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Let It Shine

By on March 27, 2013

After walking with His disciples for three years, Jesus gave the command to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Jesus taught them the full gospel message and revealed the wonderful truths about our Heavenly Father; “I have made You known to them and will continue to make You known” (John 17:26).

The disciples had been blessed with an awesome knowledge of the truth and now had the responsibility to take this message to all the nations, “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). But this was not a new command. Toward the beginning of His ministry, Jesus taught about the need to share our true life in Christ.

Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men.”

When we place our faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin we are “rescued from the dominion of darkness” (Colossians 1:13). Where darkness once ruled, the Light of Jesus now reigns supreme; “Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life” (John 8:12). Receiving His free gift of light allows us to see His path. It should also light the path for others to follow!

Being given the Light of Christ is an awesome blessing; but with this gift also comes a very real responsibility. Every day God gives us opportunities to share our faith, to share our light; but when we keep silent, we cover our lamp and deprive our flame of vital oxygen. It doesn’t take long for such a flame to begin to weaken, flicker, and die!

We must keep the fire going by sharing our faith! As a child of God, we have become “Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Though God doesn’t need us to accomplish His work, He has invited (even commanded) us to play a part in His wonderful plan. The world was spiritually dark when Jesus arrived, and there remains many areas of darkness today. We have the responsibility, and the privilege, of helping to light one small corner, of pushing back the darkness with our light.

Let’s faithfully share the truth of Jesus wherever we are sent. When we receive the Light of Christ, we should no more keep it to ourselves than we should keep our breath inside our body once we are born (neither are very healthy). This precious gift, given by grace through faith, comes with a command. We must continue to hold the Light high and let it shine!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

 

**** Reading Plan ****

Mar 27 Deuternomy 7:1-8:20; Luke 7:36-8:3; Psalms 69:1-18; Proverbs 12:1

350.62 miles in 2013 : Goal 1509 miles

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Déjela Brillar

By on March 27, 2013

Después de andar con Sus discípulos por tres años, Jesús les dio el mandato de “vayan y hagan discípulos de todas las naciones” (Mateo 28:19). Jesús les enseñó el mensaje completo del evangelio y reveló las verdades maravillosas acerca de nuestro Padre Celestial: “Yo les he dado a conocer quién eres, y seguiré haciéndolo” (Juan 17:26).

Los discípulos fueron bendecidos con un conocimiento asombroso de la verdad y ahora tuvieron la responsabilidad de llevar este mensaje a todas las naciones; “enseñándoles a obedecer todo lo que les he mandado a ustedes” (Mateo 28:20). Este no fue un mandato nuevo. Hacia el principio del ministerio de Jesús, El enseñó acerca de la necesidad de compartir nuestra vida en Cristo con otros.

Mateo 5:14-16
“Ustedes son la luz del mundo. Una ciudad en lo alto de una colina no puede esconderse. Ni se enciende una lámpara para cubrirla con un cajón. Por el contrario, se pone en la repisa para que alumbre a todos los que están en la casa. Hagan brillar su luz delante de todos.”

Cuando pusimos nuestra fe en Jesús por el perdón del pecado, “nos libró del dominio de la oscuridad” (Colosenses 1:13). Donde reinaba la oscuridad, la Luz de Jesús ahora reina suprema: “El que me sigue no andará en tinieblas, sino que tendrá la luz de la vida” (Juan 8:12). ¡Recibir Su regalo de luz nos permita a ver Su camino y también debe iluminar el camino para que otros pueden seguir!

Que se nos halla dado la Luz de Cristo es una maravillosa bendición, pero este regalo viene con una responsabilidad real. Cada día Dios nos da oportunidades para compartir nuestra fe, a compartir nuestra luz; pero cuando nos quedamos quietos, cubrimos nuestra lámpara y privamos nuestra llama del oxígeno vital. No tarda mucho antes que la llama comienza a debilitar, parpadear, y morir!

¡Tenemos que mantener el fuego compartiendo nuestra fe! Como hijos de Dios, hemos llegado a ser “embajadores de Cristo, como si Dios los exhortara a ustedes por medio de nosotros” (2 Corintios 5:20). Aunque Dios no nos necesita para cumplir Su trabajo, El nos ha invitado (y nos ha mandado) a formar parte de Su plan maravilloso. El mundo estaba Espiritualmente oscuro cuando llegó Jesús y áreas de oscuridad permanecen hoy en día. Nosotros tenemos la responsabilidad, y el privilegio, de ayudar iluminar una pequeña esquina y hacer retroceder la oscurridad con nuestra luz.

Compartamos con fe la verdad de Jesús dondequiera que nos envíen. Cuando recibimos la Luz de Cristo, no debemos contenerla para nosotros mismos tanto como no debemos contener nuestra respiración una vez que nacimos (ninguno es muy saludable). Este regalo precioso, dado por gracia a través de la fe, viene con un mandamiento. ¡Debemos continuar levantando la Luz en alto y dejarla brillar!

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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The Most Important Question

By on March 26, 2013

We seem to spend an enormous amount of time evaluating questions about our future: what school we will attend, what job we will work, who we will marry, and where we will live. These are important questions and deserve careful consideration. But have we given proper thought to the question which determines our eternal future?

If the Bible is simply a collection of stories and the thoughts of crazy men, then there is no eternity and you need read no further – the next several years are all we have, so make the most of them. But if the Bible is, in some form, a message from and about God, then there is nothing of greater importance! His message says we continue to live long after our physical body ceases to breathe. Though we pass from this earth, we continue to live – we either live in eternal joy and peace, or eternal pain and separation. There is no greater question: Where WILL we spend eternity?

When Jesus died, He was nailed to a cross along with two other men. These men were thieves and both mocked Jesus for claiming to be the Son of God. But at some point during those long hours on the cross, one of the men demonstrated a changed heart and had his eternal future radically altered.

Luke 23:40-41
“‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.'”

In the last moment of life, this common thief pointed the way to eternal peace. He recognized his sin and understood he deserved death. We ALL sin and fall short of God’s standard; and this sin deserves death, eternal separation from God. But praise God we need not dwell in this hopeless state. The thief turned from his sin, toward Jesus as the One who would conquer death; “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

Though the thief had nothing to give, he surrendered ALL. God’s Word never says there are specific acts which determine our eternal future. We are simply told to believe in Jesus with such a belief that we call out with complete surrender. When the thief recognized and turned from his sin, with humility toward Jesus as his only hope, Jesus answered as He promises to answer us today; “I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

In that moment the thief had his answer. No longer a thief but a Child of God, he would live forever in joy and peace. Let’s not allow another day to go by without knowing where we will spend eternity! Have we recognized and turned from the sin within our heart? Have we humbly placed our life in His hands? Do we really believe? Today, let’s make sure we know the answer to the most important question.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

 

**** Reading Plan ****

Mar 26 Deuternomy 5:1-6:25; Luke 7:11-35; Psalm 68:19-35; Proverbs 11:29-31

342.39 miles in 2013 : Goal 1509 miles

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La Pregunta Más Importante

By on March 26, 2013

Parece que pasamos una gran cantidad de tiempo evaluando cuestiones acerca de nuestro futuro: a que escuela asistiremos, en que trabajaremos, a donde viviremos. Estas son preguntas importantes y merecen cuidadosa consideración. Pero, ¿Hemos dado suficiente consideración a lo que determina nuestro futuro eterno?

Si la Biblia es una simple colección de historias y pensamientos de hombres locos, entonces no hay eternidad y no se necesita leer más – los próximos años son todo lo que tenemos, hagamos lo mejor de ellos. Pero si la Biblia es el mensaje directo de Dios, entonces no hay nada de mayor importancia! Su mensaje dice que continuamos viviendo mucho después que nuestro cuerpo físico deja de respirar. Aún cuando pasamos de esta tierra, continuamos viviendo – viviendo en eterna paz y gozo, o eterno dolor y sufrimiento. No hay una pregunta mas importante: ¿A donde PASAREMOS la eternidad?

Cuando Jesús murió, El fue clavado en una cruz junto con otros dos hombres. Estos hombres eran ladrones y ambos se burlaron de Jesús por proclamar ser el Hijo de Dios. Pero en algún punto durante esas largas horas en la cruz, uno de esos hombres demostró un cambio en su corazón e hizo una radical alteración en su futuro eterno.

Lucas 23:40-41
“Respondiendo el otro, le reprendió, diciendo: ¿Ni aun temes tú a Dios, estando en la misma condenación? Nosotros, a la verdad, justamente padecemos, porque recibimos lo que merecieron nuestros hechos; mas éste ningún mal hizo.”

En el último momento de la vida, este ladrón común señaló el camino a la paz eterna. El reconoció su pecado y comprendió que merecía morir. Todos pecamos y nos quedamos cortos con relación al estándar de Dios; y este pecado merece la muerte, sufrimiento y dolor eternos. Pero demos gloria a Dios porque no necesitemos habitar en este estado en donde no hay esperanza. El ladrón se volvió de su pecado, hacia Jesús como el Único que podría conquistar la muerte; “Y dijo a Jesús: Acuérdate de mí cuando vengas en tu reino” (Lucas 23:42).

Aún cuando el ladrón no tenia nada que dar, el entregó TODO. La Palabra de Dios nunca dice que hallan actos específicos que determinen nuestro futuro eterno. Simplemente se nos dijo que debemos creer en Jesús de tal manera que podamos entregarnos completamente. Cuando el ladrón reconoció y se volvió de su pecado, con humildad hacia Jesús como su única esperanza, Jesús respondió como el ha prometido respondernos ahora; “De cierto te digo que hoy estarás conmigo en el paraíso” (Lucas 23:43).

En ese momento ese ladrón tuvo su respuesta. No más un ladrón sino un hijo de Dios, viviría para siempre en paz y gozo. No permitamos que otro día pase sin saber a donde pasaremos la eternidad! ¿Hemos reconocido el pecado que hay en nuestro corazón? ¿Nos hemos alejado de el? ¿Hemos puesto humildemente nuestra vida en sus manos? ¿Creemos realmente? Ahora, asegurémonos que sabemos la respuesta a la pregunta mas importante.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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My Heroes

By on March 25, 2013

I was going to title this message “Cancer Stinks” – actually, I was going to use a stronger word than “stinks” – but, although it would have captured my thoughts about the cancer struggles with my daughter, it placed the focus on the cancer rather than the ones who are really in the middle of the battle.

On January 24th, our twelve year old daughter was diagnosed with an advanced stage of ovarian cancer, and since that time life has been a blur.  Even though we can call this blur a New Normal and we are all learning how to adjust, it is still extremely difficult.  Two weeks ago we saw that Kaylee’s hair had begun to fall out because of the chemotherapy, and she decided to get a short haircut in order to minimize the mess of hair on her pillow and clothes.  Well, the new haircut lasted almost one week.

On the morning we were to enter the hospital to begin her second round of chemotherapy, the day which also happened to be her thirteenth birthday, after larger and larger clumps of hair began to brush out, she made the brave decision and asked me to shave her head.  Of course, I have been telling people for years that bald is beautiful, but now I think everyone will have to agree.  These little baldies are gorgeous!

There are many young bald heads around the Children’s Cancer area of the hospital, and also many at the Ronald McDonald house where we stay.  And, although the initial loss of hair is traumatic, all of the patients and families I’ve talked to agree that the loss of hair ends up at the bottom of the list of concerning issues.  There are much bigger things that consume your day!

The younger girl in the picture is the three year old with brain cancer we met in a previous message:

http://gdwm.org/index.php/2013/02/the-faces-of-cancer/

She was not having a very good day because her blood counts were low and she needed a transfusion.  Since then she had to go to the emergency room because the transfusion did not seem to be working and her fever was beginning to rise.  Our daughter is smiling in the picture, and was having a good “moment,” but the smiles are few and far between these days.  Cancer….stinks!

I have been pondering a biblical application which I have studied, thought I understood, and have written about in the past.  However, I’m realizing how our experiences must be allowed to interact with what we read in order to yield true meaning.  The following passage is often quoted in showing us how we are to face our trials.

James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

I believe I have previously written that we ought to get to the point in our walk of faith where we can actually be thankful for our trials because we know the good it is bringing into our life.  After all, isn’t that what this passage calls us to do?  Well, if that is what the passage is saying, and if children’s cancer can be classified as a “trial,” then I have no other choice than to reject the passage.  I now think we sound pretty foolish when we smile and tell people to have joy in trials.  I sure hope we can make large allowances for trials where there is no joy to be found; where it is alright to NOT have joy in the trial.  Or maybe we need a term other than trial for certain levels of hardship.  Let me know what you think.

The day may come when our family will look back on all this and be thankful, even joyful, for this segment of our journey.  As many of you have done, we may consider this the most significant part of our spiritual and emotional growth.  But we are not there yet.  My heart aches for our daughter, for my wife, for my other children, for the many families we have met thus far, and for many of you who are going through your own hardships at this very moment.  Right now there is no joy in this particular event.  However, I am thankful for the endurance of my daughter, how she continues to mature, and how our family is working together during this hardship.  Regardless of how this journey progresses, cancer will always stink and those who are thrown into the battle will always be my heroes!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Mar 25 Deuternomy 4:1-49; Luke 6:39-7:10; Psalm 68:1-18; Proverbs 11:28

Resources

333.23 miles in 2013 : Goal 1509 miles

 

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In Whom We Trust

By on March 21, 2013

Hezekiah became the king of Judah soon after the northern tribes of Israel had been taken captive by the Assyrians. Judah was now being threatened by this same Assyrian army. Hezekiah was young and had a strong desire to do right in the eyes of God, but his faith was being greatly tested.

Seeing his kingdom would soon be under attack, Hezekiah sought help through an alliance with Egypt. Though this alliance was not wrong in itself, the action was taken out of fear and without consulting God. This action was not only foolish, it was sin!

Isaiah 31:1
“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord.”

Hezekiah made the same mistake all too common among believers today. We say we believe God’s Word is true, but fail to trust Him with the real trials of our life. It was easier for Hezekiah to place his trust in what he could see, than in the Hand of God which he “believed” but remained unseen.

When the Assyrian’s actually attacked Jerusalem, Hezekiah’s faith had greatly increased. As he spoke with his soldiers, Hezekiah demonstrated full confidence in God.

2 Chronicles 32:7-8
“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.”

Where do we turn when the enemy threatens? If our faith is restricted to the inside of church walls on Sunday morning, we are definitely ill-prepared. We must learn to walk in the presence of God all through our day so we KNOW God is with us.

When we trust Him and love Him with ALL our heart, we begin to walk in victory regardless of the physical outcome of a particular battle. God may certainly direct us to protect ourselves, avoid conflict, or seek the best medical treatments available; but with our eyes firmly set on Jesus, we must understand the real war has already been won. This truth is worth repeating! Regardless of the outcome in each of life’s many battles, the end of the Book has already been written…Jesus wins!! When we are under attack, let’s put substance to our faith and allow our lives to demonstrate in Whom we trust!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Mar 21 Numbers 32:1-33:39; Luke 4:33-5:11; Psalm 64:1-10; Proverbs 11:22
Mar 22 Numbers 33:40-35:34; Luke 5:12-28; Psalm 65:1-13; Proverbs 11:23
Mar 23 Num.-Deut 36:1-1:46; Luke 5:29-6:11; Psalm 66:1-20; Proverbs 11:24-26
Mar 24 Deuternomy 2:1-3:29; Luke 6:12-38; Psalm 67:1-7; Proverbs 11:27

Resources

315.21 miles in 2013 : Goal 1509 miles

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En Quien Confiamos

By on March 21, 2013

Ezequías se convirtió en rey de Judá pronto después que las tribus del norte de Israel habían sido tomadas por los Asirios. Judá estaba ahora siendo amenazado por el mismo ejército Asirio. Ezequías era joven y tenía un fuerte deseo de hacer lo bueno ante los ojos de Dios, pero su fe estaba siendo probada en gran manera.

Viendo que su reino pronto sería atacado, Ezequías buscó ayuda a través de una alianza con Egipto. Aún cuando esta alianza no estaba errada en si misma, la acción fue tomada por el temor y sin consultar a Dios. Esta acción no solo era una tontería sino que era un pecado!

Isaías 31:1
“Ay de los que descienden a Egipto por ayuda, y confían en caballos; y su esperanza ponen en carros, porque son muchos, y en jinetes, porque son valientes; y no miran al Santo de Israel, ni buscan a Jehová.”

Ezequías cometió el mismo error tan común entre los creyentes ahora. Decimos que creemos que la Palabra de Dios es verdad, pero fallamos en confiar en El con las pruebas verdaderas de nuestra vida. Fue más fácil para Ezequías poner su confianza en lo que podía ver, que en la Mano de Dios en la cual “creía,” pero se mantenía invisible.

Cuando los Asirios actualmente atacaron a Jerusalen, la fe de Ezequías había crecido de gran manera. Mientras habló con sus soldados, Ezequías demostró confianza completa en Dios.

2 Crónicas 32:7-8
“No temáis, ni tengáis miedo del rey de Asiria, ni de toda la multitud que con él viene; porque más hay con nosotros que con él. Con él está el brazo de carne, mas con nosotros está Jehová nuestro Dios para ayudarnos y pelear nuestras batallas.”

¿Hacia donde nos volvemos cuando el enemigo nos amenaza? Si nuestra fe esta restringida al interior de las paredes de la iglesia el domingo en la mañana, definitivamente no estamos preparados. Debemos aprender a caminar en la presencia de Dios durante todo nuestro día, para SABER que Dios esta con nosotros.

Cuando confiamos en El y lo amamos con TODO nuestro corazón, comenzamos a caminar en victoria no importando cual sea el resultado físico de una batalla en particular. Dios ciertamente podría dirigirnos a protegernos o evitar un conflicto; pero con nuestros ojos firmemente puestos en Jesús, debemos comprender que la guerra verdadera ya fue ganada. Esto simplemente vale la pena repetirlo: sin importar el resultado en cada una de la muchas batallas de la vida, el final del Libro ya fue escrito…Jesús gana! Cuando somos atacados, pongamos sustancia a nuestra fe y permitamos que nuestras vidas demuestren en Quien confiamos!

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Just Passing Through

By on March 20, 2013

It’s a great privilege to be part of God’s creation. Through the beauty of this world we have the honor to view “God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature” (Romans 1:20). Every plant and animal; every hill, valley and body of water; every star in the sky and every man, woman and child declare the glory of God and attest to His majesty. And yet, as glorious as this world may be…it is not our home.

Philippians 3:19-21
“Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in Heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.”

When we place our trust in Jesus, He provides a way for us to be united with God and “adopted as His sons” (Ephesians 1:5). We are adopted by grace and become “fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household” (Ephesians 2:19). If we could gain even a small understanding of “God’s household,” we would hold very loosely any of our attachments to this world.

Abraham lived his life by faith. When God called Abraham to pack all his household and move, he obeyed “even though he did not know where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8). Abraham was never concerned with his earthly dwelling; he was “longing for a better country – a Heavenly one” (Hebrews 11:16). Abraham honored God through faith while remaining an “alien and a stranger on earth” (Hebrews 11:13).

We have been placed in this world with all its beauty and with all its temptations. In fact, when we give our life to Christ, we are sent into the world for a purpose; “As You have sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world” (John 17:18). But we must NEVER become identified by the values of the world or driven by anything it can offer. We are sent into the world, but we must not be part of the world system; “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it” (John 17:16).

Our home is defined as the place we feel most comfortable; the place we store our treasures and find rest for our soul. If we are a child of God, our eternal home is in His presence and we ought to be able to say, “Take everything I own but leave me Jesus and I will have enough!” This world can be VERY beautiful and our lives should always be a productive expression of worship for our Lord. But we must remember that our citizenship is in Heaven; and for all the days we walk this earth, we must walk as though we are just passing through!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Mar 20 Numbers 30:1-31:54; Luke 4:1-32; Psalm 63:1-11; Proverbs 11:20-21

Resources

315.21 miles in 2013 : Goal 1509 miles

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Solo Estamos de Paso

By on March 20, 2013

Es un gran privilegio ser parte de la creación de Dios. A través de la belleza de este mundo, tenemos el honor de poder ver “las cosas invisibles de él, su eterno poder y deidad” (Romanos 1:20). Cada planta y animal; cada montaña, valle o agua; cada estrella en el cielo y cada hombre, mujer y niño declaran la gloria de Dios y testifican de su majestuosidad. Y aún, tan glorioso como este mundo puede ser…no es nuestro hogar.

Filipenses 3:19-21
“Sólo piensan en lo terrenal. Mas nuestra ciudadanía está en los cielos, de donde también esperamos al Salvador, al Señor Jesucristo; el cual transformará el cuerpo de la humillación nuestra, para que sea semejante al cuerpo de la gloria suya.”

Cuando ponemos nuestra confianza en Jesús, El nos provee una manera para estar unidos con Dios y ser “adoptados hijos suyos” (Efesios 1:5). Somos adoptados por gracia y nos volvemos “conciudadanos de los santos, y miembros de la familia de Dios,” (Efesios 2:19). Si pudiéramos tener aún un pequeño entendimiento del “Hogar de Dios,” mantendríamos mas flojas nuestras amarras con este mundo.

Abraham vivió su vida por fe. Cuando Dios llamó a Abraham a empacar todo lo de su hogar y moverse, el obedeció “y salió sin saber a dónde iba” (Hebreos 11:8). Abraham nunca estuvo preocupado por su morada terrenal; el “anhelaba una patria mejor, es decir, la celestial” (Hebreos 11:16). Abraham honró a Dios a través de su fe mientras se mantuvo como “extranjero y peregrino sobre la tierra” (Hebreos 11:13).

Hemos sido puestos en el mundo con toda su belleza y con todas sus tentaciones. De hecho, cuando entregamos nuestra vida a Cristo, somos específicamente enviados al mundo con el propósito del ministerio; “Como tú me enviaste al mundo, así yo los he enviado al mundo” (Juan 17:18). Pero NUNCA debemos identificarnos con los valores del mundo ni ser manejados por lo que este ofrece. Somos enviados al mundo, pero nunca seremos del mundo; “No son del mundo, como tampoco yo soy del mundo” (Juan 17:16).

Nuestro hogar esta definido como el lugar en donde nos sentimos mas cómodos; el lugar en donde guardamos nuestros tesoros y encontramos descanso para nuestra alma. Si somos hijos de Dios, nuestra morada eterna es el Cielo y debemos ser capaces de decir, “Toma todo lo que tengo pero dejame a Jesús y tendré suficiente!” Este mundo puede ser MUY hermoso y nuestras vidas deberian ser siempre una expresión productiva de adoración para nuestro Señor. Pero tenemos que siempre recordar que nuestra ciudadanía esta en el Cielo; y por todos los dias que caminamos en esta tierra, debemos caminar como si solo estuvieramos de paso!

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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We Will Not Fear

By on March 19, 2013

In these times of great uncertainty – with concern about things like war, terrorism, the economy, and, I need to add, our health and the health of our children – let’s always remember, our Heavenly Father is the Creator of the Universe. He formed the Heavens and the Earth out of nothing; and, as we place our trust in Him, He has given a basic promise: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). His desire is for us to draw nearer in our love and worship, and allow His Spirit to remove all fear.

Psalm 46:1-3
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

Although we are uncertain what tomorrow may bring, we ought to have confidence in the One who has promised to walk with us through all our tomorrows and guide us home. If we believe Jesus died for our sin, rose again in victory over death, and is seated at the right hand of the Father – if we surrender our life to who He is and what He has done – our eternal home has been firmly established; “Our citizenship is in Heaven” (Philippians 3:20). As a child of the Sovereign King, as one who believes in our eternal future, we no longer have reason to fear; “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship” (Romans 8:15).

We no longer have a reason, but still we fear. The unknown is scary and makes us feel out of control. But as we pray for an end to violence, and as we strive to make this world safer, better educated, and more prosperous, and as we continually pray for healing, we must understand there is only one true solution to our fear.

Our fear will only be removed as we love the Lord with ALL our heart, soul, mind and strength. When we understand that our life is not our own, we will love with a complete abandonment to His desire. We will pray and live each day with the surrender demonstrated by Christ; “Father…not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). As we live each day to bring Him glory and honor, fear WILL begin to fade: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18).

Yes, these days, and all days, contain some uncertainty. If we continue to focus on what we can see, there will always be uncertainties. But our faith, hope, and joy are in His eternal glory, not in this world which will one day pass away. Let’s refuse to let our fear of the unknown cripple our love or service for God. There is still much work He has for us to do. Let’s pray that our love will increase, that our worship will intensify, and that we will boldly stand up and proclaim, “We will not fear!”

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Mar 19 Numbers 28:15-29:40; Luke 3:23-38; Psalm 62:1-12; Proverbs 11:18-19

Resources

307.20 miles in 2013 : Goal 1509 miles

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No Temeremos

By on March 19, 2013

En estos tiempos de gran incertidumbre – en lo concerniente a la guerra, al terrorismo, y la economía – siempre recordemos, que nuestro Padre Celestial es el Creador del Universo. El formó los cielos y la tierra de la nada, y si ponemos nuestra confianza en El, El ha dado una promesa básica: “No te desampararé, ni te dejaré” (Hebreos 13:5). Su deseo para nosotros es que estemos más cerca en nuestro amor y adoración, y que permitamos que Su Espíritu remueva todo temor.

Salmo 46:1-3
“Dios es nuestro amparo y fortaleza, Nuestro pronto auxilio en las tribulaciones. Por tanto, no temeremos, aunque la tierra sea removida, Y se traspasen los montes al corazón del mar; Aunque bramen y se turben sus aguas, Y tiemblen los montes a causa de su braveza.”

Aunque no tenemos certeza de lo que el mañana pueda traer, debemos tener confianza en El que realmente controla el mañana. Si creemos que Jesús murió por nuestro pecado, se levantó otra vez en victoria sobre la muerte, y está sentado a la derecha del Padre; si nosotros rendimos nuestra vida a lo que El es y lo que El hizo, nuestra morada eterna ha sido firmemente establecida; “nuestra ciudadanía está en los cielos” (Filipenses 3:20). Como hijos del Rey Soberano – como uno que cree en nuestro futuro eterno – no tenemos más razón para temer; “Pues no habéis recibido el espíritu de esclavitud para estar otra vez en temor, sino que habéis recibido el espíritu de adopción” (Romanos 8:15).

Ya no tenemos razón, pero aún así tememos. Lo desconocido nos atemoriza y nos hace sentir fuera de control. Pero mientras oramos por un fin a la violencia – mientras tratamos de hacer este mundo más seguro, mejor educado, y más próspero – debemos comprender que hay una sola verdadera solución a nuestro temor.

Nuestros temores solo serán removidos si amamos al Señor con TODO nuestro corazón, alma, mente y fuerza. Cuando comprendemos que nuestra vida no es nuestra, amaremos con completo abandono a Sus deseos. Oraremos y viviremos cada día con la entrega demostrada por Cristo; “Padre…no se haga Mi voluntad, sino la Tuya” (Lucas 22:42). De la manera que vivimos cada día para darle honor y gloria a El, el temor SERA removido: “En el amor no hay temor, sino que el perfecto amor echa fuera el temor” (1 Juan 4:18).

Si, estos días tiene alguna incertidumbre. Si continuamos enfocando en lo que podemos ver, siempre habrá incertidumbres. Pero nuestra fe, esperanza, y gozo están en Su eterna gloria – no en este mundo que un día pasará. Rechacemos que el temor a lo desconocido invalide nuestro servicio por Dios. Hay aún mucho trabajo que El tiene para nosotros. Oremos para que nuestro amor se incremente, que nuestra adoración se intensifique, y que nosotros valientemente nos pongamos de pie y proclamemos: “¡No temeremos!”

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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United in Purpose

By on March 18, 2013

In the message “His Disciples” we saw how our love for one another demonstrates we are true followers of Jesus Christ; “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). We saw our call for a sacrificial love, focused on those with clear needs – the lonely, hurting, anxious, depressed or hungry – needs which require definite action.

But there is another expression of Christian love – a love which is still sacrificial, but one that requires us to withhold certain actions, place restraints on our words, and definitely increase our time in prayer. This is the love which leads to unity in our local fellowship.

1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

There is a story of a man lost at sea. He is treading water and has given up all hope. Suddenly, a ship appears on the horizon and moves his way. His strength surges as he wildly waves his arms; rescue is near! But as the ship gets closer, he sees the passengers yelling at one another; many are punching, kicking, and spitting; and some are even being thrown overboard. It doesn’t take long for the man to begin swimming as fast as he can AWAY from the ship.

We are passengers on the gospel ship, and God’s Word continually calls us to unity; “conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ…stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). If we are united with Christ, we ought to be “like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (Philippians 2:2). As Jesus prayed to the Father, He made it clear why we are to unite: “so the world may believe that You have sent Me” (John 17:21).

Unity is never a call for compromise on the essentials of the gospel. We must never give a single step of ground regarding the necessity of faith in the sacrifice of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin. But when we begin to divide over issues like the format of our worship service, the structure of our programs, or the look of our facility, perhaps we have stepped over the line of Biblical unity.

I can’t define the exact line of unity in your local fellowship; many of our doctrinal positions will stretch our understanding of gospel essentials. But I can confidently suggest there is greater room for unity than what first appears. If all of us will honestly remove our pride and understand God’s purpose in a unified fellowship, we will see much more room for grace and love. Let’s truly show the love of Christ. Let’s all draw closer and closer to Jesus and show the world we are united in Spirit, united in purpose.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Mar 18 Numbers 26:52-28:14; Luke 3:1-22; Psalm 61:1-8; Proverbs 11:16-17

Resources

307.20 miles in 2013 : Goal 1509 miles

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