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Our Privileged Responsibility

By on November 24, 2020

Our_Privileged_Responsibility

God has always set aside a select group to carry forth His Word and to help guide His people. In the Old Testament times God designated the descendants of Levi to be priests. The priests were to perform the various sacrifices, give instruction regarding God’s Law, and be the general interface between God and man. Since the priests were accountable to God for maintaining His standard, this great privilege also carried an enormous responsibility.

Malachi served as a prophet of God approximately 900 years after the Levitical priesthood had been established. The priests had once held a deep reverence for God, but they now ceased to teach the truth and lost all sense of their calling. Through Malachi, God sent the priests a sharp rebuke.

Malachi 2:7-9
“The lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, and from his mouth men should seek instruction – because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty. But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble…you have not followed My ways.”

In one regard, this speaks directly to those called into Church leadership – those who are given the responsibility for leading a congregation in the way of truth. But it also speaks to ALL who now believe in Jesus Christ and are committed to following His ways. We must not cause others to stumble by failing to follow the ways of God!

When Jesus came to earth and gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, a new covenant was established. No longer is there only a select group of priests who have access to God; rather, all believers are now declared “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God” (1 Peter 2:9).

The primary duty of a priest in the Old Testament was to seek God’s will and effectively communicate the truth of God’s Word to those placed within his care. And as members of God’s New Covenant royal priesthood, we all have this same responsibility – this same privilege! We must seek His will and speak truth to whoever God places in our path. We do not have the option of watching others wander from God. Allowing someone to destroy their life and their intimate relationship with God through a life of unbelief and sin is neither gracious nor loving – it’s cruel and irresponsible!

We are never held accountable for the response of others, only for our presentation of the truth. We must now become faithful to our calling. We must become a priest within our family, at our work, among our friends, and even within our church. We must diligently seek His will and not stray. We must learn His truths and live by them…and speak His truth with grace and compassionate love. Let’s give thanks for the opportunity to serve and for being allowed to lead others to a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father. Let’s praise Him and faithfully accept our privileged responsibility.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Nov 24 Ezekiel 47:1-48:35; 1 Peter 2:11-3:9; Psalm 119:53-70; Proverbs 28:12-13

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Nuestra Privilegiada Responsabilidad

By on November 24, 2020

Our_Privileged_Responsibility

Dios siempre ha tenido aparte a un grupo selecto para llevar Su Palabra y para ayudar a guiar a Su gente. En los tiempos del antiguo testamento Dios designó a los descendientes de Leví para ser sacerdotes. Los sacerdotes debían hacer diferentes sacrificios, dar instrucciones acerca de la Ley de Dios, y ser intermediario entre Dios y el hombre. Este gran privilegio también llevaba una enorme responsabilidad puesto que los sacerdotes dieron cuentas a Dios por mantener Su nivel exigido.

Malaquías sirvió como profeta de Dios aproximadamente 900 años después que el sacerdocio Levítico fue establecido. Los sacerdotes tuvieron una vez una profunda reverencia por Dios – pero ahora han dejado de enseñar la verdad y han perdido toda sentido de su llamado. A través de Malaquías, Dios envió a los sacerdotes una severa reprensión.

Malaquías 2:7-9
“Porque los labios del sacerdote han de guardar la sabiduría, y de su boca el pueblo buscará la ley; porque mensajero es de Jehová de los ejércitos. Mas vosotros os habéis apartado del camino; habéis hecho tropezar a muchos en la ley…vosotros no habéis guardado mis caminos.”

En un sentido esto se dirige directamente a aquellos llamados al liderazgo de la iglesia – aquellos a quienes se les ha dado la responsabilidad de conducir a las congregaciones en el camino de la verdad. Pero también se dirige a aquellos que ahora han creído en Jesucristo y que estan dedicado a seguir Sus caminos. No debemos hacer que otros tropiecen!

Cuando Jesús vino a la tierra se entregó a Si Mismo como sacrificio por nuestros pecados, un nuevo pacto fue establecido. No habría más un selecto grupo de sacerdotes que tenían el acceso a Dios. Ahora, todos los creyentes son “linaje escogido, real sacerdocio, nación santa, pueblo adquirido por Dios” (1 Pedro 2:9).

La primera tarea de un sacerdote era buscar la voluntad de Dios y efectivamente comunicar la verdad de la Palabra de Dios a aquellos a su cuidado. Como miembros del real sacerdocio de Dios, todos tenemos esta misma responsabilidad – este mismo privilegio! Debemos buscar Su voluntad y hablar la verdad a todo aquel que Dios ponga en nuestro camino. No tenemos la opción de ver a otros extraviarse de Dios. Permitiendo a alguien destruir su vida y su íntima relación con Dios a través de una vida de incredulidad y pecado carece de gracia y de amor – es cruel e irresponsable!

Nunca se nos pide cuentas por la responsabilidad de otros, solo por nuestra presentación de la verdad. Debemos ahora volvernos fieles a nuestro llamado. Debemos ser sacerdotes de nuestra familia, en nuestro trabajo, con nuestros amigos, y aún con nuestra iglesia. Debemos buscar diligentemente Su voluntad y no perdernos. Debemos aprender Sus verdades y vivirlas…y hablar Su verdad con un amor compasivo. Demos gracias por la oportunidad de servir y por permitirnos conducir a otros a una relación más cercana con nuestro Padre Celestial. Adorémosle y fielmente aceptemos nuestra privilegiada responsabilidad.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Stop Sowing The Wind

By on November 23, 2020

Stop_Sowing_The_Wind

In the message “Reaping The Whirlwind” we were encouraged not to sow the wind of unbelief, because a life without faith and the saving grace of Jesus will one day reap an eternal whirlwind. The message of sowing and reaping has critical application for the eternal destiny of many around the world. We must guard against those who sow seeds of false teaching which lead away from the true eternal forgiveness of Christ. But this message also has direct application for our daily walk with our Lord.

We know there are times when we face severe trials which have nothing to do with what we have sown. Jesus made this clear when He said: “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). We live in a sinful world and often reap the consequences for what others have sown; and for these troubles, Jesus wants us to find our comfort in Him: “But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

But we must also understand that many of our trials, and the trials of those around us, are often the result of a multitude of small steps taken outside the will of God.

Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

It’s foolish to think we can continually walk outside God’s will and not face consequences down the road. God dearly loves us and is patiently waiting for us to turn our heart to Him…but God cannot be mocked. Continuous deviation from His path can lead to a long and painful time of wandering.

We must learn this lesson and clearly teach it to others: Obedience in the little things is important! There is nothing too small to justify a lack of obedience. “Whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (Luke 16:10). We must learn and teach, very early in life, the importance of honesty and truth, the value of submission and respect for authority. The wind of disobedience begins almost imperceptibly small with “innocent” lies and “harmless” acts of disrespect, but over time it grows until the whirlwind of consequences becomes inevitable.

If we are currently reaping a whirlwind which we know has been sown by our own hands, we must repent and seek His forgiveness, love Him and obediently trust Him with ALL our heart, and ask for the strength to endure. The whirlwind will end, but only in God’s perfect timing. And if we know we have been sowing the wind of disobedience and yet see God’s hand restraining the whirlwind, we also must repent and seek His forgiveness, love Him and obediently trust Him with ALL our heart…and thank Him for His mercy!

Let’s honor Him by only sowing that which glorifies His name. Let’s closely examine our life and the lives of those within our care, and be absolutely determined to stop sowing the wind.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Nov 20 Ezekiel 40:28-41:26; James 4:1-17; Psalm 118:19-29; Proverbs 28:3-5
Nov 21 Ezekiel 42:1-43:27; James 5:1-20; Psalm 119:1-16; Proverbs 28:6-7
Nov 22 Ezekiel 44:1-45:12; 1 Peter 1:1-13; Psalm 119:17-35; Proverbs 28:8-10
Nov 23 Ezekiel 45:13-46:24; 1 Peter 1:14-2:10; Psalm 119:36-52; Proverbs 28:11

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Reaping The Whirlwind

By on November 19, 2020

Reaping_The_Whirlwind

The spiritual decline of God’s chosen people, as detailed in the Old Testament, includes some of the saddest passages in the Bible. God dearly loved the children of Israel, but they continually rejected Him and turned away.

God appointed King David to unite the nation and focus their worship on the One True God. David made plans for the construction of a temple and King Solomon built the temple a few years later. But toward the end of Solomon’s reign, “his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God” (1 Kings 11:4). The spiritual decline began with the leadership and then flowed quickly down to the people.

When Solomon died, the nation of Israel divided and the northern kingdom immediately began to pervert their worship; “The king made two golden calves {and said} ‘Here are your gods'” (1 Kings 12:28). Then, after almost 200 years of continual disobedience, the northern kingdom had hardened their hearts so that repentance was no longer even possible; “their deeds do not permit them to return to God” (Hosea 5:4). God is ready, willing, and able to forgive every sin, but continual disobedience removes the desire to draw near and seek His forgiveness. After so many years of false worship, the people would not return to God and would now experience His wrath.

Hosea 8:7
“They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.”

The people of Israel had planted evil seed into their lives for many years – now the time had come to harvest the destruction they had planted. Soon after Hosea spoke these words of God, the Assyrian army invaded and destroyed the northern kingdom.

God demonstrated His love for us long before we ever loved Him; “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). This love was unconditional since we did absolutely nothing to deserve His favor. But if we do not receive His love, through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus, and allow His Spirit to begin to transform us from within, we too will one day feel His wrath.

The wind of unbelief and lack of trust, false worship and a cold heart, will one day yield an eternal whirlwind which cannot be stopped. And the wind of open sin in the lives of spiritual leaders, or the spiritual compromise in the lives of parents, can lead many generations down a path of destruction.

Let’s plant and nourish seeds of truth and love which will thrive in His presence for all eternity. Let’s trust Him with a faith which walks into the unknown without fear because we know He is by our side. Let’s determine once and for all to live an uncompromising life which brings glory and honor to God; and on the great day of harvest, let’s joyfully enter His embrace without the fear of reaping the whirlwind.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Nov 19 Ezekiel 39:1-40:27; James 2:18-3:18; Psalm 118:1-18; Proverbs 28:2

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Cosechar El Torbellino

By on November 19, 2020

Reaping_The_Whirlwind

La declinación Espiritual de la gente escogida de Dios en el Antiguo Testamento contiene algunos de los más tristes pasajes de todas las Escrituras. Dios amaba mucho a los hijos de Israel, pero ellos continuamente lo rechazaban y le voltearon la espalda.

Dios designó al Rey David para unir la nación de Israel y enfocar su adoración en el Único Dios Verdadero. David hizo planes para la construcción de un templo y el Rey Salomón lo construyó unos años más tarde. Pero hacia el final del reinado de Salomón, “su corazón no era perfecto con Jehová su Dios” (1 Reyes 11:4). La declinación Espiritual comenzó con el líder y luego fluyó hacia la gente.

Cuando Salomón murió, la nación de Israel se dividió y el reino del norte inmediatamente comenzó a pervertir su adoración: “Hizo el rey dos becerros de oro, y dijo al pueblo: Bastante habéis subido a Jerusalén; he aquí tus dioses” (1 Reyes 12:28). Después de casi 200 años de continua desobediencia, el reino del norte endureció su corazón de manera que el arrepentimiento ya no era posible; “No les permiten sus malas obras volverse a su Dios” (Oseas 5:4). Dios se mantiene listo, con voluntad y deseoso de perdonar todo pecado; pero la continua desobediencia quita nuestro deseo de acercarnos a El y buscar Su perdón. Después de todos estos años de falsa adoración, la gente experimentarán ahora la ira de Dios.

Oseas 8:7
“Porque sembraron viento, y torbellino segarán.”

La gente de Israel plantó semillas malvadas en sus vidas y en las vidas de sus familias por muchos años – ahora ha llegado el tiempo de la cosecha, de la destrucción que ellos plantaron. Pronto Después que Oseas dijo estas palabras de Dios, el ejército Asirio capturó y destruyó el reino del norte.

Dios demostró Su amor por nosotros mucho antes que nosotros lo amaramos a El; “cuando eramos aún pecadores, el murió por nosotros” (Romanos 5:8). Este acto de amor fue completamente incondicional puesto que nosotros no hicimos absolutamente nada para merecer este regalo. Pero si no recibimos Su amor, a través de la fe en el sacrificio de Jesús, y permitir el Espíritu Santo comenzar a transformarnos desde adentro, también nosotros un día sentiremos su ira.

El viento de la incredulidad y la falta de confianza, falsa adoración y un corazón frío, un día producirá un eterno torbellino que no podremos parar. Y el viento del pecado abierto en las vidas de nuestros lideres Espirituales, o una vida Espiritual comprometedor en las vidas de padres, amenaza con llevarse a muchas generaciones por el camino de la destrucción.

Plantemos y alimentemos semillas de verdad y amor que prosperaran en Su presencia para toda la eternidad. Confiemos en El con una fe que camina hacia lo desconocido sin temor porque sabemos que El está de nuestro lado. Decidamos de una vez y para siempre vivir una vida inflexible que le de honor y honra a Dios, y en el día de la cosecha entremos gozosamente en Su abrazo sin cosechar el torbellino.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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His Devoted Slave

By on November 18, 2020

His_Devoted_Slave

We often consider our need to more fully submit our life to God and the leading of His Spirit, to place our life in His hands and release our “self” control. We desire to be in His perfect will and serve Him with all our heart. But does our desire to serve go so far as to consider ourselves a slave?

Romans 6:20-22
“When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”

Slavery has many negative connotations, but, in truth, we are all born into slavery…born a slave to sin. The only way to be set free from the mastery of sin and death is to ask for a transfer of ownership and become a slave to God. Our new Master then has the grace and power to shatter the bonds of sin and give us the gift of true freedom. We are never free unto ourselves, never our own master. Many live under the illusion of freedom, but we are either a slave to sin or a slave to God. If we refuse to be directed by God, we will absolutely be directed and controlled by the sinful pulls of the world.

If we are struggling to break the bondage of sin, we must first stop fighting and submit our life to God. Sin is not a battle we can win with our own strength! The only way to be set free is to receive forgiveness through faith in Jesus…and submit. Submission is not just an optional step for the “mature” Christian; rather, it is the essence of a saving faith. A saving faith first understands we cannot save ourselves but must submit to the grace of God. It then continues in submission by daily trusting in His grace to live according to the ways of His Spirit.

Romans 8:5-6
“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.”

God is sending out His call around the world today. In the stillness of our heart we have heard Him call us to a closer and more intimate relationship, a more consistently submitted life of true devotion and praise. But He is requiring us to make a choice: “Choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). We have been offered freedom from the power of sin and death. Let’s fully embrace His gift, submit to the leading of His Spirit, continue to submit at every opportunity, worship Him with all our heart, and forever become…His devoted slave.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Nov 18 Ezekiel 37:1-38:23; James 1:19-2:17; Psalm 117:1-2; Proverbs 28:1

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Sus Devotos Esclavos

By on November 18, 2020

His_Devoted_Slave

A menudo consideramos nuestra necesidad de someter completamente nuestra vida a Dios y a la guianza de Su Espíritu – de poner nuestra vida en Sus manos y entregar el control de nuestras vidas. Deseamos estar en Su perfecta voluntad y servirle a El con todo nuestro corazón. Pero, ¿va nuestro deseo de servirle tan lejos como para considerarnos esclavos?

Romanos 6:20-22
“Porque cuando erais esclavos del pecado, erais libres acerca de la justicia. ¿Pero qué fruto teníais de aquellas cosas de las cuales ahora os avergonzáis? Porque el fin de ellas es muerte. Mas ahora que habéis sido libertados del pecado y hechos siervos de Dios, tenéis por vuestro fruto la santificación, y como fin, la vida eterna.”

La esclavitud tiene muchas conotaciones negativas; pero la verdad es que todos hemos nacido en esclavitud, esclavos del pecado. La única manera de liberarnos del gobierno del pecado y la muerte es pedir la transferencia de propiedad y convertirnos en esclavos de Dios. Nuestro nuevo Maestro entonces tiene la gracia y el poder para destrozar los nexos con el pecado y darnos el regalo de la verdadera libertad. Nunca somos libres por nosotros mismos, nunca somos nuestro propio maestro. Muchos viven bajo la ilusión de la libertad, pero somos esclavos del pecado o esclavos de Dios. Si rechazamos ser dirigidos por Dios, seremos absolutamente dirigidos y controlados por las atracciones pecaminosas del Mundo.

Si estamos luchando para romper las ataduras del pecado, primeramente debemos parar de pelear y someter nuestras vidas a Dios. Esta no es una batalla que podamos ganar en nuestras propias fuerzas! La única forma de ser verdaderamente libre es someternos a Dios y aceptar el regalo del perdón a través de Jesús. La sumisión no es un requerimiento opcional para Cristianos “maduros”; en lugar de eso, la sumisión es la esencia de la fe salvadora que comienza con admitir que no podemos salvarnos nosotros mismos y que tenemos que someternos a la gracia de Dios. La sumisión continúa mientras confiamos diaramente en Su gracia para vivir en acuerdo con los caminos de Su Espíritu.

Romanos 8:5-6
“Porque los que son de la carne piensan en las cosas de la carne; pero los que son del Espíritu, en las cosas del Espíritu. Porque el ocuparse de la carne es muerte, pero el ocuparse del Espíritu es vida y paz.”

Dios ahora está enviando Su llamado alrededor del mundo. En la quietud de nuestro corazón hemos oído Su llamado a acercarnos a una relación más íntima – una vida más consistentemente sometida a una verdadera devoción y adoración. Pero El nos pide que hagamos una elección: “escogeos hoy a quién sirváis” (Josué 24:15). Se nos ha ofrecido libertad del poder del pecado y la muerte. Abracemos por completo Su regalo, sometámonos a su guía, continuemos sometiendonos en cada oportunidad, adoremosle con todo nuestro corazón, y por siempre convirtámonos en…Sus devotos esclavos.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios
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Nothing Can Compare

By on November 17, 2020

Nothing_Can_Compare

In the message “Calling God A Liar” we saw how the way we live directly reflects our true belief. If we do not follow His commands and trust His promises, we do not believe His Word and have effectively called God a liar. But as we draw near and give ourselves more fully into His hands, we learn that His promises are not only true, they are better than we imagined.

When Abraham was over eighty years old, God taught him a lesson on trusting His promises. Abraham became frustrated with God because there was no one to inherit his possessions: “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir” (Genesis 15:3). But God had other plans and made a promise to Abraham.

Genesis 15:4-5
“‘This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.’ He took him outside and said, ‘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.'”

Abraham waited many years for God’s promise to be fulfilled. Finally, when he was one hundred years old, Isaac was born; and through Isaac came Jacob, and through Jacob came the sons who formed the twelve tribes of Israel. Abraham was looking for someone to inherit his “stuff,” but God’s promise gave him an entire nation.

God gives many promises to us today, but they all flow from the promise first stated by Jesus; “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). We must not pass lightly over these words, for none of the other promises even apply until we have believed this basic truth.

We cannot move on to the promises of peace and contentment until we trust in the promise of forgiveness through faith in Jesus. When we begin to understand the significance of the gift of eternal life, we will know that nothing the world can offer will EVER compare to the promises of God…and NOTHING else will last. His promise is the only path to true peace. If we could better understand and really believe, perhaps we would spend less time and effort on pursuits which contain no lasting value – perhaps we would have less anxiety about all those things which only God can control.

Jesus shed His blood so we can truly live. His promise is greater than any worldly pleasure and outweighs ALL worldly trials; “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17). As we walk through this world, with all its pulls, temptations, and near constant turmoil, let’s hold tight to His promise and always remember…NOTHING can compare!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Nov 17 Ezekiel 35:1-36:38; James 1:1-18; Psalm 116:1-19; Proverbs 27:23-27

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Nada Se Puede Comparar

By on November 17, 2020

Nothing_Can_Compare

En el mensaje “Llamar a Dios Mentiroso” vimos como la manera en que vivimos refleja directamente nuestra verdadera creencia. Si no obedecemos Sus mandamientos y confiamos en Sus promesas, no creemos en Su Palabra y hemos efectivamente llamado a Dios mentiroso. Pero mientras nos acercamos y nos entregamos completamente en Sus manos, aprendemos que Sus promesas no solo son verdad, sino que son mejor de lo que imaginamos.

Cuando Abraham tenía más de ochenta años, Dios le enseñó una lección de confiar en Sus promesas. Abraham se frustró con Dios porque no había nadie que heredara sus posesiones: “Como no me has dado prole, mi heredero será un esclavo nacido en mi casa” (Génesis 15:3). Pero Dios tenía otros planes e hizo una promesa a Abraham.

Génesis 15:4-5
“Luego vino a él palabra de Jehová, diciendo: No te heredará éste, sino un hijo tuyo será el que te heredará. Y lo llevó fuera, y le dijo: Mira ahora los cielos, y cuenta las estrellas, si las puedes contar. Y le dijo: Así será tu descendencia.”

Abraham esperó muchos años para que la promesa de Dios se cumpliera. Finalmente, cuando tenía cien años, nació Isaac. Y a través de Isaac vino Jacob, y a través de Jacob vinieron los hijos que formaron las doce tribus de Israel. Abraham estaba buscando a alguien para heredar sus “cosas,” pero la promesa de Dios le dió la nación entera.

Dios nos da muchas promesas ahora, pero todas ellas fluyen de la promesa inicialmente establecida por Jesús; “Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que ha dado a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree, no se pierda, mas tenga vida eterna” (Juan 3:16). No debemos pasar con ligereza sobre estas palabras, porque ninguna de las otras promesas aplica hasta que creemos las verdades básicas.

No podemos movernos en la promesa de paz y contentamiento hasta que confiamos en la promesa de perdón a través de la fe en Jesús. Cuando comenzamos a entender el significado del regalo de la vida eterna, sabremos que nada que el mundo pueda ofrecer se comparará JAMAS a las promesas de Dios…y NADA perdurará. Este es el único camino a la verdadera paz. Si pudiéramos entender mejor y realmente creer, quizás invertiríamos menos de nuestro tiempo y esfuerzo en perseguir lo que no contiene ningún valor duradero – quizás podríamos tener menos ansiedad acerca de las cosas controladas por Dios.

Jesucristo derramó Su sangre como sacrificio por el pecado de aquellos que creen. Su promesa es mejor que cualquier otro placer mundano y pesa más que todas las pruebas del mundo; “Porque esta leve tribulación momentánea produce en nosotros un cada vez más excelente y eterno peso de gloria” (2 Corintios 4:17). Mientras caminamos en este mundo, con todas sus atracciones y tentaciones, aferremos fuertemente a Su promesa y siempre recordemos que…NADA se puede comparar.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios
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An Active Love

By on November 16, 2020

An_Active_Love

In the message “So We May Know” we looked at some indicators of a “born again” life. We saw that such a life should be characterized by love; “we know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers” (1 John 3:14). Although loving others will not save us, John forcefully states that if we are truly saved we will love one another; “whoever does not love does not know God” (1 John 4:8).

It’s interesting to note that in the five chapters of 1 John, the word love is used 46 times. If love is this important, we ought to understand what it means.

1 John 3:16-18
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

John is saying that Jesus set the example for love and that our love for others is a direct result of the love of God within us. As we love God and surrender our life to Jesus Christ, His love fills us and overflows into the lives of those around us. If love for others is lacking, we must lay down our life and increase our love for God; a truly increased love for God will certainly increase our love for others.

John also makes it clear that a Godly love for others is not simply an emotional feeling, or gentle and kind words. When we begin to understand God’s love for us – when we catch even a glimpse of His mercy and love in giving us His Son – we will be compelled to express our love with meaningful action such as meeting physical needs, readily forgiving when wronged, and showing Godly compassion when others are hurting. God so desired to be with us for all eternity that He gave His Son and loved us all the way to the cross. We are to love others in this same manner, “because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Our love for God is demonstrated by our real love for others. Jesus made this clear when He said; “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40). We are actually loving and serving God as we love and serve others: “I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me” (Matthew 25:35-36).

Love must be an integral part of our Christian walk. Love must be directed up; “love the Lord with ALL your heart” (Mark 12:30), and love must be directed out; “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). Let’s love as Jesus loved us! Let’s look for ways to love with more than words; let’s love with an active love.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
**** Reading Plan ****

Nov 16 Ezekiel 33:1-34:31; Hebrews 13:1-25; Psalm 115:1-18; Proverbs 27:21-22

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Un Amor Activo

By on November 16, 2020

An_Active_Love

En el mensaje “Para que Nosotros Sepamos” vimos algunos indicadores de la vida de un “nacido de nuevo”. Vimos que tales vidas deben ser caracterizadas por el amor; “Nosotros sabemos que hemos pasado de muerte a vida, en que amamos a los hermanos” (1 Juan 3:14). Aún cuando amar a otros no nos hace salvos, Juan convincentemente establece que si somos verdaderamente salvos nos amaremos los unos a los otros; “El que no ama, no ha conocido a Dios” (1 Juan 4:8).

Es interesante notar que en los cinco capítulos de 1 Juan, la palabra amor es usada 46 veces. Si el amor es tan importante, nosotros debemos comprender lo que significa.

1 Juan 3:16-18
“En esto hemos conocido el amor, en que él puso su vida por nosotros; también nosotros debemos poner nuestras vidas por los hermanos. Pero el que tiene bienes de este mundo y ve a su hermano tener necesidad, y cierra contra él su corazón, ¿cómo mora el amor de Dios en él? Hijitos míos, no amemos de palabra ni de lengua, sino de hecho y en verdad.”

Juan está diciendo que Jesús estableció el ejemplo para el amor y que nuestro amor por otros es el resultado directo del amor de Dios en nosotros. Cuando amamos a Dios y sometemos nuestra vida a Jesucristo, Su amor nos llena y sobreabunda hacia la vida de los que nos rodean. Si el amor por otros es escaso, debemos poner a un lado nuestra vida e incrementar nuestro amor por Dios; un incremento de nuestro amor por Dios automáticamente incrementará nuestro amor por otros.

Juan también dejó claro que el amor de Dios hacia otros no es simplemente un “sentimiento” emocional o palabra amable. Cuando comenzamos a comprender el amor de Dios para nosotros – cuando obtenemos aún un vistazo de su misericordia y amor en darnos a Su Hijo – somos impulsados a expresar nuestro amor con acciones significantes tales como subsanar necesidades físicas, de buena gana perdonando los errores, y mostrando la compasión de Dios cuando otros nos dañan. Dios desea tanto estar con nosotros por toda la eternidad que dió a Su Hijo y nos amó hasta la cruz. Debemos amar a los demás de la misma manera, “porque el nos amó primero” (1 Juan 4:19).

Nuestro amor por Dios es demostrado por nuestro verdadero amor por otros. Jesús dejó esto claro cuando dijo; “en cuanto lo hicisteis a uno de estos mis hermanos más pequeños, a mí lo hicisteis” (Mateo 25:40). Estamos realmente amando y sirviendo a Dios cuando amamos y servimos a otros: “Porque tuve hambre, y me disteis de comer; tuve sed, y me disteis de beber; fui forastero, y me recogisteis; estuve desnudo, y me cubristeis; enfermo, y me visitasteis; en la cárcel, y vinisteis a mí” (Mateo 25:35-36).

El amor debe ser parte integral de nuestro caminar Cristiano. El amor debe ser dirigido hacia arriba; “amarás al Señor tu Dios con todo tu corazón” (Marcos 12:30), y el amor debe ser dirigido hacia afuera; “Áma a tu prójimo como a ti mismo” (Marcos 12:31). Amemos como Jesús nos amo! Busquemos formas de amar con más que palabras – amemos con un amor activo.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios
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Calling God A Liar

By on November 12, 2020

Calling_God_A_Liar

God desires that we know Him in an intimate and personal relationship. He has therefore revealed Himself and provided a way to know Him through the life and sacrifice of His Son; “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father… Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me?” (John 14:9-10). As we grow in our faith and begin to know Him better, it becomes essential to know the promises of His Word. But it’s even more important to believe His promises are true! We may say we believe God’s Word is true, but do our actions reflect our belief?

1 John 5:10
“Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about His Son.”

Yes, our old nature sometimes clouds our ability to clearly see the truth; and yes, some of God’s truths can be hard to accept and actually put into practice. But, we either believe His words and begin to take steps to apply them in our life, or we do not believe and call God a liar by the way we live.

It may be a difficult process, but we must confront our beliefs and begin to make them real. When we face a trial and don’t know which direction to turn, do we believe the words, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6)? Do we really believe that as we trust Him, He will remove the confusion and guide our steps?

When our circumstances seem out of control, do we believe “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28)? Do we really believe that as we continue to love Him, God works for the good in ALL things, regardless of our understanding? And when we feel alone, do we really believe God’s promise to always be near; “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

How about the promise of being content (Philippians 4:12), or being given the peace of Jesus (John 14:27), or the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23); can we really “do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)? Parents, have we given up hope for our children or do we believe, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6)?

God’s Word is true and His promises are real!! Let’s praise Him all the rest of our days and let our lives demonstrate we REALLY know and believe. Let’s make sure our actions and decisions, fears and anxieties, hopes and dreams, are governed by truth and NOT based on calling God a liar.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
**** Reading Plan ****

Nov 12 Ezekiel 24:1-26:21; Hebrews 11:1-16; Psalm 110:1-7; Proverbs 27:14
Nov 13 Ezekiel 27:1-28:26; Hebrews 11:17-31; Psalm 111:1-10; Proverbs 27:15-16
Nov 14 Ezekiel 29:1-30:26; Hebrews 11:32-12:13; Psalm 112:1-10; Proverbs 27:17
Nov 15 Ezekiel 31:1-32:32; Hebrews 12:14-29; Psalm 113:1-114:8; Proverbs 27:18-20

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