Introduction: Have you ever heard that you cannot judge a book by its cover? It is true—you cannot. It is not until you open it up to see what is on the INSIDE that you can really tell. The same thing is true about a person. In our devotion today, this is clearly the idea.

A great illustration of this truth can be seen in nature. If you prune and shape a pear tree to look like a banana tree outwardly, is it going to be a banana tree? No. Will it automatically produce bananas? Not hardly! What must take place? Inwardly, from the root to the fruit, it must be CHANGED! In other words, its nature must be transformed.

This is the thought which Paul is conveying to the believers in Colossae, who, by the way, were being taught by false teachers that the outside (circumcision) of the flesh had to be done in order to become a Christian. This false teaching pointed back to the days of the Jewish customs and rites; i.e., all the way back to the days of Abraham with the circumcision covenant.

Bottom line: Since the Church had been established on the day of Pentecost, both Jews and Gentiles were becoming a part of God’s Big Plan. Howbeit, the Jewish law of circumcision of the flesh was being replaced by the new covenant of Jesus Christ, which was circumcision of the heart. Baptism was the outward sign of the inward change of circumcision of the heart. This is the meaning of Colossians 2:11–12.

“In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ…. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”

Other New Testament scriptures clearly expound on this truth.

“Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:11–13)

“Therefore 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.” (Romans 6:4)

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:27)

So practically speaking, a heart-searching question arises: where have we imposed our “rules and regulations” on our loved ones and friends without first letting Jesus change their heart? Are we trying to become more spiritual without letting the Holy Spirit cut away our fallen fleshly tendencies? Clean up the INSIDE first.

Conclusion: While it is true that the outside can be an indicator of where a person is spiritually, it is not always the case. The inside needs to be examined. For example, there are people today who may look like on the outside that they are good, but on the inside there is dirt—which is what really matters the most. So remember to keep the inside clean first!

Introduction: Listen to the biblical role of our Heavenly Father. Breaking down the text reveals the multifaceted blessing of having a relationship with our Father. 

1. First notice the word “advocate.” (1John 2:1) – “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

The word “advocate” is παράκλητος, paraklétos, (par-ak’-lay-tos), which means called to one’s aid, intercessor, a consoler, comforter, helper, Paraclete.

Jesus Christ lived without sin; therefore, He could pay for our sins. And in so doing, He would become a “go between” for us and our Father. We now have access to our Father. 

2. Notice “My little children”! (1John 2:1) – “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

The words “little children” are τεκνίον, (tek-nee’-on), which means a little child. Once we are born into God’s family, we become His children. Jesus Christ (the Son of God) makes it possible to have a relationship with our Father (John 14:6; 3:36; 5:24).

3. This was written to CHRISTIANS! (1John 2:1)

God has made provisions for His children when we sin. Jesus pleads our case before our Father. 

Conclusion: Isn’t it good to know that we can be right with our Heavenly Father because of Jesus Christ?

Praise God!

“And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:” (Gen 1:14)

1. A wise man named Solomon wrote these words: (Eccl. 3:1) – “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

Take a minute to look at your life. Do inventory. Then try to plan accordingly as the Lord wills. What has He planned for you? Our dilemma is to learn to cooperate with the Holy Spirit so that we will not miss God’s plans for us.

2. The apostle Paul wrote these words concerning WINTER time. (2Tim. 4:21) – “Do thy diligence to come before winter.”

Of course, while he was awaiting his execution, he reached out to his son in the Lord Timothy. By the way, it is during WINTER time that the dead limbs, bugs and things die off. So it could be that our Lord is planning on bringing some NEW FRUIT in your life!

Conclusion: Every Season has its divine purpose, even WINTER Time. So if our Lord is promoting you to do something right now. Be sure to follow through before SPRING time.

But for the believer, the real question is not simply, “What will happen in Iran?” The greater question is, “What does God’s Word already say?” Let’s take a quick look at Iran’s past, present, and future through the lens of Scripture.

In Daniel’s vision, the Medo-Persian Empire is pictured as a powerful bear—uneven in strength, but unstoppable in conquest. When Persia overtook Babylon, the world witnessed something shocking: a kingdom considered untouchable fell in a single night. God was not surprised. In fact, God had already revealed it.

Today, Iran remains under a harsh and heavily religious regime. Its leadership holds tightly to power, and the nation’s identity is deeply shaped by Shiite Islam, which dominates the population.

Their end-time beliefs also influence their politics. Many anticipate the arrival of the Twelfth Imam, a figure they believe will return to bring order, justice, and dominion. While their teachings oppose biblical truth, they still remind us of something important: people across the world are looking for a coming ruler and a coming kingdom. They are just looking in the wrong place.

Ezekiel’s prophecy speaks plainly about a future coalition that will come against Israel. Persia—known today as Iran—is specifically named among those nations.

So while the world trembles, the believer can stand firm.

God’s truth is marching on!

Unfortunately, that is exactly what is happening more and more today. So what do you say? More importantly, what does the inspired Word of God say?

Scripture gives a stark warning—and it is directed not to unbelievers, but to believers, down through the ages. How does this happen? Take a moment to STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN.

1. STOP! (Colossians 2:8) – “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

First, consider the word “beware.” It comes from the Greek βλέπω, meaning to behold, beware, look, perceive, take heed. In other words—STOP when someone is trying to feed you a bunch of garbage! How can you tell? You can smell a rat.

The word “spoil” is συλαγωγέω, meaning to be taken captive. Watch out that no one takes you captive through bad counsel, empty ideas, or false teaching.

But that’s not all…

2. LOOK! (Colossians 2:8) – “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

So first STOP—then LOOK closely. Examine the source. Is it the Word of God, or is it man-made ideas? “He said, she said” instead of “Thus saith the Lord.”

The word “philosophy” comes from φιλοσοφία (fee-lo-so-FEE-ah), meaning “a love of wisdom.” It is made up of two parts: phílos (friend, lover) and sophía (wisdom). Interestingly, this word appears only here in Scripture.

In this context, it refers to secular philosophy—human wisdom elevated above the wisdom of God.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we must be able to answer philosophies that undermine Christ, and at the same time, take every thought captive in obedience to Him. Are you ready? Are you prepared?

3. LISTEN! (Colossians 2:8) – “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

Today there is a rampant and radical secular worldview, especially concerning Israel. There is much deception, misunderstanding, and distortion. The philosophies of men are actively undermining the Word of God.

What do you believe? And more importantly—how would you defend your faith?

And along with defending our faith, we must also be faithful to share it—the truth of the God of the Bible.

Thank you for reading. May the Lord bless you.

The writer traditionally attributed to the book of Ecclesiastes is Solomon. Keep in mind, he was one of the wealthiest kings Israel ever knew. Whatever he wanted, he could have. He truly had it all. Solomon tried everything this world had to offer—wine, women, and wealth—yet he came to a sobering conclusion: there is more to life than what this world provides.

1. There’s more to life than searching for wisdom (Ecclesiastes 1:14–18) – “And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.”

2. There’s more to life than riches (Ecclesiastes 5:10–12) – “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.”

It takes money to live, but we were never meant to live for money. Contentment is God’s design for His people.

Paul reminds us: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1 Timothy 6:6–8)

Are you content?

Solomon gives us wise insight into what truly matters. When life is lived apart from God, even the greatest achievements leave us empty. But when life is lived with Him, the journey has meaning, peace, and purpose.

Enjoy the journey.

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese