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Good Memories @ CHRISTmas

Posted on Dec 14, 2021 in Devotions |

Introduction: Do you think that Joseph and Mary, and Jesus, ever talked about His supernatural birth? Perhaps, Mary reminded Him about having “No Room” for them in the inn. Imagine how she felt seeing the STAR? The Shepherds? Later, the Wise men? What were Joseph’s thoughts?

1. What kind of Memories are you going to build this CHRISTmas? (Rev 2,3)

“Remember…. “

Jesus reminds the seven Churches in Revelation to REMEMBER some things. Some good. Some not so good.

But rather than REMEMBERING all the bad things, our Lord wants us to have good memories.

* Remember the fun times growing up
* Remember the blessed times
* Remember when you first heard about the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ
* Remember sitting in Church singing and worshipping Jesus with other believers (pic of heaven)
* Remember your conversion experience
* Remember praying together as a family
* Remember when you sensed the presence of the Lord

2. How can we build good Memories and pass them on this CHRISTmas? (Rev 2, 3)

“Remember…..”

One of the joys of getting older is passing down a lasting legacy. Are you purposely doing this? Personally, the spiritual “hand me downs” are perhaps more important than the material “hand me downs.” Have you got some “spiritual” hand me downs ready?

Conclusion: This time of the year can be very stressful. Yet, If we prayerfully consider the will of God for us and our families, it will ensure us of passing down some “GOOD MEMORIES.” Take some time to reflect over this devotion and then apply it to your life.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

In God’s Timing

Posted on Dec 13, 2021 in Devotions |

Introduction: Are you ever late? Is God on time? Why was Jesus born at that time in history? What significance does it have? Do you sometimes feel like God is late? Today’s devotion will explore these questions.

1. What did Paul mean as he was inspired to write, “In the Fulness of time”?

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.” (Gal 4:4)

The word “Fulness” is πλήρωμα, pléróma (play’-ro-mah), which means a fill, fullness; full, completion.

Bottom line: The Roman roads had been built along with the Greek language. A few thousand years had passed since God’s creation. His promise to send a Messiah, which had been foretold by the prophets, had to be fulfilled.

It was the right time… God’s time.

Keep in mind, Paul’s theme in this epistle was to refute false teachers who were claiming a person could be saved by goods works, i.e. keeping the law. Besides that, he was led to confirm that it was by GRACE alone, through FAITH alone, that a person experiences God’s great salvation. Have you experienced this Great Salvation?

2. What did Paul mean as he was inspired to write, “In the Fulness of time….God sent forth his son”?

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.” (Gal 4:4)

Jesus Christ came to set us free from attempting to keep the law in order to be justified. Instead, the message is that He hung on a tree to redeem us from the law. By the way, there is nothing wrong with God’s law. It is used as a mirror to expose our sin nature, and thus lead us to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: In the light of this devotion and Scripture, are we going to trust in God’s timing? His salvation? What are you praying about that the answer has not come? Is God really in control? Will we let Him take control? Where do you need to let Him have control? Will you do it now? Are you resting in His finished works? Are you trying to work for your salvation? Has legalism crept in?

Away with legalism…

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

The Gift of God

Posted on Dec 10, 2021 in Devotions |

Introduction: What kind of gifts are you going to give this CHRISTmas? What will you receive? Technically speaking, a CHRISTmas gift is given to someone without a price tag on it. In other words, they get it free, without earning or paying for the gift. The same is true with JESUS CHRIST. We do not earn Him. Instead, we just simply receive Him as a free gift. Below is an explanation about this Gift.

1. This Gift of JESUS is given because of God’s GRACE!

“For by grace are ye saved…” (Eph 2:8)

God’s

Righteousness

At

Christ’s

Expense

Simply put. GRACE is God doing for us what we do not deserve. Instead of Justice & Judgment, the Lord extends His forgiveness & mercy as we receive it. Have you experienced His AMAZING Grace? Are you showing GRACE to others?

2. This Gift of JESUS is given and to be received by FAITH in JESUS!

“For by grace are ye saved through faith…” (Eph 2:8,9)

Faith is taking God at His Word. Faith is believing He will do what He says He will do. The biblical definition of Faith is found in Hebrews 11:1.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Also check out Hebrews 11:6.

“6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Are you exercising faith in Jesus? Everyday?

3. This Gift of JESUS is not of ourselves or works!

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves.” (Eph 2:8,9)

Honestly, our generation grew up only receiving things we earned. We worked hard for things. But the problem with this mindset is, it must be discarded when it comes to being saved, or forgiven. Jesus died for our sins to pay a debt we owed, a price too high for us to pay! If we could earn going to heaven, then Jesus died needlessly.

4. This Gift is from God!

“….it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph 2:9)

Jesus Christ is God’s gift to us. Because of His great LOVE, He gave His BEST!

5. This Gift is to be received and given!

“10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Eph 2:10)

There is not another Gift you can give this CHRISTmas or anytime that will compare to the Gift of ETERNAL LIFE.

Conclusion: Have you received this Gift? Have you given this Gift? Have you tried to earn or pay for (with good works) this Gift? Will you by GRACE thru FAITH receive this gift of JESUS now?

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

The Grand Entry

Posted on Dec 9, 2021 in Devotions |

Introduction: Did Jesus enter the world with pomp and prestige? Not hardly. Truthfully, most didn’t recognize the occasion. Like today, a supernatural event like the rapture will occur and most will not give a rip! But to those of us who are saved, it was a FANTASTIC entry to say the least!

1. ANGELS bowed before Him to WORSHIP the promised SAVIOR of the World, JESUS CHRIST!

“5For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? 6And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.” (Heb 1:5, 6)

Right now in heaven, angels are waiting and ready for the Son of God’s beckoning call. While dispatching some of the angelic hosts in the heavenly realm to carry out His will, other cherub and seraphim are encircling His throne with praise and worship.

Imagine. What is heaven going to be like? There will be “Non-stop” and continuous worship before the LAMB of God.
Why? Because the LION from the tribe of Judah and the One called the ROOT of David is the only One worthy in heaven or on the earth to open the book and seals according to JOHN’S REVELATION.

The word “first Begotten” is πρωτότοκος, (pro-tot-ok’-os), which means first-born.

2. GREAT NEWS…JESUS takes on a human body!

“Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:” (Heb 10:5)

In order to relate to man, Jesus had to become a man. Besides that, He had to be tempted, etc., to experience our infirmities and weaknesses as a Man (the God man). And yet, He did so without sin. Therefore, He could be the perfect sacrifice; thus fulfilling all the demands of a holy God by providing redemptive blood to atone for man’s sin. Not only do we experience forgiveness of sin, but we are reconciled back into a personal relationship with our Creator, by becoming His sons and daughters. Plus, we are guaranteed a home in heaven in the future.

Conclusion: Much of the world is oblivious to the magnitude of the birth of Jesus Christ. Had Jesus not come to earth and taken on a human body, we would be forever lost without HOPE! While He did not have a GRAND ENTRANCE,
we who name the name of JESUS recognize the birth of our LORD and SAVIOR is the very BEST thing (and His resurrection & second coming) that has ever happened! Do you agree?

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

“λόγος”

Posted on Dec 8, 2021 in Devotions |

Introduction: Was Jesus God? What do you think? Some say yes. Some say no. Why was John’s gospel written? John’s gospel was written to demonstrate that Jesus Christ was indeed God in the flesh. And in so doing, that those who read it might have everlasting life.

“1But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:31)

Do you have eternal life? Are you sure? How can you be sure?

The same man named John writes,

“11And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life… 13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1John 5:11-13)

Thank God for eternal life in Jesus Christ the virgin born Son of God!

1. When was the origin of “Word”?

“1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:1-5)

The word “Word” is λόγος which means word, speech, divine utterance. In other words, Jesus Christ (the Word) has been here from eternity past being God.

2. What did John reveal about the “Word”?

“14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

God became a human being. Why? To demonstrate His LOVE & LIFE!

Jesus lived a life without sin and died a death to overcome death as seen in His resurrection. God’s great LOVE for mankind is demonstrated in sending His only Son to be murdered on a cross because of our wrong doing (sin).

3. Where did the “Word” go?

“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.” (John 14:1-3)

After being resurrected from the dead, Jesus went back to heaven but PROMISES to come again some day soon. Are you ready? You can get ready by turning from your sin and trusting in Jesus Christ’s shed blood for the forgiveness of your sin, and then receiving Him as your Lord and Savior.

After that, we can prepare for His coming by WATCHING and WAITING and WITNESSING.

Conclusion: The Holy Spirit inspired John to write to demonstrate that Jesus Christ the LIVING WORD became the WRITTEN WORD. In turn, the WRITTEN WORD who became the PREACHED WORD! Then, the PREACHED WORD becomes the FLESHED out WORD.

Let’s FLESH it out the WORD ( λόγος ) by the POWER of HIS HOLY SPIRIT!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

CHRISTmas Caring Turned Into CHRISTmas Sharing

Posted on Dec 7, 2021 in Devotions |

Introduction: Are you feeling overloaded with CARE? So much to keep up with….things changing….life flying….staying focused! In our devotion today, we will be encouraged to keep our spiritual priorities in their proper place.

1. The Shepherds were fulfilling their roles by CARING!

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” (Luke 2:8, 9)

It is ok to care. But the problem is when we get burdened down with too much CARE. Does that ever happen to you? What should you do? Check out 1Pet 5:7.

“7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Will you take your Care right now and throw it on the Lord?

2. The Shepherds were called to fulfill their roles by SHARING!

“5And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.” (Luke 2:15)

First, they had to witness the miracle. Second, they had to SHARE the miracle….JESUS CHRIST, the SAVIOR of the world was born!

“17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” (Luke 2:17, 18)

Wonder what would happen if every CHRISTian, like the Shepherds, would really SEE the vision (God’s will), believe the Bible with passion, and share Jesus with compassion. It would make a huge difference in this world, nation, and community! Sinners would be saved from the penalty of sin, and guaranteed a place in heaven when they die.

Conclusion: Today our CARE can be turned into SHARE. By following the shepherds’ response, we too can SHARE JESUS with passion and compassion.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Working On Both Ends

Posted on Dec 6, 2021 in Devotions |

Introduction: Have you noticed where God “GUIDES” He “PROVIDES”! This can be seen clearly in the preparation of the birth of Jesus Christ.

1. On the one hand, our Lord confirms to Joseph, everything is OK!

“When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” ( Matt 1:18-25)

This confirmation is enough for Joseph to trust and obey the Lord. Can we do the same?

2. On the other hand, our Lord confirms to Mary, this is His will!

“26And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth.” (Luke 1:26-28)

“To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.”

Gabriel announced the BLESSINGS of God on Mary.

“28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”

The word “favored” is χαριτόω,(khar-ee-to’-o), which means favor, bestow freely on. Next, Gabriel explains how God was going to perform this miracle.

“30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

“29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.”

“34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

Obedience is the results.

Conclusion:
Bottom line: We can trust our Lord Jesus that He sees the BIG picture! Therefore, we conclude… He is in CONTROL!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

His Name

Posted on Dec 3, 2021 in Devotions |

Introduction:

Praise the name of Jesus,
Praise the name of Jesus.
He’s my Rock, He’s my Fortress,
He’s my Deliverer.
In Him shall I trust.
Praise the name of Jesus!

There are a lot of great names in the Bible. The prophet Isaiah gives a detailed description of the names of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who was yet to come in his day. This devotion will explore the names of our LORD & SAVIOR listed in the book of Isaiah.

1. His name shall be called WONDERFUL!

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (I(saiah 9:6)

The word “Wonderful” is פֶּלֶא – pele, which means Unusual, Extraordinary.

Certainly Jesus is extraordinary in His Words, His Works, and His Will! Extraordinary in His overcoming death, disease, and demons!!

2. His name shall be called COUNSELLOR!

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:6)

The word “Counsellor” is יָעַץ – yāʿaṣ, which means advice, counsel.

Who else can foretell the future with 100 % precision? Jesus can.
Who else sees the beginning and the end and everything in between? Jesus does.
Who else created the human anatomy of man and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life? Jesus did.
Therefore, since He knows us, it stands to reason He knows how to fix us!

3. His name shall be called MIGHTY GOD!

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:6)

The word “God” is אֵל – ‘ēl which means HERO!

Jesus is my HERO!! Is He yours?

4. His name shall be called EVERLASTING FATHER!

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:6)

Since He is our Everlasting Father, we can depend upon Him. He will not let us down. Trust Him now.

5. His name shall be called PRINCE of PEACE!

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:6)

The word “Prince” is שַׂר- śar, which means chief ruler.

The word “Peace” is שָׁלוֹם – šālôm, which can mean peace from war, or completeness, soundness.

Praise the Lord, we are no longer at war with God once we surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

The name of Jesus is *POWERFUL! *INEXHAUSTIBLE!

* SPECIAL!
* HONORABLE!
* BOUNTIFUL!
* PLENTIFUL!
* SHAREABLE!

Praise the name of Jesus!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Not For Sale – A CHRISTmas Message

Posted on Dec 2, 2021 in Devotions |

Introduction: The little book of Philemon is power packed with truths that transform! A man goes from being useless to being useful….helpless to helpful….guilty to not guilty….a thief to a saint. Who was that man? What did he do? How does this letter demonstrate forgiveness? Is there anyone in your life that needs to be forgiven? Do you need to forgive? Do you need to be forgiven?

Let me introduce you to this biblical narrative.

*Philemon was done wrong.

*Onesimus did the wrong.

*Paul led Onesimus to Jesus who forgave him and made the wrong right.

*Onesimus was forgiven and restored back into fellowship with Philemon.

1. Did you know we are all “SOLD on the SLAVE MARKET of SIN”?

“1Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, 2And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: 3Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philemon 1:1-9)

Paul had been converted to CHRISTianity! He was once a persecutor of the Church….SOLD on the SLAVE MARKET of SIN!

2. Did you know we can be “BOUGHT with a High PRICE through the Precious BLOOD of JESUS CHRIST”?

“10I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 12Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: 13Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: 14But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. 15For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; 16Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? 17If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. 18If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;” (Philemon 1:10-18)

Jesus Christ put our debt of sin on His account!

Since we’ve been forgiven and BOUGHT back by the BLOOD of Jesus Christ, we can forgive others who have wronged us.

3. Did you know that now that we’ve been BOUGHT, we are “NOT for SALE”?

“19I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. 20Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. 21Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. 22But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.” (Philemon 1:19-22)

Conclusion: Will you put up a “NOT for SALE” sign?

* My mind is NOT for SALE

* My body is NOT for SALE

* My heart is NOT for SALE

* My faith is NOT for SALE

* My family is NOT for SALE

* My ministry is NOT for SALE

* My testimony is NOT for SALE

* My eternity is NOT for SALE

* My legacy is NOT for SALE

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese

Providential Incarnational Miracle

Posted on Dec 1, 2021 in Devotions |

Introduction: Have you noticed when our God is up to a work, He sometimes uses various instruments? Have you ever been used by the Lord to accomplish His Will? Needless to say, it is life’s highest privilege to be used by our Lord. Today, in our biblical account, please notice the different personalities that are called by the Lord to bring about the birth of Jesus Christ.

1. Gabriel the angel is dispatched to communicate to a virgin concerning the birth of the Savior of the world!

“26And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth.”

“28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” (Luke 1:28)

The word “favored” is χαριτόω,(khar-ee-to’-o), which means favor, bestow freely on.

Next, Gabriel explains how God was going to perform this miracle.

“30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

Imagine an angel appearing and bringing good NEWS that is humanly speaking impossible.

2. Mary the virgin was selected by the Lord to bring forth this God child!

“27To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.” (Luke 1:27)

At first, Mary had a hard time believing what the angel, Gabriel, predicted.

“29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.”

Trying to reason all of this in her mind, Mary explains.

“34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?”

Have you ever doubted a MIRACLE in the making?

3. The Holy Ghost of God was chosen to impregnate Mary the virgin!

“35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35)

Have you noticed that a MIRACLE performed by the Lord does not always make sense?

It is SUPERNATURAL!

Conclusion: Can you say you’ve witnessed a MIRACLE in the making? Well, this was a MIRACLE indeed. But did you notice the explanation to this MIRACLE? The angel, Gabriel responds, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

Question:
Do you want to be used by our Lord?
What can you do?
Will you make yourself available for the Holy Spirit to use you?

Will you believe God?

Will you give PRAISE to our Lord Jesus for using you today to pray for others, to bless others, to care for others? How about purposing in your heart to say what Mary did?

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese