We must take a look at our actions

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ^©

It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.
(Romans 14:21 (NIV))

Do we ever stop to think about our actions and how they effect those around us?

We tend to think that our actions only have an impact on us, but that is far from the truth. Most of us realize that our actions have a direct effect on those around us, after all, our outlook on life can impact other people. Have you ever stopped to think that what we do, and what we don’t do, can have a very big impact on people?

Would you have an alcoholic drink in front of someone that you knew was battling this temptation? Would you be so callous as to partake of a very large meal in front of someone who hadn’t eaten in several days? Would you encourage someone to steal something because they can’t afford it?

What if you were battling an eating disorder and someone accidentally tempted you? What if you were a drug addict under control and someone left something at your home?

Would you have the will power to resist? Would you be upset with those who left the temptation there for you?

Why do people sin?

It is a matter of personal addiction to something. If the temptation is removed, many can people can focus enough to ignore the sin. It is the introduction of temptation that leads to the person falling. Not everyone has the same temptation. What may cause one person to sin may not be what will cause another to sin. We, as the Body of Christ, must be careful that our actions do not lead others to sin. Contrary to what society may say, we should not only think of ourselves. We must think of others. We must be observant enough to know what may cause others to sin.

We, as the Body of Christ, have a responsibility to lift each other up. We must not be a hindrance. We must take a look at our actions.

Copyright 1998 – 2014 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ^©

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
(Luke 10:17-20 (NIV))

Can you imagine the excitement that the seventy-two had experienced that lead them to go back to Jesus with this proclamation?

Do you ever wonder what they actually saw and experienced that gave them that excitement?

Now, I want you to put yourself into this scene. How would you react when you hear the words “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” Every time that I read those words, I get chills. I honestly do not know how I would have reacted if I were to have heard those words first hand. The implications are mind blowing. Time to get theological.

Satan was cast out of heaven before Adam and Eve. Jesus saw this happen.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
(John 1:1-2 (NIV))

I don’t know about you, but this brings me great joy, for it confirms that my faith has been placed correctly. I want, I need, the power of Jesus in my life. I need to know that the demons will not harm me if I place my hope, faith and trust in Jesus.

But, more importantly, just as Jesus told the seventy-two, I rejoice knowing that because Jesus is who He is, my name is written in heaven.

Still, can you imagine hearing first hand these words and know that the speaker tells the truth?

“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”

Copyright 1998 – 2012 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Where do you seek your refuge?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ^©

It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
(Psalms 118:8-9 (NIV))

It seems like the world is looking for someone to save us from all of the issues that we now face, and we do face countless issues that seem to be ever increasing.

The world is facing economic uncertainty. Many regions are facing political uncertainty. The whole world is facing escalated violence due to race, religion, crime, and sheer evil. In this country, we are facing issues that seem to be polarizing us as a nation. We are choosing sides due to various different reasons and nobody is willing to meet in the middle and discuss the differences. We are placing our trust in men instead of relying on God for guidance. And, in the process, we are destroying ourselves.

We need to turn to God. We need to place our trust in Him.

Man will fail.

Take a look at the history of humanity.

We failed miserably in the Garden of Eden. We turned to murder within one generation. We were so sinful, that God chose to start over through one man, Noah, and his family. We tried to elevate ourselves to God at the tower of Babel. We kill each other over money and power. We will kill each other over religion. We will kill each other over race. It was God’s plan, carried out by human hands, to have His Son, Jesus, die for our sins.

No human is perfect. No prince of this world can save us. In fact, the Bible refers to Satan as the prince of the air. We turned over authority to him in the Garden of Eden. Satan cannot save us. Man cannot save us, no matter how the media may spin it.

Don’t trust the spin. Don’t trust the princes. Don’t trust the men who claim to know how to save us.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
(Psalm 20:7 (NIV))

Where do you place your trust?

Where do you seek your refuge?

Copyright 1998 – 2012 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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