July 21, 2020
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©
He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
(Luke 21:29-31 (NIV))
What is it that you see going on in the world?
Do you even care?
There is so much happening in the world that it makes me wonder what people are thinking anymore? There is so much turmoil. There is so much hatred. There is so much persecution, and there is so much mockery of Jesus and the Body of Christ.
Has the world turned its back on things that are good? Has the world replaced good with evil?
I follow numerous prophecy sites just as a way to get the latest on what is happening. I want to say that I don’t take everything literally as the truth from these sites. I weigh what is presented and compare it to Scripture. I also compare the sites to other sites to see if there is any continuity between the messages that are given. I study and pray for discernment.
It is true that many things contradict each other. I do not argue that fact. What I do see is an increase in the things that are being reported. I see an awareness that is growing. I am also seeing more and more things that are in agreement from sources that have no way of being able to corroborate what they are presenting. In essence, they are witnessing to what God is in the midst of doing! More and more are pointing to the very same thing!
A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
(Deuteronomy 19:15b (NIV))
Many sites are saying that something major is going to happen soon and that what is going to happen will be widely known by the whole world by September. I am by no means date setting, but with the confirmation from more sites than I can count, we must be ready for whatever the Lord has planned no matter what day or hour that it is planned for!
Think about that for a moment.
For almost two thousand years, people have been looking for the events that will lead to the return of Jesus. At no other time in history have all of the events lined up as they do right now. They line up so perfectly that many Bible scholars are calling this the Great Convergence. Things are happening all over the world at a rate that most people can’t even begin to comprehend. Would you be caught off guard if God’s plan began to rapidly accelerate even more and things did unfold today, tomorrow or perhaps even in September?
Do you recognize the things that are happening? Do you find yourself anticipating more events to unfold as foretold?
There are things that are happening all around the world that appear to make the case for the time getting closer.
No matter when the true church is removed and when Jesus does return, we must realize that we cannot sit idly by and accept what the world is telling us. If we do, are we truly followers of Jesus? If we do, are we truly part of the Body of Christ?
What is it that you see going on in the world?
Are you prepared for what’s next?
Copyright 1998 – 2020 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Posted by dailylivingministries
July 16, 2020
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(Romans 5:7-8 (NIV))
I am sure that you have heard that when things are looking like there is no hope is exactly when God steps in. Think about that for a moment. How many times have we read a passage that paints a picture of complete despair only to be followed up by a sentence that begins with two word?
But God!
From a worldly perspective, there is nothing worse that death.
But God!
We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen.
(Acts 10:39-40 (NIV))
With everything that is going on in the world, we, as the Body of Christ, know that God is up to something. Everything that is happening appears to have been written about in prophecy. In fact, there are those who believe that what is happening is a direct unfolding of prophecy. Based on these End Time prophecies, we know that the whole world is going to be facing tribulation like it has never seen before. For those who don’t profess a faith in Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, there will be a seven year period that will be ever increasing trouble followed by eternal judgment.
But God!
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
(John 3:16 (NIV))
I just love the way that God steps in when all seems completely lost! He always has something amazing in store for those who love Him. I can’t wait to see what He does. When all seems lost, keep looking up and remember two little words that carry so much power.
But God…
Copyright 1998 – 2020 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Posted by dailylivingministries
June 15, 2020
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.
(Matthew 24:6-8 (NIV))
Is it just me or do you see an ever increasing frequency of events happening not only in our country, but worldwide?
To use the analogy that is used in Matthew, the pains associated with birth are getting more intense and closer together. Just as contractions increase in intensity and frequency right before a birth, the events in this world are increasing in similar manner. Just like in childbirth, there will come a point at which everything breaks loose.
How close are we?
No one really knows, but one thing is sure. Once real contractions start, there is no turning back!
With everything going on in the world, those who do not claim Jesus as their Lord and Savior have come up with a name for what is happening. Many are calling it the great reset, in which everything that has been will not longer be. Think about that for a moment! It appears that we are to the point where those who choose the world and the enemy see what is coming. They have given it a name that matches their expectations of a world without God, without Jesus, without the Holy Spirit and without anyone who follows righteousness and order.
As the Body of Christ, we are seeing things happening that we recognize from scripture. We know what this means for those who truly profess Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but do we truly know what will be birthed here on earth? From what we have been told in scripture, it is not going to be someplace that anyone in their right mind will desire to be.
It is time to fall to our knees and pray for those who have not accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Honestly, it is past time to pray. Until the actual antichrist system is fully birthed and the church is gone, we must pray, for birth pains appear to be rapidly increasing!
Is the world about to go into labor?
Copyright 1998 – 2020 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Posted by dailylivingministries
March 28, 2019
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living
How long, Lord, will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant?
(Psalms 94:3 (NIV))
How do you react when you see the news of the events of this world?
Sadly, I could spend a lot of time just listing everything that makes me shake my head in disbelief. You could probably spend the same amount of time building your own personal list, but neither your list nor my list is going to approach the list that the Lord has made. He sees things that we can only imagine. If the things of this world break our hearts, can you begin to fathom the sadness that the Lord feels for this world and for those who are lost in sin and wickedness? Can you imagine how He feels when He sees the hearts of those who blatantly desire to not only stay in their sin, but to sink to new lows of wickedness and sinfulness?
I long to see God’s righteousness poured out upon the world, yet, at the same time, I pray that the Lord holds off so that those who are immersed in sin and wickedness have an opportunity to repent!
We don’t know God’s exact timing, but we can know the season. One day, though, God’s timing will be perfect! The day that we, as the Body of Christ, long for, will be a day that the wicked will wish they could escape. We all have people that we know who fall into this category. Do you wish to see them miss out on eternity in heaven because they waited too long? Perhaps this gives us an insight into the heart of God.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
(2 Peter 3:9 (NIV))
Still, human nature will continue to ask the question, “How long?” Based on the events of this world, I honestly believe that the Lord is giving us an answer!
Do you find yourself asking this question?
Copyright 1998 – 2019 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Posted by dailylivingministries
September 7, 2018
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
(Psalms 37:7 (NIV))
How many times have you found yourself wanting to do what God would have you do, only to have your “apple cart” upset by someone who is doing the worldly thing? I know that it happens far too often for my tastes. It is hard to keep the world from creeping in when this happens. We must do as the Psalmist told us. We must be still and wait on God. God has an eternal time clock and an eternal plan for not only us, but for the whole world and everyone in it. We must wait on God for what He is working in our lives. If we diligently seek Him, He will fill us to overflowing with the gifts that He would have us possess. We must also keep still and patient when it concerns the wicked schemes of others.
Often, people have come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior only after they have succeeded in all worldly matters. Sometimes they achieve everything that they wanted from the world and still find an emptiness that they cannot fill. Sometimes, the world turns on them and they hit rock bottom and then they turn upward to receive Jesus. Either way, God was patient with them. He was still and waited until the time was right for these people to be reached. We must not look on these people and envy them for their worldly gain. We must pray for them and wait on God to work in their lives. Who knows? Maybe these people that are succeeding in their wicked ways will someday need to turn to God, and God has kept you waiting so that you could be the vessel that He uses to touch them. We must also remember that God created each of us as unique individuals and that He does not have two identical life plans or plans for salvation.
Be still. Listen to God. Is He telling you to watch and pray for those around you? God speaks in different ways to different people. He is that still, small voice. He does not force Himself on anyone, but He is eager to speak to those who will be still and listen.
When was the last time that you were still?
Copyright 1998 – 2018 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Posted by dailylivingministries
May 3, 2018
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living
“Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen.
(Revelation 1:7 (NIV))
Do you long to see the day that Jesus returns?
One thing is certain. Those who see it will have survived the worst times that the world has ever or will ever see. It will be a time when His return will see the end of troubles and the establishment of His kingdom.
Whether you believe in the catching away of believers, or think that believers will go through these troubling times, one things is certain. The vantage point may be different than you expect, but everyone will see Him. Everyone will realize just who He is. For those who truly seek Him, His return will be a blessing. It will be the culmination of every hope and prayer ever lifted up. It will be the most amazing day that anyone could ever see, for our hope and our salvation will be coming on the clouds to set the world right. For those who reject Him, this sight will be the most terrifying thing that they ever see. It will mean that they have waited too long and salvation is no longer available for them. That single fact sheds some insight into the following passage.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
(2 Peter 3:9 (NIV))
This is a fine line to walk. Every believer longs to see Jesus. Every believer also knows that the Lord doesn’t want any to perish. We have to realize that it is not our call. We have to realize that God’s timing is perfect. His coming for His church will come at just the right time. His return will come when it is also the right time.
At the risk of sounding selfish, it is my prayer that the Body of Christ proclaim loudly and with one united voice, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus!”
Copyright 1998 – 2018 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Posted by dailylivingministries
September 1, 2017
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
(Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV))
What time do you think that it is?
We are told there are many different times that God has planned for.
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 (NIV))
I realize that some of these are not very pleasant. I realize that we experience all of them to some extent in our individual lives. Collectively, we seem to experience them as well. With all that is going on in the world right now, it seems as though we experience many of these on a daily basis. I have often wondered if there was any particular reason for the order of these events in these verses. I have also wondered how I am expected to react in each of these pairings of events. Each element in each pairing is the polar opposite from the other element in the pairing. Is God telling us that we will experience every possible situation in our lives and this is how He explained it by giving us many extremes of the same thing?
Life is precious!
Sadly, due to the fall from grace, we will experience life’s extremes. We will see things that will give us unimaginable joy and the very next minute, we will see things that bring us unimaginable pain.
I love the outlook that a friend has about life. He says that “I have never had a bad day. I have had some bad things happen on a good day, but I have never had a bad day!” If you believe that life is precious, then I pray that you see the wisdom in these words the next time that you face some of life’s extremes.
Copyright 1998 – 2017 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Posted by dailylivingministries
August 1, 2017
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.
(2 Peter 3:8 (NIV))
Do you feel like you are a patient person?
I can see the grimaces on the faces at the mere thought of this question.
What is it about human nature that makes us so impatient? We think that we need everything right now and when we can’t have it in that manner, we start to lose control. We simply can’t stand to wait for anything. If you stop to think about it, this is exactly why credit card debt is such a problem. We want something. We think that we deserve it. We think that we are ready to handle it. We don’t think about the consequences of our desires and our actions. We give into our desires and we try to get what we want even if we are not ready for it.
Are we also that way with respect to our faith life?
Do we pray and then give up because God’s answer didn’t come when we wanted it to come? Perhaps we are praying and waiting from a limited perspective. Not only could we be praying for something that we are not ready to receive, but we could also be praying for things that God does not plan to ever happen. If God has blessed each of us with unique gifts, doesn’t it make sense that He would respond to each of us based on the way that He created us? With this in mind, it seems that it is humanity who fails to comprehend God’s timing instead of God not comprehending ours.
Be still, and know that I am God;
(Psalm 46:10a (NIV))
We need to realize that God’s timing is perfect. We just need to adjust our time.
Whose time are you on?
Copyright 1998 – 2017 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Posted by dailylivingministries
October 30, 2015
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©
Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short.
(Revelation 12:12 (NIV))
Do you believe that the devil’s time is short?
It gets shorter every day!
I have a question for you and I want you to answer truthfully.
Are you aware of what is going on in the world or are you so focused on what you are doing that you are oblivious to anything else?
God created a great, big, beautiful world. Unfortunately, we, as fallen humanity, have allow things to happen that God never intended to happen. We have given the devil free reign over what God had intended for good. Lately, it appears that the devil is working overtime.
Things are escalating rapidly!
Evil is marching across the face of the earth in many different forms. We are faced with not just one enemy, but multiple enemies: False religions; Teachers of false doctrines; Persecution of those who earnestly and truthfully call upon the name of the Lord Jesus as well as many, many others.
Are you aware of the wars and the rumors of wars?
Are you aware of the financial issues that the whole world seems to be facing?
I could go on and on, but I hope that you get the picture. We, as the Body of Christ, must focus on more than what God can do for us in our daily lives. Far too many of us look upon the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit only in these terms. There is so much more than our little lives in this battle of good and evil. If we are not careful, we will fall in with the wrong side simply because we are blind to what is going on.
Don’t allow your life and your issues to blind you to the bigger picture that God is unfolding right before your eyes! Focus on Jesus! Focus on God’s word! Focus on God’s calling upon your life and not your desires. Your desires can lead to an undesirable end. God’s desires will lead to an eternity in His presence!
Do you know that the devil’s time is short?
Copyright 1998 – 2015 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Posted by dailylivingministries
September 24, 2015
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
(2 Peter 3:9 (NIV))
Do you ever find yourself thinking that the Lord is slow?
Has He not answered your prayers when you thought that He should?
Has He not found you a spouse when you thought that He should?
Has He not found you a new job when you thought that He should?
Has He not returned for His church when you thought that He should?
Have you ever stopped to think that it is not God who is the problem? Could it be that it is your lack of patience that is the problem?
Just because God does not operate on your time schedule does not mean that He is slow! We are impatient! God is patient.
Think about God’s promises. Has He ever left one unfulfilled? We know that He will keep the rest, we just need to get on God’s time schedule and not ours.
Are you on God’s schedule?
Copyright 1998 – 2015 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Posted by dailylivingministries
Daily Living Ministries 