Leading with Conviction but not Perfection

Introduction: Look at who God used to be leaders. Obviously, they were not perfect. But you can see several “character traits” that were evident. Hopefully, this devotion will encourage us all to develop these irreversible traits. After all, every parent, grandparent, and people of all walks of life are influencers of others by our life and more specifically lifestyle.
 
1. As a spiritual leader, be like Paul who encouraged others to follow him as he followed Jesus Christ! (1 Cor 11:1) – “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

Do not miss that! First, Follow Jesus!! Make sure others are following JESUS!!! JESUS never fails!!!!
 
2. As a spiritual leader be like Moses who was humble. (Num 12:3) – “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.”

Meekness is not Weakness. Rather, it is STRENGTH under GOD’S CONTROL! Are you coming under His control?
 
3. As a spiritual leader be like Queen Esther who desired God’s will over her own! (Esther 4:16) – “I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”
 
Now that is powerful! God did a work in Esther to the point of her willing to lay down her life for her people—the Jews. That takes a lot of GRACE!! But no wonder, even today in Israel, the Jews still talk about Esther who was a great leader, especially celebrated during the time of the feast of Purim, which commemorates the Lord’s deliverance against their enemies. Her influence is still going strong.
 
4. As a spiritual leader be like Abraham who led his family and interceded for the lost! (Gen 18:18–19) – “Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”
 
What a great statement from the Lord Himself. He could depend on the leadership of Abraham to lead his family. What a balance between legalism leadership and Lord-led leadership! Do you lead under legalistic rules or by liberated living in Christ Jesus?
 
5. As a spiritual leader be like Barnabas who was Spirit-filled, a peacemaker, and a generous giver! (Acts 4:36–37) – “And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

One key sign of a Spirit-filled leader is generosity. Are you generous or stingy?
 
6. As a spiritual leader be like Peter who was teachable and usable! (Acts 10:13–21) – “And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate, And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. Then Peter went down to the men..”

Amazing huh? Peter was “correctable” and “leadable” — that is why he was “usable.” Are you correctable?
 
Conclusion: What a tremendous brief study on “Leading with Conviction but not Perfection”! Trust and hope you were blessed. Much more could be said on the subject, but for now, suffice to say, LEAD with CONVICTION although not with PERFECTION.
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


God’s PEACE PLAN to Release the Hostages

Introduction: Does God have a PEACE PLAN? Can He release those who are held in captivity? The Good News is His PEACE PLAN is available 24/7 for those that are wanting to make PEACE and be set FREE. Below is His everlasting PEACE PLAN.
 
1. The WAY of PEACE comes through the BLOOD of His cross! (Col. 1:20) – “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

Without the shedding of blood, in this case, the blood of Jesus Christ, there would be no forgiveness of sin. Praises to the WORTHY Lamb! He has REDEEMED us by His blood. The theme song in heaven will be the following: “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” (Rev. 5:9)
 
Remember, our need to make PEACE with God is because He is holy and we are sinful. His righteous justice and judgment must be vindicated—fully satisfied. In the New Testament the word used is propitiation. John wrote, “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2) 

Paul wrote along these same lines concerning the powerful blood of Jesus, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” (Eph. 2:13)

In other words, we could not even approach the splendor of His majesty nor the radiance of His glory without a PEACE OFFERING, namely, His precious blood. But now we can because of Christ’s cleansing blood. Once these truths are quickened into our hearts, we really do appreciate the power of the blood of Jesus and will be eternally grateful for the finished works of the Cross of Calvary. Yet at the same time, do not forget about His glorious resurrection after His crucifixion that gives the believer power to live in freedom!

2. The REASON for the need for PEACE! (Col. 1:21,22) – “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.”

Honestly, in our flesh we do not want to admit that we were enemies of God, but according to His Word not only were we enemies but we were separated from Him. But bless the Lord, when we could not get to Him, He came to us! And because He laid down His life as our SUBSTITUTE, if we receive His PEACE PLAN as hostages, we can be released from captivity. Have you been set free?
 
Conclusion: Doesn’t this GOOD NEWS motivate you to tell somebody else? The devil is holding people hostage. They desperately need to be delivered. Go help them get set free!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Jesus the One and Only

Introduction: How do you know that Jesus Christ was God? Are the Muslims, Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses correct in denying the deity of Jesus? Can you be sure? Would you be able to “defend” your faith based on the Scriptural evidences? Where would you turn? Give references. Here are some unmistakably biblical proofs that verify that Jesus Christ was who He said He was, namely God in the flesh.
 
1. The Invisible God became the Visible God Man! (Col. 1:15) – “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.”

Look at the word “image”. It happens to be the Greek Word εἰκών (pronounced i-KONE). By definition, it simply means a likeness or a representation, and can even mean resemblance. In other words, the apostle Paul is under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit while confirming that Jesus Christ was the EXACT REPRESENTATION of God in the flesh. When people saw Jesus they saw God, not a god. Next, do you see the word “firstborn”? Jehovah Witnesses point to this and say, “ah ha….Jesus was a CREATED BEING”! Is that true? If it is then you would need to ERASE other SCRIPTURES that claim that He was God (John 10:30; John 14:9; Heb. 1:3-8, etc.) By the way, the word “FIRSTBORN” is πρωτότοκος. It means not in time but place and self-existing or pre-eminent. Only God is eternal or pre-eminent. Not only that but check out the very next verse. Newsflash: Read, and interpret Scripture in its context. Do you keep it in its historical and grammatical context?
 
2. Jesus Christ is CREATOR GOD! (Col. 1:16) – “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”

Clearly and unmistakably, Paul refutes the false teaching of his day that had spread heresy in the Colossian Church as well as today when he declares that ALL things were made by Him, meaning JESUS. Only God had power to “create” (Gen. 1:1). Contrary to the evolutionists who embrace the fallacy of random chance of creation over a span of billions of years, this verse debunks that error and plainly describes the biblical narrative of creation. It all came about through the supernatural work of JESUS CHRIST (John 1:1-5, 14). Consider other biblical verses that reveal the deity of JESUS CHRIST. Can you name them?
 
Conclusion: Now that the deity of Jesus Christ has been settled, are you able intelligently, but more importantly spiritually, to “ANSWER” every man who denies the deity of Christ? Show them God – JESUS CHRIST – the Savior of the world. Only thru Him can one be redeemed.

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


There’s No God Like Our God

Introduction: Did you know that there is NO God like our God? Are you trusting Him? But why should we trust Him? Isaiah the prophet gives us reasons for trusting our Lord. Keep in mind, Isaiah is much like a mini Bible with (66) chapters as opposed to (66) books. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Isaiah is writing to the southern kingdom of Judah and has a message of hope in these latter chapters. Messiah is on His way. Restoration is in God’s plan. There is HOPE for both Israel and those reading this devotion. Why? Because “There is No God like our God”!
 
1. There is No God like our God so we can TRUST Him! (Isa. 46:9) – “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me.”

Look back on your life. Can you see the hand of God leading you to where you are today? Do you remember how He has protected you and provided for you? Have you told others about this great God?
 
2. There is No God like our God who knows the beginning and the end therefore we can TRUST Him! (Isa. 46:10) – “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.”

Only the God of the Bible knows the precise future. He does not guess at it. He is 100% all the time. There is nothing that He does not know. As Isaiah states, His counsel stands forever. Hey, look at His track record. Unblemished.
 
Conclusion: Do you agree that “There is No God like our God”? Is He your God? Do you love Him? Are you showing Him? Are you sharing His love?

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Peace in the Middle East

Introduction: At last, there is a PEACE PLAN on the table. Will it work? Many nations are backing it, including America. In fact, it was birthed after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met with President Donald Trump at the White House on September 29, 2025. Prior to this, Israel has been in a major war with Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthi’s for the last two years. Who could forget Oct. 7, 2023?

Surprisingly, look at the nations that have come together in unity requesting Israel to cease fighting. That is, if Hamas agrees to releasing all of the hostages—dead or alive. Could this be a “Prototype” of the “Peace Plan” with Israel and the Antichrist?
 
1. Daniel foretold about this Prophetic Event yet to be fulfilled! (Dan. 9:26, 27) – “And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”

Did you notice the “he” in verse 27? That is referring to the Antichrist. Eventually, he will “confirm” a covenant {PEACE PLAN} with ISRAEL. Howbeit, it will only last for the first 3 1/2 years of the 7-year TRIBULATION. Afterwards, great persecution and martyrdom will break out against ISRAEL. By the way, the rider on the WHITE HORSE that comes galloping on the scene with a bow in his hand {but no arrows? Political ruler} and a crown on his head during the beginning of tribulation appears to be none other than the ANTICHRIST. Through war, and a mark, he will conquer the world politically, economically, and even religiously. Daniel was able by the grace of God to look into the Prophetic future and lay out God’s plan for Israel. That included 490 years, of which 483 years have been fulfilled exactly as he prophesied. Incredible, huh?

Keep in mind, he was writing while exiled in Babylon {before the Church was established}; therefore, his message was strictly and solely for the JEWS and more specifically the city of JERUSALEM. Please note that today we can have PEACE with GOD through a personal relationship with JESUS CHRIST (Rom. 5:1). Have you experienced that?
 
2. Paul spoke concerning this Prophetic Event yet to be Fulfilled! (1 Thess. 5:2,3; 2 Thess. 2:4) “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.”
“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; 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.”

Here again, did you notice the “PEACE and SAFETY” PLAN? This deceptive agenda {PEACE PLAN with ISRAEL} will only last for the first 3 1/2 years, even though during that time, wars {Ezekiel 38,39} against Israel will take place along with the WRATH and JUDGMENT of JESUS CHRIST upon the world in the form of seven SEALS and TRUMPETS. In light of the antisemitism that is spreading like wildfire around the world, can you see where the stage is being set for a PEACE PLAN to protect the JEWS from her enemies?
 
3. Jesus will establish His Peace Plan! (Luke 1:32,33; Dan. 7:14; Isa. 2:4; 2 Thess. 2:7,8; Rev. 20:1-9) – “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”

From eternity past, the LAMB of GOD was predestined to RULE and REIGN in His SOVEREIGNTY over the world. “Thy KINGDOM COME”! Are you prepared?
 
Conclusion: Yet for right now, this present-day PEACE PLAN with ISRAEL and her enemies is a PRECURSOR to the final COUNTDOWN to ETERNITY. One day in the near future, the PRINCE of PEACE will carry the GOVERNMENT of this world on His shoulders, and don’t forget… His KINGDOM there will be no end—with PEACE forevermore!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Jesus Our Healer, Deliverer, and Favorer

Introduction: Do you need a Bright Light on a Dark Night? Have you ever gone through a “Dark Night”? All of us probably have at one time or another. What do you do? How can you endure? Is there a Light to show you the way during a dark night? Right here in this passage of Scripture, the Psalmist, though he faced a Dark Night, God gave him a Bright Light.
 
1. The Lord is our HEALER! (Psa 30:1–2) – “I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.”
 
Do you need HEALING—spiritual, emotional, mental, relational, physical healing? The word “heal” is רָפָא (raw-faw’), which means to cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair. Everybody needs healing; it is just a matter of time, due to different seasons that each of us go through, including hardship and adversity. But isn’t it good to have that BLESSED ASSURANCE that our Lord Jesus has promised to be with us every step of the way? Do you need Him to be your “Healer”?
 
2. The Lord is our DELIVERER! (Psa 30:3–4) – “O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.”
 
Praise the Lord! Not only is Jesus our HEALER, but also He is our DELIVERER! Jesus Christ DELIVERS us from the power of Sin, the strongholds of Satan, and the evil influence of our Society. By making us overcomers, we are set free to serve and honor Him. Do you need Deliverance?
 
3. The Lord is our FAVORER! Hope for your Future! (Psa 30:5) – “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
 

I love to have the “favor” of God. What does that mean? The word is רָצֹון. It literally means acceptable or delightful. Another meaning of the word has to do with desire, or even (good) pleasure. It is a great thing to have God’s desire. In fact, we are told to “delight ourself in the Lord,” and He would give the desires of our heart.

Conclusion: Now that we’ve seen that Jesus Christ is everything we need, will you trust Him? Will you “thank Him” for being your HEALER, DELIVERER, and FAVORER?
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
 
 


Good Purposes out of Bad Circumstances

Introduction: Have you ever wondered how anything “good” can come out of “bad” circumstances? There is only one way. Look at things from God’s perspective. If we lose sight of His will or purpose, then we can easily fall prey to discouragement. Honestly, are you feeling down because of things going south? This passage of Scripture should bring relief to those who are weary or feeling overloaded. Climb the stairs to a higher point of view in the light of “setbacks.”
 
1. Outward pressure brings about an inward perseverance! (Rom. 5:3) – “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.”
 
This tribulation needs to be defined. It is θλῖψις. The word has to do with anguish, even persecution or perhaps trouble. The word “pressure” fully explains it. Are you feeling anguish? What about troubled? How can you have hope? Keep reading.
 
2. After the producing of inward perseverance, character is formed! (Rom. 5:4) – “And patience, experience; and experience, hope.”
 
As you climb higher over the troubled waters of discouragement, this word “experience” must not be overlooked. But what does it mean? The word is δοκιμή, which means proof, proven character, or lastly proven worth. To simplify, it means that our Lord uses troubles and trials, yea, pressures in our life to build perseverance which turns into character. Character counts! Therefore, as the Master Potter, our Lord molds and makes us into His image—yield to His hand. And yes, He uses the spinning of the wheel, the constant pressure on the clay to fashion it into something both beautiful and useful.
 
3. The end result is Hope—achieved when the unbeliever sees Hopelessness! (Rom. 5:5) – “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
 
Now that we have traveled down the highway of hope, change your attitude, which will alter your altitude. Fly higher! Rise above. Be an Overcomer.
 
Conclusion: Do you see how “good purposes” come out of “bad circumstances”? What about your present circumstances? Are you facing tribulation? Are you persevering? Do others witness godly character being developed in you? Stay hopeful, because Jesus has a purpose while you are going through pressure.
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


The Jury on Jesus

Introduction: The Jury is out. Was Jesus Christ really God? Some say that He was, others say that He was not God. Where is the proof? How can we know? You must decide. Either He was Who He said He was, or He was a liar, a lunatic, a legend, or Lord.

The bottom line is either He was a MAD MAN, a BAD MAN, or the GOD MAN.

Actually, that is one of the reasons that the apostle Paul was led by the Spirit of God to write the epistle to the Colossian believers. By the way, that includes Christians today.

The text before us is the following: “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.”

1. What has Jesus done for those who trust Him? Taken “Out of” brought “Into”! (Col. 1:13–14) “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”

Be sure that there are only two kingdoms—LIGHT and DARKNESS. That means that there are only two Kings…KING JESUS vs. Subtle Satan. In which kingdom do you belong? By the way, the word “delivered” is ῥύομαι, which means rescued, or set free. Have you been “set free”?

I love the word “redemption.” It is the word ἀπολύτρωσις. This word actually has to do with releasing, or paying a ransom in full. Does that make sense? Jesus has PAID our sin DEBT in full through His blood, releasing the payment we owed by paying it HIMSELF! Subsequently, we go free!

2. Who was Jesus? (Col. 1:15) – “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.”

Speaking of the person of Jesus Christ, here the reference is “the image” of the invisible God. Meaning the invincible God became the visible God seen in the person of Jesus Christ. The Ancient of Days became the Infant of Days.

Along that line, the word “image” is εἰκών, which means likeness, or representative. In other words, Jesus was the “exact representation” of God in the flesh. The Word became flesh (John 1:14). So, since Jesus was declared to be the “visible” God, it seems to be crystal clear that He deserves allegiance and loyalty. Are you giving Him His rightful place as God?

3. How do you know that Jesus was God? (Col. 1:16) – “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”

Another evidence that demands attention concerning Jesus Christ is listed here unmistakably; namely, that He “created” all things! Therefore, only God created all things, meaning He is Creator God. He deserves worship and praise because of His credentials as God. Is He Lord of your life?

Conclusion: The verdict is in. JESUS CHRIST was, and is, and ever shall be GOD!

You must decide and believe! Do you believe? Of course you do, right? Can you take these Scriptures and explain them to someone who is in doubt about Jesus being God? Go and tell somebody.

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Three Responses to Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

Introduction: Really, what should be our {Christian} response to the Charlie Assassination, including the memorial? After praying and seeking our Lord’s face on the matter, our response should be threefold, and in this order.
 
1. A Call to WITNESSING! (Acts 6:15) – “And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.”
 

Stephen was bold. He was focused. He had grit. Did you notice as you read the text that he was not afraid? Fearless, wouldn’t you say? His message was timely, truthful, and tormenting to those listening. Luke, inspired by the Holy Ghost, writes that it “cut” straight to the heart!

Even though the crowd listening tried to stop up their ears from hearing, they could not escape the penetrating and convicting words as he unloaded the Word of God. There was no way of avoiding the arrows of God’s righteousness. They were stunned, pricked, and exposed. That meant there were only two responses… repent or revolt. The latter was chosen.

However, in the midst of persecution came a mighty conversion! One named Saul, who participated in the murder and stoning of a Spirit-filled witness, was eventually forever changed. Paul would later become a flaming missionary who turned the world upside down by the power of God!
 
2. A Call of WARNING! (Acts 7:51–52) – “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers.”
 

God’s wrath and judgment is on the horizon. His impending doom is inevitable. His Word will accomplish its purpose. While the wheels of God’s retribution may roll slowly, nevertheless, they are on track.

Do you know of anybody who is standing on the tracks of the wrath of the Lamb? Warn them. Talk with them. Persuade them before it is eternally too late.
 
3. A Call for WATCHING! (Acts 7:55–60) – “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”
 
Are you WATCHING for Jesus? Thank God, He is watching for you! In fact, someone said that JESUS CHRIST stood up to CHEER Stephen on as he was fulfilling his Father’s Will. John the beloved writes, “…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life,” (Rev. 2:10). Welcome to your New Home!
 
Conclusion: So now that we have established our response of Witnessing, Warning, and Watching, which way will you respond?
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Long Temper vs Short Temper

Introduction: Is your temper LONG or SHORT? Is it a battle or what? Have you lost your temper lately? Or really, have you found it??? Who or what is it that causes you to “lose it”? Do you get mad at yourself? Well honestly, outside of the GRACE of GOD all of us are prone to have a short fuse. Because of that, we should pray for each.
 
1. Do you have a “LONG TEMPER or SHORT TEMPER”? (Col. 1:9–11) – “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.”
 

Did you notice the two words “patience” and “longsuffering”? The word “patience” (ὑπομονή), which means endurance or steadfastness; whereas, the word “LONGSUFFERING” (μακροθυμία), which according to one scholar means long-tempered—the opposite of short-tempered. Quite a contrast, huh? This speaks volumes, doesn’t it?

What is it that gets your “GOAT”? Is it when you are criticized? When you are accused? When people do not agree with you? When things are out of your control? When you’re driving in traffic? When you are waiting at the checkout?
 
Conclusion: Remember, your testimony is at stake. Mothers, fathers, husbands, wives—any and most all Christians can find themselves having a short fuse, all depending on their circumstances. If you are reading this right now and saying, “not me,” please do not get overconfident. Let the right circumstances or events happen and then discover “the flesh is weak, but the Spirit is strong”!
 
So truthfully, at times, you may “lose it” (temper) or “find it,” but either way, if you do, acknowledge it, confess it, and make it right (1 John 1:9). That way our Lord Jesus is glorified: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Praise the Lord!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese