilding Jerusalem—both the temple and its walls—after its destruction.

Remember, Isaiah prophesied during the reign of Kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (Isaiah 1:1). These facts reveal that his ministry was recorded from 740–701 B.C. Guess what? That was approximately 150 years before the fulfillment of the prophesied King named Cyrus, who came to the throne! Amazing, isn’t it? Do you know of another document with such consistent pinpoint accuracy?

Therefore, we conclude that the prophet Isaiah died long before these events transpired. Look at the overwhelming evidence of these unparalleled prophecies. Bottom line: The BIBLE STANDS—so you can STAND on it!

1. Reliable Biblical Foreshadowing of the Rising of King Cyrus (Isaiah 44:28) – “That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.”

Did you notice that Isaiah named the Persian King Cyrus, who would show favor to Israel and, more specifically, to Jerusalem? (Isaiah 45:1,13)

“Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him… I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.”

Again, don’t miss the fact that this incredible prophecy was made long before he became king or was even in the picture.

2. The Divine Providential Purpose of King Cyrus (Ezra 1:1) – “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.”

Almighty God holds the king’s heart in His hand; as the rivers of water, He turns it in whatever direction He chooses. You see, it is all in His plan and purpose. More specifically, He is sovereign over His chosen people—the nation of Israel. Since we have this record of Him keeping His promises to the Jews, we can be assured with great confidence that Jesus Christ will keep His promises to His Church! He will return to receive His bride (John 14:1-3). Are you watching and waiting?

3. Archaeological Evidence of King Cyrus

Have you ever heard of the Cyrus Cylinder? Today, it can be found in the British Museum. Made of clay, this artifact was excavated in March 1879 but dates back to the sixth century B.C. during the time of King Cyrus’ reign. Though small (8×4 inches), it contains writing concerning the reign of King Cyrus, providing overwhelming evidence and reliability of the Scriptures.

4. Historical Affirmation by Josephus

Finally, as an interesting highlight, Josephus, the Jewish historian, stated that the Jews in Babylonian captivity showed the Persian King Cyrus the prophecies of the Old Testament Scriptures, which contained his name and described his role in the biblical plan of God. The historian says that it was this circumstance that motivated the ruler “to fulfill what was written” (Antiquities of the Jews 11.1.2), leading him to issue his proclamation permitting Israel’s return to her homeland.

Earlier, in Isaiah 41:25, the prophet spoke of the coming of “one… from the rising of the sun.” Even though he did not call him by name, the reference is clearly to Cyrus, who would bring good tidings regarding God’s plan for Jerusalem. The Lord’s mission for King Cyrus would be fulfilled as history [His story] records.

Conclusion: Prophetic accuracy is another confirmation that the Bible is a supernatural book, all pointing to a supernatural God. Jesus claimed to be God (John 10:30; 14:6-9, etc.), and others affirmed that He was God. His power over demons, death, and disease demonstrated He was God.

There’s only one thing left to say: If you haven’t, put your trust and faith in His substitutionary death, burial, and resurrection. Through His redeeming blood, your sins can be forgiven. All of this means that since His Word has been fulfilled in the past, it guarantees that it will be fulfilled in the future. Jesus is coming again. Get ready.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Mar '25

God’s Will for His People Serving in the Church – Part 2

Posted on Mar 10, 2025 in Devotions |

Mar '25

If you haven’t read Part 1, posted on 03/06, go back and read it for the full context.

Introduction: Obviously, after reading these verses, there should remain no doubt that it is God’s will for His Church to be unified under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Look at how important that is to Him. This is seen not only in this passage but in numerous others as well.

For the sake of reviewing once again, let’s go back to the letter from Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to the Philippian Church. Several unifying words stand out. As you read them, see if they are present in your life. And if not, make the necessary changes by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1. See the importance of the harmony of the saints! (Philippians 2:1-2) – “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”

Our Lord’s encouragement through Paul to the Church then and now was to work together, not apart; love each other, not fuss and fight; and serve Him to accomplish His will rather than your own will.

Are you working together? Are you intentionally loving each other with Christian love? Are you serving the Church of Jesus Christ with a spirit of cooperation instead of division?

Will you step back and see the big picture in order to reach and teach people about the gospel of Jesus Christ? Remember, you can be working diligently and yet not in harmony, consequently hindering the progress of the work of the Church.

2. Check out the humility of the Church! (Philippians 2:3) – “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

Please take a moment to reread this verse in the Bible. Do you recall what the word “strife” means? Here it is—it means selfish ambition, rivalry, self-seeking, a feud, or a faction.

So instead of prideful arrogance—a “know-it-all” attitude—or trying to one-up everyone, believers in the Church should remain teachable as well as leadable.

Are you teachable? Do you listen to wise counsel?

3. Finally, consider the honesty of the believers! (Philippians 2:4) – “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Do you know what? The only way you and I can fulfill this instruction is by taking our place at the cross. Why? Because we are selfish by nature and therefore look out for number one—me, myself, and I!

Now, does it make sense that the Church is a supernatural organism—not just a mere organization—empowered by the Holy Ghost, which supersedes human ability?

Conclusion: Don’t forget: UNITY = Maturity + Diversity.

In other words, what makes a great Church is great members. Go back and evaluate to see if you fit this criteria, which is marked by harmony, humility, and honesty.

If not, ask Jesus to change your heart so that it lines up under His will—all for His glory!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Mar '25

Going Astray on a Sunny Day

Posted on Mar 7, 2025 in Devotions |

Mar '25

Introduction: Do you agree that days of PROSPERITY can lead to days of APOSTASY? Also, would you agree that it is very easy these days to GO ASTRAY? Granted, it may not be intentional—in fact, most of the time, it is not—but nevertheless, it happens.

The Psalmist warns us about GOING ASTRAY and what to do about it.

1. Have you ever GONE ASTRAY? (Psalm 119:176) – “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant, for I do not forget thy commandments.”

Did you know the Hebrew word for “gone astray” is תָּעָה (taw-aw’)? It means to err or to wander. Furthermore, it has to do with vacillating or reeling. The truth is that we can GO ASTRAY on a SUNNY DAY (times of prosperity) or on a STORMY DAY (times of apostasy). In other words, whether things are going good or bad, we can GO ASTRAY.

Have you GONE ASTRAY?

2. Have you considered that we are the sheep of our Lord’s pasture? (Psalm 119:176) – “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant, for I do not forget thy commandments.”

The Hebrew word for “sheep” is שֶׂה, which refers to a lamb, sheep, or goat—a member of a flock. The word “lost” means to wander away.

Sheep need a SHEPHERD. Unintentionally, they can nibble on the grass and get further away from the fold without even realizing it. Meanwhile, danger is lurking in the dark, like a wolf or bear ready to devour the lamb or sheep. Just like lost sheep, we too can go astray from the GREAT SHEPHERD.

Watch out! Beware!! Careful!!!

3. Have you asked for the Shepherd to seek (search out) for you? (Psalm 119:176) – “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant, for I do not forget thy commandments.”

The Hebrew word for “seek” is בָּקַשׁ (bah-KASH or baw-kash’), which means to search, to request, or even to desire. Lastly, it can refer to striving after something.

Thank God for our SHEPHERD, who will leave the ninety-nine and go after the one lost sheep! He will come looking for you!!

Conclusion: Do you need to go home? Will you recommit to returning to the fold? Have you been going astray?

GOOD NEWS: God loves His SHEEP! He loves us so much that He will “seek” us out when we go astray!!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Mar '25

God’s Will for His People in the Church

Posted on Mar 6, 2025 in Devotions |

Mar '25

Introduction: Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had a manual that we could read that would assure us of pleasing our Lord Jesus as we relate to others in His Church? Well, guess what? We do! It’s called the Bible. While it may sound simple enough, putting it into practice is another story. There’s an old saying that goes like this: “To live with the saints above will be GLORY! But to live with the saints here below is a different STORY!”

Our devotion for today will discuss this most important matter, so please take notes and share it with others. Here are two non-negotiable truths from the prison epistle called the book of Philippians.

1. How are we to relate to people in the Church? (Philippians 2:1) – “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies.”

Check out these key words:

“Consolation” (v.1) – The Greek word is παράκλησις (par-ak’-lay-sis), which means encouragement, exhortation, consolation, or even comfort. Basically, another word for this is encouragement. Are you an encourager? Do you need encouragement?
“Comfort” (v.1) – The Greek word is παραμύθιον (par-am-oo’-thee-on). The definition of comfort is consolation, exhortation, or persuasion. It is formed from the Greek verb παραμυθέομαι (paramutheomai), which means “to comfort” or “to console.”
“Fellowship” (v.1) – The Greek word is κοινωνία (koy-nohn-ee’-ah). This word has to do with fellowship, communion, participation, sharing, or even partnership. Are you in or out of fellowship with the brethren?
“Bowels” (v.1) – The Greek word is σπλάγχνον (splangkh’-non). It means compassion, affection, heart, the inward parts; it can be considered the seat of the feelings.
“Compassion” (v.1) – The Greek word is οἰκτιρμός (oyk-tir-mos’), which means mercy, pity, compassion, favor, grace, or mercy. Are you known as a person of compassion or as judgmental?

2. How are we to equate God’s will with people in the Church? (Philippians 2:2-4) – “Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”

“Joy” (v.2) – The Greek word is χαρά (khar-ah’), which means gladness or delight. Do you fill the saints with grief or delight?
“Likeminded” (v.2) – The Greek word is σύμψυχος (soom’-psoo-khos), which means united in spirit, harmonious, or of one accord. That describes the early Church. Are you likeminded or always argumentative?

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3)

“Strife” (v.3) – The Greek word is ἐριθεία (er-ith-i’-ah), which means selfish ambition, rivalry, or self-seeking, a feud, or a faction. Are you finding yourself being selfish when it comes to serving in the Church? Look out for #1!
“Vainglory” (v.3) – The Greek word is κενδοξία (ken-od-ox-ee’-ah). It has to do with being empty, conceited, or vain. Basically, it means empty pride. Perhaps this negative trait lies deep down inside most Christians, especially outside the grace of God.
“Esteeming” (v.3) – The Greek word is ἡγέομαι (hayg-eh’-om-ahee). It has to do with leading and guiding. Did you notice the next phrase?
“Better than” (v.3) – This means to surpass, excel, or be superior—to rise above. In other words, we are to lead and guide others to rise above or to be superior. Can you honestly say that is true about yourself? This is convicting, isn’t it?

“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

We are our brother’s keeper! Once redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, we are immersed into the body of Christ. Sounds simple? We are all a work in progress. But having Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth will hopefully ensure that our eternal destiny will be more than we even imagined. Are you looking forward to it?

Conclusion: What a heart-searching and life-changing passage! Certainly, if this scripture is applied to our lives by the Holy Spirit, it will make a huge difference in the way we relate to others in the Church.

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Mar '25

Worth More Than a Sparrow

Posted on Mar 5, 2025 in Devotions |

Mar '25

Introduction: Have you thought lately about how much our Lord cares for you? In other words, according to Jesus, you are valuable—worth a lot—to our Heavenly Father. In case you feel a little down these days, this is an encouraging reminder of our worthiness to God. Listen to the words of our Lord:

1. Look at the worth of a sparrow! (Matt 10:29) – “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.”

This particular bird, called a sparrow, can be seen in every McDonald’s parking lot, under the eaves of house roofs, taking dust baths in fields, and just about everywhere you go. Speaking of these little insignificant birds, historical information reveals that there have been numerous attempts to eradicate these winged creatures. Surprising evidence shows that in some countries, people’s taxes were lowered if they could bring in sparrow heads!

Nevertheless, Jesus compares their unwantedness with their priceless value to our Heavenly Father. Look at what He said these winged creatures could be sold for. The word “farthing” is ἀσσάριον (as-sar’-ee-on), which is a penny, or a small coin equal to the tenth part of a drachma. According to scholars, a drachma was worth about seventeen cents. So, do the math—not much, huh?

2. Look at what the God of the Bible knows! (Matt 10:29) – “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.”

The word “falls” is πίπτω (pip’-to), which describes a fall, to descend, or to perish. As you can see, not one little insignificant bird—a sparrow—can fall to the earth without our Father knowing about it. Somebody said He attends every funeral! Is that not amazing or what?

3. Look at how VALUABLE you are to our Heavenly Father! (Matt 10:30-31) – “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

Don’t miss the words “more valuable.” Here is the meaning: The Greek word is διαφέρω (dee-af-er’-o). It means to excel, to be better, to surpass. In other words, you are more valuable to our Heavenly Father than a sparrow, and yet He watches over them!

Conclusion: Hopefully, this devotion has caused you to stop and THANK God for His care for you! According to Jesus, you are very VALUABLE to our Father in heaven. So, what more can we say except… LOVE HIM and SERVE HIM all the days of your life.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Mar '25

Fulfilling God’s Will

Posted on Mar 4, 2025 in Devotions |

Mar '25

Introduction: Why are we here on earth? Are you fulfilling God’s purpose? What is His Purpose? How can we find His plan? Then, how can we follow through in regards to His will?

Listed here are Reasons to Follow Jesus Christ.

(4) Reasons:

1. Because we will Stand before Jesus Christ at Bema Judgement! (2Cor 5:10) – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

How will we respond? What will we say?

2. Finding Purpose in life! (Rom 8:29) – “29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

God’s will is to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ. We all have Rough places that need sanding! I do!!

3. Watching Jesus’ Plan unfold in the world! (Acts 17:26-31) – “ 26And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”

I love this passage of Scripture! Does this not say it all?

4. Talking to others about PEACE & Security! (1Thess 5:2,3) – “2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3For 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.”

There is a false Peace coming in the future!

Conclusion: Here are 4 reasons for fulfilling our Lord’s will. How are you doing? Let’s purpose in our hearts to Fulfill God’s will!

When we get to heaven, we will be glad!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Mar '25

Is Your Worry Winning?

Posted on Mar 3, 2025 in Devotions |

Mar '25

Introduction: Why are you WORRIED? What is it that keeps you in a frenzy, uptight, disturbed, uneasy, and troubled? Is it money? Is it family? Is it your spirituality? What is it? Is it fear about the future? Is it not being in control?

Pinpoint your anxiety. Then take it to the Lord.

Sadly, but truthfully, our WORRY is WINNING! Recently, a Christian man confessed his anxiety. Honestly, those who tell me that they never, never worry are either too spiritual for their own good or not telling the truth. Let’s face it—at times, all of us face worry. But what can we do?

1. In order to win over our worry—First, let’s face our worry! (Phil 4:6-7) – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

The word worry in the New Testament is a Greek word, “merimnao” (μεριμνάω), which translates to anxiety. Actually, it is a combination of two words:

Merizo, which means “to divide.”
Nous, which means “the mind.”

Bottom line: Anxiety divides our mind. Do you ever feel like your mind is going in all different directions? Being under stress can cause your mind to run away. So, face the facts! Then, follow the appropriate steps to alleviate the worry.

2. Secondly, in order to win over our worry—we must fight worry! (Phil 4:6) – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Did you get that? The way to fight our worry is by prayer! Don’t miss that. Prayer is God’s atomic bomb. Push the button! Pray. Pray. Pray. Be sure to pray the right way!

3. Thirdly, in order to win over our worry, we must experience freedom from worry! (Phil 4:6-7) – “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Here is the fruit that comes from the root. The root is “care”; whereas, the fruit of prayer brings the peace of God that sets up a fortress around both our minds and hearts. Then comes freedom from the divided mind. Clarity marches in, and confusion and fear have to exit.

Conclusion: So, is worry winning?

Remember: Face your worry, fight your worry, and be free from your worry as you apply the truth of God’s Word through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Feb '25

Triple S’s

Posted on Feb 28, 2025 in Devotions |

Feb '25

Introduction: This brief devotion will cover the three S’s in the text. What a message for all of us! Are you suffering? What about persecution? Affliction? Temptation? How should we respond? Study the following:

1. Be Steadfast! (Phil 1:27) – “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

The word “steadfast” is στήκω (stay’-ko), which means to “stand firm,” stand fast, or even persevere. Are you standing firm in your faith? Are you persevering?

2. Be Striving! (Phil 1:27) – “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

The word “striving” is συναθλέω (soon-ath-leh’-o), which means to strive together or to contend together. It can mean to compete together or cooperate vigorously with others. In this case, Paul is referring to the Church. Do you have a cooperative spirit with others?

3. Be Suffering Hardship Like Jesus! (Phil 1:29) – “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.”

Suffering is listed in God’s disciple list. Jesus suffered for us, paying our sin debt. Clearly, we cannot suffer like Him, but we are called to suffer hardships. How are you doing? Comfort, ease, and pleasure are not on God’s blueprint for His children.

Conclusion: Being “steadfast” and “striving” together with others during times of suffering is biblical. Do you retreat to an island when suffering? Complain? Blame? May our Lord give us grace to suffer persecution, affliction, and even temptation with a steadfast determination, while our aim will be to honor Him.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Feb '25

From Vision into Provision

Posted on Feb 27, 2025 in Devotions |

Feb '25

Introduction: Let’s face it, Nehemiah had vision. But not only did he have a vision, he turned it into provision. It seems that today there are a number of people who have “ideas” but the ideas never get off the ground. While brainstorming with ideas is good, oftentimes it becomes nothing more than “hot air!” It’s like clouds without rain, a heater without heat, a fan without air, a CHRISTian without a testimony.

For Nehemiah, he turned the vision into a provision. However, it did not happen without much prayer and fasting, along with the drawing influence and favor of the Lord God Almighty. We too can learn from the providential process of Nehemiah’s vision and provision.

1. Nehemiah’s God-given Mission! (Neh. 1:4, 11) – “And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.” (Neh. 1:11) “Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.”

We’ve been called to be on missions—that is, God’s mission! Jesus Christ’s mission was to fulfill His Father’s will. In so doing, He became obedient unto death, paying the sin debt for “whosoever” will trust in Him. Our mission is to fulfill our Father’s will. Are you on mission?

2. Nehemiah’s God-given Vision! (Neh. 2:3-5) – “And said unto the king, Let the king live forever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.”

Like Nehemiah, our goal is to see things from God’s perspective, then cooperate with His resurrection power to accomplish His vision, not ours!

3. Nehemiah’s devil-possessed Opposition! (Neh. 4:1-3) – “But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.”

We should expect critical opposition in doing the work of the Lord. Are you facing any at the moment? Moms? Dads? Servants? CHRISTians?

4. Nehemiah’s Division! (Neh. 4:10) – “And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.”

Unfortunately, there will be divisions within CHRISTian responsibilities. However, through prayer and God’s power, these setbacks can be resolved. How are you dealing with these divisions?

5. Nehemiah’s God-honoring Provision! (Neh. 6:15-16) – “So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.”

Finally, the goals and vision turned into provision. That makes it worthwhile! Are you getting close to the provision? Hang in there!

Conclusion: How much can we learn from Nehemiah’s mission, vision, opposition, and provision? Are you laboring in the vineyards of the work of the Lord? Clarify your mission. Study your vision. Get ready for opposition. But rejoice in the Lord’s provision!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Feb '25

Thank You for Giving to the Lord

Posted on Feb 26, 2025 in Devotions |

Feb '25

Introduction: Can you look back on your life and see how God has used people to influence your relationship with Jesus Christ? This devotion should motivate every Christian to yearn to serve our Lord. Why? Because “Only one life will soon be past, and only what’s done for—through—Christ will last!”

While you’ve probably never heard a message written about this man, he epitomizes a true and faithful servant. Please notice the making or process of a servant who makes a difference while fulfilling God’s purpose. Interestingly enough, his name means “in the shadow of God.”

1. We have been “PICKED OUT” to serve our Lord Jesus! (Exo. 31:1) – “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.”

The word “called” is קָרָא (kaw-raw’), which means to call, proclaim, read, or even name. Basically, it means to call out to. Is God calling out to you? Our Lord calls whom He chooses. He chooses whom He wants to use. Are you usable?

2. We have been “POURED INTO” by the Holy Spirit to serve our Lord Jesus! (Exo. 31:3) – “And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.”

The word “workmanship” is מְלָאכָה (mel-aw-kaw’). It means occupation or craftsmanship. Plus, its application has to do with service. Furthermore, the word covers deputyship or even ministry. Finally, workmanship can mean employment.

Bottom line: If the Holy Spirit does not “pour into” us, then we operate in the energy of the flesh. It is imperative that we depend on the power of God to get the job done! Do you need to depend on the Holy Spirit more? Are you a candidate for “fresh oil”?

3. We will be able to “PULL THROUGH” in serving our Lord Jesus! (Exo. 38:22) – “And Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses.”

Hopefully, you did not miss the word “ALL”! Bezaleel was dedicated, dependable, and determined. He faithfully finished his task.

4. We can expect to be “PAID UP” for serving our Lord Jesus! (Rev. 22:12) – “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”

Payday—someday!

Conclusion: Bezaleel is traced to Judah in Chronicles through five ancestors—Uri, Hur, Caleb, Hezron, and Pharez. This would be Judah’s son by Tamar.

So, if you are reading this devotion and feel like a failure or if your family has failed, remember—God delights in using our “availability,” not our “ability.”

Besides that, if you were to do some research, you would discover that Bezaleel’s descendants can be traced to an incestuous relationship between Judah and Tamar. Other “losers” He has used—amazingly, the God of the Bible used the harlot Rahab to be part of the ancestral lineage of Jesus Christ.

So, no matter how marked your past may be, our Lord has a bright future ahead as you trust Him.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese