Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living^©

Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
(Psalms 27:14 (NIV))

God is calling to each of us. He has something unique for each life that He has created. In our human inadequacies, we rush God’s plans. We try to anticipate and put our own desires into what God has called us to. We try to tell God what He should have us do with our life. We try to be our own little gods, each of us attempting to run our life to our own version of perfection when we cannot even spend one hour in God’s perfection.

Perhaps another often quoted verse from the Psalmist can put it in perspective.

Be still, and know that I am God
(Psalms 46:10a(NIV))

In order for us to fully understand that we must wait and do things in God’s time, we must know God. We must know the Truth and not the version of God that we have confined to the little box that we have built for Him. This box is our comfort zone. We try to limit God and what He can do. We try to impose human and physical limitations on God so that we, in our limited understanding, can try to understand Him.

We create God in our image!

This concept is dangerous. We, the creation, cannot create. All we can do is imitate. At best, all we can do is reflect the light that is God. If we try to create God in our image, then we have sinned, especially when you realize that sin is anything that we do that keeps us from God. When we create God in our image, we are keeping ourselves from the truth that is God by limiting who He is.

Be still, and know grace.

Be still, and know mercy.

Be still, and know God.

Are you waiting for the Lord?

Copyright 1998 – 2009 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living^©

O LORD, God of Israel, you are just. We stand before you in our guilt . . . .
(Ezra 9:15 (NLT))

What else can we do?

We are not worthy to be able to be called righteous!

We are not worthy to be able to be called sinless!

We are simply not worthy.

What can we do in our sinful, guilty state?

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
(Romans 3:21-24 (NIV))

Isn’t it wonderful to know that the condemnation that was expressed to us through Ezra is washed clean in the words of Paul to the Romans? Paul did not wash us clean. He simply told of the cleansing power of Jesus.

Only though the acceptance of the atoning blood of Jesus can we be presented to God sinless and guiltless.

How will you be presented?

Copyright 1998 – 2009 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living^©

“For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow . . .for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.”
(James 1:3-4 (NLT))

What are you ready for?

Is your faith as strong as it should be? I cannot answer that question for anybody but myself. I can honestly say that I like to think that my faith is strong, yet, I doubt what my actions would be if I were to face certain situations. If someone were to hold a gun to my head and tell me to deny Jesus or die, I pray that I would have the faith to do what I know that I should.

Think about what I just stated.

If our faith were not tested and our endurance not given a chance to grow, I know exactly how I would react if I would be placed in the situation I described earlier. It is a learning process. When we are in school, we do not take college calculus in kindergarten. We start off with lessons that we can grasp fully and then we move on to another, bigger lesson. Our spiritual maturity follows a similar path. If, as a new believer, we are faced with major situations, we will fail. It is by God’s grace that we can be redeemed when we do fail, but we will fail. Each test of our faith gets us closer to what God desires for us, but we must embrace the faith lessons that we are being taught.

There will come a day very soon when each believer will face a test so big that we MUST fully rely on our faith to see us through. We must allow our Godly character to be developed now so that when we do face this test, we will know exactly how to respond. We must be ready to face the enemy head on and confidently denounce and rebuke his plans no matter what the consequences may be to us. We must embrace our faith and head fully into the power of Jesus’ name.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 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 12:1-3 (NIV))

Can you endure?

Copyright 1998 – 2009 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living^©

At that time if anyone says to you, `Look, here is the Christ!’ or, `Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect–if that were possible. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.
(Mark 13:21-23 (NIV))

How well do you know Jesus? How well do you know God’s Word?

Do you know them well enough to be able to discern the difference between the truth and a lie?

All too often, the enemy will shroud his lies in bits and pieces of the truth. He will use just enough of the truth to make his lies sound plausible. He will count on people not knowing God’s Word well enough to tell the difference between the truth and his lies. He will use just enough to entrap people.

Entrapment!

Do you honestly think that Satan cares how he tricks people into missing out on God’s grace and mercy? He only cares that he does trick people. It does not matter to him that he deceives people. It does not matter to him that he misuses God’s Word to deceive. He has only one goal and that is keeping as many people as possible from the redeeming grace offered through Jesus. Satan thinks that if he can’t be worshipped, then he will take that from God.

In the high-speed, fast-paced world that we now find ourselves in, we must know what we believe in. We must know what we have faith in.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
(Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV))

Are you fully armed with the knowledge and truth that is God’s Word? Will you be able to withstand the deception?

Copyright 1998 – 2009 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living^©

Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD.
Blessed are they who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart.
(Psalms 119:1-2 (NIV))

It is at this time of year that I find this passage really hitting home.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
(Romans 3:23 (NIV))

No one is blameless. no one can walk according to the law of the Lord. No one has been able to keep His statutes, and no one has truly been able to seek God with all their heart. We are human and a fallen race. We cannot do what we desire.

We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
(Romans 7:14-15 (NIV))

These words were written by Paul, who was instrumental in spreading the gospel and planting the church amongst the Gentiles. He is a pillar in the history of the church, yet, he was not blameless. Fortunately he did seek to walk in the path of righteousness. He did desire to keep the statutes and he desired to seek after God’s own heart. Still, in the eyes of God, he was a sinner. Even Paul fell short. He sinned. He missed the mark, just as all of us have missed the mark. No one can fulfill the words expressed by the psalmist.

Grace is an amazing thing. At this time of year, we celebrate the birth of Jesus as the ultimate gift from a loving God. This gift allows us, who cannot be blameless, to be blessed. It allows those who try to walk according to the law, and fail, to redeem ourselves. It provides an opportunity for those who seek to keep His statutes a cushion for the many times that we will fall. It provides a path back for those who simply cannot stay on course with God’s heart. In other words, it provides grace and mercy to all of us who are a part of God’s greatly loved, but fallen creation.

If we were capable of achieving God’s blessings on our own, we would not need Jesus. The responsibility and the burden of our salvation would lie solely with us. We would have no one to assist us. We would have no one to cry out to when we simply cannot go on. We would have only our own despair.

I often wonder what it would be like to be perfect in God’s eyes. It is something to strive to achieve. Still, I am eternally grateful for the grace and mercy, for I know myself and I know my faults. The only thing that I am truly good at is disappointing myself because I fall short.

Thank you, Jesus!

Copyright 1998 – 2009 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living^©

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 8:37-39 (NIV))

What is your biggest fear? What is your biggest secret? Perhaps your biggest fear is that people will learn of your biggest secret.

We all have things that we are not proud of and that we hope never come out, yet, there is someone who knows everything about us and He still chooses to reach out to us with a free gift of grace and mercy. He loves us despite our sins. All that we have to do is accept that love, that grace and mercy. We have to accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior.

If we have accepted Jesus, then what power has the authority to overshadow this grace and mercy? Does death have the ability to keep us from God’s love? No. Jesus overcame death. Does Satan have the authority to keep us from God’s grace?

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!
(Romans 5:9 (NIV))

Satan and his demons cannot touch us!

Nothing can separate us from the love of God this is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Now, digress just a few moments and ask yourself again about your biggest fear and your biggest secret. Does it really matter? Does it honestly have control over you and your glorious hope in Jesus Christ? If you honestly place your faith in Jesus, then nothing of this world can destroy your salvation. We have a promise.

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))

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. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
(2 Corinthians 1:20-22 (NIV))

Do you like promises that are kept? You can rely on the promises of God.

Copyright 1998 – 2009 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living^©

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
(Psalms 119:114 (NIV))

If you were given a choice between trusting in something that would eventually fail or trusting in something that has never failed to be correct, where would you place your hope and trust?

It seems to me that the answer would be obvious, yet each of us are guilty of placing our hope in things that will rust and decay. We would rather trust in things that we can see and feel, even though we know they will soon lose their value and their appeal. We, as humans, are more prone to be focused on the physical nature of our existence simply because we can touch it, we can hold it, and we can briefly possess it.

God’s Word is something that we cannot touch. We cannot hold it like material possessions. We can not possess it.

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.
(Deuteronomy 11:18 (NIV))

We can simply strive to live by what it reveals. We can reflect upon this truth it holds. We can place our trust and our hope in the promises that it holds. These promises are vague by our physical and materialistic standards, but hey hold so much more value than anything that we desire.

God’s Word has never failed. God’s Word is eternal.

Where do you place your hope and your trust?

Copyright 1998 – 2009 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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World of Reggae Music Collection: Vintage Reggae

Classic Reggae

This second volume of the World of Reggae Music Collection digs deeper into Vintage Reggae exploring some of reggae’s most classic tracks. For example, the Tamlin’s “Baltimore“ is a classic cut that typifies the soul of reggae music. From the unique vocal stylings of Barrington Levy and Susan Cadogan to supergroups like The Heptones, Israel Vibration, and the Gladiators, this era of reggae music forces hearts to pulsate and feet to dance. Furthermore, this genre includes melodic tracks like Bob Marley & the Wailers‘ “Do It Twice” and Ernie Smith’s “Duppy Gunman.”

1. Barrington Levy – Don’t Fuss Nor Fight
2. Roman Stewart – Hit Song
3. Errol Dunkley – Sad To Know
4. Susan Cadogan – Hurt So Good
5. The Heptones – Country Boy
6. Leroy Smart – I Am the Don
7. The Gladiators – Small Axe
8. Toots & the Maytals – Peeping Tom
9. Reggie Antonie – So Many Ways
10. Lee “Scratch” Perry – So Many Skanks
11. Clancy Eccles – Fatty Fatty
12. Mallory Williams – She Boom
13. Johnny Ousborne – Water Pumping
14. Jimmy Sommerville – To Love Somebody
15. The Pioneers – Time Hard
16. Dennis Brown – Sitting And Watching
17. Bob Andy – Feeling
18. Peter Tosh – Ketchy Shuby
19. Horace Andy –I Feel Good All Over
20. Bob Marley & the Wailers – Bus Dem Shut
21. Joe Higgs – Burning Fire
22. Ernie Smith – Duppy Gunman
23. Junior Murvin – Cool Out son
24. Eric Donaldson – Stand Up
25. Lee “Scratch” Perry – Dub Fu Ye Rights
26. Horace Andy – Man To Man
27. Bob Marley & the Wailers – Do It Twice
28. Desmond Dekker – Generosity
29. Bob Marley & the Wailers – Guava Jelly
30. Message – Rum-Bum-A-Loo
31. The Viceroys – River To Cross
32. Israel Vibration – The Same Song
33. Bunny Wailer – Rockers
34. Junior Byles – Fade Away
35. Theo Beckford – Easy Snappin’
36. Max Romeo – Wet Dream
37. Freddie McGregor – Joggin’
38. The Viceroys – Ya Ho
39. Marcia Griffiths – Melody Life
40. The Wailing Souls – Row Fisherman
41. Rupie Edwards – Ire Feelings
42. Jacob Miller – Love Is A Message
43. Denzel D. Dennis – Women and Money
44. The Upsetters – Cent Skank
45. Jacob Miller – Baby I Love You So
46. Johnny Clarke – Top Ranking (I’m the Toughest)
47. The Heptones – I’ve Got the Handle (First Aid)
48. The Cables – Baby Why
49. Dave Barker & the Upsetters – Shock Of Mighty
50. The Maytones – Money Worries
51. Freddie McGregor – I Was Born A Winner
52. The Wailing Souls – Back Out
53. Glen Washington – One Of These Days
54. The Congos – At The Feast
55. Cornell Campbell & Sound Dimension – What Kind of World
56. Derrick Morgan –  Forward March
57. Black Uhuru – Sponji Reggae
58. Johnny Clarke -  Move Out Of Babylon
59. Bob Marley & the Wailers – Waiting In Vain
60. Carl Malcom – Fatty Bum Bum
61. Gregory Isaacs – Top Ten
62. Desmond Dekker – Shing A Ling
63. Barry Brown – Stand Firm
64. Trevor Byfield – Burning Bush
65. The Gladiators – On the Other Side
66. Black Uhuru – Great Train Robbery
67. Carl Malcom – No Jestering
68. Cornell Campbell – Stars
69. Dub Specialist – Starring Dub
70. Lloyd Parks – Ordinary Man
71. The Impact All Stars – Ordinary Man Version 3
72. Lord Creator – Such is Life
73. Keith Poppin – Righteous Man
74. The Heptones – My Guiding Star
75. Leroy Smart – Wish You Good Luck
76. Bob Marley & the Wailers – Lively Up Yourself
77. Black Uhuru – Sun Is Shining
78. The Mighty Diamonds – Back Whey
79. Little John – All Over Me
80. Ruddy Thomas – When I Think Of You
81. Don Carlos – Hog and Goat
82. Tyrone Taylor – Heavy Waist Line
83. Prince Alla – Poor Man Feel It
84. Cornell Campbell – Press Along
85. King Tubby – Press Along (King Tubby’s Dub)
86. Dennis Brown – Cassandra
87. The Tamlins – Baltimore
88. Dandy Livingstone – Suzanne Beware Of The Devil
89. Zap Pow - This Is Reggae Music
90. Johnny Clarke - None Shall Escape The Judgement
91. Pluto Shervington – Ram Goat Liver
92. Tingo Stewart – Play De Music
93. Denzel Dennis – Me Nah Worry

This week has been a week of pondering some things that God has been bringing to my mind. He laid it on my heart that I have an unwillingness to share the gospel. Oh, I wouldn’t have called it that. I would call it shyness or not really knowing any non-Christians. I would say that I don’t like to be confrontational or that I don’t want to get into a debate. Or I would say that my calling and ministry are to lead the group of believing women that God has put under me. But God said, “You are UNWILLING to share the gospel.”

I have to say that this revelation of my own heart was painful. All those excuses I listed above, I tried on God. He didn’t take a single one of them. He showed me that I am full of pride. That is why I tried the lame excuse of shyness and wanting to avoid confrontation. His overwhelming response was that in truth, I don’t want to be rejected. I want people to like me, so I avoid telling them about Him…

Then I tried the “I don’t really know any non-Christians,” which is true working for a Christian company, practically all my coworkers, friends, and family are believers. Then, He brought to mind the passage about Him appointing small things to us to see if we are trustworthy before giving us big things. In my present state, God doesn’t trust me to lead someone to Him, because I haven’t demonstrated a willingness and preparedness to do so!

So, my only defense, albeit a weak one, was that He called me into a ministry where I only encounter believers. But then He asked, “did I?” And it struck me, I don’t technically know the hearts of each of the women I encounter at church. It is conceivable that one or more of them don’t actually have that personal saving relationship with Christ. And then He brought me to this verse, which makes it clear that each of us are CALLED to be prepared to share the gospel:

“Stand firm therefore [...] having shod your feet with the preparation fo the gospel of peace…” – Ephesians 6:14-15

I am out of excuses. I should daily prepare to share the gospel and take it with me where ever I go, so that whether by action or word, God can use me to lead others to Him.

I must say, that this admission of pride and foolishness to myself, God, and now to you, is hard. Coming to the realization that I love myself and my own ego more than I love God and the lost people He wants me to help bring to Him, well, it hurts. My response to God’s hand of conviction this week has simply been a cry for help. A plea for Him to humble me and to change me and to give me a joy and love overflowing for Him and for the people He died for.

So, I ask for your prayers, and I ask for each of you to ask the Lord to search your hearts as well. If God brought someone across your path today who was seeking answers, would you be willing to say something? Would you know what to say? Would you be ready to share the gospel and your testimony? If so, praise God for already bringing you to that place of love and humility. If not, ask Him to change you and to prepare you, I fully believe He will!

My pastor recently challenged us, as a church, with two applications along these lines:

1. Prepare a 30 second version of the gospel - This should allow you to share it simply and clearly with someone God may bring across your path.
2. Prepare a 3 minute version of your testimony - Include life before Christ, what Christ did for you, and life after Christ.

I want to challenge you to do this as well. If you have other ways in which you prepare, please share them with us. Then, let us know if God brings someone across your path and how it goes!

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living^©

To me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
(Philippians 1:21 (NIV))

Carefully reread these words. Do they have a sound that is contrary to what we, as a society, tend to think about this world, life and “religion?”

Most people think of Jesus as a safety net for when we die, not as a way in which we can live in freedom.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
(John 10:10(NIV))

We are told that Jesus gives us life to the full, yet, we ignore Him until we face dying. Isn’t it just like human nature to have our priorities turned around. We look to the promise of life when we are dying and look to sin and death when we are alive. For those who understand the truth behind these words, life is better with Jesus. There is hope. There is peace and there is grace.

Without Jesus, death is to be feared. We end up eternally separated from God and eternally cast away with Satan. With Jesus, death is not to be feared, for we will see the reward for our faith. We will walk with Jesus in the Kingdom of Heaven where we will be eternally at peace and in God’s presence. When we look at it like this, death for a believer is gain. It is not to be feared. It is a reward for our faith and our priorities in this life. We have all heard that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. If we are present with the Lord at our death, then we have “gained” eternal life through grace and mercy. This is truly gain.

What will you gain when you die?

Copyright 1998 – 2009 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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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,
(Titus 2:11-12 (NIV))

How many of us are capable of saying “No” to the ungodliness and worldly passions that constantly bombard us from all sides? How can we live according to God’s Word when all around us is sin and chaos?

We would all like to think that we say “No” to everything ungodly that comes our way, but we are only human. We all need to turn certain areas of our lives over to God and not take them back. Not a single one of us is perfect in our walk, in our faith. We all fail, sometimes miserably. Even when we strive to live upright and godly lives, we don’t always do as we should.

It is by God’s grace that we are not held accountable.

I can imagine that many of you read that and stopped dead in your tracks wondering why I would say that. Let me explain.

Once we have accepted Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, we are given grace. All of our previous sins are forgiven. Our slate has been wiped clean. Once we receive grace, we do not become perfect creatures instantly. We still have our old habits and our old sins that the Holy Spirit helps us to overcome. We have made a choice to live godly lives, yet, we will stumble. We will fail to listen and we will do things that will break the very heart of God. What makes the difference at this point is the fact that we have made a commitment to Jesus. If we strive to follow Jesus, then our sins will be forgiven.

It is said that Christians are not perfect, just forgiven. There is so much truth in this. I know that I am far from perfect. I know that I have done many things just in this time period that we call today. Still, I know that I am forgiven. I rest assured on the promises that God has given through 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.
(John 3:16 (NIV))

God’s grace, once granted, will continue as long as we strive to do what is righteous in His eyes.

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
(Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV))

We are to strive to be like Jesus. We are to strive to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions. We are to strive to be self-controlled. Sometimes we will fail.

Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
(John 8:10-11 (NIV))

God never fails. When we fail to say “No,” simply turn to God and repent. He will be there with open arms.

Copyright 1998 – 2009 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Word from this morning:

I am that I am, yet who has believed my words? Who says within that I delay? Foolish man, did I not say this day would come? That if you would not prepare that I would come upon you as a thief? Weeping and mourning are the portion of those who did not enter in, their regret is soon to come. My way is the high way, yet who has chosen to walk it? To cast aside their all and follow me? Be patient my friends, I am with you and I will not forsake you. The day is near, be free from you own understandings. Walk in all the truths you know. Every word I have spoken, every promise I have made, will come to pass. Look to me, for in me alone do you find your rest. Lift up your eyes my people and rejoice, for now is your salvation nearer than you supposed. Let go of all that keeps you from staying in my presence always and let go of every earthly desire. Have faith, my words will come to pass. I have not forgotten one jot or mark. Be ready, for soon this nation will begin to fall and many hearts shall fail for fear. I will be with you. Remember all that I hav given, even the deep riches that I have shown. Do not let go, but hold firm. I cannot be moved.

The Lord also stirred me in Ezekiel 12:21-28

²¹And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

 ²²Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?

 ²³Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.

 ²⁴For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel.

 ²⁵For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.

 ²⁶Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying.

 ²⁷Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are far off.

 ²⁸Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.

The Lord was stirring me this morning about remembering all that He has given and about remembering all that He has done for us. God will perform His words and as I do believe the scripture above is talking about this time, much will be performed shortly. We have been given much, we have access to the “true riches”. These things are those wich cannot be removed, and cannot be taken from us if choose to hold fast to them. God is bringing to mind visions and dreams, understanding from times past. Let us continue to encourage one another while it is yet the green season, letting go of our carnal expectations that God may freely glorify His name in our lives.

                                                 With Love In Christ,

                                                                     Austin

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living^©

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
(Revelation 22:13 (NIV))

Think about this passage and these words.

What do they mean to you?

Have you ever heard anyone say something similar to these words? If you have, they were probably trying to convey to those around them that they were the ultimate authority with respect to whatever the topic was. In the last century, we even had a President who uttered words with a similar intent when he said, “The buck stops here.” In other words, there is no option of passing the decision up the proverbial ladder to someone who has more authority.

God is the ultimate authority!

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
(Genesis 1:1 (NIV))

God has a plan. He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus to fulfill that plan.

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
(Revelation 22:20-21 (NIV))

Nothing can change that plan. God is in control and nothing that we can do will change that plan. It may change where we will end up, but it will not change the outcome. God is the ultimate authority and Satan will be defeated.

When the words, “The buck stops here” were spoken, it meant that the final decision had been made and nothing could alter that decision. Consider once again the words. We can either accept God’s plan and His grace or we can reject His plan and His grace. If we accept it, He has already told us what will transpire.

Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.
(Revelation 22:12 (NIV))

Personally, I don’t want to be given what is to be given to those who reject His grace.

What will God in all of His authority give to you?

Copyright 1998 – 2009 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Be strong, and then enter to your own body;

there you will find a solid place for your feet.

Thing about it carefully!

Don’t go somewhere else!

Kabir says this:

Just throw away all thoughts of imaginary things and

stand firm in that which  you are.

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living^©

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.
(Revelation 21:4 (NKJV))

If God only chose one promise to keep and this was it, we would have an extremely good reason for calling upon His name. Yet, we know that God keeps all of His promises and that this is only a small portion of what He has in store for those who call upon His name through the grace and mercy offered through Jesus Christ.

Can you imagine what it will be like when this is fulfilled?

Does anyone ever have a single day in which something or someone does not cause them sorrow? Life in this sinful world is not capable of providing a single day like what is described in this verse, yet, those who truly call upon Jesus Christ as their Lord and Master will face an eternity of such bliss.

There is an old saying that nothing is certain in this life but death and taxes. Jesus has provided a way to defeat death, and through the promise of this verse, all matters that are taxing to the human spirit will no longer cause us pain. To claim this, and all of God’s promises, for yourself, all that you have to do is accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, and allow the Holy Spirit to work within your life.

You cannot do it on your own, but you can accept the gift of grace and mercy that God freely gives through His Son, Jesus.

Copyright 1998 – 2009 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living^©

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
(Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV))

This past few days, God taught me a lesson about the gifts that He has given each of us. He used my sixteen year old son to emphasize something that many of us have a tendency to overlook.

As I may have stated in previous devotionals, my son plays alto and tenor saxophone in his high school band. I feel that he has a gift for music. Fortunately, he is in a school that has a band director who firmly believes in using what you have been given. He pushes the kids in a way that has brought discipline, maturity and confidence in their playing abilities. The band and the band director have taken the natural callings that the students have and have worked hard since summer. It shows. They earned the right to attend the national high school band competition recently held in Annapolis, Maryland. This right was granted to them by winning first place in the regional competition held just two weeks prior.

What made this band different was not their gifts, although it was a foundation. What made this band different was the fact that they acted upon those gifts and firmly believed that they could do it. God gave them each the ability to play. It was their decision and their action that turned that gift, that calling, into more than just a typical high school band.

How does that relate to some being apostles, some being prophets, some evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers?

God has also called each of us with spiritual gifts as well as physical gifts. He may not have called us to play music, but he has called us to other endeavors, endeavors that also need our decision and our action to turn that gift into all that God has called it to be. We may realize that we have a calling, but if we never act on that calling, is it truly what god desires? What if it is your calling to be an evangelist and bring countless numbers to salvation through Jesus? What will happen if you never take action on that calling.

We have to respond. We have to be willing to step out in faith just as my son’s high school band stepped out in faith when they believed that they could do more than simply playing at football games.

What is God calling you to do? If someone knocks on your door to tell you that you have won a fantastic prize, what happens if you do not answer the door? What will happen to your gift, your calling, if you never respond to God and step out in faith?

Being called is wonderful, yet, it is only the first step in the process. If you want to see what God will do if you answer your call, then step out in faith and allow God to mold you into the apostle, the prophet, the evangelist, the pastor or teacher that he knows that you can be.

Copyright 1998 – 2009 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living^©

In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
(Matthew 7:12 (NIV))

Practically everyone knows the first part of this passage as “The Golden Rule.” Still others have their own golden rule that says “He who has the gold makes the rules.”

Personally, I hate the second saying even though it is meant as a joke. Even so, too many people seem to believe that money buys power. The Bible tells us that money, if not prioritized appropriately, causes many problems.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
(1 Timothy 6:10(NIV))

Money will cause many people to forget what was spoken of in Matthew 7:12. It causes people to treat others as if they did not matter. It causes people to mistreat others just so they can get more money or hold onto their money a little longer.

The love of money is the root of many evils. Money is fleeting. It can be destroyed. It can be lost in an instant. The evil that we do to gain money, or any other worldly possession or power, has eternal ramifications. It scars those whom the evil is done against, and more importantly, it causes even faithful believers to sin and turn from God’s Will.

We are to treat each other as we would want to be treated. Even if it were not a Biblical principle, it should be common courtesy to treat others as we would want to be treated. When we lose sight of this simple Biblical truth, we sin. We sin against other people. We sin against God. Perhaps we should even come to the realization that we may cause the one we have mistreated to sin out of anger.

How do you treat others? Do you see them as eternal, or do you see them as something to run over to achieve your goals?

Which “golden rule” do you believe in?

Copyright 1998 – 2009 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living^©

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning–the first day.
(Genesis 1:1-5 (NIV))

These words create such a stir of emotion and conflict. Even within the church, people read these words and are confused by what they read. Many read these words and say that God did not create the world because there is no god. Others read these words and argue with the idea that even if God does exist, how could He have the power to create something from nothing? Others read this and what bothers them is the statement that this all happened in one day. They argue that it could not literally mean a twenty four hour day. How could all of this happen in such a short time? Perhaps these views have not taken into consideration this statement from Isaiah:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
(Isaiah 55:8-9(NIV))

These words provide something to think about with respect to creation and God in general. God and all of His infinite wisdom is far beyond our limited understanding. The Bible also tells us that a thousand years are as a day. Perhaps, from the beginning, God is telling us that we are to read every word from His Word with our faith and not our minds. How do you read the Bible?

Copyright 1998 – 2009 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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     My husband bought this book.  At first, I thought this was a man’s book—–too serious for me. One day I had nothing to do and, casually, picked up the book that was sitting in front of me. Since then, I couldn’t stop reading it.

     It is a very good book! It is a true story of a young Christian woman Diet Eman, who joined the Christian resistance movement in the Netherlands during WWII.

     It is a love story. Because of  Eman’s love for her friends and family, the Jews, and God’s people, she risked her life and her future in order to hide the Jews.

     By reading the book, I got a chance to understand what concentration camps looked like and the camp she stayed was not even the worse camp.  I usually wonder how women take care of their body in a situation like this. I am amazed to find out  that none of these women in the camp had a period because of great distress and malnutrition, until the war was over.

     It was a comfort to see how God used Eman and helped her, and that encouraged me greatly.It gives me an idea of what our “end time” will look like and how God might be involved in the midst of the darkness.

     The author has fought a good fight and has ministered to her people in her time. With the trace that she has left, it is now our turn to continue to fulfill the work that God has ordained. The Bible says that the Jewish people will face another tribulation, a greater one.  This book inspires us to live more courageously and stand for what is right, doing so by the power and grace of God.

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living^©

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?
(Galatians 3:1-3 (NIV))

How many of us have fallen into this very trap? We start out by accepting the truth and the Holy Spirit and then we soon allow human effort to take control. We earnestly desire for the Holy Spirit to rule in our lives, but we begin to place stipulations upon Him. We only want it when it is convenient for us. We want to limit it to only an hour every Sunday. We soon have replaced God’s Holy Spirit with our own definition of God’s Spirit. It is a definition that is completely devoid of the truth, for we do not understand God’s truth.

As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
(Isaiah 55:9 (NIV))

We are not supposed to fully understand God. We are to trust Him. It is when we do not trust Him that our human effort begins to take control. We feel that we must do something to bridge the gap that we perceive. The problem is that God did not make that gap, we did. God has given us a way to bridge that gap. All that we have to do is believe and receive. Unfortunately, all too often we begin to think that something more is required of us. We begin to feel that we have not earned it.

How true! We have not earned it. We can never earn it. It is a gift. After you receive a gift, do you begin to question the motives of the giver? Do you begin to seek ways to ridicule the giver? This is exactly what we do when we try to attain our goal by human effort. It will not work. We become fools in the eyes of the giver. The gift is perfect. We can do nothing to improve upon it. All that we can do is receive.

How is your reception?

Copyright 1998 – 2009 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living^©

To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations.
(Revelation 2:26 (NIV))

What does it take to overcome?

Perseverance and focus of direction comes to mind.

In the last twelve months, I have had the honor of knowing two family members who have persevered. My cousin in Indiana has been coaching high school sports for twenty-six years. Last basketball season, his high school team won the state championship in their division. This fall, my 16 year old son and his high school band have persevered by earning a spot in their division in the national band festival to be held in Annapolis, Maryland. Both examples show what can happen when we have a focused sense of purpose. They show what is humanly possible when we strive for a goal that we have established.

Do you desire to see Jesus in all of His glory? Do you desire to sit at the feet of God and praise His Holy name? Do you want to walk closely with Jesus and know the very heart of God?

All too often, we will set a goal in the physical world and work incessantly to achieve that goal. Do we do the same thing for our goals where God is concerned? Do we spend countless hours practicing so that we can get it perfect? Do we spend every waking moment eating and breathing and thinking the very heart of what we say that we seek? What happens if a basketball team does not practice and they lose their focus? What happens if a band loses sight of the desire to play flawlessly? We have all seen these very things happen in one form or another.

Now, what will happen to our walk with God if we fail to devote the time to become mature in our faith? It isn’t a very pretty picture if we fail to overcome. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself exactly what we need to overcome? I can honestly tell you that it is not listed in Galatians 5:22-23.

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)

We are to overcome sin. We overcome sin by accepting Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. Once we do this, then we must strive to follow Jesus. We must allow the Holy Spirit to come inside of us and to work within us. We must let the old, sinful self die and embrace the grace and mercy that we are freely given. We must strive to be like Jesus more and more each day.

Are you overcoming your sinful nature?

Copyright 1998 – 2009 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living^©

Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring–those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
(Revelation 12:17 (NIV))

I have had this in the back of my mind for a while hoping and praying that it was not true or that wisdom would prevail and change the course of events that appear to be taking shape in the United Nations. I saw something today that makes me think that wisdom as we know it will not prevail. I saw something that makes me think this passage is about to see the beginning of its fulfillment.

It is my understanding that the United Nations is currently considering passing a “Defamation of Religions” resolution that would make it a crime worldwide to proclaim that Jesus is Lord. This resolution could be the very thing that Satan uses to begin making war against “those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.”

Again, I do not desire to turn this into a political issue, but rather, to shed light on the Biblical issues that we may very well be living through. It is true that no man can know the hour, but we are also told that we can know the season. When we feel the temperatures slightly cool, and see the leaves begin to fade from green to all colors of the rainbow, we know that fall is upon us. If we see things foretold of in Revelation and in Daniel begin to happen, surely we can apply the very same type of logic and realize that the season is changing. Just as wee know what will happen when fall arrives, we can know what will happen when the antichrist arrives. He will do the very things that we see beginning to happen already, only they will escalate to extremes.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
(Ephesians 6:13 (NIV))

No matter when God’s plan finally unfolds, we will be facing some serious battles during our lives. Battles that will need to be fought on our knees in a unified spirit of prayer. These battles may come quickly or they may be delayed, but with the current state of the world, they will come. Prepare for God to be glorified.

I will count it an honor to be in the sites of the enemy for that will mean that I am doing what God desires of me. I will resist the dragon, the devil, Satan, the antichrist and all of his forces with God as my strength and my shield. We have been instructed to put on the full armor of God. To me, that means placing my faith in Jesus as my Lord and Savior, learning all that I can of God’s Word, and learning to listen to the Holy Spirit.

Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.
(2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV))

Are you prepared for the battles that the enemy will send your way? Will the enemy ignore you because you are not a threat? Prepare your heart, mind and body to follow Jesus no matter what may come.

Copyright 1998 – 2009 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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