Devotions Archives | Page 7 of 109 | New Rocky Creek Baptist Church

Storm Surges

Posted on Sep 27, 2024 in Devotions |

Introduction: By definition a Storm Surge is a tidal wave, tsunami. It includes flooding….as this devotion is being written we are under a hurricane-tropical storm warning. Storms come blowing in and many are unprepared. This includes weather related storms as well as spiritual related storms. Are you Storm ready? Where will you go when hurricane winds blow?

Here are a few biblical passages that can be Storm Shelters.

1. A Strong Tower! (Prov 18:10) – “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”

Did you notice the word “strong” tower? Not just any old tower but Jesus is a “strong” refuge.

2. A Hiding Place! (Psa 32:7) – “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.”

Hide in Jesus. He is our strong shelter in a storm.

3. A Secret Place! (Psa 91:1) – “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

The key words are “dwelling” and “abiding”. Without these two the other truth is irrelevant.

4. A Rock! (Psa 61:1-3) – “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.”

Think about it. Jesus is an unmovable ROCK!

Conclusion: Everybody needs a SAFE PLACE from the storms of life. Do you have one? Run to Jesus.

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy

Sep '24

Philip the Devoted Disciple

Posted on Sep 26, 2024 in Devotions |

Sep '24

Introduction: Who was Philip? What did he do? How was he used in the days of our Lord? This devotion will highlight his journey with Jesus. Check out and see if your life resembles his.

1. Follow Me! (John 1:43) – “The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.” Has there been a time in your life when Jesus found you? Are you following? Close or far off?

2. Come & See! (John 1:45) – “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Phil was absolutely sure that Jesus was the one – the promised Messiah. Are you convinced? Have you been telling others?

3. The Big Fee! (John 6:5-7) – “Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.” Jesus was testing Philip. Why? He already knew that it could be done. Are you sure that our God can do anything? Is your faith being tested? The food and the cost to feed 5,000 people would have been astronomical. But remember. Our Lord owns the cattle on a thousand hills! The earth is His, and everything in it. After all, He created all things. He is holding it together (Col 1:15,16,17).

4. Set Free! (Acts 8:5; 29f) – “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them….. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou read? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”

Philip was a soul winner! He led this foreigner to Jesus and then baptized him. Then God the Holy Spirit led him away.

5. Caesarea! (Acts 21:8,9) – “And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.”

Philip not only experienced household salvation but also handed down a lasting legacy to his daughters who served the Lord. He was a godly Christian dad.

6. Crucified on a Tree! The apocrypha records that Philip died a martyr’s death. Some believe that he was crucified on a cross upside down. In other words, he was faithful to the finish.

Conclusion: Jesus Christ said to the Church of Smyrna, be faithful unto death. This devoted disciple named Philip was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ until the end. Keep following Jesus and make a difference.

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Sep '24

How to Be Happy in Jesus

Posted on Sep 25, 2024 in Devotions |

Sep '24

Introduction: Are you happy? Why or why not? How can we be happy in Jesus? The Psalmnist gives us instructions on how to be happy in the Lord!

1. Confession & Cleansing! (Psa 32:1,5) – “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.” Praise the Lord for forgiveness! It is great to be forgiven from the penalty of sin, the power of sin and one glorious day, the presence of sin.

2. Prayer & Pardon! (Psa 32:6) – “For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found.” Prayer changes things; i.e. me! That is one of the purposes of prayer. When we start being more concerned with our will than the Father’s we need a change. Whether we want to admit it or not, most of the time we’ve already made up our minds what we want. Praying the right way changes that.

3. Returning & Restoring! (Psa 32:7) – “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.” We can hide in Jesus! He shelters us in His loving arms!! That is where we find peace and security.

4. Remembering & Rejoicing! (Psa 32:11) – “Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.” Notice our gladness and happiness comes in the Lord! Are you mad? Sad? Or Glad? Be glad in the Lord!

Conclusion: What a great word from our Lord! Please reread this chapter and apply the truths that are listed.

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Sep '24

Resolving Conflict

Posted on Sep 24, 2024 in Devotions |

Sep '24

Introduction: Solomon wrote, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Prov 15:1).

How do you resolve conflict? Is it your way, always? As we mature in Christian growth, our goals ought to be focused on building relationships instead of being right! But due to the flesh and selfishness, it is our nature to look after number #1!! So what are some biblical principles in regards to resolving conflict?

Here are a few:
1. Be Patient
2. Be Quick to Hear – listen
3. Be kind and Forgiving
4. Be Sure to extend Grace
5. Be on guard against the real Enemy
6. Be willing to Negotiate
7. Be aware of difficult Seasons of life
8. Be in Prayer
9. Be careful not to Blame
10. Be committed to Obeying the Holy Spirit
11. Be concerned about grieving the Holy Spirit
12. Be diligent not to become bitter
13. Be Loving even if you’ve been done wrong
14. Be focused on honoring Jesus Christ
15. Be sure that we all have Blind spots

Conclusion: No matter what age we get – young or old- we will all be dealing with resolving conflict throughout our lifetime. Therefore, it is imperative that we learn from the Word of God how to resolve conflict.

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Sep '24

A Harlot Changed by a Scarlet

Posted on Sep 20, 2024 in Devotions |

Sep '24

Introduction: The God of the Bible is in the life-changing business! Peter went from the Sandman to the ROCKMAN! Mary Magdalene went from being possessed by seven demons to being possessed by Jesus Christ – the risen Lord!! Thomas went from doubting to shouting!!! Both John & James went from being hot headed to being apostles of love. This devotion will explore a sinful woman who was changed into a saint who was full of faith.

1) A Sinful Woman named Rahab! (Josh 2:1) – “And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot’s house, named Rahab, and lodged there.” According to the genealogy of Matthew, Rahab had a baby boy named Boaz. Is it any wonder that he extended GRACE to RUTH? Have you shown grace to others?

2) A Sinful Woman named Rahab heard about a Mighty God! (Josh 2:9-11) – “And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.”

She had heard about the wonder working power of our Great God! Are you sharing Him with others?

3) A Sinful woman was changed by a Mighty God because of her Faith in Him! (Josh 2:6,18) – “But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.”

“Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home unto thee.”

“By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace” (Heb 11:31).

You see she exercised her faith in the God of the Bible. Have you? Did you notice the scarlet thread?

Conclusion: Regardless of one’s sinful lifestyle, Jesus can change the hardest heart. By simply putting one’s faith and trust in His redeeming blood (symbolized by the scarlet thread), changes will result. He changes our “want to’s.” Have yours been changed?

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Sep '24

A Hiding Place

Posted on Sep 19, 2024 in Devotions |

Sep '24

Introduction: Everybody is looking for a safe and secure shelter. Do you need a refuge? Has life handed you a lemon? Can you find relief? Be blessed by this Bible verse.

“Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7).

David experienced his God – the God of the Bible – to be a mighty deliverer. He can deliver you!

1. The word “hiding place” is סֵתֶר: (say’-ther). It means a covering, or it has to do with a hiding place. It can mean secrecy.

2. The word “preserve” is נָצַר (naw-tsar’). This word means to watch, or to guard. It can mean to keep.

3. The word “trouble” is צַר (tsar). This word has to do with a narrow, or tight place.

Do you get the big picture? It reminds this writer of the turbulent storm raging at the sea shore. While the lightning flashed, the wind blew, and the waves beat against the rocks on the shore line, a little bird was nestled, with its head, underneath a rock.

Conclusion: All of this spells a song of deliverance. When our God intervenes we owe it to Him to offer our praise and thanksgiving. Will you stop and do it now?

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Sep '24

Without Excuse

Posted on Sep 18, 2024 in Devotions |

Sep '24

Introduction: Is man without excuse before a holy God? What about those who have never heard the gospel? What about those who have never read a Bible? This includes those located in secluded jungles with primitive lifestyles. In this devotion, we will explore a biblical passage that seems to address this mysterious situation.

Paul, like a prosecuting attorney takes the stand to defend truth. He enumerates God’s righteousness through several witnesses. The first witness is creation. Visible evidence stares right in the face of every human being. One can look around and clearly see the radiant sun, the beaming moon, and the twinkling stars at night. How did they get here? Who put them in their proper place? How can we tell? Is there a confirmation anywhere?

Regardless of one’s light, these sources are shining brightly every moment. In addition, both the plant kingdom as well as the animal kingdom point to a Master Designer. Is man his own god? Unfortunately, many have embraced this lie. But instead, the visible things of the creation of the world are witnesses confirming biblical truth.

Furthermore, this Creator Designer has strategically inserted a mechanism in every human being which sounds an alarm between right and wrong. Ultimately, the Surgeon will not manipulate the patient but will allow him or her to decide what and who to believe. Their response determines their final destination. Have you made your decision? What is your response?

Conclusion: Bottom line: God is just. Jesus Christ has established His order of creation (Col 1:16) so that man is without excuse. The Truth sets us free!

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Sep '24

A Winning Attitude When You’re Losing

Posted on Sep 17, 2024 in Devotions |

Sep '24

Introduction: “Take the Good, with the Bad, and make the Best”! This was the title of a message that this writer preached a few years ago. Do you have a good attitude even though you are losing? Easier said than done right? Paul demonstrated this as he was inspired to write to the epistle to the Philippians. Even though he was confined to a Praetorian guard 24/7, he still made the Most of his situation.

1. First, Good things come out of Bad situations! (Phil 1:12) – “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.”

The gospel was going forward. Jesus Christ was being preached. In fact, Paul recognized that he, at that time, had a listening ear at his disposal. He would have never had the opportunity to speak to these high level Roman guards had he not been incarcerated. Think about it. Can you imagine what it was like to be chained to a “FOOL for CHRIST”?? Many turned and trusted in Jesus!

2. Converts at the household of Caesar! (Phil 4:22) – “All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.”

Remember the ruthless ruler named Nero who had CHRISTians burned to the stake to light up his garden. These Roman converts probably consisted of high ranking officials, guards, and servants. Basically, a revival broke out! Many heard the unadulterated Word of God from a flaming evangelist who had a real encounter with Jesus Christ – and he couldn’t get over it!! Have you gotten over it?

Conclusion: Clearly, Paul had a winning Attitude while others would claim he was losing. But in “heaven’s record book” – He WON!

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Sep '24

Jerusalem – The Beautiful City of God

Posted on Sep 16, 2024 in Devotions |

Sep '24

Introduction: Why is Jerusalem so significant? What is so special about that place? In this devotion, we will explore the answers to these questions. By the way, don’t forget, God doesn’t forget!

1. God chose Jerusalem as His SELECTION! (Psa 132:1,2) – “For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.”

King David was used by the Lord to fulfill His will in establishing Jerusalem as the political, spiritual, and eternal capital of Judah (2Sam 5,6,7). Until this day, Jerusalem is called the center of the earth (Ezek 5:5).

2. Today, Jerusalem is under the gun of CONFRONTATION! (Zech 12:2; Psa 83) – “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.”

Why is Israel so hated? Antisemitism is running rampant all over the world. Don’t forget Jesus was a Jew. Why are the Muslims so determined to keep the Temple Mount in Jerusalem under their control? Because even though they do not believe all the Bible, the Islamic faith teaches parts of the Bible. Therefore, there is a power structure in place to see who can control the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

3. Jerusalem is Jesus Christ’s final DESTINATION! (Zech 14:4) – “And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley.”

Jerusalem will be the location where Christ’s sets up His Millennium KINGDOM! He will rule on His throne in the Temple described in the books of Ezekiel, Revelation and Zechariah. His Kingdom there shall be no end.

Conclusion: So what can we do? We should continue to pray for the PEACE of JERUSALEM.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces” (Psa 122:6,7).

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese

Sep '24

Perseverance

Posted on Sep 13, 2024 in Devotions |

Sep '24

Introduction: Sometimes we just need to persevere. Being impatient doesn’t work very well. Staying faithful to Jesus Christ’s will and way must be our focus. Yet, admittedly, this is very difficult to do on a consistent basis. Because of setbacks, disappointments, and trials it seems inevitable that we get off track. However, the key to staying on track is perseverance. Every mother, daddy or grandparent understands this challenge. Every husband or wife faces seemingly insurmountable obstacles. As a matter of fact, every Christian has the same dilemma. So how can we overcome our obstacles? Answer…. Perseverance.

Listen to God’s Word and then apply it.

1. By running in this race with our eyes on Jesus Christ! (Heb 12:1-3) – “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus did not quit! Jesus persevered. Until His last breath on earth He finished faithful as our Redeemer. As we look to Him, He both motivates us and empowers us to persevere. How are you doing?

2. By keeping a good attitude! (Phil 4:8) – “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

You have heard it said, “Our attitude control our altitude”! A negative attitude results in a negative lifestyle; i.e. a quitter.
How is your attitude? Change your thinking. Think right.

3. By not quitting! (Gal 6:9) – “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

When we over do it we get weary. Stress, pressure, along with cares of this world can overwhelm us and cause us to be incapacitated. You know. Right? Perseverance is the key. In other words, we have to pace ourselves in this very demanding society in order to stay useable. Where are you at?

Conclusion: Do you feel like giving up? Look to Jesus. Trust in Jesus. Keep persevering. We are not home yet!

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese