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Apartarnos y Orar

Get_Alone_And_Pray

En el mensaje “En Sus Atrios” vimos como la presencia de Dios debe de ser deseada sobre todas las cosas. Consideramos que ni siquiera mil días en un paraíso terrenal puede compararse a un solo día en la presencia de Dios. Y todavía, aunque quizá entendamos el valor de Su presencia, raramente tomamos la decisión o ejercitamos la disciplina requerida para entrar.

Lucas 5:15-16
“Pero su fama se extendía más y más y se reunía mucha gente para oírle, y para que les sanase de sus enfermedades. Mas El se apartaba a lugares desiertos, y oraba.”

Jesús tenía una relación con el Padre que solo se puede describir como una absoluta perfección; “Si me conocieseis, también a mi Padre conocerías. El que me ha visto a Mí ha visto al Padre” (Juan 14:7,9). Anhelamos por y desesperadamente buscamos la presencia de Dios, pero Jesucristo ES la misma presencia de Dios: “En el principio era el Verbo, y el Verbo era con Dios, y el Verbo era Dios. Y aquel Verbo fue hecho carne, y habitó entre nosotros” (Juan 1:1,14).

Y aunque El tenía una unión perfecta con Dios, creó el universo y demostró un control completo sobre los elementos de la naturaleza como “reprendió el viento y a las olas” (Lucas 8:24), Jesús todavía hizo tiempo para estar solo con el Padre en oración. ¿Porque?

Antes de tomar la importante decisión de escoger Sus doce discípulos, Jesús “fue al monte a orar y pasó la noche orando a Dios” (Lucas 6:12). La noche antes que El fue crucificado, Jesús estaba en tal angustia que El oró hasta que “era su sudor como grandes gotas de sangre que caían hasta la tierra” (Lucas 22:44). Jesús a través de su vida y muerte, nos enseñó como debemos de relacionarnos con Dios…y es una lección que no debemos ignorar!

Si Jesús, quién es Perfecto, pasó tanto tiempo en oración, cuanto mas necesario es para nosotros que contenemos tantas fallas y tan fácilmente nos separamos de Dios. Nosotros no podemos mover la mano para calmar la tormenta, debemos orar por paciencia y fuerzas para soportar, e insistentemente pedir Su ayuda. Tenemos que vivir en tal comunión con Dios que “oramos sin cesar” (1 Tesalonicenses 5:17), aún mientras manejamos en tráfico difícil, administramos múltiples trabajos, o cuidamos niños ruidosos.

Pero cada uno de nosotros debemos apartar tiempo, que es “a menudo” y regular, donde nos podamos alejar a un lugar silencioso. Si, la presencia de Dios puede ser encontrada en medio de nuestras ocupaciones, pero todos necesitamos un tiempo de silencio donde nos podamos refrescar y recibir dirección – tiempos cuando simplemente podamos levantar nuestros corazones a Dios y decirle “¡Gracias!” Desarrollemos y mantengamos la disciplina de entrar a los atrios de Su presencia. Designemos regularmente tiempos de quietud para apartarnos y orar.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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The Courts of God

The_Courts_of_God

The moment we enter through the Gate of Jesus Christ, by believing in Him for the forgiveness of our sins, we dramatically alter our eternity; “I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved” (John 10:9). We were once blind and destined for eternal separation from God, but now we “see” and will spend eternity as His child. After passing through the Gate, God begins to conform us “to the likeness of His Son” (Romans 8:29), until our only desire is to bring Him glory, and praise His name forever.

At times, this process can be painful. It can hurt to strip away layers of pride and crawl from under the dominion of our old sinful nature; it can hurt to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus. But as we persevere and catch a glimpse of His glory, we will never again desire to be away from His presence.

Psalm 84:10
“Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”

A single day in the presence of God is better than a thousand days anywhere else – better than ANYTHING this world can offer. If we do not believe this truth, we have not yet been in His presence; we have not yet tasted the sweet fruit of His Spirit. And if we believe and have experienced the peaceful joy of His courts but are now consumed and burdened by the trials of this world, then perhaps we have simply forgotten how sweet and fulfilling His presence can be.

Let me paraphrase the second part of the above verse: “I would rather be the lowest and most insignificant servant in the house of God, so I could be near Him and praise Him, than to live as a ruler in the greatest of mansions but apart from His presence.” This passion to be in the presence of God is also recorded earlier in the same psalm: “My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God” (Psalm 84:2).

Our Heavenly Father longs for us to have this same passion in our life; “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4). So if this passion has faded due to distractions and entanglements, know that He is calling for us to return.

The courts of God’s holy temple now reside within every believer; “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that His Spirit lives in you” (1 Corinthians 3:16). His presence is available to us right now! No matter how distant we may feel, He is really closer than we imagine. Let’s enter through the gate and fill His temple with praise! Let’s return to a life focused on passionate worship. Let’s determine to spend every moment of every day rejoicing in the courts of God.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jan 5 Genesis 11:1-13:4; Matthew 5:1-26; Psalm 5:1-12; Proverbs 1:24-28

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En Sus Atrios

The_Courts_of_God

En el momento que entramos a través de la Puerta de Cristo Jesús, por haber creído en El para el perdón de nuestros pecados, dramáticamente alteramos nuestra eternidad; “Yo soy la puerta; el que entre por esta puerta, que soy yo, será salvo” (Juan 10:9). Nosotros una vez fuimos ciegos y destinados para una separación eterna de Dios, pero ahora “vemos” y pasaremos una eternidad como Su hijo en el Cielo. Después de pasar por la Puerta, Dios comienza a moldearnos “a la imagen de su Hijo” (Romanos 8:29), hasta que nuestro único deseo es traer gloria y alabanza a Su nombre para siempre.

A veces, este proceso puede ser doloroso. Puede doler cuando nos despojamos de las capas de orgullo y salimos del dominio de nuestra vieja naturaleza pecaminosa. Pero en la manera que perseveramos y logramos ver un poco de Su gloria, nunca volveremos a desear estar fuera de Su presencia.

Salmo 84:10
“Porque mejor es un día en tus atrios que mil fuera de ellos. Escogeré antes estar a la puerta de la casa de mi Dios, que habitar en las moradas de maldad.”

Un solo día en la presencia de Dios es mejor que mil días en cualquier otro lugar – mejor que CUALQUIER otra cosa que puede ofrecer este mundo. Si no creemos en esta verdad, no hemos estado todavía en Su presencia – todavía no hemos probado el dulce fruto de Su Espíritu. Y si nosotros creemos y hemos experimentado la alegría apacible de Sus atrios y ahora estamos consumidos y cargados con las pruebas de este mundo, entonces es posible que nosotros simplemente hemos olvidado que tan dulce y como nos puede satisfacer Su presencia.

Permitame parafrasear la segunda parte de este versículo: “Yo preferiría ser un simple vigilante en la casa de Dios para poder estar cerca a El que vivir como rey en la mansión mas grande pero apartado de Su presencia”. Esta pasión por estar en la presencia de Dios estaba grabada antes en el mismo salmo: “Anhela mi alma y aún ardientemente desea los atrios de Jehová; Mi corazón y mi carne cantan al Dios vivo” (Salmo 84:2).

Nuestro Padre Celestial anhela que tengamos la misma pasión en nuestra vida; “Entrad por sus puertas con acción de gracias, por sus atrios con alabanza” (Salmo 100:4). Y si esta pasión se ha desvanecido debido a distracciones y obstáculos, entonces El nos llama a regresar.

Los atrios del templo santo de Dios ahora residen en cada creyente; “¿No sabéis que sois templo de Dios, y que el Espíritu de Dios mora en vosotros?” (1 Corintios 3:16). ¡Su presencia esta disponible para nosotros ahora mismo! Sin importar que tan lejos nos sentimos, El está más cerca de lo que pensamos. ¡Entremos por la Puerta y llenemos Su templo con alabanza! Volvamos a una vida enfocada en una adoración apasionada. Tomemos la determinación de pasar cada momento de cada día regocijándonos en Sus atrios.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Resolve To Be Transformed

Resolve_To_Be_Transformed

Every year I begin with this message related to goals and resolutions. I’m always surprised at the number of people who speak ill about making resolutions. The discussion is usually focused on how resolutions always fail. Many say that it seems wrong, or at least unwise, to set goals when you are just being set up for failure. While I agree that making a resolution carries a risk of perceived failure, I would also make the case that attempting some resolutions can be a grand adventure; and some resolutions may actually be accomplished.

Over the years, I’ve set several goals related to running; the first was set in 2003 when I set a goal to run 500 miles. I had never been a runner prior to setting that goal but the resolution became a big part of my life. I ended up running 1500 miles in 2003. In 2015 I ran in the Boston Marathon in April, finished 5th in my age group at the St. Jude Marathon in December, and ended the year running 3050 miles. Yes I believe that setting goals or resolutions can be useful.

But there is a type of resolution which carries much more significance than running or any other physical goal, definitive things we can do which have eternal significance. Jesus said it well as He admonished the Pharisees: “You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. First clean the inside…and then the outside also will be clean” (Matthew 23:25-26). Most of us make resolutions which are focused in some way on the external, things like exercise or diet. Few resolve to make the more important changes.

The Bible speaks about the initial transformation which occurs when we become a “new creation” in Christ. We call this initial transformation Salvation, and it is ALL by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). But the Bible also speaks about the on-going transformation as we draw closer to God and achieve the peace and contentment found only in His presence. This is a process called sanctification.

Romans 12:2
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Bible reading would make a great resolution for 2016. If you began a plan last year but did not finish, please do not be discouraged. Rather, consider what you accomplished and simply continue. It really makes no difference if you finish the Bible in one year or in two or three. But a habit of reading and studying God’s Word can make a lasting transformation in our life.

There are several reading plans posted on my web site at:

http://gdwm.org/index.php/resources/

I will also continue to post the daily reading sections at the bottom of every devotional message.

There are many other resolutions which would help the process of transformation. So on our list of things to do differently this year – our list of resolutions – I pray we include more time with God in prayer, more time in His Word, more time loving Him with ALL our heart, seeking His presence, and earnestly desiring to know, and do, His will. I also pray that we all do a better job of learning how to love one another as Jesus first loved us. Let’s pray for one another, that we would draw ever closer to our Heavenly Father and experience His love new and fresh every day. In this new year, let’s make eternal resolutions as we resolve to be transformed!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jan 1 Genesis 1:1-2:25; Matthew 1:1-2:12; Psalm 1:1-6; Proverbs 1:1-6
Jan 2 Genesis 3:1-4:26; Matthew 2:13-3:6; Psalm 2:1-12; Proverbs 1:7-9
Jan 3 Genesis 5:1-7:24; Matthew 3:7-4:11; Psalm 3:1-8; Proverbs 1:10-19
Jan 4 Genesis 8:1-10:32; Matthew 4:12-25; Psalm 4:1-8; Proverbs 1:20-23

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Ministry Needs – Last of 2015

In the month of December I have sent out several messages detailing the needs of our schools in Kenya. These messages can be viewed at:

http://gdwm.org/category/end-of-year-2015/

The response to these messages was good and all of our end of year projects were fully funded. We were even able to raise an additional $4000 to be used for the new school facility in Mathare. Thank you so much!!

In this last message of 2015 I want to let you know about our monthly budget needs as we enter the new year. As with any ministry, we depend on two main sources of funding. The first is the end of year one-time donations made in December. These donations, over and above our special end of year projects, covers about 20% of our yearly budget. Your end of year donations are very important!! The remaining portion of the budget is covered by those who make regular monthly donations and those who are led to make donations at various times during the year.

The total monthly budget for this ministry is $7500. How is this money spent? On the US side, these funds cover internet charges, web site hosting, web site maintenance and development, email services, devotional preparation and distribution, database maintenance, bookkeeping, marketing, and program oversight. On the Kenya side, these funds pay for all the expenses at our two schools to include: 16 teachers, 2 cooks, 1 guard, 1 family pastor (part time), 1 infant care giver, 1 director, morning porridge and mid day meals for 170 children 5 days a week, and rent and electricity for our current Mathare facility. I believe we are accomplishing a lot with these funds.

There are two specific ways that you can help us meet our budget needs for 2016. The first is by making an end of year donation. All funds collected now are being used toward our monthly budget needs. The second is to become a monthly donor to this ministry. We currently have about 50 people who make monthly donations by personal checks, bank checks, credit card, or Pay Pal. These donation are so encouraging and make up $2500 of the needed $7500 budget. We could definitely use more monthly donors, of any amount!

If you would like to make a one time donation or want to begin monthly credit card or Pay Pal donations, you can do so by clicking on the Donate Now button below. If you would like to mail in an end of year donation or set up monthly bank checks, you and send them to the address at the bottom of every message. If you would like me to send a packet of monthly pre-addressed envelopes, just respond to this email with your mailing address.

Thank you so much for your encouragement and support. 2015 has been a great year and I am excited to see what God will do in the year to come.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

 

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The Last Unopened Gift

The_Last_Unopened_Gift

Did you see it? You may have missed it…but it was there. Don’t feel bad; most people overlook this one, but there is still time. Today, before the new year gets here, before all the decorations are put away, before all the other gifts are set aside, open it!

Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The gift of God. Why do so many people miss His gift? One reason might be the rather ordinary wrapping; “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2). And you can’t get less majestic than the way He was born; “He made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7). Yes, such a great gift in such common wrapping could easily be missed. But perhaps there is something else, something in the very makeup of our nature which keeps us from opening His gift.

A prince does not have a problem accepting a gift meant for a prince. And a common person does not have a problem accepting a gift which is common. But a common person can be quite uncomfortable accepting a gift meant for a prince. We know what is inside the gift – eternal life! A gift meant for a prince. And deep down we know we are so very common, so unworthy! This gift is too great, too much above what we feel we deserve. This gift makes us feel uncomfortable: “If we accept the gift will we then feel a debt? How could we ever repay such a debt? Maybe it’s best to ignore it and just leave it wrapped under the tree.”

I suppose we shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves. This is a natural reaction to such a gift. Ever since the gift was first made available, people have felt unworthy and refused to open or even give it much notice. They would rather try to somehow work and feel deserving; “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). The gift cannot be earned, and working does not make us more deserving.

Jesus Christ came in ordinary wrapping. He died for the forgiveness of our sin. Why? So we could be given the greatest gift of all, the gift of eternal life! Let’s not let another day go by without receiving His gift. Sure we might feel uncomfortable. Sure we might feel a debt we can never repay. But His gift is given in love and is worth it all. Let’s honestly examine what is keeping us away. Let’s humbly recognize our need; and in the quiet of our heart, let’s be sure to receive the last unopened gift.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 28 Zechariah 12:1-13:9; Revelation 19:1-21; Psalm 147:1-20; Proverbs 31:1-7
Dec 29 Zechariah 14:1-21; Revelation 20:1-15; Psalm 148:1-14; Proverbs 31:8-9
Dec 30 Malachi 1:1-2:17; Revelation 21:1-27; Psalm 149:1-9; Proverbs 31:10-24
Dec 31 Malachi 3:1-4:6; Revelation 22:1-21; Psalm 150:1-6; Proverbs 31:25-31

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Alone For Christmas

Alone_For_Christmas

Today I have a short and simple message of encouragement and exhortation. The necessity of this message was revealed in a note I received at Christmas two years ago.

*****
Hi Steve,
First of all, Merry Christmas to you and your whole family. Yes, this season brings up some crumby memories, but being all alone for Christmas and Holidays in general is the worst. All the ads dwell deeply on buying gifts for family, and gathering around a dining room table for a family meal. I have none of that. I love that Christ was born just to die 33 years later for our sins, but this commercialism is HORRENDOUS!! There are no commercials for people all alone for the holidays; we should be celebrating His birth instead of the “bottom line”. Say a special prayer for all of us alone during this time. It truly hurts so much emotionally. To God be all glory!
*****

For those who find themselves in this situation, I am deeply sorry for how we have crowded out Christ and have forgotten those who are alone. I pray that your day will be filled with reverence and joy. I pray that the Body of Christ would rise up and truly be your Family during this time.

For the rest of us, we need to do better! This should not happen within the Body of Christ.

At the end of the passage on putting on the full armor of God, Paul writes about what we are to do once we are fully dressed and ready for battle.

Ephesians 6:18
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

There are people within our Family who need extra prayer during this season. Is there an individual you can adopt during Christmas? This is what a Family does; this is what it means to be the Body. Let’s rejoice! Let’s worship! But let’s not forget those who are alone for Christmas.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 24 Zechariah 6:1-7:14; Revelation 15:1-8; Psalm 143:1-12; Proverbs 30:24-28
Dec 25 Zechariah 8:1-23; Revelation 16:1-21; Psalm 144:1-15; Proverbs 30:29-31
Dec 26 Zechariah 9:1-17; Revelation 17:1-18; Psalm 145:1-21; Proverbs 30:32
Dec 27 Zechariah 10:1-11:17; Revelation 18:1-24; Psalm 146:1-10; Proverbs 30:33

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Day of Remembrance

Day_of_Remembrance

There are only a few more days to go! Only a few more days until…until what? Why is December 25th so special? What really is this day we call Christmas?

The early church did not give much thought to the birth of Jesus. Of the four Gospels only Matthew and Luke even mention His birth, and these accounts are relatively brief. Certainly, the emphasis of the Gospels was on Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection. And after Jesus ascended to Heaven, the focus of the church was on living for Him, sending out His message, and waiting for His return.

No one is really sure when Jesus was born. The first recorded celebration didn’t occur until 200 years after His birth, and it wasn’t until the year 330 that the birth of Christ was assigned to December 25th. Some say Jesus was actually born in September or October and others are sure He was born in March or April; in fact, a case has been made for His birth in each of the twelve months! But it is generally agreed that, due to the relatively colder weather, December was an unlikely time for the birth of our Savior, at least as it is recorded in the Bible. So what really is Christmas?

John 1:1,14
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”

The very Word of God became flesh! Though it is difficult to understand, the Word of God came to live among us and began life as a little baby. He “made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). This sacrifice of transformation represents a whole lot of love!

Christmas is a day to remember the most profound event in the history of the world. On that first Christmas (whenever it was), God came to earth to live among us! He was born into the most humble circumstances, grew and taught us His truths, died on a cross for our sin, and was raised, all so we might live with Him for eternity.

December 25th is a day to celebrate with quiet reflection, as Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). It is also a day to celebrate with great rejoicing, as the shepherds “returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). The world has tried to remove Christ and insert many activities into this season which do not glorify God, but this need not hinder our worship. We have the ability to turn away the evil and embrace that which is honoring and good.

We can (and should) glorify God and celebrate the gift of our Savior every day throughout the year. But let’s take the opportunity to make this season, and this specific day, special. Let’s celebrate with a focused and thankful heart, and make December 25th a blessed day of remembrance.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 23 Zechariah 4:1-5:11; Revelation 14:1-20; Psalm 142:1-7; Proverbs 30:21-23

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Día de Conmemoración

Day_of_Remembrance

Falta ahora pocos días hasta el 25 de Diciembre – solamente unos pocos días hasta – ¿hasta que? ¿Que es exactamente el 25 de Diciembre? ¿Que es este día que llamamos Navidad?

La iglesia primitiva no pensó mucho del nacimiento de Jesús. De los cuatro evangelios solamente Mateo y Lucas hacen mención de Su nacimiento, y estos relatos son relativamente breves. Ciertamente, el énfasis de los Evangelios fue acerca del ministerio, muerte, y resurrección de Jesús. Y después que Jesús ascendió al Cielo, el enfoque de la iglesia fue el vivir por El y esperar por Su retorno.

Nadie esta realmente seguro de cuando nació Jesús. La primera celebración que fue anotada no ocurrió hasta 200 años después de Su nacimiento, y no fue hasta 330 D.C. que el nacimiento de Cristo fue “asignado” al 25 de Diciembre. Algunos dicen que Jesús actualmente nació en Septiembre u Octubre y otros estan seguros que nació en Marzo o Abril (de hecho, se han defendido argumentos por Su nacimiento en cada uno de los doce meses). Pero el acuerdo general es que, debido al clima relativamente frío, Diciembre es un tiempo muy improbable para el nacimiento de nuestro Salvador. ¿Entonces, que es realmente este día que llamamos Navidad?

Juan 1:1,14
“En el principio ya existía el Verbo, y el Verbo estaba con Dios, y el Verbo era Dios. Y el Verbo se hizo hombre y habitó entre nosotros.”

Estos versículos se refieren a Jesucristo como el “Verbo”, quien era con Dios en el principio y al mismo tiempo era Dios también, y quien dejó Su hogar Celestial para comenzar una vida con nosotros como un bebé pequeño. El 25 de Diciembre es un día para que recordemos el evento mas profundo de la historia del mundo. En esa primera noche de Navidad (en cualquier fecha que era), Dios vino a la tierra en forma de un bebé. El nació en las circunstancias más humildes, creció y nos enseñó Sus verdades, murió en una cruz por nuestros pecados, y resucitó para estar con El Padre – todo para que pudiéramos vivir con El por la eternidad.

El 25 de Diciembre es un día para celebrar con una reflexión en quietud: como María “guardaba todas estas cosas en su corazón y meditaba acerca de ellas” (Lucas 2:19). Es también un día para celebrar con gran alegría: como los pastores “regresaron glorificando y alabando a Dios por lo que habían visto y oído” (Lucas 2:20). El mundo ha intentado remover a Cristo e insertar muchas actividades a esta temporada. Pero este no debe obstaculizar nuestra adoración de Dios. Nosotros tenemos la habilidad de rechazar lo malo y abrazar lo que es honroso y bueno.

Podemos (y debemos) celebrar el regalo de nuestro Salvador cada día durante todo el año, pero tomemos la oportunidad de hacer esta temporada y este día especial. Celebremos con corazones enfocados y agradecidos y hagamos del 25 de Diciembre un día de conmemoración.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

The First Move

The_First_Move

In our celebration of the birth of Christ, we know the focus of Christmas should be the eternal gift given through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This season ought to irresistibly draw us nearer to God as we reflect on His wonderful gift of love. But perhaps there are times we need to be reminded of the true significance of this gift.

The birth of Jesus gives great insight into the character of God. For one, we see His methods are far different from our own; “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways” (Isaiah 55:8). How many of us would bring the King of Kings into the world through two common young people in a dirty area reserved for the animals? But God had a purpose!

These lowest of beginnings set the example for a life of humility. Jesus Christ is the Creator of the Universe! “For by Him all things were created” (Colossians 1:16). Yet, He humbled Himself to the point of being born with the animals, and continued by humbly walking all the way to the cross.

As we reflect on His humility, how can we then make prideful demands on life? How can we assume there is a standard to which we are entitled? Jesus set the standard for humility and we are now called to follow; “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).

But perhaps the greatest insight we can learn from the birth of our Savior is simply that He came. Our sin must have been detestable and vile to One so holy, but He came to live with us…and love us! Without Jesus Christ, we have absolutely no hope; we can do nothing to save ourselves from the bondage of sin and an eternal separation from God. We can do nothing, yet God came to love us and set us free. He took the initiative in our Salvation by providing a way and calling us Home.

1 John 4:9
“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.”

God clearly saw our sinful condition; and yet, He loved us enough to send His Son so we might be restored to a right relationship with Him. He sent His Son so we might live! God made the first move over 2000 years ago and He continues to make the first move in our lives today. He calls long before we even recognize His voice, and He continues to call us to surrender our life and live with Him in a deeper and more intimate relationship.

If you hear His call today, please respond! It’s a great privilege to hear His call, so be encouraged…but then respond! His call cost Him dearly, and it represents a love we will never fully understand. Let’s boldly answer and follow wherever He leads. And remember, He loved us enough to look past our sin and make the first move.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 22 Zechariah 2:1-3:10; Revelation 13:1-18; Psalm 141:1-10; Proverbs 30:18-20

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El Primer Paso

The_First_Move

En nuestra celebración del nacimiento de Cristo, sabemos que el enfoque de la Navidad debe de ser el regalo eterno dado a través del nacimiento, la vida, la muerte y la resurrección de Jesus. Esta época debe atraernos irresistiblemente a Dios mientras reflexionamos en Su maravilloso regalo de amor. Pero quizás hay tiempos en los que debemos de ser recordados del verdadero significado de este regalo.

El nacimiento de Jesús nos da un conocimiento más profundo acerca del carácter de Dios. Primero, vemos que Sus métodos son muy diferentes de los nuestros; “mis pensamientos no son los de ustedes, ni sus caminos son los míos afirma el Señor” (Isaías 55:8). ¿Cuantos de nosotros hubiéramos traído al Rey de Reyes al mundo a través de dos jóvenes comunes en un establo sucio? Pero Dios tuvo un propósito.

Este inicio mas bajo puso el ejemplo para una vida de humildad. Jesucristo es el Creador del Universo! “Porque por medio de él fueron creadas todas las cosas” (Colosenses 1:16). Y aún, el Creador del Universo se humilló a si mismo hasta el punto de nacer entre los animales y continuó Su caminar humilde hasta la cruz.

De la manera en que reflexionamos sobre Su humildad, ¿como podemos después hacer demandas orgullosas de la vida? ¿Como podemos asumir que existe un estándar al cual tenemos derecho? Jesús estableció el estándar de humildad y ahora estamos llamados a seguir; “La actitud de ustedes debe ser como la de Cristo Jesús” (Filipenses 2:5).

Pero quizás el conocimiento más grande que podemos aprender del nacimiento de nuestro Salvador es simplemente que El vino. Nuestros pecados tenían que ser detestable y viles para Uno tan santo, pero El vino a vivir con nosotros…y a amarnos! Sin Jesucristo, tenemos absolutamente cero esperanza – no podemos hacer nada para salvarnos de las ataduras del pecado y una separación eterna de Dios – y aún, El tomó el primer paso para liberarnos. El tomó la iniciativa en nuestra Salvación y proveyó un camino y un llamado a Casa.

1 Juan 4:9
“Así manifestó Dios su amor entre nosotros: en que envió a su Hijo unigénito al mundo para que vivamos por medio de él.”

Dios vio claramente nuestra condición pecaminosa; pero, El nos amó lo suficiente para mandar a Su Hijo para que pudiéramos ser restaurados a una relación correcta con El – El mandó Su Hijo para que pudiéramos vivir! Dios tomó el primer paso hace 2000 años y continua tomando el primer paso en nuestras vidas ahora. El nos estaba llamando mucho antes de que rindiéramos nuestra vida, y El sigue llamandonos a rindir nuestras vidas y vivir con El en una relación más profunda e íntima.

Si tu escuchas ahora Su llamado, por favor responde! Es un gran privilegio escuchar Su llamado. Sea animado – pero responda! Su llamado le costó todo, y representa un amor que nunca entenderemos completamente. Contestemosle con valentía y sigamos donde El nos dirija porque El nos amó lo suficiente para tomar el primer paso.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

The Gift of True Forgiveness

The_Gift_of_True_Forgiveness

It’s hard to believe there are only a few more days until Christmas. Yes, as the song says: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” It really is wonderful! We are flooded with Christmas music, Christmas lights, and lots of Christmas “activities.” And although the season contains many distractions which attempt to pull us away, we generally make time to gather with family and friends and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

But many will find this time of year to be very painful. The memories of past hurt, which may remain hidden throughout the year, are now driven to the surface. Many are required to face someone who has caused them pain, or face the memory of a past Christmas which brings the person, and pain, back into view.

Obviously, this is not the turmoil which God intends for our life…especially not as we celebrate the birth of His Son.

Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

We cannot properly celebrate the birth of Jesus without reflecting on why He was born. Through His life He offered us a message of eternal hope, and through His death on the cross He offered us the complete forgiveness of sin. With this single act of unbelievable love, Jesus removed the sin which would otherwise keep us eternally separated from our Heavenly Father. This is the manner in which we are to love and forgive others.

Jesus told a parable about a servant who had an enormous debt canceled: “The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go” (Matthew 18:26-27). But when the servant went away, he refused to cancel the relatively minor debt a fellow servant owed him; “Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt” (Matthew 18:30).

Jesus used this parable to show that unless we completely forgive others from deep within our heart, we have somehow failed to understand the forgiveness we have already received; “Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?” (Matthew 18:33). Any sin which others may commit against us is small when viewed in light of the many sins we have committed against God! We have been completely forgiven of sooooo much!!

During this most wonderful time of the year, let’s reflect on the awesome gift we have been given through our Savior. Then, let’s give to others as we have already received. Let’s love and give the gift of true forgiveness.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 21 Zechariah 1:1-21; Revelation 12:1-17; Psalm 140:1-13; Proverbs 30:17

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