Devotions Archives | Page 8 of 119 | New Rocky Creek Baptist Church

Spiritual Battles

Posted on Jan 22, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: Have you forgotten that we are in spiritual warfare? At times, we lose sight of our real enemy. For instance, do you ever get resentful toward people? Your neighbors? Co-workers? Family? In-laws? Politicians?

Our devotion today lays out the PROBLEM of the real enemy and the PROVISION against the enemy.

1. The PROBLEM of the real enemy! (2 Cor 10:3) – “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.”

Unfortunately, we think our enemy is who we see with our physical eyes. But the following verses pinpoint the real enemy. Therefore, we need spiritual eyes to see the real enemy. Furthermore, we need spiritual weapons to engage in battle.

2. The PROVISION against the enemy! (2 Cor 10:4-5) – “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

The word “stronghold” is ὀχύρωμα (okh-oo’-ro-mah), which means a fortress, strong defense, or stronghold.

In other words, Satan builds a fortress (castle) in a person’s mind, which can take hold of one’s life. The manifestation of the fortress could be lust, pornography, jealousy, envy, lasciviousness, strife, bitterness, or other things.

Keep in mind, if we open the door of our mind to the devil, he will walk right in. Once in, he will refuse to leave. Only Jesus Christ can force him out. Then the cleanup job must be done.

“…bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Cor 10:5)

The words “pulling down” are καθαίρεσις (kath-ah’-ee-res-is), which means taking down, razing, or destroying. The words “taking captive” are αἰχμαλωτίζω (aheekh-mal-o-tid’-zo), which means to take captive (in war); I subdue or ensnare.

This is not a passive battle! With the power of the Lord Jesus, one is able to “take down” the opposing forces, which insinuate lies. Instead of evil thoughts, the Holy Spirit impresses truth.

Conclusion: Aren’t you glad that our Lord has not left us alone? His work within us by His Holy Spirit produces holiness instead of sinfulness. Are you battling evil thoughts? How about asking and trusting Jesus to “demolish” them and then substitute those lies with the truth of God’s Word?

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

Jan '25

Tomorrow Has Enough Worries

Posted on Jan 21, 2025 in Devotions |

Jan '25

Introduction: Are you worrying these days? Jesus understands. In fact, He gave both His disciples and us today some instructions about anxiety. Should we worry? Or should we be free from worrying? After discussing other earthly matters, Jesus spoke on why we should not worry.

1. Our Heavenly Father knows our needs for every day! (Matthew 6:25-32) – “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin…..30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”

I love this illustration our Lord used to demonstrate how much our Heavenly Father knows our needs. The God of creation is the God of salvation and is in control of every situation!

2. Our top priority is to seek the will of our Father, and then He provides for His children! (Matthew 6:33) – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

First things first! Jesus #1! Is He #1 in your life? If not, why not choose to enthrone Him and dethrone self?

3. Worrying about things we can’t change in the future robs every believer of the peace of God and the joy of the Lord for today! (Matthew 6:34) – “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

Today has enough troubles. Why take on more care?

Conclusion: Are you worried today? How about troubles for tomorrow? Instead of worrying, why not trust our Heavenly Father? Put Jesus Christ first and watch what He does in your life! He’s the best!

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

Jan '25

Spiritual Lessons with Prayer Partners

Posted on Jan 20, 2025 in Devotions |

Jan '25

Introduction: Do you have a prayer partner? How important is it for two or more people to intercede together? With two or more fighting the spiritual battles, victory can be obtained. In this devotion, the significance of having more than one on your team is highlighted. Furthermore, the victory is accomplished.

1. Look who Jonathan’s prayer partner was — his armor bearer! (1 Samuel 14:1) – “Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.”

Notice how they agreed together. There must be unity before there is victory!

2. Look why Jonathan needed a prayer partner — his armor bearer! (1 Samuel 14:4-6) – “And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over unto the Philistines’ garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a sharp rock on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah. And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.”

Did you see the faith demonstrated by Jonathan? Without maturity of faith and trust, there can be no victory!

3. Look how God gave Jonathan and his prayer partner (armor bearer) the victory! (1 Samuel 14:7-14) – “And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart. Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them. If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them. But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us. And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves. And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armourbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armourbearer, Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel. And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him. And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armourbearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were an half acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow.”

What did you think about their plan of diversity?

Conclusion: Without unity, maturity, and diversity in our prayers, there will be no victory! But once we get on the same page, exercise reliance upon the Lord as He guides, and acknowledge that He may change our strategy, then, along with our prayer partner, we can celebrate the victory!

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

Jan '25

How to Live the Kind of Life that Pleases Our Lord

Posted on Jan 17, 2025 in Devotions |

Jan '25

Introduction: Pleasing our Lord should be #1 on our list. Right? Is it possible? How? Every day? Failures, faults, and fears can block us. But inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul lays out to the church of Ephesus — and to us today — five ways to live a life that pleases the Lord:

1. Watch Your Step CAREFULLY! (Ephesians 5:15) – “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.”

“Circumspect”: Latin: “looking around”; Greek: “accuracy & precision.” Be cautious — think of a yellow light!

2. Use Your Time WISELY! (Ephesians 5:16) – “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

“Redeem”: Buy back (wouldn’t you like to do that?). “Days are evil”: The world, the flesh, and the devil pull us constantly.

3. Fill Your Tank DAILY! (Ephesians 5:18) – “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”

“Be filled” (Greek: plerusthe): Present tense: Continuous action — go on being filled (because we leak!). Plural form: For everyone (not just for Charles Stanley — it’s for me and you!). Passive mood: We can’t fill ourselves; we need God to fill us.

4. Sing from Your Heart to the Lord JOYFULLY! (Ephesians 5:19) – “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

When praises go up, blessings come down.

5. Thank God CONTINUALLY! (Ephesians 5:20) – “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Thanksgiving is thanks giving. Notice: “For all things.”

Conclusion: I know what you’re thinking… “Three out of five isn’t bad!” Or, “We can’t do that. It’s unachievable.” No, we can’t (in ourselves). But if we: 1. Admit we can’t, 2. Believe and trust Him to enable us, and 3. Cooperate with the Holy Spirit, it is possible. Otherwise, the Lord wouldn’t have had Paul write it down for us. Not perfection, but pleasing!

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

Jan '25

With Jesus We Win

Posted on Jan 16, 2025 in Devotions |

Jan '25

Introduction: Are you tired of being defeated? Do you feel like a loser? How can we win when we are losing? Things are not always as they appear. Look at the Cross. Looks like a total loss. But we who have been forgiven know differently!

1. With Jesus we WIN God’s favor and forgiveness! (2Cor 9:15) – “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” (Eph 1:7)

2. With Jesus we WIN over the devil’s dominion! (John 10:10) – “10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

“15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Col 2:15)

3. With Jesus we WIN Heaven as our Home! (John 14:1-3) – “1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself that where I am, there ye may be also.”

Will you count your many blessings?

Conclusion: Stop talking negatively. Start praising our Lord daily! With Jesus, no matter what, we Win! In life, in death, in sickness, and in health, with Jesus we WIN!

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Jan '25

Sweet Sleep

Posted on Jan 15, 2025 in Devotions |

Jan '25

Introduction: Do you have trouble sleeping? One man said, “Not too bad — except sometimes during the daytime!” I love what Solomon was inspired to write. Check out the following:

“24When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.”

Several ideas come from this text.

1. Fear keep us from sleep! (Prov 3:24) – “24When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid.”

The word “afraid” is פָחַד,(paw-kkad’), which means to dread, be in dread or in awe. Honestly, when we dread something, it usually makes us sleepless.

The word “sweet” is עָרֵב: (aw-rabe’), which means to be sweet or pleasing.

2. Sudden fear and devastation keep us from sleeping! (Prov 3:25) – “Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.”

When trouble comes, it can keep us from sleep.

3. But the Lord gives us His presence and peace to help us to sleep! (Prov 3:26) – “26For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.”

When we have confidence in Jesus it soothes our soul and calms our fears.

Conclusion: Are you having trouble falling asleep? Staying asleep? Remember. Read Proverbs 3:24-26 and thank God, for He is our rest and security.

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Jan '25

Triumphant Trust Through Troubles and Trials

Posted on Jan 14, 2025 in Devotions |

Jan '25

Introduction: What do you do when you’re going through TROUBLES & TRIALS? Remember the song? “We will understand it better by and by.” Nahum understands. Over 100 years has passed since Jonah preached in Nineveh, which resulted in a mighty, national revival (Do it again, Lord!); However, Judah (the Southern Kingdom) still paid tribute to the cruel & merciless Assyrians -Nineveh was its capital. Where is God? Why would He allow this? Heard that before?

Nahum reminds us that there are at least three ways to TRIUMPH when you’re going through TROUBLES & TRIALS:

1. Remember when life isn’t always good, GOD is always good! (Nahum 1:7) – ^”The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.”

• The devil’s bad

• God’s good

2. Remember when your going through a STORM you can SEEK a SHELTER! (Nahum 1:7) – ^”The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.”

• Face your fears

• Seek a Shelter

3. Remember when you are in need of HOPE & HELP, you can find FAITH in the FATHER! (Nahum 1:7) – ” …. and he knoweth them that trust in him.”

• He knows our name
• He made our frame

Conclusion: God reminds Nahum whose name means comfort that the so-called impenetrable fortress of Nineveh (the walls of the city measured 7-1/2 miles in circumference; they were 100 ft. high and wide enough for 3 chariots to drive on) would come to a screeching halt. Their doom was deserved! In our day, when in seems like the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer, one look at this book assures believers that there’s coming a PAY DAY SOMEDAY!

But until then, keep fighting the good fight of faith.

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Jan '25

Living and Dying in the Lord

Posted on Jan 13, 2025 in Devotions |

Jan '25

Introduction: Did you know your life will preach your funeral? Actually, your life is your testimony. What kind of legacy will you leave behind?

Thanks for taking a moment to consider what the Bible reveals about life and, more specifically, one’s death. As a believer in Jesus Christ, eternal life begins at conversion and will last throughout eternity.

1. Whether Living or Dying, We Are the Lord’s! (Rom. 14:8) – “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”

Bottom line: He made us, bought us, and will come back for us some glorious day in the near future. What a day that will be!

2. When a Christian Dies, It Is Valuable in the Sight of God! (Psalm 116:15) – “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”

Imagine that! When a Christian dies, God says it is precious in His sight. The word “precious” is יָקָר (yaqar), which has to do with something valuable, rare, or even esteemed. Immediately, you recognize that humanity looks at death differently than Divinity. Keep in mind, since our God is a God of no beginning and no ending, He is waiting for His creation to enjoy their eternal destination.

How have you looked at death for the Christian? Now, obviously, this should not take away from the grieving process, which our Lord understands and even experienced with His friend whom He loved—Lazarus.

3. While Our Bodies Are Going Down, Our Spirits Are Going Up! (2 Cor. 5:1-8) – “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven.”

In this passage of Scripture, the apostle Paul likens our earthly body to a tabernacle or temporary tent. Then, he is inspired to describe why the believer will live forever with Jesus Christ: “Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore, we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord… we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

Did you recognize the down payment of the Christian life—namely, the “earnest of the Spirit”? What does that mean? It reveals that God made preparations before He created man for him to live forever. In so doing, He deposits into every believer an upfront payment by giving him or her the Holy Spirit. Since God the Holy Spirit lives forever and because He indwells the Christian, the Christian will live forever. Oh, that explains why Paul wrote those comforting and deeply cherished words: “Absent from the body, present with the Lord.”

Doesn’t that bring peace to your heart?

Conclusion: Now that we’ve briefly considered the biblical insight for living and dying, what more could be said other than: “Keep living a life worth dying, only to live again with Jesus!”

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Jan '25

Don’t Give Up Hope

Posted on Jan 10, 2025 in Devotions |

Jan '25

Introduction: Do you ever feel like “GIVING UP”? We’re not home yet! God is not finished with you. God reminds us through Paul (I believe the author, inspired by the Holy Spirit), do not go BACKWARD but PRESS FORWARD to maturity in Christ.

There are three ways to PRESS on:

1. Don’t Give Up Your “CONFIDENCE”! (Heb. 10:35) – “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.”

Some things NEED TO be thrown away — clutter.
Some things DO NOT need to be thrown away — “confidence” (παρρησία (parrhesia), which means freedom, boldness).
Payback on the way — rewards.

2. Don’t Forget to Hold On to “PATIENCE”! (Heb. 10:36) – “For ye have need of PATIENCE, that after ye have done the will of God, ye may receive the promise.”

To know the will of God — “PATIENCE” (ὑπομονή (hupomone), meaning endurance, steadfastness, to remain under).
To do the will of God.

3. Remember, JESUS Is Coming Soon! (Heb. 10:37) – “For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.”

Keep Looking Up.
Keep Looking Out.

Conclusion: It is easy to get discouraged these days. Constant focus on “The BIG Picture” — God’s purpose and plan — will keep us motivated to not GO BACK but to PRESS ON, loving, serving, and waiting for JESUS to come again. That will be worth it all!

PRESS ON!!

Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese

Jan '25

What a Prayer for Others

Posted on Jan 9, 2025 in Devotions |

Jan '25

Introduction: What a model prayer Paul had for the believers in Philippi. Are you praying daily for others? What should you pray? The devotion today should be a blessing to its readers.

Please notice the direction as well as elements in this prayer.

1. Pray for Overflowing LOVE! (Phil. 1:9) – “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.”

The word “abound” is περισσεύω, which means to be in abundance or to overflow. It can mean to excel. Is the love of Christ living in your heart for others?

2. Pray for Spiritual Knowledge Along with DISCERNMENT! (Phil. 1:9) – “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.”

Do you know what this word “knowledge” means? Is he talking about head knowledge? The word is ἐπίγνωσις. It means full spiritual knowledge. It can refer to discernment. Next, look at the word “judgment.” It does not mean criticism; instead, it is the word αἴσθησις, which means perception, discernment, or even insight. In other words, if we have a full and experiential knowledge of Jesus Christ, then as believers we can exercise discernment without being critical. Are you a critical person?

3. Pray for CHARACTER! (Phil. 1:10) – “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.”

What does “approve” mean? It is the word δοκιμάζω. The word reveals to test or to prove. Furthermore, it can have to do with examining. Actually, this word was used in testing metals and coins. Why? The answer is to see if they were real and met certain standards. In addition, the word “excellent” means to excel, or to be better, and it can mean to surpass. When you have been tested, do you pass the test with approval?

4. Pray for WISDOM to Avoid Being an Offense! (Phil. 1:10) – “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.”

The word “offense” is ἀπρόσκοπος, which does not mean faultless but blameless. It literally describes not causing someone to stumble. Besides that, it speaks of being free from hurt or harm. Wow! That encompasses quite a bit! Now granted, if you are teaching or preaching from the Bible, it is going to be offensive to some. However, this passage seems to be more directed to what we say and do. Have you ever been an offense unintentionally? Probably so, since we are mere human beings, although redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: What a beautiful prayer to pray! Besides love, pray for discernment and understanding. Certainly, do not forget to pray for wisdom. And when all is said and done, give God the glory!

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese