July 29, 2020
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
(John 1:5 (NIV))
Do you believe these words?
With all that is going on in the world, do you believe these words?
With all of the evil that is rampant and when the good is vilified, do you believe these words?
It is so hard to look at the things that are happening in the world, and in our own country. It is as if the whole world has gone mad. It is as if the whole world is upside down. Darkness is spreading and it seems as if it can’t be stopped. To be completely honest with you, it cannot be stopped in the natural. It is a spiritual war and it has spilled over into the physical reality that we call the world. Because it is a spiritual war, we have hope. Because it is a spiritual war, we know the final outcome.
Darkness will not prevail!
Have you ever been in a room so dark that you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face? What happens when you are able to light a small candle? The light from the candle prevails over the darkness. No matter how dark something may seem, it only takes a little light to bring hope. It only takes a little light to bring clarity and vision.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
(John 8:12 (NIV))
Perhaps this is why the powers that be want to remove any and all reference to Jesus. They are trying to remove the light. Perhaps this is why the powers that be want to push other beliefs. These beliefs are contrary to Jesus and are darkness. Contrary to what the enemy may think, darkness cannot drive out light. It can make it grow dim, but it cannot engulf the light. Light will prevail.
There are many books and passages in the Bible that speak of terrible times when the darkness will try to overcome the light, but we, as the Body of Christ, know what happens in the end. We know that the light of Jesus will defeat the darkness. The darkness will not be able to overcome what God has planned.
Do you feel that you are overcome with the darkness that is all around?
“You are the light of the world. A city 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. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
(Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV))
As a member of the Body of Christ, it is time to let your light shine!
Copyright 1998 – 2020 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Posted by dailylivingministries
June 9, 2020
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©
“You are the light of the world. A city 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. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
(Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV))
It is impossible to be a “quiet” believer.
I think everyone has met someone who says that they believe but they do not wish to “force” their beliefs on others. They are not fully aware of what Jesus meant when he spoke the words that Matthew wrote down. A light shines because it is light. You cannot stop a light from shining. By it’s very nature, it will illuminate everything that comes into contact with it.
The same is also true of people who have experienced the “Light” of Jesus Christ. If they truly have been exposed to this “Light”, then they will radiate with it in all things that they do and to all people that they see. It is not something that you can keep inside, hidden from the world.
These people quote, “My belief is a personal matter.” They are correct. Every person must decide for themselves. But, once you make that decision, it will work in your life and your “glow” will become evident by your actions, words, and deeds.
Do not hide the “Light” that has illuminated your life. Share it. Someone else needs to have the “Light”. Do not be pushy with the Light. Let Light do what it does naturally. Expose something to light, and it becomes radiant in color, completely washed by the light. Are you radiant?
Is the light of Jesus visible in you?
Copyright 1998 – 2020 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Posted by dailylivingministries
January 15, 2020
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
(Psalms 119:105 (NIV))
Have you ever stumbled in the dark? I am sure that each and every one of us has experienced this. We even take measures to make sure that our path is well lit. We have exterior lights going from our car to the front door. We have little night lights that we plug in so that we can determine where the furniture is. For situations where we can’t guarantee that there will be available lighting, we even carry flashlights with us. Still, we all know what it feels like to stumble in the dark, to trip over something because we couldn’t see it, and to walk into the corner of the coffee table!
That is the physical. Sadly, too many of us don’t realize that we need spiritual light. We probably stumble more in the spiritual than we ever would in the physical. We recognize the dangers in the physical realm, but completely ignore the greater dangers in the spiritual realm. Without spiritual light, we walk in blindness. We never know the best path to take. We only know the results of our blindness when we falter. Even then, we simply keep on going in the darkness and in the blindness that it causes. We never know just how much damage we are doing to ourselves in the present and in the future until it is too late.
How would you like to be able to change that? How would you like to have a guide to light your path and to show you the way? How would you like to trust in the guidance that you receive? How would you like to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the light that you follow will never lead you astray?
There is only one source of spiritual light that promises all of this and more. There is only one light that is faithful. There is only one light that will never leave you. There is only one light that came into this world to bring the light. Jesus is that light.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
(John 8:12 (NIV))
What do you use to light your way?
Copyright 1998 – 2020 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Posted by dailylivingministries
March 29, 2018
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
(John 12:46 (NIV))
When you are trapped in the dark, it is impossible to find your way. You can’t tell which way to turn. You can’t locate a way out. Any step that you take will probably end up with you stumbling and falling. Too many attempts on your own will end up with you being hurt and possibly seriously endangering others. The only way that you can find a way out of this darkness is if someone from outside of the darkness is able to shine a light into the darkness so that you can see the exit.
Does this sound familiar?
Sin has each of us trapped in the darkness and far too many of us don’t ever realize it. Every effort that we make to find our way just seems to get us in deeper and deeper. When left to our own attempts, we can never figure out which way to turn. We simply can’t locate a way out of our sin. The more that we try to deal with the darkness of this sinful world, the more that we hurt ourselves and others.
What if someone would shine a light in the darkness of this world so that we could find a way into the light?
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
(John 8:12 (NIV))
Jesus stepped out of heaven and into the darkness of this world to show us the light. He has shown us a way to escape the darkness of sin and death. He has provided a light for us to follow so that we can escape the darkness and live eternally in the light!
But, . . .
It doesn’t stop there.
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
(Matthew 5:14 (NIV))
We are to share the light so that others may find their way out of the darkness.
If you were in a burning building and many lives were at stake, wouldn’t you lead others to safety once someone had shown you the way?
Are you following the light? Are you leading others to the light, or are you still in darkness?
Copyright 1998 – 2018 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Posted by dailylivingministries
October 15, 2015
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©
“You are the light of the world. A city 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. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
(Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV))
Jesus brought the “Light” into this world. We, as believers, have accepted His Light and have been blessed to shine so that others may see His Light. Do not be ashamed to shine His Light for others to see.
That is the most important task that we are to do. If we fail at this task, then we fail Jesus. We have not done the thing that Jesus came into this world to do.
He did not hide His Light, nor did He only let it shine when it was safe for Him to do so. He let it shine so that all could see. He also did not select when it would shine. The Light of God shone through Jesus at all times.
It is easy to let the Light shine through us when we are around other believers. How are you at shining when those around you are not believers? Do you still shine as bright, or do you have a spiritual dimmer switch?
Our society has enough darkness. Don’t add to it!
Copyright 1998 – 2015 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Posted by dailylivingministries
June 10, 2015
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.
(Luke 2:30-32 (NIV))
When Simeon spoke these words, Jesus was only a newborn infant and Mary and Joseph had brought him to the temple to consecrate him to God. Simeon had been looking for salvation all of his life. Perhaps that is why he so readily recognized it when it was presented to him, even though, to most people, Jesus was simply a baby just like all of the others. Simeon was able to look beyond the obvious and see the miraculous.
With all that is going on in the world, what do you see?
Do you see what the news media wants you to see or do you see things from God’s perspective? Are you aware of all that is going on in the world, most of which simply is ignored because it doesn’t fit into the politically correct agenda? Have you grown tired of all of the so called news and entertainment that appears to be designed to keep you from paying attention?
The Body of Christ has been told that we are aliens in a foreign land. Do you recognize the world in which you live? Does it look anything like what it did when you were a child? Do you long for what Simeon longed for – to be in the presence of your Savior?
The world is capable of enticement. Focus on Jesus! Focus on your salvation!
Copyright 1998 – 2015 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Posted by dailylivingministries
January 27, 2014
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©
My son, keep your father’s commands
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
Bind them upon your heart forever;
fasten them around your neck.
When you walk, they will guide you;
when you sleep, they will watch over you;
when you awake, they will speak to you.
For these commands are a lamp,
this teaching is a light,
and the corrections of discipline
are the way to life,
(Proverbs 6:20-23 (NIV))
Our society has forsaken these words. We have allowed the un-righteous to inflict their ungodliness on all who inhabit the land. No longer do sons keep their father’s commands, or their heavenly Father’s commands. They do as they wish whenever and wherever they please.
A society cannot survive by forsaking its very foundations. This country, and most of the free world, was built on Judeo-Christian ethics. The current interpretation of separation of church and state has almost severed this tie with our heritage. The founding fathers of this country did not intend for God to be removed from government. They whole-heartedly intended for God to be at the center of everything. Their only intention with separation of church and state was to eliminate the requirement of belonging to a “state church”. They intended for everyone to be able to worship as the Holy Spirit lead them, not as the government lead them.
We must return to our heritage and reclaim the rightful leadership of God in our lives, both personal and public. The discipline of faith will then heal the hearts so that they will turn towards God.
Copyright 1998 – 2014 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Posted by dailylivingministries
December 31, 2013
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
(Philippians 4:4 (NIV))
If you had to proclaim the birth of a baby in your family, you would be joyful. You would exude enthusiasm. You would rejoice in the fact that God has blessed you with a new life to share. It would be an extremely happy occasion. Unfortunately, though, that baby would be born with the very same curse that we all face. That baby would be bound by the law of sin and death.
Now, consider that a baby was born into the family two thousand years ago. This baby was no ordinary baby. I am sure that He brought joy to the lives of those whom He called His family, but He was so much more. He came into this world to be a part of the family of each and every single person who has ever lived. This baby came into the world to bring great joy. God sent His Son, Jesus, to be one of us. Unlike everybody who was born under the law of sin and death, Jesus came into the world sin free. He grew up sin free and He remained sin free even to obedience that called Him to die on the cross. Through Jesus, we truly have grace and mercy. Through the baby Jesus, we truly have something to rejoice about. The infant that came into this world symbolizes a rebirth of our human natures.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
(Philippians 4:4 (NIV))
“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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”
(John 3:16-21 (NIV))
Rejoice in God’s light! His name is Jesus!
Share Jesus with all that you meet in the upcoming year!
Happy New Year!
Copyright 1998 – 2013 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Posted by dailylivingministries
December 2, 2013
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
(Psalms 136:1 (NIV))
It has been over two thousand years since God sent His only Son into the world that He created.
In just a few days we will celebrate the worldly birth of Jesus as an infant. What better symbol of God’s love than a newborn baby. All of us have such high ideals and expectations when we see a newborn baby. We see the hopes of all the world for a perfect world. When we see a newborn baby, we tend to forget the troubles that we face in this world. We see a chance to begin anew. We see all of the hopes and aspirations of the world rekindled.
God is good.
God gave us hope. He has given us grace. He has given us peace. He has given us love that endures forever. The only sad part about this is that we have taken this gift and have rejected it through our sinful nature. As a result, humanity has been separated from God.
Thankfully, God sees a baby in the same way that we do. He saw a new birth of hope, grace, and mercy for all of mankind. He saw the world once again with great hope and high aspirations. He reached out through a baby – His own Son. He saved us from our sinful nature through an amazing gift.
He gave us His Son, Jesus.
“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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”
(John 3:16-21 (NIV))
This Christmas, please remember that the greatest gift has been freely given by God to each of us.
Copyright 1998 – 2013 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Posted by dailylivingministries
September 25, 2013
Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©
“You are the light of the world. A city 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. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
(Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV))
Jesus brought the “Light” into this world. We, as believers, have accepted His Light and have been blessed to shine so that others may see His Light. Do not be ashamed to shine His Light for others to see.
That is the most important task that we are to do. If we fail at this task, then we fail Jesus. We have not done the thing that Jesus came into this world to do.
He did not hide His Light, nor did He only let it shine when it was safe for Him to do so. He let it shine so that all could see. He also did not select when it would shine. The Light of God shone through Jesus at all times.
It is easy to let the Light shine through us when we are around other believers. How are you at shining when those around you are not believers? Do you still shine as bright, or do you have a spiritual dimmer switch?
Our society has enough darkness. Don’t add to it!
Copyright 1998 – 2013 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Posted by dailylivingministries
Daily Living Ministries 