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In Spite of Our Chains

By Steve T. on July 28, 2020

In_Spite_of_Our_Chains

In the message “Faith to Move Mountains” we saw that, though our faith may appear small, all genuine believers in Jesus Christ have the faith to move any and all mountains which stand between us and a close relationship with our Heavenly Father. HOWEVER…Not all trials represent mountains which must be moved! Many things we view as obstacles are perfectly aligned with God’s plan. This can definitely be a difficult and unpopular message!

Our Christian walk never promises freedom from trouble. In fact, Jesus promised us just the opposite; “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33a). Fortunately, Jesus immediately followed these words with a message of hope; “But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b). Though trials may come and remain much longer than we would like, we can still be set free by abiding in The One who has overcome.

The Apostle Paul had many trials during his ministry: “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea” (2 Corinthians 11:24-25). But Paul was able to keep his trials in proper perspective by focusing on what was eternally relevant; “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

Toward the end of his ministry Paul was arrested for the “offense” of preaching the gospel. While awaiting trial in Rome, Paul spent two years under the guard of a Roman soldier and wrote a wonderful letter of encouragement to the Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Though he was confined, Paul allowed himself to be used by God to encourage many others toward an increase in their faith.

Philippians 1:14
“Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”

Every time we experience a trial, the world watches to see the substance of our faith. Often, there is no better witness than to continue to trust and praise in the middle of our own trials. The best way to show that God is real is by making Him real in our own life.

Let’s take a new look at our trials. Some are truly mountains which must be moved, but others are simply the chains we must patiently endure for the sake of the gospel. Let’s turn what the enemy meant for harm into something which glorifies God. Let’s encourage others to draw nearer to a loving Father as we praise Him with all our heart…in spite of our chains.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jul 28 2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21; Romans 11:13-36; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 20:7

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Faith To Move Mountains

By Steve T. on July 27, 2020

Faith_To_Move_Mountains

In the message “The Mountain of Faith” we saw the faith of Abraham as God told him to climb the mountain and sacrifice Isaac. But, more importantly, we saw this as a picture of what it means to truly believe. Jesus said, “whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16), but true belief clearly implies a willingness to obediently follow.

The gift of eternal life is given to those who have faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin. This precious gift is never linked to a specific amount of faith; rather, the only requirement of the gospel is that our faith be genuine. In fact, Jesus stated that a small amount of faith can accomplish more than we can imagine.

Matthew 17:20
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

This is amazing! Jesus used the example of a mustard seed because it was the smallest seed known. A few chapters later He made a similar statement; “If you have faith and do not doubt…you can say to this mountain, ‘Go throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done” (Matthew 21:21). If we are a child of God then we have already been given sufficient faith by Jesus, “the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). There is therefore NO obstacle which cannot be cast aside!

Of course, genuine faith also implies an alignment with the will of God. Jesus even said, “He can do only what He sees His Father doing” (John 5:19). This is why we don’t see individuals moving physical mountains today – it’s not in the will of God. However, it is most definitely in God’s will that we move all mountains which threaten to block our path toward Him or hinder His plan for our life.

If we really believe, we ought to be living our life according to His truth and the faith we have been given! Though we may face mountains in our job, relationships, finances, health, kids, or parents; though we may face temptations or addictions which appear impossible to conquer; though we may battle a low self esteem which says we can’t or are unworthy, we must believe the Word of God is true! “With God ALL things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Though we may not understand, we must believe, in faith, that God is infinitely greater than the bounds of our understanding. We are not walking alone and NO problem is beyond His ability to direct.

If we desire to live the full life God intends – the life that honors Him with every move and even every breath – then God’s Word must become our foundation. Whatever problems we face, we must fall on our knees with humble submission to His will and seek His face in prayer. Then we must rise up and step forward without doubt, and, in His strength, believe we have been given the faith to move mountains.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

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

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Listen as We Climb

By Steve T. on July 23, 2020

Listen_as_We_Climb

In the message “The Mountain of Faith” we were encouraged to believe with a faith which is secure enough to surrender ALL to our Lord and Savior. We saw an example of this faith in Abraham as he was given a son and then told to surrender him as a burnt offering; “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about” (Genesis 22:2).

Without any debate, or even apparent doubt, Abraham set out with Isaac and a bundle of wood and began to obediently climb the mountain of faith. What special quality did Abraham have which allowed him to make such a climb? Only one! He believed God; “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). Clearly, belief is tied directly to trust and obedience. Abraham believed God had a purpose for giving him such a command and he immediately obeyed.

Many of us are longing for clear direction from God. Although we probably pray that His direction does not require the extreme sacrifice of Abraham, we are ready to follow and are currently in a mode of waiting. Waiting can be very frustrating and sometimes cause us to speed up God’s timing. But we must continue to patiently seek the Lord, trust there is a purpose in the wait, continue to grow and mature, and be obedient to the things God has already given us to do. His direction will come – and when it does, we must be prepared to follow.

And yet, there is a mature part of Abraham’s climb we often overlook. Perhaps if Isaac had been born ten years earlier, Abraham would not have been mature enough to make such a climb. Abraham’s mature faith had learned to ALWAYS keep his eyes on the Lord – always listen for His leading – even after his direction appeared clear.

Genesis 22:9-11
“He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, ‘Abraham! Abraham!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied.”

What would have happened if Abraham had become so focused on “the mission” that he failed to listen for the voice of the Lord? Abraham was being obedient to the call of God, but right at the point of absolute obedience, God changed direction; “Do not lay a hand on the boy” (Genesis 22:12).

The call of God is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing, moment by moment relationship of love. We are never sent on a mission which leads us away from the presence of the Lord. Rather, we are called to follow, making the journey hand in hand, and step by step. Let’s continue to grow ever closer to our Heavenly Father. Let’s trust Him more, love Him more, and always, always, always, listen as we climb.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jul 23 2 Chronicles 8:11-10:19; Romans 8:9-23; Psalm 18:16-34; Proverbs 19:26
Jul 24 2 Chronicles 11:1-13:22; Romans 8:24-39; Psalm 18:35-50; Proverbs 19:27-29
Jul 25 2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14; Romans 9:1-24; Psalm 19:1-14; Proverbs 20:1
Jul 26 2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34; Romans 9:25-10:12; Psalm 20:1-9; Proverbs 20:2-3

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The Mountain of Faith

By Steve T. on July 22, 2020

The_Mountain_of_Faith

When Abraham was over eighty years old, God made him a wonderful promise: “A son coming from your own body will be your heir. Look up at the heavens and count the stars – so shall your offspring be” (Genesis 15:4-5).

Many years went by without any indication that God would fulfill this promise. Finally, when Abraham was one hundred years old, and his wife, Sarah, was ninety, God fulfilled His promise through the birth of Isaac. But when Isaac was a young boy, God told Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son.

Genesis 22:2
“Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”

We can’t even imagine receiving this type of command from God. Abraham loved Isaac, and Isaac also represented the fulfillment of God’s promise. But Abraham did not even question the apparent conflict between God’s promise and His command…he simply believed and obeyed. Abraham took Isaac and climbed the mountain, placed him on top of a pile of wood, and “took the knife to slay his son” (Genesis 22:10).

Many people speculate about the turmoil in Abraham’s mind during this time, but Scripture gives no indication that Abraham ever seemed anxious or concerned. He believed in God, believed His promises, and his faith never seemed to waver. As Abraham was about to kill his son, God stopped him and provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice (Genesis 22:13).

God put Abraham through an unimaginable test of faith…but why? The test was not for God – surely God already knew of Abraham’s faith! It’s possible the test was given in order to strengthen Abraham’s faith. God often tests us as a way of refining and drawing us closer to Himself. But I believe the main reason for Abraham being asked to climb the mountain was so we would have a clear picture of what it means to truly believe and trust God.

Belief is central to the gospel message. It is so important that God gave a picture through Abraham which allows us to understand what Jesus meant when He said; “whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Placing our trust in God involves not placing our trust in the things of this world. Holding on to God involves not holding on to the things of this world!

God is calling us to believe. He is calling us to a life of faith where we have such a strong assurance of His presence that He is all we need…all we value and hold dear. Let’s give ourselves completely to Him, without ANY reservation – let’s truly believe! Let’s give Him ALL our heart and be willing to sacrifice ALL for His glory and honor. Let’s once and for all climb the mountain of faith.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jul 22 2 Chronicles 6:14-8:10; Romans 7:15-8:8; Psalm 18:1-15; Proverbs 19:24-25

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Never Choose Barabbas

By Steve T. on June 24, 2020

Never_Choose_Barabbas

In the message “To Whom We Sacrifice” we saw how our daily actions reflect our priorities and values, and become, in a very real sense, the sacrifices we place on the altar. Every day we make many decisions which either draw us closer to God or lead us further away – few decisions are truly neutral.

The Jewish leaders had passed judgment on Jesus; “He is worthy of death!” (Matthew 26:66). But Roman law required a sentence of death to be approved by the Roman Court. Therefore, Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate, the governor of the region around Jerusalem.

Pilate was in a tough situation. He had talked with Jesus and could find nothing deserving death; “I have examined Him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against Him” (Luke 23:14). But Pilate was also under great pressure to keep peace in the region, so he allowed the people of Jerusalem to make the final decision.

Matthew 27:17
“Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”

Barabbas was a convicted murderer, Jesus was the Son of God. The people loved Jesus when He was feeding them or healing their sick, but when required to make a decision, the people chose Barabbas: “‘What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?’ Pilate asked. They all answered, ‘Crucify Him!'” (Matthew 27:21-22).

We take the first crucial step in our Christian walk when we believe in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins. But as important and significant as this first step is, the purpose of this step is to then begin a lifetime journey of abiding in His presence and living a life which is “holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). The presence of God is never found through specific prayers or religious activity; rather, the peace of His presence is found only through our moment-by-moment choice to allow Jesus to be Lord of our life and to follow wherever He leads. We must learn to choose each daily step based on what is pleasing to a loving and holy God.

Are we part of the crowd who is easily swayed, or are we willing to stand firm in our faith? Has God become a God of convenience, used only in emergencies, or is He truly LORD of our life? We all face the same decision (many times each day) as the people in front of Pilate: Jesus or Barabbas; the ways of God or the ways of the world; life or death? If we desire a life of closeness with God – a life given as a living sacrifice to bring Him glory and honor – then we must begin to choose wisely. We must boldly face the multitude of daily decisions and be determined to never choose Barabbas.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jun 24 2 Kings 6:1-7:20; Acts 15:32-16:15; Psalm 142:1-7; Proverbs 17:24-25

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To Whom We Sacrifice

By Steve T. on June 23, 2020

To_Whom_We_Sacrifice

By the time Jeremiah became a prophet, the people of Israel had occupied the land of Canaan for about 800 years. Those years were generally characterized by a continuing rejection of God. Time and again the people turned from God and embraced the gods of the world.

Through Jeremiah, God called His people to return and worship Him as the One True God: “Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word. Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from his evil way” (Jeremiah 26:2-3). His words reflect the heart of a Father longing to be reunited with His children. We can almost feel God’s heart breaking as He tells Jeremiah how far His children have fallen.

Jeremiah 19:4-5
“For they have forsaken Me and made this a place of foreign gods; they have burned sacrifices in it to gods that neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah ever knew. They have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as offerings to Baal – something I did not command or mention, nor did it enter My mind.”

When God led the Israelites out of Egypt, He warned them about following the practices of the local people; “You must not do as they do in the land of Canaan” (Leviticus 18:3). The Canaanite values were evil and in conflict with the way God was calling His children to live. In fact, anytime we seek to follow the path of God, we soon discover the values of the world are often in conflict with the values God calls us to hold.

God’s chosen people not only turned their backs, but they even became involved in a local form of “worship” that included sacrificing their own children. It’s almost as if God was shaking His head in sad disbelief: “How could they have drifted so far away?” Of course, we must wonder if God is still shaking His head today.

Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have become children of God and can enjoy the blessings of a restored relationship with our Heavenly Father. We have also been given the ability to be blessed through relationships in our family and among our friends. And yet, how often do we sacrifice these blessings to the gods of this world? How often do we follow the practices of the world – with its “rules” for value and importance – and watch as our children are sacrificed in the fire of materialism? How often do we sacrifice loving relationships on the altar of selfish pride or lustful pleasure?

Our Heavenly Father calls us to sacrifice. But His call is to a complete sacrifice of worship to Him; “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). This sacrifice involves the continual releasing of our will until we are “poured out as a drink offering” (2 Timothy 4:6). Let’s bring Him our very best and worship Him with a pure and complete devotion. Let’s evaluate our actions today and carefully consider what, and to whom, we sacrifice.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jun 23 2 Kings 4:18-5:27; Acts 15:1-31; Psalm 141:1-10; Proverbs 17:23

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A Quien Sacrificamos

By Steve T. on June 23, 2020

To_Whom_We_Sacrifice

Hasta el tiempo que Jeremías llegó a ser profeta, el pueblo de Israel había ocupado la tierra de Canaán acerca de 800 años. Aquellos años estaban caracterizados generalmente por un rechazo continuo de Dios – una y otra vez la gente se desviaron de Dios y abrazaron los dioses del mundo.

A través de Jeremías, Dios llamó a su pueblo a volverse y adorar a El como el Único y Verdadero Dios: “di todas las palabras que yo te ordene a todas las ciudades de Judá que vienen a adorar en la casa del Señor. No omitas ni una sola palabra. Tal vez te hagan caso y se conviertan de su mal camino” (Jeremías 26:2-3). Sus palabras reflejan el corazón de un Padre que anhela estar reunido con Sus hijos. Casi podemos sentir el corazón de Dios quebrantandose mientras cuenta a Jeremías de que tan lejos Sus hijos han caído.

Jeremías 19:4-5
“Porque ellos me han abandonado. Han profanado este lugar, quemando en él incienso a otros dioses que no conocían ni ellos ni sus antepasados ni los reyes de Judá. Además, han llenado de sangre inocente este lugar. Han construido santuarios paganos en honor de Baal, para quemar a sus hijos en el fuego como holocaustos a Baal, cosa que yo jamás les ordené ni mencioné, ni jamás me pasó por la mente.”

Cuando Dios sacó los Israelitas de Egipto, les advirtió acerca de seguir las prácticas de los pueblos locales; “No imitarán ustedes las costumbres de Egipto, donde antes habitaban, ni tampoco las de Canaán” (Levítico 18:3). Los valores de los de Canaán eran malos y en conflicto con el estilo de vida que Dios quería para Sus hijos. De hecho, en la manera que intentamos a seguir Su camino, descubriremos que Su camino siempre será en conflicto con los valores del mundo.

La gente escogida por Dios no solamente le dieron sus espaldas, sino que ademas se habían involucrado en una forma local de “adoración” que incluía sacrificar a sus propios hijos. Es casi como si Dios estuviera agitando Su cabeza con una triste incredulidad: “¿Como podrían desviarse tan lejos?” ¿Por supuesto, Me pregunto si Dios todavia esta volteando Su cabeza hoy?

A través de la fe en Jesucristo, nos hemos convertido en hijos de Dios y podemos disfrutar las bendiciones de una relación restaurada con nuestro Padre Celestial. También se nos ha dado la habilidad de ser bendecidos a través de relaciones de familia y amigos. ¿Y aún, con que frecuencia sacrificamos estas bendiciones a los dioses de este mundo? ¿Con que frecuencia seguimos las prácticas del mundo – con sus “reglas” por valor e importancia – y miramos mientras que nuestros hijos están sacrificados en el fuego del materialismo? ¿Con que frecuencia sacrificamos relaciones con nuestros seres queridos en los altares del orgullo egoísta o placeres lujuriosos?

Nuestro Padre Celestial nos llama a sacrificar; pero Su llamado es a un sacrificio completo de adoración para El; “ofrezca su cuerpo como sacrificio vivo, santo y agradable a Dios” (Romanos 12:1). Este sacrificio involucra la negación continua de nuestra voluntad hasta “ser derramado como una ofrenda de libación” (2 Timoteo 4:6). Llevemosle a El nuestro mejor y adoremosle a El con una devoción completa y pura. Evaluemos nuestras acciones ahora y cuidadosamente consideremos que, y a quien, sacrificamos.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Pay More Careful Attention

By Steve T. on June 22, 2020

Pay_More_Careful_Attention

In the message “A Divided Kingdom” we saw how Solomon’s divided heart – his lack of full devotion to God – eventually led to the division of the kingdom of Israel. We were then encouraged to continually draw closer to our Heavenly Father and prevent the kingdom of God within us from becoming divided in the sense of rebellion and lack of pure worship.

When we consider our closeness to God, we tend to look at our priorities and schedules. Closeness to our Heavenly Father requires a certain amount of dedicated time. We cannot expect to hear His direction if we do not spend time learning to recognize His voice and then make the effort to turn off the competing inputs so we can truly listen. And once we have set aside those times to hear God through prayer, preaching, or the reading of His Word, we are encouraged in the very strongest of terms to pay close attention to what we hear.

Hebrews 2:1
“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”

It will do no good to make adjustments to our schedule – to give God more priority – if we do not become disciplined students of His Word. We can fill our time with good preaching and quality books, but if we do not do as the Bereans, who “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11), we will be easily swayed and subject to spiritual drift. As disciplined students we must maintain an excitement for the things God has done, as well as for the promises He has made for our future through His Word.

God has given us a wonderful gift, a gift without which we could never know Him. Through the lives of many different writers, God has presented us with a love letter which calls us into fellowship through Jesus Christ…we call His letter the Bible. In His authoritative and essential letter, God has revealed the fullness of His character and established a set of unchanging truths. A deep belief and understanding of these truths will push aside fears, erase lingering doubts, and instill a new sense of hope.

We need not allow our kingdom to be divided; we need not drift away. The Spirit has made our hearts receptive and hungry for God’s Word. We must now submit to His leading and become as the workman who “correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Let’s give Him the total devotion of our heart as we pray, read, and listen to His Word. And as we hear, let’s maintain a great excitement and always pay more careful attention.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

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

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Pongamos Cuidadosa Atención

By Steve T. on June 22, 2020

Pay_More_Careful_Attention

En el mensaje “Un Reino Dividido” vimos como el corazón dividido de Salomón – su falta de completa devoción a Dios – eventualmente los condujo a la división del reino de Israel. Después fuimos animados a continuamente acercarnos a nuestro Padre Celestial y prevenir que el reino de Dios dentro de nosotros sea dividido en el sentido de rebelión y la falta de adoración pura.

Cuando consideramos nuestra cercanía con Dios, tenemos la tendencia a revisar nuestras prioridades y horarios. La cercanía con nuestro Padre Celestial requiere de cierta cantidad de tiempo dedicado. No podemos esperar escuchar Su dirección si no invertimos tempo aprendiendo a reconocer Su voz y hacer un esfuerzo para apagar todo lo que compite para poder verdaderamente escuchar. Y una vez hemos apartado esos tiempos para escuchar a Dios en oración, predicando o leyendo Su Palabra, somos animados literalmente a poner mucha atención a lo que oímos.

Hebreos 2:1
“Por tanto, es necesario que con más diligencia atendamos a las cosas que hemos oído, no sea que nos deslicemos.”

No hará ningún beneficio que hagamos ajustes a nuestro itinerario – para darle a Dios más prioridad – si no nos convertimos en disciplinados estudiantes de Su Palabra. Podemos llenar nuestro tiempo con buena predicación y libros de calidad, pero si no hacemos como los Nobles que “escudriñaban cada día las Escrituras para ver si estas cosas eran así” (Hechos 17:11), seremos fácilmente influenciados y sujetos a una desviación Espiritual. Como estudiantes disciplinados debemos mantener el entusiasmo por las cosas que Dios ha hecho tanto como por las promesas que El ha hecho para nuestra futura a través de cada letra de Su Palabra.

Dios nos ha dado un maravilloso regalo – un regalo sin la cual nunca podriamos conocerle. A través de la inspiración del Espíritu Santo trabajando en las vidas de muchos diferentes escritores, Dios ha dictado una carta de amor que nos llama al compañerismo en Jesucristo – nosotros llamamos a Su carta la Biblia. En esta carta esencial y fidedigno, Dios ha revelado por completo Su carácter y establecido un grupo de verdades inmutables. Una profunda creencia y comprensión de estas verdades echarán fuera los temores, borraran las dudas persistentes, e inculcaran un nuevo sentido de esperanza.

No necesitamos permitir a nuestro reino ser dividido; no necesitamos desviarnos. El Espíritu ha hecho nuestros corazones receptivos y hambrientos de la Palabra de Dios. Ahora debemos someternos a Su guianza y ser como el obrero “que usa bien la palabra de verdad” (2 Timoteo 2:15). Demos a El la total devoción de nuestro corazón mientras oramos, leemos, y escuchamos Su Palabra; y mientras escuchamos, mantengamos un gran entusiasmo y siempre pongamos cuidadosa atención.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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A Divided Kingdom

By Steve T. on June 18, 2020

A_Divided_Kingdom

Solomon was the third king of Israel, the son of David and Bathsheba. And although not the eldest son, he was chosen by David to be his successor. As David was about to die, he gave Solomon some final counsel for ruling the kingdom.

1 Kings 2:2-3
“Observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in His ways, and keep His decrees and commands, His laws and requirements, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.”

David knew that Solomon would influence an entire nation – influence it either toward the good…or the bad. This was an awesome responsibility which would require a deep commitment to God.

Solomon initially established a God-centered kingdom; “Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the statutes of his father David” (1 Kings 3:3). He ruled with great wisdom and spent seven years building a magnificent temple in which God would be worshipped. Yet Solomon failed to demonstrate total commitment to the One True God.

Solomon married many women from the surrounding nations and allowed these wives to turn his heart toward other gods; “His heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God” (1 Kings 11:4). God was greatly angered at Solomon’s lack of commitment and rose up enemies who would eventually divide the kingdom and create civil war.

In a sense, every believer in Jesus has been given a kingdom. Jesus said, “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). This kingdom is established when we believe, in faith, that Jesus died for our sins; it is therefore a kingdom of “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

The kingdom we have been given is more precious than ANY other. But, as with Solomon, it is also a kingdom which must be “ruled” with an absolute, undivided love for the Lord, with a commitment to walking in the ways He establishes for our life and worshiping Him with the pure focus of our heart.

If we desire God’s kingdom to remain firmly established and at peace in our life, then we must keep our heart fully devoted to Him and guard against the influences which seek to pull us away. Let’s not become distracted by the other “gods” of this world. Let’s make the necessary adjustments to our priorities and schedules which will allow us the time to continually draw closer to the one true God and prevent a divided kingdom.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jun 18 1 Kings 19:1-21; Acts 12:1-23; Psalm 136:1-26; Proverbs 17:14-15
Jun 19 1 Kings 20:1-21:29; Acts 12:24-13:15; Psalm 137:1-9; Proverbs 17:16
Jun 20 1 Kings 22:1-53; Acts 13:16-41; Psalm 138:1-8; Proverbs 17:17-18
Jun 21 2 Kings 1:1-2:25; Acts 13:42-14:7; Psalm 139:1-24; Proverbs 17:19-21

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Un Reino Dividido

By Steve T. on June 18, 2020

A_Divided_Kingdom

Salomón fue el tercer rey de Israel, el hijo de David y Betsaida. Y aún no siendo el hijo mayor, el fue elegido por David para ser su sucesor. Cuando David estaba a punto de morir, le dió a Salomón algunos consejos finales para gobernar este reino.

1 Reyes 2:3
“Guarda los preceptos de Jehová tu Dios, andando en sus caminos, y observando sus estatutos y mandamientos, sus decretos y sus testimonios, de la manera que está escrito en la ley de Moisés, para que prosperes en todo lo que hagas y en todo aquello que emprendas.”

David sabia que Salomón influenciaría a la nación entera – influencia para bien…o para mal. Esta era una tremenda responsabilidad que requería de un profundo compromiso con Dios.

Salomón inicialmente estableció un reinado centrado en Dios; “Mas Salomón amó a Jehová, andando en los estatutos de su padre David” (1 Reyes 3:3). El gobernó con gran sabiduría e invirtió siete años construyendo un magnifico templo en donde Dios sería adorado. Aún así Salomón falló en demostrar total compromiso al Único Verdadero Dios.

Salomón se casó con muchas mujeres de las naciones vecinas y permitió que estas esposas desviaran su corazón hacia otros dioses; “su corazón no era perfecto con Jehová su Dios” (1 Reyes 11:4). Dios estaba muy enfadado por la falta de compromiso de Salomón y levantó enemigos que eventualmente dividirían el reino y crearían una guerra civil.

En un sentido a cada creyente en Jesús se le dió un reino. Jesús dijo: “porque he aquí el reino de Dios está entre vosotros” (Lucas 17:21). Este reino es establecido cuando creemos, en la fe, que Jesús murió por nuestros pecados; es entonces un reino de “justicia, paz y gozo en el Espíritu Santo” (Romanos 14:17).

Este reino que nos ha dado es más precioso que CUALQUIER otro. Pero, igual que con Salomón, es también un reino que debe ser “gobernado” con un absoluto e indivisible “amor por el Señor” – con un compromiso de andar en los caminos que El ha establecido para nuestra vida y de adorar a El con un enfoque puro de nuestro corazón.

Si deseamos que el reino de Dios se mantenga firmemente establecido y en paz en nuestra vida, entonces debemos mantener nuestro corazón completamente dedicado a El y guardarlo de las influencias que buscan alejarnos. No seamos distraídos de amar a nuestro Padre Celestial con TODO nuestro corazón. Hagamos los ajustes necesarios en nuestras prioridades e itinerarios que nos permitan tener el tiempo para continuamente acercarnos al Unico y verdadero Dios y evitar un reino dividido.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Clean From Within

By Steve T. on June 17, 2020

Clean_From_Within

In the message “Rend Our Heart” we saw how God commands us to recognize our sin and tear our heart in sorrowful repentance as we cry out for His gracious and abundant forgiveness. The instant we first place our complete trust in Jesus we are born of the Spirit and released from the bondage of our sinful nature. Sin may still war within us and sometimes cause us to stumble, but it no longer has dominion and control over our lives – we have been set free!

Jesus often taught of this radical transformation in terms of our need for a clean heart.

Mark 7:20-23
“What comes out of a man is what makes him ‘unclean.’ For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.'”

Our heart pumps life into all the other parts of our body. If our heart is made clean through the forgiveness of Jesus, the rest of our life will also become clean as His life flows through us; “First clean the inside…and then the outside also will be clean” (Matthew 23:26). But if our heart remains soiled by an unrepentant sinful nature, no amount of outside scrubbing and polishing will ever make us clean.

In the above passage, Jesus presented a list of “evils” for our self evaluation, as an outward test of inward cleanliness. Our lives may be free from the obvious stealing, murder, and adultery, but the rest of the list requires us to look a little deeper. Folly is the lack of good sense. Arrogance is an overbearing confidence. Slander is making false statements against someone. Envy is discontent due to another’s good fortune. Lewdness is indecent language or action. Deceit means to conceal the truth. Malice means to cruelly tease, and greed is excessive desire.

A transformed believer in Jesus Christ, one who is “circumcised of the heart” (Romans 2:29), should never be characterize by this type of behavior. As the Spirit of Jesus makes us into a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17) and begins to flow through our life, these old sins ought to slow to a trickle and eventually pass away. Though sin will never completely disappear, it no longer should define who we are.

Is the cleansing power of Jesus flowing into all areas of our life? Or are there still areas we claim as our own? If we desire to offer our lives as “living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1), then we must allow our sacrifice to be completely cleansed; we must place our heart more fully in His hands. Let’s come before our Heavenly Father and allow the transforming and absolute forgiveness of Jesus to make us clean from within.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jun 17 1 Kings 18:1-46; Acts 11:1-30; Psalm 135:1-21; Proverbs 17:12-13

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