25
Aug '25
The Place of Contentment
25
Aug '25
Introduction: The last few devotions have been on the subject of CONTENTMENT. Why? Because so many people—even CHRISTians—are discontented. In other words, always looking for something new; i.e., a new thrill, a new discovery, a new feeling, etc. Boredom has escalated with the technological changes. Now, instead of years ago, real personal relationships are being substituted for fantasies. Entertainment has become America’s full-time passion. Think about it. Even in the apostle Paul’s day, believers were searching for more than Jesus Christ to satisfy their needs. Of course, much of this unending quest stems from a deeper problem. So where and how can we find CONTENTMENT?
1. First, realize there will always be a counterfeit CONTENTMENT! (Eccl. 1–12)
According to Solomon’s writings, at one time in his life, it consisted of WINE, WOMEN, and WEALTH! However, he eventually discovered the joy of satisfaction could be found in a relationship with the God of creation. Have you found that to be true? In other words, what is it going to take to make you HAPPY? While admittedly there is pleasure in what the world has to offer, albeit, it is temporary and costly! WISE men and women look ahead, more specifically at the consequences of being out of God’s will for your life.
2. Secondly, CONTENTMENT is achieved by fulfilling our Lord’s purpose for your life!
And by the way, that does not just mean finding “the right job,” “the right spouse,” or owning “the right car or truck,” or even having “the right friends,” although there is nothing wrong with all the above. Read further.
And by the way, that does not just mean finding “the right job,” “the right spouse,” or owning “the right car or truck,” or even having “the right friends,” although there is nothing wrong with all the above. Read further.
3. Thirdly, CONTENTMENT is discovered in the following:
knowing WHO you are in Jesus Christ.
knowing WHY you are here on earth.
knowing WHERE you are going when you die.
knowing HOW to live a life that honors the Lord Jesus based on biblical principles in His Word, and by the power of the Spirit of God.
Would you agree?
Conclusion: So the real question remains… are you at the PLACE of CONTENTMENT? If not, why not? Check over this devotion, make the changes with the help of the Lord, and get to the PLACE of CONTENTMENT. This is our Lord’s guarantee for HAPPINESS!
Love y’all,
Your Pastor Randy Reese
22
Aug '25
Contentment because of Enablement
22
Aug '25
Introduction: So how can we be content no matter our circumstances? Let’s face it, in ourselves we cannot consistently be satisfied. We need an extra POWER SOURCE! That is where the Holy Spirit comes into the picture. Obviously, the power of the Holy Spirit enables us to not only WITNESS—by sharing our faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8), but also live out our faith in our relationship with Jesus with contentment. Please GO BACK and READ that sentence again!
1. Contentment! (Phil 4:11-12) – “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”
Imagine being confined in jail waiting for your execution. Not much of a life, huh? Not a lot to look forward to really? But if you are a Christian, then there is a glorious homecoming awaiting! Paul knew that. Do you? When we get to the place by the GRACE of God where we do not have to have the latest gadgets, games, or entertainment, then we are learning more and more to be content. However, obviously there is nothing wrong with God’s blessings. But if they were taken away tomorrow, would we still be happy? Time for a check-up.
2. Enablement! (Phil 4:13) – “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
In order to live in contentment continuously, there must be a transformation. Actually, this transformation happens from the inside out through the New Birth. Afterwards, the process of being weaned from the world’s pleasures and temporary satisfaction enables the believer to be an overcomer. Are you overcoming?
Conclusion: Honestly, without the power of the Holy Spirit releasing His life from within we could not rise above our circumstances from without. But praise the Lord, we can through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
21
Aug '25
The Key to Contentment
21
Aug '25
Introduction: Are you Content? What does it mean to be “content”? Where was the apostle Paul when he was inspired to write about “contentment”? If you said incarcerated, that is correct. It seems that we can either choose “contentment” or resentment? Take Paul for example, he could have BLAMED God on his circumstances. Or perhaps he could have been filled with anger. Do you ever get angry? However, he overcame his circumstances. Consider how he did it. There is a KEY that unlocks the DOOR to CONTENTMENT.
1. The KEY to Overcoming instead of being overcome by your Circumstances! (Phil 4:11) – “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
The word “content” is αὐτάρκης, which means satisfied regardless of our external circumstances, self-complacent. But remember, Jesus Christ is the key that unlocks that satisfaction.
2. The lock that opens the door to overcoming your circumstances from not enough, to just enough, and to more than enough! (Phil 4:12) – “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”
In other words, when being “deprived” or lacking thereof compared to experiencing a surplus or a time of exceeding, either way, according to Paul, it was all GOOD! Have you come to that place? By the way, the word “instructed” is μυέω which means learned the secret. Have you, like Paul, learned the secret of being fully satisfied no matter what?
Conclusion: Do you know and have the KEY to CONTENTMENT? Have you inserted it into the lock that opens a life of SATISFACTION no matter what your circumstances are? Why not open it up today?
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
20
Aug '25
Faithfully Serving Until
20
Aug '25
Introduction: There is no doubt about it, we are living in the “last days”. This should be a wake up call for CHRISTians. Jesus gives specific instructions in the Olivet discourse. Keep in mind, He is talking directly to the Jews; moreover, the context of these last verses will coincide with His second Coming – not the rapture. However, we can draw several practical lessons that relate to our modern day even before the rapture.
Consider the following:
“Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Matthew 24:46).
1. Fulfill our Purpose! (Matt 24:42-43) – “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.”
Watching and waiting while serving is the ultimate goal. Are you serving? Will you serve the Lord until He comes?
2. Fight with Passion! (Matt 24:44-45) – “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?”
We’ve been entrusted with much. Our Lord has delegated His will on earth to His servants. Much is given…..much is required.
3. Forthtelling to Prepare! (Matt 24:47-48) – “Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming.”
Jesus is not willing that any should perish. He will descend from heaven in a day when many will not be expecting. Therefore, we must stay ready! Are you ready? Are you preparing others to be ready?
Conclusion: Our Lord’s message is clear. Staying faithful to our call of duty until He comes is His will for us. Will you stay faithful?
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
19
Aug '25
Love in Mathematics – See How You Score
19
Aug '25
Introduction: Remember math? See how your LOVE life adds up. Do the Math. Do you know what real LOVE is? Where is the LOVE chapter in the Bible? If you said 1 Cor. 13, you are correct. But before we attempt to say we are in LOVE, pay attention to these words which speak volumes. Why? Because so much today that we say is LOVE is really flawed! After reading this devotion, you will probably need to admit the wrong in your LOVE, and then make restitution.
Keep reading. Here is our text from 1 Cor. 13:4–7: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
1. Blessed Additions! (1 Cor. 13:4) – “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.”
Check out the words SUFFERS LONG. It is the word μακροθυμέω, which means to bear (suffer) long, be longsuffering, have (long) patience, be patient. I love the deeper definition of this word in the following:
“to be patient in bearing the offences and injuries of others; to be mild and slow in avenging; to be longsuffering, slow to anger, slow to punish (for אַף הֶ אֱ רִ ךי, to defer anger).”
Wow! That is good!! Only by God’s grace can that happen.
2. Blessed Subtractions! (1 Cor. 13:5) – “Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.”
Don’t miss the phrase “thinks no evil.” It is the word λογίζομαι, which means to pass to one’s account or to lay to one’s charge, to reckon. It is like an accounting ledger that ERASES deficits and ADDS a credit!
Forget keeping the score! Does it really matter? Is it helping?
3. Blessed Divisions! (1 Cor. 13:6) – “Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.”
Divide sin with truth!
4. Blessed Multiplications! (1 Cor. 13:7) – “Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
The word “Beareth” is στέγω. It means to endure. It pictures making a roof over to cover with silence. Do you get it? By the way, “Endure” means persevere. So multiply endurance in your relationships. Then you have God’s love.
Conclusion: Do the Math! It adds up, takes away, divides, and multiplies. Mathematical lessons for your marriage and family.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
18
Aug '25
AI and the Midnight Cry
18
Aug '25
Introduction: AI is spinning out of control. Has man invented a Monster? Is this all a part of God’s End Time Plan? Can we connect the dots from Matthew’s gospel to the book of Revelation? And finally, what should be our response as Bible-believing CHRISTians? These questions and more will be discussed in this devotion.
1. AI and the Big Lie! (Matt 24:15) – “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand.)”
A complementary passage would be 2 Thess. 2:1–12. Will there ever be PEACE in the Middle East? This pseudo (lie) plan will be implemented by the Antichrist. Perhaps he will use the technological advances of AI. Remember, both politically and financially, he will control the world during the tribulation.
2. AI and Jesus Coming in the Sky! (Matt 24:34–46) – “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”
Although this is technically the second coming of Jesus, it calls for judgment because Jesus is coming.
3. AI and the Midnight Cry! (Matt 25:1–13) – “And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”
Again, the meaning of this passage is in regards to Israel; however, the same message is directed to the Church, namely to be ready for the rapture. So then, until the Midnight Cry, revival for survival is the undeniable need for every Christian. Do you have oil in your lamp? Would the door be shut on you if Jesus came today?
Conclusion: After following this trend of events described by Matthew’s gospel, are you ready for the “Big Lie”? Jesus coming in the Sky? And finally, the sound of the Midnight Cry?
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
15
Aug '25
An Evaluation of Your Salvation
15
Aug '25
Introduction: Did you know the BIBLE is like a road map? Not only does it give us instructions as to how to get to heaven — “Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6) — but the “Word of God” also gives us guidance as to how to relate to our Lord Jesus Christ and to each other while living in this fallen world. Where are you? In writing to his son in the Lord, Paul takes us through three (3) “EVALUATIONS for your SALVATION”!
1. Are you SAVED? (2 Tim. 1:9-10) – “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
A. When and how were you saved? (The word “saved” is sṓzō, which means rescue, deliver, safe, and secure)
When did you confess you were a sinner in need of forgiveness and a Savior — Jesus Christ — who died in our place and rose again from the dead? “He was delivered up for our offenses, and raised again for our justification.” (Rom. 4:25)
B. What has your life been like since then?
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things passed away… all things become new.” (2 Cor. 5:17)
(The word “called” is kaléō, which means to invite, summon)
(The word “called” is kaléō, which means to invite, summon)
2. Are you SECURE? (2 Tim. 1:12–14) – “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.”
(The word “committed” is parathḗkē, which means deposited, entrusted)
A. Are you secure in who you are in Christ?
B. Are you secure in whose you are?
C. Are you secure in where you are going?
B. Are you secure in whose you are?
C. Are you secure in where you are going?
3. Are you SERVING? (2 Tim. 1:11) – “Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.”
A. Why should we serve the Lord? (2 Cor. 5:14, 15)
B. How can we serve the Lord? (Rom. 12:1–15)
C. Where can we serve the Lord? (Matt. 28:18–20) — home, school, work, church, community
B. How can we serve the Lord? (Rom. 12:1–15)
C. Where can we serve the Lord? (Matt. 28:18–20) — home, school, work, church, community
Conclusion: Have you done an “EVALUATION of your SALVATION”? How did you score? What do you need to do? This should be a daily process for those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
14
Aug '25
Some THINGS AI Cannot DENY
14
Aug '25
Introduction: Technology is booming! AI is racing out of control. Has man created a monster? Is the devil, through the Antichrist, going to seize the humanoid computer capability?
AI may have its merits, but REMEMBER, JESUS CHRIST is far superior to AI!
1. AI perhaps is going in the direction of a MAN-MADE way of trying to become God. While made with human “fallen” flesh and integrated with silicon microchips, it is nothing more than a MAN-MADE machine, regardless of it being able to think, feel, or speak. (John 1:14) Compare for a moment the Son of God becoming a man without sin, supernaturally made—100% God.
2. AI is developing the capacity to save human lives through diagnosis and surgical procedures. But only Jesus can save from sin and give eternal life! (John 10:27–28)
3. AI did not come to save sinners, but Jesus Christ did! (Luke 19:10)
4. AI is not from eternity past; Jesus Christ is from eternity past! (Hebrews 13:8)
5. AI did not speak into existence the universe, but Jesus Christ did! (Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:16)
6. AI did not prepare heaven for us, but Jesus Christ did! (John 14:1–3)
Conclusion: There we have it. The case is made. Jesus is superior to AI. This is something AI cannot deny!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
13
Aug '25
Confession and Intercession
13
Aug '25
Introduction: Do you confess your sins regularly—sometimes daily? In order to stay in fellowship—at one, in good communication with our Savior Jesus Christ—then, according to John the apostle, we must acknowledge our sins of omission as well as our sins of commission.
That is meant to mean: (commission) the sins we commit that we shouldn’t, and (omission) the things we don’t do but should. In other words, James writes under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit: “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
When we know to do good and do not do it, it is sin—plain and simple! These biblical truths apply after a person has been saved.
There are several things to remember when we talk about this subject—namely walking with our Lord and living a life that is pleasing to Him. Are you? For the sake of time and space, we will go into more detail on the last point to ponder.
1. Our God has made provisions for His children to stay in communion (fellowship) with Him! (1 John 2:1)
2. We have daily decisions that determine our devotion to our Lord! (1 John 1:9)
3. With healing, help, and hope, as believers in Jesus Christ, we can live pure and productive lives for His glory! (James 5:16) – “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
The word CONFESS here means to acknowledge. Do you acknowledge—admit—your wrongdoing? By the way, check out the next word, FAULTS. It is the word hamartia, which in this context means “some particular evil deed or offense.”
One Christian scholar wrote this concerning the word faults: “An offense of such gravity that a Christian lapses from the state of ζωή received from Christ into the state of θάνατος in which he was before he became united to Christ by faith.”
The truth is, we all have FAULTS! Look at the next word—HEALED. It means both cure and restore. Do you need to be physically or spiritually cured or restored?
And lastly, consider the power of prayer. This describes a Christian who is in tune with the Holy Spirit; and subsequently, his or her prayers have a lot of strength! Do your prayers have much power?
Conclusion: Now that we’ve seen the joining together of confession and intercession, what do you think? What would God have you to do? Follow through.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
12
Aug '25
Ashamed of Jesus
12
Aug '25
Introduction: Has there ever been a time when you were intimidated with fear and insecurity and subsequently did not witness? Probably all of us have been put in situations—perhaps as a younger Christian, in an argument with family members, or just plain out in public—when caught off guard. Even impetuous, big, and burly Peter struck out with three strikes as he denied knowing Jesus.
So it may have already happened, or it will happen in the future. What do you do? First, consider the Scriptural references concerning this matter.
1. Ashamed of Jesus with intimidation? (Rom 10:11) – “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”
The word ashamed is καταισχύνω, which means to confound, dishonour, or to make ashamed, blush, etc. It also has to do with “to shame down,” i.e., to disgrace. Truthfully, when you are around other people, do you get intimidated?
2. Ashamed of Jesus is a contradiction? (Rom 1:16) – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
Once you’ve been saved—changed—you then have the power to overcome fear and rejection. Trust Jesus to be your power source in living the Christian life and witnessing to others who are not Christians.
3. Ashamed of Jesus suffering affliction! (1Pet 4:16) – “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”
Have you ever suffered persecution? For all of us, it was probably minor compared to the disciples as well as other Christians in third-world countries. By the way, Jesus said that we would suffer! Expect it!! Endure it!!!
4. Ashamed of Jesus in the revelation! (1John 2:28) – “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”
Imagine stepping out of or living outside of the Will of God when Jesus appears. Terrible! Talk about shame!! We never know when He will appear. Stay prepared.
Conclusion: Remember, Jesus Christ says that if we are ashamed of Him, then He will be ashamed of us. Here is the acid test: “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” (Matt 10:32–33).
Do not be ashamed! After all, Jesus is coming, so get prepared. Do not be ashamed!!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese