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Su Perfecta Manera

En el mensaje “Un Santuario Vivo” consideramos nuestro llamado para orar y adorar SIEMPRE; y que esto solo puede ocurrir mientras confiamos en Dios con todo nuestro corazón y dejamos el control en Sus manos. Parece que siempre volvemos a este tema – quizá porque este es uno de mis mayores luchas.

El mundo definitivamente nos entrena para tomar el control. Aún parece haber reconocimientos especiales para aquellos que pueden decir, “Lo Hice a Mi Manera!” Pero la verdad es que, “mi” manera siempre se quedara corta respecto al deseo de Dios. La lucha más grande en mi vida es encontrar el balance que me mantenga en Su camino, viajando a Su ritmo. La escasez de fe ocasiona que me quede corto, y mi orgullo y deseo de control me impulsa a tratar y presionar hacia adelante.

2 Samuel 22:31
“El camino de Dios es perfecto; la palabra del Señor es intachable. Escudo es Dios a los que en él se refugian.”

Estas palabras son parte de una canción de adoración que el Rey David cantaba a Dios. Varias veces en su vida el rey David se aventuró a hacer cosas a su propia manera. Y cada vez encontró que andar por los caminos de Dios no solo era la mejor manera sino que era la manera perfecta. Obviamente nosotros también debemos aprender esa misma lección. Se nos ha dado muchas opciones – muchos caminos para viajar mientras buscamos una mejor manera – pero Su estrecho camino es el único camino a la vida verdadera….el único camino a la paz y al verdadero contentamiento.

Vivir a la manera de Dios requiere una constante renovación de fe y confianza. Primero se requiere la fe en Jesús para el perdón de nuestros pecados, y después completa confianza para continuar en Su camino. Mientras el camino de Dios es definitivamente perfecto, no siempre es fácil de comprender. Su camino a menudo entra en conflicto con lo que “sabemos” es mejor; “El que cree que sabe algo, todavía no sabe como debiera saber” (1 Corintios 8:2). Estos periodos de aparente conflicto son tiempos para incrementar humildemente nuestra fe y aprender mejor a creer.

Pero la “sabiduría” del mundo continuamente batallará contra esta confianza. Jesús dijo, “No se preocupen por su vida, qué comerán o beberán; ni por su cuerpo, cómo se vestirán” (Mateo 6:25). La sabiduría del mundo dice que pronto nos encontraremos hambrientos y desnudos; pero la sabiduría de Dios dice que mientras confiemos en El con todo nuestro corazón, pronto encontraremos paz y descanso; “Más bien, busquen primeramente el reino de Dios y su justicia, y todas estas cosas les serán añadidas” (Mateo 6:33).

Dios ha dado dones a cada uno de nosotros en forma única y maravillosa. Pero esos dones deben ser usados a lo largo de Su camino y para Su gloria, o se convierten en nada más que “trapos de inmundicia” (Isaías 64:6). Paremos de buscar nuestro camino con nuestras metas y deseos. En lugar de eso, a diario permitamos la guía del Espíritu Santo y con determinación sigamos su dirección. Confiemos y caminemos cada paso de acuerdo a Su perfecta manera.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

A Living Sanctuary

Our Heavenly Father desires our life to be FILLED with praise and worship. When we gather together with other believers for church services, we generally begin with songs of praise. We praise God for His love and faithfulness, and for the gift of His Son. We worship Him for His awesome majesty as we prepare our hearts to receive His Word. These are wonderful times, but they are only a small part of God’s true desire for our life.

Ephesians 5:19-20
“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

As Paul wrote these instructions to the Ephesians he never said, “give thanks only during your worship service,” or, “make music in your heart only when you gather together with other believers.” He clearly instructed “always” and “for everything.” The “music” of praise and worship to God should always reside in our heart.

This can be a real challenge without a shift in the way we view our life – a shift from the way we have been “trained” by the world. We absolutely must learn to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Though the world teaches us to “take charge of your own destiny,” we are called to release control to our Lord and patiently trust. For it is only through faith and trust that we can praise in ALL situations, even through our confusion and pain.

One of my favorite praise songs contains the words: “Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary; pure and holy, tried and true. With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for You.” The word sanctuary means: A place set aside as sacred and holy, especially a place of worship. The meaning of this song then becomes, Lord prepare my life to be a sacred and holy place of worship!

There can be no greater ambition for the Child of God. With a proper understanding of eternity and the saving grace of Jesus, our life only has real purpose as we live each day to bring Him glory and honor – as we live each moment in praise and worship, no matter what circumstances our day may bring. The way we walk through our trials, as well as how we accomplish our daily tasks, ministry activities, or times of prayer and study, should all be done through a heart devoted to worship.

Let’s allow the “music” of our heart to sing out with praise and worship; not just for a few set hours each week, but every day with every word, thought, and deed. Let’s patiently trust in all areas of our life and ask our Father to teach us to live as a living sanctuary.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Nov 3 Ezekiel 7:1-9:11; Hebrews 5:1-14; Psalm 105:1-15; Proverbs 26:28

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Un Santuario Viviente

Nuestro Padre Celestial desea que nuestra vida este LLENA de oración y adoración. Cuando nos juntamos con otros creyentes para el servicio en la iglesia, generalmente comenzamos con cantos de adoración. Adoramos a Dios por Su amor y fidelidad, y por el regalo de Su Hijo. Le adoramos por Su gran majestuosidad mientras preparamos nuestros corazones para recibir Su Palabra. Estos son tiempos maravillosos, pero son solo una pequeña parte del plan de Dios con relación al deseo que El tiene para nuestra vida.

Efesios 5:19-20
“Hablando entre vosotros con salmos, con himnos y cánticos espirituales, cantando y alabando al Señor en vuestros corazones; dando siempre gracias por todo al Dios y Padre, en el nombre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.”

Cuando Pablo escribió estas instrucciones a los Efesios el nunca dijo, “den gracias solo durante sus servicios de adoración” o, “hagan música en sus corazones solo cuando se reúnan con otros creyentes.” El claramente instruyó “siempre” y “por todo.” La “música” de adoración y alabanza a Dios siempre debe residir en nuestro corazón.

Este puede ser un verdadero desafío sin un cambio en la forma en que vemos la vida – un cambio de la forma en que hemos sido “entrenados” por el mundo. Nosotros absolutamente debemos aprender a “Fiarnos de Jehová de todo nuestro corazón y no apoyarnos en nuestra propia prudencia” (Proverbios 3:5). Aún cuando el mundo nos enseña a “hacernos cargo de nuestro destino,” somos llamados a entregar el control a nuestro Señor y confiar pacientemente. Porque es solo por medio de la fe y la confianza que podemos adorar en TODAS las situaciones, aún en medio de nuestra confusión y dolor.

Una de mis favoritas canciones de adoración contiene las palabras: “Señor prepárame para ser un santuario; puro y santo, probado y verdadero. Con acción de gracias, yo seré un santuario viviente para Ti.” La palabra santuario significa: “Un lugar apartado como sagrado y santo, especialmente un lugar de adoración.” El significado de esta canción entonces es: Señor prepara mi vida para ser un lugar sagrado y santo de adoración!

No puede haber mayor ambición para un Hijo de Dios. Con un apropiado entendimiento de eternidad y la gracia salvadora de Jesús, nuestra vida solo tiene un verdadero propósito cuando vivimos cada día para darle gloria y honor a El – mientras vivimos cada momento en oración y alabanza, no importa que circunstancias nuestro día pueda traer. La manera en que pasamos por nuestras pruebas así como la forma en que cumplimos con nuestras tareas diarias, actividades ministeriales, o tiempos de oración y estudio todo debe ser hecha a través de un corazón dedicado a la adoración.

Permitamos que la “música” de nuestro corazón cante con adoración y alabanza – no solo por unas horas establecidas en la semana, sino que cada día con cada palabra, pensamiento y obra. Pacientemente confiemos en todas las áreas de nuestra vida y pidamos a nuestro Padre que nos enseñe a vivir como un santuario viviente.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

With Our Bodies – by Sarah Troxel

[Note: My daughter, Sarah, is now a college student. Many of you enjoyed her messages about urban ministry this summer. I told Sarah she is welcome to write messages anytime. This is one she sent me this week.]

I will never forget a day in class last semester when my short and sweet, sixty year old professor stood up and danced. Why did she do this? To prove to us the value of the incarnation. A school dance was planned for that night, and I had been questioning all day if I could glorify God in any way by attending. My professor answered this for me when she said, “God entered into a human body and became united with the entire human race. By this act, the incarnation, He redeemed our bodies and our human acts. Even dancing. Therefore, dance tonight for the glory of God and the gratitude of His redemptive work.” My mind was blown.

Today I was reminded of that discussion when I read:

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

The incarnation and redemptive work made you and me into Christ’s very own possessions. He did not only purchase our souls; He purchased our bodies. And He has decided to make His very own home inside of each of us believers. This incredible mystery comes with a great responsibility. In the same discussion Paul writes, “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say – but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything,’ – but I will not be mastered by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12).

Because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, every bodily act matters. Running matters. Physical affection matters. Posture matters. We must seek the best benefit to the Holy Spirit’s temple in these acts. We must also allow the Spirit to be the master of the temple. We shall not submit to gluttony, lust, or sloth. None of these are what our bodies were made for. We were made to embody Christ.

The redemption of our bodies pours value into our daily lives here on earth. As we sit down at the dinner table, as we shower, or as we hug a friend, we can remember that in the incarnation, Christ did each of these. And He is currently doing each of these as He lives inside us.

Last night I was talking with a nine year old girl. “We can’t see Jesus anymore. We can’t have dinner with Him or hold his hand,” she said. But the truth is that we can. In fact, Jesus is eating dinner with millions of people every night. He is holding millions of hands as millions of feet walk along the earth. Jesus was embodied in a single human two thousand years ago. But today He is embodied in each of you. May we become more aware of Him in every moment. And may this glorious truth spur us to honor God with our bodies.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Oct 30 Lamentations 2:20-3:66; Hebrews 1:1-14; Psalm 102:1-28; Proverbs 26:21-22
Oct 31 Lamentations 4:1-5:22; Hebrews 2:1-18; Psalm 103:1-22; Proverbs 26:23
Nov 1 Ezekiel 1:1-3:15; Hebrews 3:1-19; Psalm 104:1-24; Proverbs 26:24-26
Nov 2 Ezekiel 3:16-6:14; Hebrews 4:1-16; Psalm 104:25-35; Proverbs 26:27

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His Purpose in Pain

[Note: I first sent this message in January, 2013. This was a difficult time. And though Kaylee is doing well today, all of our lives have been forever changed. Our diet has certainly been dramatically altered. But more importantly, my understanding of God and the issues of pain and suffering have been deepened and solidified. I have thought much about this during the past few years but I believe this initial message captures much of what I still understand today. I pray it will be a blessing.]

“Mr. and Mrs. Troxel, I am sorry to inform you that your daughter has cancer.” These are words I have prayed I would never hear; but on Thursday morning, I did. It has been quite an experience to share our life with the people of this ministry over these last many years. You have prayed and encouraged us through the many trials with our daughter, Stacey, and then again last year with the sickness and death of my sister. I suppose this is where Christianity and all of its associated theology becomes real. So, here we go again.

Our twelve year old daughter, Kaylee, has not been feeling well since before Christmas. At first we thought it was a mild case of the flu; then, since she was having stomach pain, we thought perhaps she developed an allergy to dairy products. We treated and made changes but the symptoms continued. After checking her for various bacterial infections as well as the possibility of parasites from a recent mission trip, all with negative results, my wife requested an ultrasound which was accomplished last Monday.

The Doctor saw a mass over her right ovary and requested a blood test; we received the results on Thursday morning. Kaylee has been diagnosed with a somewhat rare form of Germ Cell Ovarian Cancer. We will travel to MD Anderson in Houston sometime this week for surgery and then most likely follow with a few rounds of chemotherapy. We believe the cancer is relatively well contained but has grown fast to a diameter of 13 cm. She will definitely have one ovary removed but we will not know what else until the middle of surgery. Your prayers are appreciated.

One thing I have learned over the years in this ministry is that on any given day there are people all around the world facing trials, experiencing pain. Pain is not localized to one part of the world, it is universal. The pain may be related to finances, or health, or relationships, or in some cases a terribly sad combination. The pain may be caused by bad personal choices or the bad, or even evil, choices of others. But no matter what the cause, the same question of “Why?” often rises to the surface. “Why is God causing, or allowing, this to happen? What could possibly be His purpose for such pain?”

I now believe these questions are the result of bad, or poorly understood, theology. God does not bring pain! He does not bring sickness or death. He does not bring tornadoes, droughts, or floods. He does not bring the loss of a job or the loss of a spouse, and He certainly does not bring mass shootings into schools or fly passenger planes into buildings. These things are NOT from God! But He does have a purpose.

Our Biblical history tells us there are times when God dramatically intervenes and directly causes events to occur, sometimes good and sometimes not so good. He has the ability to direct even the most minor of details, and sometimes He does. But this is certainly not how we see God normally operate in the world. His general mode and method seems to be to have set things in motion and to then make Himself available for a relationship. God established the motion of the stars and then left them to continue on their way. When He created man, He created in His image but allowed for the possibility of choices, both good and bad. These choices have lead to a beautiful but fallen world, beautiful but fallen people. This world, as well as its people, result in a great deal of pain. Pain is with us, but it is not from God, and God has never promised to remove our pain. But He does have a purpose!

Romans 5:1-5
“Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

God’s purpose? His purpose in pain is the same as His purpose in joy; His purpose in tragedy is the same as His purpose in a colorful sunset; His purpose is that we are “conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). His purpose is that we walk with Him, hand in hand, learning to trust Him and love Him through ALL things, both good and bad. His plan and purpose is a restored relationship! No, God is not the cause of this cancer. Tragedy is not part of His perfect plan. But our Heavenly Father is being a wonderful comfort to each member of our family, moment by moment! And we know that as we walk through this trial, with Him, learning to trust Him and drawing closer to His side, we will surely be accomplishing His purpose in pain.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

Clear Line of Communication

Communication is a key part of any relationship. Without proper communication, a relationship will slowly drift apart and feel isolated. This is true of friends and married couples, and certainly true in our relationship with God.

Without communication, we begin to drift and will soon be unable to even recognize His voice. When faced with sudden burdens we will feel alone. We may awkwardly call out to God but find our communication line has become noisy, filled with distractions. It’s difficult to receive direction or comfort when we can’t even hear or understand what God is saying.

To keep the communication lines clear, we must develop the habit of continually talking with God; “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We cannot limit prayer to those times of great need. David was in the habit of morning prayer; “In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my request before You and wait in expectation” (Psalm 5:3). But we must also learn to talk with God throughout our day so we are prepared for those times of extra need.

Jesus never suffered from a breakdown in communication with His Father; “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). And yet, when faced with major decisions or burdens, Jesus still set aside special time to talk with God.

Luke 6:12-13
“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated apostles.”

There are always going to be times in our Christian walk when we urgently need dedicated time with God – times which involve “critical” or “crisis” situations. These times are greatly enhanced if we have already been walking in daily communion with the Father. Our “crisis” prayers will need to be more intense and require us to intimately know the One to whom we pray, require us to know His voice and understand His ultimate plan for our life, require a relationship!

Our Heavenly Father desires to light our path by giving daily guidance. Let’s develop the habit of continual prayer so we will follow His leading and walk each step in praise. Let’s KNOW Him during the trivial and mundane portion of our day so we will be prepared to know Him during the urgent. Let’s prioritize our life to ensure we have a free and clear line of communication.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Oct 27 Jeremiah 51:1-53; Titus 2:1-15; Psalm 99:1-9; Proverbs 26:17

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Clara Linea de Comunicación

Comunicación es una parte clave de toda relación. Sin comunicación apropiada, una relación lentamente se desvía y se aísla. Esta es una verdad entre amigos, matrimonios, y ciertamente es verdad en nuestra relación con Dios.

Sin comunicación apropiada, comenzamos a desviarnos y pronto seremos incapaces de reconocer Su voz. Cuando somos enfrentados con cargas repentinas nos sentiremos solos. Podríamos torpemente clamar a Dios para encontrar que nuestra linea de comunicación está en mal estado, llena de distracciones. Es difícil recibir dirección y ser consolados cuando ni siquiera podemos entender lo que Dios esta diciendo.

Para mantener clara la linea de comunicación, debemos desarrollar el hábito de hablar continuamente con Dios; “Orad sin cesar” (1 Tesalonicenses 5:17). No podemos limitar la oración a esos tiempos de gran necesidad. David tenía el hábito de orar por la mañana; “Oh Jehová, de mañana oirás mi voz; De mañana me presentaré delante de ti, y esperaré” (Salmo 5:3). Pero también debemos aprender a hablar con Dios a través de nuestro día para estar preparados para esos momentos de extra necesidad.

Jesús nunca sufrió de una perdida de comunicación con Su padre; “Yo y el Padre uno somos” (Juan 10:30). Y aún así, cuando nos enfrentamos a decisiones y cargas mayores, Jesús aún guarda un tiempo especial para hablar con Dios.

Lucas 6:12-13
“En aquellos días él fue al monte a orar, y pasó la noche orando a Dios. Y cuando era de día, llamó a sus discípulos, y escogió a doce de ellos, a los cuales también llamó apóstoles”

Siempre habrá tiempos en nuestro caminar Cristiano en que necesitaremos dedicar un tiempo con Dios – tiempos que involucran “momentos crítico” o “crisis”. Estos tiempos seran tremendamente mejorado si ya hemos estado en comunicación diaria con el Padre. Nuestras oraciones de “crisis” deberán ser más intensas y van a requerir que conozcamos íntimamente a Quien oramos – van a requerir que conozcamos Su vos y entendamos Su último plan para nuestra vida.

Nuestro Padre Celestial desea iluminar nuestro camino dando guía diaria. Desarrollemos el hábito de orar continuamente para seguir Su guía y demos cada paso en adoración. CONOZCAMOSLE durante la mundana y trivial parte de nuestro día y estaremos preparados para conocerle cuando hay urgencia. Prioricemos nuestra vida para asegurar que tenemos una libre y clara linea de comunicación.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

Foundation of Truth

Six hundred years ago, there were groups of people who believed the earth was flat. In fact they didn’t just believe the earth was flat, they “knew” the earth was flat. Because of this belief, they also believed it was impossible to sail around the world. Of course, their view was warped and limited since it was built upon knowledge which was not based in truth.

What knowledge and “facts” form our view of the world today? We probably have a better understanding of the physical workings of our world, but what knowledge determines how we view our life? Do we begin with the unlimited power and sovereignty of God, an understanding of eternity, the consequences of sin, and the saving grace of Jesus Christ?

If we allow our beliefs to be formed by the world system, our view of life will always remain limited. Rather than seeing God’s loving hand at work in our life, continually drawing us near, and clearly recognizing His tools of transformation, we will see only a confused loneliness and the apparent absence of God; “The fear {or holy reverence} of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7).

Clearly, God is calling us to a closer and more meaningful relationship: calling us to love Him and trust Him more. But we will never truly grow closer until we examine the foundation of our beliefs; “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). The entire Universe, and certainly our own life, was formed by God and continues to exist because of His grace. To believe anything less is to fail to understand God and fail to believe His Word.

Spiritual understanding is gained through the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit as we diligently pray and study God’s Word. Initially, our prayers may seem empty and His Word full of disjoint stories which don’t seem to apply; but if we continue to seek with all our heart, He will reveal His truth and we will soon begin to understand.

Proverbs 2:3-5
“If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”

God has gifted us with the ability to learn, the power to seek, and the freedom to choose how we use our time. Let’s use His gift to find the knowledge of God based on the reverence of His name. Let’s build a world view which is consistent with God’s Word and will stand the test of eternity. Let’s refuse to limit God, and forevermore base our lives on the foundation of truth.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Oct 27 Jeremiah 51:1-53; Titus 2:1-15; Psalm 99:1-9; Proverbs 26:17

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Fundación de La Verdad

Hace seiscientos años, había grupos de personas que pensaban que la tierra era plana. De hecho no solo creían que la tierra era plana, “sabían” que la tierra era plana. Debido a esta creencia, también creían que era imposible navegar alrededor del mundo. Por supuesto su visión era distorsionada y limitada puesto que estaba construida sobre un conocimiento no basado en la verdad.

¿Que conocimiento y “hechos” forman nuestra visión del mundo ahora? Quizá tengamos un mejor entendimiento del funcionamiento físico de nuestro mundo, ¿pero que conocimiento determina como vemos nuestra vida? ¿Empezamos con el ilimitado poder y soberanía de Dios, un entendimiento de la eternidad, las consecuencias del pecado, y la gracia salvadora de Jesucristo?

Si permitimos que nuestras creencias se formen por los sistemas del mundo, nuestra visión de la vida será siempre limitada. En lugar de ver la mano amorosa de Dios obrando en nuestra vida y reconocer con claridad sus herramientas de transformación, solo veremos sufrimiento innecesario y la aparente ausencia de Dios; “El temor {o reverencia santa} del Señor es el principio del conocimiento” (Proverbios 1:7).

Claramente, Dios está llamándonos a una más cercana y significativa relación: llamándonos a amarle y confiar más en El. Pero nunca podremos crecer para acercarnos a El, hasta que examinemos las fundaciones de nuestras creencias; “Dios, en el principio, creó los cielos y la tierra” (Génesis 1:1). El Universo entero y ciertamente nuestra vida, fue formada por Dios y continua existiendo por Su gracia. Cualquier creencia inferior a eso, es fallar al entendimiento de Dios y fallar a creer su Palabra.

El entendimiento espiritual es ganado por la guía y poder del Espíritu Santo mientras oramos y estudiamos con diligencia la Palabra de Dios. Inicialmente nuestras oraciones pueden parecer vacías y Su Palabra llena de historias incoherentes que parecen no aplicar; pero si continuamos buscándolo con todo nuestro corazón, El nos revelará Su verdad y pronto comenzaremos a entender.

Proverbios 2:3-5
“Si llamas a la inteligencia y pides discernimiento; si la buscas como a la plata, como a un tesoro escondido, entonces comprenderás el temor del Señor y hallarás el conocimiento de Dios.”

Dios nos ha dado la capacidad de aprender, el poder de buscar, y la libertad para elegir como usar nuestro tiempo. Usemos su regalo para encontrar el conocimiento de Dios basado en la reverencia a Su nombre. Construyamos una visión del mundo que sea consistente con la Palabra de Dios y que resistirá la prueba de la eternidad. Rechacemos limitar a Dios, y basemos para siempre nuestras vidas en la fundación de la verdad.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

New Every Morning

God loved us so much that He gave His Son as a sacrifice for our sin, that through faith we might be brought back into a full and intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father for all eternity. I think we often forget the magnitude of this love: we were dead and He provided us a way to live!

Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

God has expressed His absolute love and compassion through the forgiveness found in Jesus Christ. This forgiveness is total and complete for those who believe. When we place our trust in Jesus, we are washed clean – we become “a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). And we continue to be washed clean “every morning.”

We all have days when our sinful nature wins a battle and we stumble. We have a day when our anger, pride, fear, or lust is brought to the surface and we “do what we do not want to do” (Romans 7:16). We may need to seek forgiveness and earn back trust from those we have hurt, but God’s forgiveness and love is free for the asking; “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9). We may lose some of the battles, but through Jesus, the war has been won!

Since we have been washed clean, and continue to be washed clean, we must stop walking as though we are still soiled. We are children of God and in the process of being conformed to the likeness of His Son. This process of growth and maturity – the process of victorious transformation – must continue each and every morning. We must shed the heavy burdens of past failures (and the fear of future disappointments) and walk in the freshness of His forgiveness.

Is our relationship with God fresh and new? Do we still comprehend the magnitude of love encompassed in the gift of forgiveness? Or have we grown complacent and cold? When was the last time our love for God was so fresh on our heart that we couldn’t help but say THANK YOU!?

We are invited into a relationship with our Heavenly Father; an intimate relationship which involves loving and being loved; a relationship which allows us to walk in victory for His glory and to be guided by the power of His Spirit. Let’s give Him our all and receive His all in return. Let’s rise up in His strength and determine to make our relationship of love new every morning.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Oct 23 Jeremiah 42:1-44:23; 2 Timothy 2:1-21; Psalm 92:1-93:5; Proverbs 26:3-5
Oct 24 Jeremiah 44:24-47:7; 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17; Psalm 94:1-23; Proverbs 26:6-8
Oct 25 Jeremiah 48:1-49:22; 2 Timothy 4:1-22; Psalm 95:1-96:13; Proverbs 26:9-12
Oct 26 Jeremiah 49:23-50:46; Titus 1:1-16; Psalm 97:1-98:9; Proverbs 26:13-16

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Nueva Cada Mañana

Dios nos amo tanto que dio a su Hijo como sacrificio por nuestros pecados, de manera que por fe podamos volver a una relación completa e íntima con nuestro Padre Celestial por toda la eternidad. Creo que a menudo olvidamos la magnitud de este amor: ¡estábamos muertos y El nos dio una forma de vivir!

Lamentaciones 3:22-23
“Por la misericordia de Jehová no hemos sido consumidos, porque nunca decayeron sus misericordias. Nuevas son cada mañana; grande es tu fidelidad.”

Dios ha expresado Su absoluto amor y compasión a través del perdón encontrado en Jesucristo. Este perdón es total y completo para aquellos que creen. Cuando ponemos nuestra confianza en Jesús, somos lavados – nos convertimos en “nueva criatura es; las cosas viejas pasaron; he aquí todas son hechas nuevas” (2 Corintios 5:17). Y continuamos siendo lavados “cada mañana.”

Todos tenemos días en que nuestra naturaleza pecaminosa gana la batalla y nos tambaleamos. Tenemos un día cuando nuestro enojo, orgullo, temor, o codicia sale a flote y nosotros “hacemos lo que no queremos” (Romanos 7:16). Puede ser que necesitamos buscar el perdón y ganar de nuevo la confianza de aquellos a quienes hemos herido, pero el perdón de Dios y Su amor es gratis, solo tenemos que pedirlo; “Si confesamos nuestros pecados, él es fiel y justo para perdonar nuestros pecados” (1 Juan 1:9). Podremos perder algunas batallas, pero a través de Jesús, la guerra ha sido ganada.

Puesto que fuimos lavados – y seguimos siendo lavados – debemos parar de caminar como si estuviéramos sucios. Somos hijos de Dios y en el proceso de ser conformados a la semejanza de Su Hijo. Este proceso de madurez y crecimiento – de victoriosa transformación – debe continuar cada mañana. Debemos despojarnos de las pesadas cargas de los fracasos pasados (y del temor a futuras decepciones) y caminar en la frescura de su perdón.

¿Es nuestra relación con Dios fresca y nueva? ¿Aún comprendemos la magnitud del amor que abarca el regalo del perdón? ¿O hemos sido complacientes y fríos? ¿Cuando fue la ultima vez que nuestro amor por Dios fue tan fresco en nuestro corazón que no pudimos más que decir GRACIAS!?

Somos invitados a una relación con nuestro Padre Celestial – una íntima relación que involucra amar y ser amado; una relación que nos permite caminar en victoria para Su gloria y ser guiados por el poder de Su Espíritu. Entreguémonos por completo y recibamos todo de El. Levantémonos en Sus fuerzas y determinemos hacer nuestra relación de amor nueva cada mañana.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

A True Heart of Thanksgiving

In the message “Praise Him Even More” we considered our command, as well as our need, to rejoice and praise in order to sustain Spiritual life. A heart that has not been transformed by the Spirit of God cannot truly praise, and a transformed heart that does not praise will surely cease to pump Spiritual life through the body.

Silas had joined Paul on his second missionary journey. Early in the journey, the two men were seized and brought before the authorities; “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into an uproar” (Acts 16:20). For this act they were stripped, beaten, and thrown in prison with chains around their feet. However, their hearts continued to praise God and give Him thanks in spite of their conditions.

Acts 16:25
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”

Giving thanks in the form of prayer, praise, song, celebration, or simply as an attitude of thankfulness is mentioned well over one thousand times in the Bible. It’s no surprise that having a heart filled with thanksgiving should be an integral part of the Christian walk. We need to see this world and the entirety of our life with new eyes – eyes that see God’s hand at work in every moment of every day.

If we believe in the One True God as the Creator of the Universe and accept the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, we should be compelled to give thanks…regardless of our circumstances. We should begin to see the evidence of God all around, and praise Him even for the air we breathe.

A heart without praise and thanksgiving is empty and does not yet understand a sovereign God or His plan. If our surroundings are continually dictating the thankfulness of our heart, perhaps we ought to ask God to reveal His loving plan in even greater clarity. Yes, God wants to see us live a life of true peace and contentment; but first and foremost, He desires for us to surrender our life to Him and bring Him glory and honor in ALL we do. Only then, and only with the power of His Spirit, will we be able to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Thankfulness does NOT depend on our particular situation!

We cannot produce thanksgiving by simply trying to be more thankful. We only become thankful by taking our heart back to the very origin of our new nature – back to the saving grace of Jesus. Let’s return to the point where our life was made new and once again learn to rejoice; once again learn to absolutely trust; once again learn to live with a true heart of thanksgiving.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Oct 22 Jeremiah 39:1-41:18; 2 Timothy 1:1-18; Psalm 90:1-91:16; Proverbs 26:1-2

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