Browse: Home / Posts / Page 125

Posts

Our Unconditional Love

By on June 8, 2017

Our_Unconditional_Love

When we become a Child of God, through faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, He loves us in spite of our failures – in spite of the way we stumble and sometimes fall. But what type of love do we give in return? Do we have a continual love which remains through good and bad, or do we love only during our “scheduled” times and only when the conditions of our life are favorable for worship?

The prophet Habakkuk ministered during the same general time as Jeremiah, Daniel, and Ezekiel. This was a time when the southern kingdom of Judah was being invaded by Babylon and eventually taken into captivity. There was great wickedness, sorrow, and fear in the land. Habakkuk asked God many of the same questions we might ask today: “How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but You do not listen? Or cry out to you, ‘Violence!’ but You do not save?” (Habakkuk 1:2).

Habakkuk was frustrated that God appeared slow in answering his prayers and was allowing so much evil to go unpunished. Yet through these many trials, Habakkuk developed a deep and unwavering love.

Habakkuk 3:17-18
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

Habakkuk presented his heart-felt and anguished concerns; but regardless of the outcome, his love for God would remain unchanged. Even if every one of his prayers seemed to go unanswered, he was determined to love God with all his heart. This same love was expressed by Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego before they were thrown into the furnace. They knew God could save them, but their love did not depend on being rescued: “But even if He does not {save us}, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:18). They loved God simply because He was God!

We know there will be times when the world around us seems to fall apart – times when our life begins to crumble and the heat of the furnace seems very real. There will also be many times when we just don’t understand God’s plan or timing. Our path may seem unclear and His timing painfully slow. When this occurs, we must strive for a love that doesn’t fade or waver; a love which isn’t weakened by heat or torn by the force of the wind; a love which is pure and not conditioned by external circumstances.

Our Heavenly Father is our only true source of comfort and strength; “He alone is my rock and my salvation: He is my fortress, I will never be shaken” (Psalm 62:2). He has given His very best, and we ought to return our very best with a life of unbroken worship. Let’s truly rejoice that He is God and faithfully give Him our unconditional love.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jun 8 1 Kings 3:3-4:34; Acts 6:1-15; Psalm 126:1-6; Proverbs 16:26-27
Jun 9 1 Kings 5:1-6:38; Acts 7:1-29; Psalm 127:1-5; Proverbs 16:28-30
Jun 10 1 Kings 7:1-51; Acts 7:30-50; Psalm 128:1-6; Proverbs 16:31-33
Jun 11 1 Kings 8:1-66; Acts 7:51-8:13; Psalm 129:1-8; Proverbs 17:1

*****************************************************

DonateNow

Posted in | Leave a response

Nuestro Amor Incondicional

By on June 8, 2017

Our_Unconditional_Love

Cuando nos volvemos Hijos de Dios, por medio de la fe en Jesús para el perdón de pecados, El nos ama a pesar de nuestras fallas – sin importar la forma en que tambaleamos y aveces caemos. ¿Pero que clase de amor es el que damos a cambio? Tenemos una clase de amor continuo que se mantiene a través de lo bueno y lo malo, o amamos únicamente durante el tiempo de nuestro “itinerario” y solo cuando las condiciones en nuestra vida son favorables para la adoración?

El profeta Habacuc ministró durante el mismo tiempo de Jeremías, Daniel y Ezequiel. Este fue un periodo en que el reino del sur estaba siendo invadido por Babilonia y eventualmente tomado cautivo. Hubo gran debilidad, vergüenza y temor en la tierra. Habacuc hizo a Dios muchas de las preguntas que nosotros podríamos preguntar ahora: “¿Hasta cuándo, oh Jehová, clamaré, y no oirás; y daré voces a ti a causa de la violencia, y no salvarás?” (Habacuc 1:2).

Habacuc estaba frustrado que Dios parecía tardo en responder a sus oraciones y estaba permitiendo que mucha maldad se quedara impune. Aún cuando a través de estas pruebas, Habacuc desarrolló un profundo y permanente amor.

Habacuc 3:17-18
“Aunque la higuera no florezca, ni en las vides haya frutos, aunque falte el producto del olivo, y los labrados no den mantenimiento, y las ovejas sean quitadas de la majada, y no haya vacas en los corrales; Con todo, yo me alegraré en Jehová, y me gozaré en el Dios de mi salvación.”

Habacuc presentó los sentimientos de su corazón y sus angustiosas preocupaciones; pero sin importar el resultado, Su amor por Dios se mantendría inmutable. Aún cuando cada una de sus oraciones parecía no tener respuesta, el estaba determinado a amar a Dios con todo su corazón. Este mismo amor fue expresado por Sadrak, Mesak y Abednego antes de ser lanzados al horno de fuego. Ellos sabían que Dios podía salvarlos, pero Su amor no dependía de que fueran rescatados: “Y si no, sepas, oh rey, que no serviremos a tus dioses, ni tampoco adoraremos la estatua que has levantado” (Daniel 3:18). Ellos amaban a Dios simplemente porque El era Dios!

Sabemos que habrá períodos en que parecerá que todo a nuestro alrededor se derrumba – tiempos en que nuestra vida comienza a tambalearse y en donde el calor del horno parece muy real. Habrá también tiempos en los que simplemente no entenderemos el plan de Dios o Su tiempo. Nuestro camino puede no verse claro y Su tiempo dolorosamente lento. Cuando esto sucede, debemos esforzarnos por un amor que no se desvanece o titubea – un amor que no se debilita por el calor o no se desgarra por la fuerza del viento – un amor que es puro y que no es formado por circunstancias externas.

Nuestro Padre Celestial es nuestra única verdadera fuente de consolación y fuerza; “El solamente es mi roca y mi salvación; Es mi refugio, no resbalaré mucho” (Salmo 62:2). El nos ha dado lo mejor de Si mismo; devolvamosle TODO nuestro ser con una vida de inquebrantable adoración. Regocijamos verdaderamente que El es Dios y demosle fielmente nuestro amor incondicional.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

DonateNow

Posted in | Leave a response

Walk Humbly

By on June 7, 2017

Walk_Humbly

Seven hundred years before Jesus walked the earth, the prophet Micah wrote words given to him by God, words that tell what God expects from His Children.

Micah 6:8
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

God loves us so much that He gave His Son so we may be restored to Him and receive the gift of eternal life (John 3:16). When we begin to understand the fullness of His love and place our complete trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, it’s natural to ask: “What do You now require of me Lord?” But as we search the Scripture, we find no additional “requirements” for our Christian walk which are not summed up in the words of Micah.

As we live by faith, we must “act justly” by doing what is fair and right; “Anyone who does not do what is right is not a Child of God” (1 John 3:10). This means we live with integrity and “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).

God requires that we “love mercy” by showing compassion and forgiveness for others; “judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful” (James 2:13). It also means we live with a continual thankfulness for God’s mercy toward us. An understanding of God’s merciful forgiveness of our sins should compel us to forgive and show mercy to others. Without God’s mercy, we would all be lost.

The final requirement is for us to “walk humbly” with our God. The word humble means to place a low value on “self.” This is not a very popular concept in our “me-first” generation which seems to reward the individual who is prideful and confident in his own ability. We are trained to achieve, acquire, and rise higher than we believe possible; but God calls us to submit and walk with Christ continually exalted above all else in our life: “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).

True humility is required for proper worship and thankfulness before God. We did NOTHING to deserve eternal life and yet we have received. We are made worthy and given value without having done anything to earn our Salvation. This heavenly gift ought to produce a never ending stream of praise from our heart and cause us to focus less on ourselves and more on the needs of others.

All we have, and ALL we are, has been given to us by a loving God who created the Universe and accepted us into His Kingdom through faith in His Son. Let’s glorify Him with every step we take; and with each step of faith, let’s remember to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jun 7 1 Kings 2:1-3:2; Acts 5:1-42; Psalm 125:1-5; Proverbs 16:25

*****************************************************

DonateNow

Posted in | Leave a response

Andar Humildemente

By on June 7, 2017

Walk_Humbly

Setecientos años antes que Jesús caminara por esta tierra, el profeta Miqueas escribió algunas palabras dadas por Dios; palabras que hablan de lo que Dios espera de Sus Hijos.

Miqueas 6:8
“El te ha declarado, oh hombre, lo que es bueno. ¿Y qué es lo que demanda el SEÑOR de ti? Sino sólo practicar la justicia, amar la misericordia, y andar humildemente con tu Dios.”

Dios nos ama tanto que dió a Su Hijo para que fuésemos restaurados en El y recibiéramos el regalo de la vida eterna (Juan 3:16). Cuando comenzamos a comprender la llenura de Su amor y ponemos nuestra completa confianza en Jesús por el perdón de nuestros pecados, es natural preguntar: “¿Que requiere ahora de mi Señor?” Pero mientras buscamos en las Escrituras no encontramos ningún requerimiento adicional en nuestro caminar Cristiano que no estén resumidos en las palabras de Miqueas.

Mientras vivimos por fe, debemos “practicar la justicia” haciendo lo que es recto y justo; “todo aquel que no hace justicia, y que no ama a su hermano, no es de Dios” (1 Juan 3:10). Esto significa que vivamos en integridad y que “Amemos a nuestro prójimo como a nosotros mismos” (Marcos 12:31).

Dios requiere que “amamos con misericordia” mostrando compasión y perdón por los demás; “Porque juicio sin misericordia se hará con aquel que no hiciere misericordia” (Santiago 2:!3). Esto también significa que vivimos en continuo agradecimiento por la misericordia de Dios hacia nosotros. El entendimiento del misericordioso perdón de nuestros pecados debería impulsarnos a perdonar y a mostrar misericordia por los demás. Sin la misericordia de Dios estaríamos perdidos.

El requerimiento final es que “andemos humildemente” con nuestro Dios. La definición básica de la palabra humildad es: poner poco valor en “mi mismo.” Este no es un concepto muy popular en nuestra generación “yo-primero”. Somos entrenados para acumular, lograr, y levantarnos por encima de lo que nosotros creemos posible; pero Dios nos llama a someternos y caminar con Cristo continuamente exaltandole por sobre todas las cosas de nuestra vida; “Es necesario que él crezca, pero que yo mengue” (Juan 3:30).

La verdadera humildad es necesaria para una apropiada adoración y agradecimiento delante de Dios. No hemos hecho NADA para merecer la vida eterna y aún así la hemos recibido – fuimos hechos dignos y se nos dió valor sin haber hecho nada para ganar nuestra Salvación. Esto debería de producir un interminable río de adoración de nuestro corazón y hacer que estemos menos enfocados en nosotros y mas en las necesidades de otros.

Todo lo que tenemos y TODO lo que somos nos ha sido dado por un Dios amoroso que creó el Universo y nos aceptó en Su Reino por medio de la fe en Su Hijo. Demosle gloria con cada paso que damos – y con cada paso de fe, recordemos actuar con justicia, amar misericordiosamente, y andar humildemente.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

DonateNow

Posted in | Leave a response

All For His Glory

By on June 6, 2017

All_For_His_Glory

A few years ago I visited a planetarium and remember coming away with a renewed wonder of God’s creation. I saw many pictures taken from large telescopes and even many taken from space. The stars are fascinating! I’ve often looked into the night sky and wondered about God’s promise to Abraham: “‘Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them.’ Then He said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be'” (Genesis 15:5). When Abraham looked into that dark clear sky, you can be sure he saw a LOT of stars.

But as incredible as our night sky appears, the facts of our universe quickly become staggering. During the day we see the sun – which is really just the closest of all the stars. Our sun, though it appears large, is a relatively small star located 93 million miles from Earth. This distance is about the same as traveling around the world 4,000 times. And though this distance is hard to comprehend, the next nearest star is 270,000 time farther away. But that’s only two of the 200 billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy – a galaxy which takes light 100,000 years to travel from one end to the other!!

But as incredible as our galaxy appears, the Milky Way is but one of billions of other galaxies within the Universe. There are estimated to be as many galaxies in the Universe as there are stars in the Milky Way.

But as incredible as our Universe appears…

Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Just like that, it was done…and it was good. The Creator spoke and the Universe appeared. He then selected one of the billions of galaxies, one of the billions of stars within the galaxy, and one of the many planets around this star to create a people to call His own. God’s plan from before the foundations of the world was to create a family who is adopted “as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will – to the praise of His glorious grace” (Ephesians 1:5-6).

We who believe that Jesus Christ died for the forgiveness of our sin have become a testimony of praise to God’s glory and grace. In the same way, the immensity of the stars give testimony; “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1). I can barely understand the distance to our sun, let alone the size of our galaxy or the size of the Universe; and I’ll spend a lifetime trying to comprehend the “size” of our God; “The heavens proclaim His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory” (Psalm 97:6).

If we would look up on a clear night we might see that our perceived status, as well as our varied problems, are all quite small. And we might begin to understand our God to be much, much bigger than we thought. We might even just shake our head, as we try to understand His love, and realize this is all for His glory.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jun 6 1 Kings 1:1-53; Acts 4:1-37; Psalm 124:1-8; Proverbs 16:24

*****************************************************

DonateNow

Posted in | Leave a response

An Unsearchable Love

By on June 5, 2017

An_Unsearchable_Love

As I look back through the Scriptural account of history, I can see how God sent His Son to be born in a manger, grow and live among us, and die for our sins upon a cross. I can clearly see how the sacrifice of Jesus allows us, through faith, to enter into God’s presence for all eternity. I can even see the purpose of His humble birth as a permanent example of humility and service. But what I don’t think I will ever fully understand is why. Sure, I know the reason is love, “For God so loved the world that He gave…” (John 3:16), but I seriously doubt I will ever understand the amount of love required to sacrifice so much – the amount of love He had (and has)…for me!

Paul wrote his letter to the Romans with the intent of establishing foundational beliefs for the church. In this letter, Paul presented the greatest amount of teaching found anywhere in the Bible. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote on topics ranging from sin and judgment, to faith and salvation; from the purpose of the Law and life through the Spirit, to the sovereignty of God and the future of Israel. But toward the end of the letter, Paul paused and wrote a short prayer of praise and glory.

Romans 11:33-36
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay Him? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.”

We almost get the feeling that Paul had reviewed the first portion of his letter and just couldn’t continue writing without praising the Lord. Paul had wrestled through many difficult issues and learned a most valuable lesson: God is God…and sometimes this simple truth defies understanding.

God has a perfect plan where every piece fits neatly together, but there are MANY connections which our finite minds fail to comprehend. I almost never see how to best trust God through my trials until long after they have past. I get impatient and frustrated with God’s timing and want to know His plan, now! And yet, I know His love for me gave everything; “He humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8). I may not fully understand this love, but the little I know is enough to create a desire to live a life of devotion and faith. One day, I will stand before His throne and all His mysteries will be perfectly revealed. Until then I will simply continue to worship and trust.

We may never fully understand, but I pray we are all drawn a little closer today. If you have never experienced His love, I pray that you will release your heart into His care. If you are feeling unloved by the world, I pray you will look to Him and see a Father who gave His Son so He could hold you for all eternity. He is an unsearchable God who has poured out, for you, an unsearchable love.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jun 5 2 Samuel 23:24-24:25; Acts 3:1-26; Psalm 123:1-4; Proverbs 16:21-23

*****************************************************

DonateNow

Posted in | Leave a response

Un Amor Indescifrable

By on June 5, 2017

An_Unsearchable_Love

De la manera que veo hacia atrás, puedo ver como Dios mandó a Su Hijo a nacer en un establo, a vivir entre nosotros y a morir por nuestros pecados en la cruz. Puedo ver claramente como el sacrificio de Jesús nos permite, a través de la fe, entrar a la presencia de Dios. Y aun puedo ver el propósito de Su humilde nacimiento como una manera de darnos un ejemplo permanente de humildad y servicio. Pero lo que creo que nunca voy a entender completamente es el porque. Ah, claro, yo se que la razón es amor; “Porque tanto amó Dios al mundo…” (John 3:16), pero seriamente dudo que algun dia voy a entender la cantidad de amor requerida para sacrificarse tanto – la cantidad de amor que EL tuvo (y tiene)…por mi!

Pablo escribió su carta a los Romanos con el intento de establecer creencias fundacionales para la iglesia. En su carta, Pablo presentó la mayor cantidad de enseñanza que se encuentra en cualquier parte de la Biblia. Bajo la guianza del Espiritu Santo, Pablo escibió de temas que varían de pecado y juicio, a fe y salvación, del propósito de la Ley y vida a través del Espiritu, a la soberanía de Dios y el futuro de Israel. Pero hacia el final de la carta, Pablo se detuvo y escribió una oración corta de alabanza y gloria.

Romanos 11:33-36
“¡Qué profundas son las riquezas de la sabiduría y del conocimiento de Dios! ¡Qué indescifrables sus juicios e impenetrables sus caminos! ¿Quién ha conocido la mente del Señor? ¿O quién ha sido su consejero? ¿Quién le ha dado primero a Dios, para que luego Dios le pague? Porque todas las cosas proceden de él, y existen por él y para él. ¡A él sea la gloria por siempre! Amén.”

Casi tenemos la sensación que Pablo revisó la primera porción de su carta y simplemente no pudo sequir escribiendo sin alabar al Señor. Quizas Pablo no entendió completamente todo lo que escribió, pero había aprendido una lección muy valiosa – Dios es Dios, y a veces esa verdad escapa de nuestro entendimiento.

Dios tiene un plan perfecto donde cada pieza encaja perfectamente, pero hay muchas conexiones que nuestras mentes fallan en comprender. Yo no puedo ver siempre el propósito de mis pruebas o las lecciones que El quiere que aprenda: me pongo impaciente y frustado con Su tiempo (Quiero saber Su plan, ahora!). Pero se que en Su amor por mi dió todo; “se humilló a sí mismo y se hizo obediente hasta la muerte, ¡y muerte de cruz!” (Filipenses 2:8). Quizas no entiendo completamente este amor, pero lo poco que se es suficiente para crear un deseo de vivir una vida de devoción y fe. Algún día, me pararé ante Su trono y todo Sus misterios seran perfectamente revelados. Hasta entonces Yo simplemente continuaré alabando y confiando.

Quizas nunca entenderemos completamente, pero oro para que tu seas atraído un poco mas cerca ahora. Si nunca has experimentado Su amor, oro para que sueltes tu corazón a Su cuidado. Si te sientes no amado por el mundo, oro para que lo busques a El y veas un Padre que dio a Su Hijo para que pudiera abrazarte por toda la eternidad. El es un Dios indecifrable que derramó, por ti, un amor indecifrable.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

DonateNow

Posted in | Leave a response

Two Become One Flesh

By on June 1, 2017

Two_Become_One_Flesh

In the message “Stay Off The Roof” we saw how seemingly innocent beginnings can have disastrous results when we entertain even the slightest area of temptation. This becomes even more critical in marriage when the result of temptation can cause great pain to the one who has been given to us as a gift from God.

By the middle of the sixth day, God had created the sun, moon and stars; the land, sky, and water; the fish, birds, plants and animals. And when He looked at His creation, “God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:25). But God’s creation was not yet complete; “Then God said, ‘let us make man in our image'” (Genesis 1:26). Out of the dust of the ground God breathed life into man and put him in the Garden of Eden, “to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15).

As God watched man go about his work, He saw that something was not right. Some have suggested that man looked a little sad; others have joked that man was making a big mess and kept wandering around, lost and confused. Whatever the cause, God looked at His latest creation and said:

Genesis 2:18
“It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Adam needed more than someone to help him with his chores; he needed someone to make him complete! So God formed woman, not from the ground but from a rib taken from Adam’s side; “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:23).

If God gives us someone as a special gift to make us whole, they ought to be cherished and protected for a lifetime; “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Like pieces of a puzzle that fit neatly together, a God-ordained marriage joins and completes by making two become one.

It’s sad how quickly we forget these basic truths as we continue to place our individual desires ahead of the union created by God. We walk on the roof of temptation without regard to the potential devastation. The result is often a bitter war with years of spiritual bloodshed and an eventual ripping apart of what God has joined. We must stop this downward spiral before it even begins.

To those who have suffered the painful end of a marriage, I pray that you would see the love and forgiveness found in the arms of God. To the MANY singles, I pray that God would give you encouragement and strength; I pray He would be the true and faithful Helper. To those who are married or planning to marry, I pray we would now and forevermore see our spouse as a true gift from God given to make us whole. I pray we would forever thank Him for joining us together and commit to the protection of the union. I pray we would always remember that when God provides our most suitable helper (and completer), the two become one flesh.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jun 1 2 Samuel 18:1-19:10; John 20:1-31; Psalm 119:156-176; Proverbs 16:14-15
Jun 2 2 Samuel 19:11-20:13; John 21:1-25; Psalm 120:1-7; Proverbs 16:16-17
Jun 3 2 Samuel 20:14-22:20; Acts 1:1-26; Psalm 121:1-8; Proverbs 16:18
Jun 4 2 Samuel 22:21-23:23; Acts 2:1-47; Psalm 122:1-9; Proverbs 16:19-20

*****************************************************

DonateNow

Posted in | Leave a response

Una Sola Carne

By on June 1, 2017

Two_Become_One_Flesh

En el mensaje “Mantengámonos Alejados del Terrado”, vimos como inicios aparentemente inocentes pueden tener resultados desastrosos cuando entretenemos aún la mas pequeña área de tentación. Esto se vuelve aún mas crítico cuando nos casamos; entonces, el resultado de la tentación puede causar gran dolor a aquel dado a nosotros como un regalo de Dios.

A la mitad del sexto día, Dios había creado el sol, la luna y las estrellas; la tierra, el cielo, y el agua; los peces, las aves, las plantas y los animales – y cuando vio a Su creación, “Y Dios consideró que esto era bueno” (Génesis 1:25). Pero todavía no estaba completa Su creación: “y dijo: Hagamos al ser humano a nuestra imagen y semejanza” (Génesis 1:26), y del polvo de la tierra, Dios sopló vida al hombre y le puso en el Jardín de Edén, “para que lo cultivara y lo cuidara” (Génesis 2:15).

Mientras que Dios vio al hombre ocuparse en su trabajo, vio que algo no estaba correcto. Algunos han sugerido que el hombre parecía un poco triste – otros han bromeado que el hombre estaba haciendo un gran desorden y caminaba, perdido y confundido. Cualquiera que sea la causa, Dios vio a Su última creación y dijo:

Génesis 2:18
“No es bueno que el hombre esté solo. Voy a hacerle una ayuda adecuada.”

Adán necesitaba mas que alguien para ayudarle con sus tareas, el necesitaba a alguien que lo hiciera completo! Entonces Dios formó a la mujer, no de la tierra, pero de una costilla tomada del lado de Adán; “Ésta sí es hueso de mis huesos y carne de mi carne” (Génesis 2:23).

Si Dios nos da a alguien como un regalo especial para hacernos completos, ellos deben ser queridos y protegidos de por vida; “Por tanto dejará el hombre a su padre y a su madre, se unirá a su mujer y serán una sola carne” (Génesis 2:24). Como piezas de un rompecabezas que encajan perfectamente, un matrimonio ordenado por Dios se une y se cumple haciendo que los dos formen uno.

Es triste que rápidamente nos olvidamos de estas verdades básicas. Continuamos poniendo nuestros deseos personales adelante de la unión creada por Dios. “Jugamos” con tentaciones sin tomar en cuenta devastación potencial. Con frecuencia el resultado es una guerra civil con años de derramamiento de sangre espiritual y un rasgado eventual de lo que Dios se unió. Tenemos que parar esta deterioración en forma de espiral aún antes que comience.

A los MUCHOS padres solteros: Oro que Dios les de animo y fortaleza – Oro que El será el ayudador que tan desesperadamente necesitan. A aquellos ya casados o planeando casarse: Oro que para ahora y para siempre veamos a nuestro esposo o esposa como el verdadero regalo de Dios que nos dió para hacernos completos. Oro para que siempre demos gracias a El por habernos unido y para que nos comprometamos a proteger la unión. Oro para que siempre recordemos que Dios provee nuestra ayuda mas adecuada cuando los dos lleguen a ser una sola carne.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

DonateNow

Posted in | Leave a response

Stay Off The Roof

By on May 31, 2017

Stay_Off_The_Roof

King David gave in to temptation with Bathsheba and then tried to cover up his sin with lies and murder. How could someone described by God as, “A man after My own heart” (Acts 13:22), make such a bad error in judgment? Sin is rarely the result of a single poor choice. Most often, the actual sin is caused by a long drift away from the presence of God and several specific decisions made outside His will.

2 Samuel 11:1
“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.”

David had become complacent about his duties as King. When the rest of his men were off at war, David stayed home with not much to do. He could have spent time drawing closer to God with prayer and study of the Word, but apparently David allowed himself to become quite restless.

2 Samuel 11:2
“One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful.”

David walked on the roof and (much to his surprise?) he saw a naked woman in a bathtub! Remember that David built this palace – he knew every detail of the architecture. He knew exactly where the bath houses were and knew the preferred times of bathing! “But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin” (James 1:14-15).

David’s sin began long before he climbed into bed with Bathsheba. It began with letting down his guard of self-discipline and wandering from God; it then continued by entering an area of compromise – an area where he was enticed.

We must all recognize our “roof” where we become susceptible to temptation: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Many times, our way out of temptation is simply to not visit the place where we know temptation resides – to not allow temptation to even germinate in our heart.

Is there a restlessness which is causing us to drift from God? Are we spending time and energy on activities, in places or conversations (physical or virtual), which we know are not honoring to God? Let’s remain in His presences and ask God to open our eyes to the vulnerable areas of our life; let’s commit to walk the path of purity and stay off the roof!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

May 31 2 Samuel 17:1-29; John 19:23-42; Psalm 119:132-155; Proverbs 16:12-13

*****************************************************

DonateNow

Posted in | Leave a response

Mantengámonos Alejados del Terrado

By on May 31, 2017

Stay_Off_The_Roof

El Rey David se entregó a la tentación con Betsabé y después intentó cubrir su pecado con mentiras y homicidio. Como puede ser que alguien descrito por Dios como, “varón conforme a mi corazón” (Hechos 13:22), hiciera tan grande error en su juicio? El pecado es raramente solo el resultado de una mala decisión. Mas bien, el pecado actual se debe a un proceso de alejarnos de la presencia de Dios y varias decisiones específicas tomadas fuera de Su voluntad.

2 Samuel 11:1
“Aconteció al año siguiente, en el tiempo que salen los reyes a la guerra, que David envió a Joab, junto a sus siervos y a todo Israel, y ellos derrotaron a los amonitas y sitiaron a Rabá, mientras David se quedó en Jerusalén.”

David estaba satisfecho con respecto a sus deberes como Rey. Cuando el resto de sus hombres estaban lejos en guerra, David se quedó en casa sin mucho que hacer. Hubiera podido pasar tiempo acercándose a Dios a través de la oración y estudio de la Palabra, pero aparentemente David permitió a si mismo volverse ansioso.

2 Samuel 11:2
“Un día, al caer la tarde, se levantó David de su lecho, y se paseaba sobre el terrado de la casa real, cuando vio desde el terrado a una mujer que se estaba bañando, la cual era muy hermosa.”

David salió al terrado y (¿para su sorpresa?) vio a una mujer desnuda bañandose! Recuerda que David construyó este palacio – el conocía cada detalle de su arquitectura. David sabía exactamente donde estaban los balnearios y sabía de las horas preferidas para bañarse! “Cada uno es tentado, cuando de su propia pasión es atraído y seducido. Entonces la pasión, después que ha concebido, da a luz el pecado” (Santiago 1:14-15).

El pecado de David empezó mucho mas antes que cuando se acostó con Betsabé. Empezó con bajar la guardia de dominio propio y alejarse de Dios; y continuó cuando entró en una área de riesgo – una área donde fue tentado.

Todos tenemos que reconocer nuestro terrado donde nos volvemos susceptibles a la tentación: “Ustedes no han sufrido ninguna tentación que no sea común al género humano. Pero Dios es fiel, y no permitirá que ustedes sean tentados más allá de lo que puedan aguantar. Más bien, cuando llegue la tentación, él les dará también una salida a fin de que puedan resistir” (1 Corintios 10:13). Muchas veces, nuestra salida es simplemente no visitar el lugar donde sabemos que reside la tentación – a no permitir que la tentación germine en nuestro corazón.

¿Existe una ansiedad que nos esta causando alejarnos de Dios? ¿Estamos pasando mucho tiempo y energía en actividades, en lugares o conversaciones, que sabemos que no estan honrando a Dios? Permanezcamos en Su presencia y pidamosle a Dios que abra nuestros ojos a las áreas vulnerables de nuestra vida; dediquémonos a seguir el camino de la pureza y mantengámonos alejados del terrado!

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

DonateNow

Posted in | Leave a response

Never Trade The Blessing

By on May 30, 2017

Never_Trade_The_Blessing

When Isaac was sixty years old, his wife Rebecca gave birth to twin sons. Esau was born first, followed immediately by Jacob; “with his hand grasping Esau’s heal” (Genesis 25:26). Esau grew to be a skillful hunter while Jacob stayed more around the tents with his mother.

In the days of Esau and Jacob, the firstborn son was given a special honor called the birthright. The child having the birthright received a double portion of the family inheritance as well as the eventual privilege of family leadership. The birthright could be traded, but all future birthright blessings were then lost.

Genesis 25:29-32
“Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, ‘Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!’ Jacob replied, ‘First sell me your birthright.’ ‘Look, I am about to die,’ Esau said. ‘What good is the birthright to me?'”

Esau was a young man who lived “in the moment” and traded his birthright for a bowl of stew. He placed much greater value on immediate gratification than on future blessings, and he exaggerated his immediate need in order to justify the future loss. The mighty hunter may have been hungry – maybe even VERY hungry – but he certainly was not about to die.

Esau’s decision to let go of his birthright was based on the temporary needs he could see and feel. His focus on the immediate caused him to lose the blessings which were greater and long lasting, but unseen. Jacob would later steal Esau’s final blessing from their father, but Easu freely gave away his birthright blessing because he never understood its true value.

Similar trades are being made today. We just don’t understand (or believe) the value of blessings. When a child leaves home in rebellion, they trade the blessing of an honoring relationship with their parents for perceived pleasures of immediate freedom. When a spouse pursues a relationship outside of marriage, they trade the blessing of a God-honoring union for perceived pleasures of the flesh. And when we fail to “wait upon the Lord” with decisions, we have allowed our impatience to trade away the blessing of walking in God’s perfect will. We may spend a lifetime understanding the value of this blessing!

So what bowl of stew are we trading for today? God has promised a blessing for those who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, for those who trust in Him for the forgiveness of sin and walk daily in His light. He has promised to set us free to live a life of true peace, purpose, and contentment, and an eternal glory in His presence when we die. ALL worldly pleasures will one day fade away; “For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Let’s devote our lives to worship and obediently follow wherever He leads. Let’s keep our eyes on the eternal and NEVER trade the blessing.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

May 30 2 Samuel 15:23-16:23; John 18:25-19:22; Psalm 119:113-131; Proverbs 16:10-11

*****************************************************

DonateNow

Posted in | Leave a response

« PreviousNext »