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29
May '20

Gone But Not Forgotten

Posted on May 29, 2020 in Devotions | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

29
May '20

Acts 20:1-36

Introduction: How do you want to be remembered? When your time comes, will you be GONE and FORGOTTEN? How can we leave a lasting legacy? God gives us (5) ways to be “GONE but not FORGOTTEN” through Paul’s life and influence:

1. By INFLUENCING others to follow the WILL of God! (Acts 20:1-4)
“Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them…and had given them much exhortation.”
• Paul’s circle of influence
• Your circle of influence

2. By BELIEVING the WORD of God! (Acts 20:7-12)
“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them.”
• Your mission field
• Blossom where you are planted

3. By being LEAD by the SPIRIT of God! (Acts 20:17-22)
“Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations…I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there…save the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city.”
• Red lights of the Holy Spirit – WHOA 
• Green lights from the Holy Spirit – GO

4. By FINISHING faithful with the PLAN of God! (Acts 20:24)
“Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
• It’s not how you start
• It’s how you finish

Conclusion: God’s prescription to MAXIMIZE your influence is by following the Will of God, believing the Word of God, being lead by the Spirit of God, and finishing faithful with the Plan of God…..that will assure you and me of LEAVING a LASTING LEGACY!

Thanks for being faithful!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese

08
May '20

Finishing Strong

Posted on May 8, 2020 in Devotions | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

08
May '20
Text: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
 
Introduction: Fill in the blank….”It’s not how you start in the race; it’s how you ____!” We, like Paul, are all racing toward eternity. There are (4) DAILY DECISIONS that DETERMINE our DESTINY:
 
1. The 1st DAILY DECISION that DETERMINES DESTINY – We’ve got to get in the RACE! (1 Cor 9:24) “Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that you may obtain.”
  • “Race” (stad ee on) – where we get our word stadium – Paul saw the games
  • Hindrances to running (people, problems, pride)
 
2. DAILY DECISIONS that DETERMINE DESTINY – We’ve got to see the PRIZE for RUNNING in the RACE! (1 Cor 9:25 – 26) “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things… they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”
  • “Striveth” (agoni-zom-ah) – enter contest
  • “Temperate” – self control
  • “Crown” (stephanos) – at the Judgment Seat of Christ – Runners crown
 
3. DAILY DECISIONS that DETERMINE DESTINY – We’ve got to keep RUNNING in the RACE! (1 Cor 9:26) “I therefore so run, not as one that beateth the air.”
  • CHRISTian Life = DISCIPLINE (train – i.e. shadow boxing for the real fight)
  • Causes of quitting – feelings hurt, burnout, etc.
 
4. DAILY DECISIONS that DETERMINE DESTINY – We’ve got to give it ALL we’ve got! (1Cor 9:27) “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
  • “Keep under my body… bring it into subjection” – buffet, whip, beat black & blue – discipline the FLESH for the life of holiness
  • “Castaway” (adok i mos) – reject, not standing the test, disapproved, put on the shelf
 
Conclusion: How many of us want to finish STRONG…… FAITHFUL? No pain, No gain!
 
Report card time:
Paul = A+
Moses = A
Solomon = B
Pharisees = F
Me =
You =
 
Love y’all – praying for you,
Dr. Randy Reese