Don’t live your life blindly following the blind!

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

He also told them this parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
(Luke 6:39-40 (NIV))

I often wonder if Jesus was referring to the events in human history that were yet to transpire when he spoke these words?

Think about these words with the perspective of today’s world. We either have the option of following and believing the world or we can follow Jesus. The world is lost. It is blinded by the sin that it so loves. If the wages of sin is death, then if you follow the blindness of the world, you will fall into the pit that is associated with sin. Do not cling to anyone or anything that leads you to anywhere but Jesus. Only Jesus can lead you out of the blindness of this sinful, fallen world. He is our teacher. He is our Lord and He is our Savior.

It should be with humility that we seek His face. It should be with humility that we seek to learn. It should be with humility that we face the fact that in this lifetime we will never be fully trained. In fact, even after an eternity in His presence, we will still be His creation. If we can embrace the truth that Jesus is the teacher, we will no longer desire to be blindly lead by this world.

If you have not accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, now is the time to repent.

Don’t live your life blindly following the blind!

Copyright 1998 – 2022 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Are you confident enough to be humble?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.
(John 13:14 (NIV))

What is the most humbling thing that you have ever done?

Was it a voluntary action?

Imagine having so much confidence in who you are that you think nothing of doing what is considered to be the lowest legal task in society even though your position should dictate something far more fitting to your title.

That is exactly what Jesus did when He chose to wash the disciples feet. It was customary that a non-Jewish servant would be given this task for it was considered to be too low of a task for any Jewish person to perform, yet Jesus chose to do just that. From a worldly point of view, He was a Jew and this task was beneath Him. From a spiritual point of view, He was God with us and yet chose to be a servant to His creation. In other words, He willingly chose to humble Himself with multiple implications through this one act.

Do we truly understand just what Jesus did?

More importantly, do we truly understand what Jesus told us to do when He said that we should wash one another’s feet?

If you look at this just on the surface, the implications are not that bad. When you consider the time in history when this was said, you may come away with a different outlook. You may come away with a much better understanding. The common footwear was sandals. The common roadway was nothing more than dirt. This meant that a person’s feet were disgustingly dirty. Now you see why the task of washing feet was assigned to non-Jewish servants. If you look at this in context, we are called to help each other even if the things that a person needs help with are disgustingly dirty and looked upon by our society as a forbidden task.

What do you consider to be disgustingly dirty?

Adultery. Theft. Murder. Drug addiction. Alcoholism. Have I left anything out? Are these our society’s equivalent of washing feet? Are we willing to humble ourselves and help someone who is in need or are we still caught up in pride and legalism just like the Pharisees were?

Are you confident enough to be humble?

Copyright 1998 – 2022 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Do you accept the proof?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.
(Acts 17:31 (NIV))

Far too many people simply think of Jesus as the baby in the manger. They see the sweet innocence and gladly embrace a child. Some even fully embrace that He was sent by God.

Some see more than this.

Some see a teacher. Some see a prophet. Some see a martyr. Some see even more than this.

I fully embrace the description that the Bible gives to Jesus. This is a combination of Old Testament prophecy that is mirrored in New Testament fulfillment. I see Jesus as all of these things and more. He was a sweet and innocent babe. He was a teacher. He was a prophet. He was a martyr in that He came to die for our sins. But, there is more.

He is God’s only begotten Son. He is the son of man. He is both fully God and fully human. Jesus came to teach us. He came to show us God’s plan for salvation. He came to die so that plan of salvation could be realized. He died and was buried. On the third day, He arose again to being hope and fulfill the promises that had been made. He ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father, and He will return to judge the world.

There, I said it. Too many people simply do not want to admit that God’s plan also includes a day of judgment. They don’t want to admit that there will be consequences for their actions.

Think about that for a moment, though.

Who would you rather be judged by – a perfect Creator in God, or God who became human so that He could fully understand our temptations? In order for God to set a day of judgment, He had to have appointed someone to act as judge. He had to appoint someone to act as a mediator between Himself and sinful man. He had to come into this world to live as we live and to set an example for each of us. He had to face the same temptations that we face. He had to overcome them and offer Himself as a replacement for our punishment.

Judgment is something that we all dread. It is something that we would rather not think about. It is something that we will face if we do not turn to the One whom God sent.

The first time that Jesus came into this world, He came to offer salvation. He came to show us how to avoid judgment. We can accept this offer or we can face judgment.

Do you accept the proof?

Copyright 1998 – 2020 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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How do you classify greatness?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me `Teacher’ and `Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
(John 13:12-17 (NIV))

How do you classify greatness?

Is it military might and power? Is it financial wealth? Is it political power? Is it the ability to hire and fire people at will? Exactly what do you consider greatness?

Chances are that most of the population of the world thinks in terms similar to the questions listed above. We, as humanity, have a tendency to see greatness as an elevation of one person over others to the extent that the one person has power and authority over the others. We do not have a tendency to see greatness as a humble spirit that is willing to do anything for others.

On the contrary, this type of person is seen as weak by our society. We do not think of a person who is willing to be a servant as a great person. They are seen as nothing more than a door mat for others to walk upon. However, God has another opinion.

God sent His Son, Jesus, to be our servant. Jesus was with God, yet, He humbled himself to the point of death so that He could do what the Father asked of Him. Now, through His humility, He sits at the right hand of God the Father as an example of what we are supposed to be like.

Jesus came into this world and turned our perceptions upside down. He died so that many could have life. He arose from the grave to defeat sin and death. He ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God, the Father.

How do you classify greatness?

Copyright 1998 – 2019 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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This is the job of all believers!

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
(Matthew 28:19 (NIV))

Do you realize that you have a written job description as a believer in Jesus?

It is the same for everyone who professes a faith in Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, but, unfortunately, too many fail to perform this one assignment. Our primary responsibility after accepting Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior is to share the good news of salvation with all whom we encounter. Every single one of us is a unique creation. Just as we realize that no two individuals are created the same, our abilities are unique as well. Some of us are eloquent in speech. Some are better with the written word. Some are better with actions. Some are more suited for expressing what Jesus has done through music, while others are visually creative and can convey God’s grace through eye catching artwork. If none of these describe you, then you may be gifted as a teacher or blessed as a caregiver. No matter what you talents may be, all of us can utilize our talents to fulfill our job description as followers of Jesus. We are to use what we have to reach our neighbors. We are to use what we have to reach the world!

This is the job of all believers!

Copyright 1998 – 2019 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Are we doing what Jesus has asked of us?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living

And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
(2 Timothy 2:24 (NIV))

People always say that the student imitates the teacher. So too must the true servant, for they wish to please the master in all that they do. If Jesus is our true Lord and Savior, then as Lord, He is our master.

The word Lord means:
1. A man of high rank in a feudal society or in one that retains feudal forms and institutions, especially:. a. A king. b. A territorial magnate.
2. a. God. b. Jesus. c. A man of renowned power or authority.

If the word “Lord” means king, then according to the authority that a king has over his people, he truly is their master.

A servant does what the master asks of him!

Are we doing what Jesus has asked of us?

Copyright 1998 – 2018 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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There is no other name by which we can be saved!

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
(John 6:68 (NIV))

Have you ever heard someone say that they will try something and if it doesn’t work out, that they will try something else?

Perhaps you have said something like this yourself.

I will be honest with you. There are some things where this is a valid approach. In fact, colleges have this concept down with classes like intro to psychology, intro to geology, and all of the other introductory classes. These are designed to give you a little information about the subject to see if you are interested in exploring in greater detail and depth. They are designed to give you a sampling of what that particular field of study has to offer.

If you have ever taken any classes like these, you probably remember the ones that interested you. Did you go on to learn in greater detail and depth? Was it the class, the material or perhaps it was the teacher who got you interested?

All of these classes are a good way to find out what interests you, but at some point you must make a decision and decide to follow a certain path. For Simon Peter, and the rest of the disciples, they had chosen to follow Jesus. They made this choice not because they would make a lot of money if they did, but because of the truths that they had heard. They had committed to the teachings of Jesus because He fulfilled all of the teachings that they had heard before. He fulfilled God’s Word!

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
(John 14:6 (NIV))

They realized, as I pray that you do, that Jesus was much more than just a man. They realized that all of God’s plans for their redemption and salvation was to be found in no other place, in no other man. It is for this reason that Simon Peter said that he had no other place to turn but to Jesus. Have you made that realization?

There is no other name by which we can be saved!

Copyright 1998 – 2018 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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God instructs us through the Holy Spirit!

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ^©

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
(Titus 2:11-14 (NIV))

Walking with God is more than just having the Creator as our champion. We also have a teacher.

God instructs us, through the Holy Spirit, on how we should act in all situations. We, as students, need to pay more attention to the “teacher” and do as instructed. Even when we have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit is still a ‘gentleman”. He will not force us to do anything.

We must submit our wills to God’s Will. If we willingly do this, then we will be matured in our faith and prepared for Jesus’ return to gather the church together in the clouds. That is something that I do not want to miss.

Copyright 1998 – 2015 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Do you serve wholeheartedly in your circumstances?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ^©

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
(Ephesians 6:7-8 (NIV))

In all that you do, do it the best that you can.

If you are a teacher, commit yourself to teaching. If you are called to be a pastor, do it for the glory of the Lord. If you are to be a waitress, be the best waitress that you can be. Do whatever you do with the joy of the Lord in your heart and it’s visible expression on your face and in your actions so that everyone that you encounter will ask why you are filled with such joy.

I have heard of a Christian who was imprisoned in China simply because he was a Christian. His job in prison had him waste deep in human excrement. All day long he sang about the joy of the Lord and had a smile on his face. If this man could face this situation with joy and do his job wholeheartedly, how can we, in this country, who have the freedom to worship, do any less? A man who literally was in what many would consider hell on earth had joy that went beyond his circumstances because he lived for Jesus and served wholeheartedly in whatever situation he was placed in.

What are you waste deep in? Do you serve wholeheartedly in your circumstances?

Copyright 1998 – 2014 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
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Requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ^©

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone– for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men–the testimony given in its proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle–I am telling the truth, I am not lying–and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.
(1 Timothy 2:1-7 (NIV))

Paul received a great mission from Jesus, and he undertook that mission with humility and an earnestness that have lead to us, the Gentiles, being grafted into the vine of Israel. We are not the vine, nor the root. We are there through grace and mercy. We do not have a right to condemn or judge others, for we were not condemned or judged when we deserved it.

We must pray for those in authority that they will do the will of God and come to a realization and acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Peace is a wonderful thing. All of us want peace in our lives. This peace can only come through a knowledge of Jesus Christ and the grace and mercy that He has given us. Grace is not cheap, but it is free to all who would ask for it. Pray, like Paul did, that all those whom you have contact with will see that you are also a herald and an apostle, and that you speak the truth of the Word of God through Jesus Christ.

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