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Focused On Jesus

By on November 29, 2017

Focused_On_Jesus

I’ve always been impulsive. I was one of the first to follow Jesus. I didn’t even know who He was, but when He said “Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19), though I didn’t know what He meant, I dropped my fishing nets and followed. After three years, I foolishly told Jesus I was “ready to go with You to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33), but that same night I denied I even knew Him…three times! And in the garden, when the soldiers came to take Him away, I drew my sword “and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear” (John 18:10).

But the most impulsive thing I ever did was that night in the boat. The waves were rough and we had “rowed three or three and a half miles” (John 6:19), when I saw Jesus walking on the water. I told Him I would come if He called, and the next thing I knew I was jumping out of the boat! And I didn’t sink!! I just kept my eyes on Jesus. I knew in my heart He was “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16), but the wind was blowing so hard and the waves kept crashing against my legs.

Matthew 14:30
“But when he {Peter} saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!'”

Jesus said Peter began to sink because he doubted and had little faith (Matthew 14:31). But let’s not be too hard on Peter – remember, no one else even left the boat! Peter stepped out of the boat and took several steps on top of the water!! But then he lost his focus.

Peter was in the middle of an awesome display of God’s power, and yet he “saw the wind,” or at least the effects of the wind. Peter began to look at the turbulence of the world and not at the One who created the world; “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

There are times when we clearly see God’s hand at work. Our eyes become focused on Jesus, His peace fills our life, and the foundation under our feet feels solid and secure. However, it’s usually not long before the wind begins to blow, the waves rise up, and we experience that sinking feeling. When this happens (and it will) we must not despair, for this is also part of God’s wonderful plan. As we are sinking, He always reaches out His hand as an invitation to draw near and know Him better – to know He will always be there when we cry out “Lord, save me!”

The walk of faith cannot be accomplished in our own strength. With each step we must “put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature” (Colossians 3:5), and “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14). Every day we must take our eyes off our own ability and the pulls of the world – take our eyes off the wind – and commit to trusting and keeping our eyes focused on Jesus.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Nov 29 Daniel 6:1-28; 2 Peter 3:1-18; Psalm 119:132-155; Proverbs 28:21-22

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Enfocados en Jesús

By on November 29, 2017

Focused_On_JesusYo he sido siempre un poco impulsivo. Fuí uno de los primeros discípulos en seguir a Jesús. Yo ni siquiera sabía quien era El, y cuando El dijo “Venid en pos de mí, y os haré pescadores de hombres” (Mateo 4:19), yo ni siquiera sabía lo que El quería decir, pero dejé mis redes y lo seguí. Después de tres años, tontamente le dije a Jesús “dispuesto estoy a ir contigo no sólo a la cárcel, sino también a la muerte” (Lucas 22:33), pero más tarde esa misma noche negué siquiera conocerlo – tres veces! Y, en el jardín, cuando los soldados vinieron a llevarselo, saqué mi espada “y herí al siervo del sumo sacerdote, y le corte la oreja derecha” (Juan 18:10).

Pero lo más impulsivo que he hecho fue aquella noche en el bote. Las olas eran fuertes y habíamos “remado como veinticinco o treinta estadios” (Juan 6:19), cuando vi a Jesús caminando sobre el agua. Yo le dije que iría si El me llamaba y la próxima cosa que vi fue que estaba saliendo del bote! Y no me hundí!! Yo mantuve mis ojos en Jesús, yo sabía en mi corazón que El era “el Cristo, el Hijo del Dios viviente” (Mateo 16:16), pero el viento estaba soplando tan fuerte y las olas se mantenían chocando contra mis piernas.

Mateo 14:30
“Pero al ver el fuerte viento, tuvo miedo; y comenzando a hundirse, dio voces, diciendo: !!Señor, sálvame!”

Jesús dijo que Pedro comenzó a undirse porque el dudó y tenía poca fe (Mateo 14:31), pero no seamos tan duros con Pedro – recordemos, nadie más ni siquiera salieron del bote! Pedro salió del bote y dio varios pasos sobre el agua!! Pero después perdió su enfoque.

Pedro estaba enmedio de una maravillosa manifestación del poder de Dios y aún así el “vio el viento” o al menos sus efectos. Pedro comenzó a ver la turbulencia del mundo y no a Quien creó el mundo; “puestos los ojos en Jesús, el autor y consumador de la fe” (Hebreos 12:2).

Hay tiempos en que claramente vemos la mano de Dios obrando. Nuestros ojos se enfocan en Jesús, Su paz llena nuestra vida, y la fundación abajo de nuestros pies se siente sólida y segura. Sin embargo, es usualmente no mucho antes que el viento comience a soplar, las olas se levantan, y tenemos esa sensación de estar undiendonos. Cuando esto suceda (y esto sucederá) no debemos desesperarnos, porque esto es también parte del maravilloso plan de Dios. Mientras nos estamos undiendo, El nos alcanza con Su mano como una invitación a acercarnos y conocerle mejor – para saber que El siempre estará allí cuando clamemos “Señor, salvame!”

El camino de la fe no puede ser logrado en nuestras propias fuerzas. Con cada paso debemos “Haced morir, pues, lo terrenal en vosotros” (Colosenses 3:5), y “vestíos del Señor Jesucristo” (Romanos 13:14). Cada día debemos quitar nuestros ojos de nuestra propia habilidad y las atracciones del mundo – quitemos nuestros ojos del viento – y comprometámonos a confiar y mantener nuestros ojos enfocados en Jesús.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Step of Faith

By on November 28, 2017

Step_of_Faith

Today was a busy day! Early this morning we heard that King Herod killed John the Baptist. Jesus seemed to take this news pretty hard; “When Jesus heard what had happened, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place” (Matthew 14:13). I knew He wanted to be alone, but the crowds kept following Him. Soon there were “about five thousand men, besides women and children” (Matthew 14:21). When it started to get late we tried to send the people home, but Jesus had everyone sit down and He fed them with “five loaves of bread and two fish” (Matthew 14:17). What a day!!

Finally, Jesus sent us across the Sea of Galilee; “After leaving them, He went up on a mountain to pray” (Mark 6:46). I’m glad Jesus is getting some time alone, but I wish He was here right now. It’s dark and the waves are so high. Wait, there’s something out there; something, or someone, walking on the water; “It’s a ghost, they said, and cried out in fear” (Matthew 6:26). No, I think it’s Jesus!

Matthew 14:28-29
“‘Lord, if it’s You,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to You on the water.’ ‘Come,’ He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”

When we read these stories in the Bible we often forget that these were ordinary people involved in something very extra-ordinary. When Peter took that first step onto the water, there was nothing within his physical senses which told him the water would hold. The boat was being tossed by the wind and waves, and Peter certainly had many past experiences which told him that heavy objects sink in water – telling him his step would fail.

But Peter KNEW Jesus. He had spent time with Jesus; he walked with Him, talked with Him, prayed with Him, and witnessed His miracles. Peter knew the face of Jesus and knew His voice. He knew if Jesus said “Come,” He would also provide a way for him to follow. Jesus made the water solid, but only when and where Peter stepped – only after he stepped out in faith and in response to the call.

The step of faith is needed for any situation which requires a solution beyond what our physical senses can understand. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). The situation may be related to relationships, finances, jobs, or ministry opportunities. But it may also be related to raising children, challenges at school, the apparent inability to forgive, or anything else which requires us to operate outside the comfort of the boat.

God calls us to a life of faith. We must spend quality time with our Lord so we can recognize His voice, but when God says “Come,” our only response is to step. Our past experiences may scream it’s not possible and that we will fail. We may not see solid ground, but we must trust that the One who called will provide the solid foundation. Let’s trust Him to provide a way with each and every step of faith!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Nov 28 Daniel 5:1-31; 2 Peter 2:1-22; Psalm 119:113-131; Proverbs 28:19-20

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Paso de Fe

By on November 28, 2017

Step_of_Faith

Ahora fue un día ocupado! Temprano esta mañana nos dimos cuenta que el Rey Herodes había dado muerte a Juan el Bautista; “Cuando Jesús recibió la noticia, se retiró él solo en una barca a un lugar solitario” (Mateo 14:13). Yo sabía que El quería estar solo, pero la multitud no paraba de seguirle. Pronto habían “unos cinco mil hombres, sin contar a las mujeres y a los niños” (Mateo 14:21). Cuando comenzó a hacerse tarde tratamos de mandar a las personas a sus casas, pero Jesús sentó a toda la gente y los alimentó con “cinco panes y dos pescados” (Mateo 14:17). Que día!!

Finalmente, Jesús nos mandó a través del Mar de Galilea; “Cuando se despidió, fue a la montaña para orar” (Marcos 6:46). Me alegra que Jesús esté teniendo un tiempo a solas, pero desearía que estuviera aquí ahora. Esta oscuro y las olas se están haciendo grandes. Espera, hay algo allá afuera; algo, o alguien, caminando en el agua; “¡Es un fantasma!, gritaron de miedo” (Mateo 14:26). No, yo creo que es Jesús!

Mateo 14:28-29
“Señor, si eres tú –respondió Pedro–, mándame que vaya a ti sobre el agua. –Ven –dijo Jesús. Pedro bajó de la barca y caminó sobre el agua en dirección a Jesús.”

Cuando Pedro tomó ese primer paso sobre el agua, no había nada dentro de su sentido físico que le dijera que el agua lo iba a sostener. La barca estaba siendo tirada por el viento y las olas – y Pedro ciertamente tenía experiencias pasadas diciendole que objetos pesados se hunden en el agua- diciendole que su paso iba a fracasar.

Pero Pedro CONOCÍA a Jesús. El había pasado tiempo con Jesús – el había caminado con El, hablado con El, orado con El, y fue testigo de sus milagros. Pedro conoció la cara de Jesús y conoció Su voz. El sabía que si Jesús decía “ven,” El iba a proveer la manera para que el le siguiera. Jesús hizo el agua sólida, pero sólo cuando y donde Pedro se paraba – sólo después de que él se paraba en fe y en respuesta de su llamado.

El paso de fe es necesario para cualquier situación que requiera una solución más allá de lo que nuestros sentidos físicos puedan entender. “Ahora bien, la fe es la garantía de lo que se espera, la certeza de lo que no se ve” (Hebreos 11:1). La situación puede estar relacionada a las finanzas, al trabajo, oportunidades en un ministerio. Pero también puede estar relacionada a la crianza de los hijos, desafíos en la escuela, la aparente inhabilidad para perdonar, o cualquier otra cosa que requiere que operemos afuera de la comodidad de la barca.

Dios nos ha llamado a una vida de fe. Debemos pasar calidad de tiempo con nuestro Señor para poder reconocer Su vos, pero cuando Dios dice “venga,” nuestra única respuesta es dar un paso. Nuestras pasadas experiencias nos pueden gritar que no es posible y que probablemente vamos a fracasar. Quizá no veamos tierra sólida, pero debemos creer que El que nos llamó va a proveer una fundación sólida. Creamos que EL va a proveer la manera con cada uno de los pasos de fe.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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What It Means To Forgive

By on November 27, 2017

What_It_Means_To_Forgive

In the message “Forgive As He Forgave” we saw that our forgiveness of others should be based on recognizing the magnitude of forgiveness we have been given through faith in Jesus. A true understanding of God’s mercy toward us ought to compel us to be merciful to others. But still, forgiveness remains difficult and somewhat hard to define. Some hurts last a long, long time!

There are those today trying to forgive child abusers, murderers, habitually unfaithful spouses, and a whole list of emotional and physical abuses. I have seen many relationships where small hurts have piled up for several years and now there is nothing but a tangled mess of pain. How do we truly forgive when it hurts so much? Where do we even begin? And how do we know when we have properly forgiven?

Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

All forgiveness begins with a belief that God desires us to forgive in any situation; “If you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:15). I’m not sure how to fully interpret this verse, but one thing we know…our call to forgive is serious! If we are unable, or unwilling, to forgive we need to spend more time reflecting on the forgiveness of Christ. Do we really understand? Do we really believe? Our ability to forgive identifies our focus: Is our priority on Christ or on our own needs and desires, hurts and pain?

But forgiveness is not simply saying the words “I forgive you.” Rather, forgiveness is canceling the emotional debt. It means we love and earnestly pray for blessings in the other person’s life; “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). We should be able to think about the other person without bitterness, rage, or anger. We should be able to pray for an increase in their ministry or business, more peace in their family, and a closer relationship with Jesus. It’s amazing how much healing takes place in our own heart when we sincerely pray for those who have caused us pain.

However, forgiveness does not necessarily mean a relationship must continue as if the hurt never occurred. Our heart may be free of all anger and bitterness – we may earnestly pray for the one who caused us pain – and yet, we no longer trust or enjoy their company. My forgiveness of a child abuser does not require me to leave my children in their care. I can love with a Christ-like love and pray without anger and yet guard my physical body and emotional and spiritual heart. We must trust God to guide our steps in this area.

It’s unfortunate, but most of us are carrying some bitterness toward another person today. These burdensome emotions should not continue in the heart of a Child of God, and the only road to release them is through the gate of forgiveness. Let’s ask God to purify our heart. Let’s refocus on the cross and release our burdens to Him. Let’s honor our Father by showing the world what it means to forgive.

[Confession: This message has been around for many years; and yet, tonight I realize I still carry bitterness toward my Dad. I’m 58 years old and still need to work on forgiveness. I will be trying to do a better job of following through on the words of this message.]

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Nov 27 Daniel 4:1-37; 2 Peter 1:1-21; Psalm 119:96-112; Proverbs 28:17-18

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Lo Que Significa Perdonar

By on November 27, 2017

What_It_Means_To_Forgive

En el mensaje “Perdonar Como El Perdonó” vimos que nuestro perdón para otros debería estar basado en reconocer la magnitud de perdón que se nos ha dado a través de la fe en Jesús. Un verdadero entendimiento de la misericordia de Dios hacia nosotros, nos obliga a ser misericordiosos con los demás. Pero aún, el perdón se mantiene difícil y de alguna forma ambiguo. Algunas heridas duran taaaaanto tiempo!

Existen algunos hoy en dia tratando de perdonar abusadores de niños, asesinos, conyugues infieles, y una lista larga de dolores emocionales y físicos. He visto relaciones que han acumulado con los años pequeñas heridas y ahora sola queda un desastre de dolor. ¿Como perdonamos verdaderamente cuando duele tanto? ¿Donde empezamos? ¿Y como sabemos cuando hemos perdonado correctamente?

Efesios 4:31-32
“Quítense de vosotros toda amargura, enojo, ira, gritería, maledicencia y toda malicia. Antes sed bondadosos unos con otros, misericordiosos, perdonándoos unos a otros, como Dios también os perdonó a vosotros en Cristo.”

Todo perdón comienza con la creencia que Dios desea que perdonemos en toda situación; “pero si no perdonáis sus ofensas a los hombres, tampoco vuestro Padre os perdonará vuestras ofensas” (Mateo 6:15). Si somos incapaces o no tenemos la voluntad de perdonar, tenemos que pasar mas tiempo refleccionando en el perdón de Cristo. ¿Entendemos verdaderamente? ¿Creemos verdaderamente? Nuestra capacidad de perdonar identifica nuestro enfoque: es nuestra prioridad en Cristo o en nuestras propias necesidades y deseos…heridas y dolores?

Pero perdonar no es simplemente decir las palabras “Te perdono.” En vez, perdonar es cancelar la deuda emocional que mantenemos hacia otra persona. Significa que podemos amar y fervientemente orar por bendiciones en la vida de esa persona; “Amad a vuestros enemigos y orad por los que os ultrajan y os persiguen” (Mateo 5:44). Deberíamos ser capaces de pensar acerca de la otra persona sin amargura, rabia o enojo. Deberíamos poder orar por el crecimiento de sus ministerios o negocios, más paz en sus familias y una relación más cercana con Jesús. Es maravilloso cuanta sanidad toma lugar en nuestro corazón cuando oramos por aquellos que nos han causado dolor.

Sin embargo, perdón no necesariamente significa que una relación tiene que continuar como si la herida nunca se hizo. Nuestro corazón debe ser libre de todo enojo y amargura – podríamos orar seriamente por la otra persona quien nos causó dolor – y aún, no confiar o disfrutar más de su compañía. Mi perdón por una persona que ha abusado de menores no implica que yo deba confiar y dejar a mis hijos a su cuidado. Yo puedo amar con el amor de Cristo y orar sin enojo y simultáneamente guardar mi cuerpo físico y mi corazón emocional y espiritual. Debemos confiar en Dios para guiar nuestros pasos en esta area.

Es desafortunado, pero la mayoría de nosotros estamos ahora cargando amarguras hacia otras personas. Estos agobios emocionales no deberían continuar en el corazón de un Hijo de Dios – y el único camino para liberarlos es a través de la puerta del perdón. Pidamosle a Dios que purifique nuestros corazones. Reenfoquemonos en la cruz y liberemos nuestros cargas a El. Honremos nuestro Padre mostrando al mundo lo que significa perdonar.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Dance of Thanksgiving

By on November 23, 2017

Dance_of_Thanksgiving

[Note: I sent this message out on Thanksgiving, 2013. Today, as I consider my family 4 years later, I’m reminded that I have so much to be thankful for!]

Today is Thanksgiving in the United States. I know this isn’t a global holiday, but perhaps you will forgive me if I use this day to write a special Thanksgiving message.

This has been a difficult year for our family. In fact, the first five months were the most difficult of my life. Many of you walked through this struggle with us and prayed as we endured the diagnosis and treatment of our youngest daughter’s cancer. You were a wonderful Family during this time and we are deeply in your debt. For those new to this ministry, you can read more about this season in a series of messages at:

http://gdwm.org/index.php/category/kaylee-cancer/

In several of these messages I shared my personal struggle with how we, as believers in the All-Powerful, Loving, and Saving God of the Universe, are to relate to our trials. At the heart of this struggle was the well known passage in James.

James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

I never once became mad at God, because I rejected the teaching which said God was responsible for sending these trials. God was not the author of this pain, so how could I find fault in Him? And yet, I promise, there was no joy in this trial!

But now as I see our entire family on the other side of this particular trial, I can finally say there is great joy and thanksgiving. Our faith was indeed tested, but I am now able see a wonderful increase in perseverance and maturity. And, not surprisingly, the greatest increase has come in our youngest daughter who faced the greatest portion of the trial.

This week we had to travel back to the hospital for Kaylee’s six month test to see if she has remained cancer free. The night before we were to travel, I asked her if she was fearful or anxious about the test. She said she had been listening to music, and a line in a particular song helped her to put things in perspective. The line of music said, “The God of second chance, He picked her up and He let her dance.” She told me that no matter what happens, no matter the level of pain, God is still going to be there to dance.

Did I mention our daughter is only thirteen years old? Yes, trials bring an increased level of maturity! The test results are back and Kaylee remains cancer free!! The dance continues.

A dance is a good metaphor for our Christian life. The dance begins as we join God, through faith in His Son, and continues as we are transformed, being empowered by His Spirit. He dances with us through our trials as we learn of His love and how to share the dance with others. Perhaps one of the main purposes of the dance is to teach us how to truly be thankful.

God has indeed invited us to join Him in a dance. No matter what trials we are currently needing to endure, even trials which are completely overwhelming, God is there to dance with us as we navigate through all the twists and turns. Time and time again He is there to pick us up; and whenever this current song ends, He will take us by the hand and lead us into the eternal dance of thanksgiving.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Nov 23 Ezekiel 45:13-46:24; 1 Peter 1:14-2:10; Psalm 119:36-52; Proverbs 28:11
Nov 24 Ezekiel 47:1-48:35; 1 Peter 2:11-3:9; Psalm 119:53-70; Proverbs 28:12-13
Nov 25 Daniel 1:1-2:23; 1 Peter 3:10-4:6; Psalm 119:71-80; Proverbs 28:14
Nov 26 Daniel 2:24-3:30; 1 Peter 4:7-5:14; Psalm 119:81-95; Proverbs 28:15-16

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Forgive As He Forgave

By on November 22, 2017

Forgive_As_He_Forgave

It seems like sooner or later everyone gets mistreated and hurt. Many times the actions against us are unintentional, but other times they can be extremely malicious. Suddenly, this hurt begins to invade every other area of our life. We carry a heavy burden which we know we don’t deserve – and which we certainly don’t desire to keep – but it’s a burden we can’t seem to let go.

There is only one true way to relieve the burden of our hurt, and it always begins with forgiveness. True forgiveness can be difficult and require great humility. We want the other person to first ask (maybe even beg) for our forgiveness. We would like them to admit the hurt they caused; and, if we are honest, we probably would prefer them to suffer…just a little. But this is generally not God’s plan.

Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

If we have come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ, we have first come face to face with our sinful nature. Without an understanding that we are full of sin, we will never reach out for a savior. And if we have experienced the true meaning of God’s love, “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8), we will be compelled to reach out and love others. If we truly understand His forgiveness of us, can we really withhold our forgiveness of those who have caused us pain?

Jesus told a parable of a man who failed to forgive a small debt when his master had just forgiven him a much greater debt: “‘Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed” (Matthew 18:33-34). Do we really understand how much we have been forgiven, or our inability to repay? Yet our debt has been completely forgiven by grace through faith in Jesus, and we are now commanded to forgive others.

God established the standard for forgiveness. We are not called to forgive because someone deserves or has earned our forgiveness, we are called to forgive simply because God first forgave us. When we forgive, we must strive to make the forgiveness complete; “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12). Though we may carry a healthy level of new caution as the relationship continues, we must never place conditions on maintaining our forgiveness.

There WILL be times when we are burdened with hurt. But let’s not seek revenge or try to withdraw and hide our pain. Let’s follow the commands of God’s Word and be set free! Let’s grow closer to our Heavenly Father and see through His eyes. Let’s share His love and forgive as He forgave.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Nov 22 Ezekiel 44:1-45:12; 1 Peter 1:1-13; Psalm 119:17-35; Proverbs 28:8-10

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Perdonemos Como El Perdonó

By on November 22, 2017

Forgive_As_He_Forgave

Parece que tarde o temprano todos somos maltratados y heridos. En muchas ocasiones las acciones en contra nuestra no son intencionales, pero en otras ocasiones pueden ser extremadamente maliciosas. Repentinamente este daño comienza a invadir cada area de nuestra vida. Llevamos una carga pesada que estamos concientes que no deseamos – y que ciertamente no deseamos mantener – pero es una carga que no parece que podemos dejar.

Solo hay una forma verdadera de liberar las cargas de nuestro dolor, y siempre comienza con el perdón. El verdadero perdón puede ser difícil y requiere de gran humildad. Nosotros queremos que la otra persona pida (o aún suplique) primero nuestro perdón. Nos gustaría que los demás admitieran el dolor que nos han causado; y si somos honestos, quizá preferiríamos que ellos sufrieran…solo un poco. Pero generalmente ninguno de estos es el plan de Dios.

Colosenses 3:13
“De modo que se toleren unos a otros y se perdonen si alguno tiene queja contra otro. Así como el Señor los perdonó, perdonen también ustedes.”

Si nosotros hemos llegado a una fe salvadora en Cristo Jesús, en primer lugar nos enfrentamos cara a cara con nuestra naturaleza pecaminosa. Sin el entendimiento de que estamos llenos de pecado, nunca saldremos en busca de un salvador. Y si hemos experimentado el verdadero significado del Amor de Dios, “en que siendo aún pecadores, Cristo murió por nosotros” (Romanos 5:8), nosotros seremos obligados a perdonar a otros. Cuando realmente entendemos Su perdón de nosotros, es posible que podemos retener nuestro perdón para aquellos que nos han causado dolor?!

Jesús contó la parábola de un hombre que no pudo perdonar una pequeña deuda cuando su maestro le había perdonado a él una deuda mucho mayor; “¿No debías tú también tener misericordia de tu consiervo, como yo tuve misericordia de ti? Entonces su señor, enojado, lo entregó a los verdugos hasta que pagara todo lo que le debía” (Mateo 18:33-34). ¿Entendemos realmente cuanto se nos ha perdonado?, ¿o nuestra inhabilidad para corresponder ese perdón? Aún así, nuestra deuda ha sido completamente perdonada por gracia a través de la fe en Jesús y ahora hemos sido llamados a perdonar a otros.

Dios estableció el estándar del perdón. Somos llamados a perdonar no porque alguien merezca o haya ganado nuestro perdón, somos llamados a perdonar simplemente porque Dios nos perdonó primero. Cuando perdonamos debemos perdonar en forma completa; “porque seré propicio a sus injusticias, y nunca más me acordaré de sus pecados ni de sus maldades” (Hebreos 8:12). Aunque podríamos llevar un nivel saludable de precaución mientras continua la relación, no debemos poner condiciones en mantener nuestro perdón.

Habrán tiempos en que estaremos cargados de dolor. Pero no busquemos revancha o intentemos cubrir o ignorar nuestros dolores. ¡Sigamos los mandamientos de la palabra de Dios y seamos libres! Crezcamos cerca de nuestro Padre Celestial y veamos a través de Sus ojos. Compartamos Su amor y perdonemos como El perdonó.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Kenya School Update

By on November 21, 2017

MathareKidsCups (1)

MathareSchoolPlates (1)

Last month I sent out an update and presented several needs for our school in Kenya. This message can be seen at:

http://gdwm.org/2017/10/kenya-school-update-5/

Thank you so much for your encouragement and support! You have provided almost all the funds to complete the roof and all of the funds for the kids field trips. This is such a blessing!!

We are still in needs of some help with our food bag project. This project will provide Christmas time food bags to over 100 families from the school. This can be a difficult time as many are not able to work during this time of year.

If you are able, please consider making a donation by clicking on the Donate Now button or through the mail to:

God’s Daily Word Ministries
PO Box 12441
Jackson, TN 30308

Thanks so much for your consideration in this request!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Build All For His Glory

By on November 21, 2017

Build_All_For_His_Glory

The last two messages have considered how we ought to use a different set of priorities in forming our goals and plans. Our goal should be to fully submit to our Heavenly Father, and our plans must always remain under His control. We also saw that a life submitted to God is full of opportunity and excitement. But such a submitted life requires discipline and perseverance. Though the world may scream for us to turn, we must be determined to live by the truth of God’s Word through the enabling power of His Spirit.

In 586 BC, the armies of Babylon destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem. About 50 years later, the Jewish people started to rebuild, but after a few years, their priorities began to shift. Their comfort and the condition of their own homes became more important than being obedient to God’s call: “Is it time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house {of the Lord} remains a ruin?” (Haggai 1:4). God sent the prophet Haggai to challenge the people to reconsider their values and return to the work they had begun.

Haggai 1:5-6
“Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”

The people had turned from rebuilding the Temple to building their own homes – from rebuilding their spiritual lives to building the comfort of their physical lives. They found that no matter how hard they worked, they never had enough. Isn’t it amazing how the foundational truths of life never change?

We have more pulls on our priorities today than at any other time in history. There are more distractions, more temptations, and many more “construction projects” that cry for our time and energy. But if our focus remains on building for our own physical comfort and security, we will also be ones who find we are NEVER satisfied. It may take many years to realize this truth, but without an eternal focus on the glory and honor of God, all our effort drains away.

Our lives have become a Temple of God – a Temple being built to worship Him for all eternity, and one which must not fall into ruin! We must build the foundation of this Temple through intimate prayer and the study of His Word. We must cover all we build with an overriding desire to love God “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30).

Each and every day we are given the task of building His Spiritual Temple. Let’s not be turned from this task by projects which so easily fade away. Let’s refocus our priorities and diligently build ALL for His glory.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Nov 21 Ezekiel 42:1-43:27; James 5:1-20; Psalm 119:1-16; Proverbs 28:6-7

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Construyamos Todo para Su Gloria

By on November 21, 2017

Build_All_For_His_Glory

Los últimos dos mensajes han considerado cómo debemos utilizar un juego de prioridades diferentes para formar nuestras metas y planes. Nuestra meta debe ser someternos completamente a nuestro Padre Celestial, y nuestros planes deben siempre permanecer bajo Su control. También vimos que una vida sometida a Dios está llena de oportunidad y entusiasmo. Pero tal vida sometida requiere disciplina y perseverancia. Aunque el mundo nos grite para que regresemos, tenemos que determinar a continuar viviendo según las verdades de la Palabra de Dios.

En 586 A.C., los ejércitos de Babilonia destruyeron el Templo en Jerusalén. Como 50 años después, los Judíos comenzaron a reconstruir; pero dentro de pocos años, sus prioridades empezaron a cambiar. Su propia comodidad y la condición de sus hogares llegaron a ser más importante que ser obedientes al llamado de Dios: “¿Acaso es el momento apropiado para que ustedes residan en casas techadas mientras que esta casa está en ruinas?” (Hageo 1:4). Dios mandó un mensaje a través del profeta Hageo que retó a la gente a reconsiderar sus valores y regresar al trabajo que habían iniciado.

Hageo 1:5-6
“Así dice ahora el Señor Todopoderoso: ¡Reflexionen sobre su proceder! Ustedes siembran mucho, pero cosechan poco; comen, pero no quedan satisfechos; beben, pero no llegan a saciarse; se visten, pero no logran abrigarse; y al jornalero se le va su salario como por saco roto.”

La gente se habían desviado de reconstruir el Templo a construir sus propias casas – de reconstruir sus vidas espirituales a construir la comodidad de sus vidas físicas – y encontraron que no importaba que tan duro trabajaron, nunca tenían lo suficiente. ¿No es sorprendente como las verdades fundacionales nunca cambian?

Hay más factores que influyen nuestras prioridades hoy en día que en cualquier otro tiempo en la historia. Hay más distracciones, más tentaciones, y muchos más “proyectos de construcción” que claman por nuestro tiempo y energía. Pero si nuestro enfoque permanece en construir solamente para nuestra comodidad y seguridad física, también seremos de aquellos que encuentran que NUNCA están satisfechos. Podría tomar muchos años para realizar esta verdad, pero sin un enfoque eterno en la gloria y el honor de Dios, todos nuestros esfuerzos desvanecen.

Nuestras vidas se han convertido en Templos de Dios – Templos que se están construyendo para alabar a El por todo la eternidad, y Templos que no deben caer en ruinas! Debemos construir la fundación de este Templo a través de oración íntima y la lectura de Su Palabra a diario. Tenemos que cubrir todo lo que construimos con un deseo sobre todo de amar a Dios “con todo tu corazón, con toda tu alma, con toda tu mente y con todas tus fuerzas” (Marcos 12:30).

Todos y cada uno de los días se nos da la tarea de construir Su Templo. No permitamos que se nos desvíe de esta tarea con proyectos que tan fácil se desvanecen. Reenfoquemos nuestras prioridades y con diligencia construyamos TODO para Su gloria.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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