Devotions Archives | Page 9 of 128 | New Rocky Creek Baptist Church

Will You Answer Jesus When He Calls You?

Posted on May 21, 2025 in Devotions |

Introduction: Jesus is calling. Will you answer? Please do not let it go to VOICEMAIL! This passage of Scripture is a blessing. First, Jesus calls a sinner named Matthew to follow Him. Then, He calls others to the Harvest Fields.
Have you answered the first call? Check it out.

1. Jesus calls us to follow Him! (Matt 9:11–13) – “And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.”

Matthew was moved to follow the Master instead of the money! Howbeit, others will criticize you like the Pharisees if you have a heart for sinners to be saved. Nevertheless, our Lord rebukes the self-righteous crowd by saying the following:

“But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Wow! That sums it up!! By the way, do not miss the word “repentance.” Why did He say that? Because His goal—mission—like ours, was to give people a better life {a change}. Sin thrills. And then sin kills! Having our sins forgiven and a given a new heart brings with it a NEW LIFE.

A NEW LIFE is found in a personal relationship with the only One who can love us unconditionally.
How would you describe this NEW LIFE?

2. Jesus calls us to join Him in reaping the harvest! (Matt 9:35–38) – “Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

Notice the progression:

• The Blessing (Matt 9:35)
• The Burden (Matt 9:36–37)
• The Brave (Matt 9:37–38)

Conclusion: When Jesus calls what will you do? Has He called you to follow Him? Are you following? Has He called you into His Harvest Field? It is plentiful and ripe. Go reap.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

May '25

It’s Not What Is on the Outside That Really Matters

Posted on May 20, 2025 in Devotions |

May '25

Introduction: What we see on the outside is not always the real deal? This passage of Scripture reveals that the outside may look solid but the inside could be hollow!

If the Holy Spirit was to open up our hearts, what would it look like? Is there pretense on the outside of our hearts? Are we genuinely transparent on the inside? Are our motives pure? What changes need to take place?

This heart-searching testimony of Paul should cause us to examine ourselves to see if our confidence is in the flesh or in the Lord. Honestly, which would it be?

1. On the Outside! (Philippians 3:1–7) – “Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.”

Speaking of pedigree and ancestral lineage, Paul had every reason to brag. But he did not! Instead, the Holy Spirit carries him as he writes to the CHRISTians in Philippi. After listing his credentials, he concluded it fell short of Jesus Christ’s righteousness.

It is almost as if he had a piece of paper listing his “good traits” vs his “God traits.” Admittedly, his “good traits” fell considerably short of “God’s glory and righteousness”!

Do you see the same thing in your life?

2. It Is What Is on the Inside That Really Matters! (Philippians 3:7–9) – “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”

Did you notice the “loss” and “gain” columns?
Self-righteousness = loss.
Christ’s righteousness = gain!

Conclusion: Apparently these false “Judaizers” (dogs) were teaching bad doctrine to the CHRISTians in Philippi. While still stuck in legalistic dependencies, like Pharisees, Paul debunks the “works of the flesh” and embraces the work of the Holy Spirit through imputed righteousness found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Are you there? It is a HAPPY DAY when that truth is discovered.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

May '25

Serving with Purpose

Posted on May 19, 2025 in Devotions |

May '25

Introduction: Did you know that when we serve our Lord Jesus by serving others that pleases Him? Of course it is done by His enablement. Take for example when He was in the upper room with His disciples just before going to the cross where He paid our sin debt in full. After supper, He grabbed a towel along with a basin of water while stooping to wash the dirty feet of the disciples. When is the last time you washed anybody’s feet besides your own? But what was the purpose? Why did He do it?

What lessons can we learn?

1. The visible act of Jesus washing His disciples feet is an illustration of what we need Him to do to us daily! (John 13:4,5) – “He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.”

Listen to what Peter said to Jesus and then Jesus’s response. “When cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.”

The point of this part of the devotion is to reveal that after we have been “saved” by His GRACE thru FAITH, then because of this world, the flesh, and the devil, we need daily washing – cleansing because we get dirty. Keep in mind, this daily washing is for the purpose of restoring FELLOWSHIP not SONSHIP.

2. His purpose was to demonstrate the real heart of a servant, which in turn should cause us to do the same! (John 13:13-15) – “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”

Plain and simple, huh? We are to do the same, no questions asked! Our Lord was teaching humility through serving others. Are you following?

Conclusion: Are you needing Jesus to wash your feet today? Will you be willing to wash someone else’s feet today?
Remember, there is a definite purpose in serving our Lord. Go do likewise.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

May '25

Serving and Testing Goes Hand in Hand

Posted on May 16, 2025 in Devotions |

May '25

Introduction: Are you suffering? Are you serving? Why would a good God allow His people to suffer? Remember, Jesus suffered for us (1Pet 1:21-24). It is almost as if we owe Him. But truthfully, we can never repay Him. Howbeit, we can “want to” live a life that pleases Jesus. With that being said, remember, being a servant of Christ Jesus means that we will be “tested”.

1. Job was a SERVANT of the Lord! (Job 1:8) – “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?”

By the way, the word “servant” is עֶבֶד: (eh’-bed), which means slave, or it can mean bondservant. Did you notice that Almighty God called Job, “my servant”? Wonder if that could said of you and me? Nevertheless, although Job was not perfect, he definitely had a heart for his God, and the Lord knew it! Besides that, God wanted the devil to know about his servant Job. Do you wonder why? Do not forget that Satan is the accuser and deceiver! And yet, God is greater. While this narrative of Job which depicts him going from the mountain top to the valley, from riches to rags, and from blessings to curses, it also illustrates that even the best of SERVANTS will be severely tested. Please note, the Lord allowed it. Why? Remember. Some suffering is directly related to sin, some is simply to glorify the Lord, but as in this case, here it seemed to purify the saints, namely Job. Is your faith in God being tested?

2. Satan challenges Job’s motives – as he will ours – for SERVING the Lord! (Job 1:9-11) – “Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.”

Here is the accuser doing what he does best – lie! God always has the final say so!! Do you hear what Satan accused Job of? He said in essence, sure he’s upright and serving because EVERYTHING is going his way!! Remove the protection, let me hit him with afflictions, then his true colors will come out, said the devil. Fast forwarding, that was not the case with Job; the devil was wrong! Even though Job suffered immensely, God preserved him until the end; and blessed him twice as much than in the beginning.

Conclusion: The moral of this story is just because we are serving the Lord it does not exempt us from affliction and suffering. But through it all, we can “LEARN to TRUST in JESUS”!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

May '25

The NEED for SPEED

Posted on May 15, 2025 in Devotions |

May '25

Introduction: Information explosion! With the speed of lightning, technology is expanding at a record pace. It is so fast that it changes before you can keep up with it – some good – some not so good. Nevertheless, our world is changing. But remember, GOD’S WORD does not change! And by the way, JESUS is the same yesterday, today and forever. Therefore, even in Daniel’s day, knowledge was prophesied to increase. Why? Perhaps because of a “NEED for SPEED”.

Think about it. From navigating through the internet, to our cell phone pick up, to cable connection, to satellite communication, there is a push for receiving faster information through technological advances.

Today, we are told {7 out of 10} Americans are facing FINANCIAL ANXIETY. Can we have God’s PEACE in these TROUBLED DAYS? With a resounding yes, the Bible declares that JESUS can be TRUSTED to see us through to victory as we put our FAITH in Him.

But how? Daniel the prophet gives us some insights as to why this world is in NEED for SPEED and how to navigate in it with GOD’S PURPOSE and POWER.

1. Daniel foresaw that we will not be able to “STOP TROUBLED TIMES” but can “SPREAD TRIUMPHANT TRUTH”! (Dan 12:1) – “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”

Technically speaking, this passage of Scripture is during the tribulation (Rev 6–18), which comes after the rapture of the Church (1 Thess 4:13–18). The focal point is the nation of Israel – more specifically the “Day of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer 30:7). Yet, at the same time, we are facing days of tribulation even today. Please understand, it will intensify. But the “Good News” is that we can share “TRIUMPHANT TRUTH” during troubled times! Are you doing it?

Why be so negative? Our Lord is on His throne! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. Therefore, let Him take the throne of your heart today.

2. Daniel foresaw that we would not be able to “STOP JUDGMENT DAY”, but can help others to get ready! (Dan 12:2–3) – “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”

Inevitably, Judgement Day is coming! Will you prepare others to get ready? What are you doing to lovingly warn others to run from the wrath that is to come in the future (Rev 20:11–15)?

3. Daniel foresaw that while we would not be able to “stop the NEED for SPEED” we can look forward to that great getting up Morning! (Dan 12:4–13) – “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”

As mentioned earlier in this devotion, we have seen an explosion of technology in the last few years. Actually, it is hard to keep up with it, due to it changing so often. What we can do, however, is prepare to “fly in the sky” when the “believing” will be “leaving” at Jesus Christ’s coming. Are you looking forward to that great getting up morning?

Conclusion: “But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.” (Dan 12:13)

The NEED for SPEED is upon us – like it or not. Instead of trying to stop the inevitable, as God’s people we need to start sharing truth, preparing for the Judgment Seat of Christ, and finally, looking to the sky because Jesus is coming again.

KEEP LOOKING UP! Our redemption draws near!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

May '25

Mamas Who Don’t Back Down but Bow Down

Posted on May 14, 2025 in Devotions |

May '25

Introduction: What about these moms who will not back down but will bow down? How about you? See if you fit in this overcoming category.

1. Moms who will not back down when it comes to forgiving others! (Gen 4:1–8) – “And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. And she again bare his brother Abel… And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.”

Can any mother relate to having to forgive over and over again? Miss Eve and a host of other Mamas have had to cross this bridge. Have you? For a moment, imagine how Eve felt. Do you think the devil was whispering in her ear that God could not be trusted? Is the dirty devil tempting you right now?

Apparently, it appears that Eve bowed down to the God of the Bible instead of Satanic lies. She moved on, even though she must have been hurting terribly. Will you move on?

2. Moms who will not back down, but will bow down when it comes to spiritual warfare! (Matt 15:21–25) – “When Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil… he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.”

What do you think about this mother’s faith? She did not “back down” but she did “bow down”! Even Jesus was amazed! How is your faith?

Conclusion: “And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.” (Matt 15:27–28)

Great faith in Jesus impresses Him! Speaking of faith, there is “No faith, little faith, much faith, and great faith”! What would Jesus say about our faith? Remember, do not “back down” but rather “bow down”!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

May '25

Mothers Who Make a Difference

Posted on May 13, 2025 in Devotions |

May '25

Introduction: Regardless of whether you have biological children or not, you have influence! But especially if you have children or even grandchildren. So how can you “maximize” what time you have with others? Here are some biblical principles that will work as demonstrated in the life of Ruth.

1. By understanding that we serve a Purposeful God! (Ruth 1:16–17) – “And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.”

Clearly, our Lord had a plan for Ruth who was considered a pagan being a Moabite. And yet, she is included in the ancestral lineage of Jesus Christ. Does God have a plan for you?

2. By understanding that we serve a Providential God! (Ruth 2:3) – “And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.”

After Ruth’s lifelong decision to follow the God of the Bible, she learned to trust in His guidance. Can you say that you trust in God’s guidance for your life? Where do you need to depend on His provision?

3. By understanding that we serve a Personal God! (Ruth 3:10–11) – “And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.”

This great love story unfolds as this Personal God makes a way for His Will to be done. Can you see His Will for your life?

4. By understanding that we serve a Powerful God! (Ruth 4:13) – “So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son.”

By moving heaven and earth, divine circumstances fall in place. A family is started. God’s eternal plan moves at His beckoning. Can you look back on your life to see that to be true? Will you look toward the future with great faith in His Word?

Conclusion: Since all of the attributes of God are true, then you are (can be) making a difference! So go for it! “And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.” (Ruth 4:21–22)

Trust Jesus!! Give Him the glory!!!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

May '25

Mothers with Best Interest for Children

Posted on May 12, 2025 in Devotions |

May '25

Introduction: Perhaps every parent reading this devotion really has their child’s best interest in mind. Most mothers do. In this case of this particular mother, although what she did was commendable, it was not in the Lord Jesus’s best interest.

Check it out, as we take a good look at the book.

1. Mrs. Zebedee’s goes to the right source for her sons! (Matt 20:20) – “Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.”

There was certainly nothing wrong with this mother going to Jesus in behalf of her two sons. However, her request was “out there”! Jesus Christ explained to her why her request would be denied.

2. Her request! (Matt 20:21) – “And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.”

What? To be seated next to the Son of God? The nerve of her to ask for such an elevated position was a bit much. Do you agree?

3. Jesus’s Answer! (Matt 20:22) – “But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”

Not knowing the depths of her request, Jesus explains to this Mother the enormity of what she was asking. Howbeit, she had no clue.

4. The Father’s choice! (Matt 20:23) – “They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.”

Simply put, our Lord pointed out to this zealous mother why her request was not realistic. Do you really think she understood why He rejected her request for her two sons to sit on the right and left hand of Jesus?

Conclusion: While there is nothing wrong with wanting what is best for our children, we have to trust that God knows what is best. Have you decided to let our Heavenly Father sit them where He desires? Or do you feel like that you need to be in control? Why not put them in His hands?

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

May '25

Mighty Moms Who Move Mountains

Posted on May 9, 2025 in Devotions |

May '25

Introduction: Can you move mountains? Deborah was a mighty woman of God who served Israel as a judge. Her name means BEE… her sting really hurts! Ouch!! God imparted to her (4) gifts that made her an outstanding leader, that are worth noting and incorporating into each of our lives.

1. Mighty Mothers who move Mountains need to be able to READ People! (Judges 4:5) – “And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah… and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.”

• Notice her counseling skills
• Observe her wisdom

2. Mighty Mothers who move Mountains need to be able to SEE down the road! (Judges 4:9) – “And she said, I will surely go with thee… for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.”

• Hear her decisiveness
• Feel her courage

3. Mighty Mothers who move Mountains need to BELIEVE that our God is able! (Judges 4:14) – “And Deborah said unto Barak… up; for this is the day in which the Lord hath delivered Sisera into thine hand.”

• Faith drives her instead of her fearful emotions
• She dares to believe God

4. Mighty Mothers need to be able to LIFT up their hands in PRAISE to the LORD! (Judges 5:1, 2)“- Then sang Deborah… Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel.”

• Worship driven
• God focused

Conclusion: “Deborah arose a mother in Israel” (Judges 5:7). CHARACTER COUNTS! Thru a series of events, her leadership—character—traits can be observed as she was able to read people, see down the road, believe God, and give Him PRAISE & GLORY.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

May '25

A Christian Mother’s Influence

Posted on May 8, 2025 in Devotions |

May '25

Introduction: Evidently, Timothy had a Christian mother. Besides that, his grandmother was a godly woman as well. Do you think that having a Christian mother or grandmother makes a difference? Listen to the inspired words of Paul to Timothy.

“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.” (2Tim 1:5)

1. What is meant by the word “unfeigned”? (2Tim 1:5) – “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice.”

The word “unfeigned” is ἀνυπόκριτος: (an-oo-pok’-ree-tos), which means sincere, genuine. More importantly, it has to do without hypocrisy. In other words, both his mother and grandmother were real. They were not pretenders or actors. No masks were worn. Apparently, their motives were pure. Their heart was genuine. God saw and was pleased because they were not playing games (Church). Are you sincere? Do you check your motives? What would the Lord say about you?

2. What is meant by “unfeigned faith”? (2Tim 1:5) – “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice.”

By the way, the name Eunice is an equivalent of the Latin Victoria. Interesting huh? Putting the two words together “unfeigned faith” explains the Holy Spirit’s approval for Timothy’s mother and grandmother. In other words, they had a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. Their faith was in the God of the Bible! Is your faith based on the Word of God? See Rom 10:17.

Furthermore, Luke wrote this concerning Timothy’s parents: “Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek.” (Acts 16:1) Did you catch that? Timothy’s mother was Jewish but she was a believer. Her pure faith in Jesus Christ made her a believer, which she used to influence her son, Timothy. Are you using your God given influence?

3. How did having a Christian mother influence Timothy? (2Tim 1:5) – “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.”

While it is clear that Timothy’s mother believed in Jesus, there is debate about his Greek father’s faith. Nonetheless, Paul revealed their unfeigned faith which perhaps began through his preaching during first missionary journey

Conclusion: So how did God use Timothy’s mother to lay a solid foundation for him?

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2Tim 3:15)

So regardless of your situation, use your GOD GIVEN INFLUENCE!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese