Summer is near. It is right at the door!

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.
(Matthew 24:32-33 (NIV))

What is your understanding of the role that Israel plays in the current state of the world and it’s future?

Think about that in relation to this passage and the fact that the fig tree is a symbol of the nation of Israel. In fact, it is widely accepted that the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 marks the fig tree coming back to life! Its leaves are out after many years of dormancy. It is also accepted that when Jesus cursed the fig tree, He was using that as a teachable moment for His disciples. They understood the association of the fig tree with Israel.

Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.
(Matthew 21:18-19 (NIV))

Israel had rejected Jesus. They did not bear any fruit as a result of His coming to earth, and as such, Jesus pronounced judgment on Israel through the analogy of the fig tree.

But now, . . .

Israel has become a nation once again. The fig tree has sprouted leaves and summer is upon us!

Do you understand what that means? Do you understand that this indicates the soon end of the time of the Gentiles and that God will focus once again on fulfilling His dealings with Israel. We are very close to Daniel’s seventieth week!

It is well known that the generation that sees Israel return to their homeland shall not pass away before these things begin. Do you know anyone who was born in 1948? Do you know anyone who was born before 1948? I hate to say this, but each day sees fewer and fewer people alive who witnessed Israel become a nation again. This reminds me of an old saying that God is never early and that He is never late. Everything works according to His timing and based on the scriptures that we have been given, His timing is unfolding right before our eyes. It is unfolding in such a way that even though I was not alive in 1948, I expect to see God move in a mighty way very soon. I believe that we are in the days of the fig tree generation.

Summer is near. It is right at the door!

Copyright 1998 – 2022 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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The kingdom of God is near!

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))

Are you paying attention?

God is trying to get our attention. For those who profess a faith in Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, He is calling us to recognize the signs. For those who shun Him, He is calling them to repentance by shaking up the world in an effort to get their attention. No matter which group you consider yourself to be in, God is calling us to recognize the times and to look to Jesus!

There are so many things unfolding in this world at this specific time in history that if I presented everything that correlates to and supports the widely held belief that the time of the end is here, then I would need to write nonstop relaying everything that is happening all around the world. It is too much for one person to even attempt to undertake, so I prayerfully ask you to seek the Holy Spirit for discernment and wisdom. The proverbial fig tree is sprouting leaves!

Are you so engrossed in your daily lives that you miss what is unfolding right before your eyes?

Are you so engrossed in the media distractions that you miss the true news and events of significance in this world?

Are you more aware of who was awarded what in the recently televised defamation lawsuits than you are aware of the vast number of food processing plants burning to the ground?

Jesus refers to those who believe in Him as His flock. He seeks and saves the lost sheep of the flock. There appears to be another flock that people can be part of, especially when you consider that sheep are considered to be mindless and will follow anything that distracts them. Don’t be distracted by the world. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus!

The kingdom of God is near!

Copyright 1998 – 2022 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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What is it that you desire to see happen?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living

“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
(Matthew 24:32-35 (NIV))

Many people see the things that are happening in the world today, and fail to see things from God’s perspective. Not too many people have fig trees, but you can draw the comparison with all plant life that God has created. When you see flowers begin to bloom, you know that summer is near. When you see an apple tree begin to blossom, you know that summer is near. Why is it that we recognize these signs but far too many of us fail to recognize signs that are of much more importance?

If we were told by our boss that we would get a raise when our performance numbers get better, you can rest assured that we would be paying very close attention to our performance. If, as a child, you were told that you would get money if you bring home straight A’s on your report card, how many would fail to at least try?

If we, as followers of Jesus, long for His return, why do we fail to recognize the signs that indicate His return? If we truly desire for something to be, then we look for signs that indicate it will happen. If we don’t desire for something to happen, we find all kinds of excuses even when presented with undeniable proof. We can either see and recognize the signs or we can ignore the signs.

What is it that you desire to see happen?

Copyright 1998 – 2018 Dennis J. Smock
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Are you alert and fully sober?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.
(1 Peter 1:13 (NIV))

With all of the things that are going on in the world, are you alert?

With the world’s current intoxication where things just don’t make sense, are you sober?

I honestly don’t know how much more of the insanity of this world God will allow before He says enough is enough. Every single day I am completely amazed at the depravity and the insanity that is rapidly sweeping the world, our nation and our communities. There is an old saying that appears to apply to our society at this particular moment in time. I honestly believe that the patients are running the asylum. Nothing makes sense. Down is up. Right is left. Good is evil. Criminals are the victims of society, and Jesus is banned from public display.

I long for the return of Jesus!

Do you?

Some people will say that we have an escapist mentality. That may very well be true. We don’t want to live in chaos. We don’t want to live in evil. We long for righteousness. We long for peace. We long for Jesus!

But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
(Matthew 24:36 (NIV))

We may not know the day or the hour, but we are told that we can recognize the times.

“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.
(Matthew 24:32-33 (NIV))

Are you alert to all that is happening? Are you fully sober and understanding of the time?

Copyright 1998 – 2017 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Is the kingdom nearer than you think?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ^©

And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
(Joel 2:28 (NIV))

I have seen numerous things that lead me to believe that these things are happening with much more frequency and regularity.

I can hear your thoughts!

Some of you are thinking that I am losing my mind and that I am simply repeating things that others are saying. Some of you are thinking that I am wishing for a way to escape this world.

You would be surprised at what I see through all of the various outlets that I monitor. People from all across the world are prophesying the same thing. The dreams are too similar to be dismissed. The visions are too similar to be coincidence.

Still, there is that passage that says that no man knows the hour or the day.

No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
(Mark 13:32 (NIV))

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))

Did you miss that past part of the passage?

When you see these things happening . . .

Take a look around. What do you see?

Do you see people who have the gift of prophesy? Do you see people who have the gift of dreams? Do you see people who have the gift of visions?

Is the kingdom nearer than you think?

Copyright 1998 – 2015 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Have we been found barren?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ^©

Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.

When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, `Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
(Matthew 21:18-22 (NIV))

How did the fig tree wither so quickly?

I realize that for many, what I am going to write may be a stretch, but here goes.

Faith plays a very big role in the world. Faith plays a very big role in the individual lives of believers. It also plays a very big role in the collective lives of believers. With that said, I believe that everyone can agree that faith is important.

I have heard it said that this particular example of the fig tree represents spiritual deadness. What happened to the fig tree when Jesus went looking for the fruit that it should bear and found nothing? What will happen to us if Jesus comes looking for the fruit that we are supposed to bear and finds nothing?

Have we become complacent in our faith? Have we become like the fig tree and found to be barren of fruit?

Think about that with respect to your life. Do you bear fruit that Jesus is seeking?

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

Can this be used to look at our churches, our neighborhoods and our country? Have we been found barren?

Copyright 1998 – 2014 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Do you even care?

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 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 day 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. It may be tomorrow or it may be ten years from now or it may be one hundred years. One thing that many of the scholars agree upon is that the conditions have never aligned before as they are aligning now. Will more things come into play? I am sure that they will. Will we see false alarms and people falsely shouting “He is there?” I am sure that we will.

I want you to think about this concept for a moment. I will use a political election as the example.

Under normal circumstances, most of the time you do not hear heavily weighted arguments that are meant to distract from the political truth in a country. Most of the time these start to build as the time draws closer for the election. Like clockwork, things start to happen that let you know it is that time. Each side wants to make their case.

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?

Do you even care?

Copyright 1998 – 2014 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Doubt is a serious crippler of faith!

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ^©

Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.

When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, `Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
(Matthew 21:18-22 (NIV))

Doubt is a serious crippler of faith. Jesus knew that what He commanded would be done. Yet, the disciples did not understand. Doubt can steal the blessings that God wishes to give us. Do you believe that God can be trusted? Do you believe that God never changes? Do you believe that Jesus was sent of God? If you answered “Yes” to these questions, then there is no room for doubt. Doubt comes from the enemy to deceive us and confuse us. Hold fast to what you know to be true.

Copyright 1998 – 2013 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Do we recognize God’s season?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ^©

“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
(Mark 13:28-34 (NIV))

We are told that no one knows the day or hour, but we are also told that we will know the season.

What season are we in?

I recently saw a report that indicated that 77% of the church in the United States believes that we are seeing the signs of the season of the end times. All of the people who are biblical scholars that I keep track of are also saying the same thing. They recognize the season. Many say that the season started when Israel became a nation after almost two thousands yours of nonexistence.

I could spend hours going over the things that I have seen reported. Signs and wonders in the skies, good being called evil, the persecution of the Body of Christ in all parts of the world, the sudden arise of the problems in Syria, Israel completely surrounded by enemies, the increase in unexplained mass animal, bird and fish deaths, a religion that is intent on killing all who do not convert, and many more all coming down to a single point in time.

I recently read that some state governments are preparing disaster drills for the consequences of very large earthquakes. I realize that these types of reports can be considered “prepper” talk and can often be taken at face value, but why all of the sudden talk about such things and how to prepare for them?

No one knows about that day or hour.

Sometimes I think that we, as humanity, are blinded to what is going on around us. We are focused entirely on what influences our lives directly and ignore all else. What are we ignoring that we should be paying attention to?

Do we recognize God’s season?

Copyright 1998 – 2013 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Praise Him all the more!

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ^©

Praise the LORD.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
(Psalms 106:1 (NIV))

Sometimes we just simply need to praise God.

Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
(Habbakuk 3:17-18 (NIV))

When things are going our way, we give thanks and praise to God for His blessings. We are eager to lift up praises when we are joyous. It seems to come so much easier when our hearts are light. Turn that joy into sadness and it becomes more difficult to praise God.

Why do we find it difficult to praise God when things are tough? Does He love us any less? Perhaps it is we who have slipped in our faith and affection.

Do you think that the Biblical writers did not have the same stresses that we do today? What if we put Habbakuk into perspective. Today we see a fig tree and we see a plant that offers a hobby for the owner. The same thing with grapes. Most of us in today’s society do not have sheep and cattle so the association is also missed. Consider that when this was written, if any of these things failed to produce or the sheep and the cattle were gone, it was equivalent to someone losing their job in today’s society. It may even be the same as someone losing their home.

I reiterate that sometimes we just simply need to praise God. If we can raise our voices in praise even when things are not good, we will grow stronger in our faith. We will grow closer to God and then when things do turn around, we will praise Him all the more!

Copyright 1998 – 2013 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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