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His Work of Art

By Steve T. on June 23, 2016

His_Work_of_Art

Do you ever wake up and wonder if you are where God wants you? Do you ever wonder if you are really following God’s plan for your life? These are normal questions and ought to be asked by every true believer in Jesus Christ. We should desire to follow His plan; and the only way to know is to ask, listen for direction, and obediently follow.

The most important part of God’s plan is that we trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin; “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God wants us all to repent, turn to Jesus, and receive His gift of Salvation. He wants us to step from eternal death to eternal life through faith in His one and only Son!

But many people receive His gift and then continue life with no real change, no new direction. This should not be! When we receive God’s gift of Salvation, something wonderful occurs; “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). When we place our life in His hands, He wipes away the ugliness of our sin and begins to grow and mature us into the likeness of His Son (Romans 8:29). This process of maturing growth IS His plan!

Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

When we become a new creation in Christ, we become God’s workmanship. The Greek word for workmanship is “poiema” – it’s where we get the word poem. And though it might be difficult to think of our life as a poem, the idea being presented is that God is creating something beautiful, something almost poetic which touches His heart.

It might be easier to switch analogies and think of God as the Master Painter. When we give Him our life, we hand Him our old canvas covered with the grotesque ugliness of sin. But by grace, the canvas is wiped clean, and the Artist begins to paint a work of art with Jesus as the model. Every stroke of His brush is to make our canvas look more and more like Christ.

Are we where God wants us? Are we following His plan? To help find the answer we should ask: Is the likeness of Christ beginning to form, or is my canvas still filled with ugliness and confusion? Am I allowing Him to paint, or am I trying to take the brush at every opportunity?

God really is the Master Painter, and He really does know what He is doing. If we will allow Him to finish His work, the end result will be better than anything we can imagine!! Let’s give Him our canvas and allow Him to paint. Let’s follow His plan and allow our life to become His work of art.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jun 23 2 Kings 4:18-5:27; Acts 15:1-31; Psalm 141:1-10; Proverbs 17:23
Jun 24 2 Kings 6:1-7:20; Acts 15:32-16:15; Psalm 142:1-7; Proverbs 17:24-25
Jun 25 2 Kings 8:1-9:15; Acts 16:16-40; Psalm 143:1-12; Proverbs 17:26
Jun 26 2 Kings 9:16-10:31; Acts 17:1-34; Psalm 144:1-15; Proverbs 17:27-28

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Su Obra de Arte

By Steve T. on June 23, 2016

His_Work_of_Art

¿Alguna vez se ha levantado y preguntado si está en donde Dios lo quiere tener? ¿Alguna vez se ha preguntado si está siguiendo el plan de Dios para su vida? Estas son preguntas normales y deben ser cuestionadas por cada creyente verdadero en Jesucristo. Deberíamos querer seguir Su plan; y la única forma de saber es preguntar, escuchar por guianza, y seguir en obediencia.

Lo mas importante en el plan de Dios es que confiemos en Jesús para el perdón de los pecados; “sino que es paciente para con nosotros, no queriendo que ninguno perezca, sino que todos procedan al arrepentimiento” (2 Pedro 3:9). Dios quiere que todos nos arrepintamos, nos volvamos a Jesús y recibamos Su regalo de Salvación. El quiere que pasemos de muerte eterna a vida eterna a través de la fe en Su Hijo unigenito!

Pero mucha gente recibe Su regalo y luego continúan su vida sin ningún cambio real, sin una nueva dirección. Esto no debería ser! Cuando recibimos el regalo de Salvación de Dios, algo maravilloso ocurre; “De modo que si alguno está en Cristo, nueva criatura es; las cosas viejas pasaron; he aquí todas son hechas nuevas” (2 Corintios 5:17). Cuando ponemos nuestra vida en Sus Manos, El quita toda la fealdad de nuestro pecado y comienza a crecer y madurarnos a la semejanza de Su Hijo (Romanos 8:29). Este proceso de crecimiento y maduración ES Su plan!

Efesios 2:10
“Porque somos hechura suya, creados en Cristo Jesús para buenas obras, las cuales Dios preparó de antemano para que anduviésemos en ellas.”

Cuando nos volvemos nueva creación en Cristo, nos volvemos la obra o “hechura” de Dios. La palabra griega para obra es “poiema” – es de aquí que viene la palabra poema. Y aún cuando puede ser difícil pensar en nuestra vida como un poema, la idea es que Dios está creando algo hermoso, algo casi poetico que toca el corazón de Dios.

Podría ser mas fácil cambiar analogías y pensar en Dios como el Maestro Pintor. Cuando le entregamos nuestra vida, le entregamos el viejo canvas cubierto con la fea suciedad del pecado. Pero por gracia, El limpia el canvas y comienza a pintar una obra de arte con Jesús como Su modelo. Cada brochazo es para hacer el canvas mas y mas parecido a Cristo.

¿Estamos donde Dios nos quiere? ¿Estamos siguiendo Su plan? Para encontrar la respuesta, debemos preguntar: ¿Está la semejanza de Cristo comenzando a formarse o está mi canvas aún lleno con fealdad y confusión? ¿Le estoy permitiendo a El pintar o estoy tratando de quitarle la brocha en cada oportunidad?

Dios es realmente el Maestro Pintor y El sabe realmente lo que esta haciendo. Si le vamos a permitir que termine Su trabajo, el resultado final será mejor que cualquier cosa de pudieramos imaginar!! Demosle nuestro canvas y permitamos que lo pinte. Sigamos Su plan y permitamos que nuestra vida se convierta en Su obra de arte.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Kenya School Update

By Steve T. on June 22, 2016

Mathare_School13

It’s time for our final push to allow us to move into our new school. Please read about the progress thus far and praise God for all He has done. I need to raise more funds so if you cannot read to the end, please just skip down and click on the Donate Now button to support a very worthwhile project.

Our school project in Kenya has been going on since the beginning of the year and has been truly amazing. Last year we were able to purchase a piece of property in the very impoverished area of Mathare, outside of Nairobi. The property contained a tin structure but we decided to build a new facility that would be more permanent and would have the ability to grow with our ministry. With the extra end of year donations we were able to begin construction with the foundation and walls of a concrete facility. I had intended to put on a tin roof and perhaps continue the construction next year with a concrete roof and second story.

Mathare_New_Facility

At this point I encountered our first challenge as I was informed we would not be allowed to have a tin roof because of new government regulations. I wrote an update message the end of March detailing the need to raise $10,000 to put on a concrete roof. This message can been seen at:

http://gdwm.org/2016/03/first-quarter-report/

At the time I naively reported that this would allow us to fully occupy the first floor. It turns out that this amount would finish the roof, but there was much more finish work to do – more on this in a moment. You responded to my request and we raised the full amount plus a little more. We finished the concrete roof in April and even began the walls for the second story with the extra collected funds.

Mathare_School11

At this point I sent out an update message simply showing the progress and saying we will need to consider what to do about the roof for the second story. This message can be seen at:

http://gdwm.org/2016/04/first-quarter-update/

I was trying to decide how to ask for more funds to put on a second story concrete roof when I received an offer from a Brother on this ministry list who wanted to fund the entire cost of the roof. This was very unexpected! We were able to continue with the construction through the end of May.

Mathare5-18

We began the process of cleaning up and making the facility more presentable and secure with an outside window on the first floor, an entrance gate, and plaster on the outside walls. The picture at the top of this message shows the current state of the school but it hides the many projects that need to be accomplished on the inside. We have already accomplished much more than I thought possible this year but I need to ask for one more push to allow us to finish out these floors and move kids into the rooms. Here are a few of the projects we need to finish: Electrical wiring, electrical fixtures, plumbing, metal doors, metal window grates, plaster over all walls, paint on all walls, and metal railing all around the second story. There are probably a few more that I’m not considering but this gives you the idea.

Mathare_School14

We have been blessed to have someone pledge a matching gift up to the first $4000. This means that if we can raise $4000, we will receive an additional $4000. This amount will come very close to finishing off the school and allowing kids to begin receiving instruction. And there is certainly no shortage of kids in the area. Our school is planned to have four floors in the next few years and they will be filled to capacity as soon as they are constructed.

Again, I am continually amazed at how many of you faithfully support this ministry. Thank you!! If you are able to help with this final push, you can do so by clicking on the Donate Now button below or by sending a check to the address at the bottom of this message. Any donation amount will help.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jun 22 2 Kings 3:1-4:17; Acts 14:8-28; Psalm 140:1-13; Proverbs 17:22

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True Love of Christ

By Steve T. on June 21, 2016

True_Love_of_Christ

In the last hours of His earthly ministry, Jesus spoke with His disciples and gave a command which was considered new: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).

Should this command really have been new? Shouldn’t the disciples have known they were to love one another? Or is it possible to spend three years with a Master Teacher and yet not understand that learning must translate to action, and that we teach truth by first being an example of truth? If we desire to teach love, we must first be loving; to teach the concept of grace, we must first be gracious; and in order to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), we must begin by first being a true disciple!

As I continue to study and learn the wonderful truths of God’s Word, and as I diligently try to teach these truths to others, I never want to stop at simply being better educated: “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22). I’ll be the first to admit that I fall short in many ways, but I sincerely strive to make His Word real and apply it in all areas of my life.

Our spiritual growth must never be measured by how much we know, but by how much we are transformed – by how much the Word penetrates to the innermost part of our heart. We have all been blessed by God’s love far more than we deserve. We must now better understand this love and then learn how to become His expression of love to others.

Ephesians 3:17-19
“I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge.”

The ultimate expression of love was that God gave His Son to an undeserving world so “that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). This is a love we will never fully understand.

Paul had such a deep appreciation for the love contained in God’s plan of Salvation through the sacrificial gift of Jesus, that he was often completely overwhelmed; “When I think of the wisdom and scope of God’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father” (Ephesians 3:14 NLT). When we begin to truly grasp His love, all we can do is say, Thank You!

Let’s pray for a greater understanding of His love and then return His love through a devoted life of worship. Let’s make His love real by demonstrating love to those He places in our path. Let’s begin to grasp, and then give back and share, the true love of Christ.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jun 21 2 Kings 1:1-2:25; Acts 13:42-14:7; Psalm 139:1-24; Proverbs 17:19-21

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Verdadero Amor de Cristo

By Steve T. on June 21, 2016

True_Love_of_Christ

En las últimas horas de Su ministerio terrenal, Jesús habló con Sus discípulos y les dio un mandamiento que se consideraba como nuevo: “Un mandamiento nuevo os doy: Que os améis unos a otros; como yo os he amado, que también os améis unos a otros” (Juan 13:34).

¿Realmente debería haber sido nuevo este mandamiento? ¿No deberían haber sabido los discípulos que tenían que amar uno al otro? ¿O es posible pasar tres años con el Maestro y todavía no entender que el aprender tiene que convertirse en acción y que nosotros enseñamos primeramente a través de nuestro ejemplo de la verdad? Si deseamos enseñar el amor, primeramente tenemos que ser amorosos; para enseñar el concepto de la gracia, primeramente tenemos que ser graciosos, y para hacer “discípulos a todas las naciones” (Mateo 28:19), primeramente tenemos que ser un verdadero discípulo!

Mientras continuo estudiando y aprendiendo las maravillosas verdades de la Palabra de Dios – y mientras que intento con diligencia enseñar estas verdades a otros – Yo nunca quiero parar con sencillamente ser educado mejor: “Sed hacedores de la palabra y no tan solamente oidores” (Santiago 1:22). Seré el primero de admitir que fallo en muchas maneras, pero sinceramente peleo para hacer Su Palabra real y aplicarla en todas las áreas de mi vida.

Nuestro crecimiento Espiritual nunca debe ser medido por cuanto sabemos, sino por cuanto hemos sido transformados – por cuanto la Palabra ha penetrado a lo mas profundo de nuestro corazón. Todos hemos sido bendecido por el amor de Dios mucho mas alla de lo que merezcamos. Ahora tenemos que entender mejor este amor y después aprender como ser Su expresión de amor a los demás.

Efesios 3:17-19
“Para que habite Cristo por la fe en vuestros corazones, a fin de que, arraigados y cimentados en amor, seáis plenamente capaces de comprender con todos los santos cuál sea la anchura, la longitud, la profundidad y la altura, y de conocer el amor de Cristo, que excede a todo conocimiento.”

La última expresión del amor fue que Dios dio Su Hijo a un mundo que no lo merece para que “todo el que cree en él no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna” (Juan 3:16). Este es un amor que nunca entenderemos completamente.

Pablo tenía un aprecio tan profundo por el amor contenido en el plan de Salvación de Dios a través del regalo de Su Hijo, que a menudo era abrumador; “Por esta causa doblo mis rodillas ante el Padre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo” (Efesios 3:14). Cuando comenzamos a comprender Su amor, todo lo que podemos hacer es decir Gracias!

Oremos por un mayor entendimiento de Su amor y dediquemos cada momento de nuestra vida a devolver Su amor a través de la adoración. Hagamos real Su amor demostrando amor a aquellos que El pone en nuestro camino. Comencemos a comprender, y luego a devolver y compartir el verdadero amor de Cristo.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Contend For The Faith

By Steve T. on June 20, 2016

Contend_For_The_Faith

In the message “Never Let Them Forget” we were challenged to continually share God’s miraculous gift with those He places in our path. We considered this mainly from the aspect of sharing what God has done in our life, and continues to do, as we walk with Him. But we are also responsible to share the absolute truth about God and His unchanging plan of forgiveness, grace, faith, and love.

Jude wrote only one short letter (25 verses) of the Bible. He began the letter with a desire to encourage believers with the joy of Salvation; but as he sat down to write, he realized God was directing him to write a different message.

Jude 3
“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.”

There is great joy in our Salvation; a joy which must be shared. But we have been entrusted with the truth of the gospel message, and this truth is often under attack!

As we draw closer to God and begin to understand His perfect holiness, we are also made aware of the utter sinfulness of man and our hopelessness without Jesus. Each of us is born with a sin nature, and if left to ourselves we would become “filled with every kind of wickedness” (Romans 1:29). It’s not surprising how much evil abounds in the world. To a large degree, the world has rejected the Light of Christ and is living in an empty and confusing darkness.

The church is definitely not immune to the darkness of the world. We are attacked from those who are openly outside the church, but we are also under attack from those who have “secretly slipped in among you” (Jude 4a). These are people who claim to be called by God, but live an immoral life and “deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord” (Jude 4b). They seek to cause division and “follow their own ungodly desires” (Jude 18). We are told to fight this form of attack by strengthening our faith; “build yourself up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit” (Jude 20).

Yes, we must know the truth, protect the truth, and share the truth. If we are to become a light which leads others to the saving grace of Jesus, we must not allow the gospel which has been entrusted into our care to become distorted for personal gain or diluted for greater acceptance. We can personally fight this battle on a daily basis by drawing closer to the presence of God and knowing Him better through study and prayer. And we can fight as groups of believers as we encourage one another to live without compromise. Let’s test all teaching against His Word. Let’s share the absolute truth of our Lord and Savior and be prepared to stand as we contend for the faith.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jun 20 1 Kings 22:1-53; Acts 13:16-41; Psalm 138:1-8; Proverbs 17:17-18

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Batallemos por la Fe

By Steve T. on June 20, 2016

Contend_For_The_Faith

En el mensaje “Nunca Permitan que lo Olviden” fuimos retados a compartir continuamente el regalo milagroso de Dios con aquellos que El pone en nuestro camino. Lo considerábamos principalmente desde la perspectiva de compartir lo que Dios ha hecho en nuestra vida y lo que continua haciendo mientras caminamos con El. Pero también somos responsables para compartir la verdad absoluta acerca de Dios y Su inmutable plan de perdón, gracia, fé y amor.

Judas escribió solamente una breve carta (25 versículos) de la Biblia. Empezó la carta con un deseo de motivar sus hermanos creyentes con el gozo de la Salvación; pero al solo comenzar, el realizó que Dios le estaba dirigiendo a escribir un mensaje diferente.

Judas 3
“Queridos hermanos, he deseado intensamente escribirles acerca de la salvación que tenemos en común, y ahora siento la necesidad de hacerlo para rogarles que sigan luchando vigorosamente por la fe encomendada una vez por todas a los santos.”

Hay gran gozo en nuestra Salvación – un gozo que es necesario compartir. Pero hemos sido encomendados con la verdad del mensaje del evangelio, y esta verdad es frecuentemente bajo ataque.

De la manera que nos acercamos a Dios y comenzamos a entender Su perfecta santidad, se nos hace mas claro también la pecaminosidad total del hombre y que está perdido sin Jesús. Cada uno de nosotros nacemos con una naturaleza de pecado; y nosotros sin supervisión, llegaríamos a ser “llenado de toda clase de maldad” (Romanos 1:29). No es una sorpresa la cantidad del mal que abunda en el mundo. En una gran medida, el mundo ha rechazado la Luz de Cristo y esta viviendo en una vacía y confusa oscuridad.

La iglesia definitivamente no es inmune a la oscuridad del mundo. Somos atacados por aquellos que están abiertamente afuera de la iglesia; pero también estamos bajo ataque por aquellos que “han infiltrado entre ustedes” (Judas 4). Estos son personas que sostienen ser llamados por Dios, pero que viven una vida inmoral y “niegan a Jesucristo, nuestro único Soberano y Señor” (Judas 4). Buscan causar divisiones y viven “según sus propias pasiones impías” (Judas 18). Nos dicen que peleemos contra esta forma de ataque fortaleciendo nuestra fe; “edificándose sobre la base de su santísima fe y orando en el Espíritu Santo” (Judas 20).

Si, tenemos que saber la verdad; proteger la verdad; y compartir la verdad. Si vamos a ser una luz que dirige a otros hacia la gracia salvadora de Jesús, no debemos permitir que el evangelio, que a nuestro cuido ha sido encomendado, llegue a ser distorsionado para ganancia personal o diluido para mayor aceptación. Podemos pelear esta batalla diariamente acercandonos a la presencia de Dios y conociendolo a El mejor a través del estudio y oración; y podemos pelear como grupos de creyentes de la manera que animamos unos a otros a vivir sin compromiso. Probemos toda enseñanza contra Su Palabra. Compartamos la absoluta verdad de nuestro Señor y Salvador y estemos preparados a mantenernos firmes mientras batallamos por la fe.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Never Let Them Forget

By Steve T. on June 16, 2016

Never_Let_Them_Forget

After wandering through the desert for forty years, Joshua led the nation of Israel across the Jordan River and set out to conquer the land of Canaan. Joshua had seen God lead the nation out of slavery in Egypt. He had witnessed the parting of the Red Sea and God’s provision of food while in the desert. As the Israelites were led into the promised land, Joshua and the entire nation saw God answer their prayers and give them many victories in battle.

During this time of conquest, the nation was relatively united as they worshiped and served God. This generation had first hand experience of His majesty and power, of His love and concern for His children. However, when Joshua and the current generation died, things quickly changed.

Judges 2:10
“After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what He had done for Israel.”

In a single generation, the people forgot! In a single generation, the people lost their respect for God, their desire to worship, and their belief that the Lord was the one true God. How could a generation who walked in fellowship with God fail to transfer the message of truth? How could parents who knew God with such intimacy fail to teach their children who He was and how to love Him? How could an entire nation forget that their purpose for existence was to honor God and be a light to the world?

We who have been brought into the Light of Christ must diligently share our faith with others; “Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation” (Joel 1:3). Our children and our friends will never receive the gift of eternal life because of OUR faith; rather, they must be told of God’s love and come to Him through a deep and personal faith in Jesus.

We all know specific individuals who desperately need to know of His saving grace. We all know fellow believers who need to be encouraged in their faith; “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). Our churches are often gatherings for the depressed and troubled who have forgotten (or never heard) of the miraculous and loving works of God. May we never become silent about what He has done and continues to do!

We must never lose the awe of the incredible gift we have been given in Jesus. His sacrifice radically changed our eternity! An understanding of this gift ought to so fill our heart that we are compelled to share His ongoing gift with those we love and those God places in our path. We who have begun our walk with Christ should continually share our walk with others. We serve an AWESOME God! Let’s be a light to the world and never let them forget.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jun 16 1 Kings 15:25-17:24; Acts 10:24-48; Psalm 134:1-3; Proverbs 17:9-11
Jun 17 1 Kings 18:1-46; Acts 11:1-30; Psalm 135:1-21; Proverbs 17:12-13
Jun 18 1 Kings 19:1-21; Acts 12:1-23; Psalm 136:1-26; Proverbs 17:14-15
Jun 19 1 Kings 20:1-21:29; Acts 12:24-13:15; Psalm 137:1-9; Proverbs 17:16

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No Permitan que lo Olviden

By Steve T. on June 16, 2016

Never_Let_Them_Forget

Después de andar en el desierto por cuarenta años, Josué dirigió a la nación de Israel a cruzar el Río Jordán y se propusieron conquistar la tierra de Canaán. Josué había visto a Dios sacar la nación de la esclavitud en Egipto. Había presenciado la separación del Mar Rojo y la provisión de Dios de comida mientras estaban en el desierto. Mientras que los Israelitas fueron guiados a la tierra prometida, Josué y la nación entera vieron a Dios contestar sus oraciones y les dio muchas victorias en la batalla.

Durante este tiempo de conquista, la nación fue relativamente unida en la manera que alababan y servian a Dios. Esta generación tenía experiencia de primera mano de Su majestad y poder; y de Su amor y preocupación por Sus hijos. Pero, cuando Josué y la presente generación murieron, las cosas cambiaron rápidamente.

Jueces 2:10
“También murió toda aquella generación, y surgió otra que no conocía al Señor ni sabía lo que él había hecho por Israel.”

En una sola generación, la gente olvidó! En una sola generación, la gente perdió su respeto por Dios, su deseo de alabar, y su creencia que el Señor era el único Dios verdadero. ¿Como podría una generación, que caminaban con Dios y tenían comunión con El, fallar en transferir el mensaje de verdad? ¿Como podrían los padres que conocían a Dios íntimamente fallar en enseñarles a sus hijos quién era El y como amarle? ¿Como pudo una nación entera olvidar que su propósito de existencia era honrar a Dios y ser la luz de este mundo?

Nosotros quienes hemos sido transferidos a la Luz tenemos que compartir nuestra fe con otros; “Cuéntenselo a sus hijos, y que ellos se lo cuenten a los suyos, y éstos a la siguiente generación” (Joel 1:3). Nuestros hijos y nuestros amigos nunca recibirían el regalo de la vida eterna basado en NUESTRA fe; a ellos es necesario que les digan del amor de Dios y que vengan a El a través de una fe profunda y personal en Jesús. Todos conocemos a individuos específicos que necesitan desesperadamente conocer la gracia salvadora de El.

Todos conocemos hermanos creyentes que necesitan ser motivados en su fe; “Preocupémonos los unos por los otros, a fin de estimularnos al amor y a las buenas obras” (Hebreos 10:24). Nuestras iglesias son frecuentemente reuniones de los preocupados y deprimidos que han olvidado (o nunca oyeron) las obras milagrosas y amorosas de Dios. Que nunca lleguemos a callar acerca de lo que El ha hecho y de lo que sigue haciendo!

Nunca debemos perder el sobrecogimiento del regalo increíble que se nos ha sido dado en Jesús. Su sacrificio cambió radicalmente nuestra eternidad! Tenemos que permitir que el entendimiento de este regalo llene nuestros corazones tanto que nos veamos obligados a compartir Su gran regalo con nuestros amados y con aquellos que Dios coloca en nuestro camino. Nosotros quienes hemos comenzado nuestro caminar con Cristo debemos compartir constantemente nuestro caminar con otros. Servimos un Dios IMPRESIONANTE – seamos luz al mundo y nunca permitamos que lo olviden.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Cast Out The Net

By Steve T. on June 15, 2016

Cast_Out_The_Net

Very early in life (almost from birth) we are trained to be successful according to the world’s definition of success. We are driven by goals and accomplishments from the day we take our first steps and ride our first bike. As we grow older, we are pressured to accumulate knowledge and “things” in order to prove our success. In our Christian walk, Jesus calls us to a new definition of success – one determined not by what we accomplish, acquire or understand, but by our simple yet complete obedience.

The disciples walked and talked with Jesus, but they still faced many challenges with faith and obedience. One morning after fishing all night without a catch, Jesus called from the shore.

John 21:6
“He said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.”

The disciples were successful that morning. But we must understand that the large number of fish did not define their success. They would have been successful even if the net remained empty. Oh how I wish more in ministry could grasp this truth! The disciples were successful the moment they were obedient and cast the net on the right side of the boat, the moment they walked in step – walked in relationship – with Jesus.

One thousand years earlier, King Saul was told to “attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them” (1 Samuel 15:3). But Saul allowed the Amalekite king and the best livestock to survive. He tried to hide his disobedience by telling the prophet Samuel that the animals were for a sacrifice to God. “But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams'” (1 Samuel 15:22).

In any task we undertake for God, it’s easy to become discouraged by our apparent lack of success. We often feel inadequate, and those feelings increase when our goals seem to be elusive. But we must remember that the outcome of the task is minor compared to our obediently walking by His side. We have almost no ability to determine how our efforts fit into God’s plan. God doesn’t need our fish! He can accomplish His plan with the rocks if He chooses, but He desires our willful obedience and loving trust, though He knows our obedience will never be perfect and our trust will never be complete. Our Father desires a people who will bring Him glory as they love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Let’s take our eyes off the accomplishment of the “catch” and what we can produce. Rather, let’s focus on walking each step according to His leading. Let’s love Him with an uncluttered heart and concentrate all our effort on obeying His call to cast out the net.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jun 15 1 Kings 14:1-15:24; Acts 10:1-23; Psalm 133:1-3; Proverbs 17:7-8

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Echar Las Redes

By Steve T. on June 15, 2016

Cast_Out_The_Net

Muy temprano en la vida (casi desde nacer) somos entrenados para ser exitosos de acuerdo a la definición de éxito del mundo. Somos llevados por metas y por logros desde el día que damos nuestro primer paso y montamos nuestra primera bicicleta. Mientras crecemos, se nos apresura para acumular conocimientos y “cosas” para probar nuestro éxito. En nuestro caminar Cristiano, Jesús nos llamó a una nueva definición de éxito – determinada no por lo que nosotros logramos, adquirimos o comprendemos, sino por nuestra simple y completa obediencia.

Los discípulos caminaron y hablaron con Jesús, y aún así enfrentaron muchos retos de fe y obediencia. Después de terminar una noche entera sin una pesca, Jesús llamó desde la playa.

Juan 21:6
“El les dijo: Echad la red a la derecha de la barca, y hallaréis. Entonces la echaron, y ya no la podían sacar, por la gran cantidad de peces.”

Los discípulos fueron exitosos esa mañana. Pero debemos comprender que la gran cantidad de peces no definieron su éxito. Ellos habrían tenido éxito aún si las redes se hubieran mantenido vacías. Oh cuanto deseo que más en los ministerios se podrían comprender esta verdad! Los discípulos tuvieron éxito en el momento que fueron obedientes y echaron la red en el lado correcto del bote.

Mil años antes, el rey Saúl recibió la orden de “Ve, pues, y hiere a Amalec, y destruye todo lo que tiene” (1 Samuel 15:3). Pero Saúl le permitió vivir al rey de los Amalakitas y al mejor ganado. El trató de esconder su desobediencia diciendo que los becerros y las ovejas eran para un sacrificio a Dios: “Y Samuel dijo: ¿Se complace Jehová tanto en los holocaustos y víctimas, como en que se obedezca a las palabras de Jehová? Ciertamente el obedecer es mejor que los sacrificios, y el prestar atención que la grosura de los carneros” (1 Samuel 15:22).

En cualquier tarea que asumimos para Dios, es fácil desanimarnos por la aparente falta de éxito. A menudo nos sentimos inadecuados; y esos sentimientos crecen cuando nuestras metas parecen ser difíciles de conseguir. Pero debemos recordar: el resultado de la tarea es menor comparado con la obediencia. Casi no tenemos la habilidad para determinar como nuestros esfuerzos entran en el plan de Dios. Dios no necesita nuestros pescados! El puede cumplir Su plan con las rocas si El así lo decide; pero el desea nuestra deliberada obediencia y confianza. El desea una persona que lo ame con todo Su corazón, alma, mente y fuerza.

Quitemos nuestros ojos del hecho de cumplir con la “pesca” y lo que podemos producir. En lugar de eso enfoquémonos en dar cada paso de acuerdo a Su guianza. Amémosle con un corazón libre de distracciones y concentremos todo nuestro esfuerzo en obedecer Su llamado de echar las redes.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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It is Written

By Steve T. on June 14, 2016

It_is_Written

The Bible is a precious gift; a gift we call, The Word of God. The words of the Bible tell of the creation of the Universe and God’s first “breath of life” into man (Genesis 2:7). They tell of man’s first sin, his separation from God, and the long process of being brought back into a right and loving relationship with the Father; a process made complete through faith in Jesus Christ. These are the lasting words which reveal God’s nature and eternal plan, the words of truth which provide “everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us” (2 Peter 1:3).

We can carry His Word as an offensive weapon used to battle the enemy; “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). But His Word is also used as a fine surgical tool; “Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joint and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). His Word can purify and refine by cutting away all which is offensive and unclean.

But for God’s Word to have its intended purpose in our life we must accept it as absolute truth, “not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the Word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). The Bible is not just a collection of interesting stories and somewhat profound writings, it is God’s Word! We are to receive His Word in faith and apply it with power and authority.

Jesus began His ministry on earth when He was thirty years old. He was baptized by John in the Jordan River and then led into the desert and tempted by the devil. Each time the devil tried to tempt Jesus away from the path which God established, Jesus resisted by directly applying the Word of God.

Matthew 4:4
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”

Three times the devil tempted, and three times Jesus answered, “It is written!” When Jesus spoke these words, with complete faith and as absolute truth, there was no room for debate; “The devil left Him, and angels came and attended Him” (Matthew 4:11).

Yes, we have been given a precious gift. We have the words which are able to prepare our heart for the gift of eternal life. We have the words which can yield a life of contentment and peace, a life with purpose. But this gift is only for those who believe and obey. Let’s fully accept and apply God’s Word today. Let’s trust with all our heart so we can face any trial or temptation with a steadfast assurance. His Word is truth. His Word is our highest authority! Let’s answer this world with a bold confidence by KNOWING that it is written!!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jun 14 1 Kings 12:20-13:34; Acts 9:26-43; Psalm 132:1-18; Proverbs 17:6

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