Have you set your mind on Jesus?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
(Colossians 3:2 (NIV))

Unlike any other time in human history, now is the time to look up!

Do the things of this world have you worried? Look up!

No matter what the news may say and no matter what they do not say, we have a mighty God who is in control. We have a mighty Savior who, in the eyes of the world, has done the unthinkable. He willingly died to save us from our sins. All that we have to do is believe in Him! We have the promises that God has given, and they are many! Not only do we have the promises that foretold of Jesus, we also have the promises that foretell of His return.

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
(2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV))

Think about that for a moment. If God cannot associate with sin, then we know that He is not capable of committing a sin. He is not capable of telling a lie. Because He is not capable of lying, we know that every single word that proceeds from His mouth is truth. In other words, if He said it, it WILL happen just as He said. The sad thing is that we, as sinful, fallen humanity have a hard time comprehending that there is someone who is always truthful no matter what the situation. Even those who always try to tell the truth will find themselves slipping up and twisting things unintentionally. In other words, we lie even when we don’t want to!

We must focus on the perfect image of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Only when we keep our focus in this direction are we capable of discerning the truth from the lies of the enemy, and right now, the enemy is on a rampage! Every single day I learn more and more about the things that are unfolding in this world. I learn of things that, if I didn’t keep my eyes focused on Jesus, would scare me to death. Troubles are increasing exponentially. I also learn of things that have me fascinated because God is unfolding things just as He foretold. The troubles in this world may be increasing exponentially, but we must take heart, for the things of God are falling into place exponentially as well. Things are happening so fast that many people are saying that something major is going to happen by the end of this month. I don’t claim to be a prophet, nor do I claim to know the hour or the day, but I do recognize the season that we are in. I do recognize the need for repentance. I do recognize the need to set our minds on things above, for they are eternal. The things of this world are fleeting and can change in the twinkling of an eye.

No matter what may happen in this world, we must look to Jesus!

No matter what the enemy may do, we must remember that we have a risen Savior who has overcome the enemy.

No matter what may happen in this world, we know who wins.

Have you set your mind on the winner?

Have you set your mind on Jesus?

Copyright 1998 – 2022 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
https://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Seek Him in all that you do!

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.
(Romans 1:28 (NIV))

The English Standard Version and the New King James Version both reference a debased mind. The King James Version uses the words a reprobate mind. No matter what translation you prefer, the meaning is clear. God allows those who basically mock Him and rebel against Him to get exactly what they want to the point of depravity, corruption, evil and perversion.

When you see things unfolding in this world, we must remember that God is a gentleman. He will not force Himself on anyone. He allows people to get what they want. As we watch things unfold right before our eyes, all that we can do is pray for God’s Will to be done. When evil is being called good and good is being called evil, we must pray for God’s Will to be done. When the world appears to be helpless, hopeless and lost, we must pray for God’s Will to be done. We look at things and want to pray for our will to be done, but that is what the world strives to do. We must put our will aside and pray that we seek His Will and His understanding. Sadly, there are so many people who will push their will all the way to eternal separation from God.

I know a lady who got to the point that she simply prayed to know what she needs to know when she needs to know it. With all that is going on in the world, I truthfully believe that we should all be praying this same prayer. Ask for His guidance. Ask for His direction. Stay at the foot of the cross and keep your eyes focused on Jesus.

I saw many things today that from a worldly perspective made my heart sink. At the same time, from a faith perspective, they made me look up for Jesus! When you hear of a public address program aimed at New York City telling people what to do in case of a nuclear attack, you look up. When you hear of record breaking heat waves in areas of the world that have never had temperatures in these extremes, you look up. When you hear of global pandemics, you look up. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, you look up. When you hear of labor shortages, food shortages, and increasing prices, you look up. When you hear that people can’t define the differences between a man and a woman, you look up. When a lie is considered the truth and the truth is considered a lie, you look up.

I don’t know about you, but I am seeing so much depravity in the world. There is so much more than I have ever seen.

I saw a video today that had me in tears. It wasn’t because of the depravity it contained. It was a music video of the song “Way Maker.” It was performed in Jerusalem and the group consisted of Arabic believers and Jewish believers singing the song in Arabic, Hebrew and English. I watched it so many times and each time I watched it, I felt such joy and peace. I had tears in my eyes each time I watched it. Just thinking about it brings tears of joy.

Can you imagine the chorus of voices in heaven? Worship at its finest. Far away from the depravity of the world.

We have a promise to hold on to. Don’t allow the depravity of the world make you lose site of that promise, that hope that we have in Jesus.

The knowledge of our Lord is so worthwhile!

Seek Him in all that you do!

Copyright 1998 – 2022 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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There has never been a better time to look up!

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
(Psalms 19:1 (NIV))

When you look up into the night sky, what do you see?

When you gaze at a glorious sunset, what do you see?

You can claim scientific explanations for these and countless other wonders that God has created, and you would be correct. Sadly, too many people stop there and fail to recognize the majesty and the splendor of such things with respect to who created them and why. They simply look upon the heavens as a “big bang” and the glorious sunsets as a result of meteorological phenomenon. We, as the body of believers, know that there is so much more to this than just mere coincidence.

And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years,
(Genesis 1:14 (NIV))

God has planned it that way from the start, but He didn’t stop there. He has used the signs to track time, and we still do that to this day. He has even laid out the heavens to provide signs of the end.

There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars.
(Luke 21:25a (NIV))

God’s creation is beautiful. Everything that He has created tells of His majesty. He has even planned to display His majesty to give us warning and hope for what is to come.

On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.
(Luke 21:25b-26 (NIV))

It is a matter of perspective. If all that you see is a “big bang,” then you are missing out on so much that God has promised. If you rejoice in His creation, then you will see His majesty and the glorious hope that He has given to those who will simply believe. With everything that is going on in the world, keep focused on what God is showing us in the heavens. First and foremost is the fact that He is in control and second is the promises of the soon return of Jesus!

There has never been a better time to look up!

Copyright 1998 – 2021 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Do you believe that it’s time to look up?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.
(John 14:29 (NIV))

Have you ever been tempted to say, “I told you so”? Have you ever actually said it?

That is a human trait that is based on ego and pride. We want to let people know that we are right and if they would have only listened to us in the beginning, things would have turned out differently. What is it about human nature that makes us believe that we should always be on top? Does it have anything to do with our desire to overcome the fall from grace? Is it something inherited that tells us that everything is our fault and unless we point the proverbial finger and blame others, we are no better than the sin we are trapped in? We like to blame others and in the process, we tend to elevate ourselves so that we look like the good guy.

Jesus isn’t telling us “I told you so!” He isn’t providing information in hindsight for us to analyze and argue about. Jesus is telling us specifically what will happen. In fact, He told us about two thousand years ago what would unfold. He told us so that we could be on the lookout for these events and recognize them when they do begin to unfold.

Are you recognizing anything?

With all of the events in the world right now, many people believe that they recognize events unfolding just as we have been told. They, and I, see things that are escalating and getting more intense just as the birth pains that we are told about for comparison. The human mind focuses on it’s immediate surroundings and usually only is concerned with events that impact us directly. We have a tendency to quickly forget or even ignore events that don’t impact us. Perhaps we should open our eyes and look beyond our own little circle of life in this world. What will we see? Will we know enough about God’s plans as recorded in God’s Word to recognize what we see? Will we know how to respond?

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

God has a time table that only He knows the exact days on which things will transpire. We are told that only He knows the exact hour and day, but that we can recognize the season.

Do you believe that it’s time to look up?

Copyright 1998 – 2020 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Have you embraced the peace that overcomes all fear?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV))

With everything that this world is facing right now, look up!

Whether you believe that it is blown out of proportion, or it is real, look up!

As humanity, all of the combined knowledge and wisdom that we may have is nothing when compared to that of the One who created everything. With this in mind, if you place your faith in Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, why do you fear? Fear is from the enemy. It is time that we conquer our fear with prayer! In doing so, we must remember that prayer is more than just a one-sided conversation where we unload all of our burdens on the Lord. He does love us and wants to hear what burdens us, but He also desires to speak to us, to give us His plan and purpose. He longs to give us His peace.

When was the last time that you honestly had a prayer conversation with the Lord? Is your faith strong enough for you to embrace your weakness and to fall on your knees seeking the Lord?

Have you embraced the peace that overcomes all fear?

Copyright 1998 – 2020 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Our hope is from above! Look up!

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ^©

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
(Acts 7:55-56 (NIV))

I know that this was the verse from yesterday, but something stood out about this passage and how Stephen responded that warranted further consideration. I want you to pay special attention to how Stephen reacted when he was confronted by the Sanhedrin.

Most people, when confronted, will look down. This is often taken as a sign of surrender. Stephen did not surrender.

Some will look their accusers in the eyes. This can be taken as a sign of confidence in their stance based on their own merits. From what has been written, Stephen did not look his accusers in the eyes to stare them down.

Stephen also did not turn away out of shame, or as a veiled attempt to escape.

He looked up!

Stephen, even in his circumstances that lead to his death by stoning, refused to focus on anything else but his God and Savior. As a result, God appeared to him to give him confidence, to give him assurance, and to give him hope. Stephen was not disappointed by his focus!

I have been reading and watching many testimonies lately about dreams and visions that members of the Body of Christ are having. There is a common theme to these dreams and visions. We must keep our focus on Jesus no matter what the world may send our way. We must remember that our hope is not of this world. We have a God who loves us so much, that He sent His only begotten Son to live as one of us and to die bearing our sins. We have a risen Savior who was willing to suffer death on the cross and was resurrected so that He could now sit at the right hand of God, the Father. If we have them with us, as the Body of Christ, where else do we ever need to look?

We must never lose focus, because our hope is from above! Look up!

Copyright 1998 – 2016 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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More birth pains and they are closer together!

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ^©

With recent events, I found myself returning to the following which was originally sent out on March 24, 2008. Stand firm in your faith! Do not be deceived!

******

Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, `I am he,’ and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
(Mark 13:5-8 (NIV))

Birth pains!

Every day we read about still one more thing that could very easily be birth pains. There are wars and rumors of wars in many places. Terrorism is a war that is being fought on many fronts. Kingdoms are in constant struggle with one another. When these words were written, a nation referred to an ethnic people group such as the Israelites, the Hittites, and Assyrians. Today, it seems that ethnic struggles are increasing. Millions of people have been killed in Africa because they do not belong to the correct ethnic group. Israel is under constant threat because, in the eyes of the many Muslims, they are the wrong ethnic group.

Earthquakes are increasing. Everything seems to be going to the very extremes. One part of the world suffers a very severe draught while their neighbors suffer from very severe floods. One day we have winter. The very next is very warm. The next day we have rain. The next day we have very severe storms and tornadoes.

Man’s economies are getting further and further into trouble. According to the media, many people are losing their homes. To make matters worse, I saw a major headline today that said food prices are skyrocketing worldwide. Could we be far away from being able to buy a bag of gold with a piece of bread?

It is very easy to get depressed when you consider all that is going on in the world, but, don’t let the events of this world make you lose sight of your greatest hope. That hope is Jesus.

“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))

When the events of this world have you looking down, look up! Our hope is built upon the Son of God who sits at the right hand of God the Father. We have nothing to fear. All around us may fall apart, but we have a hope. We have a peace that passes all understanding. No matter what the world sends our way, we must keep our eyes focused on Jesus.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
(Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV))

Copyright 1998 – 2015 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Are you ready to see the glory of God?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ^©

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”
(John 11:40 (NIV))

With recent events, it is often hard to imagine how God can be glorified in the midst of all of the issues that we now face.

Take heart. God is working in and through everything.

When we feel that things are going wrong, look up. God can and will turn them around. When we feel that all hope is lost, look up. God has given us a hope that cannot be taken away. When we feel that the enemy is winning, look up. Satan thought he was winning once before when Jesus hung on the cross, but it didn’t turn out the way he thought it would. With that in mind, why do you think that Satan will get the upper hand in any other attacks that he tries?

We know how it ends. We know who wins. If things seem a little bad now and then, we must simply remember who holds the future and thank God for that all important fact and pray. We must pray for peace. We must pray for understanding. We must pray for those who do not know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Then, when we believe, we will see the glory of God as He works miracles.

Are you ready to see the glory of God?

Copyright 1998 – 2014 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Kneel down and look up!

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ^©

He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: `Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.
(2 Chronicles 20:15 (NIV))

How often do we forget that the battle is God’s? If you are like me, it is probably all too often for your own tastes.

We all face our own “vast armies” on a daily basis that seem to distract us and keep our focus off of God. It is when we loose our focus on God that these distractions can overwhelm us just as the vast army discouraged King Jehoshaphat and all of the people who lived under his authority.

Our “vast armies” are many and range from extremely personal to vastly public. Society has made some shifts that I am sure are causing Satan to celebrate. Don’t let these discourage you. We are in a battle between the army of God and the army of Satan. It may appear that Satan is getting the upper hand, but take heart, read God’s Word. He wins!!!

We tend to forget that God does win, especially when we are right in the middle of the battlefield. It is hard to see the glorious victory when all around you is chaos. It is important to stay firmly grounded in God’s Word so that we will have the faith to take the words of 2 Chronicles 20:15 to heart, for the battle is truly not ours to fight. It is God’s!

Are you discouraged?

Kneel down and look up!

Copyright 1998 – 2013 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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