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El Regalo del Perdón Verdadero

The_Gift_of_True_Forgiveness

Si, como dice la canción: “Es el tiempo mas maravilloso del año!” Estamos inundados con música navideña, luces navideñas, y muchas “actividades” navideñas. Y aunque los “adornos” navideños son frecuentamente distracciones, la mayoría de nosotros somos capaces de ver mas allá de la brillantina. A pesar que el mundo intenta distraernos, generalmente hacemos tiempo para reunirnos con familia y amigos y celebrar el significado verdadero de Navidad.

Pero muchos de nosotros sienten este tiempo del año muy doloroso. La memoria de heridas pasadas, que permanecen escondidas durante todo el año, ahora vienen a la superficie. Tal vez tendremos que enfrentar una persona particular quien nos causó dolor – o la memoria de una Navidad pasada podría traer la persona (y el dolor) de regreso a nuestra mente.

Obviamente, esta agitación no es la intención que Dios tiene para nuestras vidas – especialmente no mientras estamos celebrando el nacimiento de Su Hijo.

Efesios 4:32
“Más bien, sean bondadosos y compasivos unos con otros, y perdónense mutuamente, así como Dios los perdonó a ustedes en Cristo.”

No podemos celebrar correctamente el nacimiento de Jesús sin reflexionar sobre el porque de Su nacer. A través de Su vida nos ofreció el perdón completo de pecados. Con un solo acto de amor increíble, Jesús removió el pecado que nos hubiera mantenido eternamente separados de nuestro Padre Celestial. Esta es la manera de la cual debemos perdonar a otros.

Jesús contó una parábola acerca de un sirviente que tuvo una enorme deuda cancelada: “Entonces aquel siervo, postrado, le suplicaba, diciendo: Señor, ten paciencia conmigo, y yo te lo pagaré todo. El señor de aquel siervo, movido a misericordia, le soltó y le perdonó la deuda” (Mateo 18:26-27). Pero cuando se fue el sirviente, el rehusó perdonar una deuda de un sirviente compañero – una deuda que solamente era una fracción de la cantidad recién cancelada; “Mas él no quiso, sino fue y le echó en la cárcel, hasta que pagase la deuda” (Mateo 18:30).

Jesús usó esta parábola para mostrarnos que si no perdonamos completamente a otros desde lo profundo de nuestro corazón, hemos fallado de entender el perdón que ya nos ha dado; “¿No debías tú también tener misericordia de tu consiervo, como yo tuve misericordia de ti?” (Mateo 18:33). Cualquier “pecado” que cometen otros en contra de nosotros es pequeño en comparación a los pecados que hemos cometido en contra de Dios! Hemos sido perdonados taaaaaaanto!!

Durante este tiempo del año tan maravilloso, reflexionemos sobre el regalo impresionante que ya hemos sido dado a través de nuestro Señor. Entonces, demos a otros en la manera que ya hemos recibido – demos el regalo del perdón verdadero.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Kenya Ministry Needs – 3

Two weeks ago I said that during the month of December, I will be sending out several messages – one per week – detailing specific needs for our Kenya ministry. In the first week I mentioned the need for school supplies and Bibles for our two schools. Last week I wrote about our food distribution program for 80 families and our uniform update project. If you missed these messages, they can be read at:

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

Thank you so much for your response to these messages. All of our end of year projects have been fully funded! Praise God!!

In this message I want to share the progress with our school building project in the very impoverished area of Mathare, outside of Nairobi. This is projected to be more of a multi-year project but if the funds were to be made available we would certainly complete our school sooner rather than later.

Mathare_New_Facility

In the beginning of 2015 we began the process of purchasing a piece of property across from our current rented facility in Mathare. This in itself was a stretch of our faith as the funds were more than we have ever spent on a single project. However, by September the purchase was complete and by November we had full access to the facility. We were even able to purchase a cooking stove and several administrative supplies which belonged to the previous owner. We originally planned to simply occupy the temporary tin structure that existed on the property. Instead, we decided to draw up plans to build a permanent concrete, three story, facility which would allow us to expand the school and give us a lasting presence in the community. These plans have been completed and as soon as they are approved by the Kenyan building authority we will begin construction.

Mathare_Inside_New_Facility

We currently have funds to complete a ground floor with a tin roof. However, the method of construction allows us to continue the building process by adding the additional levels as soon as funds are available. In order to complete the building project we will need an additional $25,000. This is a lot of money for this ministry so we are prepared for this project to take a few years. But then, God may have other plans!

With all of of our regular end of year projects fully funded, we are in a position to direct 100% of all donations made between now and Christmas to this building project. If you would like to contribute to this specific project, a Christian school that will last for many years, please do so by either clicking on the Donate Now button below or by sending a check to the address at the bottom of this message. Thank you so much for your continual encouragement and support.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Whom We Will Serve

Whom_We_Will_Serve

Joshua led the people of Israel into the promised land of Canaan and helped them fight many battles. Toward the end of his life, Joshua gathered the leaders of Israel for some final encouragement: “You yourselves have seen everything the Lord your God has done to all these nations for your sake; it was the Lord your God who fought for you” (Joshua 23:3).

Joshua wanted the leaders to know that God would continue to fight for them; but he also wanted them to know that God expected obedience to His Word: “If you violate the covenant of the Lord your God, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, the Lord’s anger will burn against you” (Joshua 23:16). Joshua then gathered all the people and told them the time had come to make a choice.

Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

The Israelites had seen God’s mighty hand as they fought their enemies in Canaan, and had heard many stories of God’s protection as He led them out of Egypt; the time had now come to make a decision. Either they would commit to serve the Lord with ALL their heart, or they would serve the man made gods of the world.

We face the same decision today. We either decide to follow and serve Jesus, or we have decided to serve the priorities and “gods” of this world. There is no middle ground, a choice must be made! And failure to choose is itself a choice; “Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 3:18).

Everyone must make their own decision about Jesus. However, each of us has a wonderful opportunity to influence others…especially those in our family. Notice that Joshua boldly spoke for his entire home: “WE will serve the Lord!” We can’t force others to drink – and we can’t quench their thirst by drinking for them – but we can definitely lead them to the water.

We can no longer float through life waiting to see where the pulls of this world will lead; we must live with intention and purpose, and decide once and for all to serve God with unrestricted devotion. Today, we stand at a crossroad and must choose. Today, we must choose whom we will serve.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 17 Nahum 1:1-3:19 Revelation 8:1-13 Psalm 136:1-26 Proverbs 30:7-9
Dec 18 Habakkuk 1:1-3:19 Revelation 9:1-21 Psalm 137:1-9 Proverbs 30:10
Dec 19 Zephaniah 1:1-3:20 Revelation 10:1-11 Psalm 138:1-8 Proverbs 30:11-14
Dec 20 Haggai 1:1-2:23 Revelation 11:1-19 Psalm 139:1-24 Proverbs 30:15-16

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A Quién Serviremos

Whom_We_Will_Serve

Josué llevó al pueblo de Israel a la tierra prometida de Canaán y les ayudó a pelear muchas batallas. Acercándose el fin de su vida, Josué reunió a los líderes de Israel para animarles una vez más: “Ustedes han visto todo lo que el Señor su Dios ha hecho con todas aquellas naciones a favor de ustedes, pues él peleó las batallas por ustedes” (Josué 23:3).

Josué quería que los líderes supieran que Dios continuaría peleando por ellos; pero también quería que supieran que Dios esperaba obediencia a Su Palabra: “Si traspasareis el pacto de Jehová vuestro Dios que él os ha mandado, yendo y honrando a dioses ajenos, e inclinándoos a ellos. Entonces la ira de Jehová se encenderá contra vosotros” (Josué 23:16). Josué después reunió a todo el pueblo y les dijo que había llegado la hora de escoger.

Josué 24:15
“Y si mal os parece servir a Jehová, escogeos hoy a quién sirváis; si a los dioses a quienes sirvieron vuestros padres, cuando estuvieron al otro lado del río, o a los dioses de los amorreos en cuya tierra habitáis; pero yo y mi casa serviremos a Jehová.”

Los Israelitas habían visto la mano fuerte de Dios mientras batallaron contra sus enemigos en Canaán y habían oído muchas historias acerca de la protección de Dios cuando los sacó de Egipto – ahora era el tiempo para tomar una decisión. Podrían hacer el compromiso de servir al Señor con TODO su corazón, o podrían servir a los dioses del mundo hechos por el hombre.

Hoy en día enfrentamos la misma decisión. Decidimos seguir y servir a Jesús, o hemos decidido servir a las prioridades y “dioses” de este mundo. No existe una zona neutral, tenemos que decidir! Y no escoger es en si una decisión; “El que en El cree, no es condenado; pero el que no cree, ya ha sido condenado, porque no ha creído en el nombre del unigénito Hijo de Dios” (Juan 3:18).

Cada persona necesita decidir por si mismo acerca de Jesús. Sin embargo, cada uno de nosotros tenemos una oportunidad maravillosa para influir en otros – especialmente aquellos en nuestra familia. Note que Josué habló con valor por su casa completa: “SERVIREMOS a Jehová!” No podemos forzar a otros a tomar – y no podemos satisfacer su sed tomando por ellos – pero definitivamente podemos llevarles al agua.

No podemos seguir flotando en la vida esperando para ver donde las atracciones de este mundo nos dirigen; tenemos que vivir con intención y propósito, y decidir una vez y por siempre servir a Dios con una devoción sin restricciones. Hoy, estamos parados en el cruce de la calle y tenemos que escoger. Hoy, tenemos que escoger a quién serviremos.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

Create Lasting Memorials

Create_Lasting_Memorials

After the people of Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years, God led them across the Jordan river into the promised land of Canaan. This was not an ordinary river crossing. God stopped the Jordan from flowing and allowed the priests to stand in the middle of the river bed, with the ark of the covenant, as the Israelites walked passed. This spectacular event was an obvious miracle that God wanted His people to remember and pass down to future generations.

Joshua 4:5-7
“Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.'”

Memorials are anything that help us remember a specific time when God revealed Himself and said: “I am here!” We must never forget the miracles in our life, or the times God gave us clear direction or rescued us from darkness.

When David went to fight Goliath, he did so without fear because he knew: “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37). David had seen God’s power and felt His presence during previous battles. It’s easy to imagine David with a lion’s tooth or a bear’s claw around his neck as a reminder that God was very near.

The presence of God is a wonderful place to be – it’s where our Heavenly Father desires for us to live each day of our life! But His presence can often be illusive and fragile; when we find it, it seems to quickly fade away. Most of us have so much input from the world that we become easily distracted from God. We must not allow this to happen!!

We must become more aware of God as He works in our life and in the world around us. As we see and hear Him, we must find ways to create memories for ourselves and those we love; “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago” (Psalm 77:11). Memorials help and encourage us to remember. Many of you remember the trials we faced with our daughter’s cancer over two years ago. God remained VERY near throughout the entire process, and the pictures I sent out with devotional and update messages have become a type of memorial – reminding me of God’s faithfulness to walk with me and give me strength. These messages can be found at: http://gdwm.org/category/kaylee-cancer/

Let’s never forget He is by our side and desires for us to draw, and remain, near. Let’s be a living example of a life devoted (each and every moment) to God. Let’s regain the heart of worship and share the stories of God’s love. Let’s remember…and look for ways to create lasting memorials.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 16 Micah 5:1-7:20; Revelation 7:1-17; Psalm 135:1-21; Proverbs 30:5-6

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Crear Monumentos Perdurables

Create_Lasting_Memorials

Después que la gente de Israel vagó en el desierto por 40 años, Dios los condujo a través del río Jordán hacia la tierra prometida de Canaán. Esta pasada por el río no fue ordinaria. Dios detuvo el cause del río y permitió que los sacerdotes se detuvieran en el medio del río con el arca del pacto mientras los Israelitas pasaban a pie. Este evento espectacular fue un milagro evidente que Dios quería que Su gente recordara y lo trasmitiera a futuras generaciones.

Josué 4:5-7
“Pasad ante el Arca de Jehová, vuestro Dios, hasta el medio del Jordán, y cada uno de vosotros tome una piedra sobre su hombro, conforme al número de las tribus de los hijos de Israel, para que esto quede como una señal entre vosotros. Y cuando vuestros hijos pregunten a sus padres mañana: “¿Qué significan estas piedras?”, les responderéis: “Las aguas del Jordán fueron divididas delante del Arca del pacto de Jehová; cuando ella pasó el Jordán, las aguas del Jordán se dividieron, y estas piedras servirán de monumento conmemorativo a los hijos de Israel para siempre.”

Un monumento es cualquier cosa que nos ayuda a recordar un tiempo específico cuando Dios se revela y dice: “Estoy aquí!” Nunca debemos olvidar los milagros en nuestra vida, ni los tiempos en que Dios nos da clara dirección o nos rescata de la oscuridad.

Cuando David fue a luchar con Goliat, lo hizo sin temor porque sabía: “El Señor, que me libró de las garras del león y del oso, también me librará del poder de ese filisteo” (1 Samuel 17:37). David había visto el poder de Dios y había sentido Su presencia en otras batallas. Es fácil imaginar a David con un diente de león o la garra de un león alrededor de su cuello como un recordatorio de que Dios estaba cerca.

La presencia de Dios es un maravilloso lugar – es donde nuestro Padre Celestial desea que pasemos cada día de nuestra vida! Pero Su presencia a menudo puede ser frágil; cuando la encontramos, parece que pronto se va. La mayoría de nosotros tenemos tanta influencia del mundo que fácilmente nos distraemos de Dios. No debemos permitir que esto suceda!!

Debemos estar cada vez mas conscientes de Dios mientras El trabaja en nuestra vida y en el mundo a nuestro alrededor. Mientras lo vemos y escuchamos, debemos encontrar maneras de crear memorias para nosotros mismos y aquellos que amamos; “Prefiero recordar las hazañas del Señor, traer a la memoria sus milagros de antaño” (Salmo 77:11). Los monumentos nos ayudan y nos animan a recordar.

Nunca olvidemos que El está de nuestro lado y desea que nos acerquemos, y nos mantengamos cerca. Seamos un ejemplo vivo de devoción (a cada momento) para Dios. Recuperemos un corazón de adoración y compartamos las historias del amor de Dios. Recordemos…y busquemos formas para crear monumentos perdurables.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

Live Daily By Faith

Live_Daily_By_Faith

In the message “Proving Our Faith” we saw how our faith is revealed and strengthened as we walk through our trials. It’s not surprising that we often discuss the importance of faith, for “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). If we desire to live a life pleasing to God, we must increase our faith and learn what it means to live by faith.

2 Corinthians 5:7
“We live by faith and not by sight.”

The first step of faith is when we recognize our sinful condition, repent of our sin, and believe Jesus died so our sin can be forgiven. This belief in Jesus is not a result of what we see, but a result of faith – and without this first step of faith it is definitely not possible to please God.

But as we continue our walk with Christ, He becomes more and more real. With each new step our eyes are opened a little wider and we are allowed to see a little clearer. The challenges of yesterday which required great faith have become easier to bear…for now we can see! However, the increase of spiritual sight is not the same as an increase of faith.

As our spiritual sight grows, our need for faith in order to walk the same path is actually reduced. Less faith is required when we clearly see; “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). True faith always involves a confidence of the unknown, an assurance of what is unseen. This point is easy to misunderstand so read carefully.

Our Heavenly Father desires to lead us in a life of faith. This means He often draws us into the unknown, for it is only in the unknown that we truly learn to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). And as the unknown becomes known, He will surely call us to take the next step, an even bigger step, and trust Him more.

Where is God calling us today? For some, it’s to take the awesome step required for Salvation through faith in Jesus; “Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7). For some, it’s a step of trust for a burden which right now seems completely unbearable; and for some, it’s a step into a level of service which appears impossible to achieve. Each of these requires a step into the unknown, into a place we cannot see, but each is part of the great adventure of faith!

Though the unknown is sometimes uncomfortable and maybe even a little scary, being guided by God into what we cannot see is the essence of a life of faith – a life which pleases God. Until the day He calls us Home, we must continue to listen, step, and grow; we must continue to live daily by faith.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 15 Micah 1:1-4:13; Revelation 6:1-17; Psalm 134:1-3; Proverbs 30:1-4

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Vivir Diariamente Por Fe

Live_Daily_By_Faith

En el mensaje “Probar Nuestra Fe” vimos como nuestra fe es revelada y fortalecida mientras caminamos a través de nuestras pruebas. No es sorprendente que con frecuencia discutimos la importancia de la fe, porque “sin fe es imposible agradar a Dios” (Hebreos 11:6). Si nosotros deseamos vivir una vida agradable a Dios, debemos incrementar nuestra fe y aprender lo que significa vivir por fe.

2 Corintios 5:7
“Vivimos por fe, no por vista.”

El primer paso de fe es cuando reconocemos nuestra condición pecaminosa, nos arrepentimos de nuestros pecados, y creemos en que Jesús murió para que nuestros pecados fueran perdonados. Esta creencia en Jesús no es el resultado de lo que vemos, sino el resultado de la fe – y sin este primer paso de fe es definitivamente imposible agradar a Dios.

Así como continuemos nuestro caminar con Cristo, El llegará a ser más y más real. Cada vez que nuestra fe está fortalecida, nuestros ojos serán abiertos un poco más y podremos ver un poco más claro. Los desafíos del ayer que requirieron una gran fe se convirtieron más fáciles de enfrentar…porque ahora podemos ver! Pero el incremento de una vista espiritual no es lo mismo que el incremento de la fe.

Así como nuestra vista espiritual crece, nuestra necesidad de fe es actualmente reducida. Requiere menos fe cuando se ve claramente; “Ahora bien, la fe es la garantía de lo que se espera, la certeza de lo que no se ve” (Hebreos 11:1). Una fe verdadera siempre implica una confianza a lo desconocido, y la convicción de lo que no se ve. Este punto es fácil mal entender, entonces quiero que me sigas bien.

Nuestro Padre Celestial desea guiarnos en una vida de fe. El continua llevandonos a lo desconocido, porque es solo en lo desconocido que nosotros realmente aprendemos a confiar “en el Señor de todo corazón y no en tu propia inteligencia” (Proverbios 3:5). Y cuando lo desconocido se convierta en conocido, El por seguro nos llamará para que tomemos el siguiente paso y confiar mas en El.

¿A donde nos esta llamando Dios ahora? Para algunos es tomar el maravilloso paso requerido para la salvación a través de la fe en Jesús; “Si ustedes oyen hoy su voz, no endurezcan el corazón” (Hebreos 4:7). Para algunos es el paso de confianza de una carga que por ahora parece ser completamente insufrible; y para algunos es el paso a un nivel de servicio que parece imposible de alcanzar. Cada uno de estos requiere un paso en lo desconocido, en un lugar que no podemos ver; pero cada uno es parte de la gran aventura de la fe!

Aunque lo desconocido es algunas veces incómodo y quizás algunas veces nos asusta un poco, ser guiados por Dios en lo que no podemos ver es la esencia de una vida por fe – una vida que agrada a Dios. Mientras llega el día que El nos llame a casa, nosotros debemos continuar escuchando, dando pasos, y creciendo – debemos de continuar viviendo diariamente por fe.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

Proving Our Faith

Proving_Our_Faith

We begin our Christian life in faith; “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). And just as we begin our life in faith, so we must also continue to walk in faith; “Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him” (Colossians 2:6). We are to live in Christ, and continue to walk with Him, in the same manner as we received Him…in faith.

We cannot come to Christ without faith and we are unable to live a victorious Christian life without continuously walking in faith. Our faith is of great worth!

1 Peter 1:6-7
“For a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

One of the beautiful truths in God’s Kingdom is that everything along our walk has a purpose; “In all things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). Even our difficult times of hardship and trial can be used by God “for the good.” As we continue to love Him with all our heart, God will use our trials to reveal and strengthen our faith. And a truer understanding of our faith is one of the greatest “goods” we can receive.

Do we really believe our faith is “of greater worth than gold”? Until we’ve been sustained through times of great trial and testing, it’s difficult to understand the true value of faith. Our faith is shown to be real, or “proved genuine,” only as we trust Him when no other hope can be seen. We never need to prove our faith to God; He sees deep within our heart and already knows the genuineness of our faith. When our faith is tested, it is proved genuine to ourselves.

God gave us our faith and calls us to live “in accordance with the measure of faith God has given” (Romans 12:3). But our measure of faith is ALWAYS greater than what we believe we have, and it can sustain us through greater trials than we believe possible. As we more clearly see the strength contained in this wonderful gift of faith, we are able to give all praise, glory and honor to God as Jesus is revealed through the testimony of our life. As we trust Him with all our heart, He will cause us to emerge from our trials much stronger and more confident, more “mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:4), because we will KNOW He is by our side.

As our faith is strengthened and refined, the presence of God will cease to be an interesting theory or an empty hope; it will become real and an integral part of our life! Let’s rejoice that our trials last only “for a little while.” But let’s also rejoice that our trials are being used for His glory and for the purpose of proving our faith.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 14 Jonah 1:1-4:11; Revelation 5:1-14; Psalm 133:1-3; Proverbs 29:26-27

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Probar Nuestra Fe

Proving_Our_Faith

Iniciamos nuestra vida Cristiana por fe; “Porque por gracia ustedes han sido salvados mediante la fe” (Efesios 2:8). Y así como empezamos nuestra vida por fe, también tenemos que continuar caminando por fe; “de la manera que recibieron a Cristo Jesús como Señor, vivan ahora en él” (Colosenses 2:6). Tenemos que vivir en Cristo, y continuar caminando con El, de la misma manera que lo recibimos a El…por fe.

No podemos llegar a Cristo sin fe y somos incapaces de vivir una vida Cristiana victoriosa sin caminar constantemente por fe. ¡Nuestra fe es de gran valor!

1 Pedro 1:6-7
“Ahora por un poco de tiempo, si es necesario, tengáis que ser afligidos en diversas pruebas, para que sometida a prueba vuestra fe, mucho más preciosa que el oro, el cual aunque perecedero se prueba con fuego, sea hallada en alabanza, gloria y honra cuando sea manifestado Jesucristo.”

Una de las bellas verdades en el reino de Dios es que cada cosa en nuestro caminar tiene un propósito; “sabemos que Dios dispone todas las cosas para el bien de quienes lo aman” (Romanos 8:28). Aún nuestros momentos más difíciles y las pruebas están siendo dirigidos por Dios “para el bien.” Mientras continuamos amandole a El con todo nuestro corazón, Dios utilizará nuestras pruebas para revelar y fortalecer nuestra fe – y un entendimiento verdadero de nuestra fe es una de los mejores “bienes” que pudiéramos recibir.

¿Creemos realmente que nuestra fe es “más preciosa que el oro”? Hasta que hemos pasado a través de momentos de aflicción y pruebas, es difícil entender el valor verdadero de la fe. Nuestra fe demuestra ser real (probada que es genuina) solamente en la manera que confiamos en El cuando no se ve otra esperanza. Nunca tenemos que probar nuestra fe a Dios – El ve lo profundo de nuestro corazón y ya sabe la autenticidad de nuestra fe. Dios nos dió nuestra fe y nos llama a vivir “según la medida de fe que Dios le haya dado” (Romanos 12:3).

Pero nuestra medida de fe es SIEMPRE mayor de lo que pensamos que tenemos, y nos puede sostener a través de mayores pruebas de lo que creemos posible. En la manera que vemos más claramente la fuerza contenida en este maravilloso regalo de fe seremos capaces de dar toda la adoración, gloria y honor a Dios mientras Jesús se revela a través del testimonio de nuestra vida. De la manera que confiamos en El con todo nuestro corazón, El nos causará salir de nuestras pruebas con más fuerza y más confianza, más “perfectos e íntegros, sin que les falte nada” (Santiago 1:4), porque SABREMOS que El esta a nuestro lado.

De la manera que nuestra fe está fortalecida y refinada, la presencia de Dios cesará de ser una teoría o una esperanza, y comenzará a ser una parte real e integral de nuestra vida! Regocijémonos que nuestras pruebas duran solamente “por un poco de tiempo” – pero también regocijémonos que nuestras pruebas están siendo utilizadas para Su gloria y para el propósito de probar nuestra fe.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Kenya Ministry Needs – 2

Last week I said that during the month of December I will be sending out several messages – one per week – detailing specific needs for our Kenya ministry. Last week’s message detailed the need for school supplies and Bibles for our two schools. If you missed that message, it can be read at:

http://gdwm.org/2015/12/kenya-ministry-needs/

Thank you so much for your response to that message. The school supplies and Bibles have been fully funded!

In this message I want to draw attention to our December food basket program and our school uniform program.

Kenya_Families

Twice a year we minister to the families of our school kids by distributing food baskets. Our next distribution will be on December 22nd. This is a wonderful program which allows us to minister in a very tangible way to the needs of families during the Christmas season. We have identified 80 families and have proposed food baskets at a cost of just over $30 each for a total distribution cost of $2500. The need in the communities around our schools is real and this is an effective way to demonstrate the love of Christ.

Mathare_Uniform3_Oct_2014

Our uniform program has been well received and should be considered a success. The uniforms are essential to the running of a well ordered school. For most all of the kids, their uniforms are the nicest clothes they own. When they put on their uniform they know they are preparing to learn. However, the reality of the program is that the uniforms will always be in need of repair and replacement. After wearing the same uniform all day, five days a week, they require updates to keep from becoming rags. In the 2 schools we have about 170 kids. We are asking for $2000 to put into the uniform budget. This will be used over the next three months as we inspect each uniform and make the necessary changes.

If you would like to contribute to these projects please do so by either clicking on the Donate Now button below or by sending a check to the address at the bottom of this message. Thank you so much for your continual encouragement and support.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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The Great Cloud of Witnesses

The_Great_Cloud_of_Witnesses

This last weekend I ran the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis, TN. This was my sixth marathon. I’ve learned a lot about running since my first marathon in 2004. In my first marathon I did not understand about training or proper pacing and I completely ran out of energy after 17 miles. This time I trained hard and understood my pacing. I finished with a time of 3:24:21 which was good enough for fifth place in my age group (55-59). Much has changed with my understanding of running, but one thing that has remained the same is my appreciation for the cheering crowd. In every marathon I’ve run, crowds have lined the course cheering encouragement and helping me to run faster and farther than I thought possible.

Our journey with the Lord is like a marathon in many ways. We must maintain a disciplined training program to ensure we are prepared. The race itself can be long and hard. There will be times we run out of energy and want to quit, but crossing the finish line will be more rewarding than anything we can imagine! And along the way, we will certainly learn to appreciate the encouragement we receive from the cheering crowd.

Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

This verse follows what we often refer to as The Great Hall of Faith. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews describes many people from the Old Testament who were commended for their faith: Able, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Samson, David, and many others.

At the end of this impressive list, we read that even though they were faithful, “none of them received what had been promised” (Hebrews 11:39). Their reward was postponed until the coming of Jesus; “God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect” (Hebrews 11:40). The testimony of the faithful is meant to give us great encouragement. It’s as if they are cheering us on with great anticipation, knowing that one day we will be “caught up together with them” (1 Thessalonians 4:17) to receive our eternal reward.

This cloud of witnesses now also includes the testimony of New Testament believers as well as Christians throughout the last 2000 years. It also includes Brothers and Sisters who love us and pray for us today. As we run the race and sometimes grow weary – sometimes even stumble and fall – these witnesses continue to cheer and encourage our every step; “You can do it, I believe in you! And if you stumble, I’ll help you back up!!”

We can run faster and further than we think! Yes, the race is long and sometimes difficult, but we’re definitely not alone. Let’s run with renewed perseverance; and when we become discouraged, let’s listen for the cheers from the great cloud of witnesses!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 10 Amos 1:1-3:15; Revelation 2:1-17; Psalm 129:1-8; Proverbs 29:19-20
Dec 11 Amos 4:1-6:14; Revelation 2:18-3:6; Psalm 130:1-8; Proverbs 29:21-22
Dec 12 Amos 7:1-9:15; Revelation 3:7-22; Psalm 131:1-3; Proverbs 29:23
Dec 13 Obadiah 1:1-21; Revelation 4:1-11; Psalm 132:1-18; Proverbs 29:24-25

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