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The First Move

By on December 21, 2016

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

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El Primer Paso

By on December 21, 2016

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, 2016

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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El Regalo del Perdón Verdadero

By on December 20, 2016

The_Gift_of_True_Forgiveness

Si, como dice la canción: “Es el tiempo mas maravilloso del año!” Estamos inundados con música navideña, luces navideñas, y muchas “actividades” navideñas. Y aunque los “adornos” navideños son frecuentamente distracciones, la mayoría de nosotros somos capaces de ver mas allá de la brillantina. A pesar que el mundo intenta distraernos, generalmente hacemos tiempo para reunirnos con familia y amigos y celebrar el significado verdadero de Navidad.

Pero muchos de nosotros sienten este tiempo del año muy doloroso. La memoria de heridas pasadas, que permanecen escondidas durante todo el año, ahora vienen a la superficie. Tal vez tendremos que enfrentar una persona particular quien nos causó dolor – o la memoria de una Navidad pasada podría traer la persona (y el dolor) de regreso a nuestra mente.

Obviamente, esta agitación no es la intención que Dios tiene para nuestras vidas – especialmente no mientras estamos celebrando el nacimiento de Su Hijo.

Efesios 4:32
“Más bien, sean bondadosos y compasivos unos con otros, y perdónense mutuamente, así como Dios los perdonó a ustedes en Cristo.”

No podemos celebrar correctamente el nacimiento de Jesús sin reflexionar sobre el porque de Su nacer. A través de Su vida nos ofreció el perdón completo de pecados. Con un solo acto de amor increíble, Jesús removió el pecado que nos hubiera mantenido eternamente separados de nuestro Padre Celestial. Esta es la manera de la cual debemos perdonar a otros.

Jesús contó una parábola acerca de un sirviente que tuvo una enorme deuda cancelada: “Entonces aquel siervo, postrado, le suplicaba, diciendo: Señor, ten paciencia conmigo, y yo te lo pagaré todo. El señor de aquel siervo, movido a misericordia, le soltó y le perdonó la deuda” (Mateo 18:26-27). Pero cuando se fue el sirviente, el rehusó perdonar una deuda de un sirviente compañero – una deuda que solamente era una fracción de la cantidad recién cancelada; “Mas él no quiso, sino fue y le echó en la cárcel, hasta que pagase la deuda” (Mateo 18:30).

Jesús usó esta parábola para mostrarnos que si no perdonamos completamente a otros desde lo profundo de nuestro corazón, hemos fallado de entender el perdón que ya nos ha dado; “¿No debías tú también tener misericordia de tu consiervo, como yo tuve misericordia de ti?” (Mateo 18:33). Cualquier “pecado” que cometen otros en contra de nosotros es pequeño en comparación a los pecados que hemos cometido en contra de Dios! Hemos sido perdonados taaaaaaanto!!

Durante este tiempo del año tan maravilloso, reflexionemos sobre el regalo impresionante que ya hemos sido dado a través de nuestro Señor. Entonces, demos a otros en la manera que ya hemos recibido – demos el regalo del perdón verdadero.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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As Jesus Loved

By on December 19, 2016

As_Jesus_Loved

In the message “Debt of Love” we saw that God loved us long before we ever knew Him, and loved us far more than we deserved; “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Our Heavenly Father sent His Son to die for the forgiveness of our sins “that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). And He sent His Spirit to comfort, guide, and strengthen us all the rest of our days.

God’s love has created a debt we can never fully repay, but it’s a debt of love we now honor by loving others; “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another” (Romans 13:8). As we reach out to those around us, we are actually reaching up and loving our Heavenly Father; “He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people” (Hebrews 6:10). We know we should love one another, but what is the proper expression of our love?

Jesus had gathered with His disciples for what would be their last meal together. While they were eating in the upper room, Jesus “showed them the full extent of His love” (John 13:1).

John 13:4-5
“He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.”

In this, His clear demonstration of love, the Creator of the Universe lowered Himself to the position of a common house servant and washed the feet of His disciples. His example of love was completely void of pride or selfish motives. There was no agenda in His actions other than to pour out pure love. Only moments later Jesus told His disciples; “As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).

Jesus was able to love with true humility and self-sacrifice because He was absolutely secure in His Heavenly relationship; “Jesus knew He had come from God and was returning to God” (John 13:3). Jesus knew who He was and where He was going; His self-esteem was independent of feedback from the world, independent of any appreciation He may have received in return. Jesus was sent to love, so He loved!

We are now sent to love with this same servant’s heart – a heart that simply considers the needs of others and then reaches out to “take care of My sheep” (John 21:16). Let’s secure our Heavenly relationship through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus and then live each day with a humble heart that only His security allows. Let’s love our Heavenly Father as we reach out to the world and love as Jesus loved.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 19 Zephaniah 1:1-3:20; Revelation 10:1-11; Psalm 138:1-8; Proverbs 30:11-14

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Como Jesús Amó

By on December 19, 2016

As_Jesus_Loved

En el mensaje “Deuda de Amor” vimos que Dios nos amó mucho antes que lo conociéramos a El, y que nos amó mucho mas de lo que nos merecíamos; “cuando todavía éramos pecadores, Cristo murió por nosotros” (Romanos 5:8). Nuestro Padre Celestial envió a Su Hijo para morir por el perdón de nuestros pecados “para que todo el que cree en él no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna” (Juan 3:16). Y envió a Su Espíritu para consolarnos, guiarnos, y fortalecernos para el resto de nuestros días.

El amor de Dios creó una deuda que nunca podríamos pagar, pero es una deuda de amor que honramos, amando a otros; “No tengan deudas pendientes con nadie, a no ser la de amarse unos a otros” (Romanos 13:8). En la manera que alcanzamos a aquellos que nos rodean, estamos realmente alcanzando y amando a nuestro Padre Celestial; “Porque Dios no es injusto como para olvidarse de las obras y del amor que, para su gloria, ustedes han mostrado sirviendo a los santos, como lo siguen haciendo” (Hebreos 6:10). Sabemos que debemos amarnos los unos a los otros, ¿pero que debe ser la expresión correcta de nuestro amor?

Jesús ya ha reunido Sus discípulos para lo que iba a ser su última comida juntos. Mientras estaban comiendo en el aposento alto, Jesús “les amó hasta el fin” (Juan 13:1).

Juan 13:4-5
“así que se levantó de la mesa, se quitó el manto y se ató una toalla a la cintura. Luego echó agua en un recipiente y comenzó a lavarles los pies a sus discípulos y a secárselos con la toalla que llevaba a la cintura.”

En esto, Su clara demostración de amor, el Creador del Universo se humilló a Si mismo al puesto de un sirviente común y lavó los pies de Sus discípulos. Su ejemplo de amor era completamente vacío de orgullo; no había una tarea demasiado trivial o un servicio demasiado “bajo” para Jesús. En pocos momentos después Jesús dijo a Sus discípulos; “Así como yo los he amado, también ustedes deben amarse los unos a los otros” (Juan 13:34).

Jesús era capaz de amar con humildad verdadera y auto-sacrificio porque era completamente seguro en Su relación Celestial; “Sabía Jesús que había salido de Dios y a él volvía” (Juan 13:3). Jesús sabía quien era y a donde iba; Su auto-estima era independiente de la retroalimentación que recibía del mundo – independiente de cualquier agradecimiento que le podían devolver. ¡Jesús era enviado para amar, y entonces El amó!

Somos ahora enviados a amar con este mismo corazón de sirviente – un corazón que sencillamente considera las necesidades de otros y después extiende la mano para “Cuida(r) de mis ovejas” (Juan 21:16). Aseguremos nuestra relación Celestial a través de fe en el sacrificio de Jesús y después vivir cada día con un corazón humilde que solo permite la seguridad de El. Amémosle a Nuestro Padre Celestial mientras alcanzamos al mundo y amamos como Jesús amó.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Ministry Needs

By on December 16, 2016

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There are only two weeks left in the year and we are in need of an outpouring of support. We typically receive about 35% of our yearly support during the month of December. This allows us to plan for the year and make up the monthly shortfalls throughout the year. Our new facility in Kenya will allow us to minister to those in great need for many years, but only if a flow of support continues.

I often share pictures of smiling kids in our school, but we need to be reminded that this school is providing a Godly shelter in an otherwise extremely stormy childhood. We recently conducted a study of our families and found that 40% live in what are called shanty houses in the surrounding slum area. These homes have no electricity or running water. There is a single community toilet and most people use buckets and empty them into the street. Another 50% of the families live in 10 by 10 single rooms that must provide shelter for parents and several kids. Lack of jobs cause many to turn to drugs, alcohol and prostitution. We have truly become a shining light in a very dark environment, often providing the only source of hope. We are able to provide this hope through education and food, but more importantly through the love of Jesus Christ.

Please consider standing with us in this end of 2016 and into the future. We can’t continue without your help. Be in prayer for this ministry and, if you are able to make a donation, click on the Donate Now button or mail a check today to:

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

Please write if you would like additional information on making donations through direct bank or stock transfer.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Debt of Love

By on December 15, 2016

Debt_of_Love

Much of Paul’s letter to the Romans is a love story between a righteous God and sinful man. Even though our sinful state sentenced us to an eternal death (Romans 6:23), God looked upon us with love: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Our Heavenly Father loved us long before we knew Him – He loved us when there was nothing in us that deserved His love – and He gave His Son as a sacrifice for sin so that, through faith, we might experience His deep and wonderful love for all eternity. This is a love I do not believe we ever fully appreciate or even understand. And yet, this love which was demonstrated through the life of Jesus has become the standard for how we are to love others; “As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).

When Jesus came to earth, He revealed the true love of God. John wrote of the awesome power of Jesus; “Through Him all things were made” (John 1:3). But we also know that the Creator of the Universe “made Himself nothing…being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7). Jesus Christ came to earth in human form; He “humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8). His entire life was an act of divine love which revealed the love of God. And this is the same love He commands us to have for one another, the love which Paul says we must continually repay.

Romans 13:8
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.”

Paul knew the fullness of Jesus’ love and he knew we were commanded to love one another in a like manner. He also knew we could never truly fulfill Jesus’ command of love because His love was simply too great. And though the love involved in our Salvation is beyond comprehension, His love continues even more with the gift of His Spirit for daily guidance and strength. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each loving one another, together pour out their love on us with a blessed abundance. We definitely have a large love-debt!

But notice that our debt of love to God has become a debt of love to others – a “continuing debt” which will be with us for the rest of our life. Though we can never fully repay, we can honor Jesus’ command by welcoming our debt and joyfully loving those who are placed in our path; “We love {others} because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Honoring the command of Jesus does not mean we love just the loveable or those who love us in return – it means we love…and then we love some more! Let’s accept our debt and love one another as we make regular (daily) payments toward our continuing debt of love.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 15 Micah 1:1-4:13; Revelation 6:1-17; Psalm 134:1-3; Proverbs 30:1-4
Dec 16 Micah 5:1-7:20; Revelation 7:1-17; Psalm 135:1-21; Proverbs 30:5-6
Dec 17 Nahum 1:1-3:19; Revelation 8:1-13; Psalm 136:1-26; Proverbs 30:7-9
Dec 18 Habakkuk 1:1-3:19; Revelation 9:1-21; Psalm 137:1-9; Proverbs 30:10

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Deuda de Amor

By on December 15, 2016

Debt_of_Love

Mucho de la carta de Pablo a los Romanos es una historia de amor entre un Dios recto y hombres pecadores. Aún que nuestra naturaleza pecaminosa nos sentencia a una muerte eterna (Romanos 6:23), Dios nos mira con amor: “Pero Dios demuestra su amor por nosotros en esto: en que cuando todavía éramos pecadores, Cristo murió por nosotros” (Romanos 5:8).

Dios nos amó mucho antes que le conociéramos – El nos amó aún cuando no había nada en nosotros que mereciera Su amor – y El nos dio a Jesús como sacrificio por nuestros pecados de manera que por fe, podamos experimentar Su profundo y maravilloso amor por toda la eternidad. Este es un amor que yo creo que no podemos apreciar completamente o aún comprenderlo. Y aún así estamos llamados a usar este amor como el estándar para como amar a otros; “Así como yo los he amado, también ustedes deben amarse los unos a los otros” (Juan 13:34).

Cuando Jesús vino al mundo, El reveló el verdadero amor de Dios. Juan escribió que “Por medio de él {Jesús} todas las cosas fueron creadas” (Juan 1:3). Pero también sabemos que El Creador del Universo “se rebajó voluntariamente…haciéndose semejante a los seres humanos” (Filipenses 2:7). Jesucristo vino a la tierra en forma humana; El se “humilló a sí mismo y se hizo obediente hasta la muerte, ¡y muerte de cruz!” (Filipenses 2:8). Y este es el mismo amor que el nos manda a tener los unos por los otros; el amor que Pablo dice que debemos devolver continuamente.

Romanos 13:8
“No tengan deudas pendientes con nadie, a no ser la de amarse unos a otros.”

Pablo conoció la llenura del amor de Jesús y el supo que fuimos mandados a amarnos los unos con los otros de esa manera. El también supo que nunca podría verdaderamente cumplir con el mandato de Dios de amar – Su amor es simplemente demasiado grande. Y aún cuando el amor involucrado en nuestra Salvación esta por encima de lo que se podemos comprender, Su amor continua con el regalo de Su Espíritu para guiarnos y fortalecernos diariamente. Definitivamente tenemos una gran deuda de amor!

Pero notemos que nuestra deuda de amor por Jesús se ha convertido en una deuda por los demás – una “deuda continua” que estará con nosotros por el resto de nuestra vida. Aún cuando nunca podamos devolver por completo, podemos honrar el mandato de Jesús aceptando la deuda y gozosamente amando a aquellos que son puestos en nuestro camino; “Nosotros amamos {a otros} porque él nos amó primero”(Juan 4:19).

Honrar el mandato de Jesús no significa que amemos solo a los que queremos amar o a los que nos corresponden el amor – significa que amemos…y después amemos mas! Aceptemos nuestra deuda y amémonos unos a otros mientras hacemos regularmente pagos diarios a nuestra continua deuda de amor.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Open Our Eyes

By on December 14, 2016

Open_Our_Eyes2

The king of Aram was at war with Israel; but every time he moved his army, the prophet Elisha would inform the Israelites. The king concluded the only way to win the war was to first eliminate Elisha: “‘Go, find out where he is,’ the king ordered, ‘so I can send men and capture him'” (2 Kings 6:13).

When the king found where Elisha was staying, he sent his army to surround the city. When Elisha’s servant woke and saw the army, he became very frightened; “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” (2 Kings 6:15). But Elisha comforted his servant by helping him see the real battle.

2 Kings 6:16-17
“‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

Our false perception is the biggest cause of fear and frustration; in fact, I might boldly say it is the only cause! If we live without faith, our perception is restricted to what we see with our eyes and hear with our ears. With this limited input, it’s no wonder so many live in fear – it’s no wonder so many become frustrated and discouraged with their day to day life. But as our faith and understanding of God increase, we are able to trust in what we cannot physically see or hear. We can live in peace, knowing that “the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Battles occur in and around us every day, battles which cause us to become heavily burdened. We desire to walk down God’s path, but the pulls and attacks of the world seem relentless. We need to remember that His plan and provision is always perfect – always working toward the good. Somehow we must understand that the battle we see with our physical eyes and analyze with our mind is never the real battle; “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12).

Our spouse, parents, children or co-workers are not the enemy; neither is our church, the government, the economy or our health. These temporal things are not the true cause of our pain nor should they ever become the source of our joy. The real battles are always spiritual…and we are NEVER alone!

Let’s draw ever nearer to God until we gain a true understanding of how much He loves us, and how much He is fighting for us; “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Jesus Christ has already won the ultimate battle! We must now trust Him and give Him more of our heart.

Heavenly Father, we desire to see You clearly and joyfully walk without fear. We pray that You draw us into Your presence…and open our eyes!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 14 Jonah 1:1-4:11; Revelation 5:1-14; Psalm 133:1-3; Proverbs 29:26-27

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Abre Nuestros Ojos

By on December 14, 2016

Open_Our_Eyes2

El rey de Aram estaba en guerra con Israel; pero cada vez que movía su ejército, el profeta Eliseo informaba a los Israelitas. El rey concluyó que la única manera de ganar la guerra era primeramente deshacerse de Eliseo: “Pues entonces averigüen dónde está ordenó el rey, para que mande a capturarlo” (2 Reyes 6:13).

Cuando el rey averiguó a donde quedaba Eliseo, mandó su ejercito para rodear la ciudad. Cuando despertó el siervo de Eliseo y vio al gran ejercito, tuvo mucho miedo; “¡Ay, mi señor! exclamó el criado. ¿Qué vamos a hacer?” (2 Reyes 6:15). Pero Eliseo le consoló a su siervo y le ayudó a ver la batalla real.

2 Reyes 6:16-17
“Y él respondió: No temas, porque los que están con nosotros son más que los que están con ellos. Eliseo entonces oró, y dijo: Oh Señor, te ruego que abras sus ojos para que vea. Y el Señor abrió los ojos del criado, y miró, y he aquí que el monte estaba lleno de caballos y carros de fuego alrededor de Eliseo.”

Nuestra percepción falsa es la mayor causa de temor y frustración; de hecho, Yo podría decir con denuedo que es la única causa! Si vivimos sin fe, nuestra percepción esta restringida a lo que vemos con nuestros ojos y escuchamos con nuestro oídos. Con estos sentidos tan limitados, no es sorprendente que tantos vivan en temor – no es sorprendente que tantos lleguen a ser frustrados y desanimados con su vida diaria. Pero en la manera que incrementa nuestra fe y entendimiento de Dios, seremos capaces de confiar en lo que no podemos ver y escuchar físicamente. Podemos vivir en paz, sabiendo que “el que está en ustedes es más poderoso que el que está en el mundo” (1 Juan 4:4).

Batallas ocurren en y alrededor de nosotros cada día – batallas que nos sobrecargan. Nosotros deseamos seguir el camino de Dios, pero las distracciones y ataques del mundo se sienten persistentes. Necesitamos recordar que Su plan y provisión es siempre perfecto – siempre trabajando hacia el bien. De alguna manera debemos entender que la batalla que vemos con nuestros ojos físicos y analisamos con nuestra mente nunca es la batalla real; “Porque nuestra lucha no es contra sangre y carne” (Efesios 6:12).

Nuestros esposos, padres, hijos o nuestros compañeros de trabajo no son el enemigo – tampoco es nuestra iglesia, el gobierno, la economía, ni nuestra salud. Estas cosas temporales no son las causas verdaderas de nuestro dolor y nunca deben llegar a ser la fuente de nuestra alegría – las batallas verdaderas siempre son espirituales…y NUNCA estamos solos!

Acerquémonos aún más a Dios hasta que lleguemos a un entendimiento verdadero de cuanto El nos ama – y de cuanto El esta peleando por nosotros; “Porque los que están con nosotros son más que los que están con ellos.” Jesucristo ya ha ganado la última batalla! Ahora tenemos que confiar en El y darle más de nuestro corazón.

Padre Celestial, deseamos verte claramente y con gozo caminar sin temor. Te pedimos que nos sature con Tu presencia…y que abras nuestros ojos!

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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A Complete Cure

By on December 13, 2016

A_Complete_Cure

In the message “God’s Provision” we saw that our limited faith often restricts our prayers and therefore limits what God accomplishes in our life. Many times we fail to even ask because we’re fearful of a negative response; “You do not have, because you do not ask God” (James 4:2). Then there are times when God answers but our limited faith refuses to accept His solution. We have God’s response but we never take the steps to follow His direction.

Naaman was the army commander of a kingdom northeast of Israel. He was a very successful soldier, but he had been afflicted with leprosy. At the suggestion of one of his servant girls, Naaman traveled to the home of the prophet Elisha so he might be cured.

2 Kings 5:10-12
“Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, ‘Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.’ But Naaman went away angry and said, ‘I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?’ So he turned and went off in a rage.”

Naaman was an important and proud man. He was offended when Elisha sent a messenger who told him to wash in the dirty Jordan! Naaman thought he had wasted his time, but one of his servants stated a simple yet profound truth: “If the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” (2 Kings 5:13).

Naaman made the decision to obey. He dipped himself seven times in the Jordan river and came out of the water completely cured.

How often does our limited faith or pride keep us from being “cured”? We ask God to heal the broken areas of our life, and He says; “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength” (Mark 12:30). But in our abundance of “wisdom,” we conclude there must be more – some “great thing” which will heal or give our life meaning. We pray again, and God simply replies; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

Today we will make a choice. We will choose our own path, which allows our “disease” to spread, or we will put aside our pride, follow God’s direction and be cleansed. True healing can only begin with the free gift of forgiveness through faith in Jesus. A life of purpose can only be found as we seek to glorify God in all we do. Let’s receive His gift and live a life of loving obedience as we trust Him with ALL our heart. Let’s praise Him with every step and receive a complete cure.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 13 Obadiah 1:1-21; Revelation 4:1-11; Psalm 132:1-18; Proverbs 29:24-25

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