Devotions Archives | Page 2 of 122 | New Rocky Creek Baptist Church

Forgiving Ourselves

Posted on May 30, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: Did you know that God wants you to forget some things? You say, “Like what?” For starters, He wants you to forget your past sins. Have you gotten over your past sins? Is Satan reminding and accusing you of things in the past?

How can you move forward? Last week while speaking at a men’s meeting in Social Circle, GA, one of the men spoke up and regretfully acknowledged some sins that he had committed—but he could not forgive himself.

Has that happened to you? What can you do? Please read the following and then thank Jesus Christ!

1. Initially, I reminded him of God’s forgiveness, which he had received through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:4–5) Without Jesus Christ as the foundation of our faith and forgiveness, we would be hopeless. Why don’t you stop right now and thank Him?

2. Next, the focus was on the “power” of the blood of Jesus! (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:20; Heb. 9:22; Rom. 5:9; 1 John 2:2) Only once we discover how pure and powerful the blood of Jesus Christ is are we ready to forgive ourselves—not to mention others. Have you come to that place?

3. Thank God, He doesn’t remember our sin anymore! (Heb. 8:12; Micah 7:19; Ps. 103:12–14; Col. 2:13–14) Let’s face it—if God doesn’t hold our sin against us anymore, then we too should “let it go”! Have you?

4. Additionally, we must reject the devil’s accusations! (Rev. 12:10; James 4:6–7; 1 Pet. 5:8–10; Rom. 16:20) Peter writes that Satan walks around as a roaring lion looking for another victim. Are you ready for his attacks?

5. Finally, since we’ve been forgiven, then we can let the debt go free—unless we hold on to not trusting, obeying, and thanking Jesus for His Word. (Matt. 25:35; Matt. 4:4; 2 Tim. 3:16)
FEELINGS or FAITH? Which is it?

Conclusion: The real question is not, “Have we forgiven ourselves?” but the real question is: Are we going to depend—rely—trust the Word of God more than our FEELINGS?

Remember, “The just shall not live by their feelings but by faith!” FAITH is simply taking God at His Word. Will you do that? Because without faith, we cannot please Him. (Heb. 11:6)

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

May '25

Is America Mystery Babylon?

Posted on May 29, 2025 in Devotions |

May '25

Introduction: “Until That Day Ministries” has posted a YouTube video every week for about the last four years. To God be the Glory! Our New Rocky Creek team has done a superb job!! One of the many questions that has been asked from week to week is this: “Is America Mystery Babylon?” While some adamantly insist that it is, others disagree. This devotion will be a brief (due to time & space) look at the subject.

1. When is Mystery Babylon going to appear? (Revelation 17)
The short answer is at the beginning of the tribulation; however, the long answer is a “False Religion” system that was started with both Lucifer’s fall (Isaiah 14; Ezekiel 28) and Nimrod’s rise (Genesis 10, 11). The thread of this defiant movement can even be traced to the Church of Pergamos, which magnified the “seat of Satan.”

2. Where is Mystery Babylon going to appear? (Revelation 17)
While it is going to spread to be worldwide, indicators of false religion popping up can be seen on local levels today as well.

3. How is Mystery Babylon going to flourish and then ultimately end? (Revelation 17)
Apparently, this false religion is going to join (merge)—the whore (woman) riding on the back of the beast—with a one-world government setup, which is headed up by the Antichrist. Can you clearly see things moving in that direction?

Conclusion: So now, is America the Mystery Babylon described in Revelation 17? Think about it. After the rapture of the Church, who is left on earth? Where will that lead? The religious harlot will take control of this pseudo-religious system that is already taking shape today but will increase it exponentially with the help of the Antichrist. Beware. Unfortunately, America will be included with all the other nations that are predestined to attack Israel, only to be overthrown by the KING of KINGS and the LORD of LORDS—JESUS CHRIST!

Pray for AMERICA!! But keep your eyes on JESUS!!!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

May '25

Don’t Forget the Blessings of God

Posted on May 28, 2025 in Devotions |

May '25

Introduction: Honestly, are you prone to forget the BLESSINGS of the LORD? Has God been good to you? Admittedly, we are like spoiled little children who just want more… just saying. But instead of never being satisfied, CHRISTians should be the most GRATEFUL people on the earth! After all, look at all the benefits God gives us.

The Psalmist David nailed it when he wrote:

“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:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1–5)

And the church said, “Amen!”

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.” (Psalm 68:19)

Praise the Lord for His benefits!

• Forgiveness
• Healing
• Love
• Joy
• Patience
• Heaven
• Grace
• Goodness
• Provisions
• Peace
• Protection
• Power

Yet, with all that, we are still tempted to be UNGRATEFUL.

“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.” (1 Cor. 10:13)

In fact, Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, writes about that very characteristic that would mark the end times:

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy…” (2 Tim. 3:1–2)

Yet he also wrote this:

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thess. 5:18)

So bottom line: Don’t forget the blessings of the Lord!

“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Rom. 1:21)

Remember to PRAISE and THANK Jesus anyway!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

May '25

A Heart Cry Turns Into Household Salvation

Posted on May 27, 2025 in Devotions |

May '25

Introduction: Does prayer work? Can Jesus save someone through prayer? Will you pray for someone who is not a CHRISTian today? Cornelius was a seeker of God but not quite a “Sealed and Saved Servant” of the Lord. He was PRAYING and FASTING with the light he had (he was not born again at the time). But his conversion came about by a believer in Jesus Christ who was also PRAYING and FASTING, namely, Peter. God the Holy Spirit hunted down Cornelius and captured his heart along with his whole family.

You see, God was working on both ends – on Cornelius and Peter to orchestrate His will.

Please take note how it was accomplished.

1.When God the Holy Spirit is working on one End! (Acts 10:1-5) – “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. 3He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 5And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:”

Although Cornelius was a God-fearing man, yet he had not heard the gospel of Jesus Christ….that He died for our sins on a cross but arose victoriously from the grave and offers forgiveness and eternal life through faith and trust in Him. The bottom line: Cornelius was obeying the light that he had, but desperately needed more light!

Since prayer is a cycle which circles from earth (birthed by the Holy Spirit in the hearts of people), and ascends to heaven where Jesus sits on the right hand of the Father making intercession for us – and then as our Great High Priest answers the prayers according to His will and purpose – and He then sends the answer back to earth however He chooses.

Does hearing this make you want to pray more?

That leads us to discover how the Lord answered this “Heart Cry” from Cornelius. And then we can witness the lesson Peter learned about sharing the “GOSPEL” to the unclean race called Gentiles.

Do you believe the “GOSPEL” is still the Power of God unto salvation?

2.When God the Holy Spirit is working on the other end! (Acts 10:9-16) – “On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.”

Did you notice that Peter was obedient to the Holy Spirit? In fact even before he was directed to go and preach the gospel to Cornelius, he was spending time – daily disciplines – with his Lord.

That was the key to him being used by the Holy Spirit. Don’t you want to be used for God’s glory? Just when you think someone will not or cannot be saved, our Lord surprises everyone. Aren’t you glad that He did not give up on YOU! Praise the Lord!!

Please pay attention how God works to save a whole family. Can He still do it today? Yes!

3.Household Salvation occurs! (Acts 10:19-21, 44-45) – “19While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 21Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?”

“44While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

If we are going to see the conversions of people we must be led by the Holy Spirit. Think with me for a moment….Jesus knows “where” people are in relation to Him and “how” to get them to His WORD in order to SAVE them through His REDEEMING blood.

Grant it. He can do it without us, yet He chooses to use us because of His great LOVE. Don’t you want others to experience FREEDOM from the penalty of sin, the power of sin, and ultimately the presence of sin?

4.How God the Holy Spirit brought it all together! (Acts 10:30,31) – “30And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.”

Did you hear that?

The Lord REMEMBERS.

By the way, He has not forgotten you or me! He REMEMBERS our tears, our needs, and our prayers for others. Doesn’t that BLESS you?

Conclusion: Who do you need to pray for right now? Will you do it? Don’t procrastinate. Follow through. Try PRAYER and FASTING. Be ready to join the greatest work on earth through the power of the Holy Spirit in converting men, women, boys and girls to faith in Jesus Christ.

There is a CROWN of REJOICING awaiting at the Judgment Seat of Christ. See you there!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

May '25

Soldiers of the Cross

Posted on May 26, 2025 in Devotions |

May '25

Introduction: Thank God for our military soldiers fighting for our freedom, willing to give their lives, and sacrifice their families and future. Remember them and their families this MEMORIAL DAY! And yet there is another group of soldiers that need to be REMEMBERED as well – the soldiers of the cross who are waging war against the enemies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Consider them in this devotion, and if you are a part of the army of the Lord: “THANK YOU”!

1. ENDURANCE! (2 Tim 2:2) – “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”

While facing the inevitable – martyrdom – Paul urges his faithful son in the Lord, Timothy, to “stay with the stuff” until the finish. His admonition was to “Endure Hardness” as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
Do you remember that Jesus did not quit or give up, but instead completed His task even though He suffered immensely? Howbeit, it was my (our) sins that He was obedient unto death by suffering crucifixion. So whatever you are facing, do not quit or give up serving Jesus!

2. PERSEVERANCE! (1 Cor 15:58) – “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

As soldiers under attack from invisible forces, stay faithful and focused. This is not a flesh and blood battle, rather, it is a spiritual war. Therefore, put on God’s armor to fight with all your might against principalities and powers. Thank God, Jesus has won the battle! So technically speaking, we are not fighting for victory but from victory!!

Conclusion: God has called us to be “soldiers of the cross”! So keep fighting the good fight of faith. Endure hardness, persevere under pressure, until the trumpet sounds or we are called from the battlefield.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

May '25

What a Great Cloud of Witnesses

Posted on May 23, 2025 in Devotions |

May '25

Introduction: Do you ever think about your loved ones who have already passed away? What are they doing in heaven? What will heaven be like? The writer to the book of Hebrews—many believe to be Paul—pulls back the curtain in heaven to allow us to get a glimpse of what they may be doing.

1. Who are ahead of us? This goes back to the “Heroes of the Hall of Faith”! (Hebrews 11:1–12:1) – “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses.”

As you are probably aware, the word “witnesses” is μάρτυς, which means martyr—those who have died because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Whereas, the word “encompassed” means surrounded.

Admittedly, there are different interpretations of this passage. For instance, some understand this to be those who have gone before us—referencing chapter 11. Others include all saints of all ages. Either way, it is clearly referring to many followers of Jesus Christ in heaven.

Now whether they are able to “cheer” us on from heaven’s balcony or not is debatable. Nevertheless, God the Holy Spirit wants us to know of this great cloud of witnesses. Do you know some?

2. What should we leave behind? (Hebrews 12:1) – “…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”

Because of knowing about this “great cloud of witnesses,” as believers we are to run in this race of holiness, letting go of every impediment. Are you holding on to anything that you need to throw aside?

3. Where shall we look? (Hebrews 12:2) – “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

After laying aside any distractions or hindrances, our focus needs to be on JESUS! Why? Because He finished His redemptive MISSION on earth, sat down at the right of the Father, and has promised to come again. That brings HOPE to a HOPELESS world!

Conclusion: Are you ready to join the “Great Cloud of Witnesses”? It may not be long. This Memorial Day, do not think only about those who have fought and sacrificed for our freedom but also about those saints who have gone before us. More importantly, REMEMBER the ultimate sacrifice for our sins by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Then you will have a BLESSED MEMORIAL DAY!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

May '25

Will You Answer Jesus When He Calls You?

Posted on May 21, 2025 in Devotions |

May '25

Introduction: Jesus is calling. Will you answer? Please do not let it go to VOICEMAIL! This passage of Scripture is a blessing. First, Jesus calls a sinner named Matthew to follow Him. Then, He calls others to the Harvest Fields.
Have you answered the first call? Check it out.

1. Jesus calls us to follow Him! (Matt 9:11–13) – “And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.”

Matthew was moved to follow the Master instead of the money! Howbeit, others will criticize you like the Pharisees if you have a heart for sinners to be saved. Nevertheless, our Lord rebukes the self-righteous crowd by saying the following:

“But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Wow! That sums it up!! By the way, do not miss the word “repentance.” Why did He say that? Because His goal—mission—like ours, was to give people a better life {a change}. Sin thrills. And then sin kills! Having our sins forgiven and a given a new heart brings with it a NEW LIFE.

A NEW LIFE is found in a personal relationship with the only One who can love us unconditionally.
How would you describe this NEW LIFE?

2. Jesus calls us to join Him in reaping the harvest! (Matt 9:35–38) – “Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

Notice the progression:

• The Blessing (Matt 9:35)
• The Burden (Matt 9:36–37)
• The Brave (Matt 9:37–38)

Conclusion: When Jesus calls what will you do? Has He called you to follow Him? Are you following? Has He called you into His Harvest Field? It is plentiful and ripe. Go reap.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

May '25

It’s Not What Is on the Outside That Really Matters

Posted on May 20, 2025 in Devotions |

May '25

Introduction: What we see on the outside is not always the real deal? This passage of Scripture reveals that the outside may look solid but the inside could be hollow!

If the Holy Spirit was to open up our hearts, what would it look like? Is there pretense on the outside of our hearts? Are we genuinely transparent on the inside? Are our motives pure? What changes need to take place?

This heart-searching testimony of Paul should cause us to examine ourselves to see if our confidence is in the flesh or in the Lord. Honestly, which would it be?

1. On the Outside! (Philippians 3:1–7) – “Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.”

Speaking of pedigree and ancestral lineage, Paul had every reason to brag. But he did not! Instead, the Holy Spirit carries him as he writes to the CHRISTians in Philippi. After listing his credentials, he concluded it fell short of Jesus Christ’s righteousness.

It is almost as if he had a piece of paper listing his “good traits” vs his “God traits.” Admittedly, his “good traits” fell considerably short of “God’s glory and righteousness”!

Do you see the same thing in your life?

2. It Is What Is on the Inside That Really Matters! (Philippians 3:7–9) – “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”

Did you notice the “loss” and “gain” columns?
Self-righteousness = loss.
Christ’s righteousness = gain!

Conclusion: Apparently these false “Judaizers” (dogs) were teaching bad doctrine to the CHRISTians in Philippi. While still stuck in legalistic dependencies, like Pharisees, Paul debunks the “works of the flesh” and embraces the work of the Holy Spirit through imputed righteousness found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Are you there? It is a HAPPY DAY when that truth is discovered.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

May '25

Serving with Purpose

Posted on May 19, 2025 in Devotions |

May '25

Introduction: Did you know that when we serve our Lord Jesus by serving others that pleases Him? Of course it is done by His enablement. Take for example when He was in the upper room with His disciples just before going to the cross where He paid our sin debt in full. After supper, He grabbed a towel along with a basin of water while stooping to wash the dirty feet of the disciples. When is the last time you washed anybody’s feet besides your own? But what was the purpose? Why did He do it?

What lessons can we learn?

1. The visible act of Jesus washing His disciples feet is an illustration of what we need Him to do to us daily! (John 13:4,5) – “He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.”

Listen to what Peter said to Jesus and then Jesus’s response. “When cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.”

The point of this part of the devotion is to reveal that after we have been “saved” by His GRACE thru FAITH, then because of this world, the flesh, and the devil, we need daily washing – cleansing because we get dirty. Keep in mind, this daily washing is for the purpose of restoring FELLOWSHIP not SONSHIP.

2. His purpose was to demonstrate the real heart of a servant, which in turn should cause us to do the same! (John 13:13-15) – “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”

Plain and simple, huh? We are to do the same, no questions asked! Our Lord was teaching humility through serving others. Are you following?

Conclusion: Are you needing Jesus to wash your feet today? Will you be willing to wash someone else’s feet today?
Remember, there is a definite purpose in serving our Lord. Go do likewise.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

May '25

Serving and Testing Goes Hand in Hand

Posted on May 16, 2025 in Devotions |

May '25

Introduction: Are you suffering? Are you serving? Why would a good God allow His people to suffer? Remember, Jesus suffered for us (1Pet 1:21-24). It is almost as if we owe Him. But truthfully, we can never repay Him. Howbeit, we can “want to” live a life that pleases Jesus. With that being said, remember, being a servant of Christ Jesus means that we will be “tested”.

1. Job was a SERVANT of the Lord! (Job 1:8) – “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?”

By the way, the word “servant” is עֶבֶד: (eh’-bed), which means slave, or it can mean bondservant. Did you notice that Almighty God called Job, “my servant”? Wonder if that could said of you and me? Nevertheless, although Job was not perfect, he definitely had a heart for his God, and the Lord knew it! Besides that, God wanted the devil to know about his servant Job. Do you wonder why? Do not forget that Satan is the accuser and deceiver! And yet, God is greater. While this narrative of Job which depicts him going from the mountain top to the valley, from riches to rags, and from blessings to curses, it also illustrates that even the best of SERVANTS will be severely tested. Please note, the Lord allowed it. Why? Remember. Some suffering is directly related to sin, some is simply to glorify the Lord, but as in this case, here it seemed to purify the saints, namely Job. Is your faith in God being tested?

2. Satan challenges Job’s motives – as he will ours – for SERVING the Lord! (Job 1:9-11) – “Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.”

Here is the accuser doing what he does best – lie! God always has the final say so!! Do you hear what Satan accused Job of? He said in essence, sure he’s upright and serving because EVERYTHING is going his way!! Remove the protection, let me hit him with afflictions, then his true colors will come out, said the devil. Fast forwarding, that was not the case with Job; the devil was wrong! Even though Job suffered immensely, God preserved him until the end; and blessed him twice as much than in the beginning.

Conclusion: The moral of this story is just because we are serving the Lord it does not exempt us from affliction and suffering. But through it all, we can “LEARN to TRUST in JESUS”!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese