29
Aug '25
Over and Under
29
Aug '25
Introduction: Impetuous Peter had to learn WHO he was, not to mention WHO God is. He quickly discovered WHO the devil was. Have you? Follow the trend in this great passage that goes from coming under Authority, to overcoming Anxiety and the Enemy that ultimately leads to Victory.
Here are the four steps.
1. Realize with proper perspective WHO you are and come “under” His Authority! (1 Pet 5:6) – “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”
In order to be overcomers, we must learn to come “under.” Are you willing? Submitting to God’s authority is not easy but it is best! Let’s face it, we have a certain amount of independence that wants to oppose authority. Be honest?
2. Remember WHO God is so that He will lift you “over” your Anxiety! (1 Pet 5:7) – “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
Remember to be “careful” is to be full of “care.” Do you have care? Full?
3. Resist the devil because of WHO he is being our “outside” Enemy! (1 Pet 5:8) – “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
Our arch enemy is none other than Satan. Peter knew about his attacks; and yet, he also experienced the restoration of Jesus Christ. Bottom line: When we fall prey to the enemy, Jesus Christ will lift us up. Do you need to be restored?
4. Rejoice because WHOSE you are because He that is on the “inside” will give you Victory! (1 Pet 5:9–10) – “Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
Praise the Lord for the Victory! In spite of the devil’s attacks, Jesus Christ has overcome the devil; therefore, we too can overcome!
Conclusion: Again, the key to Overcoming is coming under Authority, which leads to rising above Anxiety and the Enemy, and that ultimately leads to Victory.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
28
Aug '25
Living and Giving
28
Aug '25
Introduction: Have you ever heard the saying, “Do you’re giving while you’re living, then you’re knowing where it’s going”? The faithful followers of Jesus Christ in the Church of Philippi did just that! They gave not only of their “time” but also of their “treasures.” Are you giving of your time and treasures? Really, it boils down to fully trusting the Lord in our life, which includes finances as well as family. It has been said that you can tell a lot about both a man or woman by how they spend their “time and money.”
What would your personal resume look like if that is the case? At any rate, we can learn much from the latter part of Paul’s inspired letter to the Philippian Church in regards to this subject. Check it out:
1. Give of your SUBSTANCE! (Phil 4:15-17) – “Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. For ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.”
Apparently, the Church had given to the needs of Paul’s ministry several times as he mentions. Because of their generosity, he was able to do the work of the Lord—spreading the gospel. But ultimately, as he reminds them, they would benefit greatly with the blessings of God.
I love the following statement. St. Chrysostom points out that he uses the Greek verb akin to the noun (tokos) meaning interest on money, seems to imply that he, a Greek, understood the phrase to be borrowed from the money-market. If so, we may translate, the interest that is accruing to your credit. Now that says it all! In other words, you cannot go wrong investing in heaven’s bank account! Will you trust Him?
2. Give of your SERVICE! (Phil 4:18) – “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.”
Paul is saying in essence, “I’ve got the receipt on your NEEDED GIFT!” It was like the summer rain on a scorching hot day. The gift or gifts (perhaps clothes, money, etc.) were greatly appreciated. The comparison was like the sweet smell of beautiful flowers or the fragrance of a special offering.
Can you relate to what he is saying? Have you ever received a gift just in time to relieve your heavy heart? It is SWEET to say the least!!
3. Give of your SELF! (Phil 4:19-20) – “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Bottom line: GOD will PAY YOU BACK! That is in one way or another!!
Conclusion: Since we cannot OUT GIVE GOD, OUT SERVE GOD, or OUT LOVE GOD, it stands to reason to be a BLESSING in order to receive a BLESSING!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
26
Aug '25
Trust Without Seeing
26
Aug '25
Introduction: Truthfully, isn’t it difficult to TRUST the Lord when you cannot see the answer or the end of a trial? Yet, the Scripture teaches that without FAITH it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). Here are some insights that will help you when you’re going through a time of testing – testing your FAITH in Jesus (Heb. 12:1-3).
1. TRUSTING the Lord Jesus when you cannot see! (Rom. 4:17-22) – “As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.”
Abraham TRUSTED his God…to the point that even though he had not received the promise, he counted it and called it DONE! Wow!! Love it!!!
2. TRUSTING the Lord based on His WORD! (Heb. 11:6) – “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Did you notice that our God REWARDS those that both seek Him, and believe Him?
3. TRUSTING the Lord when things do not always go the way you want them to! (Job 13:15) – “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.”
In spite of his hardships and suffering, Job determined to TRUST the Lord.
4. TRUSTING the Lord because He knows our situation! (Job 23:10) – “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
Job, with the eye of faith was able to see the end of his trial, which would result in him being purified.
5. TRUSTING the Lord and not leaning on own own understanding (Prov. 3:5-6) – “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Depending on our limited knowledge and wisdom always leads to missing the mark. However, TRUSTING in Jesus results in His will and wisdom.
Conclusion: TRUSTING Jesus is not blind faith. Instead, FAITH in JESUS begins and ends with His credibility and immutability. His promises are true. His character is faithful. He has proven Himself over and over again. Will you TRUST Him today and forever?
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
25
Aug '25
The Place of Contentment
25
Aug '25
Introduction: The last few devotions have been on the subject of CONTENTMENT. Why? Because so many people—even CHRISTians—are discontented. In other words, always looking for something new; i.e., a new thrill, a new discovery, a new feeling, etc. Boredom has escalated with the technological changes. Now, instead of years ago, real personal relationships are being substituted for fantasies. Entertainment has become America’s full-time passion. Think about it. Even in the apostle Paul’s day, believers were searching for more than Jesus Christ to satisfy their needs. Of course, much of this unending quest stems from a deeper problem. So where and how can we find CONTENTMENT?
1. First, realize there will always be a counterfeit CONTENTMENT! (Eccl. 1–12)
According to Solomon’s writings, at one time in his life, it consisted of WINE, WOMEN, and WEALTH! However, he eventually discovered the joy of satisfaction could be found in a relationship with the God of creation. Have you found that to be true? In other words, what is it going to take to make you HAPPY? While admittedly there is pleasure in what the world has to offer, albeit, it is temporary and costly! WISE men and women look ahead, more specifically at the consequences of being out of God’s will for your life.
2. Secondly, CONTENTMENT is achieved by fulfilling our Lord’s purpose for your life!
And by the way, that does not just mean finding “the right job,” “the right spouse,” or owning “the right car or truck,” or even having “the right friends,” although there is nothing wrong with all the above. Read further.
And by the way, that does not just mean finding “the right job,” “the right spouse,” or owning “the right car or truck,” or even having “the right friends,” although there is nothing wrong with all the above. Read further.
3. Thirdly, CONTENTMENT is discovered in the following:
knowing WHO you are in Jesus Christ.
knowing WHY you are here on earth.
knowing WHERE you are going when you die.
knowing HOW to live a life that honors the Lord Jesus based on biblical principles in His Word, and by the power of the Spirit of God.
Would you agree?
Conclusion: So the real question remains… are you at the PLACE of CONTENTMENT? If not, why not? Check over this devotion, make the changes with the help of the Lord, and get to the PLACE of CONTENTMENT. This is our Lord’s guarantee for HAPPINESS!
Love y’all,
Your Pastor Randy Reese
22
Aug '25
Contentment because of Enablement
22
Aug '25
Introduction: So how can we be content no matter our circumstances? Let’s face it, in ourselves we cannot consistently be satisfied. We need an extra POWER SOURCE! That is where the Holy Spirit comes into the picture. Obviously, the power of the Holy Spirit enables us to not only WITNESS—by sharing our faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8), but also live out our faith in our relationship with Jesus with contentment. Please GO BACK and READ that sentence again!
1. Contentment! (Phil 4:11-12) – “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”
Imagine being confined in jail waiting for your execution. Not much of a life, huh? Not a lot to look forward to really? But if you are a Christian, then there is a glorious homecoming awaiting! Paul knew that. Do you? When we get to the place by the GRACE of God where we do not have to have the latest gadgets, games, or entertainment, then we are learning more and more to be content. However, obviously there is nothing wrong with God’s blessings. But if they were taken away tomorrow, would we still be happy? Time for a check-up.
2. Enablement! (Phil 4:13) – “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
In order to live in contentment continuously, there must be a transformation. Actually, this transformation happens from the inside out through the New Birth. Afterwards, the process of being weaned from the world’s pleasures and temporary satisfaction enables the believer to be an overcomer. Are you overcoming?
Conclusion: Honestly, without the power of the Holy Spirit releasing His life from within we could not rise above our circumstances from without. But praise the Lord, we can through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
21
Aug '25
The Key to Contentment
21
Aug '25
Introduction: Are you Content? What does it mean to be “content”? Where was the apostle Paul when he was inspired to write about “contentment”? If you said incarcerated, that is correct. It seems that we can either choose “contentment” or resentment? Take Paul for example, he could have BLAMED God on his circumstances. Or perhaps he could have been filled with anger. Do you ever get angry? However, he overcame his circumstances. Consider how he did it. There is a KEY that unlocks the DOOR to CONTENTMENT.
1. The KEY to Overcoming instead of being overcome by your Circumstances! (Phil 4:11) – “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
The word “content” is αὐτάρκης, which means satisfied regardless of our external circumstances, self-complacent. But remember, Jesus Christ is the key that unlocks that satisfaction.
2. The lock that opens the door to overcoming your circumstances from not enough, to just enough, and to more than enough! (Phil 4:12) – “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”
In other words, when being “deprived” or lacking thereof compared to experiencing a surplus or a time of exceeding, either way, according to Paul, it was all GOOD! Have you come to that place? By the way, the word “instructed” is μυέω which means learned the secret. Have you, like Paul, learned the secret of being fully satisfied no matter what?
Conclusion: Do you know and have the KEY to CONTENTMENT? Have you inserted it into the lock that opens a life of SATISFACTION no matter what your circumstances are? Why not open it up today?
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
20
Aug '25
Faithfully Serving Until
20
Aug '25
Introduction: There is no doubt about it, we are living in the “last days”. This should be a wake up call for CHRISTians. Jesus gives specific instructions in the Olivet discourse. Keep in mind, He is talking directly to the Jews; moreover, the context of these last verses will coincide with His second Coming – not the rapture. However, we can draw several practical lessons that relate to our modern day even before the rapture.
Consider the following:
“Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Matthew 24:46).
1. Fulfill our Purpose! (Matt 24:42-43) – “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.”
Watching and waiting while serving is the ultimate goal. Are you serving? Will you serve the Lord until He comes?
2. Fight with Passion! (Matt 24:44-45) – “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?”
We’ve been entrusted with much. Our Lord has delegated His will on earth to His servants. Much is given…..much is required.
3. Forthtelling to Prepare! (Matt 24:47-48) – “Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming.”
Jesus is not willing that any should perish. He will descend from heaven in a day when many will not be expecting. Therefore, we must stay ready! Are you ready? Are you preparing others to be ready?
Conclusion: Our Lord’s message is clear. Staying faithful to our call of duty until He comes is His will for us. Will you stay faithful?
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
19
Aug '25
Love in Mathematics – See How You Score
19
Aug '25
Introduction: Remember math? See how your LOVE life adds up. Do the Math. Do you know what real LOVE is? Where is the LOVE chapter in the Bible? If you said 1 Cor. 13, you are correct. But before we attempt to say we are in LOVE, pay attention to these words which speak volumes. Why? Because so much today that we say is LOVE is really flawed! After reading this devotion, you will probably need to admit the wrong in your LOVE, and then make restitution.
Keep reading. Here is our text from 1 Cor. 13:4–7: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
1. Blessed Additions! (1 Cor. 13:4) – “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.”
Check out the words SUFFERS LONG. It is the word μακροθυμέω, which means to bear (suffer) long, be longsuffering, have (long) patience, be patient. I love the deeper definition of this word in the following:
“to be patient in bearing the offences and injuries of others; to be mild and slow in avenging; to be longsuffering, slow to anger, slow to punish (for אַף הֶ אֱ רִ ךי, to defer anger).”
Wow! That is good!! Only by God’s grace can that happen.
2. Blessed Subtractions! (1 Cor. 13:5) – “Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.”
Don’t miss the phrase “thinks no evil.” It is the word λογίζομαι, which means to pass to one’s account or to lay to one’s charge, to reckon. It is like an accounting ledger that ERASES deficits and ADDS a credit!
Forget keeping the score! Does it really matter? Is it helping?
3. Blessed Divisions! (1 Cor. 13:6) – “Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.”
Divide sin with truth!
4. Blessed Multiplications! (1 Cor. 13:7) – “Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
The word “Beareth” is στέγω. It means to endure. It pictures making a roof over to cover with silence. Do you get it? By the way, “Endure” means persevere. So multiply endurance in your relationships. Then you have God’s love.
Conclusion: Do the Math! It adds up, takes away, divides, and multiplies. Mathematical lessons for your marriage and family.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
18
Aug '25
AI and the Midnight Cry
18
Aug '25
Introduction: AI is spinning out of control. Has man invented a Monster? Is this all a part of God’s End Time Plan? Can we connect the dots from Matthew’s gospel to the book of Revelation? And finally, what should be our response as Bible-believing CHRISTians? These questions and more will be discussed in this devotion.
1. AI and the Big Lie! (Matt 24:15) – “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand.)”
A complementary passage would be 2 Thess. 2:1–12. Will there ever be PEACE in the Middle East? This pseudo (lie) plan will be implemented by the Antichrist. Perhaps he will use the technological advances of AI. Remember, both politically and financially, he will control the world during the tribulation.
2. AI and Jesus Coming in the Sky! (Matt 24:34–46) – “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”
Although this is technically the second coming of Jesus, it calls for judgment because Jesus is coming.
3. AI and the Midnight Cry! (Matt 25:1–13) – “And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”
Again, the meaning of this passage is in regards to Israel; however, the same message is directed to the Church, namely to be ready for the rapture. So then, until the Midnight Cry, revival for survival is the undeniable need for every Christian. Do you have oil in your lamp? Would the door be shut on you if Jesus came today?
Conclusion: After following this trend of events described by Matthew’s gospel, are you ready for the “Big Lie”? Jesus coming in the Sky? And finally, the sound of the Midnight Cry?
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
15
Aug '25
An Evaluation of Your Salvation
15
Aug '25
Introduction: Did you know the BIBLE is like a road map? Not only does it give us instructions as to how to get to heaven — “Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6) — but the “Word of God” also gives us guidance as to how to relate to our Lord Jesus Christ and to each other while living in this fallen world. Where are you? In writing to his son in the Lord, Paul takes us through three (3) “EVALUATIONS for your SALVATION”!
1. Are you SAVED? (2 Tim. 1:9-10) – “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
A. When and how were you saved? (The word “saved” is sṓzō, which means rescue, deliver, safe, and secure)
When did you confess you were a sinner in need of forgiveness and a Savior — Jesus Christ — who died in our place and rose again from the dead? “He was delivered up for our offenses, and raised again for our justification.” (Rom. 4:25)
B. What has your life been like since then?
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things passed away… all things become new.” (2 Cor. 5:17)
(The word “called” is kaléō, which means to invite, summon)
(The word “called” is kaléō, which means to invite, summon)
2. Are you SECURE? (2 Tim. 1:12–14) – “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.”
(The word “committed” is parathḗkē, which means deposited, entrusted)
A. Are you secure in who you are in Christ?
B. Are you secure in whose you are?
C. Are you secure in where you are going?
B. Are you secure in whose you are?
C. Are you secure in where you are going?
3. Are you SERVING? (2 Tim. 1:11) – “Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.”
A. Why should we serve the Lord? (2 Cor. 5:14, 15)
B. How can we serve the Lord? (Rom. 12:1–15)
C. Where can we serve the Lord? (Matt. 28:18–20) — home, school, work, church, community
B. How can we serve the Lord? (Rom. 12:1–15)
C. Where can we serve the Lord? (Matt. 28:18–20) — home, school, work, church, community
Conclusion: Have you done an “EVALUATION of your SALVATION”? How did you score? What do you need to do? This should be a daily process for those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese