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Join The Battle

By on August 8, 2016

Join_the_Battle

In the message “We Will Overcome” we were encouraged to hold on to Jesus when our strength fades and we become weary. We saw that our faith, not our strength, ensures we will overcome and receive the gift of eternal life. We can take great comfort in knowing Jesus will carry us and not let us fall. But we must also remember we were not born into His family to be permanently carried: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31). As we continue to draw near to God, He WILL renew our strength; and when He does, we must once again march into battle.

We often forget there is a spiritual war being fought all around us. We tend to become passive because we don’t completely see the fighting. There are no official announcements of enemy strength and no news flashes of casualties. But make no mistake…it is a war!

Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Just as surely as there is a God who gave His Son to die for our sins, there is also an enemy doing battle in an ongoing war. The good news is that we can be certain of the war’s final outcome; “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

The end of the war is certain, and we know who wins! But until that end, the enemy is attempting to disrupt God’s plan and remove as many as possible from the fight. The stakes of this war are high. The enemy continues to attack and rejoices any time we think we are defeated.

But we are NOT defeated! We may lose our focus – we may stray from what is really important and trust in things which are fading, or even face trials which cause fear and doubt – but we are definitely not defeated! The road to victory has been paved with the blood of Christ. We walk in victory as we remain on His path with determined steps of drawing closer to God and loving Him with all our heart.

As our strength returns (and it will!) we must get back in the fight. There are many all around us with deep wounds who are literally dying for help, dying to be loved and restored back to health. There are many more heading down a path of destruction in desperate need of someone who truly cares. Let’s not be content to sit on the sidelines or be forever carried. Let’s present our lives to God and allow Him to work through us to encourage others in their walk, to love beyond what is humanly possible, and to share the hope of Jesus with whoever crosses our path. Let’s rededicate our lives to an uncompromising faith and, once again, join the battle!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Aug 8 Ezra 7:1-8:20; 1 Corinthians 4:1-21; Psalm 30:1-12; Proverbs 20:28-30

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Unete a La Batalla

By on August 8, 2016

Join_the_Battle

En el mensaje “Venceremos” fuimos animados a tomarnos de la mano de Jesús cuando nuestras fuerzas se desvanecen y estemos cansados. Vimos que nuestra continua fe (no nuestra fuerza) nos asegura que dominaremos y recibiremos el regalo de la vida eterna. Podemos tener un gran consuelo sabiendo que Jesús nos lleva y que no nos dejará caer; pero también debemos recordar que no nacimos en Su familia para ser llevados por siempre: “los que confían en el Señor renovarán sus fuerzas; volarán como las águilas” (Isaías 40:31). Mientras nos acercamos a Dios a través de tiempos de quietud dedicados a la oración, El RENOVARA nuestras fuerzas; y cuando lo haga, debemos nuevamente marchar hacia la batalla.

A menudo nos olvidamos que hay una guerra a nuestro alrededor. Tendemos a volvernos pasivos porque realmente no vemos la batalla. No hay anuncios oficiales de las fuerzas enemigas ni tampoco noticias de las victimas. Pero no nos equivoquemos… ¡es una guerra!

Efesios 6:12
“Porque nuestra lucha no es contra seres humanos, sino contra poderes, contra autoridades, contra potestades que dominan este mundo de tinieblas, contra fuerzas espirituales malignas en las regiones celestiales.”

Tan cierto como que hay un Dios que dio a Su Hijo para morir por nuestros pecados, hay también un diablo y fuerzas espirituales haciendo la batalla. La buena noticia es que conocemos el resultado de esa guerra: “El diablo, que los había engañado, será arrojado al lago de fuego y azufre” (Apocalipsis 20:10).

El final del diablo es certero; pero mientras tanto, el está en la misión de llevarse con el a tantos como pueda; “Aquel cuyo nombre no estaba escrito en el libro de la vida era arrojado al lago de fuego” (Apocalipsis 20:15). Las apuestas en esta guerra son altas. El enemigo continúa atacando y se regocija cuando creemos que hemos sido derrotados.

¡Pero NO estamos vencidos! Podemos perder el enfoque; podemos distraernos de lo que es realmente importante y confiar en cosas que se desvanecen; podemos experimentar tiempos de temor y duda; ¡pero definitivamente no estamos vencidos! El camino a la victoria ha sido puesto a nuestros pies. Comienza con nuestro próximo paso de determinación de acercarnos a Dios y amarle con todo nuestro corazón.

¡Mientras nuestra fuerza regresa (porque regresará), debemos levantar la palabra de Dios y convertirnos en soldados! Hay muchos a nuestro alrededor con heridas profundas que están literalmente muriendo por ayuda. No nos conformemos con sentarnos en las banquetas o ser cargados por siempre. Presentemos nuestras vidas a Dios y permitámosle trabajar a través de nosotros para animar a otros en su camino y compartir la esperanza de Jesús con quien sea que pase por nuestro camino. Re-dediquemos nuestras vidas a una fe sin compromiso y una vez más, ¡únete a la batalla!

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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We Will Overcome

By on August 4, 2016

We_Will_Overcome

God’s Word contains many passages which encourage us in our struggles. Paul tells us to “press on toward the goal” (Philippians 3:14), “run a good race” (Galatians 5:7), and “fight the good fight” (2 Timothy 4:7). Each of these acknowledge the struggle and exhort us to keep moving forward. But there are times we become weary and even the thought of pressing, running, or fighting becomes difficult. Yet, we know we must endure – we must overcome!

Revelation 2:7
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

In the second and third chapters of Revelation, John is simply dictating the words spoken by Jesus. In these two chapters, Jesus speaks seven times about “him who overcomes.” Each time there is a gift or reward for the one who is “successful” and overcomes. This is certainly good motivation for us to endure, but the question still remains: How can we overcome as our strength begins to fade?

John knew what it took to overcome. Several years earlier, he had written a letter to encourage believers to stay committed and to give the assurance of eternal life. He also specified exactly who would overcome: “Everyone born of God overcomes the world… Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4-5). Read this carefully and rejoice! Those who believe are those who will overcome!!

We must endure and overcome the world, but our faith in Jesus and NOT our strength is what allows us to endure. There are times we must run and times we must fight – times we will be called to be a mighty warrior for the Lord. But there are also times when we are terribly weak, times of great tribulation, times we must grab on to Jesus and allow HIS strength to carry us through the storm. These are times we will need to simply hold on!

When the battle seems unbearable, “Hold on to what you have – I {Jesus} am coming soon” (Revelation 3:11). When we feel surrounded by evil and the darkness is closing in, “Hold on to the good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). And when we become overwhelmed with doubt and fear, “Hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast” (Hebrews 3:6).

When we are weary in the storm, let’s take comfort in the peaceful waters ahead. Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus and hold on…He will never let us go. He has given His Children a wonderful promise: as we continue to believe and trust Him with all our heart, we WILL overcome!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Aug 4 2 Chronicles 35:1-36:23 1 Corinthians 1:1-17; Psalm 27:1-7; Proverbs 20:20-21
Aug 5 Ezra 1:1-2:70 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5; Psalm 27:8-14; Proverbs 20:22-23
Aug 6 Ezra 3:1-4:24 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4; Psalm 28:1-9; Proverbs 20:24-25
Aug 7 Ezra 5:1-6:22 1 Corinthians 3:5-23; Psalm 29:1-11; Proverbs 20:26-27

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Venceremos

By on August 4, 2016

We_Will_Overcome

La Palabra de Dios contiene muchos versículos que nos motivan en nuestras pruebas. Pablo nos motiva a seguir “avanzando hacia la meta” (Filipenses 3:14), que “Ustedes estaban corriendo bien” (Gálatas 5:7), y que peleamos “la buena batalla” (2 Timoteo 4:7). Cada uno de estos versículos reconoce la prueba y nos exhorta a seguir moviéndonos hacia adelante. Pero hay tiempos cuando nos cansamos y aún el pensamiento de perseguir, correr, o pelear nos parece difícil. Pero a pesar de todo, sabemos que necesitamos resistir – ¡tenemos que vencer!

Apocalipsis 2:7
“El que tenga oídos, que oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a las iglesias. Al que salga vencedor le daré derecho a comer del árbol de la vida, que está en el paraíso de Dios.”

En el segundo y tercer capítulo de Apocalipsis, Juan el Apóstol esta simplemente dictando palabras habladas por Jesús. En estos dos capítulos, Jesús habla siete veces acerca de “el que vence.” Cada vez hay un regalo o premio para aquel que es “exitoso” y que vence. Esto ciertamente es buena motivación para que sigamos, pero todavía queda la pregunta: ¿Como podemos vencer cuando se comienzan a desvanecer nuestros esfuerzos?

Juan sabía lo que era necesario para vencer. Varios años antes, había escrito una carta para motivar a los creyentes a mantener su compromiso y para darles seguridad de vida eterna. También especificó exactamente quien vencerá: “todo el que ha nacido de Dios vence al mundo… ¿Quién es el que vence al mundo sino el que cree que Jesús es el Hijo de Dios?” (1 Juan 5:4-5). ¡Lean esto cuidadosamente y alégrense! ¡Aquellos que creen son aquellos que vencerán!!

Tenemos que perseverar y vencer al mundo; pero es nuestra fe en Jesús y NO nuestra fuerza lo que nos causa a perdurar. Hay tiempos cuando debemos correr y tiempos cuando debemos pelear – tiempos cuando nos llaman a ser guerreros para el Señor. Pero también hay tiempos cuando estamos terriblemente débil – tiempos cuando tenemos que aferrarnos a Jesús y simplemente dejar que SU fuerza nos sostiene durante la tormenta. Estos son tiempos cuando solamente debemos agarrarnos bien!

Cuando la batalla se siente insoportable, “He aquí, Yo {Jesús} vengo pronto” (Apocalipsis 3:11). Cuando nos sentimos rodeados por lo malo y la oscuridad nos esta encerando, “aférrense a lo bueno” (1 Tesalonicenses 5:21). Y cuando estamos inundados con dudas y temores, “retenemos firme hasta el fin la confianza y el gloriarnos en la esperanza” (Hebreos 3:6).

Cuando nos cansamos en la tormenta, confortémonos en las aguas de paz que están adelante. Fijemos nuestros ojos en Jesús y agarrémonos bien…El nunca nos soltará. El ha dado a Sus Hijos una promesa maravillosa: de la manera que creemos y confiamos en El con todo nuestro corazón, ¡VENCEREMOS!

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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The Examined Life

By on August 3, 2016

The_Examined_Life

One of the benefits of our trials is that they allow us the opportunity to examine our life; and as it is said, the unexamined life is not worth living. If we flow through life without evaluating who we are and what we believe, we have not really lived; we have certainly not lived according to a consistent set of beliefs. This evaluation requires a boldness to explore beneath the surface of our beliefs, into our very soul! Without this boldness we may give the appearance of living, and may even fool ourselves for a number of years, but there will always be an emptiness until we look deep within and deal with what we find.

God knows every detail of our heart; “Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). But our Heavenly Father desires for us to know our own heart as we are being transformed; “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

As we seek to understand who we are – with all our hidden motives, pride, and selfishness – we find we are somewhat difficult to understand. Without the spiritual help which God freely gives, there will be parts of our life which remain covered and dark. There may also be portions of our heart we would rather not face.

Psalm 139:23-24
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

It is foolish to think we can hide anything from God! It is equally foolish to intentionally close areas of our heart from examination when we know those areas are keeping us separated from God. What do we really believe? And are we living consistent with that belief?

We have been given God’s Word as a guide, “a lamp to my feet” (Psalm 119:105). And as we dig deeper into His Word, we find the same lamp which guides our steps also reveals our heart: “The lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being” (Proverbs 20:27). Using God’s Word to truly examine our heart can be painful. It seems we strip back one layer only to expose additional layers of sin we didn’t even know we had, but this process must continue without fear!

If we desire to live in His presence and bring Him glory and honor in all we do, we must determine today to know ourselves. We must know what we believe, with all our strengths and weaknesses, and know our level of resolve to follow where He leads. Let’s open our heart and allow His Spirit to search and wash us with His Word. Let’s follow according to a consistent belief and commit to living the examined life.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Aug 3 2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33; Romans 16:8-27; Psalm 26:1-12; Proverbs 20:19

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Una Vida Examinada

By on August 3, 2016

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Hemos oído el dicho y esta comprobado que es verdad: una vida no examinada no vale la pena vivirla. Si nos andamos en la vida sin evaluar quienes somos y que creemos, no hemos realmente vivido. Bien adentro, todos deseamos pararnos firmes y vivir según una colección de creencias. Esto requiere valor para ir mas allá de la superficie hasta lo mas profundo de nuestro alma! Sin este valor podríamos dar la apariencia de vivir, y quizá podríamos engañar a nosotros mismos por algunos años, pero siempre habrá un vacío hasta que veamos bien adentro y tratemos con lo que encontramos.

Dios sabe cada detalle de nuestro corazón; “Todo está al descubierto, expuesto a los ojos de aquel a quien hemos de rendir cuentas” (Hebreos 4:13). Pero nuestro Padre Celestial desea que sepamos lo que creemos mientras estamos siendo transformados; “Examínense para ver si están en la fe; pruébense a sí mismos” (2 Corintios 13:5).

De la manera que intentamos entender nuestro corazón – con todos nuestros motivos escondidos, orgullo, y egoísmo – encontramos que somos un poco difícil de comprender. Sin la ayuda Espiritual que Dios regala libremente, habrá partes de nuestra vida que permanecen cubiertas y oscuras. También podrían haber porciones de nuestro corazón que preferiríamos no enfrentar.

Salmo 139:23-24
“Examíname, oh Dios, y sondea mi corazón; ponme a prueba y sondea mis pensamientos. Fíjate si voy por mal camino, y guíame por el camino eterno.”

Es locura pensar que podemos esconder algo de Dios! Es igual una locura cerrar intencionalmente áreas de nuestro corazón de la examinación cuando sabemos que lo que esta adentro nos esta manteniendo separados de Dios. ¿Que creemos realmente? ¿Estamos viviendo consistentemente con esa creencia?

Se nos ha dado la Palabra de Dios como una guía; “una lámpara a mis pies” (Salmo 119:105). Y de la manera que profundicemos en Su Palabra, encontramos que la misma lámpara que quía nuestros pies también revela nuestro corazón: “Lámpara de Jehová es el espíritu del hombre, La cual escudriña lo más profundo del corazón” (Proverbios 20:27). Usando la Palabra de Dios para examinar verdaderamente nuestro corazón puede ser doloroso. Pareciera que tiramos de una capa solamente para exponer capas adicionales de pecado que ni sabíamos que teníamos; pero este proceso debe continuar sin temor!

Si deseamos vivir en Su presencia y traerle gloria y honor a El en todo lo que hacemos, necesitamos proponernos hoy a conocernos a nosotros mismos. Tenemos que saber que creemos, con todas nuestras fuerzas y debilidades, y saber nuestro nivel de compromiso a seguirle donde El nos guía. Abramos nuestros corazones y permitamos que Su Espíritu nos escudriñe y que nos limpie con Su Palabra. Sigamos según una creencia consistente y comprometámonos a vivir una vida examinada.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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His Perfect Way

By on August 2, 2016

His_Perfect_Way

In the message “A Living Sanctuary” we considered our call to ALWAYS praise and worship, and that this can only occur as we trust God with all our heart and release control into His hands. We seem to often come back to this theme. Perhaps this is because releasing control is one of our major struggles.

The world definitely trains us to take control. There even seems to be special rewards for those who can say, “I did it my way!” But the truth is, my way will always fall short of God’s desire. Our biggest struggle is often finding the balance which keeps us on His path and traveling at His pace. Lack of faith causes us to lag behind, and our pride and desire to control cause us to try and push ahead. Whether we lag behind or try to push ahead, the result of either is a drift from God’s path.

2 Samuel 22:31
“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.”

These words are part of a song of praise King David sang to God. Several times in his life David ventured out to do things his own way. Yet time after time he found that walking down God’s path was not only the best way, it was the perfect way. We obviously must learn this same lesson. We are given many options – many roads to travel as we seek a better way – but His narrow road is the only way to true life…the only road to peace and true contentment.

Living by God’s way requires constant renewal of faith and trust. It first requires faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, and then complete trust as we continue down His path. While God’s way is definitely perfect, it’s not always easy to understand. His way will often conflict with what we just “know” is best. “The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know” (1 Corinthians 8:2). These times of apparent conflict are times to humbly increase our faith and better learn how to trust.

The world’s way will continually do battle against this trust. Jesus said, “do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear” (Matthew 6:25). The world’s way says we will soon be hungry and naked; but God’s way says that as we trust Him with all our heart, we will soon find rest and peace; “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). God’s way is to follow Him, walking side by side, no matter how great the burden.

God has given each of us unique and wonderful gifts. But our gifts must be used along His path, and for His glory, or they become nothing but “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Let’s stop seeking our way, with our goals and our desires. Instead, let’s daily release to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and boldly follow where He leads. Let’s trust and walk each and every step according to His perfect way.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Aug 2 2 Chronicles 32:1-33:13; Romans 15:23-16:7; Psalm 25:12-22; Proverbs 20:16-18

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Su Perfecta Manera

By on August 2, 2016

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En el mensaje “Un Santuario Vivo” consideramos nuestro llamado para orar y adorar SIEMPRE; y que esto solo puede ocurrir mientras confiamos en Dios con todo nuestro corazón y dejamos el control en Sus manos. Parece que siempre volvemos a este tema – quizá porque este es uno de mis mayores luchas.

El mundo definitivamente nos entrena para tomar el control. Aún parece haber reconocimientos especiales para aquellos que pueden decir, “Lo Hice a Mi Manera!” Pero la verdad es que, “mi” manera siempre se quedara corta respecto al deseo de Dios. La lucha más grande en mi vida es encontrar el balance que me mantenga en Su camino, viajando a Su ritmo. La escasez de fe ocasiona que me quede corto, y mi orgullo y deseo de control me impulsa a tratar y presionar hacia adelante.

2 Samuel 22:31
“El camino de Dios es perfecto; la palabra del Señor es intachable. Escudo es Dios a los que en él se refugian.”

Estas palabras son parte de una canción de adoración que el Rey David cantaba a Dios. Varias veces en su vida el rey David se aventuró a hacer cosas a su propia manera. Y cada vez encontró que andar por los caminos de Dios no solo era la mejor manera sino que era la manera perfecta. Obviamente nosotros también debemos aprender esa misma lección. Se nos ha dado muchas opciones – muchos caminos para viajar mientras buscamos una mejor manera – pero Su estrecho camino es el único camino a la vida verdadera….el único camino a la paz y al verdadero contentamiento.

Vivir a la manera de Dios requiere una constante renovación de fe y confianza. Primero se requiere la fe en Jesús para el perdón de nuestros pecados, y después completa confianza para continuar en Su camino. Mientras el camino de Dios es definitivamente perfecto, no siempre es fácil de comprender. Su camino a menudo entra en conflicto con lo que “sabemos” es mejor; “El que cree que sabe algo, todavía no sabe como debiera saber” (1 Corintios 8:2). Estos periodos de aparente conflicto son tiempos para incrementar humildemente nuestra fe y aprender mejor a creer.

Pero la “sabiduría” del mundo continuamente batallará contra esta confianza. Jesús dijo, “No se preocupen por su vida, qué comerán o beberán; ni por su cuerpo, cómo se vestirán” (Mateo 6:25). La sabiduría del mundo dice que pronto nos encontraremos hambrientos y desnudos; pero la sabiduría de Dios dice que mientras confiemos en El con todo nuestro corazón, pronto encontraremos paz y descanso; “Más bien, busquen primeramente el reino de Dios y su justicia, y todas estas cosas les serán añadidas” (Mateo 6:33).

Dios ha dado dones a cada uno de nosotros en forma única y maravillosa. Pero esos dones deben ser usados a lo largo de Su camino y para Su gloria, o se convierten en nada más que “trapos de inmundicia” (Isaías 64:6). Paremos de buscar nuestro camino con nuestras metas y deseos. En lugar de eso, a diario permitamos la guía del Espíritu Santo y con determinación sigamos su dirección. Confiemos y caminemos cada paso de acuerdo a Su perfecta manera.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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A Living Sanctuary

By on August 1, 2016

A_Living_Sanctuary

Our Heavenly Father desires our life to be FILLED with praise and worship. When we gather together with other believers for church services, we generally begin with songs of praise. We praise God for His love and faithfulness, and for the gift of His Son. We worship Him for His awesome majesty as we prepare our hearts to receive His Word. These are wonderful times, but they are only a small part of God’s true desire for our life.

Ephesians 5:19-20
“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

As Paul wrote these instructions to the Ephesians he never said, “give thanks only during your worship service,” or, “make music in your heart only when you gather together with other believers.” He clearly instructed “always” and “for everything.” The “music” of praise and worship to God should always reside in our heart.

This can be a real challenge without a shift in the way we view our life – a shift from the way we have been “trained” by the world. We absolutely must learn to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Though the world teaches us to “take charge of your own destiny,” we are called to release control to our Lord and patiently trust. For it is only through faith and trust that we can praise in ALL situations, even through our confusion and pain.

One of my favorite praise songs contains the words: “Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary; pure and holy, tried and true. With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for You.” The word sanctuary means: A place set aside as sacred and holy, especially a place of worship. The meaning of this song then becomes, Lord prepare my life to be a sacred and holy place of worship!

There can be no greater ambition for the Child of God. With a proper understanding of eternity and the saving grace of Jesus, our life only has real purpose as we live each day to bring Him glory and honor – as we live each moment in praise and worship, no matter what circumstances our day may bring. The way we walk through our trials, as well as how we accomplish our daily tasks, ministry activities, or times of prayer and study, should all be done through a heart devoted to worship.

Let’s allow the “music” of our heart to sing out with praise and worship; not just for a few set hours each week, but every day with every word, thought, and deed. Let’s patiently trust in all areas of our life and ask our Father to teach us to live as a living sanctuary.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Aug 1 2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21; Romans 15:1-22; Psalm 25:1-11; Proverbs 20:13-15

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Un Santuario Viviente

By on August 1, 2016

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Nuestro Padre Celestial desea que nuestra vida este LLENA de oración y adoración. Cuando nos juntamos con otros creyentes para el servicio en la iglesia, generalmente comenzamos con cantos de adoración. Adoramos a Dios por Su amor y fidelidad, y por el regalo de Su Hijo. Le adoramos por Su gran majestuosidad mientras preparamos nuestros corazones para recibir Su Palabra. Estos son tiempos maravillosos, pero son solo una pequeña parte del plan de Dios con relación al deseo que El tiene para nuestra vida.

Efesios 5:19-20
“Hablando entre vosotros con salmos, con himnos y cánticos espirituales, cantando y alabando al Señor en vuestros corazones; dando siempre gracias por todo al Dios y Padre, en el nombre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.”

Cuando Pablo escribió estas instrucciones a los Efesios el nunca dijo, “den gracias solo durante sus servicios de adoración” o, “hagan música en sus corazones solo cuando se reúnan con otros creyentes.” El claramente instruyó “siempre” y “por todo.” La “música” de adoración y alabanza a Dios siempre debe residir en nuestro corazón.

Este puede ser un verdadero desafío sin un cambio en la forma en que vemos la vida – un cambio de la forma en que hemos sido “entrenados” por el mundo. Nosotros absolutamente debemos aprender a “Fiarnos de Jehová de todo nuestro corazón y no apoyarnos en nuestra propia prudencia” (Proverbios 3:5). Aún cuando el mundo nos enseña a “hacernos cargo de nuestro destino,” somos llamados a entregar el control a nuestro Señor y confiar pacientemente. Porque es solo por medio de la fe y la confianza que podemos adorar en TODAS las situaciones, aún en medio de nuestra confusión y dolor.

Una de mis favoritas canciones de adoración contiene las palabras: “Señor prepárame para ser un santuario; puro y santo, probado y verdadero. Con acción de gracias, yo seré un santuario viviente para Ti.” La palabra santuario significa: “Un lugar apartado como sagrado y santo, especialmente un lugar de adoración.” El significado de esta canción entonces es: Señor prepara mi vida para ser un lugar sagrado y santo de adoración!

No puede haber mayor ambición para un Hijo de Dios. Con un apropiado entendimiento de eternidad y la gracia salvadora de Jesús, nuestra vida solo tiene un verdadero propósito cuando vivimos cada día para darle gloria y honor a El – mientras vivimos cada momento en oración y alabanza, no importa que circunstancias nuestro día pueda traer. La manera en que pasamos por nuestras pruebas así como la forma en que cumplimos con nuestras tareas diarias, actividades ministeriales, o tiempos de oración y estudio todo debe ser hecha a través de un corazón dedicado a la adoración.

Permitamos que la “música” de nuestro corazón cante con adoración y alabanza – no solo por unas horas establecidas en la semana, sino que cada día con cada palabra, pensamiento y obra. Pacientemente confiemos en todas las áreas de nuestra vida y pidamos a nuestro Padre que nos enseñe a vivir como un santuario viviente.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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With Our Bodies – by Sarah Troxel

By on July 28, 2016

With_Our_Bodies

[Note: My daughter, Sarah, will soon begin her senior year in college. Many of you enjoyed her messages about urban ministry two years ago. I told Sarah she is welcome to write messages anytime; she is a gifted writer!]

I will never forget a day in class last semester when my short and sweet, sixty year old professor stood up and danced. Why did she do this? To prove to us the value of the incarnation. A school dance was planned for that night, and I had been questioning all day if I could glorify God in any way by attending. My professor answered this for me when she said, “God entered into a human body and became united with the entire human race. By this act, the incarnation, He redeemed our bodies and our human acts. Even dancing. Therefore, dance tonight for the glory of God and the gratitude of His redemptive work.” My mind was blown.

Today I was reminded of that discussion when I read:

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

The incarnation and redemptive work made you and me into Christ’s very own possessions. He did not only purchase our souls; He purchased our bodies. And He has decided to make His very own home inside of each of us believers. This incredible mystery comes with a great responsibility. In the same discussion Paul writes, “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say – but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything,’ – but I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12).

Because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, every bodily act matters. Running matters. Physical affection matters. Posture matters. We must seek the best benefit to the Holy Spirit’s temple in these acts. We must also allow the Spirit to be the master of the temple. We shall not submit to gluttony, lust, or sloth. None of these are what our bodies were made for. We were made to embody Christ.

The redemption of our bodies pours value into our daily lives here on earth. As we sit down at the dinner table, as we shower, or as we hug a friend, we can remember that in the incarnation, Christ did each of these. And He is currently doing each of these as He lives inside us.

Last night I was talking with a nine year old girl. “We can’t see Jesus anymore. We can’t have dinner with Him or hold his hand,” she said. But the truth is that we can. In fact, Jesus is eating dinner with millions of people every night. He is holding millions of hands as millions of feet walk along the earth. Jesus was embodied in a single human two thousand years ago. But today He is embodied in each of you. May we become more aware of Him in every moment. And may this glorious truth spur us to honor God with our bodies.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jul 28 2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21; Romans 11:13-36; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 20:7
Jul 29 2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28; Romans 12:1-21; Psalm 22:19-31; Proverbs 20:8-10
Jul 30 2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27; Romans 13:1-14; Psalm 23:1-6; Proverbs 20:11
Jul 31 2 Chronicles 29:1-36; Romans 14:1-23; Psalm 24:1-10; Proverbs 20.12

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His Purpose in Pain

By on July 27, 2016

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[Note: We just returned from our daughter’s annual check-up at St. Jude Cancer Hospital. All her tests were good and there are no signs of cancer in her body. I wrote the following message in January, 2013 when we were first told of her cancer. This was a difficult time; it’s hard to believe this was over three years ago. And though Kaylee is doing well today, all of our lives have been forever changed. Our diet has certainly been dramatically altered. But more importantly, my understanding of God and the issues of pain and suffering have been deepened and solidified. I have thought much about this during the past few years but I believe this initial message captures much of what I still understand today. I pray it will be a blessing.]

“Mr. and Mrs. Troxel, I am sorry to inform you that your daughter has cancer.” These are words I have prayed I would never hear; but on Thursday morning, I did. It has been quite an experience to share our life with the people of this ministry over these last many years. You have prayed and encouraged us through the many trials with our daughter, Stacey, and then again last year with the sickness and death of my sister. I suppose this is where Christianity and all of its associated theology becomes real. So, here we go again.

Our twelve year old daughter, Kaylee, has not been feeling well since before Christmas. At first we thought it was a mild case of the flu; then, since she was having stomach pain, we thought perhaps she developed an allergy to dairy products. We treated and made changes but the symptoms continued. After checking her for various bacterial infections as well as the possibility of parasites from a recent mission trip, all with negative results, my wife requested an ultrasound which was accomplished last Monday.

The Doctor saw a mass over her right ovary and requested a blood test; we received the results on Thursday morning. Kaylee has been diagnosed with a somewhat rare form of Germ Cell Ovarian Cancer. We will travel to MD Anderson in Houston sometime this week for surgery and then most likely follow with a few rounds of chemotherapy. We believe the cancer is relatively well contained but has grown fast to a diameter of 13 cm. She will definitely have one ovary removed but we will not know what else until the middle of surgery. Your prayers are appreciated.

One thing I have learned over the years in this ministry is that on any given day there are people all around the world facing trials, experiencing pain. Pain is not localized to one part of the world, it is universal. The pain may be related to finances, or health, or relationships, or in some cases a terribly sad combination. The pain may be caused by bad personal choices or the bad, or even evil, choices of others. But no matter what the cause, the same question of “Why?” often rises to the surface. “Why is God causing, or allowing, this to happen? What could possibly be His purpose for such pain?”

I now believe these questions are the result of bad, or poorly understood, theology. God does not bring pain! He does not bring sickness or death. He does not bring tornadoes, droughts, or floods. He does not bring the loss of a job or the loss of a spouse, and He certainly does not bring mass shootings into schools or fly passenger planes into buildings. These things are NOT from God! But He does have a purpose.

Our Biblical history tells us there are times when God dramatically intervenes and directly causes events to occur, sometimes good and sometimes not so good. He has the ability to direct even the most minor of details, and sometimes He does. But this is certainly not how we see God normally operate in the world. His general mode and method seems to be to have set things in motion and to then make Himself available for a relationship. God established the motion of the stars and then left them to continue on their way. When He created man, He created in His image but allowed for the possibility of choices, both good and bad. These choices have lead to a beautiful but fallen world, beautiful but fallen people. This world, as well as its people, result in a great deal of pain. Pain is with us, but it is not from God, and God has never promised to remove our pain. But He does have a purpose!

Romans 5:1-5
“Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

God’s purpose? His purpose in pain is the same as His purpose in joy; His purpose in tragedy is the same as His purpose in a colorful sunset; His purpose is that we are “conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). His purpose is that we walk with Him, hand in hand, learning to trust Him and love Him through ALL things, both good and bad. His plan and purpose is a restored relationship! No, God is not the cause of this cancer. Tragedy is not part of His perfect plan. But our Heavenly Father is being a wonderful comfort to each member of our family, moment by moment! And we know that as we walk through this trial, with Him, learning to trust Him and drawing closer to His side, we will surely be accomplishing His purpose in pain.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jul 27 2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37; Romans 10:13-11:12; Psalm 21:1-13; Proverbs 20:4-6

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