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Off The Throne

By on January 2, 2018

Off_The_Throne

After the birth of Jesus, Magi (wise men) came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2). When King Herod heard about this, he became greatly disturbed. Herod had been appointed King of the Jews by the Roman government, but he was only partially Jewish and not well accepted by the people.

King Herod knew of the Jewish scriptures and how the people were waiting for the Messiah; “The government will be on His shoulders” (Isaiah 9:6). He heard the words of the prophet which told where the new ruler would be born; “Out of you {Bethlehem} will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel” (Micah 5:2). Herod viewed the news of this new ruler as a great threat. How would this affect his right to be king? Would he lose power? prestige? control? …comfort!? The potential harm was unbearable so Herod decided to take action.

Matthew 2:16
“He gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under.”

Many people today are not much different than Herod. Even when they recognize Jesus and clearly see their need, they fear losing the ability to direct their own path. They may not actually take steps to destroy Christ, but the thought of releasing control seems unbearable. Somehow, they’ve been taught that submission equates to failure. But the reality is that true “success” is only found in Christ, and true comfort is only obtained by being set free from the power of sin and the entanglement of this world.

Jesus was, and always will be, very threatening to those who insist on sitting on a throne. It’s foolishness to think Jesus will accept the position of Co-King. Those who attempt to enter a relationship with Jesus while trying to maintain their “right to rule” will never really know Him, and certainly never experience His peace.

Jesus will give Himself to “whoever believes in Him” (John 3:13). But in return, He asks for our total devotion: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). We give Him proper worship – the worship He deserves – only as we submit and exalt Him above all else; “He must become greater, I must become less” (John 3:30).

As we begin this new year, let’s ensure our relationship with Jesus is aligned with God’s plan. He is the rightful Ruler and King – the Savior and Lord! Let’s trust and worship Him with all our heart, and refuse to be threatened by His right to lead. Let’s decide once and for all to relinquish control and get our pride-filled self off the throne.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jan 1 Genesis 1:1-2:25; Matthew 1:1-2:12; Psalm 1:1-6; Proverbs 1:1-6
Jan 2 Genesis 3:1-4:26; Matthew 2:13-3:6; Psalm 2:1-12; Proverbs 1:7-9

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Bajemonos del Trono

By on January 2, 2018

Off_The_Throne

Después del nacimiento de Jesús, llegaron tres magos a Jerusalén y preguntaron, “¿Dónde está el rey de los judíos, que ha nacido?” (Mateo 2:2). Cuando el Rey Herodes oyó esto se puso muy turbado. Herodes había sido nombrado Rey de los Judíos por el gobierno Romano; pero solamente era parcialmente Judío y no fue muy bien aceptado por la gente.

El Rey Herodes sabía de las escrituras Judías y como la gente estaba esperando un mesías; “y el principado sobre su hombro” (Isaías 9:6). El había oído las palabras del profeta quien contó donde iba a nacer el nuevo líder; “Pero tú, Belén Efrata, pequeña para estar entre las familias de Judá, de ti me saldrá el que será Señor en Israel” (Miqueas 5:2). Herodes vió las noticias de este líder nuevo como una gran amenaza. ¿Como afectaría esto su derecho de ser rey? ¿Perderá poder? prestigio? control?…comodidad!?

No podía soportar el dolor potencial y por eso decidió tomar acción.

Mateo 2:16
“Mandó matar a todos los niños menores de dos años que había en Belén y en todos sus alrededores.”

Muchas personas ahora no son tan diferentes que Herodes. Aún cuando reconocemos a Jesús y vemos claramente nuestra necesidad, tememos la perdida de nuestra habilidad de dirigir nuestro propio camino – a controlar nuestro propio destino. Quiza no tomemos paso para destruir a Cristo, pero el solo pensar de rendir control completo a Cristo parece insoportable. De alguna manera, hemos sido enseñado que la sumisión equivale al fracaso y comodidad reducida; pero la realidad es que el “exito” verdadero solamente se encuentra en Cristo, y comodidad verdadera solamente se obtiene a través de ser liberado del poder del pecado y las distracciones de este mundo.

Jesús era – y siempre será – una gran amenaza a aquellos que insisten en sentarse en un trono. Aquellos que intentan entrar a una relación con Jesús mientras sigan tratando de mantener su “derecho a gobernar” nunca lo conocerán verdaderamente, y ciertamente nunca experimentarán Su paz.

Jesús se dará a Si mismo a “todo el que cree en él” (Juan 3:16). Pero en cambio, El espera nuestra devoción total: “Y amarás al Señor tu Dios con todo tu corazón, y con toda tu alma, y con toda tu mente y con todas tus fuerzas” (Marcos 12:30). A El le damos alabanzas apropiadas – alabanzas que El merece – solamente de la manera que nos sometemos y le exaltamos encima de todo lo demas; “Es necesario que él crezca, pero que yo mengüe” (Juan 3:30).

Mientras celebramos el nacimiento de nuestro Salvador, aseguremonos que nuestra relación con El está en linea con el plan de Dios. El es el legítimo Lider y Rey – el Salvador y Señor! Confiemos en El y alabemosle a El con todo nuestro corazón y neguemos el ser amenazados por Su derecho de dirigir. Decidamos una vez y por siempre a renunciar el control y bajemos nuestro ser orgulloso del trono.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Josephine

By on December 31, 2017

MathareJosephine

One last story before we close out the year. I was very excited to see Josephine and her mother as we walked the street by our school.

We first met Josephine in 2012 and I sent out a message with her beautiful smile telling about our desire to increase our commitment to growing the school in the community of Mathare. You can see she still has the same beautiful smile!

Kenya_Trip3

MathareJosephine2

In 2013, we were able to give her mother a small loan to start a business making chapatis. Chapatis are like thick oily tortillas and are served with many, many meals in Kenya. She has been very successful with her business and has moved from cooking outside her doorway to a nice covered area in the market area of the street and has even hired an additional helper. Josephine and her mother are very thankful for the school and for the involvement of this ministry in the community.

These are real people with real needs. And to the extent that we can minister the love of God and lend a hand where possible, I believe we are having an impact. Thank you so much for your support, your encouragement, and your prayers!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Financial Update – Part 3

By on December 29, 2017

MathareLeah

Today I want to take you into the homes of three different families I visited earlier this year. The mother of the first family is Leah. She lives in this one room, about 3×3 meters, with her husband and three kids. There is no running water and a single small light overhead. The children are ages 5, 3, and 9 months. The 5 year old attends our school. She and her family have lived in this room for the past 2 years and her husband is a temporary car mechanic – meaning he works on cars whenever he can find work. She said the school gives her hope that her children will have a future.

The interior of most of the homes I visited are pretty much the same. All have a single bed behind a curtain. There is always a small table with a few chairs. And all have a small cooking area with a few dishes. It’s truly amazing how so many people can live in such a small area.

MathareHania

The mother of the second family is Hania. She lives in the room with her three children, ages 16, 10, and 6. The 10 year old and the 6 year old attend our school. She has lived in this same room for 7 years. She does not have a husband. Hania earns a little money by washing clothes.

MathareWinnie

The mother of the third family is Winnie. She lives with her six year old son, Steve – a good name! She does not have a husband and works odd jobs as she can find them. She did not have a job when I met with her. She said that jobs are very hard to find and is so thankful for the school since it provides food as well as a good education.

These are just a few of the over 100 families we minister to through the school. But these families are representative of the entire group. This is a difficult life; one we are able to make just a little better through our school. We meet and pray with the families and teach the kids about the love of God throughout the day. I believe we are filling a great need in this community.

If you are able, please consider joining us in this work. Your end of year donations are essential. I know I’ve said this several times, but your donations make a difference! Tax deductible donations can be made through the Donate Now button, or by sending support to:

God’s Daily Word Ministries
PO Box 12441
Jackson, TN 38308

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 29 Zechariah 14:1-21; Revelation 20:1-15; Psalm 148:1-14; Proverbs 31:8-9

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Financial Update – Part 2

By on December 28, 2017

MathareInClass

First, I want to say thank you to those who were able to make donations yesterday. This is a start on our necessary foundation for the coming year. Your donations are greatly appreciated!

Our school in Kenya currently has a regular attendance of nearly 200 kids. We have quality teachers who do an excellent job of setting high academic standards and creating an environment for the kids to achieve. We provide uniforms and food throughout the day which greatly enhances the learning environment.

MathareKidsOnStreet

It’s important to understand that school represents a true lifeline for most of these kids. If there was not a school to attend, these kids would be out roaming the streets all day long. There are no parents who have the luxury of staying at home to watch their kids during the day. They must either go to work, or go out and look for odd jobs to bring home the necessary money for food. This is truly a day to day existence.

MathareOutsideHome

Tomorrow I will introduce you to some of the families I met during my trip earlier this year. We will be inside their homes and try to get an understanding of how they are living. Nearly all the families live in small, tightly packed together shacks with no running water. Most all have a single room measuring 3 meters square. The parents, mostly mothers, I met were extremely thankful for the school.

Your generous gifts at the end of the year will help make sure we are able to keep our doors open and provide what I believe is a critical service in a very impoverished area.

You tax deductible donations can be made through the Donate Now button, or by sending support to:

God’s Daily Word Ministries
PO Box 12441
Jackson, TN 38308

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 28 Zechariah 12:1-13:9; Revelation 19:1-21; Psalm 147:1-20; Proverbs 31:1-7

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2017 Financial Update

By on December 27, 2017

For the last few days of 2017, I will focus on the financial needs of the ministry. These few days are extremely important as your end of year donations will establish the necessary foundation to help us make it through the coming year.

Our yearly financial support comes from several who have committed to making monthly donations, but this support supplies less than half of our budgetary needs. The rest is supplied by one time donations at various times through the year, AND, very importantly, the donations which consistently come in the last few days of the year.

It’s often hard for me to believe that this ministry has been in operation for twenty years. Many, many times I have wondered, and doubted, how we were going to make it through the year. But, in God’s perfect timing, all our needs have faithfully been met.

For the next few days, I will introduce you to some of the families we minister to at our school in Mathare, Kenya. Today, I simply want to say thank you and ask for your help. If you are able, please give generously. We will put your donations to good use!!

Donations can be made through the Donate Now button, or by sending support to:

God’s Daily Word Ministries
PO Box 12441
Jackson, TN 38308

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 27 Zechariah 10:1-11:17; Revelation 18:1-24; Psalm 146:1-10; Proverbs 30:33

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The Last Unopened Gift

By on December 26, 2017

The_Last_Unopened_Gift

Did you see it? You may have missed it…but it was there. Don’t feel bad; most people overlook this one, but there is still time. Today, before the new year gets here, before all the decorations are put away, before all the other gifts are set aside, open it!

Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The gift of God. Why do so many people miss His gift? One reason might be the rather ordinary wrapping; “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2). And you can’t get less majestic than the way He was born; “He made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7). Yes, such a great gift in such common wrapping could easily be missed. But perhaps there is something else, something in the very makeup of our nature which keeps us from opening His gift.

A prince does not have a problem accepting a gift meant for a prince. And a common person does not have a problem accepting a gift which is common. But a common person can be quite uncomfortable accepting a gift meant for a prince. We know what is inside the gift – eternal life! A gift meant for a prince. And deep down we know we are so very common, so unworthy! This gift is too great, too much above what we feel we deserve. This gift makes us feel uncomfortable: “If we accept the gift will we then feel a debt? How could we ever repay such a debt? Maybe it’s best to ignore it and just leave it wrapped under the tree.”

I suppose we shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves. This is a natural reaction to such a gift. Ever since the gift was first made available, people have felt unworthy and refused to open or even give it much notice. They would rather try to somehow work and feel deserving; “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). The gift cannot be earned, and working does not make us more deserving.

Jesus Christ came in ordinary wrapping. He died for the forgiveness of our sin. Why? So we could be given the greatest gift of all, the gift of eternal life! Let’s not let another day go by without receiving His gift. Sure we might feel uncomfortable. Sure we might feel a debt we can never repay. But His gift is given in love and is worth it all. Let’s honestly examine what is keeping us away. Let’s humbly recognize our need; and in the quiet of our heart, let’s be sure to receive the last unopened gift.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 26 Zechariah 9:1-17; Revelation 17:1-18; Psalm 145:1-21; Proverbs 30:32

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Day of Remembrance

By on December 22, 2017

Day_of_Remembrance

There are only a few more days to go! Only a few more days until…until what? Why is December 25th so special? What really is this day we call Christmas?

The early church did not give much thought to the birth of Jesus. Of the four Gospels only Matthew and Luke even mention His birth, and these accounts are relatively brief. Certainly, the emphasis of the Gospels was on Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection. And after Jesus ascended to Heaven, the focus of the church was on living for Him, sending out His message, and waiting for His return.

No one is really sure when Jesus was born. The first recorded celebration didn’t occur until 200 years after His birth, and it wasn’t until the year 330 that the birth of Christ was assigned to December 25th. Some say Jesus was actually born in September or October and others are sure He was born in March or April; in fact, a case has been made for His birth in each of the twelve months! But it is generally agreed that, due to the relatively colder weather, December was an unlikely time for the birth of our Savior, at least as it is recorded in the Bible. So what really is Christmas?

John 1:1,14
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”

The very Word of God became flesh! Though it is difficult to understand, the Word of God came to live among us and began life as a little baby. He “made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). This sacrifice of transformation represents a whole lot of love!

Christmas is a day to remember the most profound event in the history of the world. On that first Christmas (whenever it was), God came to earth to live among us! He was born into the most humble circumstances, grew and taught us His truths, died on a cross for our sin, and was raised, all so we might live with Him for eternity.

December 25th is a day to celebrate with quiet reflection, as Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). It is also a day to celebrate with great rejoicing, as the shepherds “returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). The world has tried to remove Christ and insert many activities into this season which do not glorify God, but this need not hinder our worship. We have the ability to turn away the evil and embrace that which is honoring and good.

We can (and should) glorify God and celebrate the gift of our Savior every day throughout the year. But let’s take the opportunity to make this season, and this specific day, special. Let’s celebrate with a focused and thankful heart, and make December 25th a blessed day of remembrance.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 22 Zechariah 2:1-3:10; Revelation 13:1-18; Psalm 141:1-10; Proverbs 30:18-20
Dec 23 Zechariah 4:1-5:11; Revelation 14:1-20; Psalm 142:1-7; Proverbs 30:21-23
Dec 24 Zechariah 6:1-7:14; Revelation 15:1-8; Psalm 143:1-12; Proverbs 30:24-28
Dec 25 Zechariah 8:1-23; Revelation 16:1-21; Psalm 144:1-15; Proverbs 30:29-31

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Día de Conmemoración

By on December 22, 2017

Day_of_Remembrance

Falta ahora pocos días hasta el 25 de Diciembre – solamente unos pocos días hasta – ¿hasta que? ¿Que es exactamente el 25 de Diciembre? ¿Que es este día que llamamos Navidad?

La iglesia primitiva no pensó mucho del nacimiento de Jesús. De los cuatro evangelios solamente Mateo y Lucas hacen mención de Su nacimiento, y estos relatos son relativamente breves. Ciertamente, el énfasis de los Evangelios fue acerca del ministerio, muerte, y resurrección de Jesús. Y después que Jesús ascendió al Cielo, el enfoque de la iglesia fue el vivir por El y esperar por Su retorno.

Nadie esta realmente seguro de cuando nació Jesús. La primera celebración que fue anotada no ocurrió hasta 200 años después de Su nacimiento, y no fue hasta 330 D.C. que el nacimiento de Cristo fue “asignado” al 25 de Diciembre. Algunos dicen que Jesús actualmente nació en Septiembre u Octubre y otros estan seguros que nació en Marzo o Abril (de hecho, se han defendido argumentos por Su nacimiento en cada uno de los doce meses). Pero el acuerdo general es que, debido al clima relativamente frío, Diciembre es un tiempo muy improbable para el nacimiento de nuestro Salvador. ¿Entonces, que es realmente este día que llamamos Navidad?

Juan 1:1,14
“En el principio ya existía el Verbo, y el Verbo estaba con Dios, y el Verbo era Dios. Y el Verbo se hizo hombre y habitó entre nosotros.”

Estos versículos se refieren a Jesucristo como el “Verbo”, quien era con Dios en el principio y al mismo tiempo era Dios también, y quien dejó Su hogar Celestial para comenzar una vida con nosotros como un bebé pequeño. El 25 de Diciembre es un día para que recordemos el evento mas profundo de la historia del mundo. En esa primera noche de Navidad (en cualquier fecha que era), Dios vino a la tierra en forma de un bebé. El nació en las circunstancias más humildes, creció y nos enseñó Sus verdades, murió en una cruz por nuestros pecados, y resucitó para estar con El Padre – todo para que pudiéramos vivir con El por la eternidad.

El 25 de Diciembre es un día para celebrar con una reflexión en quietud: como María “guardaba todas estas cosas en su corazón y meditaba acerca de ellas” (Lucas 2:19). Es también un día para celebrar con gran alegría: como los pastores “regresaron glorificando y alabando a Dios por lo que habían visto y oído” (Lucas 2:20). El mundo ha intentado remover a Cristo e insertar muchas actividades a esta temporada. Pero este no debe obstaculizar nuestra adoración de Dios. Nosotros tenemos la habilidad de rechazar lo malo y abrazar lo que es honroso y bueno.

Podemos (y debemos) celebrar el regalo de nuestro Salvador cada día durante todo el año, pero tomemos la oportunidad de hacer esta temporada y este día especial. Celebremos con corazones enfocados y agradecidos y hagamos del 25 de Diciembre un día de conmemoración.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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The First Move

By on December 21, 2017

The_First_Move

In our celebration of the birth of Christ, we know the focus of Christmas should be the eternal gift given through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This season ought to irresistibly draw us nearer to God as we reflect on His wonderful gift of love. But perhaps there are times we need to be reminded of the true significance of this gift.

The birth of Jesus gives great insight into the character of God. For one, we see His methods are far different from our own; “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways” (Isaiah 55:8). How many of us would bring the King of Kings into the world through two common young people in a dirty area reserved for the animals? But God had a purpose!

These lowest of beginnings set the example for a life of humility. Jesus Christ is the Creator of the Universe! “For by Him all things were created” (Colossians 1:16). Yet, He humbled Himself to the point of being born with the animals, and continued by humbly walking all the way to the cross.

As we reflect on His humility, how can we then make prideful demands on life? How can we assume there is a standard to which we are entitled? Jesus set the standard for humility and we are now called to follow; “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).

But perhaps the greatest insight we can learn from the birth of our Savior is simply that He came. Our sin must have been detestable and vile to One so holy, but He came to live with us…and love us! Without Jesus Christ, we have absolutely no hope; we can do nothing to save ourselves from the bondage of sin and an eternal separation from God. We can do nothing, yet God came to love us and set us free. He took the initiative in our Salvation by providing a way and calling us Home.

1 John 4:9
“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.”

God clearly saw our sinful condition, yet He loved us enough to send His Son so we might be restored to a right relationship with Him. He sent His Son so we might live! God made the first move over 2000 years ago and He continues to make the first move in our lives today. He calls long before we even recognize His voice, and He continues to call us to surrender our life and live with Him in a deeper and more intimate relationship.

If you hear His call today, please respond! It’s a great privilege to hear His call, so be encouraged…but then respond! His call cost Him dearly, and it represents a love we will never fully understand. Let’s boldly answer and follow wherever He leads. And remember, He loved us enough to look past our sin and make the first move.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 21 Zechariah 1:1-21; Revelation 12:1-17; Psalm 140:1-13; Proverbs 30:17

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El Primer Paso

By on December 21, 2017

The_First_Move

En el mensaje “Día de Conmemoración” vimos que el enfoque de Navidad siempre debe estar en recordar el regalo dado a través del nacimiento, vida, muerte, y resurrección de Jesús. Esta época debe atraernos irresistiblemente a Dios mientras reflexionamos en Su regalo de amor.

El nacimiento de Jesús nos da un conocimiento más profundo acerca del carácter de Dios. Primero, vemos que Sus métodos son muy diferentes de los nuestros; “mis pensamientos no son los de ustedes, ni sus caminos son los míos afirma el Señor” (Isaías 55:8). ¿Cuantos de nosotros hubiéramos traído al Rey de Reyes al mundo a través de dos jóvenes comunes en un establo sucio? Pero Dios tuvo un propósito.

Este inicio mas bajo puso el ejemplo para una vida de humildad. Jesucristo es el Creador del Universo! “Porque por medio de él fueron creadas todas las cosas” (Colosenses 1:16). Y aún, el Creador del Universo se humilló a si mismo hasta el punto de nacer entre los animales y continuó Su caminar humilde hasta la cruz.

De la manera en que reflexionamos sobre Su humildad, ¿como podemos después hacer demandas orgullosas de la vida? ¿Como podemos asumir que existe un estándar al cual tenemos derecho? Jesús estableció el estándar de humildad y ahora estamos llamados a seguir; “La actitud de ustedes debe ser como la de Cristo Jesús” (Filipenses 2:5).

Pero quizás el conocimiento más grande que podemos aprender del nacimiento de nuestro Salvador es simplemente que El vino. Nuestros pecados tenían que ser detestable y viles para Uno tan santo, pero El vino a vivir con nosotros…y a amarnos! Sin Jesucristo, tenemos absolutamente cero esperanza – no podemos hacer nada para salvarnos de las ataduras del pecado y una separación eterna de Dios – y aún, El tomó el primer paso para liberarnos. El tomó la iniciativa en nuestra Salvación y proveyó un camino y un llamado a Casa.

1 Juan 4:9
“Así manifestó Dios su amor entre nosotros: en que envió a su Hijo unigénito al mundo para que vivamos por medio de él.”

Dios vio claramente nuestra condición pecaminosa; pero, El nos amó lo suficiente para mandar a Su Hijo para que pudiéramos ser restaurados a una relación correcta con El – El mandó Su Hijo para que pudiéramos vivir! Dios tomó el primer paso hace 2000 años y continua tomando el primer paso en nuestras vidas ahora. El nos estaba llamando mucho antes de que rindiéramos nuestra vida, y El sigue llamandonos a rindir nuestras vidas y vivir con El en una relación más profunda e íntima.

Si tu escuchas ahora Su llamado, por favor responde! Es un gran privilegio escuchar Su llamado. Sea animado – pero responda! Su llamado le costó todo, y representa un amor que nunca entenderemos completamente. Contestemosle con valentía y sigamos donde El nos dirija porque El nos amó lo suficiente para tomar el primer paso.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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The Gift of True Forgiveness

By on December 20, 2017

The_Gift_of_True_Forgiveness

It’s hard to believe there are only a few more days until Christmas. Yes, as the song says: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” It really is wonderful! We are flooded with Christmas music, Christmas lights, and lots of Christmas “activities.” And although the season contains many distractions which attempt to pull us away, we generally make time to gather with family and friends and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

But many will find this time of year to be very painful. The memories of past hurt, which may remain hidden throughout the year, are now driven to the surface. Many are required to face someone who has caused them pain, or face the memory of a past Christmas which brings the person, and pain, back into view.

Obviously, this is not the turmoil which God intends for our life…especially not as we celebrate the birth of His Son.

Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

We cannot properly celebrate the birth of Jesus without reflecting on why He was born. Through His life He offered us a message of eternal hope, and through His death on the cross He offered us the complete forgiveness of sin. With this single act of unbelievable love, Jesus removed the sin which would otherwise keep us eternally separated from our Heavenly Father. This is the manner in which we are to love and forgive others.

Jesus told a parable about a servant who had an enormous debt canceled: “The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go” (Matthew 18:26-27). But when the servant went away, he refused to cancel the relatively minor debt a fellow servant owed him; “Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt” (Matthew 18:30).

Jesus used this parable to show that unless we completely forgive others from deep within our heart, we have somehow failed to understand the forgiveness we have already received; “Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?” (Matthew 18:33). Any sin which others may commit against us is small when viewed in light of the many sins we have committed against God! We have been completely forgiven of sooooo much!!

During this most wonderful time of the year, let’s reflect on the awesome gift we have been given through our Savior. Then, let’s give to others as we have already received. Let’s love and give the gift of true forgiveness.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 20 Haggai 1:1-2:23; Revelation 11:1-19; Psalm 139:1-24; Proverbs 30:15-16

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