Devotions Archives | Page 2 of 109 | New Rocky Creek Baptist Church

A Name Above Every Name

Posted on Dec 6, 2024 in Devotions |

Introduction: There are a lot of great names for Jesus in the Bible. He’s called:

The Prince of Peace – Isa 9:6
Immanuel – Isa 7:14
Suffering Servant – Isa 53
The Glory of God – Ezekiel 40-48
The Coming King (Dan 7:13-16)
Our Hope (Joel 1, 2, 3)
Ruler of Israel (Micah 4, 5)
Righteous Branch (Zech 6, 12, 14)
King of Glory (Psa 24)
Son of Man and Son of God (Luke’s gospel and John’s gospel)
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father (Isa 9:6)

The angel confirmed to Joseph that His name would be called JESUS! (Matt 1:21-23) – “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, 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.”

The prophet Isaiah had foretold this event some seven hundred years before it ever happened. But the amazing and accurate Word of God, which is 100% correct, once again pinpointed a particular prophecy concerning Jesus Christ’s first coming. That alone should cause even the stubbornest doubter to embrace the Bible! But remember, Jesus said that men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil.

Speaking of fulfilled prophecy, Micah prophesied the exact birthplace of Jesus Christ. He would be born in Bethlehem Ephratah – Judah. (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.”

If you go back to chapter four of this minor prophetic book, you’ll discover several outstanding prophecies that have yet to be fulfilled, such as:

Returning of the Jews to their homeland
Restoring of the Temple
Reuniting of nations coming against Jerusalem

By the way, Matthew’s gospel records the fulfillment of this prophecy (Matt 2:1) – “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.”

Luke, the physician and historian, records this about Jesus Christ: (Acts 4:12) – “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Clearly, Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven (John 14:6).

Conclusion: In perhaps one of the greatest passages of Scripture describing the JOURNEY of JESUS from GLORY to GLORY, Paul was inspired to write this: (Phil 2:5-11) – “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore, God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

What more can you say? Love Him and Serve Him!

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Dec '24

Overcoming the Great Red Dragon at CHRISTmas

Posted on Dec 5, 2024 in Devotions |

Dec '24

Introduction: The arch-enemy of God, depicted as the great red dragon in the book of Revelation, tried to stop Christ from coming. But needless to say, he failed! And his ultimate plan to keep Jesus Christ from coming again will fail. Watch and see!!

From a practical illustration, people today are choosing the “god” that is convenient with their lifestyle. Similarly, there is a popular TV show where people select a house to buy. It is called House Hunters—they usually choose between three homes.

It appears that today there are some “God hunters” choosing between gods.

See which God we want:

1. A God who loves
2. A God who will take us to heaven
3. A God to take care of me
4. A God who does what I say do!?
5. A God who will go along with my plans!?

Which one have you chosen? Unfortunately, this is the Great Red Dragon’s deception. However, the Great Red Dragon has been and will be OVERCOME! Take a look at the book!!

1. Mary {had a little lamb}, did you know your Baby Boy would rule the world? (Rev 12:1, 2; Luke 1:32, 33) – “And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.”

In the “Fulness of Time”—Christ was born. His will is to be formed in you (Gal 4:4). Are you cooperating?

2. Satan did everything he could to stop Jesus from being born! (Rev 12:3, 4) – “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.”

With an attempt to usurp authority over God, to defile the bloodline of the human race, and to substitute the kingdoms of this world for the sinless Savior, all of Satan’s futile attempts failed.

By the way of interest, President of Russia, Putin, ordered a giant 16,000mph doomsday nuke called ‘Satan II’ to be made ready for war in his latest deranged nuclear sabre-rattling. Russia has branded this killing weapon as “unstoppable.” The Great Red Dragon thinks he’s unstoppable as well.

Also, Satan will try to kill the Jesus in you…to stop others from coming to the Christ of CHRISTmas. He is a:

Joy killer
Peace killer
Love killer
Patience killer
Self-control killer
Bible killer (“Hath God said?”)

Speaking of the strategy of the Great Red Dragon, did you know the following? A report showed that nearly 70% of enforcement actions executed by the Biden administration’s Education Department targeted faith-based and career schools.

The report from APP said further that “at least 12 Christian colleges have been the target of excessive penalties or banned from receiving federal student aid; by comparison, no Ivy League school has been the recipient of punitive action by the Office of Enforcement.”

Persecution will intensify as we get closer to Jesus Christ’s second coming.

3. The King of Kings was born to overthrow the Great Red Dragon! (Rev 12:5) – “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.”

Jesus will rule and reign in His sovereignty. Then and only then will there be PEACE on the earth. After the Rapture—EVACUATION, the TRIBULATION, and the REVELATION of His second coming will come the RESTORATION of His Kingdom, where He rules with a Rod of Iron.

Then finally, Christ with JUBILATION will bring forth the New Jerusalem. What a day that will be!

Conclusion: Is Jesus ruling in your heart today? Has Satan killed your Joy, Peace, Love, etc.? You can get it back by:

Returning
Releasing
Reclaiming
Restoring
Rededicating

Do it today.

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Dec '24

The Message of Christmas is About FORGIVENESS

Posted on Dec 4, 2024 in Devotions |

Dec '24

Introduction: Do you know what our greatest need is? It is forgiveness! The Lord Jesus does not “love us” to “forgive us,” but He “forgives us” because He “loves us”!

Do you feel loved? Unconditionally loved? Have you been forgiven? Do you feel forgiven without trying to earn it? Perhaps this is what is so glorious about our God:

His Amazing Grace
His Great Love
His Undeserved Forgiveness

Plain and Simple:

1. God Promises a Savior Who Will Bring Forgiveness! (Isaiah 7:14) – “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

Mary had a little lamb! By the way, Jesus was born to die; He was predestined to pay our sin debt in full. Because we are all guilty of disobeying God (sin), He provided a way for complete payment for the penalty of sin, which is eternal death. However, in order for man to exchange this penalty for a substitute—which was Jesus Christ—He had to be born of a virgin, become a man without sin, and ultimately lay down His life as a ransom for sin. He became a perfect sacrifice that met the righteous demands of a holy God. Blood had to be shed—innocent blood.

2. God Keeps His Promises in Sending His Son to Forgive Our Sins! (Matthew 1:21-23) – “…Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, 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.”

This, among hundreds of other prophecies, has already been fulfilled in Jesus Christ’s first coming. By the way, this was prophesied approximately seven hundred years before it happened. The Word of God is 100%—not 99.9%—accurate! That is why we should trust the Bible!

Conclusion: Since the Bible is a great “love story” about a God who loves and forgives, it only makes logical sense to receive this perfect gift of forgiveness.

Have you? Will you? And lastly, will you give it away?

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Dec '24

Patience at CHRISTmas Time

Posted on Dec 3, 2024 in Devotions |

Dec '24

Introduction: Are you known as a patient person? What about all the hustle and bustle at CHRISTmas time? Between shopping, traveling, visiting, buying, and trying to please everyone, does it seem like your patience is wearing thin? Does the villain of impatience creep in? At the supposedly “Happiest Day of the Year”, is it becoming the most “Stressful Day of the Year”? Or even worse, is it becoming the most “Miserable Day of the Year”?

What can you do to make it better, less stressful, and more enjoyable? Here are some suggestions:

1. Stay connected to the Holy Spirit! (Eph. 5:18) – “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”

Being filled with the Holy Spirit means coming under His control. Are you connected?

2. Deal with anger and irritation! (Eph. 4:26, 30, 31) – “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.”

If we do not deal with anger, it will deal with us! How are you dealing with it?

3. Focus on what is most important! (Matt. 6:33) – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Keeping our priorities is extremely important. How are you doing?

4. Keep your spiritual shield up constantly! (Eph. 6:10–18) – “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

The enemy’s fiery darts are being hurled constantly. Hold up your shield!

5. Take praise breaks! (Psa. 119:164) – “Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.”

God inhabits the praises of His people. So praise Him!

6. Rest in the Lord! (Matt. 11:28–30) – “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Resting in Jesus is the key.

7. Purpose to be a blessing! (2 Cor. 1:3–5) – “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

Since God blesses and comforts His children, they are to do the same with their brothers and sisters.

8. Resist trying to be in control of everything! (Luke 10:38–42) – “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Outwardly agitated but inwardly anxious spells trouble. Martha was in trouble. Remember: our attitude controls our altitude!

9. Watch out for the Peace Robbers! (Col. 3:15) – “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

When the referee blows his whistle, the game stops. Likewise, when the Holy Spirit blows His whistle, PEACE leaves.

10. Be quick to acknowledge when your flesh kicks in and your patience flutters away!
(Gal. 5:22–23) – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Keeping short accounts of wrongdoing assures full and unhindered flow of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion: While admittedly this is a long checklist, if you follow these suggestions {biblical principles}, then you’re almost guaranteed to be able to practice patience with the help of the restraining Holy Spirit. Both your family and friends will see the difference that JESUS CHRIST is making in your life and hopefully trust in Him.

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Dec '24

Pay Back for God’s Benefits & Blessings

Posted on Dec 2, 2024 in Devotions |

Dec '24

Introduction: Immediately, you will admittedly say, “We can’t pay God back!” But check out the debt of GRATITUDE the writer of this Psalm had toward his God. See if you feel the same way.

(Psalm 116:12): “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?” The word “render” is שּוב, which in essence means return or restore. It can have to do with turning back. לוּמְגַּת is “benefits.” The word “benefits” means recompense, reward, or benefit. Literally, it means a bestowment. Interestingly enough, the word “bestowment”, according to Webster’s Dictionary, means “the act of giving or bestowing; a conferring or bestowal.”

Bottom line: GOD has been GOOD to us!

Conclusion: Now think—what can you “render” to the Lord for all His benefits?

OURSELVES
Our SUBSTANCE
Our SERVICE

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Nov '24

Giving Thanks Beforehand

Posted on Nov 29, 2024 in Devotions |

Nov '24

Introduction: Usually, when we bring up the subject of THANKSGIVING, we think of blessings we have already received. However, today’s study brings out another side of Thanksgiving.

By studying the life of Jesus Christ, it becomes apparent that He “gave thanks” before the provision was received.

1. Jesus gave THANKS! (John 6:10) – “And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.”

Did you notice that Jesus “Gave Thanks” before the miracle happened? Even though He was God in the flesh, yet He “Gave Thanks”! What is fascinating about John’s gospel is the sequence of order in this miracle. Jesus first “Gave Thanks,” then the multiplication of the fish and loaves took place. What is our Lord teaching us? Could it be that real faith in God is “Giving Thanks” before our provision?

2. Jesus “Gave Thanks” before raising Lazarus from the dead! (John 11:41) – “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.”

With broken hearts, Martha and Mary, Jesus’s friends, were grieving because their brother had died. While this seemed to be an insurmountable case—being dead four days—yet the One who conquered death had power over death, as He demonstrated by calling forth Lazarus from the tomb. But do not miss it. He “Gave Thanks” before the miracle happened. Here again is a lesson that He taught us in regard to Prayer and Thanksgiving.

Conclusion: The point is clear. The precedent was set. Our goal is to “Give Thanks” beforehand. Why not stop and do that right now?

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Nov '24

Quick Fix: Where Are the Nine? Ingratitude

Posted on Nov 28, 2024 in Devotions |

Nov '24

Introduction: Truthfully, has God answered prayers in your life and you forgot to “Give Thanks”? Really, that probably applies to every Christian, even though some are not willing to admit their negligence. Perhaps most of us take our BLESSINGS for granted!

So, how can we be mindful as well as GRATEFUL for our BLESSINGS?

1. Everybody needs the BLESSINGS from the Lord! Life has its challenges (Luke 17:12) – “And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off.”

Leprosy is a physical disease that serves as a typology of a spiritual disease called sin. Since man is a sinner by birth, by choice, and by nature, we are all in need of a Savior. However, God has provided a cure for this sin-sick disease through the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ. Have you trusted in His death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of your sins?

2. Somebody wants the BLESSINGS without letting the BLESSER control them!(Luke 17:17–18) – “And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.”

It seems that many today just want the “Hand of God’s blessings” but not the “Heart of Obedience”!
Obedience is the key to blessings!

3. Anybody can come to Jesus and be BLESSED! (Luke 17:13–14) – “And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.”

Unfortunately, some today think that they need to “clean up their act” before trusting in Jesus. But that is putting the cart before the horse. Instead, we are to come to Jesus as we are, and He does the changing. Are you allowing Him to change you?

4. Nobody needs to refuse to give THANKS in their heart. Let Jesus take control of your life and make you whole! (Luke 17:15–16) – “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.”

Sadly, man thinks that God will overlook his sin and weigh his good deeds against the bad. What a terrible mistake! Do you know somebody who believes that way?

Conclusion: We must consistently evaluate our motives for why we do what we do. Are we serving Jesus just because we want to “make a deal”? Hopefully not. Anyway, make sure you respond the same way the one GRATEFUL leper did when he returned to worship and praise Jesus Christ.

Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese

Nov '24

Thanksgiving is THANKSLIVING

Posted on Nov 27, 2024 in Devotions |

Nov '24

Introduction: Honestly, if we are truly THANKFUL because we understand where and why our blessings come from—namely, our Lord—it will change our “attitude into gratitude”!

1. Thanksgiving is THANKSLIVING because God’s marvelous GRACE is in PLACE! (Tit. 2:11) – “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.”

Paul, inspired by the Holy Ghost, wrote to Titus, his son in the Lord, who was appointed to select leaders in the churches in Crete. He reminded both him and us today that God is not willing that any should perish (2 Pet. 3:9). Instead, because of His Grace that is in Place, He desires all men to come to the knowledge of the Truth and be saved (1 Tim. 2:4–5).

Grace is God doing for us what we do not deserve. Grace is God sending His “only begotten” Son to die for our sins—the just for us, the unjust. Grace is God restoring mankind back to Himself. Grace is God clothing us in His righteousness, all because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 5:21).

2. Thanksgiving is THANKSLIVING because God’s GRACE is in PLACE for the RACE! (Tit. 2:12) – “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”

God’s Grace and resurrection power enable every believer to live victoriously over the fleshly characteristics that govern this present world. Now, with the capability to overcome worldly lusts, we can run in this Race of holiness because of His Grace. Run. Run. Run! Don’t look back. Keep pressing forward!

3. Thanksgiving is THANKSLIVING because God’s Grace is in Place for the Race until we see JESUS FACE to FACE! (Tit. 2:13–14) – “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

The word “looking” indicates gazing with great anticipation. Think about it—“Looking to Jesus” (Heb. 12:2), as well as “Looking for Jesus”! That is our Blessed Hope!

Do you have HOPE? With Grace in Place for the Race, it will be worth it all when we see Jesus Christ, “Face to Face”!

Conclusion: After reading these verses of Scripture, hopefully, it turned our “Attitude” into “Gratitude”! Blessed to be a Blessing.

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Nov '24

Thanksgiving in Heaven

Posted on Nov 26, 2024 in Devotions |

Nov '24

Introduction: Are you practicing now what we are going to do in heaven? “THANKSGIVING to Jesus”? Listen to the description and join in today:

1. Where are we going to be? (Rev. 7:9) – “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.”

This is where our final destination will be… Home at last. The songwriter penned the words, “How beautiful heaven must be!” There’s not going to be any more sickness, sorrow, or sin in heaven!

2. What will we be doing? (Rev. 7:10–11) – “And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God.”

True worship is depicted here. What we call worship today pales in comparison to what it will be like then.

3. What will we be saying? (Rev. 7:12) – “Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”

What words of affirmation are these! Jesus is worthy of our all! Take a moment to THANK Him right now.

Conclusion: Technically speaking, these are those coming out of the tribulation. (Rev. 7:14–15) – “And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple.”

However, the Church is pictured too in the description of the four and twenty elders. Therefore, we can conclude that we will be included in this THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION in HEAVEN!

Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese

Nov '24

How to Leave a Lasting Legacy

Posted on Nov 25, 2024 in Devotions |

Nov '24

Introduction: What kind of legacy will you leave? In other words, what will people say about you when you are gone? Hopefully, it will be good! We are all in the process of building our legacy right now. Are there any changes that you would like to make? Perhaps all of us have certain regrets. However, we must get “Past” the “Past.” Today is a new day. Instead of letting our feelings be controlled by shame and guilt from bad decisions, our Lord wants to renew our minds, fill our hearts, and lead our steps.

In these few verses that Paul was inspired to write about some Christians in Philippi, several character traits stood out that enabled them to leave a lasting legacy. See if they are in your life.

1. Others “thank” God for you! (Phil 1:3) – “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”

Approximately ten years had passed since the founding of the Church. And yet, Paul was still “thanking God” for them. Do you still remember, from years ago, those who have been a blessing to you? Stop and think, and then give thanks!

2. Others have poured into your life by praying for you! (Phil 1:4) – “Always in every prayer of mine for you all, making request with joy.”

Those CHRISTians in Philippi were a blessing instead of a burden. Can you be trusted to intercede for others? Praying in faith and according to the will of God is the key to answered prayer. Are you praying while trusting Jesus?

3. Others have partnered with you because of your faithful, consistent burden for the lost! (Phil 1:5) – “For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”

The word “fellowship” is κοινωνία (koy-nohn-EE-ah). It literally means communion, and has to do with participation. Besides that, the term can mean sharing. In this context, evidently, the believers had partnered with Paul by sharing the gospel. Are you sharing the gospel?

Conclusion: Let’s face it, if God does not give favor because of His grace, then we cannot have a genuine, lasting influence. Besides that, if our Lord does not burden people to intercede for us, then we will be lacking in prayer power. Last but not least, if others do not believe in us and give us opportunities to both exercise our spiritual gifts as well as join with them in spreading the “Good News,” then our labor and influence will be limited. So, are you working on leaving a lasting legacy? Keep it up!

Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese