10
Jul '25
Kindness and Forgiveness
10
Jul '25
Introduction: A kind spirit is only one of the flavors of the Holy Spirit. But it is a great tasting fruit nonetheless. I love it when someone genuinely shows a KIND spirit, especially when he or she has been wronged. That is both impressive and contagious.
Let’s do a word study:
1. Kindness (Eph 4:32) – “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
The word “kind” is χρηστός,(khrase-tos’), which means useful, gentle, pleasant, kind.
The opposite of gentleness is harshness, bitterness, or rudeness. Have you noticed? A bitter person will speak or react harshly. Yet, the Holy Spirit produces the fruit of Kindness. Are you a kind person or a bitter person? Are you jealous? Envious of others? Mad at God? Resentful because of your circumstances? Feel cheated? Angry at the world? Throwing a pity party? Revengeful?
The word “tender hearted” is εὔσπλαγχνος, which means tender-hearted, merciful, compassionate. Admittedly, with so much injustice and bitterness in this world, it is tempting to feel uncompassionate. Do you show compassion? Jesus showed compassion on the multitudes. And at the same time, He rebuked the Pharisees and others in the religious crowd because of their hypocrisy and self-righteousness. They felt that they were alittle “better” (superior – 1 up!) than others.
But listen. Praise His name because He imparts to us His compassion through the power of His Holy Spirit! If He did not, we would not have compassion. It is not in our nature. That is where the transforming GRACE of God changes us.
2. Forgiveness (Eph 4:32)
The word “forgive” is χαρίζομαι, which means to show favor to, to pardon, forgive, to show kindness.
Forgiving is like releasing a debt. When you are “born again,” Jesus Christ releases the payment (wages Rom 6:23) for sin. This is possible all because Jesus poured out His life’s blood to pay for our sins. As we trust in His sacrificial death and resurrection God the Father releases the debt we owe, which must be paid (either by Jesus or in the lake of fire).
Did you notice “kindness and forgiveness seem to be related?
Conclusion: Where do you need to show kindness and forgiveness? Why not thank God for His kindness and forgiveness? Perhaps then, we can offer kindness and forgiveness.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
09
Jul '25
Spending Quality Time
09
Jul '25
Introduction: Everybody is busy these days. Someone has described our generation as a generation of “hurry, worry, and bury”! Yet, in order to build meaningful relationships, not only does it take intentional planning, but also mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation.
So here are some biblical guidelines for making it happen.
1. Blocking some time off from busyness! (Eph 5:16) – “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
Taking time for what is important is extremely worthy. Let’s face it. There are only 24 hours in a day. Therefore, we must prioritize our relationships with the time that is allotted. How are you doing with your time? Do you need to rearrange some things in your life?
2. Removing distractions when talking; i.e. cell phone! (Col 4:6) – “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Distractions are on the rise! It seems like living in this world, we are bombarded daily with INFORMATION OVERLOAD! Between being flooded with text messages, social media, and other responsibilities, it is hard to “KEEP UP”! No wonder we feel separated!! What can we do? Let some of the less important things go! Be decisive. You will be glad in the long run.
3. Listening intently! (James 1:19) – “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
Again, due to the mental distresses, emotional digressions, and relational divisions, it becomes very challenging to stay focused while others are talking. Are you finding this to be the case with you? What can you do? Take out the trash!
4. Engaging with the other’s interest! (Heb 3:13) – “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”
Putting ourselves to the side while communicating with others will certainly help communicating with others. Furthermore, working deliberately to enhance your relationships will usually result in better connections. In other words, negativity breeds negativity. Are you a negative person?
5. Leaving with a heartfelt connection! (Prov 12:25) – “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”
Building “good relationships” takes a lot of work. Plus, it calls for much prayer. Are you praying about your relationships? Start with Jesus. Then move on to others.
Conclusion: Building meaningful relationships does not happen overnight. Instead, it takes setting priorities, being intentional, showing interest, prayerful meditation, and executing the biblical approach as the Spirit of God leads. And ultimately, that means spending quality time.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
Spiritual Freedom
Introduction: Are you really FREE? Let’s see! Freedom comes with a price. Real freedom seems to always include a death. Think about it. Here in America, many have sacrificed their own lives for the FREEDOM we enjoy. More importantly, Jesus Christ became our substitute through His sacrificial death on the cross. But also, thank God, He arose! The believer’s freedom after conversion comes with death to self.
1. Are you set free or held in captivity spiritually? Will you die with your sins? (John 8:21–36) – “Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.”
Those Pharisees had a chance to be set free but they refused. Why? Because Satan had blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts. By the way, he is doing that today. But Jesus Christ can set you free! Can I get a witness??
Will you die in your sins? “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”
Sin has a penalty. In Rom 6:23 Paul wrote, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Whereas the penalty has been paid by the blood of Jesus, yet it must be appropriated.
2. Are you set free truthfully? (John 8:31–36) – “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Did you notice the conditional word “if”? In other words, some will “profess” but not “possess”. There is a big difference between our head and heart. Do you really believe? Are you continuing in His Word Checkup time.
3. Are you set free eternally? (John 8:33–36) – “They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
Having eternal security is an absolute! Do you know that you know?
Conclusion: Like the Pharisees in Jesus’s day, today people do not understand about spiritual freedom. But hopefully those of you who are reading this (praying for you) do understand the PRICE of spiritual freedom! As equally important, this devotion is written with the intention of you experiencing spiritual freedom daily. Are you? What needs to take place in order for that to happen?
May our Lord bless you today with His unfailing peace, unlimited power, and unwavering presence.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
07
Jul '25
Happy Birthday, America!
07
Jul '25
Introduction: America has just celebrated her 249th birthday! But the question remains—was it truly a “Happy Birthday”?
Actually, America is not very old compared to other nations. Yet, the hand of God was clearly on this nation from its beginning. A brief history lesson will confirm this truth.
From Christopher Columbus’s (1400s) discovery, to the landing of the Puritans (Pilgrims) in the 1600s, to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776—the providential hand of God can be seen in every step.
To summarize, let’s take a look at where we’ve been—drawing a parallel from what the Lord said to Israel.
1. Where We’ve Been – A Parallel from Israel (Deuteronomy 11:8–12) – “Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it; And that ye may prolong your days in the land, which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give unto them and to their seed, a land that floweth with milk and honey. For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs: But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven:
A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.”
A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.”
History records the motive of the Puritans—God-fearing Christians—for sailing away to establish a new home. Why did they pack up their families? They did so in order to start a new life in a brand-new land of freedom:
Freedom to worship the God of the Bible
Freedom to share and witness the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world
Freedom to build a government of the people and for the people
Freedom from government-controlled religion
Freedom from authoritarian taxation by the British
When the leaders of this nation—both political and spiritual—cease to totally depend upon the Word of God for direction, the Holy Spirit for illumination, and the Son of God for salvation, America will ultimately fail.
May we as a people come under the authority of those over us—unless it contradicts clear biblical teaching. Why? Because this is the will of God (Romans 13:1–8).
Conclusion: While we sang “Happy Birthday” to our beloved nation just a few days ago, remember: Jesus Christ has promised to come again and set up His Kingdom—a government that will rule from His throne forever and ever.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
04
Jul '25
How to Pray for America
04
Jul '25
Introduction: God bless America! Lord make America blessable! How should we pray for our country?
Here are some ways we need to pray for America:
1. For Righteousness to reign! (Prov. 14:34) – “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Doing those things that please the Lord is mandatory!
2. Don’t forget God! (Psa 9:17) – “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”
Have we forgotten the God of the Bible? God help us not to forget Your blessings!
3. Check the Foundation for cracks! (Psa 11:3) – “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
Sin erodes the foundation. America’s foundation is cracked.
Conclusion: America is in need of prayer. Will you pray for our nation?
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
03
Jul '25
My Country, ’tis of Thee
03
Jul '25
Introduction:
“My country, ’tis of Thee,
Sweet Land of Liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From every mountainside
Let Freedom ring.”
By Rev. Samuel F. Smith – 1832
(This song is usually referred to as “America”)
(This song is usually referred to as “America”)
Do you remember the words to this song? Probably you remember singing this as a child in elementary school. Isn’t it amazing how we look back on growing up in America being taught patriotism? In those days, nationalism was prominent over globalism. Whereas both have their proper place, truthfully, today there are those in governmental positions who are more focused on being globalists instead of primarily looking to the national interest of America. Well anyway, let’s take a look at the Book:
In Bible prophecy, God has a special purpose and plan for the NATION of Israel. In other words, He chose a “people” (the Jews), a “place” (Jerusalem), and a “plan” (end time).
In the grand scheme of things, many other NATIONS will fight against the NATION of Israel. However, it will be to no avail. The Lord will intervene to fight against these NATIONS (Ezek. 38–39) and defeat their armies. In the final analysis, the Antichrist’s armies, along with the kings of the East, will attempt to overthrow Jesus Christ and His armies.
NEWSFLASH: It will never happen.
As a matter of fact, when Jesus Christ comes back to this earth as the “KING of KINGS” and “LORD of LORDS,” He will utterly destroy the NATIONS that come against Him and the beloved city called Jerusalem (Rev. 19:11–16).
So sing out, my friend:
“My country, ’tis of Thee,
Sweet Land of Liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From every mountainside
Let Freedom ring.”
Conclusion: While I THANK GOD for our country called AMERICA — “I’m looking for a city whose builder and maker is God.”
Our CITIZENSHIP is in heaven!
HOME SWEET HOME!!
HOME SWEET HOME!!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
02
Jul '25
America the Beautiful
02
Jul '25
Introduction: Has America lost her beauty? Or is she temporarily having a facelift? While there are some good things happening in our country, at the same time there are some troubling signs on the horizon.
1. Righteousness is being restored to our Religious Liberty {Christianity}! (Prov. 14:34) – “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Whereas we are presently in a season of “Religious Freedom” with the current administration, if Jesus tarries, after a few more years, one can presuppose that there will be a renewed surge for men doing what is right in their own eyes. “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25)
When that blossoms, then corrupt fruit will be the result. A closer investigation of the Old Testament—namely Israel, being an example for us today (1 Cor 10)—gives some insight on God’s chastisement.
Remember: Whom the Lord loves, He chastises (Heb 12:5–11). That goes for His children or a nation. Have you ever been lovingly disciplined?
2. When America forgets God! (Psalm 9:17) – “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”
If history repeats itself, then truthfully, God must judge America. Someone has well said, “If God does not judge America, then He will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.”
God is holy. While He is loving, He is righteous and just! Praise His name!!
America the Beautiful Lyrics:
“O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!”
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
01
Jul '25
Working Together
01
Jul '25
Introduction: Remember: it is not about you or me, but about the glory of God! When our will, agenda, or personality clashes with others in the church, we need to sit back and ask the question, why? Our devotion today does not explain in detail the whole situation between these two ladies in the church of Philippi. But the inspired writings by Paul to the church while imprisoned in Rome reveal their division. Therefore, he urges them to “be at peace”—work together instead of opposing each other, thus creating disunity. So how does God the Holy Spirit lead him to communicate to the church? Check it out:
1. Through encouragement to Euodias (Philippians 4:2) – “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.”
Ironically, the name Euodias is Εὐοδία, which means fine travelling. “I beseech Euodias.”
The word “encouragement” is παρακαλέω, which has multiple meanings. It can mean:
1. Properly to call near (as to receive or give help)
2. To implore, entreat (to urgently ask for mercy or help)
3. To exhort (to urgently counsel, encourage, or admonish)
4. To comfort
The old saying is true: “If you pet your dog on his head, he will wag his tail.” To put it another way: “You can catch more flies with honey rather than vinegar.”
2. Through encouragement to Syntyche (Philippians 4:2) – “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.”
Her name means “happy event.” Syntyche was a Christian woman at Philippi. Evidently, she and Euodias had a big disagreement. By the way, it is okay to disagree, but we do not need to be disagreeable. In other words: do not have a bad attitude. Do you ever have a bad attitude? Need an AA… attitude adjustment?
3. Through encouragement for unity (Philippians 4:2–3) – “And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.”
And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.” Two working together can get more done than one if they work together. Are you a team player?
4. Through encouragement as “true yokefellows” (Philippians 4:3)
The word “yokefellow” is σύζυγος, which can mean the following:
1. Yoked together, co-yoked
2. A colleague
3. Syzygus, a Christian
While in the Philippines on a mission trip, this pastor noticed on many farms in rural settings there were two oxen pulling a cart or a plow—working together. Needless to say, it helped lighten the load! Isn’t it great when someone helps lighten your heavy load?
Remember: what goes around comes around!
Conclusion: Lastly, Paul references those co-laborers whose names were written in the book of life. While we have differing spiritual gifts in the church, the key to working with others is maturity.
Maturity + Diversity = Unity
Let’s work together!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
30
Jun '25
Building a Lifetime Resume
30
Jun '25
Introduction: Think about the disciples. They built a lifetime resume that we are blessed to read. But actually, we too are “building a lifetime resume” as we follow Jesus. Well, how did that work for them? And more importantly, how
does that work for us?
does that work for us?
1. Think about the disciples’ call to follow Jesus Christ! (Matt 4:18–22) – “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. He saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.”
Actually, they stepped out in faith, left their livelihood to follow the Master! While the world sees that as
a wasted life, there are eternal dividends not only in this life, but more importantly in the life to come by
following Jesus.
2. Think about the disciples’ learning lessons! (Matt 5, 6, 7) – “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? Behold, 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? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin.”
What does anxiety have to do with birds, or the lilies of the field? Worry, hurry, and bury describes this short life of 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or maybe even 90 years. Happiness and fulfillment is the goal of humanity. However, Jesus Christ made it crystal clear that a relationship with God is the only key to finding and fulfilling one’s happiness. Look at Solomon. If anybody would know about searching for happiness in “wine, women, and wealth,” he would know. Yet, he concluded that all of the pleasure of the world ends up in a counterfeit happiness. Fearing God and obeying His will results in discovering our purpose.
3. Think about the disciples’ mountain top experiences! (Matt 17:1–3; Mark 9; Luke 9) – “And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.”
Imagine what that was like! How would they be able to tell anyone what they had seen and experienced? Words would defy description. However, later, Peter, up in age, would be led by the Holy Spirit to talk about this indescribable time with Jesus up on the mountain in northern Israel called Hermon. The sights, the sounds, the scene was unbelievable.
4. Think about the disciples’ storms! (Matt 8:23–26) – “And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.”
Wow! Think about what happened to the disciples while riding on a boat going through a scary storm. Keep in mind these were “professional fishermen.” Yet, they were terrified. Can you feel the tension during the storm and then picture their calmness after the storm? There’s no doubt, this frightening occurrence that turned into a faith-builder forever changed their outlook on who Jesus was. “For even the wind and waves obeyed him.” Will you trust Him now?
5. Think about the disciples’ identity turned into security as they witnessed Jesus’ deity! (Matt 27, 28; Mark 14, 15, 16) – “And they all forsook him, and fled.”
These scared, wimpy disciples who ran for their lives when their Leader was helplessly being arrested would later become martyrs for their undeniable faith in Jesus. Fast forward. After witnessing His personal appearance following His resurrection, these bold men were willing to die because of their change in their identity, security, and final destiny.
Conclusion: Did you know that we are building a resume? What lessons have you learned? Where have you failed? How have you been restored? Who have you influenced? How are you doing? Remember—we only have one shot at this thing called life! So keep focused on “building your resume”!! All for the glory of God.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
27
Jun '25
Building Meaningful Relationships In & Out of the Church
27
Jun '25
Introduction: Listen to the heartfelt words of the apostle Paul to the beloved Church of Philippi: “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.” (Philippians 4:1–2)
Building strong, spiritual relationships in the Church takes work! Here are three key ways to do that.
1. Showing Affection! (Philippians 4:1) – “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown.”
It is obvious that God had put a great love and appreciation in Paul’s heart for the believers in the Philippian Church. With grace, he expresses his emotions and affections to edify the CHRISTians. By the way, he is not “flattering them.” Instead, their love for Jesus Christ and His work had been demonstrated. Their character, passion, and mission-mindedness spoke for itself. Are you mission-minded? Can people see a genuine love for the Lord in your life?
2. Speaking Affirmations! (Philippians 4:1) – “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.”
“Stand fast” is a strong word. It is the word στήκω, which means to be stationary or to persevere. What a great challenge it is these days to persevere! Although, it is God the Holy Spirit who is able to pour in fresh oil in our lamps! Do you need some fresh oil?
3. Sharing Admonitions! (Philippians 4:2) – “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.”
Evidently, there are two ladies that can’t seem to get along. Truly, this disunity was hindering the work of the Lord. Remember: We can be “right” but be “wrong.” Are you finding yourself at odds with other people in the Church?
Conclusion: Once we are forgiven of our sins thru the blood of Jesus Christ and unite with a Church for the purpose of serving our Lord Jesus, then we either fall back or move forward because of our relationships. How about your relationships? Any need mending?
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese