Devotions Archives | Page 19 of 124 | New Rocky Creek Baptist Church

Our Heavenly Father / Son & Daughter Relationship

Posted on Nov 5, 2024 in Devotions |

Introduction: Have you noticed that in your life, when you’re “obedient” to our Heavenly Father, that is when you feel closer? “Doing our own thing” causes us to feel distant. Our Lord wants a relationship with us like your relationship with your family (parent/child, etc.). But honestly, we have to “work” at it, “take time,” “sacrifice,” and even do those things that are not “convenient.” Just like you LOVE your family, our heavenly FATHER loves us and wants to spend time with us (talking/praying/listening/reading His Word/obeying His voice—His Spirit/His leading/submitting to His will for our life).

Here are some Scriptures to encourage you today.

1. (Psa 103:1-14) – “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits… Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.”

The word “pitieth” is the Hebrew word רָחַם (raw-kham’). It means to love or to have compassion. Did you notice the comparison between an earthly father and our Heavenly Father?

2. (Matt 7:11) – “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

Think about that. You know how much you love and care for your children and family, and how much you love to be a blessing to them! Jesus is saying that our Heavenly Father loves to give good things to His children.

3. (Gal 4:6) – “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”

It is interesting to note that in the oriental custom, a child’s first words would be “Papa Father,” not “Mama”! Admittedly, some who did not have a good father figure growing up struggle with a relationship with his or her Heavenly Father. However, once the truth of God’s Word is quickened in our hearts concerning the great LOVE He has for us, it should cause us to overcome feelings of rejection or abandonment. Bottom line: Are we going to trust our feelings or trust our Heavenly FATHER by FAITH?

4. (1 John 3:1,2) – “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God…”

John, inspired by the Holy Spirit, who was changed from a “son of thunder” into an “apostle of love,” writes to believers about the living God to remind them of our Heavenly Father’s out-of-this-world kind of love. There is nothing like it!

Conclusion: Where are you at with your relationship with your Heavenly Father? Do you feel distant? Do you feel unloved? Rejected? Please understand that we cannot go by our feelings when it comes to our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Instead, His Word, which is truthful and trustworthy, should surpass our finicky emotions. What are you going to trust today? Why not bask in the “Great Love” and “Best Interest” of our Heavenly Father?

Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese

Nov '24

More like Jesus

Posted on Nov 4, 2024 in Devotions |

Nov '24

Introduction: We are not little gods. We are the sons and daughters of our heavenly Father. By the way, His purpose for redeeming us is to conform us into the “image” of His Son, Jesus Christ. Should we cooperate as the clay yields to the Potter? Here are some passages that refer to that process.

1. Good out of Bad! (Rom 8:28) – “For 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.“

This chapter, Romans 8, has tremendous and timeless truths. It begins with “no condemnation” and ends with “No separation,” but in between is plenty of “liberation”! The passage before us (v. 28-39) is loaded with truth. For example, in verse 28, the Holy Spirit reveals, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Please understand that God is not saying that all things are “good”; instead, He is saying that all things “work together for good.” But this applies only to those who love the Lord.

2. Predestined to be conformed to His image! (Rom 8:29) – “For 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.”

The word “foreknow” is προγινώσκω, which means to know beforehand. So our Lord KNOWS BEFOREHAND what is going to happen. Next, the word “predestined” is προορίζω, which means to predetermine; it is to foreordain. This would be considered God’s sovereign selection. He decides His will, which is revealed in the next words. Follow the trend: The next word to study is “conformed.” The Greek word is σύμμορφος, which means to conform or to make similar. God’s predetermined will is to MAKE His children MORE like His SON! Lastly, look at the word “image.” It is the word εἰκών, which literally means an image, statue, or it can mean a representation. So there we have it. God’s purpose for having a relationship with us is to change us into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. But when and how does He do it?

Conclusion: Through afflictions, blessings, and life, our heavenly Father’s ultimate plan is to make those of us who put our faith and trust in His Word, including Jesus’s sacrificial death on the cross as well as His glorious resurrection from the dead, thus shaping us into the representation of His likeness. Praise the Lamb! Bottom line: When others see us, they need to see JESUS!

Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese

Nov '24

God’s Prophetic Calendar

Posted on Nov 1, 2024 in Devotions |

Nov '24

Introduction: Where are we on God’s timetable? What should we be doing? How is the Antichrist going to attract a following? Are more and more people going to receive the truth or reject it as the end gets nearer and after the rapture of the Church? These sequences of events are listed by the Holy Spirit through Paul to the Church of the Thessalonians.

Follow the progression:

1. The Return of the Savior (2 Thess 2:1-3) – “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him.”

Just before the “Day of the Lord” begins, Jesus Christ will return in the rapture. Paul describes that great “getting up morning” in his first epistle (1 Thess 4:13-18). It just so happened that many in the Church were wondering if they would see their loved ones again after death; besides that, others were listening to false teachers claiming the rapture had taken place and they were already experiencing the Day of the Lord. Are you preparing your loved ones for the rapture and the Day of the Lord?

2. The Refusing of Society (2 Thess 2:3) – “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”

To clarify, God instructs the believers in the Church, back then as well as now, that first there will be a “falling away” before the man of sin is revealed. Evidently, some had misled them. What does this mean? The word “falling away” is ἀποστασία, which can mean a defection or a revolt. Some translate it “departure.” Those who translate it as “departure” explain that it refers to the rapture—meaning it will happen before the Antichrist comes on the scene. Regardless, it is obvious that there is both a political and spiritual falling away happening even today, which will escalate as we get closer to the fulfillment of God’s calendar. Do you have a prophetic calendar?

3. The Rebellion of Satan (2 Thess 2:4) – “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”

After the confirmation of the covenant with Israel, the rebuilding of the temple, and the rapture of the Church, the Antichrist will move into the temple and claim to be God while demanding worship. How close do you think we are for this to happen?

4. The Restraining of Saints (2 Thess 2:5-7) – “Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.”

There is a mighty force holding back Satan’s Superman! With overcoming power from Jesus Christ, the Spirit-filled Church stands against the powers of hell. As with Israel of old, no weapon can overtake her. The faithful bride of Christ is ready to fight off evil until her GROOM comes back for her in the clouds of glory! Are you fighting the good fight of faith?

5. The Repercussion of Satan’s Superman! (2 Thess 2:8-9) – “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.”

Satan’s Superman cannot stand against the Captain of our Salvation! With mighty resurrection power, our Conquering King will fling the man of sin into the lake of fire! The false prophet will join the Antichrist to be tormented forever. Jesus wins the battle!

6. The Rejection of Scripture! (2 Thess 2:10-12) – “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

Sadly, many will believe the “lies” of the devil. Why? Because they will reject the truth of God. If people only knew how dangerous it is to turn a deaf ear to the Word of God! Please go tell them in Calvary’s love.

Conclusion: The clock is ticking. Time is running out for many. According to this passage, Jesus will return during days of apostasy. Restraining forces (the Church) are keeping Satan’s Superman away. But once removed, the Antichrist will take the stage, but his influence will come to an abrupt end. He will meet his demise. Jesus Christ’s truth is marching on! Glory! Hallelujah!!

Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese

Oct '24

Attributing Worth to the One who is Worthy to be Worshipped

Posted on Oct 31, 2024 in Devotions |

Oct '24

Introduction: God desires Worship! He deserves Worship!! Do you take time every day to Worship? Why not take a moment now and Bless Him, Thank Him, Worship Him… bow down before Him. Unfortunately, today, in our busy lifestyles, we do not take time to really Worship because of people or things.

This devotion will explore “What is real Worship” & “How to really Worship.”

1. What is real WORSHIP? (John 4:24) – “21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

In response to the “worn-out woman at the well” (worn out from sinful living), Jesus not only offers her a drink of living water but also teaches and reveals to her Who He is, namely the Messiah. She was taught but caught the truth, and as a result, turned Samaria upside down—a revival took place! Real Worship comes from the heart—clean hands and a pure heart. (Psa 24:3,4) “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.”

Real Worship is not just on Sunday, but every day and can be everywhere; albeit, this does not negate corporate worship on the Lord’s Day! Is Worshiping Jesus Christ a priority in your life?

2. How can we really WORSHIP? (Mark 14:3) – “And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.”

Real worship is demonstrated in “SACRIFICIAL GIVING”! This woman was not going to be distracted by critical disciples or by selfish possessions. Are people distracting you from Worship? Has selfishness robbed you of the joy of GIVING to Jesus? Another woman in Scripture discovered the secret of real Worship. (Luke 7:37,38) “And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.”

Again, there were distractions to keep this woman from letting her heart, her tears, and her kisses lavished upon her Lord. But with reckless abandonment of her pride, and with passionate pursuit from her heart, she WORSHIPPED JESUS CHRIST! Will we do the same? Or will our shame and name keep us from WORSHIP?

Conclusion: Will you Attribute Worth to Jesus, who is Worthy to be WORSHIPPED? Be a true Worshipper of Him, and it will change your life!

Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese

Oct '24

A Heart for God

Posted on Oct 30, 2024 in Devotions |

Oct '24

Introduction: Do you have a heart for the Lord? Are you hungry for truth? By the way, not just to know the truth, but rather do you know it and obey it? Paul mentioned to Timothy that people would always be learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. How can we tell if you have a heart for God?

Several ways listed:

1. A Heart that is thirsty for God! (Psa 42:1) – “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”

The picture here is of a deer running through the woods, being chased on a hot day. His tongue is parched and loosely hanging out of his mouth, longing for a cool drink of water at the brook. In like manner, every believer ought to be thirsty for God. Are you thirsty?

2. A Heart that turns from evil but toward the Lord! (Psa 1:1,2) – “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

Think about it. It is not just what we are turning from; i.e., mind-altering drugs, but also what we are turning to, namely Jesus. Are you turning from some things, people, and turning toward Jesus?

3. A Heart that desires to be clean! (Matt 5:8) – “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”

Only the blood of Jesus can purify the heart. Is your heart clean?

4. A Heart that is broken over sin! (Psa 34:18) – “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

A broken and contrite spirit means teachable, correctable. Do you get mad when corrected?

5. A Focused heart! (Matt 6:19-21) – “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

It does not take long to see where a person’s heart is, and consequently their treasure. Just listen to them speak for five minutes. It is a giveaway.

6. A whole heart! (Prov 3:5,6) – “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Jesus deserves our whole heart. Does He have yours?

7. A heart that meditates on God! (Psa 19:14) – “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

Our mindset and meditation determine our actions and decisions. What is on your mind these days?

Conclusion: Having a heart for God is commendable. But make no mistake about it, it takes deliberate intentions on the part of the individual. Will you deliberately decide to have a heart for God? If so, Lord bless!

Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese

Oct '24

Pre-Rapture Preparation

Posted on Oct 29, 2024 in Devotions |

Oct '24

Introduction: How close are we until the rapture? Nobody knows. Our Heavenly Father knows. So, what should we do in the meantime (it does not have to be a mean time!)

First, let’s consider some pre-rapture signs or indicators.

1. Preparations for raising a 10th Red Heifer! (Num 19) Officially, there have been nine Red Heifers in Israeli history who have met the criteria set forth by God through Moses. As soon as one qualifies, the purification of both the high priest and the temple will be in place. This will coincide with the rebuilding of the next temple, which seemingly will be used by the Antichrist. Remember, this will not be Messiah’s temple. Ezekiel describes His massive temple, which will stand during the millennium (1,000-year) reign.

2. BRICS meeting last week—Oct 22-24—with more countries joining! (Rev 6, 13) Russia’s President Putin was hosting this meeting along with China’s leader Xi Jinping, Brazil, India, and the newly added Iran, UAE, Egypt, and Ethiopia, plus around 26 other countries. Their purpose for gathering? One of the purposes is to strategize and circumvent the American DOLLAR! A NEW WORLD ORDER has formed. While the U.S. currency has been leading the way for years, the implementation of a new way of monetizing seems to be on the horizon. All of that is foretold in the Scriptures. Eventually, the Economic, Political, and Global Ruler will CONTROL the world’s buying and selling with a “mark.” It appears closer than ever.

3. Israel under attack by numerous armies and countries! (Ezek 38, 39; Jer 49; Psa 83) Miraculously, Israel has been able to defeat Hamas and Hezbollah with a little help, including from the United States, even though we are trying to “tie their hands” during the process. The prophets of old prophesied a larger invasion will take place somewhere in the future. Don’t forget: Almighty God will intervene and wipe out 5/6th of their army coalition. Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.

Conclusion: All of the pre-rapture events are calling for CHRISTians to rise up and be counted. These words summarize our calling:
SURRENDER to JESUS!
SHARE JESUS!
SERVE JESUS!
SEEK JESUS!
Get ready to SEE JESUS!

Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese

Oct '24

Let’s Pray

Posted on Oct 28, 2024 in Devotions |

Oct '24

Introduction: Should we pray about everything? Everybody? All the time?

Here are some biblical reasons to pray:

1. Pray for those in authority! (1 Tim 2:1-2) – “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

By the way, this includes both the righteous and the unrighteous. Peter mentions it. (1 Pet 2:13-15, 18) – “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well…. 18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.”

Once we learn this concept in the world, the Church, and the home, then we can expect God’s favor and blessing. But first, we must submit to Jesus Christ and His Word.

2. Pray for God’s will! (1 John 5:14-15) – “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

Did you notice that biblical prayer focuses on the Will of God? Are you praying about your will or God’s will?

3. Pray when you’re tempted to worry! (Phil 4:6) – “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication…..”

The word “careful” has to do with worry or anxiety. So our Lord is saying, “Don’t worry; instead, pray.” Would you rather worry?

4. Pray with thankful hearts! (Phil 4:7) – “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Thanksgiving is the key. But why should we be thankful? The answer is because our trust is in the Lord Jesus, not in circumstances. Are you going to give thanks?

5. Pray for the Kingdom of God to come! (Matt 6:10) – “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

Actually, Jesus Christ’s kingdom will come. When He returns in His second coming and inaugurates His dominion, He shall reign forever!

6. Pray for enlightenment and understanding! (Eph 1:15-17) – “Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.”

What a great prayer to pray for others as Paul was inspired by the Holy Ghost! Are you praying for others?

7. Pray for God’s Power! (Acts 4:31-32) – “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”

A fresh filling and boldness came as a result of prayer. These are great needs for every Christian!

8. Pray with a teachable spirit and persistence! (Luke 11:1-2) – “And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”

This should be our prayer! Teach us to pray!!

9. Pray for all the saints! (James 5:16) – “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Two words stand out: Accountable and Responsible. Think about it.

Conclusion: Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese

Oct '24

Resurrection of the Saints

Posted on Oct 25, 2024 in Devotions |

Oct '24

Introduction: Guess how old the CHRISTians were in the Church of Thessalonica when Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, wrote his letter? You say, ten years? Twenty? Thirty? Wrong. Try THREE weeks old!! What is the “big deal”? If you read the five chapters, you will discover every one has the doctrine (teaching) of Jesus Christ’s return.

For instance,

1. From Idolatry to Expectancy! (1 Thess 1:9,10) – “….and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”

The word “wait” is ἀναμένω (an-am-en’-o), which means to await. It has to do with one whose coming is expected. This writer remembers “waiting” for our grandparents to come for Christmas. We anticipated they would be there. We kept looking for them. When they didn’t show up in the morning, we looked forward to seeing them later that day. The feeling was fabulous! Today we are looking for Jesus in the same way!!

2. See You Now and See You Later! (1 Thess 2:19) – “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?”

This crown of rejoicing will be rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Chronologically speaking, that will take place after we “meet Him in the air” with the saints that have gone on before us.

3. Love Outward, Looking Upward! (1 Thess 3:12,13) – “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: 13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.”

Love is the key; it is the hallmark of the believer. First, we experience love upward, and then we have the capacity to love outward. Do you love the saints?

4. Down from Heaven, Going Up to Heaven! (1 Thess 4:16-18) – “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

This famous, often quoted passage refers to the rapture of the Church. The phrase “caught up” is translated as meaning “snatched away.” Jesus Christ will come and sweep His bride away only to take her to His Father’s house (John 14:1-3). While there—in heaven—the consummation of the marriage will take place, followed by the marriage supper.

5. Suddenly and Unexpectedly, the Day of the Lord! (1 Thess 5:2) – “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.”

Actually, the Day of the Lord will follow the rapture of the Church. A pseudo “peace plan” will be put in place, led by the Antichrist. Pretending to be Israel’s keeper/protector, his true colors will come out midway through the tribulation.

Conclusion: As we have revealed, this epistle is loaded with eschatological (end-time) teaching. Some of it is for here and now, while some of it is for the hereafter. Both need to be taught, but more specifically applied to our life until we see Jesus.

Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese

Oct '24

Midnight Jailhouse Rock

Posted on Oct 24, 2024 in Devotions |

Oct '24

Introduction: Imagine getting beaten with rods for obeying God! Obedience often comes with a price tag. But in the grand scheme of things, serving the One who gave His all for us makes it well worth it. Remember, there is a high cost for low living.

Follow with this writer the narrative found in the founding of the Church of Philippi.

1. The perpetrated lies of greedy thieves lit the fires of persecution! (Acts 16:19-21) – “19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, 20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.”

Did you catch that? These wicked men were more concerned with money than a human life. Sound familiar? We can expect more of that as sin abounds, but at the same time, that makes our mission field more desperate. Go and tell.

2. The Word of God was being fulfilled! Jesus told Paul that he would suffer. (Acts 9:16) – “For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.”

Suffering with Jesus Christ comes with the territory (see 1 Pet 2:21-24). (Acts 16:22-24) – “And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.”

After beating (whipping) them, they threw them into prison. Interesting to note, the word “stocks” is ξύλον (xoo’-lon), which is wood, a club, or staff; it can even mean the trunk of a tree. When was the last time you were beaten and fastened in wooden shackles? It wasn’t a party. But God was at work—a cross turned into a crown.

3. The Testimony of followers of Jesus facing undeserved hardships! (Acts 16:25-30) – “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Instead of WHINING, Paul and Silas were SHINING! Holy Ghost Conviction fell, and a hell-bound sinner who was a prison guard was gloriously saved by the grace of God.

Conclusion:(Acts 16:31-34) – “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.”

What a great outcome of a bad situation! Our Lord works in mysterious ways!!

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Oct '24

Charter Members of the Philippian Church

Posted on Oct 23, 2024 in Devotions |

Oct '24

Introduction: A business lady and her family all became some of the first converts of Philippi. Quite an interesting variety, isn’t it? But that is the way Jesus Christ builds His Church—humble servants instead of proud Pharisees.

A closer investigation reveals this unique situation.

1. Lydia (Acts 16:13) – “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a riverside, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.”

Perhaps the prayer burden on the women’s hearts was really their concern for their families—more than likely. Or maybe it was the great spiritual needs in that city. At any rate, our Lord heard their cry. He led Paul and his mission team to their place of worship. Someone has rightfully stated that when God is up to a work, He puts His people to praying. Are you praying?

2. Lydia and her household (Acts 16:14, 15) – “And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. 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.”

Did you notice that first she heard the Word of God? And faith in Jesus was the result as God the Holy Spirit opened her heart. Plus, she was obedient in following through with her baptism along with her household. That is what you call “Household Salvation”! Have you been baptized after your true conversion?

Conclusion: Are you willing to obey the Lord’s prompting? Will you be led by His Spirit? Are you prepared to share Jesus with those who are searching? If so, we can expect to see “Great & Mighty Things” in numerous families—all for His Glory!

Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese