We are to share the light of Jesus!

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
(Matthew 5:16 (NIV))

Have you accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior?

If you answered that you have, then you have also accepted Jesus as your personal light to guide you in this ever darkening world.

Do you truly follow that light in your daily life?

Do you share Jesus with others?

Think about that last question.

Are you shining the light that Jesus has placed in you so that others may see Him through you? Can other people even tell that you profess a faith in Jesus? If everyone whom you know was asked if you have accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, what would they say?

As believers, we are called to share the Gospel. We are called to shine the light of Jesus into the hearts of all whom we encounter. Jesus is not to be hidden in our hearts and kept away from others.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
(Matthew 5:14-15 (NIV))

We have been given the greatest gift to have ever been given. Do you think so little of that gift that you are not willing to tell others about it? Do you think so little of that gift that you are willing to simply hide it away?

We are to share the light of Jesus!

Copyright 1998 – 2023 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
https://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Why should we fear?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
(2 Kings 6:16 (NIV))

Even with everything that is going on in the world, this is still true!

How many times have you watched the news and wondered why these things are happening? I have often found myself wondering just how many people in this world have lost all common sense. How many have lost all sense of morality, of right and wrong, of good and evil? How many times have you read reports of wars and rumors of wars? Have the recent bank failures caused you panic? Has the fact that so many people just can’t seem to understand basic biology made you wonder if humanity is going to survive if Jesus doesn’t return soon? I could go on and on with examples. Perhaps the most interesting in recent days is the fact that our government is now saying that UFOs exist and they have had crashed craft in their possession since the late 1940s.

Think about that for a moment.

What would your reaction be to a physical manifestation of a UFO?

Would that cause you to doubt your faith? Would it cause you to question everything that you have built your life upon? Would that be the last straw that makes you rethink everything? Would it cause you to denounce Jesus?

No matter what may come, we must stand firm in the promise that God is always with us. We must stand firm in the promise that He is in control!

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
(Romans 8:31 (NIV))

No one knows what the enemy may send our way. No one knows how prophecy will actually be fulfilled. We have been given things to look for, but these things were written down when an understanding of the real events was not what God wanted to give us. He knew that if He told us specific details, we would spend our lives looking only for those details and not looking for Him. Instead, He gave us a series of conditions to look for: Good being called evil, and evil being called good; Wars and rumors of wars; Nation rising against nation, and kingdom rising against kingdom; Signs in the sun, moon and stars; People fainting from terror.

When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
(Luke 21:28 (NIV))

We must always remember to keep our eyes on Jesus. We must always remember to lift our heads and look up, for what we look up, we see the hope that we have in Jesus! That hope tells us to not be afraid. It tells us His heavenly armies will fight our battles. Most of all, it tells us to trust completely in the Lord!

Why should we fear?

Copyright 1998 – 2023 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Are you certain of your faith?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
(Hebrews 11:1 (NIV))

How is your faith?

If you were faced with a situation where you would be killed if you professed a faith in Jesus, how sure would you be of what you hope for? Would you loudly and rapidly proclaim your faith or would you hesitate in letting it be known? Perhaps you would be like Peter and deny Jesus in such a time as this.

I don’t know if this is simply human instinct to survive that kicks in or would we actually waiver in our faith. I know that if I faced such a situation, I would be praying for that certainty of what I hope for. I also know that I would probably be praying for a sign that I could see. It is human nature to fear what you cannot see for there is a sense of certainty associated with what you can see. I suppose that when it all comes down to it, faith is being able to place your confidence in Jesus even when you can’t see him. Faith is the ability to allow Jesus to overcome all of your fears.

Peter had done just this at one point.

     “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
     “Come,” he said.
     Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
(Matthew 14:28-29 (NIV))

Yet, in the very next moment, Peter wavered.

     But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
     Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
(Matthew 14:30-31 (NIV))

Jesus will save us in our moments of weakness. He is there when our mustard seed is very small. He is there when our mustard seed has become full grown. He will not give up on us. We must remember that and keep our faith in Him.

Are you certain of your faith?

Copyright 1998 – 2023 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
https://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Keep your lamps filled!

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
(Matthew 25:1 (NIV))

If you profess a faith in Jesus, you know that He would often use parables to convey a message.

We have the parable of the sower talking about the seeds of faith taking root. We have the parable about the workers in the vineyard killing the owner’s son. We have the parable of the weeds growing in a man’s field, as well as many others. Each parable was told to be able to illustrate a specific point that Jesus wanted to convey.

We also have the parable of the ten virgins!

Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
(Matthew 25:2-5 (NIV))

If you don’t recognize yourself in this parable, look again. The ten virgins represent the church. Many believe that they represent the church during the last days. The wise virgins represent those who are ever diligent and always prepared. They are watching for the Lord’s return. They keep His commands and follow His teachings. The foolish virgins represent those who have strayed by not staying diligent and prepared. They have become complacent. They no longer even believe that the Lord’s return could happen because they have been waiting a long time. Because of this, they soon begin to stray from His commands and His teachings. They don’t see the need to be on the lookout. They may even accept sin back into their lives.

Which one are you?

I realize that people have been longing for Jesus to come for His bride for over two thousand years. I realize that all throughout this time there have been wise and foolish believers, just as there are now.

However, the time is drawing close. Signs of His soon return are everywhere. Have you fallen asleep and missed the signs? Have you allowed your flame of faith to dwindle? Have you lost all hope of His return?

Or, . . .

Have you spent your time in His Word? Have you stocked up on the “oil” for your lamps to keep your flame of faith burning brightly?

With all that is going on in the world, I have but one thing left to say.

Keep your lamps filled!

Copyright 1998 – 2023 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Is your path well lit?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

Your word is a lamp to my feet
     and a light to my path.
(Psalms 119:105 (ESV))

In this ever-darkening and sinful world, we need all of the light that we can get!

Darkness is not only a physical characteristic, it is a sad, but all too real, picture of the human condition. This is a condition that is growing out of control. Good is called evil and evil is called good. The things that Paul spoke of have not gone away with the passage of time. People have become more brazen in their depraved minds and are now openly flaunting the sins that lead to death! They are flaunting the very acts of the flesh that they have given themselves over to.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
(Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV))

There is nothing darker than a human heart and soul that loves sin, except, perhaps, for a world full of darkened hearts! This was the state of the world during the time of Noah. This was the state of Sodom and Gomorrah during the time of Lot. Is this the current state of the world in which we live?

I realize that there are a vast multitude of people who cling to Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. For those who have accepted Jesus, we live by a different standard. We desire to have our lives bear witness to what we profess. We desire for our lives to bear good fruit!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
(Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV))

Even though we desire to bear good fruit, the people who flaunt their sin are doubling down. They are trying to do anything that they can to overcome the light of Jesus. They have been given over to a depraved mind and hate anything that is of God! When we walk through this dark world, we must strive to reflect the light of Jesus. We must also live by His light. We must walk in His light.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
(1 John 1:7 (ESV))

We have the best light that we can possibly use to overcome this ever-darkening and sinful world. We must keep our eyes firmly fixed on the Lord!

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
     I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
     your rod and your staff,
     they comfort me.
(Psalm 23:4 (ESV))

Is your path well lit?

Copyright 1998 – 2023 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
https://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Have you accepted the complete truth of God’s Word?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(John 1:1 (NIV))

If you ever need to remind yourself of the power and authority that is only found in the name of Jesus, this passage tells it clearly! Just in case you need clarification, the following passage puts it into perspective!

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
(John 1:14 (NIV))

Jesus is the Word made flesh!

Jesus was with God in the beginning!

Jesus is the very Word of God!

Jesus is His glory! Jesus is the one and only Son who came from the Father.

Do you believe this?

Now is the time to profess your faith in Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. Now is the time to turn to God in repentance and approach Him professing your belief before it is too late! Don’t be like the people in the days of Noah. Don’t love your sin so much that you are treated like the people in the days of Lot.

If you profess a faith in Jesus, then you have accepted His authority. Have you also accepted His prophetic word about what is coming upon this sinful, fallen world? You can’t only accept grace. You must also accept the truth of all that has been taught.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
(2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV))

We can’t pick and choose! We can’t only believe what we want. All of God’s Word is true and all of God’s Word will come to pass.

Have you accepted the complete truth of God’s Word?

Copyright 1998 – 2023 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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God’s true image can do all things!

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
(Psalms 145:17-20 (NLT))

What is your image of God? Be honest.

Is it of a Santa Claus type figure who gives you what you want if you are good? Perhaps it is of a life guard type of figure – someone who rescues you when you get in trouble. Maybe you think of God as a kindly old man who is nice to everyone and allows anything because He is too timid to take a stand. Perhaps the one that I find so amusing is the idea that He is so busy that He doesn’t have time for us and that He doesn’t care what we do. Still another image of God that some people have is of a Grandfather Time type of figure who is more concerned with keeping things on schedule than with enjoying the Creation that is at His feet right now.

There are many images of God. Some are true, for all we have to do is look at the many names that God has – deliverer, provider, healer. I could go on and on, but, these images are images from His Word, not from someone’s false understanding.

The psalmist knew God’s character. He knew of God’s righteousness. He knew of God’s mercy, for he had called upon Him sincerely. God did hear his cries and He rescued him.

What is your image of God? Is it taken from God’s Word or is it a false image taken from your imagination and desires?

What can your image of God do?

God’s true image can do all things!

Copyright 1998 – 2023 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Are you working the harvest?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
(Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV))

We don’t know how much time we have left to work the harvest!

We may not live to see tomorrow. The people that you planned on talking with tomorrow about Jesus may not live to see tomorrow. Jesus may return for His church tonight and your family member could be left behind to face the tribulation. No matter what you may think of the current state of the world, no one is promised tomorrow. The hour is urgent! Salvation is not something that should be put off for another day, or even another moment. The moment that you wait to share the Gospel may be one moment too late for the person with whom you intended to share it!

Whether you think of it as a harvest or the Great Commission, we are called to share the Gospel. We are to point the way to Jesus so that people can escape the consequences of their sins. We are to share the gift of amazing grace that has been freely given to all who will simply accept!

What do you think of when you hear the word harvest?

It can mean the actual act of gathering what has grown. In this case, I believe that the other definition applies just as much, for it can mean what is actually ready to gather! It refers to the ripe fruit that is ready to collect. It refers to the lost and hurting souls who are ready to be gathered to Jesus! It refers to the readiness of the heart to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
(Matthew 28:19 (NIV))

Jesus left us with a command!

Both “go” and “make” are imperatives. They are action verbs. Sharing the Gospel with others requires action on our part. We are called to go. We are called to make, and if you use the harvest metaphor, we are called to work!

Are you working the harvest?

Copyright 1998 – 2023 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Stand firm in your faith no matter what may come!

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.
(2 Peter 3:3 (NIV))

Have you been mocked and ridiculed for your faith in Jesus?

Do you know anyone who has had this happen to them?

If you are in certain areas of certain cities in this country, you will be mocked. If you stand up for Biblical principles, you will be mocked. If you speak out against the alphabet group by taking a stand for God’s created order, you will be mocked and threatened with violence. If you express a belief that sin is wrong, you will be mocked and threatened with violence. If you publicly profess a faith in Jesus, you will be mocked and labeled a bigot and a hater. In some countries, not only will you be mocked, you will be put to death.

Did you know that this is what you were signing up for when you professed a faith in Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? Too many people falsely believe that accepting Jesus means an easy life. Too many people look at accepting Jesus in much the same way that they look at joining an exclusive country club. They think it will be all fun and games. Jesus let us know that this is not the case.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.
(John 15:18 (NIV))

If that is the case, you may ask why anyone would profess a faith in Jesus. The answer is simple. We are all sinners in need of a Savior to overcome the consequences of sin and death.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33 (NIV))

If you have placed your faith in Jesus, you have trusted correctly, for there is no other name by which we can be saved. As we walk through this sinful, fallen world, do not let the scoffers tell you otherwise. Do not let them sway you with the argument that He hasn’t come, yet, so therefore, He is not coming. If they claim this, you must remember that all good things are worth waiting for. Think about an expecting mother who is waiting for her baby to be born. The world sees her and claims that it is not a baby, yet, but she knows that her baby will be born! In the very same way, we know that Jesus will return!

We must stay vigilant. We must be watchmen for His return.

We must finish strong so that we can make this profession as time draws near!

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
(2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV))

Do you long for His appearing?

Stand firm in your faith no matter what may come!

Copyright 1998 – 2023 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Are you looking up?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
(Luke 21:28 (NIV))

Are you overwhelmed by the things happening in this world that just don’t make sense?

Are you perplexed by the things that are obviously evil, yet society calls them good?

Are you saddened by the gender issues that are unfolding just as they did in the days of Lot?

Are you frightened by the wars that are happening and the rumors of other wars springing up around these wars?

Are you terrified of the fact that too many nations have nuclear weapons and they are threatening to use them?

Are you uncertain about digital currency and the control that the government will have over you once this is implemented?

Are you saddened by people who profess a faith in Jesus now proclaiming a gospel contrary to what He taught?

Are you on the watch for other outbreaks where pharmekia will be mandated?

Are you concerned about the peace and safety of Jerusalem?

Are you aware that there are agencies all around the world who are promoting peace and security just as the Bible predicted?

Have you seen and understood the signs that have been manifesting in the heavens?

What do you think of governments saying that they need to block the rays of the sun?

What do you know about the current status of Israel’s desire to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem?

I could keep asking questions, but all of these things, and many more, are currently unfolding in the world. When only one of these things has occurred in the past, people have looked for Jesus. Today, we have so many things occurring that all point to the soon return of Jesus. Have you heard about any of these things in your church? Have you been made aware of these things or have your churches been quiet?

I don’t know about you, but too many things seem to be happening and they can’t be coincidence!

With all of the things that I have asked you about, I have one more question to ask.

Are you looking up?

Copyright 1998 – 2023 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
https://www.dailylivingministries.org
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