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Always Seek His Counsel

By on February 12, 2013

As Moses was about to die, he transferred leadership of Israel to Joshua. God gave His approval of Joshua with the instructions, “Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go” (Joshua 1:7).

Initially, Joshua sought God’s counsel for every step he took. Joshua received direction for crossing the Jordan river (Joshua 3), building a lasting memorial (Joshua 4), renewing the covenant of circumcision (Joshua 5), and defeating the fortified city of Jericho (Joshua 6). In all of this Joshua listened and obeyed; “So the Lord was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land” (Joshua 6:27).

However, after the miraculous success at Jericho – after Joshua witnessed the city walls fall with the sound of a trumpet and a shout – Joshua’s confidence began to grow. When it was time to attack the small city of Ai, Joshua relied on his own strength and the advice of men rather than seeking God.

Joshua 7:3-4
“‘Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary all the people, for only a few men are there.’ So about three thousand men went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai.”

Attacking the city of Ai seemed an insignificant decision. It was a small city and the Israelite army was mighty; and God had already given general instructions to conquer the entire land and an assurance of victory in battle; “I will give you every place where you set your foot…No one will be able to stand up against you” (Joshua 1:3,5). But, unknown to Joshua, there was sin in his camp, spiritual battles which would hinder any physical victory; “That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies” (Joshua 7:12). The fulfillment of God’s promises assumed Joshua was walking with God and trusting in His strength.

When did we last seek and received counsel from God? If it’s been longer than the time it took to begin our last step, we may be attempting to fight a battle we cannot win. We must never presume to know God’s specific plan without asking for specific directions. Just because He said “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), does not mean we can presume on His method or His timing; “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). All things ought to be accomplished within the context of a loving relationship with our Heavenly Father!

God will show us the way, but we must ask for His guidance; “I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8). Our battles are never won because of our strength or the enemy’s weakness. They are won only as we allow God to guide and then boldly follow where He leads. No matter how insignificant the decision may appear, let’s be sure to walk in His strength and always seek His counsel.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Feb 12 Exodus 34:1-35:9; Matthew 27:15-34; Psalm 33:12-22; Proverbs 9:1-6

Resources

205.03 miles in 2013 : Goal 1509 miles

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Busca Siempre Su Consejo

By on February 12, 2013

Cuando Moisés estaba a punto de morir, él transfirió el liderazgo de Israel a Josué. Dios dio su aprobación de Josué dándole las instrucciones; “Sólo te pido que tengas mucho valor y firmeza para obedecer toda la ley que mi siervo Moisés te mandó. No te apartes de ella para nada; sólo así tendrás éxito dondequiera que vayas” (Josué 1:7).

Inicialmente, Josué buscó el consejo de Dios para cada paso que tomó. Josué recibió dirección para cruzar el río Jordán (Josué 3), para construir un monumento perdurable (Josué 4), para renovar el pacto de la circuncisión (Josué 5) y para conquistar la ciudad fortificada de Jericó (Josué 6). En todo esto, Josué escuchó y obedeció; y “El Señor estuvo con Josué, y éste se hizo famoso por toda la tierra” (Josué 6:27).

Sin embargo, después del éxito milagroso en Jericó – después de que Josué presenció la caída de los muros de la ciudad con el sonar de la trompeta y un grito – la confianza en él mismo empezó a crecer. Cuando llegó el tiempo de atacar al pequeño pueblo de Hai, Josué dependió de su propia fuerza y en el consejo del hombre en vez de buscar a Dios.

Josué 7:3-4
“No es necesario que todo el pueblo vaya a la batalla. Dos o tres mil soldados serán suficientes para que tomemos Hai. Esa población tiene muy pocos hombres y no hay necesidad de cansar a todo el pueblo. Por esa razón, sólo fueron a la batalla tres mil soldados, pero los de Hai los derrotaron.”

Atacar el pueblo de Hai parecía una decisión insignificante. Fue un pueblo pequeño y el ejército de Israel era fuerte; y Dios ya había dado instrucciones generales de conquistar la tierra entera y les aseguró victoria en la batalla: “Yo les entregaré a ustedes todo lugar que toquen sus pies…Durante todos los días de tu vida…nadie será capaz de enfrentarse a ti” (Josué 1:3,5). Pero, sin que Josué supiera, hubo pecado entre su campamento – las batallas espirituales que serán obstáculos para cualquier victoria física; “Por eso los israelitas no podrán hacerles frente a sus enemigos” (Josué 7:12). Nuestra seguridad de la victoria siempre asume que estamos caminando con Dios y en Su fuerza.

¿Cuando fue la última vez que buscamos y recibimos el consejo de Dios? Si ha pasado mucho tiempo – de hecho, si ha pasado más tiempo del que tomamos cuando dimos nuestro último paso – podríamos estar intentando pelear una batalla que no podremos ganar. Nunca debemos suponer que conocemos el plan específico de Dios sin pedirle las instrucciones específicas. Solo porque Dios dijo “Id y hacer discípulos de todas las naciones” (Mateo 28:19), no significa que podemos suponer que sabemos el método y tiempo correcto; “separados de mí no pueden ustedes hacer nada” (Juan 15:5).

Dios siempre nos mostrará el camino, pero tenemos que pedirle por Su guianza; “Siempre tengo presente al Señor; con él a mi derecha, nada me hará caer” (Salmo 16:8). Nuestras batallas nunca se ganan debido a nuestras fuerzas o las debilidades del enemigo. Solamente se ganan en la manera que permitimos que Dios nos guíe cada paso. No importa cuan insignificante podría parecer una decisión, o que tan seguros estamos de Su dirección general, asegurémonos de caminar en Su fuerza y de buscar siempre Su consejo.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Know Him Better

By on February 11, 2013

When a child is born into a family, there is almost an instant bond of love. The parent and child spend LOTS of time together and truly begin to know each other. The parent knows the needs of the child, and the child knows the parent as the provider of comfort and security.

But as the child grows, other activities and friends can begin to limit time together. In the search for independence, there can often be rebellion toward parental instruction and counsel. In many families all around the world, the parent and child drift apart and no longer communicate as they once had – they sadly cease to know one another.

Ephesians 1:16-17
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.”

Notice this is Paul’s continuous prayer, that we be given revelation and wisdom. Revelation is the unveiling of God’s truth, and wisdom is the application of His truth in our lives. Both of these are necessary and serve the single purpose of knowing Him better.

As we continue in our relationship with Jesus Christ, there is a tendency to hit those spiritual teenage years where we have things pretty well figured out – or so we think. We begin to gain “self” confidence and trust in our own ability. We get more involved in activities (maybe even “good” activities) and with friends (maybe even “good” friends), but one day we wake and find we have drifted. We did not intentionally walk away, but there is a definite loss of passion; the relationship is strained; we no longer really know God.

As a loving father longs to hold his children, our Heavenly Father longs for us to draw near and know Him; “Let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows Me” (Jeremiah 9:24). The Bible always speaks about knowing someone as a very personal and loving relationship; “Adam knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain” (Genesis 4:1 KJV). Jesus even defined eternal life as a state of knowing; “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3). Knowing God certainly means more than knowing things about God; perhaps a passionate identification with Jesus is a good place to start.

The road back to a restored relationship begins with spending time together. No matter how busy we get we must continue to humbly come into the presence of God, confess the sin which causes separation, fellowship with Him in prayer and the quiet study of His Word, and listen intently for His direction. Let’s commit (or recommit) to loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and let’s be determined to take the necessary steps to draw near and know Him better.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Feb 11 Exodus 32:1-33:23; Matthew 26:69-27:14; Psalm 33:1-11; Proverbs 8:33-36

Resources

194.41 miles in 2013 : Goal 1509 miles

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Conocerle Mejor

By on February 11, 2013

Cuando un niño nace en una familia, hay casi un pacto instantáneo de amor. El padre y el hijo pasan CANTIDAD de tiempo juntos y verdaderamente comienzan a conocerse mutuamente. El padre conoce las necesidades del hijo, y el hijo reconoce a su padre como su proveedor de consuelo y seguridad.

Pero mientras el niño crece, otras actividades y amigos comienzan a limitar el tiempo con los padres. En la búsqueda de la independencia con frecuencia hay rebeldía hacia la instrucción y consejo de los padres. Pronto, padres e hijos se distancian y no se comunican más como antes – y tristemente dejan de conocerse el uno al otro.

Efesios 1:16-17
“No he dejado de dar gracias por ustedes al recordarlos en mis oraciones. Pido que el Dios de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, el Padre glorioso, les dé el Espíritu de sabiduría y de revelación, para que lo conozcan mejor.”

Note que esta es la continua oración de Pablo; que se nos ha dado revelación y sabiduría. Revelación es el descubrimiento de la verdad de Dios y sabiduría es la aplicación de su verdad en nuestra vida. Ambas de ellas son necesarias y sirven al simple propósito de conocerle mejor a El.

Mientras nuestra relación con Jesucristo continúa, hay una tendencia de entrar a esos años de adolescencia Espiritual donde tenemos las cosas muy bien controladas – o así lo pensamos. Comenzamos a ganar confianza en nosotros mismos y a confiar en nuestras propias habilidades. Nos vemos más involucrados en otras actividades (quizá aún “buenas” actividades) y con amigos (quizá aún “buenos” amigos); pero un día nos levantamos para darnos cuenta que hemos ido a la deriva. No nos alejamos intencionalmente, pero definitivamente perdimos la pasión – ya no conocemos a Dios.

Como un padre amoroso ansía abrazar a sus hijos, nuestro Padre Celestial ansía que nosotros nos acerquemos y le conozcamos; “Si alguien ha de gloriarse, que se gloríe de conocerme” (Jeremías 9:24). La Biblia siempre habla acerca de conocer a alguien con una relación muy personal y amorosa: “El hombre se unió a su mujer Eva, y ella concibió y dio a luz a Caín” (Génesis 4:1). Jesús aún define la eternidad como un estado de conocimiento;” Y ésta es la vida eterna: que te conozcan a ti, el único Dios verdadero, y a Jesucristo, a quien tú has enviado” (Juan 17:3).

El camino de regreso a una relación restaurada comienza con el tiempo que se comparte juntos. No importa que tan ocupados estemos, debemos continuar llegando con humildad a la presencia de Dios, confesar el pecado que causa la separación, comunicar con El en oración y el estudio de Su Palabra, y escuchar atentamente Su dirección. Hagamos el compromiso (o rehagamos el compromiso) de amar a Dios con todo nuestro corazón, alma, mente y fuerza; y estemos determinados a tomar los pasos necesarios para acercarnos y conocerle mejor.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Join The Battle

By on February 7, 2013

In the message “We Will Overcome” we were encouraged to hold on to Jesus when our strength fades and we become weary. We saw that our faith, not our strength, ensures we will overcome and receive the gift of eternal life. We can take great comfort in knowing Jesus will carry us and not let us fall. But we must also remember we were not born into His family to be permanently carried: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31). As we continue to draw near to God, He WILL renew our strength; and when He does, we must once again march into battle.

We often forget there is a war being fought all around us. We tend to become passive because we don’t completely see the fighting. There are no official announcements of enemy strength and no news flashes of casualties. But make no mistake…it is a war!

Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Just as surely as there is a God who gave His Son to die for our sins, there is also an enemy doing battle in an ongoing war. The good news is that we can be certain of the war’s final outcome; “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

The end of the war is certain, and we know who wins! But until that end, the enemy is attempting to disrupt God’s plan and remove as many as possible from the fight. The stakes of this war are high. The enemy continues to attack and rejoices any time we think we are defeated.

But we are NOT defeated! We may lose our focus – we may stray from what is really important and trust in things which are fading, or even face trials which cause fear and doubt – but we are definitely not defeated! The road to victory has been paved with the blood of Christ. We walk in victory as we remain on His path with determined steps of drawing closer to God and loving Him with all our heart.

As our strength returns (and it will!) we must get back in the fight. There are many all around us with deep wounds who are literally dying for help; dying to be loved and restored back to health. There are many more heading down a path of destruction in desperate need of someone who truly cares. Let’s not be content to sit on the sidelines or be forever carried. Let’s present our lives to God and allow Him to work through us to encourage others in their walk, to love beyond what is humanly possible, and to share the hope of Jesus with whoever crosses our path. Let’s rededicate our lives to an uncompromising faith and, once again, join the battle!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Feb 7 Exodus 26:1 – 27:21; Matthew 25:1-30; Psalm 31:1-8; Proverbs 8:1-10
Feb 8 Exodus 28:1 – 43; Matthew 25:31-26:13; Psalm 31:9-18; Proverbs 8:11-13
Feb 9 Exodus 29:1 – 30:10; Matthew 26:14-46; Psalm 31:19-24; Proverbs 8:14-26
Feb 10 Exodus 30:11-31:18; Matthew 26:47-68; Psalm 32:1-11; Proverbs 8:27-32

Resources

182.86 miles in 2013 : Goal 1509 miles

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Unete a La Batalla

By on February 7, 2013

En el mensaje “Venceremos” fuimos animados a tomarnos de la mano de Jesús cuando nuestras fuerzas se desvanecen y estemos cansados. Vimos que nuestra continua fe (no nuestra fuerza) nos asegura que dominaremos y recibiremos el regalo de la vida eterna. Podemos tener un gran consuelo sabiendo que Jesús nos lleva y que no nos dejará caer; pero también debemos recordar que no nacimos en Su familia para ser llevados por siempre: “los que confían en el Señor renovarán sus fuerzas; volarán como las águilas” (Isaías 40:31). Mientras nos acercamos a Dios a través de tiempos de quietud dedicados a la oración, El RENOVARA nuestras fuerzas; y cuando lo haga, debemos nuevamente marchar hacia la batalla.

A menudo nos olvidamos que hay una guerra a nuestro alrededor. Tendemos a volvernos pasivos porque realmente no vemos la batalla. No hay anuncios oficiales de las fuerzas enemigas ni tampoco noticias de las victimas. Pero no nos equivoquemos… ¡es una guerra!

Efesios 6:12
“Porque nuestra lucha no es contra seres humanos, sino contra poderes, contra autoridades, contra potestades que dominan este mundo de tinieblas, contra fuerzas espirituales malignas en las regiones celestiales.”

Tan cierto como que hay un Dios que dio a Su Hijo para morir por nuestros pecados, hay también un diablo y fuerzas espirituales haciendo la batalla. La buena noticia es que conocemos el resultado de esa guerra: “El diablo, que los había engañado, será arrojado al lago de fuego y azufre” (Apocalipsis 20:10).

El final del diablo es certero; pero mientras tanto, el está en la misión de llevarse con el a tantos como pueda; “Aquel cuyo nombre no estaba escrito en el libro de la vida era arrojado al lago de fuego” (Apocalipsis 20:15). Las apuestas en esta guerra son altas. El enemigo continúa atacando y se regocija cuando creemos que hemos sido derrotados.

¡Pero NO estamos vencidos! Podemos perder el enfoque; podemos distraernos de lo que es realmente importante y confiar en cosas que se desvanecen; podemos experimentar tiempos de temor y duda; ¡pero definitivamente no estamos vencidos! El camino a la victoria ha sido puesto a nuestros pies. Comienza con nuestro próximo paso de determinación de acercarnos a Dios y amarle con todo nuestro corazón.

¡Mientras nuestra fuerza regresa (porque regresará), debemos levantar la palabra de Dios y convertirnos en soldados! Hay muchos a nuestro alrededor con heridas profundas que están literalmente muriendo por ayuda. No nos conformemos con sentarnos en las banquetas o ser cargados por siempre. Presentemos nuestras vidas a Dios y permitámosle trabajar a través de nosotros para animar a otros en su camino y compartir la esperanza de Jesús con quien sea que pase por nuestro camino. Re-dediquemos nuestras vidas a una fe sin compromiso y una vez más, ¡únete a la batalla!

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Nothing But Praise

By on February 6, 2013

I hope you don’t mind if I take today’s message to simply say “Thank You!” and “Praise God!!”

It was a long day, but Kaylee’s surgery went well. The germ cell cancer had grown into a thirteen centimeter tumor which consumed one ovary. The tumor had ruptured sometime in the last few days causing a great increase in pain, but the main tumor and all excess fluid was able to be removed. The cancer had spread to a few places on the abdomen wall but all the other organs appear to be in good condition. Her cancer will probably evaluate as a stage IIIc and require several long months of chemotherapy. Though this will continue to be a difficult journey, we are so thankful that this particular cancer reacts well to treatment and that a full recovery is anticipated. Praise God!!

My wife and I have been amazed at the prayer support we received from all around the world. This has been so encouraging! I know that many books have been written on prayer, about how we should pray and how God will respond. All I really understand about prayer is that God places a value on us coming before Him and talking about whatever is on our heart. Prayer matters to God! He took your prayers and provided comfort and strength to our family. Though I won’t be able to respond to all the notes, I have read each one and am greatly humbled by your Godly compassion. You have made a difference in our lives during this time. Thank You!!

Every night my wife and I thanked God for getting us through another day. We also thanked Him for the strength we knew He would provide for the day ahead. We praised Him for walking right beside us and for the love we knew would never fail.

Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

God has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). As I have already said in a previous message, this does not mean every situation will turn out as we wish. It simply means that God will be with us through each and every situation. We prayed, as I know you also prayed, that this surgery would go well and that Kaylee would fully recover. The surgery did go well and it looks like Kaylee will make a full recovery. But even if there had been a different outcome, God would still be God and He would still be walking by our side. As Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said long ago: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:17-18).

I will write updates about Kaylee as we continue the treatments and I am sure there will be times when I will ask for special prayer support. We expect there will be hardships when we need the extra strength which only prayer can provide. But we also expect that God will be faithful to provide the necessary strength as it is required. He is always right on time. We have talked with God in a variety of ways these last two weeks, but right now we are coming before Him with nothing but praise.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Feb 6 Exodus 23:14-25:40; Matthew 24:29-51; Psalm 30:1-12; Proverbs 7:24-27

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

182.86 miles in 2013 : Goal 1509 miles

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We Will Overcome

By on February 5, 2013

God’s Word contains many passages which encourage us in our struggles. Paul tells us to “press on toward the goal” (Philippians 3:14), “run a good race” (Galatians 5:7), and “fight the good fight” (2 Timothy 4:7). Each of these acknowledge the struggle and exhort us to keep moving forward. But there are times we become weary and even the thought of pressing, running, or fighting becomes difficult. Yet, we know we must endure – we must overcome!

Revelation 2:7
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

In the second and third chapters of Revelation, John is simply dictating the words spoken by Jesus. In these two chapters, Jesus speaks seven times about “him who overcomes.” Each time there is a gift or reward for the one who is “successful” and overcomes. This is certainly good motivation for us to endure, but the question still remains: How can we overcome as our strength begins to fade?

John knew what it took to overcome. Several years earlier, he had written a letter to encourage believers to stay committed and to give the assurance of eternal life. He also specified exactly who would overcome: “Everyone born of God overcomes the world… Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4-5). Read this carefully and rejoice! Those who believe are those who will overcome!!

We must endure and overcome the world; but our faith in Jesus and NOT our strength is what allows us to endure. There are times we must run and times we must fight – times we will be called to be a mighty warrior for the Lord. But there are also times when we are terribly weak; times of great tribulation; times we must grab on to Jesus and allow HIS strength to carry us through the storm. These are times we will need to simply hold on!

When the battle seems unbearable, “Hold on to what you have – I {Jesus} am coming soon” (Revelation 3:11). When we feel surrounded by evil and the darkness is closing in, “Hold on to the good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). And when we become overwhelmed with doubt and fear, “Hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast” (Hebrews 3:6).

When we are weary in the storm, let’s take comfort in the peaceful waters ahead. Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus and hold on…He will never let us go. He has given His Children a wonderful promise: as we continue to believe and trust Him with all our heart, we WILL overcome!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Feb 5 Exodus 21:22-23:13; Matthew 24:1-28; Psalm 29:1-11; Proverbs 7:6-23

Resources

182.86 miles in 2013 : Goal 1509 miles

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Venceremos

By on February 5, 2013

La Palabra de Dios contiene muchos versículos que nos motivan en nuestras pruebas. Pablo nos motiva a seguir “avanzando hacia la meta” (Filipenses 3:14), que “Ustedes estaban corriendo bien” (Gálatas 5:7), y que peleamos “la buena batalla” (2 Timoteo 4:7). Cada uno de estos versículos reconoce la prueba y nos exhorta a seguir moviéndonos hacia adelante. Pero hay tiempos cuando nos cansamos y aún el pensamiento de perseguir, correr, o pelear nos parece difícil. Pero a pesar de todo, sabemos que necesitamos resistir – ¡tenemos que vencer!

Apocalipsis 2:7
“El que tenga oídos, que oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a las iglesias. Al que salga vencedor le daré derecho a comer del árbol de la vida, que está en el paraíso de Dios.”

En el segundo y tercer capítulo de Apocalipsis, Juan el Apóstol esta simplemente dictando palabras habladas por Jesús. En estos dos capítulos, Jesús habla siete veces acerca de “el que vence.” Cada vez hay un regalo o premio para aquel que es “exitoso” y que vence. Esto ciertamente es buena motivación para que sigamos, pero todavía queda la pregunta: ¿Como podemos vencer cuando se comienzan a desvanecer nuestros esfuerzos?

Juan sabía lo que era necesario para vencer. Varios años antes, había escrito una carta para motivar a los creyentes a mantener su compromiso y para darles seguridad de vida eterna. También especificó exactamente quien vencerá: “todo el que ha nacido de Dios vence al mundo… ¿Quién es el que vence al mundo sino el que cree que Jesús es el Hijo de Dios?” (1 Juan 5:4-5). ¡Lean esto cuidadosamente y alégrense! ¡Aquellos que creen son aquellos que vencerán!!

Tenemos que perseverar y vencer al mundo; pero es nuestra fe en Jesús y NO nuestra fuerza lo que nos causa a perdurar. Hay tiempos cuando debemos correr y tiempos cuando debemos pelear – tiempos cuando nos llaman a ser guerreros para el Señor. Pero también hay tiempos cuando estamos terriblemente débil – tiempos cuando tenemos que aferrarnos a Jesús y simplemente dejar que SU fuerza nos sostiene durante la tormenta. Estos son tiempos cuando solamente debemos agarrarnos bien!

Cuando la batalla se siente insoportable, “He aquí, Yo {Jesús} vengo pronto” (Apocalipsis 3:11). Cuando nos sentimos rodeados por lo malo y la oscuridad nos esta encerando, “aférrense a lo bueno” (1 Tesalonicenses 5:21). Y cuando estamos inundados con dudas y temores, “retenemos firme hasta el fin la confianza y el gloriarnos en la esperanza” (Hebreos 3:6).

Cuando nos cansamos en la tormenta, confortémonos en las aguas de paz que están adelante. Fijemos nuestros ojos en Jesús y agarrémonos bien…El nunca nos soltará. El ha dado a Sus Hijos una promesa maravillosa: de la manera que creemos y confiamos en El con todo nuestro corazón, ¡VENCEREMOS!

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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The Body of Christ

By on February 4, 2013

Sometimes when I think about what is happening with my daughter I can barely breathe. I seem to have a constant pit in my stomach. I went for a long run on Friday and the pit went away for a while, but yesterday it returned; so I went running again. And today is another day. Many of you understand, from your own difficult experience, exactly what I’m saying, and I love you for that.

It’s hard to believe it has only been ten days since we were told our twelve year old daughter, Kaylee, has ovarian cancer. Last week I wrote some reflections on God’s purpose in our pain. That message is located at:
http://gdwm.org/index.php/2013/01/his-purpose-in-pain/

I guess I would say we have had a difficult, but blessed, week. Difficult because of all the emotions, doctor visits, phone calls, insurance coordination, packing, and travel. Blessed by the rapid transition to one of the best cancer hospitals in the world, and also by the overwhelming outpouring of love. Kaylee has received cards and gifts from her basketball team, her school friends, and her church youth group. Each group of kids is praying and has provided her with many Bible passages of comfort. The parents of each of these groups, as well as our church, have reached out to us with encouragement, prayer and support. Of course, you in the email world, from all around the world, have flooded my in-box with messages of encouragement and prayer. Several of you even called the hospital resulting in a wonderful visit from Connie in Patient Affairs. Thank you so very much! Kaylee is scheduled for surgery at 10:00 on Tuesday morning at M.D. Anderson in Houston, TX. Your prayers during this time are appreciated.

As our family has been on the receiving end of so much love I have had the opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a part of the Body of Christ. I admit that I have had a love-hate relationship with the church for many years. I love the church because it is clear that Christ loves the church and it remains part of His ongoing plan. But I have also found myself discouraged with what has been done in the past, and what continues to be done today, in the name of Christ and His church. Perhaps I realize, through what I have experienced this week, that there are times when the church acts like the Body of Christ, and many times when the church actually works against His Body.

1 Corinthians 12:24-27
“But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

God put the body together – the Body of Christ, of which each one of us is a part – so that there should be no division. Really? If that is true, and we believe it is, then the times when the church acts in ways which create division are not times when it is acting as the Body of Christ. These are times when the church is not walking in submission to the Spirit of God. Unfortunately, the church has often been characterized by fighting and hate rather than unity. Somewhere in the quest to be “right” they lost the directive to have equal concern and to love: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3).

The fights of the early church against the Arians, Donatists, and Pelagians, as well as the many groups with differing understandings of Christ, resulted in much more than exclusion from fellowship. They resulted in wars and executions; done in the name of the church. In the sixteenth century more divisions occurred, resulting in thousands upon thousands of deaths. Again, done in the name of truth and right; as if these actions were part of God’s plan for His creation. Every single century contains unimaginable horror in which the church demonstrates the disconnect between itself and the loving Body of Christ; “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).

In our present day we have generally stopped killing one another over theological differences, and this is good! But we still carry the quest to be right, and maintain the self-given authority to exclude, to spiritually execute, those who do not agree. Our fights today are over such things as Spiritual gifts, the return of Christ, the role of the church, the role of women, the purpose of works, the extent of grace, the inspiration of scripture, and the purpose of hell. The church is so divided that it is a wonder anyone is ever drawn inside.

And yet, the Body of Christ is beautiful; “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). This week we have experienced the Body of Christ at its very best. We experienced love and compassion; “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15). We experienced a unified family; “so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:5). Perhaps this is how we experience Christ.

I long for the day when the church is unified in love. Unity does not mean we all need to hold to the same beliefs or understanding of scripture. But it does mean we refuse to divide or compromise our command to love. Let’s take an honest look at how we have come to identify Christianity and how we define our local church. Then, please, let’s focus more of our effort into loving one another (all the one anothers) and truly live as the Body of Christ.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Feb 4 Exodus 19:16-21:21; Matthew 23:13-39; Psalm 28:1-9; Proverbs 7:1-5

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

177.63 miles in 2013 : Goal 1509 miles

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The Examined Life

By on January 31, 2013

One of the benefits of our trials is that they allow us the opportunity to examine our life; and as it is said, the unexamined life is not worth living. If we flow through life without evaluating who we are and what we believe, we have not really lived; we have certainly not lived according to a consistent set of beliefs. This evaluation requires a boldness to explore beneath the surface of our beliefs, into our very soul! Without this boldness we may give the appearance of living, and may even fool ourselves for a number of years, but there will always be an emptiness until we look deep within and deal with what we find.

God knows every detail of our heart; “Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). But our Heavenly Father desires for us to know our own heart as we are being transformed; “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

As we seek to understand who we are – with all our hidden motives, pride, and selfishness – we find we are somewhat difficult to understand. Without the spiritual help which God freely gives, there will be parts of our life which remain covered and dark. There may also be portions of our heart we would rather not face.

Psalm 139:23-24
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

It is foolish to think we can hide anything from God! It is equally foolish to intentionally close areas of our heart from examination when we know those areas are keeping us separated from God. What do we really believe? And are we living consistent with that belief?

We have been given God’s Word as a guide, “a lamp to my feet” (Psalm 119:105). And as we dig deeper into His Word, we find the same lamp which guides our steps also reveals our heart: “The lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being” (Proverbs 20:27). Using God’s Word to truly examine our heart can be painful. It seems we strip back one layer only to expose additional layers of sin we didn’t even know we had; but this process must continue without fear!

If we desire to live in His presence and bring Him glory and honor in all we do, we must determine today to know ourselves. We must know what we believe, with all our strengths and weaknesses, and know our level of resolve to follow where He leads. Let’s open our heart and allow His Spirit to search and wash us with His Word. Let’s follow according to a consistent belief and commit to living the examined life.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jan 31 Exodus 12:14-13:16; Matthew 20:29-21:22; Psalm 25:12-22; Proverbs 6:12-15
Feb 1 Exodus 13:17-15:19; Matthew 21:23-46; Psalm 26:1-12; Proverbs 6:16-19
Feb 2 Exodus 15:20-17:7; Matthew 22:1-32; Psalm 27:1-7; Proverbs 6:20-26
Feb 3 Exodus 17:8 – 19:15; Matthew 22:33-23:12; Psalm 27:8-14; Proverbs 6:27-35

Resources

154.63 miles in 2013 : Goal 1509 miles

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Una Vida Examinada

By on January 31, 2013

Hemos oído el dicho y esta comprobado que es verdad: una vida no examinada no vale la pena vivirla. Si nos andamos en la vida sin evaluar quienes somos y que creemos, no hemos realmente vivido. Bien adentro, todos deseamos pararnos firmes y vivir según una colección de creencias. Esto requiere valor para ir mas allá de la superficie hasta lo mas profundo de nuestro alma! Sin este valor podríamos dar la apariencia de vivir, y quizá podríamos engañar a nosotros mismos por algunos años, pero siempre habrá un vacío hasta que veamos bien adentro y tratemos con lo que encontramos.

Dios sabe cada detalle de nuestro corazón; “Todo está al descubierto, expuesto a los ojos de aquel a quien hemos de rendir cuentas” (Hebreos 4:13). Pero nuestro Padre Celestial desea que sepamos lo que creemos mientras estamos siendo transformados; “Examínense para ver si están en la fe; pruébense a sí mismos” (2 Corintios 13:5).

De la manera que intentamos entender nuestro corazón – con todos nuestros motivos escondidos, orgullo, y egoísmo – encontramos que somos un poco difícil de comprender. Sin la ayuda Espiritual que Dios regala libremente, habrá partes de nuestra vida que permanecen cubiertas y oscuras. También podrían haber porciones de nuestro corazón que preferiríamos no enfrentar.

Salmo 139:23-24
“Examíname, oh Dios, y sondea mi corazón; ponme a prueba y sondea mis pensamientos. Fíjate si voy por mal camino, y guíame por el camino eterno.”

Es locura pensar que podemos esconder algo de Dios! Es igual una locura cerrar intencionalmente áreas de nuestro corazón de la examinación cuando sabemos que lo que esta adentro nos esta manteniendo separados de Dios. ¿Que creemos realmente? ¿Estamos viviendo consistentemente con esa creencia?

Se nos ha dado la Palabra de Dios como una guía; “una lámpara a mis pies” (Salmo 119:105). Y de la manera que profundicemos en Su Palabra, encontramos que la misma lámpara que quía nuestros pies también revela nuestro corazón: “Lámpara de Jehová es el espíritu del hombre, La cual escudriña lo más profundo del corazón” (Proverbios 20:27). Usando la Palabra de Dios para examinar verdaderamente nuestro corazón puede ser doloroso. Pareciera que tiramos de una capa solamente para exponer capas adicionales de pecado que ni sabíamos que teníamos; pero este proceso debe continuar sin temor!

Si deseamos vivir en Su presencia y traerle gloria y honor a El en todo lo que hacemos, necesitamos proponernos hoy a conocernos a nosotros mismos. Tenemos que saber que creemos, con todas nuestras fuerzas y debilidades, y saber nuestro nivel de compromiso a seguirle donde El nos guía. Abramos nuestros corazones y permitamos que Su Espíritu nos escudriñe y que nos limpie con Su Palabra. Sigamos según una creencia consistente y comprometámonos a vivir una vida examinada.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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