Pay Back for God’s Benefits & Blessings
Introduction: Immediately, you will admittedly say, “We can’t pay God back!” But check out the debt of GRATITUDE the writer of this Psalm had toward his God. See if you feel the same way.
(Psalm 116:12): “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?” The word “render” is שּוב, which in essence means return or restore. It can have to do with turning back. לוּמְגַּת is “benefits.” The word “benefits” means recompense, reward, or benefit. Literally, it means a bestowment. Interestingly enough, the word “bestowment”, according to Webster’s Dictionary, means “the act of giving or bestowing; a conferring or bestowal.”
Bottom line: GOD has been GOOD to us!
Conclusion: Now think—what can you “render” to the Lord for all His benefits?
- OURSELVES
- Our SUBSTANCE
- Our SERVICE
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
29
Nov '24
Giving Thanks Beforehand
29
Nov '24
Introduction: Usually, when we bring up the subject of THANKSGIVING, we think of blessings we have already received. However, today’s study brings out another side of Thanksgiving.
By studying the life of Jesus Christ, it becomes apparent that He “gave thanks” before the provision was received.
1. Jesus gave THANKS! (John 6:10) – “And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.”
Did you notice that Jesus “Gave Thanks” before the miracle happened? Even though He was God in the flesh, yet He “Gave Thanks”! What is fascinating about John’s gospel is the sequence of order in this miracle. Jesus first “Gave Thanks,” then the multiplication of the fish and loaves took place. What is our Lord teaching us? Could it be that real faith in God is “Giving Thanks” before our provision?
2. Jesus “Gave Thanks” before raising Lazarus from the dead! (John 11:41) – “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.”
With broken hearts, Martha and Mary, Jesus’s friends, were grieving because their brother had died. While this seemed to be an insurmountable case—being dead four days—yet the One who conquered death had power over death, as He demonstrated by calling forth Lazarus from the tomb. But do not miss it. He “Gave Thanks” before the miracle happened. Here again is a lesson that He taught us in regard to Prayer and Thanksgiving.
Conclusion: The point is clear. The precedent was set. Our goal is to “Give Thanks” beforehand. Why not stop and do that right now?
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
28
Nov '24
Quick Fix: Where Are the Nine? Ingratitude
28
Nov '24
Introduction: Truthfully, has God answered prayers in your life and you forgot to “Give Thanks”? Really, that probably applies to every Christian, even though some are not willing to admit their negligence. Perhaps most of us take our BLESSINGS for granted!
So, how can we be mindful as well as GRATEFUL for our BLESSINGS?
1. Everybody needs the BLESSINGS from the Lord! Life has its challenges (Luke 17:12) – “And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off.”
Leprosy is a physical disease that serves as a typology of a spiritual disease called sin. Since man is a sinner by birth, by choice, and by nature, we are all in need of a Savior. However, God has provided a cure for this sin-sick disease through the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ. Have you trusted in His death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of your sins?
2. Somebody wants the BLESSINGS without letting the BLESSER control them!(Luke 17:17–18) – “And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.”
It seems that many today just want the “Hand of God’s blessings” but not the “Heart of Obedience”!
Obedience is the key to blessings!
Obedience is the key to blessings!
3. Anybody can come to Jesus and be BLESSED! (Luke 17:13–14) – “And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.”
Unfortunately, some today think that they need to “clean up their act” before trusting in Jesus. But that is putting the cart before the horse. Instead, we are to come to Jesus as we are, and He does the changing. Are you allowing Him to change you?
4. Nobody needs to refuse to give THANKS in their heart. Let Jesus take control of your life and make you whole! (Luke 17:15–16) – “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.”
Sadly, man thinks that God will overlook his sin and weigh his good deeds against the bad. What a terrible mistake! Do you know somebody who believes that way?
Conclusion: We must consistently evaluate our motives for why we do what we do. Are we serving Jesus just because we want to “make a deal”? Hopefully not. Anyway, make sure you respond the same way the one GRATEFUL leper did when he returned to worship and praise Jesus Christ.
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
27
Nov '24
Thanksgiving is THANKSLIVING
27
Nov '24
Introduction: Honestly, if we are truly THANKFUL because we understand where and why our blessings come from—namely, our Lord—it will change our “attitude into gratitude”!
1. Thanksgiving is THANKSLIVING because God’s marvelous GRACE is in PLACE! (Tit. 2:11) – “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.”
Paul, inspired by the Holy Ghost, wrote to Titus, his son in the Lord, who was appointed to select leaders in the churches in Crete. He reminded both him and us today that God is not willing that any should perish (2 Pet. 3:9). Instead, because of His Grace that is in Place, He desires all men to come to the knowledge of the Truth and be saved (1 Tim. 2:4–5).
Grace is God doing for us what we do not deserve. Grace is God sending His “only begotten” Son to die for our sins—the just for us, the unjust. Grace is God restoring mankind back to Himself. Grace is God clothing us in His righteousness, all because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 5:21).
2. Thanksgiving is THANKSLIVING because God’s GRACE is in PLACE for the RACE! (Tit. 2:12) – “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
God’s Grace and resurrection power enable every believer to live victoriously over the fleshly characteristics that govern this present world. Now, with the capability to overcome worldly lusts, we can run in this Race of holiness because of His Grace. Run. Run. Run! Don’t look back. Keep pressing forward!
3. Thanksgiving is THANKSLIVING because God’s Grace is in Place for the Race until we see JESUS FACE to FACE! (Tit. 2:13–14) – “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
The word “looking” indicates gazing with great anticipation. Think about it—“Looking to Jesus” (Heb. 12:2), as well as “Looking for Jesus”! That is our Blessed Hope!
Do you have HOPE? With Grace in Place for the Race, it will be worth it all when we see Jesus Christ, “Face to Face”!
Conclusion: After reading these verses of Scripture, hopefully, it turned our “Attitude” into “Gratitude”! Blessed to be a Blessing.
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
26
Nov '24
Thanksgiving in Heaven
26
Nov '24
Introduction: Are you practicing now what we are going to do in heaven? “THANKSGIVING to Jesus”? Listen to the description and join in today:
1. Where are we going to be? (Rev. 7:9) – “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.”
This is where our final destination will be… Home at last. The songwriter penned the words, “How beautiful heaven must be!” There’s not going to be any more sickness, sorrow, or sin in heaven!
2. What will we be doing? (Rev. 7:10–11) – “And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God.”
True worship is depicted here. What we call worship today pales in comparison to what it will be like then.
3. What will we be saying? (Rev. 7:12) – “Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”
What words of affirmation are these! Jesus is worthy of our all! Take a moment to THANK Him right now.
Conclusion: Technically speaking, these are those coming out of the tribulation. (Rev. 7:14–15) – “And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple.”
However, the Church is pictured too in the description of the four and twenty elders. Therefore, we can conclude that we will be included in this THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION in HEAVEN!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
25
Nov '24
How to Leave a Lasting Legacy
25
Nov '24
Introduction: What kind of legacy will you leave? In other words, what will people say about you when you are gone? Hopefully, it will be good! We are all in the process of building our legacy right now. Are there any changes that you would like to make? Perhaps all of us have certain regrets. However, we must get “Past” the “Past.” Today is a new day. Instead of letting our feelings be controlled by shame and guilt from bad decisions, our Lord wants to renew our minds, fill our hearts, and lead our steps.
In these few verses that Paul was inspired to write about some Christians in Philippi, several character traits stood out that enabled them to leave a lasting legacy. See if they are in your life.
1. Others “thank” God for you! (Phil 1:3) – “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”
Approximately ten years had passed since the founding of the Church. And yet, Paul was still “thanking God” for them. Do you still remember, from years ago, those who have been a blessing to you? Stop and think, and then give thanks!
2. Others have poured into your life by praying for you! (Phil 1:4) – “Always in every prayer of mine for you all, making request with joy.”
Those CHRISTians in Philippi were a blessing instead of a burden. Can you be trusted to intercede for others? Praying in faith and according to the will of God is the key to answered prayer. Are you praying while trusting Jesus?
3. Others have partnered with you because of your faithful, consistent burden for the lost! (Phil 1:5) – “For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”
The word “fellowship” is κοινωνία (koy-nohn-EE-ah). It literally means communion, and has to do with participation. Besides that, the term can mean sharing. In this context, evidently, the believers had partnered with Paul by sharing the gospel. Are you sharing the gospel?
Conclusion: Let’s face it, if God does not give favor because of His grace, then we cannot have a genuine, lasting influence. Besides that, if our Lord does not burden people to intercede for us, then we will be lacking in prayer power. Last but not least, if others do not believe in us and give us opportunities to both exercise our spiritual gifts as well as join with them in spreading the “Good News,” then our labor and influence will be limited. So, are you working on leaving a lasting legacy? Keep it up!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
22
Nov '24
Highway to Holiness
22
Nov '24
Introduction: This road is not paved with good intentions. Instead, it is deliberately black-topped with godly decisions, Spirit-filled submission, and biblically led guidance. Make no mistake about it, Jesus calls His followers to a life of holiness—but not perfection.
Here are some irrevocable principles that can lead to a life of holiness. (Isa 35:8) “And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.”
1. Abhor {despise} that which is evil! Cleave to that which is good! (Rom 12:9) – “Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
In other words, “RUN from EVIL but RUN to RIGHTEOUSNESS! Choose holiness. That is what Jesus produces in us. Is there anything that you need to “Run from”? “Run to”?
2. Holiness comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ! (1 Pet 1:15-16) – “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
The word “conversation” is ἀναστροφή (an-as-trof-ay’), which means one’s conduct, behavior, or it can mean manner of life. This word covers from the time we rise up in the morning until we go to sleep at night.
3. Fight against the flesh (Gal 5:16-24) – “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
Like two armies fighting against each other, the flesh and the spirit are at WAR! This battle rages within every believer. Have you noticed? Well, you may ask, “Which one wins”? The answer is whichever one you feed! Which one are you feeding?
4. Resisting Temptation (1 Cor 10:13) – “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Did you notice there is “A WAY” to escape? However, the definite article in the Greek puts emphasis on the fact that there is ONLY ONE WAY of escape! God has an escape route!! Joseph found it, David did not. Noah found it but Jonah ran in the opposite direction. Zacchaeus found it, but Peter missed it.
Conclusion: Since we are on the HIGHWAY to HOLINESS, do not forget to follow the road signs as described in this devotion. WATCH out for detours and shortcuts to HOLINESS; there are none. But ultimately, this road will lead to our Heavenly Home someday, where we will cross over the bridge from this earthly pilgrimage to our eternal resting place of everlasting HOLINESS! Until then, keep traveling!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
21
Nov '24
Is Your Thanksgiving Tank Filled Up or Leaked Down?
21
Nov '24
Introduction: We all have a Thanksgiving tank. Is your tank FULL or EMPTY? Let’s face it. There are some things that drain our tank—“THANKSGIVING killers”—but on the other hand, there are some “THANKSGIVING fillers and thrillers”! Which would you prefer? Probably you would choose the latter instead of the former.
Anyway, consider the following: What causes our Thanksgiving tank to get drained down? How can we fill up our Thanksgiving tank?
1. Thanksgiving Killers! (Col. 3:15) – “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
Worry and fear over the future, our families, fitness, and finances are drainers of our thanksgiving to God. What are you worried about? Is worrying for the birds? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ said the following (Matt. 6:34): “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
By the way, He mentioned this in the context of worrying over food and clothing, illustrating this truth by pointing out the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. According to our Lord Jesus, they are not worried because our Heavenly Father feeds and clothes them. What does our world’s future hold with political instability, military uncertainty, and spiritual apostasy? While we do not know what the future holds, we do know Who holds the future! Resting in that truth will “fill up your THANKSGIVING tank”!
2. Thanksgiving Thrillers! (Col. 2:6-7) – “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”
The word “rooted” is ῥιζόω (hrid-zo’-o), which means to become stable, or it can mean to cause to take root; firmly, or finally to establish. The word “stablished” is βεβαιόω (beh-bah-YO-oh), which means to confirm or establish. It can also mean to make firm or even secure. One usage can be a guarantee. “Abounding” is the word περισσεύω (pe-ris-syoo’-o). It means to be in abundance, to OVERFLOW, or to excel; it can describe exceeding the ordinary (the necessary), or being left over.
Is your heart overflowing with thanksgiving to God? Of course, the opposite of gratitude is ingratitude—gratefulness/ungratefulness. We decide daily if we are going to let THANKSGIVING killers drain our tank or THANKSGIVING thrillers fill our tank.
Conclusion: What is draining your THANKSGIVING tank? Perhaps it is someone or something else. Either way, why not purpose in your heart to “fill up” your tank with PRAISE for our Lord’s goodness and grace? Besides that, count your many blessings, name them one by one! “Fill it up”!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
20
Nov '24
Peace and Safety with Global Changes
20
Nov '24
Introduction: The world is crying out for “Peace and Safety”! Wars and rumors of wars have abounded. Thousands have suffered atrocities. Death and destruction are left behind. The grim reaper has ravaged homes and families. With troops from Russia invading Ukraine, not to mention Hezbollah and Hamas fighters (proxies of Iran) attacking Israel, the world is ablaze with political instability, military uncertainty, and spiritual apostasy.
Is there hope? Is the world going to be destroyed? Like a bright light in a dark world, God’s Word brings lasting “peace and security”!
1. PREDICTIONS of Pseudo PEACE and SAFETY! (1 Thess. 5:1-3) – “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 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.”
Paul reminds those CHRISTians in the Church of Thessalonica that during tumultuous times, many are going to cry out “Peace and Safety”! But during that time, it will be a false sense of Peace—“Peace with the Beast.” In fact, the Antichrist will bring a peace plan; howbeit, it will be a deceptive strategy which will be taken back—he lies! Therefore, those Christians in the Church, like today, should not be misled. Are you?
2. PREPARATIONS for COMMERCIAL BABYLON! (Rev. 18:2) – “And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, ‘Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.”
Here is a description of a political world system that will be in place during the seven-year tribulation. Obviously, things are moving toward that fulfillment. Speaking of economic woes, the newly elected president, Donald Trump, has declared his strategy of reducing the humongous national debt by drilling, opening up the Keystone pipeline, placing tariffs on Iran and China, creating jobs through industries and technologies, thus cutting down inflation efficiently. Time will tell, and anything unexpectedly could happen; i.e., like COVID. Right?
3. PARTICIPATIONS with RELIGIOUS BABYLON! (Rev. 17:5) – “And upon her forehead was a name written, ‘MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.’”
One world religion is in the making. This will be a conglomeration of all different kinds of man-made religions. The stage is being set today. An ecumenical movement throws doctrine out the window. Have you been misled by false religions, which results in a sense of counterfeit “PEACE and SAFETY”?
4. PROCLAMATIONS of the PRINCE of PEACE! (Isa. 9:6-7) – “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever.”
One day in the future, Jesus Christ’s kingdom is coming. He will rule and reign with a rod of iron in righteous judgment. His justice will prevail! His kingdom there shall be no end.
5. PERFECTIONS for perfect PEACE and SAFETY! (1 Thess. 5:16-18) – How to get up when you’re down—and stay up! “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Here is the OUTLOOK, the INLOOK, and the UPLOOK!
Conclusion: While PEACE and SAFETY is the goal of man, the writers of the Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit, reveal that it will eventually come, but not until the PRINCE of PEACE sets up His government. Only when Jesus Christ comes again will there be real “PEACE and SAFETY”! But meanwhile, we can have “PEACE with God” by admitting we are sinners in need of a Savior, by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ (repenting & receiving His forgiveness through His redeeming blood), which results in a personal relationship. This can and should result in having potential “PEACE and SAFETY” on a daily basis. Do you have His “PEACE and SAFETY”? Why not today?
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
19
Nov '24
Changes & Evidences
19
Nov '24
Introduction: When Jesus takes up residence in a human heart, He changes it! Clear evidence that a person has been converted is witnessed by others, which results in a changed life. Have you been changed? Bottom line: Those today who claim they have a relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ, and yet there do not appear to be definite changes, may be questioned as to whether they have truly been converted. Even those saved as children should have evidences throughout their lifetime of the differences being born again into God’s family has on them.
Let’s take a few examples in Scripture to prove this point.
1. Lydia was changed! (Acts 16:15) – “And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.”
Lydia had the “could not help its”! She could not help but want her family to experience forgiveness of their sins and a newfound joy and peace that comes in knowing Jesus intimately. Her burden turned into a testimony which resulted in her whole family’s conversion.
2. The Philippian jailer was changed! (Acts 16:33) – “And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.”
Realizing and repenting of going the wrong way, along with wrong living, this jailer was no longer ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Matter of fact, he, like Lydia, introduced his whole family to Jesus. Are you concerned for your family’s well-being?
3. Peter, James, and John with the other disciples were changed! They were willing to die for their faith in Jesus Christ—of course, not including Judas Iscariot.
4. Mary Magdalene was changed. Seven demons were cast out of her. Her faithfulness to Jesus is recorded in John’s gospel. In fact, she was the first one at the tomb, even though it was empty with grave clothes, on the resurrection morning.
5. Saul of Tarsus, the Pharisee who became the flaming missionary, took on a new nature (2 Cor. 5:17). Traveling and spreading the good news was his God-given goal in life. Ultimately, it led him to Rome where he was beheaded as a martyr.
Conclusion: Remember, Jesus told the demon-possessed man in Mark chapter five, after he had had the legion of demons removed, to “GO HOME” and tell of the great things the Lord had done. With the definite and radical changes that take place in the believer’s heart (changes in our want-to’s) after being forgiven of condemning guilt, awful shame, and sin’s stain, one should experience a “NEW LIFE” with a “NEW LORD” followed by a “NEW LOVE”! Do you agree?
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese