Introduction: Who was Joshua? How did God inspire him? What can we learn from this passage? What is it that our Lord wants to do in your life?

Here are three inescapable battles that, as soldiers of the cross, we must fight and win if we are going to be spiritual leaders.

Remember, faith is taking God at His Word. Hopefully, you did not miss that the Lord said, “I do give to them.” All they had to do was trust Him. It was already theirs according to the Word of God.

This battle must be fought and won. Truth that transforms comes from “Thus saith the Lord.” Our responsibility is to meditate on the Word of God—in other words, to “chew the cud.”

Have you ever seen a cow lying down, regurgitating its hay, then slowly chewing it into fine pieces before swallowing it? By the way, cows can do that because they have four compartments in their stomachs. Likewise, we must regurgitate the Word of God after it has been preached, asking the Holy Spirit how it applies to us personally.

From faith + truth comes courage.

Welcome to 2026.

Introduction: Your attitude will either “Make you” or “Break you”! It is true. Our ATTITUDE controls our ALTITUDE! How is your ATTITUDE these days? 

This writer needs an ATTITUDE adjustment daily! 

This devotion is not built upon pop psychology, or just mere positive thinking; instead, it is TRUTH that TRANSFORMS.

Paul’s Holy Spirit inspired prescription for a GOOD ATTITUDE! (Phil. 4:8) – “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Keep in mind, Paul was a man who constantly faced adversity. Remember his testimony.

“Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches” (2 Cor. 11:23-28).

Can anybody relate? Doubtful. Jesus Christ could. But do you recall what our Lord had told Ananias about Paul. 

“But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake” (Acts 9:15-16).

Conclusion: Developing a good attitude of gratitude is made in the crucibles of life; i.e. suffering hardships. 

But it is in the oven of affliction that God refines His servants. The dross is removed. Grace is put in place. And character is formed. Consequently, our ATTITUDE changes our perspective about life.

Are you going through something right now? Could it be that the Spirit of God is up to changing some things, like our ATTITUDE?

Then, bring it on.

It was a troubled time in Habakkuk’s day. Why? Because the Lord had allowed a heathen nation, the Babylonians, to surround and ultimately overtake the southern kingdom of Judah—God’s people. The chastening rod was bearing down heavily upon the Israelites.

Habakkuk did not understand why a good God would allow bad people to chasten His people. Isn’t that what people are thinking and saying today? “If your God is so good and powerful, then why doesn’t He do something?”

But He really does. He is in control, even though we might not understand what He is up to until later. That is where we must trust Him (Romans 8:32).

Once a word is given, do not miss it. Howbeit, we may not want to hear it. Nevertheless, obedience is the key. Without it, we cannot get any new light.

Do you need more light? Obey the light that you already have.

Hurry up and wait! It is hard to wait patiently—but we must. God works on His timeline. Meanwhile, we must learn to exercise longsuffering (Galatians 5:22–23).

Conclusion: Did you notice the chronological order in these verses? One might think that DECISION would come first, then VISION, and finally PROVISION. However, it is reversed.

First comes WATCHING for a WORD — the PROVISION.
Then comes WRITING it down — the VISION.
And finally, after watching expectantly and writing obediently, comes WAITING patiently — the DECISION.

Makes sense?

Introduction: Is the chain strong, or will it break down? How can we be more influential with our families, our friends, and in our workplaces? Are we forfeiting our influence because of a lack of understanding—or worse, an unwillingness to make an honest evaluation of ourselves?

How can we leave a more lasting legacy? Are we supposed to simply eat, drink, and be merry, without caring about our influence on others? Have we fallen into a rut of pleasing ourselves?

How does character connect to leadership? Should there be standards for leadership? Where do we draw the line? Do we admire others who lead well? And are we willing to pay the price to be effective leaders for our families and our peers?

What character traits need to change—whether good or bad? Truthfully and honestly, are you willing to take a moment to examine not just what you say, but what you do—or don’t do? More importantly, are you willing to take the necessary steps to make change as you pray, submit to God, and cooperate with His Holy Spirit?

Recently, I had a conversation with a Christian father who had not spoken with his stepson for months due to a serious conflict. After prayer and biblical counsel, it was decided that he would take the initiative as a leader and seek reconciliation. He did—and it worked.

Why? Because these are biblical principles laid out in the Word of God. Obedience to the Word of God, combined with being empowered by the Holy Spirit of God, is the only way to develop godly Christian character—and to change ungodly character. And remember, all of this should bring glory to the Lord, not to us.

Now for the practical side of “strengthening the links in the chain and making it stronger.”

For men, it has often been said that it is easier to lead an army of ten thousand men than to lead a family with Christian love and grace—without being overbearing and without under-disciplining. Our leadership sets an example, and our children are deeply affected by it.

For women, it has been said that only Spirit-filled women who overcome bitterness and performance-based acceptance can permanently influence their children or grandchildren toward stronger character traits—though not perfection.

Conclusion: Whether you realize it or not, you are in a leadership position. Every man and woman reading this devotion carries influence over others. What kind of influence are you portraying?

Is there a need for any changes? Honestly, are you being a stepping stone—or a stumbling block? How strong is your chain?

Introduction: Is the chain strong, or will it break down? How can we become more influential with our families, our friends, and in our workplaces? Are we forfeiting our influence because of a lack of understanding—or worse, an unwillingness to make an honest evaluation of ourselves?

How can we leave a more lasting legacy? Are we supposed to simply eat, drink, and be merry, without caring about the influence we have on others? Have we fallen into a rut of pleasing ourselves rather than leading others?

How does character connect to leadership? Should there be standards for leadership? Where do we draw the line? Do we admire others who lead well? And are we willing to pay the price to be effective leaders for our families and our peers?

What character traits need to change—whether good or bad? Truthfully and honestly, are you willing to pause and examine not just what you say, but what you do—or don’t do? More importantly, are you willing to take the steps necessary to make change as you pray, submit to God, and cooperate with the Holy Spirit?

This is a lengthy process—not an overnight transformation. But we must start somewhere. Why not start today?

First, we must recognize the need for godly character. Next, we must be willing to ask the Lord to change us from the inside out.

God’s process works from the head (Romans 12:1–2) to the heart (Ezekiel 36:26–27)—or sometimes the heart to the head—as He overhauls our lives. The life of Christ on the inside is greater than the world’s influence on the outside.

Christian character is formed through the renewing of the mind and the submitting of the will. It requires renouncing self from the throne and surrendering the throne to Jesus Christ. This is the key.

By the way, this is not merely repeating the right words. It is a broken spirit—one willing to yield to the power of the Holy Spirit. Only God can bring a person through this kind of change. But oh, what a change He makes.

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (3 John 1:2)

As your pastor and friend, I am praying for you to have a blessed and prosperous year.

2. Praying for Your Health (3 John 1:2)

The word for health is ὑγιαίνω (hoog-ee-ah’-ee-no), which means to be well, sound, pure, uncorrupted, and right-minded.

God cares about our physical and mental well-being.

Our emotions and will are part of the soul. A healthy soul leads to a healthy life.

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

• Some are deathly afraid of spiders. 
• Some are afraid of snakes.
• Some are afraid of heights.
• Some are afraid of flying.
• Some are afraid of storms.
• Some are afraid of the unknown.
• Some are afraid of dying.
•  

1.What scared the Shepherds?(Luke 2:8,9)  – “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” 

2.What calmed their fears? (Luke 2:10) – “And the angel said unto them, Fear not.” 

3.Why did the angel say that they should not be afraid? (Luke 2:10,11) – “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” 

• Heaven’s adoration to the earth’s abomination…
• Heaven’s blessedness to the earth’s bareness…
• Heaven’s coronation to the earth’s curses…
• Heaven’s delights to the earth’s degradation…
• Heaven’s hallelujahs to the earth’s hostility…
• Heaven’s jubilation to the earth’s jeers…
• Heaven’s majesty to the earth’s misery…
• Heaven’s rejoicing to the earth’s reviling…
• Heaven’s worship to the earth’s wrath…

Nothing this earth could afford to give our Lord would equate to what He left in Glory! He stooped way down!!

Why should we not be afraid?

Because of the……

“…..good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:10)

Conclusion: Jesus is our Savior! …And He is Lord!! Jesus brings great JOY!! This CHRISTmas, when you are experiencing fear, remember in the middle of our troubles and trials, Jesus Christ can bring PEACE and SECURITY to our hearts.

1. A Body of Deity Was Prepared! (Heb. 10:5) – “Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me.”

3. An Angel Was Selected to Make the Announcement! (Luke 2:9–10) – “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”

Conclusion: What a glorious night! A Savior would be born. From eternity past, the Lord’s plan of redemption was being executed without a glitch, in spite of Satan’s attempts. Let JESUS be born in you. Give Him ROOM in your heart!

Horoscopes, along with so-called innocent mediums or spirits, are guiding people astray, further from the God of creation. The Greek term for star is ἀστήρ, and it appears twenty-four times in the New Testament. Take a look at the reference to the kind of star in the Word of God and follow the God who made the stars. In fact, He has named and numbered all of them! (Psa. 147:4) “He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.”

Why FOLLOW the STAR from AFAR, instead get as CLOSE as you can? (Matt. 2:1–2) – “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”

Perhaps these men, who were Persians, which saw the star in the east while traveling hundreds of miles, had read the Old Testament prophecy in Numbers. Some believe that Daniel instructed them.

“Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.” (Dan. 2:48)

Many scholars believe that to be the case. Balaam, the compromising prophet—although he did not curse Israel but did cause them to sin against God—made this prophetic statement about the STAR, meaning JESUS: “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.” (Num. 24:17)

By the way, there are all kinds of speculation about the “star.” Apparently, it was a supernatural light God placed in the sky to declare to the world a SAVIOR has been born, Christ the Lord. The angels announced His entrance to the shepherds: “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11)

Miraculously, the specific place was Bethlehem, Judea, which had been prophesied approximately five hundred years prior to the birth of Jesus by Micah the prophet: “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2)

Again, as prophesied, the Word of God was fulfilled. Now back to the journey of the WISE MEN.

Being led by the Lord contrary to Herod’s request, these men found the child and brought gifts to the NEW BORN KING. “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matt. 2:11)

Apparently, they arrived after the birth of Jesus Christ. In fact, the phrase “young child” indicates that it was some time after His birth. Have you ever wondered, “Why myrrh”? Remember, myrrh was used in preparing a dead body. JESUS was born to die! Thank God He died for our sins, but also arose from the dead! Besides that, He has promised to come again.

But also please notice about the WISE MEN: they who were “far away” moved “as close as they could” to be with JESUS! This Pastor believes that they were forever changed after being with JESUS!! Like you and me, they could not keep it a secret. They had to GO and TELL what they had SEEN and how they had been TOUCHED. Will you do that right now? Howbeit, you may have to come out of your “COMFORT ZONE—CURLED UP on the COUCH”! However, when we pursue JESUS CHRIST, He always makes it well worth it!