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Day of Remembrance

By on December 20, 2012

There are only a few more days to go! Only a few more days until…until what? Why is December 25th so special? What really is this day we call Christmas?

The early church did not give much thought to the birth of Jesus. Of the four Gospels only Matthew and Luke even mention His birth, and these accounts are relatively brief. Certainly, the emphasis of the Gospels was on Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection. And after Jesus ascended to Heaven, the focus of the church was on living for Him, sending out His message, and waiting for His return.

No one is really sure when Jesus was born. The first recorded celebration didn’t occur until 200 years after His birth, and it wasn’t until the year 330 that the birth of Christ was assigned to December 25th. Some say Jesus was actually born in September or October and others are sure He was born in March or April (in fact, a case has been made for His birth in each of the twelve months!). But it is generally agreed that, due to the relatively colder weather, December was an unlikely time for the birth of our Savior, at least as it is recorded in the Bible. So what really is Christmas?

John 1:1,14
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”

The very Word of God became flesh! Though it is difficult to understand, the Word of God came to live among us and began life as a little baby. He “made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). This sacrifice of transformation represents a whole lot of love!

Christmas is a day to remember the most profound event in the history of the world. On that first Christmas (whenever it was), God came to earth to live among us! He was born into the most humble circumstances, grew and taught us His truths, died on a cross for our sin, and was raised; all so we might live with Him for eternity.

December 25th is a day to celebrate with quiet reflection, as Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). It is also a day to celebrate with great rejoicing, as the shepherds “returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). The world has tried to remove Christ and insert many activities into this season which do not glorify God. But this need not hinder our worship. We have the ability to turn away the evil and embrace that which is honoring and good.

We can (and should) glorify God and celebrate the gift of our Savior every day throughout the year. But let’s take the opportunity to make this season, and this specific day, special. Let’s celebrate with a focused and thankful heart, and make December 25th a blessed day of remembrance.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Día de Conmemoración

By on December 20, 2012

Falta ahora pocos días hasta el 25 de Diciembre – solamente unos pocos días hasta – ¿hasta que? ¿Que es exactamente el 25 de Diciembre? ¿Que es este día que llamamos Navidad?

La iglesia primitiva no pensó mucho del nacimiento de Jesús. De los cuatro evangelios solamente Mateo y Lucas hacen mención de Su nacimiento, y estos relatos son relativamente breves. Ciertamente, el énfasis de los Evangelios fue acerca del ministerio, muerte, y resurrección de Jesús. Y después que Jesús ascendió al Cielo, el enfoque de la iglesia fue el vivir por El y esperar por Su retorno.

Nadie esta realmente seguro de cuando nació Jesús. La primera celebración que fue anotada no ocurrió hasta 200 años después de Su nacimiento, y no fue hasta 330 D.C. que el nacimiento de Cristo fue “asignado” al 25 de Diciembre. Algunos dicen que Jesús actualmente nació en Septiembre u Octubre y otros estan seguros que nació en Marzo o Abril (de hecho, se han defendido argumentos por Su nacimiento en cada uno de los doce meses). Pero el acuerdo general es que, debido al clima relativamente frío, Diciembre es un tiempo muy improbable para el nacimiento de nuestro Salvador. ¿Entonces, que es realmente este día que llamamos Navidad?

Juan 1:1,14
“En el principio ya existía el Verbo, y el Verbo estaba con Dios, y el Verbo era Dios. Y el Verbo se hizo hombre y habitó entre nosotros.”

Estos versículos se refieren a Jesucristo como el “Verbo”, quien era con Dios en el principio y al mismo tiempo era Dios también, y quien dejó Su hogar Celestial para comenzar una vida con nosotros como un bebé pequeño. El 25 de Diciembre es un día para que recordemos el evento mas profundo de la historia del mundo. En esa primera noche de Navidad (en cualquier fecha que era), Dios vino a la tierra en forma de un bebé. El nació en las circunstancias más humildes, creció y nos enseñó Sus verdades, murió en una cruz por nuestros pecados, y resucitó para estar con El Padre – todo para que pudiéramos vivir con El por la eternidad.

El 25 de Diciembre es un día para celebrar con una reflexión en quietud: como María “guardaba todas estas cosas en su corazón y meditaba acerca de ellas” (Lucas 2:19). Es también un día para celebrar con gran alegría: como los pastores “regresaron glorificando y alabando a Dios por lo que habían visto y oído” (Lucas 2:20). El mundo ha intentado remover a Cristo e insertar muchas actividades a esta temporada. Pero este no debe obstaculizar nuestra adoración de Dios. Nosotros tenemos la habilidad de rechazar lo malo y abrazar lo que es honroso y bueno.

Podemos (y debemos) celebrar el regalo de nuestro Salvador cada día durante todo el año, pero tomemos la oportunidad de hacer esta temporada y este día especial. Celebremos con corazones enfocados y agradecidos y hagamos del 25 de Diciembre un día de conmemoración.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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The First Move

By on December 19, 2012

In our celebration of the birth of Christ, we know the focus of Christmas should be the eternal gift given through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This season ought to irresistibly draw us nearer to God as we reflect on His wonderful gift of love. But perhaps there are times we need to be reminded of the true significance of this gift.

The birth of Jesus gives great insight into the character of God. For one, we see His methods are far different from our own; “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways” (Isaiah 55:8). How many of us would bring the King of Kings into the world through two common young people in a dirty stable? But God had a purpose!

These lowest of beginnings set the example for a life of humility. Jesus Christ is the Creator of the Universe! “For by Him all things were created” (Colossians 1:16). Yet, He humbled Himself to the point of being born with the animals, and continued by humbly walking all the way to the cross.

As we reflect on His humility, how can we then make prideful demands on life? How can we assume there is a standard to which we are entitled? Jesus set the standard for humility and we are now called to follow; “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).

But perhaps the greatest insight we can learn from the birth of our Savior is simply that He came. Our sin must have been detestable and vile to One so holy, but He came to live with us…and love us! Without Jesus Christ, we have absolutely no hope; we can do nothing to save ourselves from the bondage of sin and an eternal separation from God. We can do nothing, yet God came to love us and set us free. He took the initiative in our Salvation by providing a way and calling us Home.

1 John 4:9
“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.”

God clearly saw our sinful condition; and yet, He loved us enough to send His Son so we might be restored to a right relationship with Him. He sent His Son so we might live! God made the first move 2000 years ago and He continues to make the first move in our lives today. He calls long before we even recognize His voice, and He continues to call us to surrender our life and live with Him in a deeper and more intimate relationship.

If you hear His call today, please respond! It’s a great privilege to hear His call, so be encouraged…but then respond! His call cost Him dearly, and it represents a love we will never fully understand. Let’s boldly answer and follow wherever He leads. And remember, He loved us enough to look past our sin and make the first move.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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El Primer Paso

By on December 19, 2012

En el mensaje “Día de Conmemoración” vimos que el enfoque de Navidad siempre debe estar en recordar el regalo dado a través del nacimiento, vida, muerte, y resurrección de Jesús. Esta época debe atraernos irresistiblemente a Dios mientras reflexionamos en Su regalo de amor.

El nacimiento de Jesús nos da un conocimiento más profundo acerca del carácter de Dios. Primero, vemos que Sus métodos son muy diferentes de los nuestros; “mis pensamientos no son los de ustedes, ni sus caminos son los míos afirma el Señor” (Isaías 55:8). ¿Cuantos de nosotros hubiéramos traído al Rey de Reyes al mundo a través de dos jóvenes comunes en un establo sucio? Pero Dios tuvo un propósito.

Este inicio mas bajo puso el ejemplo para una vida de humildad. Jesucristo es el Creador del Universo! “Porque por medio de él fueron creadas todas las cosas” (Colosenses 1:16). Y aún, el Creador del Universo se humilló a si mismo hasta el punto de nacer entre los animales y continuó Su caminar humilde hasta la cruz.

De la manera en que reflexionamos sobre Su humildad, ¿como podemos después hacer demandas orgullosas de la vida? ¿Como podemos asumir que existe un estándar al cual tenemos derecho? Jesús estableció el estándar de humildad y ahora estamos llamados a seguir; “La actitud de ustedes debe ser como la de Cristo Jesús” (Filipenses 2:5).

Pero quizás el conocimiento más grande que podemos aprender del nacimiento de nuestro Salvador es simplemente que El vino. Nuestros pecados tenían que ser detestable y viles para Uno tan santo, pero El vino a vivir con nosotros…y a amarnos! Sin Jesucristo, tenemos absolutamente cero esperanza – no podemos hacer nada para salvarnos de las ataduras del pecado y una separación eterna de Dios – y aún, El tomó el primer paso para liberarnos. El tomó la iniciativa en nuestra Salvación y proveyó un camino y un llamado a Casa.

1 Juan 4:9
“Así manifestó Dios su amor entre nosotros: en que envió a su Hijo unigénito al mundo para que vivamos por medio de él.”

Dios vio claramente nuestra condición pecaminosa; pero, El nos amó lo suficiente para mandar a Su Hijo para que pudiéramos ser restaurados a una relación correcta con El – El mandó Su Hijo para que pudiéramos vivir! Dios tomó el primer paso hace 2000 años y continua tomando el primer paso en nuestras vidas ahora. El nos estaba llamando mucho antes de que rindiéramos nuestra vida, y El sigue llamandonos a rindir nuestras vidas y vivir con El en una relación más profunda e íntima.

Si tu escuchas ahora Su llamado, por favor responde! Es un gran privilegio escuchar Su llamado. Sea animado – pero responda! Su llamado le costó todo, y representa un amor que nunca entenderemos completamente. Contestemosle con valentía y sigamos donde El nos dirija porque El nos amó lo suficiente para tomar el primer paso.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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The Gift of True Forgiveness

By on December 18, 2012

It’s hard to believe there are only a few more days until Christmas. Yes, as the song says: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” It really is wonderful! We are flooded with Christmas music, Christmas lights, and lots of Christmas “activities.” And although the season contains many distractions which attempt to pull us away, we generally make time to gather with family and friends and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

But many will find this time of year to be very painful. The memories of past hurt, which may remain hidden throughout the year, are now driven to the surface. Many are required to face someone who has caused them pain, or face the memory of a past Christmas which brings the person, and pain, back into view.

Obviously, this is not the turmoil which God intends for our life…especially not as we celebrate the birth of His Son.

Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

We cannot properly celebrate the birth of Jesus without reflecting on why He was born. Through His life He offered us a message of eternal hope, and through His death on the cross He offered us the complete forgiveness of sin. With this single act of unbelievable love, Jesus removed the sin which would otherwise keep us eternally separated from our Heavenly Father. This is the manner in which we are to love and forgive others.

Jesus told a parable about a servant who had an enormous debt canceled: “The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go” (Matthew 18:26-27). But when the servant went away, he refused to cancel the relatively minor debt a fellow servant owed him; “Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt” (Matthew 18:30).

Jesus used this parable to show that unless we completely forgive others from deep within our heart, we have somehow failed to understand the forgiveness we have already received; “Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?” (Matthew 18:33). Any sin which others may commit against us is small when viewed in light of the many sins we have committed against God! We have been completely forgiven of sooooo much!!

During this most wonderful time of the year, let’s reflect on the awesome gift we have been given through our Savior. Then, let’s give to others as we have already received. Let’s love and give the gift of true forgiveness.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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El Regalo del Perdón Verdadero

By on December 18, 2012

Si, como dice la canción: “Es el tiempo mas maravilloso del año!” Estamos inundados con música navideña, luces navideñas, y muchas “actividades” navideñas. Y aunque los “adornos” navideños son frecuentamente distracciones, la mayoría de nosotros somos capaces de ver mas allá de la brillantina. A pesar que el mundo intenta distraernos, generalmente hacemos tiempo para reunirnos con familia y amigos y celebrar el significado verdadero de Navidad.

Pero muchos de nosotros sienten este tiempo del año muy doloroso. La memoria de heridas pasadas, que permanecen escondidas durante todo el año, ahora vienen a la superficie. Tal vez tendremos que enfrentar una persona particular quien nos causó dolor – o la memoria de una Navidad pasada podría traer la persona (y el dolor) de regreso a nuestra mente.

Obviamente, esta agitación no es la intención que Dios tiene para nuestras vidas – especialmente no mientras estamos celebrando el nacimiento de Su Hijo.

Efesios 4:32
“Más bien, sean bondadosos y compasivos unos con otros, y perdónense mutuamente, así como Dios los perdonó a ustedes en Cristo.”

No podemos celebrar correctamente el nacimiento de Jesús sin reflexionar sobre el porque de Su nacer. A través de Su vida nos ofreció el perdón completo de pecados. Con un solo acto de amor increíble, Jesús removió el pecado que nos hubiera mantenido eternamente separados de nuestro Padre Celestial. Esta es la manera de la cual debemos perdonar a otros.

Jesús contó una parábola acerca de un sirviente que tuvo una enorme deuda cancelada: “Entonces aquel siervo, postrado, le suplicaba, diciendo: Señor, ten paciencia conmigo, y yo te lo pagaré todo. El señor de aquel siervo, movido a misericordia, le soltó y le perdonó la deuda” (Mateo 18:26-27). Pero cuando se fue el sirviente, el rehusó perdonar una deuda de un sirviente compañero – una deuda que solamente era una fracción de la cantidad recién cancelada; “Mas él no quiso, sino fue y le echó en la cárcel, hasta que pagase la deuda” (Mateo 18:30).

Jesús usó esta parábola para mostrarnos que si no perdonamos completamente a otros desde lo profundo de nuestro corazón, hemos fallado de entender el perdón que ya nos ha dado; “¿No debías tú también tener misericordia de tu consiervo, como yo tuve misericordia de ti?” (Mateo 18:33). Cualquier “pecado” que cometen otros en contra de nosotros es pequeño en comparación a los pecados que hemos cometido en contra de Dios! Hemos sido perdonados taaaaaaanto!!

Durante este tiempo del año tan maravilloso, reflexionemos sobre el regalo impresionante que ya hemos sido dado a través de nuestro Señor. Entonces, demos a otros en la manera que ya hemos recibido – demos el regalo del perdón verdadero.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Restore The Broken Arrows

By on December 17, 2012

On Friday I sent a Family Update message in which I wrote about how blessed I am by all my children. In that message I made use of the passage which refers to children as arrows in our quiver: “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them” (Psalm 127:4-5).

Little did I know that as I was writing the note a crazed young man was breaking arrows in an elementary school. By the time I sent the message, six adults and 20 children had been murdered. These are arrows which will never be allowed to fly, never be drawn back with a bow and sent speeding toward a target. I can’t get this out of my mind; the sadness and utter incomprehensibility is overwhelming.

In the days since this senseless slaughter, there has naturally been much discussion related to cause; why did this happen? There has been talk about gun control, the violence in television and video games, psychological problems, and family dynamics. And, through it all, the question “Where was God?” had to be asked. Where was God, and what does it say about Him when tragedies such as this occur? Many are saying it’s an unfair question since we have pushed God out of the public schools and out of our country. Others are saying this is simply a reflection of who we have become and God has given us “over in the sinful desires of {our} hearts” (Romans 1:24). And some terribly insensitive and theologically ignorant preachers have said this is a judgment from God or was directed by God to cause people to repent. I still have many questions, but one thing I know: this was NOT from God.

The question of God and evil has been around since the first discussions about God. Soon after the time of Jesus, there was a group who tried to solve the problem through different emanations of divine beings, some good and some evil, which completely separated the good God from evil. Others thought they solved the problem by defining evil as the absence of God, again removing the good God from evil. But in the end, no explanation seems to satisfy our need for an answer.

Perhaps there is simply no answer. God is real, and evil is real. Evil happens. And rather than trying to explain God’s involvement, or lack of involvement, in evil, perhaps we ought to focus on what we know to be true about God – He restores.

Psalm 71:19-21
“Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who have done great things. Who is like you, God? Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.”

No, there is no adequate answer about the cause of evil. But there is always an answer about what to do after evil has occurred. We are to draw closer to God and allow Him to heal; to encourage; to restore; “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10).

One of our favorite passages on the sovereignty of God is: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Please do not interpret this passage to say that God planned for this evil because He is working toward a greater good. Rather, read this passage for what it really says. God will work all things – including every kind of evil – for good as we draw near and love Him and align our life with the purpose to which we have been called. God has not promised to eliminate evil; He has promised to restore what evil has torn down and tried to destroy.

The tragedy of last week is more than my heart can bear, certainly more than my mind can understand. As I prayed with my younger children this weekend I also fervently prayed that I never have to face this kind of trial. I have no words of explanation, but I believe we have been given definitive words of comfort. We have not been abandoned. He is always here. And as we draw ever closer to His side, He has promised to restore the broken arrows.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Consume The Word

By on December 17, 2012

In the message “When We Hear His Voice” we saw that despite many calls and pleas from Jeremiah, the people of Israel failed to repent of their sin and turn toward God. After many years of rejection, God finally turned them over to their own evil desires; “Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before Me, My heart would not go out to this people” (Jeremiah 15:1).

Jeremiah was in a very lonely position. He had faithfully preached God’s message to his fellow countrymen but received only rejection in return: “{I am} a man with whom the whole land strives and contends…everyone curses me” (Jeremiah 15:10). This rejection caused Jeremiah to also feel rejected by God, so he tried to remind God of his deep commitment and devotion.

Jeremiah 15:15-16
“Do not take me away; think of how I suffer reproach for Your sake. When Your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear Your name, O Lord God Almighty.”

Jeremiah hungered for God’s Word and often thought of his next “meal” with the Lord. Though he was frustrated with his ministry effort, Jeremiah loved God and desired to diligently serve Him. God saw the devotion in Jeremiah’s heart and encouraged him to continue on the path of faithful service; “I will restore you that you may serve Me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be My spokesman” (Jeremiah 15:19).

What type of devotion and hunger does God see when He looks inside our heart?

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to take an extended hiking trip with my son. We hiked 120 miles in ten days and ate mostly nuts, raisins, and peanut butter. As we hiked along the beautiful trails of Northern Maine – through woods, across streams, and over mountains – I spent many hours thinking of scripture verses. But I confess I also spent many hours thinking about pepperoni pizza with extra cheese. By the end of the trail, I had a DEEP hunger for pizza; a longing that made my mouth water; a hunger which had to be filled…immediately!

We must approach God’s Word with this same anticipation and hunger. We must recognize the world’s diet as being filled with empty “snacks” which ruin our appetite for real Food! The Word of God is a nourishing and satisfying meal which deserves our full attention as well as our appreciation. We ought to sit down and eagerly clean our plates; we should not play with our food and nibble around the edges. We must also be careful not to change the flavor by over seasoning with too much doctrinal spice.

Many of us are spiritually starving and yet keep His life-giving Food sitting on the shelf! Let’s pray for an increased hunger – a focused hunger which is satisfied only in our Heavenly Father. Let’s commit to being a well nourished Child of God and passionately consume The Word.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Consumir La Palabra

By on December 17, 2012

En el mensaje “Cuando Escuchamos Su Voz” vimos que a pesar de muchos llamados y suplicas de Jeremías, el pueblo de Israel nunca se arrepintieron ni volvieron a Dios. Después de muchos años de rechazo, Dios finalmente les entregó a sus propios deseos malos; “Aunque Moisés y Samuel se presentaran ante mí, no tendría compasión de este pueblo” (Jeremías 15:1).

Jeremías estaba en una posición muy sola. Predicaba fielmente el mensaje de Dios a sus paisanos pero solamente recibió rechazo en retorno: “{Yo soy} un hombre de contiendas y disputas contra toda la nación…todos me maldicen” (Jeremías 15:10). Este rechazo le causó sentirse también rechazado por Dios. El había perdido el enfoque de su llamado e intentó recordarle a Dios de su devoción profunda.

Jeremías 15:15-16
“No permitas que sea yo arrebatado; mira que por ti sufro injurias. Al encontrarme con tus palabras, yo las devoraba; ellas eran mi gozo y la alegría de mi corazón, porque yo llevo tu nombre, Señor, Dios Todopoderoso.”

Jeremías tenía hambre de la Palabra de Dios y frecuentemente pensó en su próxima “comida” con el Señor. Aunque estaba frustrado, Jeremías amaba a Dios y deseaba servirle a El. Dios vio la devoción en el corazón de Jeremías y realineó su camino para el fiel servicio; “yo te restauraré y podrás servirme. Si evitas hablar en vano, y hablas lo que en verdad vale, tú serás mi portavoz” (Jeremías 15:19).

¿Que tipo de devoción y hambre ve Dios cuando nos ve dentro de nuestro corazón?

Hace unos años, Yo tuve la oportunidad de hacer una excursión extendida a pie con mi hijo. Caminamos 120 millas en diez días y comimos nueces, pasas, y mantequilla de maní. Mientras caminábamos en las sendas bellísimas del norte de Maine – a través de bosques, cruzando arroyos, y cruzando montañas – pasé muchas horas pensando en las escrituras. Pero confieso que pasé muchas horas mas pensando en pizza con peperoni y extra queso. Al final del camino, tuve un hambre PROFUNDO por pizza; un anhelo que me hizo agua en la boca; un hambre que tenía que satisfacer…inmediatamente!

Tenemos que tratar la Palabra de Dios con esta misma expectación y hambre. Tenemos que reconocer la dieta del mundo como “refrigerios” vacíos que arruinan nuestro apetito por la Comida real! La Palabra de Dios es una nutritiva y deliciosa comida que merece nuestra atención completa igual como nuestra apreciación. Debemos sentarnos y con entusiasmo limpiar nuestro plato – no jugar con nuestra comida y picar de las orillas.

Muchos de nosotros somos espiritualmente hambrientos y aún guardamos Su Comida alimentadora sentado en el librero! Oremos por hambre en aumento – un hambre que se satisfaga solamente con nuestro Padre Celestial. Comprometámonos a ser Hijos de Dios bien alimentados y apasionadamente consumamos La Palabr.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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When We Hear His Voice

By on December 13, 2012

In the message “No Shortcuts” we saw the importance of remaining on God’s path by obediently following His leading. There will always be temptations to take other paths to “get ahead,” but God’s ways are flawless and He calls us to follow Him with every step.

Jeremiah was appointed God’s spokesman to call the people of Israel back to a relationship filled with true worship. But despite many pleas for the people to repent, their hearts remained cold and closed to God’s wonderful truth; “They go from one sin to another; they do not acknowledge Me” (Jeremiah 9:3).

After many years of living in rebellious sin, the calling of God ceased and Israel was taken captive by the Babylonians: “‘You have rejected Me,’ declares the Lord. ‘You keep on backsliding. So I will lay hands on you and destroy you; I can no longer show compassion'” (Jeremiah 15:6).

God dearly loves His children; “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). He sent His Son to die as a sacrifice for our sins and gave His Spirit to strengthen and guide us along His path. He continues to call! But constant rejection will cause our heart to harden and be subject to God’s discipline.

A hardened heart has chosen to live separated from God. It can no longer hear God’s call and cannot even recognize His truth. When this occurs, our Loving Father responds with great sorrow and allows the hardened heart to follow the path it desires; “Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts” (Romans 1:24). Dear Lord, do not allow us to follow our own path!

God calls us today through His Word. He calls us through those He has sent into the world to proclaim His truth. He even calls right now through messages such as this. Is there a tug on your heart to place your trust in the forgiveness offered through Jesus? Is there a desire for a deeper commitment, a greater worship, a life of greater holiness and purity? These desires, pulls, and tugs are all the call of God being made through His Spirit.

Hebrews 3:15
“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.”

When we hear the call of God’s voice, we must respond. He is calling us to Salvation through faith in Jesus; calling us to know Him better through His Word and prayer; calling us to serve others with love and to nurture Godly relationships; and calling us to draw near through a deeper and more intimate worship. His call is a wonderful confirmation of His love, but we must follow and not turn away. Today, let’s answer His call and resolve to never again allow our heart to harden when we hear His voice.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Cuando Escuchamos Su Voz

By on December 13, 2012

En el mensaje “No Hay Atajos” vimos la importancia de mantenernos obedientemente en el camino de Dios siguiendo Su liderazgo. Siempre habrá tentaciones para tomar caminos que aparentan llevarnos “adelante” – pero los caminos de Dios son impecables y El nos llama a seguirlo en cada paso.

Jeremías fue designado como el vocero de Dios para llamar a la gente de Israel de regreso a una relación llena con verdadera adoración. Pero sin importar las muchas suplicas para que se arrepintieran, sus corazones se mantuvieron fríos y cerrados a la maravillosa palabra de Dios; “porque de mal en mal procedieron, y me han desconocido, dice Jehová” (Jeremías 9:3).

Después de muchos años viviendo en rebelde pecado, el llamado cesó y los Israelitas fuerón destruidos por los Babilonios; “Tú me dejaste, dice Jehová; te volviste atrás; por tanto, yo extenderé sobre ti mi mano y te destruiré; estoy cansado de arrepentirme” (Jeremías 15:6).

Dios ama a Sus hijos: “El Señor no retarda su promesa, según algunos la tienen por tardanza, sino que es paciente para con nosotros, no queriendo que ninguno perezca, sino que todos procedan al arrepentimiento” (2 Pedro 3:9). El envió a Su Hijo como sacrificio a morir por nuestros pecados y dio Su Espíritu para fortalecernos y guiarnos a lo largo de Su camino. El continúa llamandonos, pero el rechazo constante hará que nuestro corazón se endurezca y esté sujeto a la disciplina de Dios.

Un corazón endurecido ha decidido vivir una vida separada de Dios. Ya no puede escuchar el llamado de Dios y no pueden reconocer Su verdad. Cuando esto sucede, nuestro Padre Amoroso responde con gran tristeza y permite que los corazones endurecidos sigan sus caminos; “Por lo cual también Dios los entregó a la inmundicia, en las concupiscencias de sus corazones” (Romanos 1:24). Amado Señor, no permitas que sigamos nuestros propios caminos!

Dios nos llama ahora a través de Su Palabra. El nos llama por medio de aquellos que El ha enviado al mundo a proclamar Su verdad. El aún nos llama por medio de mensajes como este. ¿Hay un tirón en su corazón para poner su confianza en el perdón ofrecido por Jesús? ¿Hay un deseo para un compromiso más profundo, una mejor adoración, una vida de mayor pureza y santidad? Estos deseos que halan, y tiran son todos el llamado de Dios hecho a través de Su Espíritu.

Hebreos 3:15
“Entre tanto que se dice: Si oyereis hoy su voz, No endurezcáis vuestros corazones, como en la provocación.”

Cuando escuchamos el llamado de Dios, debemos responder. El nos esta llamando para Salvación a través de la fe en Jesús; llamándonos a conocerle mejor a través de Su Palabra y la oración; llamándonos a servir a otros con amor y alimentar relaciones con Dios; y llamándonos a acercarnos a una adoración más íntima. Su llamado es una maravillosa confirmación de Su amor, pero debemos seguirlo sin desviarnos. Ahora, respondamos a Su llamado y resolvamos nunca más permitir que nuestros corazones se endurezcan cuando escuchamos Su voz.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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No Shortcuts

By on December 12, 2012

In the message “Look Back From Eternity” we saw how one day, when we stand with our Heavenly Father, we will see the awesome purpose in the path we have traveled. If we continue to trust and follow His leading, we will see how each twist and turn in His path was designed to navigate us through the jungle and keep us moving toward a closer relationship: “As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the Lord is flawless” (Psalm 18:30). His way is perfect and without flaw; but, by God’s sovereign will, we are given the freedom to choose whether to follow.

Many times we see what appears to be a shorter route, and we leave His path. These perceived shortcuts are filled with weeds that entangle us and slow our walk with Christ to a pathetic crawl; “But the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22). All our time spent away from God’s path clearly hinders our relationship and diminishes our ability to produce anything of lasting value for the Lord.

Psalm 1:1-3
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.”

To remain on God’s path and continue to bear good and lasting fruit, we must be wise regarding the counsel we seek. Many people willingly give advice on following a “successful” path and yet ridicule any path directed by God. This counsel must be avoided since the very definition of success is in error! A truly successful path IS the path directed by God!!

Staying free of the weeds requires an active pursuit of God; “on His Law he meditates day and night.” If we do not consume ourselves with the ways of God, we will, by default, become consumed by the ways of the world. Jesus made a similar statement to His disciples: “I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit” (John 15:5). Remaining in the vine is a process of clinging to Christ and loving Him with ALL our heart. Our life then becomes defined and consumed by the life of the vine.

As we allow God’s Word to flow through our life – as we become planted by the stream of His water – we develop deep roots. These roots become a solid anchor which will not be pulled up during the storm nor dragged along by the swift currents of temptation.

God’s path is perfect and His burden is light; but remaining on His path and staying free of weeds requires commitment, perseverance, discipline…and a strong reminder that there are NO shortcuts!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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