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18
Jun '25

Loving Sinners Without Loving Their Sin

Posted on Jun 18, 2025 in Devotions |

18
Jun '25
Introduction: After being born again by the power of God, a new believer has difficulty drawing the line between witnessing to sinners (the lost) without compromising with their sin, especially if it is a family member. Or another challenge is for the new CHRISTian who desires others to be saved and forgiven, to not come across as a self-righteous Pharisee.
How do we keep the balance?
 

1. Remember what Paul wrote to the Corinthians. (1Cor 6:9-11) – “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” 

Bottom line: Don’t forget where Jesus has brought you (me) from and brought you (me) to!
 

2. Remember what Jude wrote while debunking false teachers. (Jude 1:22-23) – “And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” 

If we could only have this attitude in reaching those without a relationship with Jesus Christ, it would make more of a difference.
 

3. Remember what Jesus said. (Matt 7:1-5) – “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” 

This verse is perhaps the most misunderstood verse in all the Bible. A closer investigation reveals that Jesus is saying 1st….we are to judge ours selves! Then, we are in a better position to lovingly and gently get the “splinter” out of our brother’s eye….only after we take the “2×4” out of our eye.
 

4. Remember where you once were. (Eph 2:1-7) – “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” 

Bottom line: From Root to Fruit, it is all by God’s GRACE!
 

Conclusion: Going over this checklist will help ensure every CHRISTian to LOVE sinners and share JESUS without being a Pharisee or without compromising with the sinner’s sin…to Him be GLORY.

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

17
Jun '25

Will There Be Scars in Heaven?

Posted on Jun 17, 2025 in Devotions |

17
Jun '25
Introduction: Have you ever thought about if there are going to be scars in heaven? On the one hand, undoubtedly, we will have a brand NEW BODY. Imagine that! The further we get down this road called life, the more precious this becomes. Right? Some people say when they go to the breakfast table, they hear the SNAP, CRACKLE, and POP—but it’s not their cereal! Well, anyway!
 

But on the other hand, will Jesus have the nail prints in His hands? Most argue in the affirmative—that Jesus will indeed have the scars that He bore on earth, particularly the ones He endured during His crucifixion. So where do they derive that reasoning?

Consider the logical deduction among those who say in the affirmative:
 

1. John reminds us! (John 20:20, 25, 27, 28) – “And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord… Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.”

Here, Thomas the DOUTER turns into Thomas the SHOUTER! Listen to his response. Thomas said, “My Lord and my God.” Have you gone from DOUBTING to SHOUTING?
 

2. Zechariah reminds us! (Zech. 12:10–11) – “…and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem.”

Zechariah, who was both a prophet and priest, writes specifically to the Jewish remnants who returned from Persian captivity of 70 years to Jerusalem for the purpose of rebuilding the temple. However, prophetically speaking, his focus in the last chapters of the book is in regard to the “DAY of the LORD.”

More specifically, he mentions Jesus Christ’s second coming. Since the Jews rejected His kingdom when Christ came the first time, it will be God’s will that they receive Him as their Messiah—Savior and Lord—when He returns.

On another note, some Christians who are not leaning toward the affirmative wonder why John, in the book of Revelation, does not make reference to the “SCARS” in the glorified Jesus Christ’s hands, feet, or side.
 

3. John reminds again! (Rev. 1:12–16) – “His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.”

Perhaps John is focused on the glorified Christ who is no longer hanging on a cruel Roman cross, but instead has conquered death, hell, and the devil! He’s ALIVE!!

While we do not want to ever FORGET the ultimate price for our sins—paid in full by Jesus Christ’s redeeming blood—yet, our focus now should be on our RISEN Lord and SOON COMING KING!!
 

Conclusion: While there is good reasoning to believe that our Lord Jesus will have SCARS in heaven, it does not seemingly appear to be in Scripture that we will have any scars in heaven—no handicaps or deformities. Why?

The answer comes echoing down through the centuries, that according to both John and Paul’s writings, we will have a body like Jesus Christ.

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)
 
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” (Philippians 3:20–21)

Well, one thing is for sure—despite the debate about scars in heaven, God is going to wipe away all of our TEARS! And there will be no more sorrow, suffering, or sin!

Are you looking forward to that day?
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

16
Jun '25

Godly Fathers

Posted on Jun 16, 2025 in Devotions |

16
Jun '25
Introduction: Do you have distinguishing “Hall Marks” of a godly father? In this devotion, we will discuss only a few. Obviously, there are many more. Actually, these could apply to every Christian.
 

1. Godly Father’s FORGIVE! (2 Sam 14:33) – “So Joab went to the king and told him. And when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king. Then the king kissed Absalom.”

2. Godly Father’s have FAITH in the God of the Bible! (Heb 11:17) – “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.”

3. Godly Father’s FIGHT the GOOD FIGHT! (1 Tim 6:12) – “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

4. Godly Father’s do not live in FEAR! (2 Tim 1:7) – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

5. Godly Father’s do not FORSAKE the assembling together with the saints on Sunday! (Heb 10:25) – “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

6. Godly Father’s find FREEDOM! (Gal 5:1) – “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

7. Godly Father’s FINISH FAITHFUL! (2 Tim 4:7–8) – “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

Conclusion: Are these “HALL MARKS” evident in your life? If not, what changes do you need to make? And more importantly, will you be courageous enough to trust Jesus as you cooperate with the Holy Spirit to facilitate the changes for the glory of God?

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

13
Jun '25

1,000 Years

Posted on Jun 13, 2025 in Devotions |

13
Jun '25
Introduction: Imagine a wolf and a lamb lying down together, without the wolf eating “lamb chops”! Beside them is a bear and an ox eating straw together. In the same field is a ferocious lion playing with a goat. Does this sound like a Disney movie? Or does this perhaps describe something that would happen at a Barnum and Bailey Circus? No. Actually, this is what is going to be scenery after Jesus Christ lifts the curse from the animal kingdom on the earth.
 
“The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat.” (Isa 65:25)
 
By the way, this will be considered the biblical account of Christ’s Kingdom on earth. From a timeline perspective, remember, Jesus will come in the RAPTURE. This will be followed by the seven-year tribulation, and at the conclusion of it, Christ will come in His second coming. Next, as His feet touch down upon the earth, He will overthrow the Antichrist with his armies. Subsequently, His Kingdom on earth will be inaugurated as He sits upon His throne in Jerusalem in the temple which Ezekiel describes. Here is a further description of this “yet to come” supernatural event.
 
1. A BRAND NEW CREATION! Isaiah’s perspective! (Isa 65:17–22) – “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”
 
This prophecy starts at the end of the 1,000 years as Jesus makes a New Heaven and Earth. Isaiah describes the transformation of the animal kingdom and the earthly Kingdom. The curse of decay and death will be somewhat lifted as in the Garden of Eden; and yet, sin and death will remain.
 
2. A BRAND NEW LIFE! (Isa 65:20) – “There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.”
 
Did you notice the longevity of life will be extended? Also, did you catch that God will give a sinner one hundred years to repent during this 1,000-year reign? Both “Perfect Peace” and bountiful prosperity will be present during the Millennium.
 
3. A BRAND NEW EARTH! (Isa 65:22–23) – “They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.”
 
We have never seen anything like this before in our day! “When the Lord reigns in Zion!”
 
Conclusion: All of creation longs for this day to come! Paul writes, (Rom 8:22–23) “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.”
 

The Day of the Lord will come soon enough. But meanwhile, we need to be “BUSY” about the “MASTER’S BUSINESS!”

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
 
 
 

12
Jun '25

What Will It Be Like?

Posted on Jun 12, 2025 in Devotions |

12
Jun '25
Introduction: Can you imagine what it will be like to stand before our REDEEMER, our SAVIOR, our LORD JESUS CHRIST? Words are inadequate. More than likely, we will be speechless—Awe-stricken!! But one thing is for sure. One look at His dear face, all sorrow and pain will erase!
 
1. What will it be like to see the ONE who holds the keys to death and hell? (Rev 1:18) – “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

Are you surprised that John fell like a dead man after seeing the glorified Christ? What will it be like to see Jesus?
 
2. What will it be like to hear Him say, WELL DONE? (Matt 25:21) – “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

Of course, in the context of this Scripture, it is in regards to talents, which are given. Without going into the technical interpretation, which seems to be addressing Israel, practically speaking, this is a description of our Lord holding His people accountable, yet with Words of COMMENDATION—WELL DONE! What would that be like?
 
3. What will it be like to receive REWARDS? (2 Cor 5:10) – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

Apparently, we can derive from the Scriptures that REWARDS—CROWNS will be given; i.e., Watcher’s (2 Tim 4:7–8), Runner’s (1 Cor 9:24–27), Soul Winners (1 Thess 2:19), Overcomer’s (James 1:12), Shepherd’s (1 Pet 5:1–5). After receiving these crowns, what will we do with them? Here is the answer: “The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne.” (Rev 4:10) What will that be like?
 
Conclusion: Doesn’t this message of the JUDGMENT SEAT of Christ motivate you to prepare for this experience? Doesn’t this glorious truth make you want to live a life more pleasing to Him? Doesn’t this thought cause you to want to share with your loved ones and friends—to be ready to be examined by Jesus Christ?
 

So what more can we say except—“What will it be like?”

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

11
Jun '25

In My Father’s House

Posted on Jun 11, 2025 in Devotions |

11
Jun '25
Introduction: Three little boys were bragging about their fathers; One said, “my daddy can run faster than your daddy”! Another said, “my daddy is stronger than your daddy”!! The third boy said, “my daddy can beat up your daddy”!!! To which the other boy said, “So WHAT. My MAMA can beat up my Daddy!!!!”
 

A little girl was asked in Sunday School to explain what the Bible was all about she replied,
God the Father “THOUGHT it “!
God the Son “BROUGHT it”!
God the Holy Spirit “WROUGHT it”!
The devil “FOUGHT it”!
But thank God I “CAUGHT it”!

While not all were blessed to have a loving earthly father (even though this writer was), all who put their faith in the God of the Bible can experience our heavenly FATHER’S PEACE, PRESENCE and POWER.

Just prior to going to the cross to die for the sins of the whole world, Jesus Christ gathered His disciples in the upper room and began to share with them what was about to transpire; i.e. namely the Father’s will for Him and them. Here is what He told them and what it means to us today.
 

1. Our FATHER has a CURE for a TROUBLED HEART! (John 14:1) – “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”

What causes heart trouble?
• loneliness
• selfishness
• sinfulness
 
The Bible’s EKG shows man has a heart problem. But the great physician gives those who trust in His sacrificial blood a new heart – a transplant. Have you experienced that?
 

2. Our FATHER has a NEW HOME for the citizens of Heaven! (John 14:2) – “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.”

The word “mansions” is μονή (mon-ay’), which means lodging, dwelling-place, room, or abode.

According to book of Revelation, the NEW JERUSALEM (heaven) is going to be absolutely breathtaking! Listen to the description:

“And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11Having the glory of God…..16And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. {approx 1500 miles by 1500 miles x 1500 miles- cube shape} And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones….21And the twelve gates were twelve pearls…and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass” (Revelation 21).

Even though its splendor and extravagance are indescribable, the Lord JESUS will be its main attraction. Can you imagine? The songwriter put it, “I CAN ONLY IMAGINE”!
 
This is our FATHER’S House.
 

3. Our FATHER knows the HOUR when He will send His Son -Jesus- to come back to earth! (John 14:3)

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

In the Olivet discourse recorded in the twenty fourth chapter of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus foretells His disciples what
will happen before, during and after the time of Jacob’s trouble otherwise known as the seven year tribulation.
In regards to His second coming (not the rapture), He lets them know that only His Father knows the hour.

“36But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36).

Among other “SIGNS of the TIME”, we can tell clearly the hour is late. We must be ready. Are you ready for the rapture, which will precede Jesus second coming?
 
Conclusion: These words of Jesus about “Our heavenly FATHER” should give every CHRISTian HOPE. He keeps His PROMISES as we can see from looking back in the past, seeing the present and anticipating the future. Not only does our FATHER knows what is best, but He is also in control; therefore, He knows the time. Will you keep trusting today or perhaps trust Him for the first time?
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

10
Jun '25

Heaven Bound

Posted on Jun 10, 2025 in Devotions |

10
Jun '25
Introduction: Are you going to heaven? Well, aren’t you looking forward to that absolutely out-of-this-world experience? Should we prepare now? But how can we be ready for our soon departure?
 

Let’s face it, even 90 years is a drop in the bucket compared to eternity. By the way, yesterday, I had the privilege of preaching one of our oldest church members’ funeral, Bro. Claude McGee. Do you know how old he was when the Lord took him? He was 98. On Oct 3rd, he would have been 99 years old! That is a long life.

Speaking of heaven, check out our devotion for today. If you are not already, you can be “Heaven bound.”

1. How? By having a “Citizenship” in heaven! (Philippians 3:20) – “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
 

The word “conversation” is πολίτευμα: pronounced po-LEE-tyoo-mah. It can mean citizenship, community, or form of government. Interesting, huh?

Did you know that the word used here—πολίτευμα—is found nowhere else in the New Testament? Also, here is a quote from the Ethiopic version: “We have our city in heaven.”

Now consider for a moment what this meant to the Philippian CHRISTians. Did you know that they were considered “citizens” of Rome, even though they lived hundreds of miles away from Rome? Therefore, as citizens from a faraway country, they were to adopt and embrace Rome’s culture—lifestyle; i.e., dress, language, etc. Do you get the picture?

Since we are “citizens” of a faraway country called HEAVEN, then we too should embrace its culture with our “talk and walk.”

Speaking of that, it is said that Alexander the Great once had a rebellious soldier named Alexander who was completely defiant. After calling the soldier in his office, Alexander the Great shouted to the young man, “Sir, what is your name?” His response, “Alexander, sir.” To which Alexander the Great said vehemently, “YOUNG MAN, either CHANGE your NAME or CHANGE your WAYS!”

Wonder—since our citizenship is in heaven—if that could be said of us? Just saying.
 
Conclusion: But what can we do now before we get to heaven? “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20)

The answer is “we look for the Savior!” Check out what this word “look” means. It means “eagerly wait.” It is the word ἀπεκδέχομαι, which means to fully expect.

In other words, since we are HEAVEN BOUND, keep watching for Jesus to return with great expectation!

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

09
Jun '25

Fresh Fruit

Posted on Jun 9, 2025 in Devotions |

09
Jun '25
Introduction: Fruit. Most love fruit! Do you eat fruit? When summertime arrives, it brings “Fresh Fruit” such as watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, etc. It can be very refreshing during hot weather. Likewise, as a Christian, we can bring a spiritual refreshing for those around us. But how can we do that? Hopefully, this devotion will remind every believer the way to do that. So let’s get started.
 

1. Fresh Fruit is produced by the Holy Spirit! (Galatians 5:22–23) – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:”

If you were to read the preceding verses of our text, you would discover that we are in a battle; i.e., between the flesh and Spirit. Who wins the war? It depends on who you feed. If we feed the flesh—the flesh wins—and vice versa. Obviously, the flesh produces corrupt fruit, whereas the Spirit produces FRESH FRUIT. Feed your Spirit, like you are right now!
 

2. Fresh Fruit comes from Jesus Christ—the Vine! (John 15:4–5) – “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Do not miss the key to bearing FRESH FRUIT. Jesus Christ must be providing the life-giving nutrients. After all, without the roots, a plant cannot produce fruit. Are you letting Him flow through you?
 

Conclusion: Isn’t it interesting that in God’s plan we can still bring forth “Fresh Fruit” in older age?“They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.” (Psalm 92:14)

Well then, fruit bearers, go and refresh others with “Fresh Fruit” for the glory of the Lord!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

06
Jun '25

The Main Thing is to Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing

Posted on Jun 6, 2025 in Devotions |

06
Jun '25
Introduction: What would you say is the “Main thing”? Certainly, our devotion today will be an example of the “Main thing.” After all, the Christian life can seem very complicated at first, and even later. But honestly, if you can keep this focus throughout your lifetime, you will indeed “Make a Difference”! {This is M.A.D. month.} What is the key? A woman who was needing “unconditional love” and “purpose for living” discovered life’s greatest treasure. Have you?
 

1. Worshipping Jesus Christ with the UP LOOK! (John 4:21–24) – “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 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. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

That was plain and simple—WORSHIP the God of the Bible! Do you take time to worship every day? Why not start?
 

2. Walking Away from Sin with the IN LOOK! (John 4:16–19) – “Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.”

Like a skilled surgeon, Jesus cut quickly and accurately to the woman’s greatest need—unconditional love. No doubt, she had tried to find fulfillment by marrying one man to another, searching for identity and security but always leaving her empty.

Then, she finally discovered the most satisfying relationship this side of heaven—with Jesus Christ. Have you found Him to be able to meet your deepest need, whereas no one else can?
 

3. Witnessing to Others the Great Love of God with the OUT LOOK! (John 4:28–30) – “The woman then left her water pot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.”

She had to GO and TELL! Unable to contain it or keep this life-changing truth to herself, she left her old lifestyle and started on her new journey.

Can you see her with a bounce in her step, joy in her heart, and peace guarding her mind? In finding purpose and fulfillment, she experienced real happiness. The more she told, the happier she got!
How about you? Are you happy?
 
Conclusion: Now, are you keeping the MAIN THING the MAIN THING? How is your look? Will you “MAKE a DIFFERENCE” through Worship, Walking, and Witnessing?
 
Be M.A.D.! And then get GLAD!!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

05
Jun '25

Where Are You in the Race?

Posted on Jun 5, 2025 in Devotions |

05
Jun '25
Introduction: Based on our devotion today, we are all involved in a race. Some are on the sidelines either cheering or criticizing, while some are at the starting blocks. Others are running strenuously and are about halfway through the race. Still more are getting closer to the finish line. Where are you?
 

1. Those in the race and running well! (Philippians 3:15–16) – “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.”

Did you catch the word “perfect”? What does it mean? The word is τέλειος, which has to do with complete, or mature. It can mean full-grown. Would you consider yourself a mature Christian? Obviously, none of us have arrived! If the great man of God, Paul, was still pressing onward, we too are running in the race of holiness. Basically, he is inspired to tell those in Philippi as well as us today to GROW UP!!
 

2. Those watching the race while criticizing those in the race! (Philippians 3:18–19) – “(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)”

Who are these? The critics! The lost! The unbelievers! Notice that they are enemies of the cross. In other words, they are in Satan’s camp, controlled by demon forces. This world is their god! Do you know anybody in that condition? Unfortunately, many need Jesus. But come to think of it, isn’t that why we are here? Win them. Witness to them. Engage the enemy. Run the race!
 

3. Those in the race helping others who are in the race! (Philippians 3:17) – “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.”

The word “walk” is interesting. It is the word στοιχέω, which means to walk in line, or it can mean to follow. Furthermore, it can mean to conform. Paul seemed to be saying, as he followed Jesus, the believers should follow Jesus; subsequently, they would become role models for other CHRISTians. Are you a good role model? How can we be examples for others? Are there any changes that need to occur?

Conclusion: Where are you in this race? Running? Criticizing? Starting? Finishing? Why not purpose in your heart to follow Jesus closer than ever while pointing people to Him.
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

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