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Grateful for a Changed Heart

Posted on Nov 20, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: Jesus is in the RESTORATION Business. In fact, He is the only one who can “STRAIGHTEN” people out… besides UNDERTAKERS!! Look at His record. Mary Magdalene had seven demons but became a faithful follower of the Lamb of God. Nicodemus was a very religious man but emptied of the real God; and consequently, he became an influential man for the glory of the Lord. Zacchaeus, although a little man, became a big man when Jesus brought salvation to his house. As a result, he made the wrong right. This is not to mention the widow of Nain whose son was raised from the dead by one touch from the Master’s hand, the Canaanite woman whose daughter was healed from demons, the Nobleman’s son who was healed from a disease with just the spoken Word, the blind man born from birth whose eyes were opened for the first time, the sinful woman who washed Jesus’s feet with her tears and wiped them dry with her hair, the doubting daddy whose son was demon possessed but he was delivered, and finally the condemned, dying thief on the cross who became the believing thief in paradise.

Could your name be added? Can you testify?

What about the leper who was healed of leprosy, the paralytic of thirty-eight years who was healed instantly of his infirmity, the sinful woman who was caught in the act of adultery but forgiven of her sins instead of being stoned to death, the apostle Paul who was converted from a murderer to a flaming missionary?

Consider the fishermen’s change from catching fish to rescuing sinking souls! Peter, James and John became dedicated disciples who followed Jesus Christ to their grave. Matthew left a life of stealing and covetousness to a life of sacrificial compassion. Thomas went from “doubting to shouting” when he witnessed the risen Christ! James, the half brother of Jesus, was an unbeliever until the resurrection and later became the senior leader in the Church of Jerusalem. Besides that, he was inspired to write his letter included in the Canon of Scripture.

It has been the most exciting thing along with rewarding to see Jesus Christ change so many men, women, boys and girls through these last four decades! Some who are still serving in key positions of ministry. Others are making a difference in their families and communities. Many have taken their heavenly flight to enter into their eternal rest in their celestial home. Has Jesus changed your life? Can you testify?

Conclusion: Time nor space will allow for all the lives that our Lord JESUS has changed. Suffice to say, this writer’s heart has been forever transformed by the only true and living God. Have you been changed? Well, continue to be GRATEFUL while giving Him glory!!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

A Debt of Gratitude

Posted on Nov 19, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: Do you ever feel like you OWE the Lord for His GOODNESS and GRACE? But how could we ever repay Him? Listen to the words of the Psalmist.

1. Will you Offer Thanksgiving to God! (Psa 50:14) – “Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High.”

The word “thanksgiving” used here — תּוֹדָה (to-daw’) — which means a “THANKS OFFERING.” Other usages can mean thanking God in song or by a musical instrument. Either way, it is a choice. Will you choose to offer thanksgiving to the Lord?

Barnes Notes on the Bible stated, “The word rendered ‘offer’ in this place — זָבַח (zabach) — means properly ‘sacrifice.’ So it is rendered by the Septuagint, θῦσον (thuson) — and by the Vulgate, immola. The word is used, doubtless, with design — to show what was the ‘kind’ of sacrifice with which God would be pleased, and which He would approve. It was not the mere ‘sacrifice’ of animals, as they commonly understood the term; it was not the mere presentation of the bodies and the blood of slain beasts; it was an offering which proceeded from the heart, and which was expressive of gratitude and praise.”

That is a good word rightly spoken.

Also the word “vows” is — נֶדֶר (neder) — which means properly a vow or promise. How many times have you cried out to God with a vow? Have you kept your end?

2. Have you counted all of God’s Benefits? (Psa 116:12) – “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?”

Can you list all of the Lord’s benefits? Forgiveness, health, family, heaven, etc. The word “render” means return. In other words, what can we return to the Lord for all of His benefits?

Actually, He desires a relationship. Since He is all knowing, then He wants us to TRUST HIM. Are you trusting Him fully?

Conclusion: Do you conclude that we OWE our God a great debt of THANKSGIVING? Are you willing to “offer” it now with a vow of living and serving Him?

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

From PRISON to PRAISE!

Posted on Nov 18, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: Do you feel like you are in PRISON? Weighed down with shackles? Ball and chain? Shut up behind bars?

Are we really THANKFUL? Does it show? One question emerges. Why should we be THANKFUL?

Hello. Can we be THANKFUL even when we are paying our TAXES? One man told his wife that when he died to take his ashes, put them in an envelope, and send it to the IRS and say, “NOW YOU GOT EVERYTHING”!!

Well anyway, you can turn your FEAR into FAITH, ASHES into BEAUTY, WORRY into VICTORY, GUILTY PAST into LIBERATED LIVING in the PRESENT, RESENTMENT into CONTENTMENT, DEPRESSION into POSSESSION, and from HATEFUL to GRATEFUL! Do it today.

Why should we be THANKFUL?

1. Because our NAME & SHAME has been CHANGED! (2 Cor. 5:17; 1 Cor. 6:11) – “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.”

Think about it. In one split nano of a second JESUS changes your life forever. All the guilty past GONE! This includes the shame and condemnation. With that being said, we can go “FROM PRISON to PRAISE”! But that is not all.

2. Because our DESTINATION is not the SAME! (Phil. 3:20, 21) – “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Just as the believers in Philippi were under the Roman law, yet they were hundreds of miles away from Rome, we too are under the American law but our eternal HOME is in heaven. “I CAN ONLY IMAGINE”!

3. Because GOOD NEWS is now PROCLAIMED! (2 Cor. 5:20) – “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

Tired of the BAD NEWS? Here is some GOOD NEWS. JESUS CHRIST is ALIVE! He has conquered death, hell, sin and the grave!! Plus, He has promised to come again!!! Get ready. Share this BLESSED HOPE.

4. Because Satan’s KINGDOM has been DERANGED! (Col. 2:14, 15) – “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

Jesus took the keys from Satan. Somebody said he is the only one who does not have the keys to his own house!

5. Because JESUS CHRIST is COMING BACK to totally RECLAIM! (2 Thess. 2:8, 9) – “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.”

Technically, the Gulf War wasn’t officially won until the U.S. FLAG was driven in ground!! Why not RECLAIM all the ground the devil’s taken in your life & family? Take it back for the glory of the Lord!

Conclusion: Will you turn from being HATEFUL to GRATEFUL, from PRISON to PRAISE? Make this THANKSGIVING and everyday a BLESSING by being THANKFUL!

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Thanksgiving around the Throne in Heaven

Posted on Nov 17, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: Celebrating THANKSGIVING in Heaven, what about it? Those who have been redeemed by the blood of JESUS CHRIST owe a great debt of THANKS to Him. Do you agree? Even the “beasts” in the book of Revelation are bowing before the throne of God PRAISING Him.

Check out this heavenly scene:

1. On the Throne! (Rev. 4:2–3) – “And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.”

John is raptured into heaven as it were. What did he see? Actually, he saw the Lamb of God on His throne. Can you see Him with the eye of faith? Praise the Lord, He is not hanging on a cross anymore. Nor is He buried in a tomb. Instead, He is highly exalted on His majestic throne on high! Is He on the throne of your heart?

2. Around the Throne! (Rev. 4:4) – “And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.”

Apparently, these are representatives of the Church who have been bought with the blood of Christ. Assembled together as one body in Christ here is a picture of true WORSHIP.

3. Before the Throne! (Rev. 4:6–9) – “And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever”

So what are they doing? What will we be doing? “…..give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever.”

Thankful for WHO He is and WHAT He has done, we will give THANKS! Amen.

Conclusion: Think about it. Imagine being there. The sights, sounds, and scenery will be breathtaking! JESUS CHRIST our REDEEMER will finally be WORSHIPPED in all of His glory!! Will you be there? Are you practicing THANKSGIVING now so that it will not be AWKWARD when you get to heaven? Go ahead and try it, you will like it.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Chat Bot Jesus

Posted on Nov 14, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: Is Chat Bot Jesus becoming more popular than going to church to hear the Word of God? You tell me?
Recently, a friend sent an article on this particular subject:

November 13, 2025
LIZ TICONG
Churches Turn to Chatbot Jesus as Pews Go Empty
SmartNews

What do you think about this modern trend? Do you see a problem? Should we be overly surprised? Didn’t our Lord forewarn His faithful followers?

So what are the dangers of listening to Chat Bot Jesus? Is this the real Jesus? Here are some red flags.

1. A clear violation of other Scripture! (Heb. 10:25; Eph. 5:25) – “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.”

Assembling means gathering together, namely at church. Howbeit, most are aware that the early church met in homes with other believers; nevertheless, they assembled together for the purpose of WORSHIP and being instructed in the WORD of God (Acts 2:41–47). Please DO NOT overlook this irrevocable discipline for the church.

Next, look at what Paul wrote, inspired by God, concerning the church. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” PLAIN and SIMPLE. JESUS LOVED the CHURCH!

Obviously, he is not talking about the exterior building but rather the people that make up the church. To disregard this would be nothing short than bypassing biblical principles. The church is important to Jesus and the New Testament writers. How do you get around that? You cannot!

2. Extra biblical voices! (1 John 4:1) – “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”

QUESTION: Is Chat Bot Jesus only quoting the Scriptures? Or is Chat Bot Jesus giving out opinionated information based on human data and psychological information? Be careful. There is a huge difference!

3. Spiritual quest for searching for truth! (1 Tim. 4:1,2) – “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”

Interesting to note, the word “seducing” is πλάνος (plan’-os), which means deceiver, and does include seducing deceiver. Are you seeing the picture? Satan’s emissaries are busy misleading people to TRUST ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE more than the REAL JESUS CHRIST. Who are you seeking? Who are you trusting?

Conclusion: Lastly, our Lord JESUS tried to warn all CHRISTIANS everywhere that this would be happening. Do you reckon that CHRISTIANS ought to start listening?

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.” (Matt. 24:24,25)

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Syria – Damascus in Prophecy

Posted on Nov 13, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: Recently, President Trump met with the leader of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the leader of the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Prior to this unprecedented meeting with him at the White House, President Trump met with him along with another leader, “Saudi Arabia prince” Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince.

Supposedly, the Syrian leader made a deal with President Trump. In exchange for oil and gas, he requested the tariffs be dropped, plus the possibility of building a TRUMP TOWER in DAMASCUS.

As my grandfather used to say, “Follow the money trail!”

Anyway, this is interesting. This recent development prompts a closer look at “Damascus” in Bible prophecy.

Isaiah the prophet prophesied Damascus’s utter destruction. At the present time, this prophecy has not been completely fulfilled, but will be in the future.

1. Damascus Will Be Destroyed! (Isaiah 17:1–2) – “The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.”

According to most conservative scholars, this prophecy has yet to be fulfilled. But just as hundreds of other prophecies have precisely been fulfilled, this one also is guaranteed to come to fruition in the future. Even though some point to a past fulfillment—such as this being fulfilled by Tiglath-pileser (2 Kings 16:9)—a “ruinous heap” seems to indicate obliteration, which has not happened.

2. Israel’s Dependency Upon the Enemies of God Resulted in Its Downfall! (Isaiah 17:3–4) – “The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts. And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.”

Speaking of the northern kingdom’s downfall, Isaiah pronounced judgment, which technically happened in 722 B.C. during the Assyrian invasion.

3. Jesus Christ Will Come in Power and Glory! (Isaiah 17:13) – “The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.”

When and how this will happen, no one really knows for sure. But be assured, it will happen sometime—in God’s time. Meanwhile, keep reaching up to Jesus, reaching out to others, and reaching in for the grace and blessings from the Lord.

Conclusion: Besides Isaiah’s prophecy concerning Damascus, Daniel describes the “King of the North.” This will be during the Antichrist’s seven-year (pseudo) peace plan with Israel, in which nations will rise up against the man of sin. Syria is believed to be one.

However, please note that eventually all nations will come against Jerusalem to battle, according to Zechariah’s prophecy. Yet Jesus Christ will demolish these nations, which also include the Kings of the East, in what is known as the Battle of Armageddon.

Jesus Christ’s Kingdom is coming!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

CHOSEN to be SOLDIERS

Posted on Nov 12, 2025 in Devotions |

“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.” (2 Tim. 2:3)

“And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matt. 10:38–39)

Introduction: Zohran Mandani, at the age of 34 years old, has been elected as the first Muslim mayor of NYC. Are you surprised? There are some crazy folks in NYC! As a matter of fact, there are some crazy folks in Mansfield and Monticello, GA. They need Jesus! Let’s tell them and show them. By the way, our Lord Jesus, who is the Captain of our salvation, has CHOSEN us to be SOLDIERS.

When chosen as a soldier, one must go through basic training. There are 3 basic parts for training to be a CHRISTian SOLDIER—see if you are serving in the Lord’s Army and what you need to do.

Are you RETIRED from the Lord’s Army? Or do you need to be REFIRED? Do you need to STEP UP because you have FALLEN DOWN?

Well, GET UP and GET BACK! Our God is a God of second chances! Have you laid down your sword for a remote control? Pick it back up. Have you joined the political “Mickey Mouse Club” of whiners instead of carrying a cross for reaching the lost?

Thank God for Christians marching under the blood-stained banner of the Cross with the sharp two-edged sword in their hand—shouting TRIUMPH!

1. Christian soldiers are trained to know the Will of God!
Islam — past, present, future (Gen. 16–25; Ezekiel 38–39)
Christianity — past (Matt., Mark, Luke, John 1–21) — future (Rev. 2–3; 4–21, 22)

Do you need to be a part—join together with other soldiers to help fight in the battle? Why not today?

2. Christian soldiers are trained to study the Word of God!
How to witness to Muslims — Koran vs. Bible (2 Pet. 1:16–21; 2 Tim. 2:15)

Would you be prepared? “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Don’t forget to spend time studying the Word of God and then applying it to your life by the power of the Holy Spirit.

3. Christian soldiers are trained to witness with the Power of God!
(1 Pet. 3:15) — “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

“Give an answer” is the word ἀπολογία, which means to give a logical defense for what you believe.

Can you? Are you ready? Do you need more preparation?

Thanks for reading this devotion! That is the ultimate purpose for writing these devotions—to equip us. Please share them with someone you love so that they will be prepared to give a defense.

Conclusion: Seeing that JESUS CHRIST has CHOSEN us to be SOLDIERS, keep FIGHTING the GOOD FIGHT of FAITH!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Soldiers of the Cross on Veterans Day

Posted on Nov 11, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: How do you want to be remembered when you are gone? Certainly, you want to be known for being a godly man or woman, right? But with all the distractions we face today, how can we leave a lasting legacy?

Writing in what is considered Paul’s “swan song,” there are some lifelong principles for laying down great ways to be remembered. In other words, some things are worth fighting for. Read this list and see what you think:

1. Your Testimony is Worth Fighting For! (2 Tim. 4:1) – “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.”

Remember—Jesus is Savior today but will be Judge tomorrow! Believers will stand before the Lord at the Judgment Seat of Christ to give an account of how we have lived and served Jesus with the gifts we have been given. What gifts do you have? How are you using them?

2. Your Family is Worth Fighting For! (2 Tim. 4:6) – “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.”

Are you ready to be offered? The truth is—we must be ready. Why? Because no one knows the hour or the time when we will see Jesus. So let’s get ready!

3. Your Ministry is Worth Fighting For! (2 Tim. 4:2) – “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”

Everyone has a ministry! Jesus has a calling on all who will follow Him (Matthew 10:38–39; Romans 11:29). His gifts and callings are without repentance, according to the Scriptures.

4. Your Legacy is Worth Fighting For! (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.”

At the end of life’s journey, will you be able to say that you have fought a good fight? What about keeping the faith? And lastly, are you watching for His return?

Conclusion: Thank God for our soldiers who have sacrificed for our freedoms! Then again, praise God for all the Soldiers of the Cross who are sacrificing for our spiritual freedom. It is a privilege to be called to serve under our Captain of Salvation in His army. So, keep fighting the good fight of faith!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Picking Up & Moving On

Posted on Nov 10, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: Do you ever get down? Perhaps you are down in the dumps today as you read this devotion. Our prayer is that our Lord Jesus will “pick you up”! As a matter of fact, it seems that when we are down but are willing to pick up someone else, we in turn are lifted up. Do you think that is what the Apostle Paul meant when he was inspired to write this letter to the Galatian believers?

By the way, when we are willing to pick up someone else, it helps us to “move on” and stay faithful to our calling, thus fulfilling our purpose. Check it out:

1. Will you pick someone else up who has fallen down or is carrying a heavy burden? (Gal. 6:1–2) – “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Did you notice while reading this text that whether someone has fallen or is carrying a heavy load, our Lord encourages believers in Jesus Christ to be available to lighten their load—either by “picking them up” or by helping them “carry a heavy burden.”

Look at the technical meaning of these words bear and burden. Bear is the word βαστάζω, which means to bear, carry, or literally take up. Now focus on the word burdens. It is the word βάρος, which means burdensome or weight. You get the picture!

Help someone, if you can, to carry a big weight. The weight may be emotional, spiritual, relational, or financial. Regardless of the need, we are to help carry the load by the grace of God.

2. Will you “keep on keeping on” or quit? (Gal. 6:9) – “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Look at the word weary. What does it mean? Better yet, are you weary? It means to be utterly spiritless, or it can mean to be wearied out or exhausted. The word is ἐγκακέω.

Are you feeling tired and exhausted with all that you need to do? With the demands of life and the responsibilities as a parent, grandparent, or citizen, it can be very taxing at times. But remember—stay focused on God’s plan for your life as you navigate through this world. After all, it is His life working in and through His people by the power of the Holy Spirit that brings glory to His name. That is what keeps us from growing “weary in well doing”!

Conclusion: Now that we can put these two truths together—helping carry someone else’s heavy burden will encourage us to “move on” and not quit because of the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. So pick up and move on!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Revival Before Jesus’ Arrival

Posted on Nov 7, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: What should we be doing in light of Jesus coming again?

Reaching out is the answer. But how? Here are at least three ways we can REACH OUT and touch someone.

1. REACH OUT and TOUCH SOMEONE who is hurting and needs healing! (Gal. 6:1) – “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”

Do you believe that anybody can fall? Do you feel like somebody ought to pick them up? What about everybody ought to watch your step?

2. REACH OUT and TOUCH SOMEONE who needs helping! (Gal. 6:2) – “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Are you carrying a heavy load? Will you help carry someone’s burdens?

3. REACH OUT and TOUCH SOMEONE who is hurting and needs hope! (Gal. 6:9) – “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Do you know anyone who has lost hope? Remember, hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12). Solomon wrote, “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick.” Furthermore, he said, “when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.”
Do you feel hopeless about a situation? Are you ready to quit? Give up? Friendly reminder: we are not home yet!

Conclusion: These are practical pointers to revival before Jesus Christ’s arrival. Look over the list again and see if any apply to you.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese