Fear Not

Introduction: What is your biggest fear? 
 
  • Some are deathly afraid of spiders. 
  • Some are afraid of snakes.
  • Some are afraid of heights.
  • Some are afraid of flying.
  • Some are afraid of storms.
  • Some are afraid of the unknown.
  • Some are afraid of dying.
  •  
Fear is real. Even some of God’s choicest servants were afraid. Take the disciples for example, when they were going thru a storm, they were terrified! In our devotion for today, the angel reminds those shepherds who were keeping watch over their flock at night, not to be afraid.
 

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

Have you ever seen an angel and bright lights like the shepherds did that holy night? Truthfully, most of us would have been shaken up as well.
 

2.What calmed their fears? (Luke 2:10) – “And the angel said unto them, Fear not.” 

The Word of God calms our fears. “Fear not.” Why? Because the one who wrote the Bible thru people has been through everything that we will go through, and then some. Therefore, we can trust Him.
 

3.Why did the angel say that they should not be afraid? (Luke 2:10,11) – “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” 

God sent His Son. God the Son left heaven’s glory to come down to this earth’s gory….
 
  • Heaven’s adoration to the earth’s abomination…
  • Heaven’s blessedness to the earth’s bareness…
  • Heaven’s coronation to the earth’s curses…
  • Heaven’s delights to the earth’s degradation…
  • Heaven’s hallelujahs to the earth’s hostility…
  • Heaven’s jubilation to the earth’s jeers…
  • Heaven’s majesty to the earth’s misery…
  • Heaven’s rejoicing to the earth’s reviling…
  • Heaven’s worship to the earth’s wrath…

Nothing this earth could afford to give our Lord would equate to what He left in Glory! He stooped way down!!

Why should we not be afraid?

Because of the……

“…..good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:10)

Through Jesus Christ’s redeeming blood, man’s sins can be forgiven. That is GOOD NEWS!
 

Conclusion: Jesus is our Savior! …And He is Lord!! Jesus brings great JOY!! This CHRISTmas, when you are experiencing fear, remember in the middle of our troubles and trials, Jesus Christ can bring PEACE and SECURITY to our hearts.

Will you let Him be your PEACE through the power of the Holy Spirit?
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Christmas Eve in Heaven

Introduction: Have you ever imagined what it was like on CHRISTmas Eve in Heaven? Were the angels preparing? Did you ever think how God dispatched these disembodied spirits who would bring the Good News to the shepherds? Instead of JUDGMENT, there must have been JUBILATION! What a CELEBRATION!
 

1. A Body of Deity Was Prepared! (Heb. 10:5) – “Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me.

It had to be a human body in order to relate to HUMANITY. But at the same time, the body was wrapped in DIVINITY in order to be a part of the Godhead. This fleshly body would be clothed in immortality. After being crucified and buried, the body of Jesus Christ would be raised a spiritual body. John writes explaining that when Jesus comes again, then He will change our body into a body like His. This new body will be a glorified body (1 Cor. 15; 1 John 3). All of this operation was in place on CHRISTmas Eve.
 
2. Joseph and Mary Were on the Road Traveling to Their Destination (Luke 2:4–6) – “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.”
 
Prophesied by the prophet Micah some five hundred years before CHRISTmas Eve, which was the “little city of BETHLEHEM”! 
 
The exact PLACE, TIME, and EVENT were foretold by the prophets. The rejection and disappointment of finding “No Room” in the inn was all a part of God’s plan. But consider the deeper meaning. Unfortunately, many today do not have any “room” for Jesus Christ. Hopefully by now you have discovered the best thing that can happen this CHRISTMAS is to GIVE JESUS ROOM in your heart and your home. Have you? Only He can bring PEACE and real HAPPINESS!
 

3. An Angel Was Selected to Make the Announcement! (Luke 2:9–10) – “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”

Other angels were dispatched to join in the proclamation! “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”(Luke 2:13–14)
 
The ministry of angels is amazing! Throughout the existence of mankind, God has used angels to do His bidding. Even now, think about it—angels are all around us! You might have one sitting next to you!! Very likely.
 

Conclusion: What a glorious night! A Savior would be born. From eternity past, the Lord’s plan of redemption was being executed without a glitch, in spite of Satan’s attempts. Let JESUS be born in you. Give Him ROOM in your heart!

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Wise Men Still Follow the STAR: A Star of Wonder

Introduction: Follow the right star. Choose the right star. Which one are you following? Keep reading to see your choices. Astrology is becoming more and more popular. However, it is forbidden in the Bible. “And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.” (Deut. 4:19)
 

Horoscopes, along with so-called innocent mediums or spirits, are guiding people astray, further from the God of creation. The Greek term for star is ἀστήρ, and it appears twenty-four times in the New Testament. Take a look at the reference to the kind of star in the Word of God and follow the God who made the stars. In fact, He has named and numbered all of them! (Psa. 147:4) “He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.”

So now take a journey with the WISE MEN as they followed the STAR to see JESUS.
 

Why FOLLOW the STAR from AFAR, instead get as CLOSE as you can? (Matt. 2:1–2) – “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”

Perhaps these men, who were Persians, which saw the star in the east while traveling hundreds of miles, had read the Old Testament prophecy in Numbers. Some believe that Daniel instructed them.

“Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.” (Dan. 2:48)

Many scholars believe that to be the case. Balaam, the compromising prophet—although he did not curse Israel but did cause them to sin against God—made this prophetic statement about the STAR, meaning JESUS: “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.” (Num. 24:17)

By the way, there are all kinds of speculation about the “star.” Apparently, it was a supernatural light God placed in the sky to declare to the world a SAVIOR has been born, Christ the Lord. The angels announced His entrance to the shepherds: “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11)

Miraculously, the specific place was Bethlehem, Judea, which had been prophesied approximately five hundred years prior to the birth of Jesus by Micah the prophet: “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2)

Again, as prophesied, the Word of God was fulfilled. Now back to the journey of the WISE MEN.

Being led by the Lord contrary to Herod’s request, these men found the child and brought gifts to the NEW BORN KING. “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matt. 2:11)

Apparently, they arrived after the birth of Jesus Christ. In fact, the phrase “young child” indicates that it was some time after His birth. Have you ever wondered, “Why myrrh”? Remember, myrrh was used in preparing a dead body. JESUS was born to die! Thank God He died for our sins, but also arose from the dead! Besides that, He has promised to come again.

But also please notice about the WISE MEN: they who were “far away” moved “as close as they could” to be with JESUS! This Pastor believes that they were forever changed after being with JESUS!! Like you and me, they could not keep it a secret. They had to GO and TELL what they had SEEN and how they had been TOUCHED. Will you do that right now? Howbeit, you may have to come out of your “COMFORT ZONE—CURLED UP on the COUCH”! However, when we pursue JESUS CHRIST, He always makes it well worth it!

May it be said about us what was said about Peter and John: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


CHRIST Formed in You This Christmas

Introduction: I love how the apostle Paul, who was led by the Holy Spirit to write the letters to the Churches in the New Testament, poured his heart into them. One letter is Galatians. After describing the precise timing of the birth of JESUS CHRIST, then the apostle shared the Lord’s desire for both these believers as well as believers today. Listen carefully to what he is inspired to write.
 

1. The Right Place! (Gal. 4:4) – “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law.”

It was the perfect time. God’s time. He’s on time! Never late!! We can depend on Him. Are you? Will you?
 

2. The Right Purpose! (Gal. 4:5–6) – “To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”

Don’t you like that? Jesus redeems us! Then adopts us!! We need Him!!! His love, His acceptance, His grace, His power, His presence, etc.
 

3. The Right Plan! (Gal. 4:19) – “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.”

Check out the word “travail.” It is ὠδίνω. All mothers can relate to this word. It means pain, labor, or birth pangs, especially at childbirth. Put it together. Paul is saying that he was experiencing SPIRITUAL birth pains for the Christians in the Galatian Church. Perhaps many pastors, Sunday School teachers, or parents, grandparents, Christians have experienced the same. Can you relate?
 

Conclusion: Tell me. Do you have a burden for other Christians? Are you going to carry them, as it were, until they become mature in the Lord?

Lord bless you as you do!

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
 
 


Before the King Comes Again

Introduction: Whereas there are no SIGNS before the RAPTURE of the Church, there are definite SIGNS before JESUS CHRIST’S second coming. Not only are these SIGNS listed in the Olivet Discourse found in Matthew 24, but there are also additional SIGNS identified by Micah the prophet—written some five hundred years before the birth of the Messiah.

This brief devotion explores those SIGNS which will occur during the tribulation.
 

1. Rebuilding of the Temple! (Micah 4:1–2) – “But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”

Did you notice the key words? “LAST DAYS.” By the way, The Temple Institute has already begun preparations for the next temple—articles, furniture, and priestly garments are ready. The Jewish people fully anticipate rebuilding the next temple, since there has not been one standing on the Temple Mount for approximately 2,000 years. Do not forget, Herod’s Temple was destroyed in A.D. 70. However, the Antichrist will inhabit the next temple, as described next.
 

2. Restoring of Peace in the Middle East! (Micah 4:3–5) – “And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it. For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.”

Eventually there WILL be peace in the Middle East—but not until the PRINCE OF PEACE sets up His Kingdom on earth. Before that, there will be a counterfeit peace plan between the Antichrist and the Jews.
 

3. Returning of Jews to Their Homeland! (Micah 4:6–7) – “In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted; And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.”

As of today, thousands of Jews are returning to their homeland. Some of this is likely due to the rise of antisemitism across the world. Still, their return is clearly prophesied in Scripture—thus this is a partial fulfillment of Ezekiel and Micah.
 

4. Resentment of Nations Against Jerusalem! (Micah 4:11–12) – “Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion. But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.”

In keeping with Ezekiel’s prophecy, many nations will form a coalition and attack Israel from the north. However, the LORD will intervene—destroying five-sixths of the invading armies—thus preserving His chosen people. Do you know what that means? It means He will keep His promises to preserve His Church as well.
 
Conclusion: With all of these SIGNS seemingly on the horizon, that must mean the RAPTURE must be close!

Are YOU ready for the RAPTURE? Remember: after the RAPTURE of the Church, followed by seven years of tribulation, the KING will come again. But for now—stay focused. Keep serving, growing, loving, reaching, and looking.
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


The Dragon Still Hates the CHRIST of CHRISTMAS

Introduction: Satan is described by John as the Great Red Dragon, who stands ready to devour the “child” being born. From the beginning of creation, he has sought to overthrow the plan of God. But his demise is certain—and it is coming soon enough. In this passage, several personalities are mentioned. Take a look at the book:

1. Who is the Woman? (Revelation 12:1) – “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.”

Undoubtedly, this woman is a description of Israel. We can derive that conclusion by comparing Genesis 37, where Joseph dreams: “Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.”

Although some suggest the woman is the Virgin Mary, that is very unlikely. Others say she represents the Church, but the better view is that she is symbolic of Israel, for it was out of the nation of Israel—the twelve stars representing Jacob’s children—that the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, was brought forth.

And by the way, Satan hates Israel. Sadly, many today feel the same way. Antisemitism is spreading across our world like wildfire. Yet the Bible is clear: believers are to pray for and support the nation of Israel. Why? Because God has a plan for them, just as He has for the Church.

2. Who is the Child? (Revelation 12:2) – “And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.”

This verse fulfills the prophetic vision of the Old Testament writers: Jesus Christ, the Messiah, was born. Has He been born in you? (Galatians 4:19)

3. Who is the Great Red Dragon? (Revelation 12:3–4) – “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.”

Satan knows his time is short (Rev. 12:12). His plan to destroy the Christ child failed—just as his attempt to corrupt the human bloodline in Genesis 6 failed, and just as his attempt to get Jesus to worship him during the temptation failed. His time is running out. Ultimately, he will meet his final doom in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

Conclusion: When is all of this going to happen? Technically, these events occur during the middle of the tribulation. But meanwhile, as believers in Jesus Christ, we battle the emissaries of the devil daily. Nevertheless, Jesus Christ has already won the victory!

Keep looking up—our redemption draws near.

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Bethlehem and Beyond

Introduction: “Oh little town of Bethlehem” – This song was written by Phillips Brooks in 1868. Here is some background on him.

Brooks, Phillips, D.D., was born at Boston, Dec. 13, 1835, graduated at Harvard College 1855, and was ordained in 1859. He served the Church of the Advent, Philadelphia, and Trinity Church, Boston, and he became Bishop of Mass. in 1891, and died at Boston in Jan., 1893. His CHRISTmas carol, “O little town of Bethlehem,” was written for his Sunday School in 1868. He had spent Christmas, in 1866, at Bethlehem. From that experience came this famous song.
 

1. Jesus was born in Bethlehem! (Luke 2:11) – “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

Listen to the first stanza:

O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by;
yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.
 

2. Bethlehem was predicted to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ! (Micah 5:2) – “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”

The second stanza goes…

For Christ is born of Mary,
and, gathered all above
while mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wond’ring love.
O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth,
and praises sing to God the King
and peace to all the earth.
 

3. The wise men went looking for the Savior and Redeemer of mankind as they followed the star! (Matt 2:1-6) – “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.”

The third stanza ….

How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heav’n.
No ear may hear his coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still
the dear Christ enters in.
 

4. Jesus Christ’s kingdom will extend Beyond Bethlehem! (Luke 1:31,32,33) – “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He 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: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

Listen to the last stanza:

O holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray,
cast out our sin and enter in,
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Immanuel!

Did you notice? Cast out our sin and enter in!
 
Conclusion: Countless people have been blessed by this special CHRISTmas carol reminding us the REAL meaning of season. And yet, this same baby Jesus will come again in glory and power and establish His rule and reign on earth….and BEYOND! 
Oh little town of Bethlehem becomes a BIG town on the earth!!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


The King is Coming

Introduction: Are you looking for a political King? Some are. Unfortunately, when KING JESUS came the first time—prophesied by the prophets, namely Isaiah and Micah—He was rejected; consequently, His kingdom on earth was postponed until He comes again. But make no mistake about it: JESUS CHRIST’S KINGDOM will come on the earth in the future.
 

Please acknowledge that His rule and reign on earth is not yet, although He is sovereignly in control as He allows nations, kings, and leaders to rise and fall: “And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.” (Prov. 21:1; Dan. 2:21)

Since Jesus Christ will return as the “King of Kings,” then we ought to let Him rule and reign over our lives today. “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:16) 
 
1. Will you FULFILL the KING’S (JESUS CHRIST’S) unfinished BUSINESS on earth? (Matt. 24:45–46) – The wise men discovered the King—JESUS CHRIST. “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1–2) 
 
What is His UNFINISHED BUSINESS? Simply put: winning the lost, edifying the saints, preaching the Word, praying without ceasing, making a difference, growing in grace, discipling others, giving generously, and waiting for His return. What do you think is His unfinished work? What will you do?
 
2. Will you be READY when the KING comes again (JESUS CHRIST)? (Matt. 24:44) – “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”
 

Things will drastically change when the King comes. His kingdom will rule over all the earth. Remember, the Rapture will occur first—the dead in Christ will rise, and the Church will be caught up to meet the Bridegroom (Jesus Christ) in the air.

Then the seven years of tribulation: the Antichrist emerges; the false prophet leads politically, economically, and religiously; the mark of the beast; a pseudo peace plan with Israel; and God’s judgments in the form of seven seals, trumpets, and bowls. All of this will culminate in the battle of Armageddon, when Jesus Christ defeats the Antichrist’s armies and establishes His kingdom on earth.

The King is coming! Will you let Him have His way with you?
 
Conclusion: While the kingdom of God is not on the earth at this present time, we have the guarantee that it will come when the King comes. May our Lord empower us to fulfill the King’s unfinished work until He returns.
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


HE’S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS

Introduction: Take a deep breath. Why? Because JESUS has got the WHOLE WORLD in His HANDS!
 
How can we know that when it seems like everything is spinning out of CONTROL? Take a quick look at Isaiah’s writing—some 700 years before the birth of JESUS CHRIST.
 

1. JESUS CHRIST’S BIRTH WAS PROPHESIED! (Isaiah 9:6) – “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, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

PRAISE the LORD! He is more than WONDERFUL! He is the COUNSELLOR of all COUNSELORS.
His MIGHT has no limits.
His REIGN is everlasting.
His JUDGMENTS are inescapable.
His PEACE is unparalleled.

Beyond that:

His NAME is above every name,
His GRACE is sufficient,
His LOVE is satisfying,
His ARM is not shortened,
His EAR is not heavy,
His EYE is penetrating,
His WORD is a strong tower,
His BIRTH is supernatural,
His LIFE is prophetical,
His DEATH is substitutional,
His PREDICTIONS were substantial,
His POWER is amazing,
His TOUCH is transformational,
His FORGIVENESS is sweet,
His PROVISION is timely,
His COMFORT is matchless,
His CREATION is unimaginable,
His SOVEREIGNTY is incomparable,
His GIFTS are unspeakable,
His CALLING is universal,
His WAYS are superior to all human wisdom!

His CROSS is liberating,
His BLOOD is purifying,
His HEAVEN is outstanding,
His PROMISES are unbreakable,
His MIRACLES are irreversible,
His PRESENCE is undeniable,
His GOODNESS is superlative,
His RESURRECTION is irrefutable,
His SECOND COMING is unprecedented,
His GLORY is insurmountable,
And His SALVATION is unchangeable!

Hallelujah!

“HE’S GOT you and me, brother, in HIS HANDS!”
 

2. JESUS CHRIST WILL IMPLEMENT HIS EARTHLY KINGDOM! (Isaiah 9:6–7)

Isaiah continues:

“Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and justice from henceforth even forever.”

Isaiah makes it clear that JESUS is in control:

“…and the government shall be upon his shoulder… Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end…”

“HE’S GOT you and me, sister, in HIS HANDS!”

One day soon, JESUS CHRIST will come again and set up His Millennial Kingdom on earth.
He will rule with a rod of iron from Jerusalem.

Isaiah writes that when the KING comes:

the wolf and the lamb will lie down together
the bear and the ox will eat straw
a child will play on the serpent’s den
roses will bloom in the deserts
words will be beaten into plowshares
spears into pruning hooks
 
Since all this is true, will you cast your CARE upon His shoulders? Why? Because He can carry them—just as He carries us in this life.
 

Conclusion: Jesus is in CONTROL; therefore, let Him take CONTROL of your life! Is He in control of your life?

Never forget: “HE’S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS!”

Let JESUS CHRIST be your Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace… and place your life upon His shoulders.
 
“Thy kingdom come.”
“Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


CHRISTmas or CHRISTmust

Introduction: Just as CHRIST “must” come the first time — and He did — He “must” come the second time, and He will! But can the “Grinch” (Satan) keep Him from coming? He tried the first time, and he will try again. In fact, he is out to steal your CHRISTmust from coming.
 

1. How did Satan attempt to devour Jesus Christ at the first CHRISTMAS? (Rev. 12:1–5) – “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads… and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.”

The word “devour” means to eat until finished. But in spite of his attempts, Satan could not stop Jesus from coming. While the Old Testament prophets prophesied His birth (Isa. 7:14; Mic. 5:2; Isa. 9:6–7), the New Testament reveals His supernatural birth. God came in the flesh (John 1:1–14; Luke 1–2) to fulfill His promise.
 
Remember: Jesus was born to die as a substitute for our sins, and yet rise again from the dead — a fact proven archaeologically, historically, and prophetically. Therefore, His purpose for being born is that all who put their faith and trust in His sacrificial death and redeeming blood can be in a right relationship with Him and have eternal life in heaven.
Have you done that? Why not today?
 

2. Why will Satan try to stop Jesus Christ in His SECOND COMING? (Rev. 12:5,17) – “And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.”

The word “rule” is ποιμαίνω — to shepherd, to care for, to govern.

Bottom line: Jesus Christ will rule all the nations (ethnos).

Satan knows his time is short: “…for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” (Rev. 12:12)

Time is running out for the devil!

“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 12:17)

However, Satan (the dragon) is defeated — and he knows it. Jesus is LORD! He will return both in the rapture and in His second coming as the KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS!
 
Conclusion: Since Jesus Christ “must” come the first time — God’s plan from eternity past (Rev. 13:8) — that means “CHRISTmust” come again. This brings HOPE to our hearts!
 
Are you ready? Are all of your loved ones and friends prepared? Let’s get ready as we celebrate CHRISTmust!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese