14
Jan '25
Triumphant Trust Through Troubles and Trials
14
Jan '25
Introduction: What do you do when you’re going through TROUBLES & TRIALS? Remember the song? “We will understand it better by and by.” Nahum understands. Over 100 years has passed since Jonah preached in Nineveh, which resulted in a mighty, national revival (Do it again, Lord!); However, Judah (the Southern Kingdom) still paid tribute to the cruel & merciless Assyrians -Nineveh was its capital. Where is God? Why would He allow this? Heard that before?
Nahum reminds us that there are at least three ways to TRIUMPH when you’re going through TROUBLES & TRIALS:
1. Remember when life isn’t always good, GOD is always good! (Nahum 1:7) – ” The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.”
• The devil’s bad
• God’s good
2. Remember when your going through a STORM you can SEEK a SHELTER! (Nahum 1:7) – ” The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.”
• Face your fears
• Seek a Shelter
3. Remember when you are in need of HOPE & HELP, you can find FAITH in the FATHER! (Nahum 1:7) – ” …. and he knoweth them that trust in him.”
• He knows our name
• He made our frame
• He made our frame
Conclusion: God reminds Nahum whose name means comfort that the so-called impenetrable fortress of Nineveh (the walls of the city measured 7-1/2 miles in circumference; they were 100 ft. high and wide enough for 3 chariots to drive on) would come to a screeching halt. Their doom was deserved! In our day, when in seems like the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer, one look at this book assures believers that there’s coming a PAY DAY SOMEDAY!
But until then, keep fighting the good fight of faith.
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
13
Jan '25
Living and Dying in the Lord
13
Jan '25
Introduction: Did you know your life will preach your funeral? Actually, your life is your testimony. What kind of legacy will you leave behind?
Thanks for taking a moment to consider what the Bible reveals about life and, more specifically, one’s death. As a believer in Jesus Christ, eternal life begins at conversion and will last throughout eternity.
1. Whether Living or Dying, We Are the Lord’s! (Rom. 14:8) – “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”
Bottom line: He made us, bought us, and will come back for us some glorious day in the near future. What a day that will be!
2. When a Christian Dies, It Is Valuable in the Sight of God! (Psalm 116:15) – “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”
Imagine that! When a Christian dies, God says it is precious in His sight. The word “precious” is יָקָר (yaqar), which has to do with something valuable, rare, or even esteemed. Immediately, you recognize that humanity looks at death differently than Divinity. Keep in mind, since our God is a God of no beginning and no ending, He is waiting for His creation to enjoy their eternal destination.
How have you looked at death for the Christian? Now, obviously, this should not take away from the grieving process, which our Lord understands and even experienced with His friend whom He loved—Lazarus.
3. While Our Bodies Are Going Down, Our Spirits Are Going Up! (2 Cor. 5:1-8) – “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven.”
In this passage of Scripture, the apostle Paul likens our earthly body to a tabernacle or temporary tent. Then, he is inspired to describe why the believer will live forever with Jesus Christ: “Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore, we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord… we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”
Did you recognize the down payment of the Christian life—namely, the “earnest of the Spirit”? What does that mean? It reveals that God made preparations before He created man for him to live forever. In so doing, He deposits into every believer an upfront payment by giving him or her the Holy Spirit. Since God the Holy Spirit lives forever and because He indwells the Christian, the Christian will live forever. Oh, that explains why Paul wrote those comforting and deeply cherished words: “Absent from the body, present with the Lord.”
Doesn’t that bring peace to your heart?
Conclusion: Now that we’ve briefly considered the biblical insight for living and dying, what more could be said other than: “Keep living a life worth dying, only to live again with Jesus!”
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
10
Jan '25
Don’t Give Up Hope
10
Jan '25
Introduction: Do you ever feel like “GIVING UP”? We’re not home yet! God is not finished with you. God reminds us through Paul (I believe the author, inspired by the Holy Spirit), do not go BACKWARD but PRESS FORWARD to maturity in Christ.
There are three ways to PRESS on:
1. Don’t Give Up Your “CONFIDENCE”! (Heb. 10:35) – “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.”
Some things NEED TO be thrown away — clutter.
Some things DO NOT need to be thrown away — “confidence” (παρρησία (parrhesia), which means freedom, boldness).
Payback on the way — rewards.
Some things DO NOT need to be thrown away — “confidence” (παρρησία (parrhesia), which means freedom, boldness).
Payback on the way — rewards.
2. Don’t Forget to Hold On to “PATIENCE”! (Heb. 10:36) – “For ye have need of PATIENCE, that after ye have done the will of God, ye may receive the promise.”
To know the will of God — “PATIENCE” (ὑπομονή (hupomone), meaning endurance, steadfastness, to remain under).
To do the will of God.
To do the will of God.
3. Remember, JESUS Is Coming Soon! (Heb. 10:37) – “For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.”
Keep Looking Up.
Keep Looking Out.
Keep Looking Out.
Conclusion: It is easy to get discouraged these days. Constant focus on “The BIG Picture” — God’s purpose and plan — will keep us motivated to not GO BACK but to PRESS ON, loving, serving, and waiting for JESUS to come again. That will be worth it all!
PRESS ON!!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
Pastor Randy Reese
09
Jan '25
What a Prayer for Others
09
Jan '25
Introduction: What a model prayer Paul had for the believers in Philippi. Are you praying daily for others? What should you pray? The devotion today should be a blessing to its readers.
Please notice the direction as well as elements in this prayer.
1. Pray for Overflowing LOVE! (Phil. 1:9) – “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.”
The word “abound” is περισσεύω, which means to be in abundance or to overflow. It can mean to excel. Is the love of Christ living in your heart for others?
2. Pray for Spiritual Knowledge Along with DISCERNMENT! (Phil. 1:9) – “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.”
Do you know what this word “knowledge” means? Is he talking about head knowledge? The word is ἐπίγνωσις. It means full spiritual knowledge. It can refer to discernment. Next, look at the word “judgment.” It does not mean criticism; instead, it is the word αἴσθησις, which means perception, discernment, or even insight. In other words, if we have a full and experiential knowledge of Jesus Christ, then as believers we can exercise discernment without being critical. Are you a critical person?
3. Pray for CHARACTER! (Phil. 1:10) – “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.”
What does “approve” mean? It is the word δοκιμάζω. The word reveals to test or to prove. Furthermore, it can have to do with examining. Actually, this word was used in testing metals and coins. Why? The answer is to see if they were real and met certain standards. In addition, the word “excellent” means to excel, or to be better, and it can mean to surpass. When you have been tested, do you pass the test with approval?
4. Pray for WISDOM to Avoid Being an Offense! (Phil. 1:10) – “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.”
The word “offense” is ἀπρόσκοπος, which does not mean faultless but blameless. It literally describes not causing someone to stumble. Besides that, it speaks of being free from hurt or harm. Wow! That encompasses quite a bit! Now granted, if you are teaching or preaching from the Bible, it is going to be offensive to some. However, this passage seems to be more directed to what we say and do. Have you ever been an offense unintentionally? Probably so, since we are mere human beings, although redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion: What a beautiful prayer to pray! Besides love, pray for discernment and understanding. Certainly, do not forget to pray for wisdom. And when all is said and done, give God the glory!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
08
Jan '25
Can’t Wait for the Marriage & Marriage Supper
08
Jan '25
Introduction: Have you ever been to a wedding? Every wedding consists of at least both the bride and the groom. Get ready for the wedding. But how? First, a careful study of the texts reveals the meaning.
1. Will You Be at the Wedding and Marriage of the Lamb? (Rev. 19:7-8) – “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”
Question: Is this verse referring to the “wife” of God the Father of the Old Testament or perhaps the “wife” of Jesus Christ (Bridegroom-wife), which would be the Church of the New Testament? Some suggest the former, others the latter. Listen, either way, it does not erase the truth of either one taught in the Scriptures. Chronologically speaking, first, Christ will come back for His Church in the rapture. Notable scholars have drawn the parallel between this event and the reference in John 14:1-3. In this passage, the Son of God goes back to His Father’s house to prepare a place for He and His Church to spend eternity. By the way, Jesus Christ is referred to by John the Baptist as the “LAMB of God.” From an exegetical standpoint, that should identify this passage as JESUS CHRIST (the LAMB) being joined to His wife, the Church.
2. Will You Attend the Marriage Supper of the Lamb? (Rev. 19:9) – “And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.”
Following the wedding of the Lamb comes the marriage supper. Again, the terminology “LAMB” should be a “giveaway” to which this passage is a futuristic event that celebrates the marriage of the Church to Jesus Christ. Imagine, what a spread!
3. How Can We Get Ready for These Futuristic Events? (Rev. 19:7-9) – “And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”
Will you reread the last few words again?“…the righteousness of the saints.” This can be translated as the “righteous acts” of the saints. In other words, Christians living and serving through obedience to the “Will and Word” of God will purify their wedding garments.
Conclusion: Are you planning on going to the wedding? Are you preparing now for that heavenly event? Start now.
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
06
Jan '25
Blood Moons in 2025
06
Jan '25
Introduction: Could this be the year when Christ comes again? BLOOD moons are scheduled to appear on March 13th and 14th. Does that mean Bible prophecy is going to be fulfilled? Is this a “sign” of the “time”? Certain Bible teachers and preachers will certainly attempt to hype up this event to make others feel that this is the fulfillment of the Bible. But is it really?
Let’s see. Here are references to BLOOD MOONS in the Scriptures:
1. The Book of Joel! (Joel 2:30-31) – “And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.”
By the way, this was not completely fulfilled in the book of Acts. How can we know? The answer is because all of these phenomenal occurrences did not take place in that day. Therefore, we must conclude it to be futuristic.
2. The Book of Matthew! (Matt 24:30) – “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
Again, these supernatural signs will occur when Jesus Christ comes in His second coming — not in the rapture.
3. The Book of Revelation! (Rev 6:12) – “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood.”
When does this happen? During the tribulation, the moon will turn BLOOD RED! By the way, this is after the rapture of the Church. Get ready!
Conclusion: As we’ve seen, the Bible reveals the true meaning of the BLOOD MOONS. In the context of each book and certain phrases lies the key to understanding the timing. With that being said, keep looking UP — the rapture will happen first!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
03
Jan '25
In the New Year with Good Fear
03
Jan '25
Introduction: Did you know that some fear is good? According to the Bible, we need to take some fear into the New Year. Like what?
Check out the writings of both Paul and Solomon under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Also, Jude mentions fear.
1. What did Paul mean when he wrote Philippians 2:12? – “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Reread that last phrase: “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Greek scholars define the word “fear” as φόβος. It can mean terror, reverence, or respect. In this case, it is apparently used to mean the latter. In other words, as believers in Jesus Christ, we are to work “out” what God the Holy Spirit works “in”! By the way, he is not talking about working FOR your salvation; rather, he is saying because of your salvation, there should be some works. James says the same (James 2:14-25). Also, do not forget that one day we will have to give an account of our salvation—the process of sanctification; i.e., spiritual gifts.
2. What did Solomon mean when he wrote about the fear of God? (Proverbs 1:7) – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
The Hebrew word “fear” is יִרְאָה, which similarly means reverence or awe. In summary, we do not need to necessarily be afraid of God, but we should certainly RESPECT and have a holy REVERENCE for Him! Do you have reverence for the God of the Bible?
3. What did Jude mean when he wrote about fear? (Jude 1:23) – “And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”
The same word is used for “fear” as in Philippians 2. Here, it can mean the object or cause of fear, or even terror. Some suggest that in the context of “save others with fear,” it means with an anxious heart, being concerned lest we be defiled by the wickedness of those whom we are rescuing. In addition, any soul winner knows the awful consequence of rejecting Jesus Christ as God’s remedy for sin and going out into eternity lost forever, destined for the lake of fire! Do you experience a sense of godly fear when witnessing?
Conclusion: While some fear is negative, as we’ve discussed in this devotion, some fear is positive. Will you stop and pray for the “good” kind of FEAR in the NEW YEAR?
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
02
Jan '25
20/20 Vision in 2025
02
Jan '25
Introduction: How is your vision? Do you need spiritual glasses? Are you spiritually nearsighted or farsighted? Is God’s will blurry? Can you see biblical principles? Are your eyes open to the needs of others? Habakkuk needed a spiritual vision test. Why? Because he did not understand why a “Good God” would allow “Bad things” to happen to His people.
Are you in the same boat? Take this VISION test.
1. When you need a Word from God, you need to WATCH EXPECTANTLY! (Hab 2:1) – “I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.”
The Chaldeans (Babylonians) were on the brink of overthrowing the southern Kingdom of Judah. Keep in mind, the northern Kingdom of Israel had been invaded by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. Have you noticed that in order to hear the Lord speak or to know His will these days, it requires diligent and persistent expectation?
2. When the Lord speaks, you need to WRITE OBEDIENTLY! (Hab 2:2) – “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.”
For Elijah, God did not speak through the wind, earthquake, or fire; instead, it was the still small voice. (1 Kings 19:11,12) – “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.”
Are you listening for the still small voice? Don’t forget, when God the Holy Spirit speaks through the Word of God, write it down.
3. When the Lord reveals His Vision, you need to WAIT PATIENTLY! (Hab 2:3,4) – “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
When our Lord reveals His VISION, it can be trusted. But make no mistake about it, our faith will be tested!
Conclusion: Now then, what is your VISION for 2025? Will you go back and review this devotion? Follow the guidelines whereby Habakkuk discovered God’s VISION.
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
01
Jan '25
Blessed & Alive in 2025
01
Jan '25
Introduction: We are blessed! Really, go ahead and admit it. Our Lord has been good to us! Not only are we blessed to be alive physically, but more importantly, we are staying revived spiritually. I love this chapter in the book of Psalms.
Here is how to stay alive in 2025:
1. It begins with a HEART-CRY to God in prayer! (Psa 143:1) – “Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.”
Prayer works if you work it! Not just when we are facing troubles—praying the right way releases God’s supernatural power. Is prayer a daily practice for you?
2. It can turn into a HEART-SIGH for relief! (Psa 143:4) – “Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.”
Interesting to note, the word “overwhelmed” is עָטַף. It means to cover or to envelop. It can also have to do with fainting. Finally, here it can describe being feeble. Everyone faces being overwhelmed at times. Are you feeling overwhelmed right now? Keep reading.
3. It can call for a HEART-ELECTRIFY—come to life! (Psa 143:11) – “Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.”
The word “quicken” is חָיָה, which means to live, to be alive, to revive, or to restore to life. Because of life’s stress, our spiritual batteries get drained. Are you feeling tired and weary?
Conclusion: Is one of your desires in 2025 to stay ALIVE—spiritually? In summary, these three steps will guarantee you can stay alive. Through the vehicle of prayer, the act of casting our burdens upon the Lord, and finally trusting and receiving the “Quickening” of the Holy Spirit, you will definitely experience spiritual growth in the coming year.
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese