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Reaping The Whirlwind

By on January 9, 2014

The spiritual decline of God’s chosen people as detailed in the Old Testament includes some of the saddest passages in the Bible. God dearly loved the children of Israel, but they continually rejected Him and turned away.

God appointed King David to unite the nation and focus their worship on the One True God. David made plans for the construction of a temple and King Solomon built the temple a few years later. But toward the end of Solomon’s reign, “his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God” (1 Kings 11:4). The spiritual decline began with the leadership and then flowed quickly down to the people.

When Solomon died, the nation of Israel divided and the northern kingdom immediately began to pervert their worship; “The king made two golden calves {and said} ‘Here are your gods'” (1 Kings 12:28). Then, after almost 200 years of continual disobedience, the northern kingdom had hardened their hearts so that repentance was no longer even possible; “their deeds do not permit them to return to God” (Hosea 5:4). God is ready, willing, and able to forgive every sin; but continual disobedience removes the desire to draw near and seek His forgiveness. After so many years of false worship, the people would not return to God and would now experience His wrath.

Hosea 8:7
“They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.”

The people of Israel had planted evil seed into their lives for many years – now the time had come to harvest the destruction they had planted. Soon after Hosea spoke these words of God, the Assyrian army invaded and destroyed the northern kingdom.

God demonstrated His love for us long before we ever loved Him; “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). This love was unconditional since we did absolutely nothing to deserve His favor. But if we do not receive His love, through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus, and allow His Spirit to begin to transform us from within, we too will one day feel His wrath.

The wind of unbelief and lack of trust, false worship and a cold heart, will one day yield an eternal whirlwind which cannot be stopped. And the wind of open sin in the lives of spiritual leaders, or the spiritual compromise in the lives of parents, can lead many generations down a path of destruction.

Let’s plant and nourish seeds of truth and love which will thrive in His presence for all eternity. Let’s trust Him with a faith which walks into the unknown without fear because we know He is by our side. Let’s determine once and for all to live an uncompromising life which brings glory and honor to God; and on the great day of harvest, let’s joyfully enter His embrace without the fear of reaping the whirlwind.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Cosechar El Torbellino

By on January 9, 2014

La declinación Espiritual de la gente escogida de Dios en el Antiguo Testamento contiene algunos de los más tristes pasajes de todas las Escrituras. Dios amaba mucho a los hijos de Israel, pero ellos continuamente lo rechazaban y le voltearon la espalda.

Dios designó al Rey David para unir la nación de Israel y enfocar su adoración en el Único Dios Verdadero. David hizo planes para la construcción de un templo y el Rey Salomón lo construyó unos años más tarde. Pero hacia el final del reinado de Salomón, “su corazón no era perfecto con Jehová su Dios” (1 Reyes 11:4). La declinación Espiritual comenzó con el líder y luego fluyó hacia la gente.

Cuando Salomón murió, la nación de Israel se dividió y el reino del norte inmediatamente comenzó a pervertir su adoración: “Hizo el rey dos becerros de oro, y dijo al pueblo: Bastante habéis subido a Jerusalén; he aquí tus dioses” (1 Reyes 12:28). Después de casi 200 años de continua desobediencia, el reino del norte endureció su corazón de manera que el arrepentimiento ya no era posible; “No les permiten sus malas obras volverse a su Dios” (Oseas 5:4). Dios se mantiene listo, con voluntad y deseoso de perdonar todo pecado; pero la continua desobediencia quita nuestro deseo de acercarnos a El y buscar Su perdón. Después de todos estos años de falsa adoración, la gente experimentarán ahora la ira de Dios.

Oseas 8:7
“Porque sembraron viento, y torbellino segarán.”

La gente de Israel plantó semillas malvadas en sus vidas y en las vidas de sus familias por muchos años – ahora ha llegado el tiempo de la cosecha, de la destrucción que ellos plantaron. Pronto Después que Oseas dijo estas palabras de Dios, el ejército Asirio capturó y destruyó el reino del norte.

Dios demostró Su amor por nosotros mucho antes que nosotros lo amaramos a El; “cuando eramos aún pecadores, el murió por nosotros” (Romanos 5:8). Este acto de amor fue completamente incondicional puesto que nosotros no hicimos absolutamente nada para merecer este regalo. Pero si no recibimos Su amor, a través de la fe en el sacrificio de Jesús, y permitir el Espíritu Santo comenzar a transformarnos desde adentro, también nosotros un día sentiremos su ira.

El viento de la incredulidad y la falta de confianza, falsa adoración y un corazón frío, un día producirá un eterno torbellino que no podremos parar. Y el viento del pecado abierto en las vidas de nuestros lideres Espirituales, o una vida Espiritual comprometedor en las vidas de padres, amenaza con llevarse a muchas generaciones por el camino de la destrucción.

Plantemos y alimentemos semillas de verdad y amor que prosperaran en Su presencia para toda la eternidad. Confiemos en El con una fe que camina hacia lo desconocido sin temor porque sabemos que El está de nuestro lado. Decidamos de una vez y para siempre vivir una vida inflexible que le de honor y honra a Dios, y en el día de la cosecha entremos gozosamente en Su abrazo sin cosechar el torbellino.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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His Devoted Slave

By on January 8, 2014

We often consider our need to more fully submit our life to God and the leading of His Spirit – to place our life in His hands and release our “self” control. We desire to be in His perfect will and serve Him with all our heart. But does our desire to serve go so far as to consider ourselves a slave?

Romans 6:20-22
“When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”

Slavery has many negative connotations; but, in truth, we are all born into slavery…born a slave to sin. The only way to be set free from the mastery of sin and death is to ask for a transfer of ownership and become a slave to God. Our new Master then has the grace and power to shatter the bonds of sin and give us the gift of true freedom. We are never free unto ourselves, never our own master. Many live under the illusion of freedom, but we are either a slave to sin or a slave to God. If we refuse to be directed by God, we will absolutely be directed and controlled by the sinful pulls of the world.

If we are struggling to break the bondage of sin, we must first stop fighting and submit our life to God. Sin is not a battle we can win with our own strength! The only way to be set free is to receive forgiveness through faith in Jesus…and submit. Submission is not just an optional step for the “mature” Christian; rather, it is the essence of a saving faith. A saving faith first understands we cannot save ourselves but must submit to the grace of God. It then continues in submission by daily trusting in His grace to live according to the ways of His Spirit.

Romans 8:5-6
“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.”

God is sending out His call around the world today. In the stillness of our heart we have heard Him call us to a closer and more intimate relationship, a more consistently submitted life of true devotion and praise. But He is requiring us to make a choice: “Choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). We have been offered freedom from the power of sin and death. Let’s fully embrace His gift, submit to the leading of His Spirit, continue to submit at every opportunity, worship Him with all our heart, and forever become…His devoted slave.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Sus Devotos Esclavos

By on January 8, 2014

A menudo consideramos nuestra necesidad de someter completamente nuestra vida a Dios y a la guianza de Su Espíritu – de poner nuestra vida en Sus manos y entregar el control de nuestras vidas. Deseamos estar en Su perfecta voluntad y servirle a El con todo nuestro corazón. Pero, ¿va nuestro deseo de servirle tan lejos como para considerarnos esclavos?

Romanos 6:20-22
“Porque cuando erais esclavos del pecado, erais libres acerca de la justicia. ¿Pero qué fruto teníais de aquellas cosas de las cuales ahora os avergonzáis? Porque el fin de ellas es muerte. Mas ahora que habéis sido libertados del pecado y hechos siervos de Dios, tenéis por vuestro fruto la santificación, y como fin, la vida eterna.”

La esclavitud tiene muchas conotaciones negativas; pero la verdad es que todos hemos nacido en esclavitud, esclavos del pecado. La única manera de liberarnos del gobierno del pecado y la muerte es pedir la transferencia de propiedad y convertirnos en esclavos de Dios. Nuestro nuevo Maestro entonces tiene la gracia y el poder para destrozar los nexos con el pecado y darnos el regalo de la verdadera libertad. Nunca somos libres por nosotros mismos, nunca somos nuestro propio maestro. Muchos viven bajo la ilusión de la libertad, pero somos esclavos del pecado o esclavos de Dios. Si rechazamos ser dirigidos por Dios, seremos absolutamente dirigidos y controlados por las atracciones pecaminosas del Mundo.

Si estamos luchando para romper las ataduras del pecado, primeramente debemos parar de pelear y someter nuestras vidas a Dios. Esta no es una batalla que podamos ganar en nuestras propias fuerzas! La única forma de ser verdaderamente libre es someternos a Dios y aceptar el regalo del perdón a través de Jesús. La sumisión no es un requerimiento opcional para Cristianos “maduros”; en lugar de eso, la sumisión es la esencia de la fe salvadora que comienza con admitir que no podemos salvarnos nosotros mismos y que tenemos que someternos a la gracia de Dios. La sumisión continúa mientras confiamos diaramente en Su gracia para vivir en acuerdo con los caminos de Su Espíritu.

Romanos 8:5-6
“Porque los que son de la carne piensan en las cosas de la carne; pero los que son del Espíritu, en las cosas del Espíritu. Porque el ocuparse de la carne es muerte, pero el ocuparse del Espíritu es vida y paz.”

Dios ahora está enviando Su llamado alrededor del mundo. En la quietud de nuestro corazón hemos oído Su llamado a acercarnos a una relación más íntima – una vida más consistentemente sometida a una verdadera devoción y adoración. Pero El nos pide que hagamos una elección: “escogeos hoy a quién sirváis” (Josué 24:15). Se nos ha ofrecido libertad del poder del pecado y la muerte. Abracemos por completo Su regalo, sometámonos a su guía, continuemos sometiendonos en cada oportunidad, adoremosle con todo nuestro corazón, y por siempre convirtámonos en…Sus devotos esclavos.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Nothing Can Compare

By on January 7, 2014

In the message “Calling God A Liar”, sent before the Christmas messages, we saw how the way we live directly reflects our true belief. If we do not follow His commands and trust His promises, we do not believe His Word and have effectively called God a liar. But as we draw near and give ourselves more fully into His hands, we learn that His promises are not only true, they are better than we imagined.

When Abraham was over eighty years old, God taught him a lesson on trusting His promises. Abraham became frustrated with God because there was no one to inherit his possessions: “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir” (Genesis 15:3). But God had other plans and made a promise to Abraham.

Genesis 15:4-5
“‘This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.’ He took him outside and said, ‘Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them.’ Then He said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.'”

Abraham waited many years for God’s promise to be fulfilled. Finally, when he was one hundred years old, Isaac was born; and through Isaac came Jacob, and through Jacob came the sons who formed the twelve tribes of Israel. Abraham was looking for someone to inherit his “stuff,” but God’s promise gave him an entire nation.

God gives many promises to us today, but they all flow from the promise first stated by Jesus; “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). We must not pass lightly over these words, for none of the other promises even apply until we have believed this basic truth.

We cannot move on to the promises of peace and contentment until we trust in the promise of forgiveness through faith in Jesus. When we begin to understand the significance of the gift of eternal life, we will know that nothing the world can offer will EVER compare to the promises of God…and NOTHING else will last. His promise is the only path to true peace. If we could better understand and really believe, perhaps we would spend less time and effort on pursuits which contain no lasting value – perhaps we would have less anxiety about all those things which only God can control.

Jesus shed His blood so we can truly live. His promise is greater than any worldly pleasure and outweighs ALL worldly trials; “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17). As we walk through this world, with all its pulls, temptations, and near constant turmoil, let’s hold tight to His promise and always remember…NOTHING can compare!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Nada Se Puede Comparar

By on January 7, 2014

En el mensaje “Llamar a Dios Mentiroso” vimos como la manera en que vivimos refleja directamente nuestra verdadera creencia. Si no obedecemos Sus mandamientos y confiamos en Sus promesas, no creemos en Su Palabra y hemos efectivamente llamado a Dios mentiroso. Pero mientras nos acercamos y nos entregamos completamente en Sus manos, aprendemos que Sus promesas no solo son verdad, sino que son mejor de lo que imaginamos.

Cuando Abraham tenía más de ochenta años, Dios le enseñó una lección de confiar en Sus promesas. Abraham se frustró con Dios porque no había nadie que heredara sus posesiones: “Como no me has dado prole, mi heredero será un esclavo nacido en mi casa” (Génesis 15:3). Pero Dios tenía otros planes e hizo una promesa a Abraham.

Génesis 15:4-5
“Luego vino a él palabra de Jehová, diciendo: No te heredará éste, sino un hijo tuyo será el que te heredará. Y lo llevó fuera, y le dijo: Mira ahora los cielos, y cuenta las estrellas, si las puedes contar. Y le dijo: Así será tu descendencia.”

Abraham esperó muchos años para que la promesa de Dios se cumpliera. Finalmente, cuando tenía cien años, nació Isaac. Y a través de Isaac vino Jacob, y a través de Jacob vinieron los hijos que formaron las doce tribus de Israel. Abraham estaba buscando a alguien para heredar sus “cosas,” pero la promesa de Dios le dió la nación entera.

Dios nos da muchas promesas ahora, pero todas ellas fluyen de la promesa inicialmente establecida por Jesús; “Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que ha dado a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree, no se pierda, mas tenga vida eterna” (Juan 3:16). No debemos pasar con ligereza sobre estas palabras, porque ninguna de las otras promesas aplica hasta que creemos las verdades básicas.

No podemos movernos en la promesa de paz y contentamiento hasta que confiamos en la promesa de perdón a través de la fe en Jesús. Cuando comenzamos a entender el significado del regalo de la vida eterna, sabremos que nada que el mundo pueda ofrecer se comparará JAMAS a las promesas de Dios…y NADA perdurará. Este es el único camino a la verdadera paz. Si pudiéramos entender mejor y realmente creer, quizás invertiríamos menos de nuestro tiempo y esfuerzo en perseguir lo que no contiene ningún valor duradero – quizás podríamos tener menos ansiedad acerca de las cosas controladas por Dios.

Jesucristo derramó Su sangre como sacrificio por el pecado de aquellos que creen. Su promesa es mejor que cualquier otro placer mundano y pesa más que todas las pruebas del mundo; “Porque esta leve tribulación momentánea produce en nosotros un cada vez más excelente y eterno peso de gloria” (2 Corintios 4:17). Mientras caminamos en este mundo, con todas sus atracciones y tentaciones, aferremos fuertemente a Su promesa y siempre recordemos que…NADA se puede comparar.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Resolve To Be Transformed

By on January 6, 2014

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

Last year I announced a goal to run 1509 miles in 2013. I started the year on a good pace but then toward the end of January our daughter was diagnosed with an advanced stage of ovarian cancer. Running became more difficult to manage in between trips to the hospital and the 24/7 care required with chemotherapy. However, having the goal gave me the motivation to run when my natural tendency would have been to just sit and cry. Getting away for a run turned out to be excellent therapy during a difficult time.

Then in March I became involved with a bike ride for the American Cancer Society. The ride took place in July but my training began in April. The result was an additional goal of 3000 bike miles for 2013. I completed my running miles on Christmas day and my biking miles a few days before New Years. Yes, I believe that goals, resolutions, can be useful.

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

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

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

Bible reading would make a great resolution for 2014. If you began a plan last year but did not finish, please do not be discouraged. Rather, consider what you accomplished and simply continue. It really makes no difference if you finish the Bible in one year or in two or three. But a habit of reading and studying God’s Word can make a lasting transformation in our life.

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

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

There are many other eternal types of resolutions. So on our list of things to do differently this year – our list of resolutions – I pray we include more time with God in prayer, more time in His Word, more time loving Him with ALL our heart, seeking His presence, and earnestly desiring to know, and do, His will. Let our prayer for one another be that we draw ever closer to our Heavenly Father and experience His love new and fresh every day. In this new year, let’s make eternal resolutions as we resolve to be transformed!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Off The Throne

By on January 5, 2014

After the birth of Jesus, Magi (wise men) came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2). When King Herod heard about this he became greatly disturbed. Herod had been appointed King of the Jews by the Roman government; but he was only partially Jewish and not well accepted by the people.

King Herod knew of the Jewish scriptures and how the people were waiting for the Messiah; “The government will be on His shoulders” (Isaiah 9:6). He heard the words of the prophet which told where the new ruler would be born; “Out of you {Bethlehem} will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel” (Micah 5:2). Herod viewed the news of this new ruler as a great threat. How would this affect his right to be king? Would he lose power? prestige? control? …comfort!? The potential harm was unbearable so Herod decided to take action.

Matthew 2:16
“He gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under.”

Many people today are not much different than Herod. Even when they recognize Jesus and clearly see their need, they fear losing the ability to direct their own path. They may not actually take steps to destroy Christ, but the thought of releasing control seems unbearable. Somehow, they have been taught that submission equates to failure. But the reality is that true “success” is only found in Christ, and true comfort is only obtained by being set free from the power of sin and the entanglement of this world.

Jesus was, and always will be, very threatening to those who insist on sitting on a throne. It’s foolishness to think Jesus will accept the position of Co-King. Those who attempt to enter a relationship with Jesus while trying to maintain their “right to rule” will never really know Him, and certainly never experience His peace.

Jesus will give Himself to “whoever believes in Him” (John 3:13). But in return, He asks for our total devotion: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). We give Him proper worship – the worship He deserves – only as we submit and exalt Him above all else; “He must become greater, I must become less” (John 3:30).

As we begin this new year, let’s ensure our relationship with Jesus is aligned with God’s plan. He is the rightful Ruler and King – the Savior and Lord! Let’s trust and worship Him with all our heart, and refuse to be threatened by His right to lead. Let’s decide once and for all to relinquish control and get our pride-filled self off the throne.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Ministry Update – The Families

By on December 30, 2013

Past Ministry Update messages can be found at:

http://gdwm.org/index.php/category/end-of-year-2013/

This year we committed to running a preschool in the area of Mathare, a greatly impoverished area outside of Nairoi, Kenya. As we continue this project, it is necessary to develop a ministry plan. How is God leading? What are the goals for the ministry? How can we have the greatest impact in the community? We began this process by getting to know the families of our preschool kids.

Several months ago we set out to visit the families and found the smallest household consisted of 3 people, and the highest 8, in a single room,10 by 10 shanty. All of the households faced similar financial problems, with most struggling to daily put some food on the table. The average income per household is about 5000 shillings per month, about $60 US dollars. The challenges are great!

The mothers reported that the preschool has brought a big sigh of relief as they now know their young children will be off the streets and have good nutrition throughout the day. The health of the children has greatly improved, with fewer visits to the clinic. Also, by opening our doors to the children and sharing the love of Christ in this way, many families have been receptive to learning more about Christ. The preschool functions as a church on Sunday and families have begun to attend.

We have much work yet to do with regard to things like space (how many kids can we teach in a certain size room and how should we expand) and how to best minister to the families. The property in this area is surprisingly expensive so we will probably continue to rent for the present. I would also like to hire an individual who can be more dedicated to ministering to the families. Your prayers in this area would be appreciated.

As the year comes to a close, please pray about how you might join us in this much needed work. The Donate Now button, at the bottom of this message, is for credit card donations. Donations through Paypal can be made through our web site at:

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

Donation can also be sent through the mail to:

God’s Daily Word Ministries
P.O. Box 190
Lorena, TX 76655

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 27 Zechariah 10:1-11:17; Revelation 18:1-24; Psalm 146:1-10; Proverbs 30:33
Dec 28 Zechariah 12:1-13:9; Revelation 19:1-21; Psalm 147:1-20; Proverbs 31:1-7
Dec 29 Zechariah 14:1-21; Revelation 20:1-15; Psalm 148:1-14; Proverbs 31:8-9
Dec 30 Malachi 1:1-2:17; Revelation 21:1-27; Psalm 149:1-9; Proverbs 31:10-24
Dec 31 Malachi 3:1-4:6; Revelation 22:1-21; Psalm 150:1-6; Proverbs 31:25-31

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1509 Run Miles in 2013 : Goal 1509 miles
3000 Bike Miles in 2013 : Goal 3000 miles Goals Met! Praise God!!!!

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The Last Unopened Gift

By on December 26, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 25 Zechariah 8:1-23; Revelation 16:1-21; Psalm 144:1-15; Proverbs 30:29-31
Dec 26 Zechariah 9:1-17; Revelation 17:1-18; Psalm 145:1-21; Proverbs 30:32

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A Lifetime of Waiting

By on December 24, 2013

Seventeen years ago God nudged me down a path which changed my life. The email ministry which began as an idea for the distribution of encouragement has taught me much, blessed our family, and provided many unique opportunities. But there have also been frustrations with seeking clear direction. We have usually only been able to see the next small step down the road. The result has been a continual asking of God, an on-going preparation to follow, and a difficult process of waiting. Looking back we can clearly see His loving Hand of guidance in every step, but looking forward we try to not grow impatient as we seek, trust…and wait.

Why is waiting so difficult? I’m afraid our “get-it-now” society doesn’t prepare us very well for waiting. Many around the world have a different concept of time and seem to live a much more relaxed and patient life, but most of us are taught, almost from birth, to expect immediate gratification. We want, we get; we want some more, we get some more. Accomplishment is defined by running and spinning; but the result is usually just a spinning out of control.

Our world hasn’t always been this way. There was a time long ago when people truly knew how to wait on the Lord.

Joseph and Mary were devout Jews who followed the laws of Moses. Therefore, forty days after Jesus was born they “took Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22). This was done in recognition of God’s command, “The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me” (Exodus 13:2). They also offered a sacrifice as a burnt offering and sin offering, “a pair of doves and two young pigeons” (Luke 2:24).

This was the process all Jews followed when a child was born. But when Joseph and Mary entered the temple court, holding the baby Jesus, something stirred in a man called Simeon.

Luke 2:25-26
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”

Simeon approach Joseph and Mary, held Jesus and gave a wonderful praise and prophesy. But let’s not miss what was said about this man called Simeon. He was devoted to God, and he was waiting. How long was he willing to wait? Well, the only time frame he was given was that he would have his answer sometime before he died. He did not know if this would mean days, months, or many years, but he was willing to wait.

We need to regain this ability, this trust which is content to wait for God’s direction. The promises of God are that He will reveal His direction; He will lead, comfort, and “renew {our} strength” (Isaiah 40:31), but we must be willing to wait and continue to do what we know we have already been given to do. During this Christmas season, let’s renew our trust in the God who has so perfectly revealed Himself through the birth of Jesus. Let’s commit to following Him all our days and be determined to trust Him through a lifetime of waiting.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 24 Zechariah 6:1-7:14; Revelation 15:1-8; Psalm 143:1-12; Proverbs 30:24-28

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Alone For Christmas

By on December 23, 2013

Today I have a short and simple message of encouragement and exhortation. The necessity of this message was revealed in a note I received last week.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

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

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1505.05 Run Miles in 2013 : Goal 1509 miles
2812.30 Bike Miles in 2013 : Goal 3000 miles

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