Devotions Archives | Page 3 of 144 | New Rocky Creek Baptist Church

The Passion Week: The UPPER ROOM to the GARDEN GLOOM

Posted on 1Apr CATEGORIES: Devotions

Introduction: For the next few days these devotions are going to carry us through the steps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ during what is called PASSION WEEK. Do you remember that week? Our prayer is that by tracing the journey of JESUS to the cross and beyond will activate a greater love and devotion to Him, which will result in a more dedicated lifestyle that glorifies the One that laid down His life for us {and then took it up again}. What about it?

Starting with the “Anointing” of JESUS, imagine the scene. Next, Jesus goes with His disciples in the UPPER ROOM. From there, He goes to GETHSEMANE’S GLOOM! Follow closely. Please explain what this means to you.

1. The UPPER ROOM! (Matt. 26:17) – “Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?”

Of course, this PASSOVER commemorated God’s great deliverance for the Israelites when they were held in bondage as slaves in Egypt for 430 years. The unleavened bread, the roasted lamb, the bitter herbs, and the fruit of the vine all pointed ultimately to God’s provision in sending His Son, JESUS CHRIST as a substitutionary sacrifice for all mankind. While at the table, it was revealed that Judas Iscariot would both reject and betray the Lord. Meanwhile, God’s plan unfolded as Jesus made His way to the GARDEN.

2. GETHSEMANE’S GLOOM! (Matt. 26:36) – “Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.”

Right here we learn that “It PAYS to PRAY BEFOREHAND”! While facing life’s most difficult experience, our Lord called the disciples to call upon the God Who answers prayer according to His will, even though they did not know He was God in the flesh. He agonized by sweating great drops of blood. And finally He endured, in spite of His sleepy disciples. “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matt. 26:39) What a breakthrough! Will you pray that now?

Conclusion: Traveling in the footprints of JESUS CHRIST during this PASSION week reminds us of the divine path that He took while drinking the cup which contained our sins to the last bitter drop! That is why we LOVE HIM!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

The Passion Week: The Anointing

Posted on 31Mar CATEGORIES: Devotions

Introduction: For the next few days, these devotions are going to carry us through the steps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, during what is called PASSION WEEK. Do you remember that week? Our prayer is that by tracing the journey of JESUS to the cross and beyond will activate a greater love and devotion to Him, which will result in a more dedicated lifestyle that glorifies the One that laid down His life for us (and then took it up again). What about it?

Starting with the “Anointing” of JESUS, imagine the scene.

1. Notice a WORSHIPFUL WOMAN who ANOINTS JESUS! (Mark 14:3) – “And being in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.”

The word “precious” means costly, or a great price. Jesus deserves our BEST! Are you giving Him leftovers or your best? Time? Resources? Are you letting others stop you from getting to Jesus and giving to Jesus?

2. There will always be a MURMURING CROWD when you give to JESUS or even serve Him! (Mark 14:4–5) – “And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.”

Interesting to note, the word for “murmur” is ἐμβριμάομαι (pronounced em-bree-MAH-oh-my), which means straitly charge, groan, deeply moved, sternly warned, or can even mean scolding. Get the picture. The self-righteous crowd scolded her. You can almost hear them shout, “Get away from Him, you dirty woman!” Little did they know that she was preparing the body of our Lord for His burial. So actually, they were spiritually blind, and yet they thought they were spiritually minded because, in their mind, it was a “waste” of money and could have been given to the poor. Sounds good, doesn’t it? The lesson for us to learn is anything spent on or for JESUS, with the right motives, will not go unrewarded. What have you spent on Jesus lately?

3. Just do what you can! (Mark 14:6–9) – “And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? She hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.”

Isn’t that good? In other words, Jesus commended her sacrificial gift! He will do the same for you. By the way, JUST DO WHAT YOU CAN! Stop worrying about what you can’t do—DO WHAT YOU CAN!

Conclusion: This narrative description of the Anointing of Jesus prior to His crucifixion gives tremendous insight on how He views our sacrificial giving to Him. While others—even family—may see it as a “waste,” JESUS CHRIST is honored by our gifts of love. What will you give Him today for giving His all for you?

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

An Unforgettable Palm Sunday

Posted on 30Mar CATEGORIES: Devotions

Introduction: The stage was set. Jesus must go to Jerusalem. His time was at hand. It was God’s divine plan. And ultimately, He would be crucified, buried, but arise from the tomb as foretold by the prophets. The unbelievable part of this biblical account remains the mathematical probability that it would happen—hard to fathom. However, what follows is a narrative recorded by the writers of the Bible while under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Quite remarkable, to say the least.

1. Triumphant Entry Foretold! (Dan. 9:25–26; Zech. 9:9) – “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself.”

Daniel’s prophetic insight defies description. To be able to look into the 490 years of what was to come for Israel precisely—the Jews—was unheard of until his prophecy. Yet, 483 years have already come to fruition as foretold by Daniel. Therefore, this should give great confidence to every believer that the Word of God is unparalleled when it comes to prophetic accuracy, not to mention the remaining 7 years will be fulfilled as written. Just wait and see!

Next, the prophet Zechariah foreshadows the coming day when the Christ would ride into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” (Zech. 9:9) Keep in mind, this was approximately 500 years before the event would happen. Well, did it? Keep reading.

2. The Triumphant Exit Fulfilled! (Dan. 9:26; Luke 19:33–44) – “And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself.”

The historian Dr. Luke wrote about the amazing fulfillment of this prophecy. In Luke 19:30, we read, “Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.” Sadly, those witnessing that historic and prophetic event were oblivious to the significance of that moment—much like today.

Consequently, Jesus rebuked them by saying the following: “And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.” (Luke 19:41–42)

In other words, Jesus was saying that if only they had read their Bible (O.T.), then they would have recognized both WHO and WHAT was happening. Honestly, today many are ignorantly going about their “merry way” without one thought of the Word of God yet to be fulfilled. Time for a WAKE UP CALL!

Conclusion: This Unforgettable Palm Sunday has gone down as one of the most remarkable fulfillments of the Bible, and yet gives each reader a “sneak preview” as to what happened afterwards, as well as what is planned for the future. Bottom line: God’s Word has been fulfilled, is being fulfilled, and ultimately will be fulfilled. Hang on!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

The Big Exchange

Posted on 27Mar CATEGORIES: Devotions

Introduction: Did you realize that the Christian life is one big exchange? Have you ever made an exchange? Sure you have! How about this exchange?

1. Exchange our sins for Jesus Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection from the grave! (Col. 3:1) – “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”

Because Jesus has been crucified in our place, and by faith we trust in His precious and redeeming blood to wash our sins away, then we become a child of God. No more guilt, shame, or condemnation… free in Him to enjoy His peace and presence. That calls for rejoicing!

2. Exchange our finicky emotions for His eternal life and plan! (Col. 3:2–3) – “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”

Because of the previous truths concerning His death, burial, and resurrection, we now can exchange our warped and crazy thinking into heavenly thoughts. So may we stop our stinking thinking and turn it into pure and wholesome delight!

3. Exchange our fear of the future for His promise to return! (Col. 3:4) – “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

The future looks bright and promising in spite of the dark horizon. Just as sure as you are reading this, Jesus Christ will return for all of those who put their faith in Him. Will you exchange your fear for faith?

Make the big exchange today!
You will never be sorry.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Dealing With Deadly Demons and Discouragement

Posted on 26Mar CATEGORIES: Devotions

Introduction: Honestly, have you been discouraged lately? Why?

There are at least (5) areas:
1. Personal – job, health
2. Spiritual – 29% bible
3. Financial – CBDC – Feds Jan 20
4. Relational – needs families
5. National – Domestic and Foreign Let me remind you that you do know that some of God’s choicest servants were discouraged at times? Do you remember David? (1Sam 30:6) What about Moses and Elijah?

If we are going to stay ENCOURAGED in these discouraging days we must realize and do the following:

1. There are different “Times & Seasons” (Eccl 3:1-11). Are you in a particular season right now?
2. When we are feeling discouraged, the Lord Jesus has been everywhere we have been and yet without sin! (Heb. 4:14-16)
Isn’t that great to know?
3. We can always encourage ourselves in the Lord (1Sam 30:6). Why not do that now?
4. Somethings we cannot control (Phil 4:11,12). Instead, we need to let our Lord Jesus take control.
5. God is our refuge and strength (Psa 46:1-10). We can run to our place of safety.

6. When we reach out to someone else, it helps to lift our discouragement (Gal 6:1,2). Will you reach out right now?
7. In the light of heaven and eternity, this is a light affliction (2Cor 4:16-18). At the moment it seems very heavy. But when we get to glory, it will not matter.

Conclusion: Stay encouraged, even if you are discouraged!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

NEVER GIVE UP, GIVE OUT

Posted on 25Mar CATEGORIES: Devotions

Are you going through a tough time right now? I pray you will somehow not give up hope.

The old saying goes, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going!” You are tough. I believe that. Why? Because Jesus is in you, and He was the toughest man—the God-Man—that ever lived. Yet I know you are only human.

By the way, even some of God’s greatest servants got very discouraged—Moses, Elijah, John the Baptist, and others. The list goes on, and it’s okay. But our Lord was with them, and He will see you through this time in your life. I know you know that you can trust Him. Do you believe that?

I remember, over the last forty-plus years, talking with my dad and many others during tough times in their lives, but they persevered, just like many in the Bible.

Do you remember the song Horatio Spafford wrote, “It Is Well with My Soul”? It was during a very difficult time in his life. As a matter of fact, it was after he lost his children when the ship they were on went down in the ocean, and they drowned. Needless to say, that was a real tragedy.

Please do not forget—our Lord has carried you through so much in the past, and He is not going to leave you now.

In life, we face some uncontrollable circumstances that can knock us down, taking the breath out of us temporarily. However, gradually, Jesus Christ, who suffered immensely, will pick us up with His mighty arms and shower us with His amazing grace and great comfort until we can stand again on our own two feet emotionally, mentally, relationally, and most importantly, spiritually. Bless His name.

Will you trust Him right now? Call upon Him. Look to Him. Thank Him. Experience, and then share, His wonderful love.

Yesterday, I visited a man who has a tumor protruding out of his neck about the size of a tennis ball, and it is growing larger every day. There is nothing they can do about it. He asked me why God was leaving him here. He said he would rather go to heaven because he is in excruciating pain every minute. It is hard to relate.

I told him I did not fully understand, but it was obvious he was having a huge impact on his family as they watched him suffer. We both came to the conclusion that he was teaching his children how to die.

A lot of folks feel hopeless. Do you? But there is always hope in Jesus for His children. After all, heaven is just in sight, where there will be no more pain, suffering, tears, or death. Imagine that.

This is made possible because of Jesus’ sacrificial, substitutionary death on the cross for our sins and His glorious resurrection from the dead, which gives us eternal life and hope beyond the grave.

Never forget Job in the Bible. Do you remember what he went through and how he suffered losing all of his ten children, his wealth, and even his health? Job said, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble” (Job 14:1).

But he also said, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God” (Job 19:25–26).

Speaking of going through hardships and afflictions, and yet enduring, Paul wrote, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9).

Later in that same chapter, he explained, “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16–18).

So this pastor is asking our Lord to give you strength and grace to not give up. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

After all, others who love you would not want you to give up. They look up to you. Not to mention, our Lord Jesus is not finished with you yet. Stay the course.

Praying for you right now.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Hope for the Hopeless in Hard Times

Posted on 24Mar CATEGORIES: Devotions

Introduction: Jesus is Alive! That brings HOPE!! Plus, He has promised to return, that gives HOPE!!! While things may seem a bit HOPELESS in this world, you can have ROCK SOLID CONFIDENCE in the Word of God.

The devotion today gives every person one of two CHOICES: Check it out.

1. How to Turn our HOPELESS TROUBLES and TRIALS into HOPEFUL TRUST and TRIUMPH because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ! (1 Pet. 1:2-7) – “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire…”

So How to Turn our HOPELESS TROUBLES and TRIALS into HOPEFUL TRUST and TRIUMPH? Well, because of the RESURRECTION of JESUS when have been ELECTED or PICKED OUT (v.2), we have been BROUGHT OUT OF the devil’s plan (v3), and finally we have been GIVEN an incorruptible INHERITANCE in heaven (v4).

2. How to TURN our SET BACKS into SET UPS for COME BACKS! (1 Pet. 1:7-8) – “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.”

While the devil is trying to TEAR DOWN our TESTIMONY through SET BACKS, our ROCK SOLID expectation in JESUS return is a SET UP for a COME BACK!

Conclusion: What CHOICE are you going to make? Remember. There’s HOPE for you in Hard Times because of the victory we have in Jesus Christ!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

The Godly vs the Ungodly

Posted on 23Mar CATEGORIES: Devotions

Introduction: What are the marks of the “Godly”? What about the “Ungodly”? This is a great Word from the Lord which distinguishes between the righteous and the evil. See if you can tell which one is which. Then decide which one describes you. And finally, make sure through confession and cleansing that your life lines up with the evaluation of those who please the Lord.

1. The INTEGRITY of a Godly lifestyle! (Psa 1:1-2) – “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

This is obvious. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the INTEGRITY of a “GODLY” man or woman. From the inside to the outside, it shows, it grows, and it glows!

Question: How do others see you and me? Are we listening to ungodly counsel? Are we like Lot of old mixing and mingling with the wicked? Are you swimming against the current of this present sinful age?

2. The TESTIMONY of a Godly lifestyle! (Psa 1:3) – “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Did you take note of the visible evidence of the righteous? There should be some definite characteristics of a “Godly” man or woman – not perfection mind you! But certainly a Godly person will have a propensity to please the Lord.

If that is not the case for you, maybe you need to “check up”? What do you think?

By the way, others can see our FRUIT whether it is good or bad!

3. The DESTINY of the ungodly! (Psa 1:4,5) – “The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore, the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.”

Bad news for the ungodly…..instability, deceptive security, and marred character follows the wicked. Plus, without a change of heart (Ezekiel 36:26,27), unfortunately, their destination is to experience doom.

So if you are reading this now and that describes you, then please TURN from your sin and TURN and put your faith in JESUS CHRIST. He will forgive you and save you!

4. The FINALITY of both the Godly and Ungodly! (Psa 1:6) – “For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”

Fast forward. You are standing before the Lord. What will Jesus say? Now is the time to change.

Conclusion: Well, which one describes you? Do you need to make some adjustments? Confession and cleansing is great for the soul! It honors our Lord Jesus Christ. If your “WALK” lines up with your “TALK” then keep up the GOOD WORK!

Our lifestyle in Christ while living and pleasing Him makes all the DIFFERENCE in the world between GODLY vs UNGODLY.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Unoffered Prayer Is Unanswered Prayer

Posted on 20Mar CATEGORIES: Devotions

Introduction: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matt 7:7-8)

These are the words of Jesus Christ. What is it that you could have but you do not ask? Our Lord Jesus invites us to ask and then trust Him. This simple truth is so very often overlooked, perhaps because of various reasons; i.e. self effort, unbelief, etc.

Please remember this format:

“When the request is wrong – God says NO!
When the timing is wrong – God says SLOW!!
When we are wrong – God says GROW!!!
But when the request is right, the timing is right, and we are right, God says GO!!!!”

Take a moment to check out and see where your prayers match any of the above model. Then make the necessary changes so that your prayers line up with the biblical criteria for answered prayers.

Keep in mind, the key of persistence in prayer (Luke 11; 18). Both of these accounts in Luke’s gospel record Jesus Christ’s instructions to His disciples {and us today} the importance of not “GIVING UP” when we pray.

For instance, in Luke 11, the man would eventually receive the “bread for his friend” because he kept knocking on the door until he got an answered. Secondly, the widow in Luke 18 was finally avenged of her adversary – got an answered – because she kept on pursuing her case before the judge {“bothered” – the word indicates she figuratively beat him black and blue} until he gave into her request. Both of these examples were given by Jesus in regard to answered prayers.

How often do we GIVE UP praying because there is a delay in the answer. Don’t forget our God knows best. That is where we have to TRUST in Him! By the way, Solomon wrote the only true way to TRUST Him is with ALL of our heart, not 1/2 or 3/4.

“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.” (Prov. 3:5-6)

Did you notice the word “ALL”? Are you trusting in the Lord with ALL your heart? Truthfully? Honestly?

So in concluding, put the two irrevocable principles together – prayer and faith – cousins! After reviewing this devotion, take a moment to see what you are praying, how you are praying, why you are praying, and then THANK GOD for answered prayers!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Forever Friends

Posted on 19Mar CATEGORIES: Devotions

Introduction: Do you have a REAL FRIEND?

Our life is filled with a lot of acquaintances. But when all is said and done…. very few – REAL FRIENDS!

A newspaper decided to have a contest to decide the best definition of a FRIEND:

** The winner said, “A friend is someone who multiplies your joy and divides your grief.”
** The runner up said, “A friend is someone who comes in when the world goes out.”

Mark’s gospel records (3) ways to tell if you are a REAL FRIEND:

1. REAL FRIENDS bring their friends to Jesus! (Mark 2:1-4) – “And they come into him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was born of four….and when they could not come night unto him….they uncovered the roof….they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.”

• REAL friends carry other friends (v. 3)

• REAL friends will not be discouraged, they will get their friends to Jesus (v. 4)

2. REAL FRIENDS bring their friends to Jesus to be forgiven, because they’ve been forgiven! (Mark 2:5-11) – “When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.”

• Jesus saw their faith (Faith moves the Master)
• Jesus forgave his sin

3. REAL FRIENDS bring their friends to Jesus, then they find FREEDOM! (Mark 2:1) – “And immediately he arose, took up the bed…they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.”

• Jesus heals spiritual sickness
• Jesus heals physical sickness

Conclusion: Do you know in order to have a FRIEND you must first show yourself to be friendly? (Prov 18:24)

Why not purpose in your heart to get a FRIEND to Jesus?

Will you be a REAL FRIEND?

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese