The Next Resurrection

Introduction: There is going to be another resurrection in the future! It gives us great HOPE!! But when and where and how will this unfold?
 
1. The dead shall be “resurrected”! (1 Thessalonians 4:13–15) – “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.”
 
This means that those who have gone on before us will be resurrected—that is, their bodies. Their spirits will reunite with their bodies; howbeit, it will be a glorified body, not limited to aging or pain! What about that? Are you hurting?
 
 2. Jesus Christ will “return”! (1 Thessalonians 4:16) – “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.”
 
Did you notice that Jesus will come to get His people? Not an angel or another, but the Lord of Glory will descend from heaven. Are you tired of looking down? Start looking up!
 
3. The saints will be raptured! (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17) – “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
 
Literally, the word “rapture” means to snatch by force! There “ain’t” going to be anything holding this body down!!
 
4. There will be a reunion in the air! (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17) – “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
 
Have you ever said, “Good night. I will meet you in the morning?”
 
Conclusion: This glorious truth that awaits every believer should motivate us to love the Lord, serve the Lord, and be faithful to the Lord! Not only that, but these truths should bring great comfort to our hearts. Are you getting ready for the next resurrection? Get ready, because “belief” will bring “relief”!
 
When? When the believing will be leaving!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


From the Upper Room to the Throne Room

Introduction: Tracing the last steps of our Lord Jesus reminds us of His ultimate mission for coming to this earth. He went from CELEBRATION in the Upper Room, to DESPERATION in the Garden of Gethsemane, to CRUCIFIXION on the cross, to RESURRECTION from the grave, and to His coming REVELATION in the clouds!

John writes, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Rev 1:7-8).

The songwriter penned these words,

Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day.
 

1. Jesus’ CELEBRATION with His disciples at the Last Supper was marked with HUMILITY!

He used the “broken bread” and “poured out juice” commemorating the Passover which was initiated by the Lord in the book of Exodus. The elements (bread & juice) are used symbolically of His broken body and shed blood as a sacrifice on the cross. Although at the moment the disciples did not fully understand the meaning, later they were able to grasp its significance. Therefore, it radically transformed their lives….and this writer, to0.

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives” (Matt 26:26-30).

Imagine. What an experience!
 

2. Jesus’ CRUCIFIXION on the cross was marked with AGONY! (John19:16-19) – “Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

We forget. Jesus was born to die. He Died that we might have life! (John 10:10)
 

3. Jesus’ RESURRECTION from the grave was marked with VICTORY! (Luke 24:1-6) – “Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee.”

Just as He predicted, He arose from death!
The grave could not contain Him!
 

4. Jesus’ “SECOND COMING” will be marked with GLORY! (Rev 19:11-16)

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

With great joy and anticipation, CHRISTians look forward to Jesus’ second coming. Why? Because He is in CONTROL!
 
Conclusion: The greatest event – without exception – in human history was the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
 
Having a LIVING God gives every believer HOPE and ASSURANCE that God will keep His promises…
  • To Forgive!
  • To Love!
  • To Keep!
  • To Bless!
  • To Comfort!
  • To Accept!
  • To Empower!
  • To Come Again!
 
You can’t beat that!!!!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


The Key Witnesses for the Resurrection

Introduction: Is there proof of the resurrection of Jesus Christ? How can we know? Were the witnesses credible? Is the Bible reliable? Has archaeology confirmed the sacred writings? This devotion is going to explore these questions.
 
1. The two on the road to Emmaus! (Luke 24)
Follow the three breakthroughs that these two men received when they were gloomy and doomy. As they walked and talked, the risen Lord joined their conversation. First, their BLIND EYES had to be opened to SEE that JESUS was the SON of GOD! Next, their DULL hearts were QUICKENED to believe the Bible was the WORD of God! Finally, their EMPTY lives were FILLED by the Spirit of God in order to be witnesses of the Power of God!
 
2. The Women at the tomb! (John 20)
They could hardly wait until the morning. Early before sunrise, the women made their way to where they laid the body of Jesus, which was in a borrowed tomb. Have you ever wondered why? Well, He would not need it but 3 DAYS!! Nevertheless, the Angel met them declaring that He was not there but had risen from the dead. Quickly, they ran to tell the good news to the disciples. Are you going to tell the world that Jesus Christ is Alive?
 
3. The Disciples! (John 20)
Meanwhile, while the disciples—minus Thomas—were together, Jesus appeared to them. Astonished and amazed that He had come back to life, they tried to explain the supernatural phenomena to Thomas, who doubted. However, his doubting turned into shouting when he saw firsthand the nail prints in His hands and the wound in His side. Is your doubting going to turn into shouting?
 
4. My changed life! (2 Cor 5:17)
There is no other explanation but the risen Lord Jesus has radically changed my life! Others can argue and debate about the resurrection, along with His credibility, until they die—but they will never convince this Pastor, because He has forgiven my sins and changed my life!! Has He changed your life?
 
Conclusion: What more can be said? Actually, quite a bit more could be said. But for now, let’s GO and TELL the GOOD NEWS that JESUS CHRIST is ALIVE and will RETURN!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Why the Resurrection of Jesus Matters!

Introduction: If Jesus had not risen from the grave, then we might as well throw our Bibles away! If Jesus Christ had not conquered death, then we would all die in our sins. But He has overcome death! Because of that, those who put their faith and trust in His Word can be redeemed by His blood and saved by His life. Plus, we are assured of a home in Heaven with those who have gone before us. Thank God for the resurrection of Jesus Christ! Do you believe in the Resurrection of Jesus? Why does it matter? Check it out:
 
1. DEATH has been DEFEATED! (1 Cor. 15:55–57) – “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
 
Death ruled and reigned over the whole human race from Adam unto Jesus. While sitting on his throne with the crown upon his head, no one was able to challenge the “Grim Reaper”! That is, until the RESURRECTION and the LIFE—Jesus Christ—left Heaven’s glory, was born of a virgin, lived without sin, died to pay our sin debt, and then burst forth from the grave with resurrection power on the third day, just as He said He would. History was made. Eternity was sealed. Death was defeated! Truthfully, after witnessing so many live ones pass from this life unto the life to come, and preaching my dad, mom, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and countless friends’ funerals, this Pastor can honestly sing with a bereaved but blessed heart, “Oh VICTORY in JESUS!”
 
2. The DEVIL’S POWER over DEATH has been SQUASHED! (Heb. 2:14–15) – “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
 
Throughout the Bible, God repeats the message that it is appointed unto men to die, and then comes the judgment (Heb. 9:27). However, because the Son of God “tasted death” for every man; beside that, He became sin for us who knew no sin—now we can face the grave without FEAR! Is death intimidating you? Look to Jesus! Have confidence in His finished work!! Rest in His Word!!! Our Heavenly Home is awaiting!!!! The best is yet to come.
 
3. JESUS has the MASTER KEY! (Rev. 1:18) – “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
 
He had to die. He had to suffer. He had to bleed. Why? So that we could go FREE—free from sin’s penalty, free from sin’s power, and one day free from sin’s presence. What appeared to be an awful tragedy when Christ was brutally crucified turned out to be the most historical and monumental event in human history—the RESURRECTION!
 
4. Every CHRISTian has ASSURANCE and HOPE of HEAVEN beyond DEATH! (1 Pet. 1:3–4) – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.”
 
Praise the LORD! Jesus is ALIVE!! That means we have a glorious future ahead! Heaven is awaiting its citizens. Actually, according to both Peter and Paul’s inspired writing, that is what every believer has to look forward to. Do you ever think about it? Can you imagine what Heaven is going to be like? “I Can Only Imagine!” No more sickness, sorrow, suffering, or sin!!
 
Conclusion: Did you know that Jesus never preached a funeral? Instead, He raised Lazarus, Jairus’s daughter, and the widow of Nain’s son from the dead! While she led a procession of MISERY, Jesus led a procession of MAJESTY, which turned into VICTORY as her son was raised from the coffin!
 
Please don’t forget that JESUS has wonder-working power over death, demons, and disease! How? Because not only is He a WAY MAKER, a CHAIN BREAKER, a MOUNTAIN MOVER, a STORM CALMER, a PEACE GIVER, a DEVIL DEFYER, a GIANT KILLER, but the Son of God is also a GRAVE ROBBER! “Because HE LIVES, we can face tomorrow!” “I SERVE a RISEN SAVIOR!!”
 
Now we can sing from our hearts with joy and gratitude to the KING of GLORY because He has promised to come again! Will you join the chorus in Heaven and rejoice that we serve a RISEN SAVIOR?? That is why the RESURRECTION should matter to you!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


The Kangaroo Court

Introduction: Have you ever looked into the “mock trial” of Jesus Christ? If so, you’ve seen how it was a “done deal”! From false accusations to guilty deliberations, it was doomed from the start. Because of the timing of the trials—namely the preparation for the Passover—it was hastily carried out. Besides that, both the Roman law and the Jewish law collided in the process. The Jewish trial consisted of a somewhat informal examination. This was done before Annas (John 18:12–23). It included a hearing before the High Priest Caiaphas along with the Sanhedrin.
 

Next, the formal trial began early in the morning, during which Jesus was sent to Pilate. Some suggest that the Jewish trial verdict could not have sentenced Jesus to death; therefore, He was sent to be sentenced before the Roman court headed by Pilate.

Though this devotion is not exhaustive, here were the main charges:
 
1. Blasphemy against God! (Matt. 26:59–66) – “Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; but found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, and said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.”
 
Matthew’s description of the mock trial specifies the false accusations against Jesus—even though He was God!
 
2. Treason against Caesar! (John 18:36) – “My kingdom is not of this world.”
 
Now, the Romans would not tolerate anyone who usurped authority over the King, Caesar. In this case, Jesus claimed to be the King of the Jews. Howbeit, in all actuality, He was and will forever be King of the Jews! In His second coming, many of the Jews will “look upon Him whom they’ve pierced,” according to Zechariah’s prophecy.
 
3. Accused of being a Malefactor (John 18:29–31) – “Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.”
 

Please do not overlook the word “malefactor.” Why? Because it perhaps explains some of the charges brought against Jesus. The word “malefactor” is κακός, which means bad, evil, wicked, and even harmful.

Bottom line: There are those who claim Jesus was a magician by practicing sorcery; i.e., raising Lazarus from the dead.
 
Conclusion: As we conclude, it is absolutely necessary to remind every reader that all of this was planned and permitted by the will of God from eternity past. Why? Because God’s purpose in all of it was to ultimately redeem mankind from his sin, and in so doing, bring sinful man back into a right relationship with his Savior, Creator, and Redeemer.
 
Therefore, sovereignly controlling the events in the Kangaroo Court of Jesus Christ, remember—the God of the Bible was glorified!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


The Cup Before the Cross

Introduction: A non-negotiable, irreversible principle in the Bible is the CUP must come before the CROSS! What do we mean? Take the life and death of Jesus Christ first in order to see this fleshed out. Then will you ask the question, how does this apply to CHRISTians (me)?
 
1. First, our will must submit to God’s will! (Matt. 26:39) – “And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”
 

Get the picture. Jesus had just finished the Passover meal with His disciples, with one who was a devil, and while explaining His death—which they were oblivious to—the events concerning the “cup” would transpire in just a few hours. Nonetheless, after washing their feet, He rises from the table and makes His way to a garden—not any old garden, but the one called Gethsemane.

By the way, the word Gethsemane is the Hebrew equivalent גת שמנא (gath shemanim), which directly translates to “oil press.” What a graphic description of God the Son’s will being pressed out. Do you think our will needs to follow His?

Have you prayed lately—not my will but Yours, oh Lord?
 
2. Secondly, our purpose will fulfill God’s purpose! (John 6:38–40) – “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
 

Did you know our Father has a purpose for you? In other words, we are not on earth just to take up space! Instead, our purpose is to be made more like Him. Why? In order for those who do not know Him, that they will not only come to know Him, but will also love Him, and then in turn, serve Him.

Do you love Him? Are you serving Him? Have you discovered life’s secret treasure found in a love relationship with Jesus Christ?
 
3. Thirdly, God is glorified! (John 17:1–5) – “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.”
 

While those who do not know the God of the Bible are running day after day in their own world, eternity is the destination of every human being. Sadly, some will miss heaven. Blinded by the god of this world, many are chasing their own dreams, pursuing their own desires, and living only for the present and forgetting eternity.

However, according to the Bible, a rude awakening is ahead for those who do not have time to make things right with God, or do not have any concern for the things of God.

Does your life reflect God’s glory? Are you intentionally encouraging people to prepare to meet God?
 
Conclusion: A brief review of the subject—The CUP before the CROSS—reveals God the Father’s plan for not only His Son, Jesus Christ, but also His Church.

Are you a part of the family of God? If so, remember, we have a “CUP” to drink from before our CROSS we are to carry.

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Deeper Than Water

Introduction: Have you been baptized? Did you understand it? Do you know the meaning of baptism? Is it “Deeper than Water? Let’s see.
 

1. Water Baptism is an “Outward Demonstration” of an “Inward Revelation”! (Rom 6:1-5) – “……3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”

What a biblical truth our Lord wants us to know! He has done it in Jesus! He is not asking for our opinion. He is telling us a heavenly FACT. But it must be appropriated by FAITH. Then comes the FRUIT.
 

2. Water Baptism is an “Outward Demonstration” of an Inward Appropriation”! (Rom 6:6-11) – “6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” 

This FACT of being co-crucified with Christ now leads to co resurrected with Jesus. However, the door is unlocked only by FAITH. The result of that is FRUIT!
 

3. Water Baptism is an “Outward Demonstration” of an “Inward Manifestation” (Rom 6:12-13) – “2Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” 

Great FRUIT bursts forth because of FAITH in the FACT. All of this process is experienced in baptism.
 
Conclusion: Now we see. Baptism is DEEPER than WATER! Did you discover Baptism pictures the CHRISTian’s Victory over the dominion of sin? Wow!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


Working Out What God Works In

Introduction: Did you know that our Lord is not going to completely live the Christian life for you as if you were a robot? Instead, He has given us the tools {His Spirit} to accomplish the task. But how does that happen, one may ask? The passage of Scripture before us explains how our Lord does it. Check it out:
By the way, what may seem like a contradiction to the average reader concerning this process turns out to be a fairly basic principle. Let’s take a look at the book.
 
1. What does “work out” mean in regards to one’s salvation? (Phil 2:11–13) – “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

Please be sure to read this not only in its context but also comparing Scripture with Scripture. For example, from a prison incarceration, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, gives specific instructions to the Church of Philippi as well as us today in regards to living the Christian life. More specifically, he describes this supernatural life, revealing it to be characterized by humiliation, self-renunciation, and for the purpose of edification for other believers. Using the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, he mirrors the life that pleases our Heavenly Father. With that being said, he admonished the believers to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” But what does he mean? How can that be done?
 
Technically speaking, the Christian learns to come under in order to be over; he or she learns to go down in order to get up; plus, he or she learns to get out in order to get in. The verb “work out” is κατεργάζομαι, which means to literally work out, or to accomplish. It can have to do with producing, or even to bring about. Next, the word “salvation” is σωτηρία. This needs some clarification. Remember the tense of salvation can mean one of three events—regeneration, sanctification, and finally glorification.

Obviously, God is not contradicting His Word by telling us to “WORK” for your salvation, because it is clearly not obtained by WORKS (Eph 2:8,9; Titus 3:5,6). Howbeit, He is pointing to the process once we’ve been forgiven—saved—to WORK OUT the process of sanctification.

Bottom line: The Holy Spirit of God WORKS in the “Truth of God” thru the WORD of God, which in turn transforms the believer’s mind, will, and emotions. The end result is a change of lifestyle as the Christian yields to the power of the Holy Spirit. Are you letting the Word of God change your thought process?
 
Conclusion: Once we discover this hidden treasure of truth, then as followers of Jesus Christ, others notice the way that we handle things differently than the world and are drawn to embrace the same Christ that now lives in us. He is WORKING IN as we WORK it OUT!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese


The Need for Speed

Introduction: Information explosion! With lightning speed, technology is expanding at record speed. It’s 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 the internet, to cell phone pick up, to cable connections, to satellite speed there is a push for receiving faster information through technological advances.

How did Daniel know this would be the case, or did he? Let’s see:
 
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 negative? Our Lord is on His throne! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
 
2. Daniel foresaw that we would not be able to “stop Judgement 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! Can we 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 Christ comes again. 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 inevitables, 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.
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
 


Fill My Cup Lord

Introduction: Do you want Jesus Christ to fill your cup? Does your cup ever get empty? Bring it to Him! Let Him fill your cup up today. If you ask Him in faith, He will. Why not drink His LIVING WATER? He’s got it! Drink it!!
 

Let’s take a look at the book:

1. If you are thirsty, then Jesus will Fill your Cup! (John 7:37,38) – “…..the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”

The key is “believing”. Do you believe? If so, get ready for a raging River to flow through you.
 
2. If you are lonely, then Jesus will Fill your Cup! (John 4) – “Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.”

There was a weary, worn-out woman who discovered the WATER of LIFE. Actually, she had her water pot ready to fill it up from a deep well. But it just so happens that Jesus, due to weariness, is sitting on the well. Meanwhile, He strikes up a conversation with her because He knew her great need was to drink of the LIVING WATER that He offers all. Back and forth the dialogue went until He revealed her empty cup and broken life.

Next, as her eyes were opened, her heart was quickened, and her life was changed—all because she tasted of the fountain of living water that flowed from the LOVER of her SOUL! Once her cup was FILLED as she drank the water Jesus offered her, then a RIVER of Life flowed to others whose CUP was FILLED as well.
 
3. If you are needy, then Jesus will Fill your Cup! (Rev 22:16) – “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
 
What a great INVITATION with a fantastic CELEBRATION! Jesus is offering LIVING WATER to every thirsty soul. Are you thirsty? Drink. Drink, my friend! It is refreshing, invigorating, and exhilarating. Take it in. Give it out.
 
Conclusion: Now then, FILL my CUP LORD! Give me Living Water. Flow like a River. Quench my thirst. Then pour me out so others can drink from the Fountain that shall never run dry.
 

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese