Devotions

HomeDevotions

02
Oct '25

Three Responses to Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

Posted on Oct 2, 2025 in Devotions |

02
Oct '25
Introduction: Really, what should be our {Christian} response to the Charlie Assassination, including the memorial? After praying and seeking our Lord’s face on the matter, our response should be threefold, and in this order.
 
1. A Call to WITNESSING! (Acts 6:15) – “And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.”
 

Stephen was bold. He was focused. He had grit. Did you notice as you read the text that he was not afraid? Fearless, wouldn’t you say? His message was timely, truthful, and tormenting to those listening. Luke, inspired by the Holy Ghost, writes that it “cut” straight to the heart!

Even though the crowd listening tried to stop up their ears from hearing, they could not escape the penetrating and convicting words as he unloaded the Word of God. There was no way of avoiding the arrows of God’s righteousness. They were stunned, pricked, and exposed. That meant there were only two responses… repent or revolt. The latter was chosen.

However, in the midst of persecution came a mighty conversion! One named Saul, who participated in the murder and stoning of a Spirit-filled witness, was eventually forever changed. Paul would later become a flaming missionary who turned the world upside down by the power of God!
 
2. A Call of WARNING! (Acts 7:51–52) – “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers.”
 

God’s wrath and judgment is on the horizon. His impending doom is inevitable. His Word will accomplish its purpose. While the wheels of God’s retribution may roll slowly, nevertheless, they are on track.

Do you know of anybody who is standing on the tracks of the wrath of the Lamb? Warn them. Talk with them. Persuade them before it is eternally too late.
 
3. A Call for WATCHING! (Acts 7:55–60) – “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”
 
Are you WATCHING for Jesus? Thank God, He is watching for you! In fact, someone said that JESUS CHRIST stood up to CHEER Stephen on as he was fulfilling his Father’s Will. John the beloved writes, “…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life,” (Rev. 2:10). Welcome to your New Home!
 
Conclusion: So now that we have established our response of Witnessing, Warning, and Watching, which way will you respond?
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

01
Oct '25

Long Temper vs Short Temper

Posted on Oct 1, 2025 in Devotions |

01
Oct '25
Introduction: Is your temper LONG or SHORT? Is it a battle or what? Have you lost your temper lately? Or really, have you found it??? Who or what is it that causes you to “lose it”? Do you get mad at yourself? Well honestly, outside of the GRACE of GOD all of us are prone to have a short fuse. Because of that, we should pray for each.
 
1. Do you have a “LONG TEMPER or SHORT TEMPER”? (Col. 1:9–11) – “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.”
 

Did you notice the two words “patience” and “longsuffering”? The word “patience” (ὑπομονή), which means endurance or steadfastness; whereas, the word “LONGSUFFERING” (μακροθυμία), which according to one scholar means long-tempered—the opposite of short-tempered. Quite a contrast, huh? This speaks volumes, doesn’t it?

What is it that gets your “GOAT”? Is it when you are criticized? When you are accused? When people do not agree with you? When things are out of your control? When you’re driving in traffic? When you are waiting at the checkout?
 
Conclusion: Remember, your testimony is at stake. Mothers, fathers, husbands, wives—any and most all Christians can find themselves having a short fuse, all depending on their circumstances. If you are reading this right now and saying, “not me,” please do not get overconfident. Let the right circumstances or events happen and then discover “the flesh is weak, but the Spirit is strong”!
 
So truthfully, at times, you may “lose it” (temper) or “find it,” but either way, if you do, acknowledge it, confess it, and make it right (1 John 1:9). That way our Lord Jesus is glorified: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Praise the Lord!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

30
Sep '25

Knowledge, Experience, Wisdom

Posted on Sep 30, 2025 in Devotions |

30
Sep '25
Introduction: Please mark that. That is the proper order. Think about it with our children and grandchildren. We give them “knowledge.” “Don’t do this. Do this, etc.” While “Knowledge” is good and needful, without experience there would be no “Wisdom.” If you are like most Christians then you are praying for “wisdom.” However, it seems our Lord uses these sequence of tools to build “wisdom.” So climbing the ladder to wisdom begins with “knowledge.”
 

1. Did you notice that KNOWLEDGE comes from the Word of God comes first? (Col. 1:9–10) – “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

Keeping the “First things first” is teaching a child right from wrong. We have the Scriptures to lay down the groundwork. In other words, “KNOWLEDGE” is learned through the Bible; i.e., knowledge about God, who He is, what is His purpose, etc. By the way, the word “KNOWLEDGE” is ἐπίγνωσις, which means true knowledge. That in itself presupposes there is a false knowledge. So then, we must get and give ἐπίγνωσις—“true knowledge” about Jesus Christ from the WORD of GOD. Are you reading it? Do you take time daily?
 

2. Did you KNOW that SPIRITUAL understanding comes from EXPERIENCE by the Holy Spirit of God? (Col. 1:9–10) – “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

Walking worthy comes from making mistakes and learning from our blunders. Otherwise, how would we KNOW what pleases our Lord? One answer is because the Holy Spirit convicts us when we displease our Lord. Does that make sense? So then, EXPERIENCE in life for the CHRISTIAN is facilitated by the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD.
 
Bottom line: first KNOWLEDGE, then EXPERIENCE.
 

3. Finally, after gaining KNOWLEDGE from the Word of God and EXPERIENCE from the Holy Spirit of God, then we are imparted WISDOM from the living God! (Col. 1:9–10) – “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

Do you remember the proper order? KNOWLEDGE + EXPERIENCE = WISDOM. In other words, because of our adoption into the family of God, our Heavenly Father through His Wisdom imparts to us His WISDOM. Really, technically speaking, JESUS becomes our WISDOM (1 Cor. 1:30–31). Do you agree that we all need WISDOM?
 

Conclusion: So the next time you think about “trying to tell your loved one something,” remember, after “Knowledge” from the Word of God comes “Experience” from the Holy Spirit of God, and then finally we become “wise” with godly “Wisdom” because of our living God. Amen, and amen!

 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

29
Sep '25

Christianity without Change?

Posted on Sep 29, 2025 in Devotions |

29
Sep '25
Introduction: Can someone be FORGIVEN without FOLLOWING Jesus Christ? Is there such a thing as having a RELIGION without a RELATIONSHIP? Perhaps you have known or know someone who wants to “GO to HEAVEN” when they die but does NOT want to do things God’s way in order to get there. Such is the case before us in today’s devotion. What would you say? How would you have handled this situation? Think back to conversations that you have had in the past with someone else about eternal life and going to heaven after death. Let’s learn from this lesson from the Master Teacher and Savior of the world concerning true conversions versus false bargainings.
 
1. There will be those SEARCHING but not SERIOUS! (Mark 10:17) – “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”
 

Wow! Imagine someone RUNNING to you and pleading with you about BEING SAVED! Most of us would be overtaken with emotions to help whoever it was in this desperate situation, helping them get relief quickly—the sooner the better. Right? But not Jesus. Why not? Because He knew what was in this man’s heart.

Lesson to learn: It is not what is on the OUTSIDE that really matters, rather what is on the INSIDE. Check it out.

2. As a WITNESS we should confront others with the TRUTH that all have missed the mark according to the Word of God! (Mark 10:18–19) – “And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.”
 
God’s law is like a mirror. It shows all of our flaws. And we have them. But please note, the law does not fix them. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Truth that we are sinners and truth that He is the only SAVIOR and LOVER of our soul. Forgiveness comes through His REDEEMING blood.
 
3. There will be those who are BROKEN DOWN and seeking freedom but not willing to BREAK FREE from SIN! (Mark 10:20–22) – “And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.”
 
I love how JESUS looked right through him to his heart and saw his real idol. And then called him to take up a CROSS {death to self} and follow Him. The “quick fix” faded. The “emotional quest” was erased. The “man-made attempt” was exposed. The “ulterior motives” were uncovered. The “self-made gods” were revealed. Whereas, the path of righteousness was presented. The way for removal of guilt and shame was laid out. The way to heaven was clear.
 
Conclusion: Sadly, this wealthy young man did not want to TURN from his sin completely. Instead, his GOLD was his god and his silver his savior. Howbeit, for clarification, there are other gods besides money today; i.e., the god of SELF, plus many other idols that take over to POSSESS and RESIDE in a person’s heart—besides permitting JESUS CHRIST to take control.

So beware of a CHRISTIANITY without CHRIST, a RELIGION without a RELATIONSHIP, a CONVERSION without a CHANGE, a GOOD WORKS SALVATION without a GRACE through FAITH REGENERATION… just saying.

And the Church said…

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

26
Sep '25

Staying in God’s Will

Posted on Sep 26, 2025 in Devotions |

26
Sep '25
Introduction: How can we as believers STAY in GOD’S WILL? Better yet, how can we KNOW GOD’S WILL? Still further, how can we do GOD’S WILL? Have you ever wondered about these questions? Today’s devotion will discuss some of these most important topics concerning the Christian life.
 
1. Walking in God’s WILL! (Col. 1:9) – “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.”
 

The first word to analyze is “filled.” It is πληρόω, which means made full, or completed, made complete or to fully, completely fill. In other words, Paul’s inspired prayer for the believers in the Church of Colossae was that they would be “filled”—completely full. But with what? Next, he explains to both them and us today: “…..ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.”

Interesting to note, the word “knowledge” is ἐπίγνωσις, which means fully know or even discernment. Keep in mind, this particular Church had gnostics who were those going around claiming they had superior knowledge to know things no one else knew. Obviously, they were false teachers. So, real knowledge and wisdom comes from the Word of God, not from those who claimed intellectual superiority. So to walk in God’s WILL would require believers to be “filled” with God’s truth.
 
2. Walking with God’s WISDOM! (Col. 1:10) – “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
 
The word “knowledge” in verses 9 and 10 is ἐπίγνωσις. It means true knowledge, heavenly insights. So to walk in wisdom is to know Who God is and to be in His Will.
 
3. Walking in Jesus Christ’s WORTHINESS! (Col. 1:11,12) – “Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.”
 
Being “partakers” {share} because of His Grace gives every believer in Jesus Christ an inheritance in Him. Besides that, did you notice the two words “patience” and “longsuffering”? The word “patience” (ὑπομονή) means endurance or steadfastness; whereas, the word “longsuffering“ (μακροθυμία), according to one scholar, means long-tempered, which is the opposite of short-tempered. Quite a contrast, huh? This is not only Paul’s prayer but should be ours as well.
 
Conclusion: So our Lord’s desire and Paul’s prayer is for the Colossians, as well as us, to know God’s Will, walk in God’s Wisdom, and be made worthy because of Jesus Christ’s Worthiness.
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

25
Sep '25

Salty Christians

Posted on Sep 25, 2025 in Devotions |

25
Sep '25
Introduction: Jesus said that we are to be the “SALT” of the earth. But remember, He did not say “SUGAR”! Also, don’t forget, SALT that remains in the shaker does not do any good!! It has to be poured out. Are you willing to be poured out? Why did Jesus use the illustration concerning SALT? Here may be a few reasons.
 
1. SALT makes food “taste better”! (Matt 5:13) – “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”
 
Let’s face it. Most food tastes a little better with a pinch or two of SALT. Do you agree? Bottom line: With SALTY Christians sprinkled around in this old world, it makes it taste soooo much better!
 
2. SALT “preserves meat longer”! (Matt 5:13) – “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”
 
Have you ever tried preserving meat for a long while? Proven fact: SALT kills bacteria that can grow on meat. You get the point. SALTY Christians can kill evil in the world by combatting it with TRUTH! How are you doing?
 
3. SALT “heals faster”! (Matt 5:13) – “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”
 
Isn’t it interesting that when growing up as a boy while on vacation at the beach and getting a cut or scrape, the SALT water from the ocean would HEAL it a lot faster? This world is sin-sick! However, SALTY Christians bring healing like nothing else will.
 
4. SALT “keeps healthier”! (Matt 5:13) – “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”
 
Harvard Health Publishing noted the following: “The average adult’s body contains 250 grams (g) of sodium—less than 9 ounces, or about the amount in three or four saltshakers.”

Did you know that? In comparison, the Church which is identified as the “body of Christ” is made up of SALTY Christians. But sadly, some believers stay in the shaker and never get out of it. Are you getting out? Speaking of getting out of the SALT shaker, our Lord has blessed and thrust His Church {New Rocky Creek} out of the shaker. What a blessing!

Conclusion: For example, recently, NRC participated in a community-wide prayer vigil for America in the light of the assassination of Charlie Kirk; “The Until That Day” ministries is ongoing on the radio both in Jackson GA as well as Chattanooga TN weekly on every Sunday for over ten years, along with the NRC YouTube ministry on a weekly basis. Plus, New Rocky Creek has the privilege of throwing out some SALT in the Monticello newspaper on a monthly basis, which circulates to about 4 to 5 thousand residents.

New Rocky Creek is blessed to record livestream every Sunday morning {because of our great NRC team}; NRC women’s ministry WMU are actively involved in the community on a monthly basis getting messages and {goodies} into all of the schools in Jasper Co, both public and private, in addition to reaching out and blessing the Sheriff Department, Fire Department, first responders, etc., and much more. Individual believers in NRC, along with the social media {team} platform, are pouring SALT everywhere throughout the world which all points to JESUS CHRIST as the Savior of the world.

Praise the Lord! To GOD be the Glory!! SALTY CHRISTIANS at NRC are making a huge difference!! Keep it up, until Jesus calls us home, or we meet Him in the air!!!
 
Love y’all, 
Dr. Randy Reese

24
Sep '25

Stinking Frogs

Posted on Sep 24, 2025 in Devotions |

24
Sep '25
Introduction: Dead frogs stink! Getting out of the Will of God also stinks!! Have you ever been out of God’s Will? All of us have, if you have been a Christian at any length of time. But the question is asked, how can we step out of God’s Will?
The biblical text before us uncovers rather quickly how it can happen, even though the character in this account was not a follower of the God of the Bible.
 
Check it out to see if this has happened to you.
 
1. Being simply sorry for your situation but not really sorry for your sin! (Exo 8:8) – “Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.”
 
The word “intreat” is עָתַר, which means to make supplication, or to be moved by prayer. Have you noticed that the devil’s crowd will not pray until they get in trouble; and then they want Christians to fix their mess!! You see Pharaoh was not really sorry that he was opposing and rebelling against God but instead he realized that all of Egypt was in a mess and he was responsible. So “FIX” my problem, but do not expect me to change! Honestly, today, remorse is big, but real repentance is lacking.
 
2. Delayed obedience equals disobedience! (Exo 8:10) – “And he said, To morrow.”
 

Procrastinator!! How many times have you talked with someone about being saved—forgiven—and they say “not today,” maybe “tomorrow”! NEWSFLASH…..tomorrow may never come. How about Christian procrastinators? “I’ll start witnessing tomorrow.” “I’ll stop my bad habits tomorrow.”
Remember, we are not promised tomorrow. What is it that you need to do today?

3. Things stink! (Exo 8:14) – “And they gathered them together upon heaps: and the land stank.”
 
Pew!! The land stinks!!! Hey, our sin stinks! Getting out of God’s Will stinks! Amen?
 
4. Hearts are hardened! (Exo 8:15) – “But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.”
 

DANGER AHEAD: HEARTS are HARDENED when EARS are DEAFENED and WILLS are STUBBORN! Can you identify?

So now that we’ve looked at how we can fall out of God’s Will, let’s see how to get back into God’s Will.
 
1. LIBERATED from bondage! (Exo 8:1) – “And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.”
 
Whereas the devil wants to keep us in BONDAGE, JESUS CHRIST came to set us FREE! Are you held captive by the devil? Let Jesus loose you!
 
2. Liberated from bondage to be ACTIVATED to service! (Exo 8:1) – “And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.”
 
Mind you, JESUS sets us free in order that we will SERVE Him! Are you serving?
 
3. LIBERATED and ACTIVATED but DISSEMINATED! (Exo 8:4) – “And the frogs shall come up both on thee, and upon thy people, and upon all thy servants.”
 
Righteous judgment will spread quickly. When our Lord’s longsuffering runs out, it is time for retribution like in Pharaoh’s case. Moses did not “hold back”! He boldly declared the truth of God’s Word without compromising. Even though our world does not want to hear it, we must love them enough to tell them. Then it is up to them to make it right. Are you telling the truth?
 
Conclusion: Have you ever smelled a dead rat? It stinks!! When a Christian gets out of the Will of God there is a FOUL ODOR! However, a refreshing shower from the fountain filled with blood will eliminate the smell immediately! And not only that but a sweet-smelling fragrance of God’s Amazing GRACE is released. If you find yourself not experiencing the PEACE that passes understanding, or enjoying the JOY of the Lord, then follow the biblical steps that will carry you back into the center of God’s Will.
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

23
Sep '25

Engaging the Enemy Through Prayer

Posted on Sep 23, 2025 in Devotions |

23
Sep '25
Introduction: Can you tell that Satan has people held in captivity today? Sadly, they do not realize it. While bound down in chains of sin and rebellion, he manipulates their mind, will, and emotions. Yet, there is power in PRAYER over the enemy. But ONLY because Jesus Christ has defeated Satan. And ultimately, he will be thrown in the lake of fire. That is why he knows his time is short. Meanwhile, how can we help people get FREE from the control of the enemy? Here are a few biblical insights.
 

1. Breaking Free from the devil calls for INTERCESSORY PRAYER! (Eph. 6:17,18) – “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

JESUS PRAYS for His followers.

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:31,32)

Praise the Lord! Not only is Jesus interceding but we also are instructed to PRAY against the enemy. Are you? Check out the next demonically driven case of a MAD-MAN that was turned into a GLAD-MAN.
 

2. Breaking Free from MENTAL, and PHYSICAL torment by the devil calls for INTERCESSORY POWER! (Mark 5:1-13) – “And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.”

This man was possessed with many, many demons. Only Jesus could help him. By the way, our task does not rely upon our own strength. Instead, our POWER to stand and pray comes from JESUS CHRIST. Please, do not ever try to engage the enemy without the Power of Jesus Christ!
 

3. Breaking Free from MENTAL, and PHYSICAL and SPIRITUAL torment by the devil calls for INTERCESSION which leads to TRANSFORMATION! (Mark 5:15-20) – “And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.”

Did you notice the instantaneous CHANGE? That is the POWER of God!
 
Conclusion: I wonder who was praying for this man. Perhaps at least his family. Maybe more. Either way, JESUS set him FREE! Remember. Jesus is praying for us and instructs us to pray for others. Especially those that are bound down by Satan. We need not be afraid, but neither ignorant of Satan’s devices. Why? Because Jesus is LORD!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

22
Sep '25

There’s a Price to Follow Christ

Posted on Sep 22, 2025 in Devotions |

22
Sep '25
Introduction: Are you following Jesus? Then expect persecution. Why? Because this world is not a friend of GRACE! After all, Jesus forewarned all of His followers to get ready for persecution.
 
1. Are we going to be “Hated” by the World? (John 15:18–19) – “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”
 

With that being said, there should be no misunderstanding. Now let’s face it. No one likes to be despised. But it comes with the territory! But think about it. Jesus suffered for us because of our sin. Imagine not knowing sin or having sin, yet becoming sin.

Perhaps you are at a crossroad. Is it going to be “POPULARITY” or “PERSECUTION”? Remember, PERSECUTION is temporary but the favor of God is for eternity! Which will it be?
 

2. Were the Prophets persecuted? (Matt. 5:10–12) – “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

Reading the Bible produces COURAGE! For instance, David killing the Giant, Daniel thrown to the lions, and even Stephen who did not get even are all faith-builders and life-changers. While reading about their unwavering tenacity, their steadfast clarity, and their relentless audacity, the Holy Spirit imparts spiritual fortitude in our heart while casting Heaven’s vision and mission to those who follow Jesus with passion. Are you a lover and follower of Jesus Christ?
 

3. Are you “Counting the Cost” to follow Christ? (Luke 14:27, 33) – “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple…. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”

Unfortunately, today there is a CHEAP CHRISTIANITY. Going to Heaven is exciting. But there are battles to fight before laying down our spiritual armor. Are you in a battle right now? If so, it is a good sign that you have “counted the cost.”

Conclusion: Speaking of paying a PRICE to follow CHRIST, look at the HIGH PRICE for NOT following JESUS CHRIST. Truthfully, it will cost a person more for NOT following JESUS. In fact, it will cost a person their soul in hell for eternity.

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

19
Sep '25

NO MORES in Heaven

Posted on Sep 19, 2025 in Devotions |

19
Sep '25

Introduction: Are you looking forward to going to heaven? Just think, in heaven there is not going to be any more troubles! Why should every CHRISTIAN long for heaven? Check out a few reasons:

1. No more Death! (Rev 21:4) – “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

Death has been defeated by Jesus Christ (Rev 1:18). His resurrection assures every CHRISTIAN of life after this life.

2. No more Sorrow! (Rev 21:4) – “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

All tears will be wiped away. No more crying. But eternal happiness will prevail.

3. No more Pain! (Rev 21:4) – “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

From birth to death, pain is common to all. But in that day, pain will be gone.

4. No more Sickness! (Rev 21:4) – “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

Can you imagine not having any stomachaches, or headaches, or other sicknesses. Wow!

5. No more Sin! (Rev 21:4) – “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

The deadly virus of sin will be eradicated….gone.

6. No more Taxes! (Rev 21:4) – “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

No light bills, phone bills or taxes owed in heaven!

7. No more Fear! (Rev 21:4) – “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

Faith replaces fear.

Conclusion: While we’ve seen the “No Mores” in heaven, there is going to be plenty of PEACE and PRAISE! Worship will be a PRIORITY. All our WORRIES will be gone. JESUS will be there. Our loved ones will be there. Now. Are you looking forward to heaven?
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »