Introduction: What’s next? Where will America end up? Do you think the United States is going to eventually be under God’s judgement, if not now?

Please note that we are praying for our troops as well as our president and leaders.

Recently, this week, while preaching revival in Florida, actually in a Q & A session, a Christian lady asked me if this pastor thought that America was right {in God’s will} by joining Israel in the war with Iran. What do you think? Here was the response:

This is called the Abrahamic covenant. Did God mean it? Yes! Somebody may say, but “what about the corruption in the Israeli government”? This writer’s response is the following: “But what about the corruption that is in our own government”?

Should we support America? Bottom line: Do we believe the Bible, and do we as a nation want God’s blessing? Then obviously we must obey His word to not only pray for the peace of Jerusalem but also bless Abraham’s seed, which is modern-day Israel. This means regardless of how many well-intentioned people claim they are not “true Israel”!

Hello. Read Romans 9, 10, and 11. This describes Israel’s past, present, and future. God will deal with those who refuse Him; we must focus on obeying Him.

My prayer is that the younger generation in this nation, who seem to be antisemitic, need to read and study their Bible. Your thoughts?

2. SCRIPTURALLY, we read that many in Israel, including their leadership, are spiritually blinded and have a dullness in their heart! (Rom. 11:7–8) – “What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.”

Did you see that? God has blinded their eyes; however, one day their eyes will be opened and their hearts quickened as they turn to their Messiah, Jesus Christ.

3. SCRIPTURALLY, where will Iran end up prophetically? (Ezek. 38:4–5) – “And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet…”

Regardless of who is in the top leadership position in Iran, Bible prophecy will be fulfilled. In other words, God’s truth is marching on!

As of today, Mojtaba Khamenei has been selected as the next leader of Iran, but not without opposition. This was after his father, Ayatollah Khamenei, was killed in the first few minutes of the recent war with Iran.

By the way, his son teaches Islamic religion as a professor and embraces the same ideology that his father did, according to credible sources.

In Islamic eschatology, Shiite Muslims are waiting for the 12th Imam. In fact, according to their teaching, the Ayatollah died a martyr’s death.

We need to pray for the Iranian people who have been persecuted severely and brutally martyred because of their faith in Jesus Christ.

Remember, God chastised His own people {Israel — 70 years captivity} because of their negligence and disobedience. What makes us think that He will not bring His chastisement upon America?

While there are many God-fearing Christians in our nation, immorality and idolatry are certainly clear evidence that will demand a verdict.

What do you think?

Conclusion: How would you have answered that question? Will the USA FALL AWAY?

Somewhere in the future, according to Zechariah’s prophecy, “all nations will come against Jerusalem to battle.” Think about it. After the RAPTURE, when the RESTRAINER {2 Thess 2:5–6 — the Church} is lifted, how things will drastically change in the U.S. along with the world while under the control of Satan’s superman, the Antichrist.

If America is left after the second coming of Jesus Christ, then she will join in that coalition of nations that will attack Israel from the north described in Ezekiel 38–39.

However, JESUS CHRIST will bring judgement upon those nations and ultimately overthrow them as He inaugurates His KINGDOM on earth.

So keep looking up!
Loving Him!
Serving Him!
Obeying Him!

According to Wikipedia, here is the history: “This Little Light of Mine” is an American gospel song that originated in the 1920s, when it was first sung in Christian churches and penitentiaries. The hymn is often attributed to evangelist Harry Dixon Loes, who is said to have written it for children, using the biblical passage about the lamp under a bushel as inspiration. The song was often sung during civil rights protests in the ’50s and ’60s, when Sam Cooke’s version was popular.

In the Sermon on the Mount, our Lord Jesus Christ said these words: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt 5:14–16)

Question: Has your LIGHT been SHINING? Or is it hidden? Perhaps today you need to TURN it ON! How BRIGHT is your LIGHT? We live in a world that needs a BRIGHT LIGHT because it’s like a DARK NIGHT. But remember, the darker the NIGHT, the BRIGHTER the LIGHT!!

Have you heard the phrase, “This little light of mine, it’s been DARK for quite some time”?

First, don’t forget that Jesus is the LIGHT of the world (John 8:12). Also remember that John writes that “God is light”! (1 John 1:5)

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, then your LIGHT should be shining.

Is your LIGHT BRIGHT, or has it gotten dim?

What are some reasons that “This little light of mine has been DARK some quite some time”?

So how can we BRIGHTEN our LIGHT?

“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”

Conclusion: By the way, when your LIGHT goes out sometimes you need to change the batteries! Or better yet, go get another LIGHT. Be sure that you are SHINING the RIGHT LIGHT!!

• External problems (v. 2)

• Releasing
• Resolving
• Rededicating
• Retaking

• Praise God for His Spiritual Breakthroughs (v. 5)
• Praise God for His Spiritual Blessings (v. 6)

Conclusion: Although we all have daily PROBLEMS, our Lord Jesus blazed a trail before us by OVERCOMING every OBSTACLE we would ever face and by turning them into OPPORTUNITIES to draw closer to our Heavenly Father. Medical doctors acknowledge that 70% of patients would be cured if they could get rid of WORRY (unnecessary CARE). Maybe today you (we) need to first FIND your CARE, then FIX your CARE through PRAYER, and ultimately be FREE from worry and CARE.

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

Introduction: Have you ever looked up in the heavens at night and seen the innumerable stars? How did they get there? Who controls them? What holds them together? How many can you see without a telescope? How many are there beyond the human eye and even the most sophisticated scopes? Finally, God breaks His silence to speak to His servant Job. Afterwards, Job is speechless and dumbfounded with the magnificence of God’s creation. By the way, Jesus holds it ALL together (Col 1:16, 17)!

1. God reveals His creation – the sea! (Job 38:8-9)

“Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it.”

2. God reveals His creation – the light and darkness! (Job 38:19-20)

“Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof, That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof?”

3. God reveals His creation – the number of our days! (Job 38:21)

“Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great?”

4. God reveals His creation – the snow and hail! (Job 38:22)

“Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail.”

5. God reveals His creation – the lightning and thunder! (Job 38:25)

“Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder.”

6. God reveals His creation – the rain! (Job 38:26)

“To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man.”

7. God reveals His creation – the grass and plants! (Job 38:27)

“To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?”

8. God reveals His creation – the dew and ice! (Job 38:28-29)

“Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew? Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it?”

8. God reveals His creation – the stars – Pleiades & Orion! (Job 38:31)

“Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?”

9. God reveals His creation – the stars – Arcturus! (Job 38:32)

“Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons?”

10. God reveals His creation – the lion and the raven! (Job 38:39-41)

“Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions, When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait? Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.”

All of us are facing new trials and tests every day. That is the way life is. Right? So in light of this, what should we be doing? Take a look and examine these five time-tested truths that are guaranteed to turn troubled times into triumphant trust.

Here’s what we need to be doing.

1. Will you be willing to turn from going the wrong way and turn to the right way? (1 Thess. 1:9) – “For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”

Do you need to make a U-turn? Evidently, there were those in the church of Thessalonica who made a change, and it was all for the better. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all those on your heart today who need to turn from idols would do so?

2. Will you be saved and serve Jesus instead of self? (1 Thess. 1:9) – “For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”

Did you notice how the first step was turning from idols, but the second step was turning to Jesus and serving Him? Have you done that?

3. Will you watch and wait for Jesus to return? (1 Thess. 1:10) – “And to wait for his Son from heaven.”

While serving our Lord, we are instructed to be ready for His return. Are you ready?

4. Will you worship a risen Lord and Savior? (1 Thess. 1:10) – “…whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus.”

Thank God we serve a living God! Jesus conquered the grave, death, sin, and the devil. He’s alive forevermore! Hallelujah!

5. Will you witness to others about the coming wrath of God? (1 Thess. 1:10) – “…even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”

Jesus is coming. Are you lovingly warning others? Why? Because judgment is inevitable. Ready or not, Jesus is coming to judge.

Conclusion: How can we turn these troubled times into triumphant trust? By applying the principles found in this passage of Scripture. Doing so will enable you and me to live a life pleasing to our Lord, and at the same time prepare us to stand before Him when He returns.

Thanks for reading this. May our Lord bless you today.

Recently, during a Q&A session this week, a Christian lady asked me if this pastor thought that America was right (in God’s will) by joining Israel in the war with Iran. What do you think?

Here was the response.

1. Scripturally, we are to support Israel because God said so (Genesis 12:3) – “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

This is called the Abrahamic Covenant. Did God mean it? Yes!

Somebody may say, “But what about the corruption in the Israeli government?” This writer’s response is the following: “But what about the corruption in our own government?”

Should we support America? Bottom line: do we believe the Bible, and do we as a nation want God’s blessing? Then obviously we must obey His Word—not only praying for the peace of Jerusalem but also blessing Abraham’s seed, which is modern-day Israel.

Regardless of how well-intentioned people claim that they are not “true Israel,” God will deal with those who refuse Him. We must focus on obeying Him.

My prayer is that the younger generation, who seem to be increasingly antisemitic, will read and study their Bible.

Your thoughts?

2. Scripturally, we read that many in Israel, including their leadership, are spiritually blinded (Romans 11:7–8) – “What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear; unto this day.”

Did you see that? God has blinded their eyes; however, one day their eyes will be opened and their hearts quickened as they turn to their Messiah, Jesus Christ.

“And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.” (Romans 11:23)

3. Scripturally, where will Iran end up prophetically? (Ezekiel 38:4–5) – “And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army… Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them…”

Regardless of who is in the top leadership position in Iran, Bible prophecy will be fulfilled. In other words, God’s truth is marching on.

We also need to pray for the Iranian people, many of whom have suffered severe persecution and martyrdom because of their faith in Jesus Christ.

4. Scripturally, any nation that disregards God’s Word can expect His judgment (Proverbs 14:34) – “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” (Psalm 9:17)

Remember, God chastised His own people—Israel endured 70 years of captivity—because of their negligence and disobedience.

What makes us think that He will not bring chastisement upon America?

While there are many God-fearing Christians in our nation, immorality and idolatry are certainly clear evidence that demand a verdict.

What do you think?

Conclusion: How would you have answered that question? Will the USA fall away?

Somewhere in the future, according to Zechariah’s prophecy, all nations will come against Jerusalem to battle.

If America remains after the rapture of the church, then she will join in that coalition of nations. However, Jesus Christ will bring judgment upon those nations and ultimately overthrow them as He inaugurates His kingdom on earth.

Don’t forget—we did not vote Him in, and we cannot vote Him out.

So keep looking up.
Loving Him.
Serving Him.
Obeying Him.

Until He comes,

1. Conflictive Christians — apostates! (Jude 1:16) – “These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.”

WOW! What a description! “Complainers”? “Murmurers”? While this may not pertain to you, most believers (including this writer) must be honest and confess that this happens occasionally. Do you ever complain?

2. Confused Christian (Jude 1:3–4) – “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

“For there are certain men crept in unawares… turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

By the way, the word “lasciviousness” is ἀσέλγεια, which means filthy, wantonness, or sensuality. Honestly, we live in a perverted world. Sex was meant to be contained within marriage according to the Bible. But today it seems anything goes… just saying. What would you say?

3. Critical Christian (Jude 1:18–19) – “How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.”

Check out the word “mockers.” It is the Greek word ἐμπαίκτης, which means scoffer. It refers to someone who mocks and belittles others and their ideas. Do you know anybody like that?

4. Christlike Christian (Jude 1:20) – “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.”

Please notice building up, most holy faith, and praying—all part of God’s will for our lives.

5. Committed Christian (Jude 1:14) – “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints.”

Jesus Christ is coming again! We cannot stop Him. Get ready for Him.

6. Caring Christian (Jude 1:21–23) – “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life… and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”

Praise the Lord for the love of God! Besides that, keep reaching out to the lost. Be wise about it. Do not waste time. Be led by the Spirit.

7. Compassionate Christian (Jude 1:22) – “And of some have compassion, making a difference.”

Jesus had compassion on you and me. Otherwise, we would be toast! May our Lord help us to show the same compassion to those who will respond favorably.

Conclusion: In these last days, our Lord is calling you and me to be committed Christians. Will you make up your mind and resolve in your heart to be a committed Christian?

Introduction: Solomon wrote, “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Psalm 127:3). Whether you have biological offspring or not, we can all have spiritual offspring. Are you reproducing? Go make disciples….

The word “heritage” is נַחֲלָה: (nakh-al-aw’). It can mean possession, or property, but ultimately it means inheritance.

The technical interpretation is it means portion, share. The other shade of meaning is assigned by God. Another passage where the word “heritage” is used can be found in Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”

Go back to verse one of the text (Isa 54:1). This is interesting for those who are not able to have children. “Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.”

Fast forwarding to the New Testament, listen to the words of the apostle Paul under inspiration.

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4).

Did you notice the positive side as well as the negative side to this verse? “Not wrath” but “nurture and admonition”; i.e. instructions, training and warning. So both physical and spiritual parents have a responsibility before the Lord. How are you doing?

Conclusion: Remember, there are no perfect parents or perfect children – only Jesus is perfect. So keep up the GOOD WORK!

This time of the year our Lord is transforming our world with the changing of the grass from brown to green, and the leaves on the trees are beginning to bloom with many other beautiful colors. With one stroke of His Word, our world’s landscape radiates the glory of God in Jesus Christ.

Yet in this text, please notice that man was made a little lower than the angels (Psalm 8:3–6). He is God’s crowning work. How does that make you feel?

“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet.”

Look at the word “dominion.” It is the Hebrew word מָשַׁל (mah-SHAL). It means to have dominion, to govern, to reign, or to rule. It can mean to have power.

Do you get it? Man was delegated dominion over creation.

But besides that, Jesus Christ has given us the power of His Holy Spirit to exercise dominion over the following as well.

1. Domination over the devil’s deception (Hebrews 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:7–8) – “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.”

James wrote to believers. He was inspired to inform those who put their faith and trust in the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ that if we submit to God, then we can resist the devil. Please pay attention to that order. First submit, then resist.

2. Domination over fleshly downfalls (Genesis 3:1–8; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 4:22–24; Romans 13:14) – “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”

Hallelujah! Victory over the fleshly patterns that hinder every Christian can be dominated by the Spirit. What a great truth!

3. Domination over deadly demons destroying (Mark 9:25–27) – “When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.”

Demons tremble at the name and power of Jesus! They must obey His commands. Please do not miss that. It is not our might or power, but His, that demons are overcome. Jesus has dominating power!

4. Domination over discouragement and depression (Psalm 42; Psalm 30:5; Job 23:10; Job 35:10) – “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

Bottom line: God knows what is happening to us. He has our number! Just like when you make a call on your phone it shows up on the caller ID. Our Lord does not need a caller ID. He made us. He knows us. He bought us. He is coming back for us. Isn’t that great news?

5. Domination over death (1 Corinthians 15:1–58) – “So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”

Death has lost her sting! Why? Because Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life. Remember, He conquered death. Therefore, those who have been born again have His life that dominated death. Eternal life is in store.

Conclusion: What do you think about this thought of domination? Are you dominating?

Why don’t you praise the Lord!

1. Be careful WHO you listen to! (Colossians 2:18–19) – “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.”

Look at the word “beguile.” It is the Greek word καταβραβεύω, which means to disqualify or judge. In other words, in the church of Colossae evidently there were false teachers who were teaching bad things; consequently it was misleading some Christians in the church.

Remember there were both Jews and Gentiles joining together under the umbrella of the crucified and risen Jesus Christ. Each one had their preconceived notions of how to worship handed down by their traditions and customs {sound familiar?}. Apparently the apostle Paul, who was in prison at the time, was writing by the Holy Spirit to clear up this confusion.

Pride, worship of angels, and false practices were creeping into the early church. Therefore the Lord spoke to them then—and to us today—to be careful who you listen to.

2. Be careful HOW you walk! (Colossians 2:19) – “And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.”

Instead of looking and listening to Jesus, the Head, some Christians then and now look to people to guide them. The end result is a defect in the growth of the Christian life.

3. Be careful to know WHY you are saved! (Colossians 2:21–23) – “Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.”

It’s all about Jesus!

Understanding who we are in Him and why He is in us helps keep us on track in fulfilling His will and purpose.

Conclusion: These three life long lessons are guaranteed to carry us through this life of grace until one day we reach the finish line.

Stay focused. Walk humbly. Be careful who you listen to. And finish faithful!