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Tested By Praise

By on May 23, 2016

Tested_By_Praise

The longer and closer we walk with God, the more we realize how He uses every opportunity to shape and mold us – to chip, file, and sand the rough edges – as we are gradually “conformed to the likeness of His Son” (Romans 8:29). This is His desire for everyone who trusts in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin.

We often learn through personal experience how our trials are used to teach us valuable lessons and refine us into Children of God with the character of Christ; “the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:3). Our trials teach us to persevere in the faith and to trust God with all our heart. But a more subtle refinement of our character occurs as we receive praise for who we are or for what we’ve accomplished.

Proverbs 27:21
“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.”

This isn’t simply referring to how we verbally respond to a compliment; rather, it is the response of our heart which reveals our true belief and submission. God is the sovereign Creator and Lord of ALL! All our abilities and gifts were given by Him. He deserves ALL the praise and maintains the right to redirect us as He chooses. Our motivation must be our love for God and our desire to serve Him through all we do – it must never be driven by the praises of man.

The praise we receive from others is not an indication of God’s approval nor a valid measure of success. We take far too much ownership of accomplishments, and most often we simply forget the basic truths: “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). All we are is from God!

Every step of our journey must be established by God and accomplished in His strength. Every day there are those who refuse to turn to God because they fear the loss of status and praise; “they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God” (John 12:42-43). And every day there are those who are diverted in their walk because of a gluttonous desire to feed their pride-filled ego. Unrestrained pride will always choke our relationship with Jesus.

As we are transformed, we WILL begin to accomplish His work; “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10). But as praises come for the work we accomplish, we must present them to God for His approval and guidance. He may return the praise as a Heavenly blessing, but He may also dismiss it as an unnecessary distraction and ask us to walk in a new direction. Either way, we must continue to serve with an obedient and loving heart. Let’s continue to be transformed in every situation. Let’s be determined to never lose our focus as a result of being refined and tested by praise.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

May 23 2 Samuel 2:12-3:39; John 13:1-30; Psalm 119:1-16; Proverbs 15:29-30

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Probado por las Alabanzas

By on May 23, 2016

Tested_By_Praise

El mayor tiempo y lo mas cerca que caminemos con Dios, lo mas que nos damos cuenta como El utiliza cada oportunidad para formarnos y moldearnos – a picar, raspar, y lijar las orillas ásperas – mientras gradualmente estamos “transformados según la imagen de su Hijo” (Romanos 8:29). Este es Su deseo para todos que confían en Jesús por el perdón de pecado.

Frecuentemente aprendemos a través de la experiencia personal como nuestras pruebas están usadas para enseñarnos lecciones valerosos y nos refinan para que seamos Hijos de Dios con el carácter de Cristo; “la prueba de su fe produce constancia” (Santiago 1:3). Nuestras pruebas nos hacen completos, enseñandonos a perseverar en fe y proveyendo una oportunidad de confiar en Dios con todo nuestro corazón. Pero un refinamiento mas sutil de nuestro carácter ocurre mientras recibimos alabanzas por quienes somos y por algo que hemos logrado.

Proverbios 27:21
“El crisol prueba la plata, y la hornaza el oro, Y al hombre la boca del que lo alaba.”

Esto no se refiere a como nos entrenamos a responder verbalmente a un elogio; sino, la reacción de nuestro corazón es lo que revela nuestras creencias verdaderas y sumisión. Dios es El soberano Creador y Señor de TODO! Todas nuestras habilidades y dones fueron dados por El. El se merece TODA la alabanza y mantiene el derecho de dirigirnos de la manera que EL lo escoja. Nuestra motivación debe de ser nuestro amor por Dios y nuestro deseo de servirle a El en todo lo que hacemos – nunca debe de estar dirigido por la alabanza del hombre.

Las alabanzas que recibimos de otros no es una indicación de la aprobación de Dios ni es una medida válida del éxito. Nos apropiamos demasiado de los logros y debemos siempre recordar que TODA nuestra habilidad viene de Dios; “¿Quién te distingue de los demás? ¿Qué tienes que no hayas recibido?” (1 Corintios 4:7).

Cada paso de nuestro viaje debe ser establecido por Dios y cumplido en Su fuerza. Cada día hay aquellos quienes niegan a retornar a Dios por que temen la perdida de su posición social y alabanzas; “Muchos creyeron en él; pero a causa de los fariseos no lo confesaban, para no ser expulsados de la sinagoga. Porque amaban más la gloria de los hombres que la gloria de Dios” (Juan 12:42-43). Y cada día hay aquellos quienes están desviados de su caminar con Dios debido a su deseo con glotonería de alimentar su ego con alabanzas. El orgullo desenfrenado siempre va a obstruir nuestra relación con Jesús.

De la manera que somos transformados, COMENZAREMOS a cumplir Su trabajo; “Porque somos hechura de Dios, creados en Cristo Jesús para buenas obras” (Efesios 2:10). Pero cuando vienen los elogios por el trabajo que logramos, tenemos que presentarselos a Dios para Su aprobación y guianza. El podría regresar los elogios como una bendición Celestial; pero también El podría descartarlos como una distracción innecesaria y pedirnos que caminemos en una nueva dirección. De cualquier manera, tenemos que continuar sirviendo con un corazón obediente y amoroso. Seamos determinados a nunca perder nuestro enfoque como el resultado de ser refinados y probados por las alabanzas.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Quick Updates

By on May 20, 2016

Our family will be traveling to Malawi, beginning this Saturday. We will have an overnight stop in Johannesburg and then continue to Blantyre Malawi on Monday. We will be in Blantyre all week and return home on Sunday. Here is a post from my daughter Kaylee explaining the trip:

In case you haven’t heard already, this Saturday my parents, Sarah and I will be traveling to Blantyre, Malawi in Africa. We will be there for 8 days and will have the opportunity to visit the Queen Elizabeth Cancer Hospital. Our main purpose, while we are there, will be to learn more about the uniqueness of cancer treatment in Malawi (particularly how regional poverty affects the hospital system), explore the experiences of patients and their families, and compare and contrast those experiences to ones in the US. This subject is one that is very close to my heart, and I desperately hope that we will be able to bring some good and awareness out of this trip. Prayers would be very appreciated for us to know how best to serve and learn. Also, the day after we get back Sarah and I will be leaving to work at summer camps, so prayers for that quick transition to go well would be appreciated.

I will queue up messages to send during the week but I may not have internet access during the trip so please be patient if I don’t respond.

Mathare5-18

There are some exciting developments with our school in Kenya. Construction has continued and we have been able to do more than I initially thought possible. I will send out a more detailed update when I return from Malawi and explain what is still needed before we can officially open the school.

Please be praying for us during this trip.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Sow To Please The Spirit

By on May 19, 2016

Sow_To_Please_The_Spirit

In the spring, a farmer prepares the soil, plants the seed, and waits several days for the first signs of life. Many weeks pass before a few inches of growth occur and several months go by before it’s time to harvest. Much hard work and patience go into reaping a bountiful crop.

The soil of our spiritual field is rich, full of nutrients and moisture; and whether we realize it or not, we are working hard and planting in our field every single day. Let me say that again: Every day as we go out into the world we are planting into our spiritual field. Anything we plant is going to grow and produce a harvest according to what we have planted.

Galatians 6:7-9
“A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Every day we are given the opportunity to go into the field and plant new seed; “His compassions never fail, they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). We are also given the choice of which seed to plant. Seeds of faith and forgiveness are essential for our eternal survival. Seeds of hope and trust are necessary for a life of peace and contentment. And seeds of love, purity, worship and praise are the seeds which will make our fields beautiful – a fragrant offering to the Lord.

But there are other types of seed – the seeds of lies and deception, of worldly passions and self exaltation. Unfortunately, once these seeds are planted, they can grow faster and stronger than all competing plants. If allowed to grow, these sinful seeds will rise up to dominate the field and choke everything which draws us closer to God; “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature” (Luke 8:14).

Today is a new day with a new opportunity to plant. We must not grow weary of planting that which draws us closer to God; “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think of such things” (Philippians 4:8). Today, we WILL plant – so let’s plant wisely!

Let’s sow seed which glorifies our Heavenly Father and honors Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and let’s nurture our field with an unending love. Let’s sow the seeds of a bountiful harvest which is free of weeds as we daily abandon the sinful nature and sow to please the Spirit.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

May 19 1 Samuel 24:1-25:44; John 10:22-42; Psalm 116:1-19; Proverbs 15:20-21
May 20 1 Samuel 26:1-28:25; John 11:1-53; Psalm 117:1-2; Proverbs 15:22-23
May 21 1 Samuel 29:1-31:13; John 11:54-12:19; Psalm 118:1-18; Proverbs 15:24-26
May 22 2 Samuel 1:1-2:11; John 12:20-50; Psalm 118:19-29; Proverbs 15:27-28

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Sembremos Para Complacer al Espíritu

By on May 19, 2016

Sow_To_Please_The_Spirit

En la primavera, el granjero prepara el suelo, planta la semilla, y espera varios días hasta los primeros señales de vida. Muchas semanas pasan antes que unas pocas pulgadas de crecimiento ocurran y muchos meses pasan antes que sea tiempo de cosecha. Mucho trabajo duro y paciencia se pone en cosechar un cultivo generoso.

El suelo de nuestro campo Espiritual es rico, lleno de nutrientes y humedad; y, sea que nos demos cuenta o no, estamos trabajando duro y plantando en nuestro campo espiritual cada día. Dejenme decir eso de nuevo: Cada día que salimos y nos internamos en el mundo estamos sembrando en nuestro campo espiritual. Cualquier cosa que sembramos va a crecer y producir una cosecha de acuerdo a lo que hallamos sembrado.

Gálatas 6:7-9
“Todo lo que el hombre sembrare, eso también segará. Porque el que siembra para su carne, de la carne segará corrupción; mas el que siembra para el Espíritu, del Espíritu segará vida eterna. No nos cansemos, pues, de hacer bien; porque a su tiempo segaremos, si no desmayamos.”

Cada día se nos da la oportunidad de ir al campo y plantar nueva semilla: “Nunca decayeron sus misericordias…Nuevas son cada mañana” (Lamentaciones 3:22-23). También se nos da elección de que semilla plantar. Semillas de fe y perdón son esenciales para nuestra eterna supervivencia. Semillas de esperanza y confianza son necesarias para una vida de paz y contentamiento. Y semillas de amor, pureza, adoración y alabanza que harán nuestros campos hermosos – una ofrenda de olor fragante para el Señor.

Pero hay otro tipo de semilla – las semillas de mentira y decepción, de pasiones mundanas y auto exaltación. Desafortunadamente, una vez estas semillas han sido plantadas, pueden crecer mas fuertes y más rápido que cualquier otra planta. Si se les permite crecer estas semillas pecaminosas crecerán hasta dominar el campo y ahogaran cualquier cosa que nos acerque a Dios: “La que cayó entre espinos, éstos son los que oyen, pero yéndose, son ahogados por los afanes y las riquezas y los placeres de la vida, y no llevan fruto” (Lucas 8:14).

Hoy es un nuevo día con una nueva oportunidad para sembrar. No debemos cansarnos de sembrar lo que nos acerca a Dios; “todo lo que es verdadero, todo lo honesto, todo lo justo, todo lo puro, todo lo amable, todo lo que es de buen nombre; si hay virtud alguna, si algo digno de alabanza, en esto pensad” (Filipenses 4:8). Ahora, VAMOS a sembrar – así que sembremos prudentemente!

Sembremos semillas que glorifiquen a nuestro Padre Celestial y honremos a Jesucristo como nuestro Señor y Salvador; y alimentemos nuestro campo con un amor interminable. Sembremos para un campo generoso que este libre de mala hierba mientras abandonamos diariamente nuestra naturaleza pecaminosa y sembramos para complacer al Espíritu.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Desires of Our Heart

By on May 18, 2016

Desires_of_Our_Heart

We often talk about the gift of Salvation as a transformation of the heart. Jesus came to give us eternal life through faith in Him and His sacrifice on the cross. His death established a new covenant for all who would come to Him in faith; “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sin” (Matthew 26:28).

When we enter into this covenant we are transformed; “I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26). This is the same transformation referred to by Paul: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). It is also referred to as the “circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit” (Romans 2:29).

As we continue our walk with God – as we continue our journey with a new and transformed heart – we begin a process of being “conformed to the likeness of His Son” (Romans 8:29). This transformation, which begins in our heart, continues for all the rest of our days. We may call this process growth or maturity, but the result is a heart which is becoming more and more like Jesus.

Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

This verse is sometimes misinterpreted to say that God has promised to fulfill all our current desires. There are people all over the world thinking that if they “pursue” God, they will receive an increase in their financial status – a better job, a nicer car, or a bigger home. This is a sad misapplication of scripture! When we are far from God, our heart is full of worldly desires. Apart from God, we will spend a lifetime trying to fulfill these desires only to find we are never satisfied or content.

But God says we need not spend our life chasing these unfulfilling desires. As we are diligent to draw close to God, learn of His ways, and become obedient to His commands, He gives us new desires. As we love the Lord with all our heart, our current desires are replaced with something infinitely better, the desires of Christ. The single desire of Jesus was to glorify His Father by completing the work He was given to do (John 17:4). Jesus was content beyond our comprehension because He was truly one with His Heavenly Father!

The wonderful blessing from God is that as we delight in Him, He transforms our desires and also gives us the ability to fulfill these desires. This is the only way we will ever find true contentment and peace. Let’s learn to live each moment delighting in our Lord. Let’s allow Him to continue the transformation by giving us, and then teaching us how to satisfy, the desires of our heart.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

May 18 1 Samuel 22:1-23:29; John 10:1-21; Psalm 115:1-18; Proverbs 15:18-19

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Deseos de Nuestro Corazón

By on May 18, 2016

Desires_of_Our_Heart

A menudo hablamos del regalo de la Salvación como una transformación del corazón. Jesús vino a darnos vida eterna por medio de la fe en El y su sacrificio en la cruz. Su muerte estableció un nuevo pacto para todo aquel que venga a El en fe; “Esto es mi sangre del pacto, que es derramada por muchos para el perdón de pecados” (Mateo 26:28).

Cuando entramos en este pacto somos transformados; “les quitaré ese corazón de piedra que ahora tienen, y les pondré un corazón de carne” (Ezequiel 36:26). Esta es la misma transformación a la que Pablo hace referencia: “si alguno está en Cristo, es una nueva creación. ¡Lo viejo ha pasado, ha llegado ya lo nuevo!” (2 Corintios 5:17). También se hace referencia a esto como “la circuncisión es la del corazón, la que realiza el Espíritu” (Romanos 2:29).

Mientras continuamos en nuestro caminar con Dios – mientras viajamos con ese nuevo y transformado corazón – comenzamos el proceso de ser “transformados según la imagen de su Hijo” (Romanos 8:29). Esta transformación que comienza en nuestro corazón, continua por todo el resto de nuestros días. Podemos llamar a este proceso crecimiento o madurez, pero el resultado es un corazón que se vuelve más y más como el de Jesús.

Salmos 37:4
“Deléitate en el Señor, y él te concederá los deseos de tu corazón.”

Este versículo algunas veces es mal interpretado al decir que Dios ha prometido cumplir todos nuestros deseos. Hay gente por todo el mundo pensando que si “persiguen” a Dios, que ellos recibiran un mejoramiento en su estado financiero – un mejor trabajo, un carro más bonito, o una casa más grande. ¡Esta es una triste y errada aplicación de las escrituras! Cuando estamos lejos de Dios, nuestro corazón esta lleno de deseos mundanos. Apartados de Dios, pasaremos una vida tratando de saciar estos deseos solo para encontrar que nunca están satisfechos o contentos.

Pero Dios dice que no necesitamos pasar nuestra vida persiguiendo estos deseos que no satisfacen. Mientras diligentemente nos acercamos a Dios, aprendemos de sus caminos, y nos hacemos obedientes a sus mandamientos, El nos da nuevos deseos – los deseos de Jesús. Mientras amamos al Señor con todo nuestro corazón, nuestros deseos actuales son reemplazados por algo infinitamente mejor. El único deseo de Jesús era glorificar a Su Padre completando el trabajo que le fue encomendado hacer (Juan 17:4). Jesús estaba contento más alla de nuestra comprensión porque El era verdaderamente uno con su Padre Celestial!

La maravillosa bendición de Dios es que mientras más nos deleitamos en El, El transforma nuestros deseos y también nos da la habilidad de cumplir estos deseos. Esta es la única manera por la cual encontraremos verdadero contentamiento y paz. Aprendamos a vivir cada momento deleitandonos en nuestro Señor. Permitamosle a El continuar la transformación mientras nos da y nos enseña como satisfacer, los deseos de nuestro corazón.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Prevent The Sparks

By on May 17, 2016

Prevent_The_Sparks

Every year, sparks from hot campfires or careless matches start fires which consume millions of trees in beautiful forests. Once begun, these fires move unrelentingly through hills and valleys – nothing is safe from the fury of the flames.

Every year, sparks from hot tempers or careless words start fires which consume millions of lives in beautiful relationships. Once begun, these fires move unrelentingly through self-esteem and trust – nothing is safe from the fury of the tongue.

James 3:5-6
“Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.”

Our tongue has incredible power to build up and encourage, as well as tear down and destroy. And though our sins are eternally forgiven when we place our trust in Jesus, the day will come when our careless words are revealed and we see the full extent of the damage we have done; “men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36).

I confess that I often dread the day when I must account for every careless word. There are indeed many. Perhaps the purpose of that day is to permanently etch in our soul a full appreciation for God’s love. Even with all my careless words, He loves me and wants to spend eternity with me in fellowship. Amazing! But how I long for better control.

David prayed that God would “set a guard over my mouth and keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalms 141:3). While this is a wise prayer, our lips must be seen as an absolute last line of defense – once our words escape they can almost never be fully recovered. We must strive to control the sparks at the true source; “out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34).

If our heart is filled with the ways of the world, our mouth will naturally speak the world’s wisdom which is “foolishness in God’s sight” (1 Corinthians 3:19). Rather, we must fill our heart with the ways of God and allow our mouth to overflow with His love; “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalms 119:11).

Have we been the cause of some raging fires or smoldering embers? If so, we must pray for healing and believe that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). We must fill our heart with the power of His Word and “not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths” (Ephesians 4:29). Let’s stop the destructive fires. Let’s begin today to fill our heart with His Word and prevent the sparks.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

May 17 1 Samuel 20:1-21:15; John 9:1-41; Psalm 113:1-114:8; Proverbs 15:15-17

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Prevengamos las Chispas

By on May 17, 2016

Prevent_The_Sparks

Cada año, chispas de las hogueras de los campamentos o fósforos descuidados inician fuegos que consumen millones de árboles y preciosos bosques. Una vez iniciado, este fuego avanza implacablemente a través de valles y montañas – nada está a salvo de la furia de las llamas.

Cada año, chispas provenientes de temperamentos ardientes o palabras descuidadas inician fuegos que consumen millones de vidas en preciosas relaciones. Una vez iniciado, este fuego avanza implacablemente a través de la auto estima y confianza – nada está a salvo de la furia de la lengua.

Santiago 3:5-6
“¡Imagínense qué gran bosque se incendia con tan pequeña chispa! También la lengua es un fuego, un mundo de maldad. Siendo uno de nuestros órganos, contamina todo el cuerpo.”

Nuestra lengua tiene un increíble poder para construir y alentar, tanto como para derribar y destruir. Cuando ponemos nuestra confianza en Jesús, nuestros pecados son eternamente perdonados; pero el día llegará cuando nuestras palabras descuidadas sean reveladas y veamos en toda su extensión el daño que hemos ocasionado; “Pero yo les digo que en el día del juicio todos tendrán que dar cuenta de toda palabra ociosa que hayan pronunciado” (Mateo 12:36).

Confieso que temo el día cuando tenga que dar cuenta de cada palabra ociosa. De hecho hay muchas. Quizás el propósito de este momento es que permanentemente se grabe en nuestra alma un completo aprecio por Su amor. Aún con todas mis palabras ociosas, El me ama y quiere pasar la eternidad conmigo en comunión. Maravilloso! Pero cuanto anhelo por tener un mejor control.

David oró a Dios “ponme en la boca un centinela; un guardia a la puerta de mis labios” (Salmo 141:3). Siendo esta una sabia oración, debe ser vista como la absoluta última linea de defensa – una vez nuestras palabras se escapan casi nunca pueden ser recuperadas por completo. Debemos esforzarnos para controlar las chispas desde la verdadera fuente; “De la abundancia del corazón habla la boca” (Mateo 12:34).

Si nuestro corazón esta lleno con los caminos del mundo, nuestra boca naturalmente hablará la sabiduría del mundo, la cual “a los ojos de Dios…es locura” (1 Corintios 3:19). Mejor que eso, debemos llenar nuestro corazón con los caminos de Dios y permitir que nuestra boca abunde de Su amor; “En mi corazón atesoro tus dichos para no pecar contra ti” (Salmo 119:11).

¿Hemos sido la causa de algunos furiosos fuegos o ardores? Si es así, debemos orar para sanidad y creer que “para Dios todo es posible” (Mateo 19:26). Debemos llenar nuestro corazón con el poder de su Palabra y “Eviten toda conversación obscena” (Efesios 4:29). Detengamos los fuegos destructores. Comencemos ahora a llenar nuestro corazón con Su Palabra y prevengamos las chispas.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Teach The World His Grace

By on May 16, 2016

Teach_The_World_His_Grace2

When Jesus was asked to name the greatest commandment, He said; “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Jesus clearly said the most important thing we can do in this life is to love God with absolutely every part of our being. But Jesus immediately added, “the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).

After our love for God, we are called to love others with a love which flows from the love of Christ. At the end of His ministry, on the night before He was crucified, Jesus set a new standard for our love.

John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Love for others had always been important, but Jesus called the command “new” and changed the standard from the way we love ourselves to the way He loved us. Why is this significant?

Jesus came into the world with the single purpose of dying for the forgiveness of our sin so we could be restored to a right relationship with God – this is true love; “God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son…” (John 3:16). We didn’t do ANYTHING to deserve this love. While we were completely lost in a world of sin, God looked down on us, and loved: “God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

This degree of love, poured out for those who are utterly undeserving, is the definition of God’s grace. Peter said we are saved by this undeserved love; “it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved” (Acts 15:11). Paul said the same in many different ways: “{We} are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24), and, “it is by grace you have been saved, through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). God’s love is demonstrated through grace!

The concept of grace is essential in beginning our relationship with God as well as continuing with every step of our journey along His path. But, try as we might, we can never adequately convey the meaning of God’s grace with words. We must continue to proclaim His truth through spoken and written words, but in this important area of God’s grace, we are given a “new command” to teach through our actions – to teach through our love.

We have been given an incredible gift! We are given a gift we can never repay, but it’s a gift we must share. The world is in great need! It is lost and desperate to know the grace of our Lord and Savior. Let’s pour out love to those around us in the same manner it was poured out on us – undeserved and without restraint! Let’s live out Jesus’ new command and, through love, teach the world His grace.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

May 16 1 Samuel 18:5-19:24; John 8:31-59; Psalm 112:1-10; Proverbs 15:12-14

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Enseñemos al Mundo Su Gracia

By on May 16, 2016

Teach_The_World_His_Grace2

Cuando le pidieron a Jesús que mencionara el mandamiento más importante, El dijo; “Áma al Señor tu Dios con todo tu corazón, con toda tu alma y con toda tu mente” (Mateo 22:37). Jesús claramente dijo lo más importante que podemos hacer en esta vida es amar a Dios con cada parte de nuestro ser. Pero inmediatamente agregó; “El segundo se parece a éste: Áma a tu prójimo como a ti mismo” (Mateo 22:39).

Después de nuestro amor a Dios, somos llamados a amar a los demás. Pero al final de su ministerio, la noche antes de ser crucificado, Jesús estableció un nuevo estándar para nuestro amor.

Juan 13:34
“Este mandamiento nuevo les doy: que se amen los unos a los otros. Así como yo los he amado, también ustedes deben amarse los unos a los otros.”

El amor por los demás siempre ha sido importante, pero ahora Jesús llamó “nuevo” a este mandamiento y cambió el estándar de la forma en que nos amamos a nosotros mismos por la forma en que El nos amó. ¿Por que es esto tan significativo?

Jesús vino al mundo con el único propósito de morir por el perdón de nuestros pecados para que tuviéramos la oportunidad de regresar a nuestra relación con Dios – este es el verdadero amor; “Porque tanto amó Dios al mundo, que dio a su Hijo unigénito…” (Juan 3:16). Nosotros no hicimos NADA para merecer este amor. Estábamos completamente perdidos en un mundo de pecado y Dios nos miraba y nos amaba: “Pero Dios demuestra su amor por nosotros en esto: en que cuando todavía éramos pecadores, Cristo murió por nosotros” (Romanos 5:8).

Este grado de amor, derramado para aquellos quienes son totalmente inmerecedores es la definición de la gracia de Dios. Pedro dijo que fuimos salvos por este amor inmerecido; “creemos que somos salvos por la gracia de nuestro Señor Jesús” (Hechos 15:11). Pablo dijo lo mismo en muchas diferentes maneras: “pero por su gracia son justificados gratuitamente mediante la redención que Cristo Jesús efectuó” (Romanos 3:24), y, “Porque por gracia ustedes han sido salvados mediante la fe” (Efesios 2:8). El amor de Dios se demuestra a través de la gracia.

El concepto de la gracia es esencial al iniciar nuestra relación con Dios, tanto como continuar con cada paso de nuestro viaje a lo largo de su camino. Pero, tratando en nuestras fuerzas, nunca podremos adecuadamente trasladar el significado de la gracia de Dios con palabras. Debemos continuar proclamando Su verdad a través de palabras habladas y escritas, pero en esta importante área de la gracia de Dios, se nos ha dado un “nuevo mandamiento” el de instruir por medio de nuestras acciones – de instruir por medio de nuestro amor.

Se nos ha dado un increíble regalo! Se nos ha dado un regalo que nunca podremos reembolsar, pero que debemos compartir. El mundo tiene gran necesidad! Está perdido y desesperado por conocer la gracia de nuestro Señor y Salvador. Derramemos nuestro amor para aquellos que nos rodean en la misma forma que fue derramado en nosotros – inmerecido y sin restricción! Vivamos el nuevo mandamiento y, a través del amor, enseñemos al mundo Su gracia.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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An Unsearchable Love

By on May 12, 2016

An_Unsearchable_Love

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

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

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

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

God has a perfect plan where every piece fits neatly together, but there are many connections my finite mind fails to comprehend. I can’t always see the purpose of my trials or the lessons I need to learn, and I get frustrated with His timing (I want to know His plan, now!). But I know His love gave everything; “He humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8). I may not fully understand this love, but the little I know is enough to create a desire to live a life of devotion and faith. One day, all His mysteries will be perfectly revealed. Until then I will simply continue to worship and trust.

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

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

May 12 1 Samuel 12:1-13:23; John 7:1-30; Psalm 108:1-13; Proverbs 15:4
May 13 1 Samuel 14:1-52; John 7:31-53; Psalm 109:1-31; Proverbs 15:5-7
May 14 1 Samuel 15:1-16:23; John 8:1-20; Psalm 110:1-7; Proverbs 15:8-10
May 15 1 Samuel 17:1-18:4; John 8:21-30; Psalm 111:1-10; Proverbs 15:11

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