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Covenant of Worship

By Steve T. on January 10, 2012

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In the message “An Unknown God” we were encouraged to live a life of sincere love and faithful service while we worship a God we truly know and adore. But this type of consistent life, where our daily activities match what we profess to believe, does not come easy or initially feel natural. Living such a life requires a firm commitment and a determined perseverance.

King Asa was the great-grandson of Solomon and led the southern kingdom of Judah about 900 years before Christ. He began his reign with ten years of peace because he “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God” (2 Chronicles 14:2). Asa took definite action to remove the idols and places of false worship from the country and commanded his people to “seek the Lord and to obey His commands” (2 Chronicles 14:4).

When Judah was invaded by a foreign army, Asa realized he was greatly outnumbered with little hope of victory. As he went into battle, his faith was strengthened while calling on God: “Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this vast army. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You” (2 Chronicles 14:11).

After God granted them victory on the battlefield, the people gathered in Jerusalem to solidify their commitment by making a covenant to follow God.

2 Chronicles 15:12,15
“They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord with all their heart and soul. All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and He was found by them.”

Every child of God has a deep hunger for a more committed life. Once we have answered God’s call and begun our journey with Him, we will not truly be at peace until His praise fills every area of our life. But this requires we establish priorities which allow us to actually spend time getting to know Him, His ways and His love.

Our Heavenly Father longs for us to abide in His presence: He rejoices when He is found by those who seek Him in a committed life of worship. He even promises to help those who begin down a committed path; “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Our time on this earth is very, very short. Let’s not waste another day by aimlessly wandering through life, allowing the concerns of this world to choke off our relationship with God. Let’s live with purpose and eagerly commit to seek Him with all our heart and soul – to seek Him “wholeheartedly.” Let’s make the decision today to enter into an eternal covenant of worship.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jan 10 – Genesis 23:1-24:51; Matthew 8:1-17; Psalms 9:13-20; Proverbs 3:1-6

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An Unknown God

By Steve T. on January 9, 2012

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When Paul was on his second missionary journey he came to the city of Athens, which was inhabited by people who loved to worship and talk about their worship. They worshipped every conceivable god of their day and made sure no god was left out.

Acts 17:22-23
“Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: ‘Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.'”

The people in Athens worshipped gods like Zeus, Hermes, and Diana. And to ensure they did not overlook any god, they also gave their worship to a god they did not know.

Today, many of us go through our life worshipping such gods as Pleasure, Leisure, Entertainment, Security, Power, and Wealth. Then, usually with much less intensity and commitment, we “worship” the Creator of the Universe. But our worship often becomes something we schedule and not something we live. We take part in religious activity, but have no idea how to make the Almighty God an integral part of our everyday life. We attend church services, but never give a thought to actually loving God or asking Him for guidance and direction. We go through the motions of worship, but our hearts are cold and far from the One True God.

We ALL must examine what we believe, and then live a life consistent with that belief. Many people profess belief in God – even the God of the Bible – but have no idea what this belief means or Who they really believe. They believe and then attempt to worship a God they do not know. If Christ died for the forgiveness of our sins, was resurrected, and now sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession on our behalf – if He will one day return and take us to be with Him for all eternity – then He certainly deserves more than our casual worship and the left-overs of our time.

Our Heavenly Father has been calling us back to an intimate fellowship ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the garden; and His message has remained the same: “Enjoy My creation, but give Me ALL your heart.” He must be given sole possession, without any competition. The true Creator of the Universe will never accept just being one of our many “gods.”

Let’s proclaim the absolute and unchanging truth and encourage one another to “wholeheartedly obey the form of teaching to which you were entrusted” (Romans 6:17). Let’s resolve to live a consistent life – a life of sincere love and faithful service – a life which no longer worships an unknown God.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jan 9 – Genesis 20:1-22:24; Matthew 7:18-29; Psalms 9:1-12; Proverbs 2:18-22

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Who Taught Us To Walk

By admin on January 5, 2012

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In the message “Finish The Race” we were encouraged to “run” toward the finish line; but we were also reminded that God’s race takes place within our heart as we learn to trust and love Him more and more. His race is not in what we do but in who we are, and who we are becoming, as we do ALL to bring Him glory and honor. One of the biggest stumbling blocks which keeps us from running a “successful” race is the complacency caused by forgetting what God has already done in our life.

Not everyone’s circumstances are what they might prefer, but each of us are on a wonderful journey which began when God sent His Spirit to open our eyes to the truth and called us to be with Him for all eternity through faith in His Son. The beginning of our journey ought to be a clear indication of God’s miraculous grace and Guiding Hand. And as we look back on the path we have traveled, we ought to recognize the many miracles which brought us to where we are today; but many miracles we fail to acknowledge or understand…and most we have simply forgotten.

God’s children have always had a hard time with recognizing and remembering. The northern kingdom of Israel had been in rebellion for almost two hundred years when God called Hosea to be a prophet. The people had created their own form of worship and had long forgotten how much God loved them and how much He had already done to guide and protect.

Hosea 11:3-4

“It was I {God} who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them.”

In this passage, Ephraim refers to the nation of Israel. God was reminding the people how He provided for all their needs as He led them out of Egyptian slavery, into the promised land of Canaan. But this passage is very applicable to each of us today. Whether we see His Hand or not, God has been at work guiding us in many different ways.

None of us are at our final destination, but each of us are where we are because God loves us dearly and wants to draw us ever closer to Himself. Let’s not create our own form of worship where we give Him the leftovers of our heart. He created us, saved us, and brought us to where we are today – He deserves our ALL.

We must turn our eyes back to God and praise Him for His continuous provision and His loving promise to finish the work He has begun in our life; “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). Let’s praise Him for His Guiding Hand, and, as we run, let’s always remember it was God who taught us to walk.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel

God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jan 5 – Genesis 11:1-13:4; Matthew 5:1-26; Psalms 5:1-12; Proverbs 1:24-28

Resources

http://gdwmboard.org/eve

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Finish The Race

By Steve T. on January 4, 2012

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Paul was returning to Jerusalem at the end of his third and final missionary journey. By this time in his ministry, Paul had been a Christian for nearly twenty years. Twenty years since Jesus called Paul, “My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Twenty years of faithful service, and now… “In every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me” (Acts 20:23).

Paul was returning home, but his life was not going to be easy. He knew there were many trials ahead, but his life had a purpose far beyond his immediate surroundings.

Acts 20:24
“I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”

It was several more years before Paul wrote; “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:12); yet here, when facing certain hardship, Paul showed he had already learned the secret. The particular circumstances in Paul’s life had become of minor importance. He knew his contentment was not based on current events, but on bringing glory and honor to God. His life had a wonderful purpose even in the face of great adversity and harsh conditions.

We were all created for the same purpose as Paul – we were created to bring glory and honor to God! Our specific tasks may differ and change from time to time, but we each have the same unchanging purpose. Everything we do, say, and think should bring glory and honor to our Heavenly Father!

God’s race is run in the deepest part of our heart, not in the flurry of activity. Running well is not defined by doing more; rather, we run a “successful” race as we do every little task we are given with the complete and absolute devotion of our heart.

His race is long and often difficult. There are many distractions which seek to slow us down and even pull us from the track; and at times we may even wonder why we’re running. But being a participant in God’s eternal race is infinitely more rewarding than standing on the sidelines and simply watching! He has called us to run – and to run well!!

We must run the path God places before us with all the strength He provides, and within the sure and calming protection of His grace. Let’s run with the motivation of bringing Him glory and honor by loving Him with ALL our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Let’s continue to run well, and with a burning desire to finish the race.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jan 4 – Genesis 8:1-10:32; Matthew 4:12-25; Psalms 4:1-8; Proverbs 1:20-23

Reading Plans

Discussion Board

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Resolve To Be Transformed

By Steve T. on January 1, 2012

What will we do different this year? There are more resolutions made during the first week of January than at any other time of the year, more diets are begun and more attempts at various forms of self-improvement. I’m not really big on resolutions but several years ago I wrote about making a resolution related to running. That resolution helped me to run more miles in one year than I have run in all other years combined. I’m praying that a different kind of resolution will motivate me this year.

Most good-intended resolutions will soon be forgotten, but some will make lasting changes for the better. If it takes the commitment of a “New Year” resolution to break free of a bad habit, restore a broken relationship or improve your health, then by all means resolve! But as we reflect on the past and excitedly plan for the future, let’s focus our effort on changes which have eternal significance. Jesus said it well as He admonished the Pharisees: “You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. First clean the inside…and then the outside also will be clean” (Matthew 23:25-26).

The Bible speaks about the initial transformation which occurs when we become a “new creation” in Christ. But it also speaks about the on-going transformation as we draw closer to God and achieve the peace and contentment found only in His presence.

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

When I began this ministry I focused much of my time on reading the Bible. In the first five years I was able to read the entire Bible three times. This was a special time of increasing my understanding of God and being drawn near to His presence. Since that time, I have continued to study, but I have not been as disciplined with simply reading and being guided by God’s Word. I would therefore like to invite you to join me in a resolution to read through the Bible in 2012. I will be using the One Year Bible reading plan which I have posted on my web site as Reading Plan Number 5 at:

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

At the end of each message I will include the daily reading. Feel free to print the reading plan and read together in community with others around the world. I will also print the readings as a daily topic on our message board at:

http://gdwmboard.org/eve

The message board can be used to post comments, reflections, or questions. I believe this will be useful for many. I know it will be useful for me!

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

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

****Reading Plan ****

Jan 1 – Genesis 1:1-2:25; Matthew 1:1-2:12; Psalms 1:1-6; Proverbs 1:1-6
Jan 2 – Genesis 3:1-4:26; Matthew 2:13-3:6; Psalms 2:1-12; Proverbs 1:7-9
Jan 3 – Genesis 5:1-7:24; Matthew 3:7-4:11; Psalms 3:1-8; Proverbs 1:10-19

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Last Message of 2011

By Steve T. on December 29, 2011

It’s hard to believe but 2011 is coming to a rapid end – and it’s been a good year! Even with the sad and tragic loss of my sister, and yes, the continuing struggles with our adult daughter, God is good. Our entire growing family was together, and genuinely enjoyed one another, on Thanksgiving, and God continued to mature each of us in special ways. Our two married children were actively involved in ministry in their local church, our two younger children took significant steps to make their faith their own, and even Stacey learned important lessons on trust.

As for my wife and I, we continued throughout this year to faithfully follow the path God placed in front of us for the short term while seeking His direction for the longer term. This has been the pattern for the last many years, but I believe this year we developed a greater peace and trust in God’s timing. We believe we have good direction for the next four or five months, but beyond that we still need to wait on God. I’ll write more about this as God’s plan unfolds.

One thing that has been made abundantly clear is that God’s Daily Word Ministries is to continue. And not just continue, but do more. Of course, the email messages will continue, but I believe I am to work on several messages related to unity. I spend a great deal of time studying Church history and the development of our beliefs, and I believe there is greater room for unity within the Body of Christ. I also believe we are to increase our involvement in foreign missions. The details of this are not yet clear, but, given my strong belief in the relational ministry of missions, I believe a trip to Africa is definitely in order.

In this last message of 2011, I also want to say thanks for all your support, both through prayers and finances. Sometimes I receive notes saying an individual wants to support this ministry but can “only do so through prayer.” We ought to really understand the importance of prayer. I have been amazed at how God has cared for, and utilized, this ministry over the last fifteen years; and I strongly believe this could not have been accomplished without the prayers of many around the world. So THANK YOU for your prayers!!

If you would like to be involved in the on-going financial support of this ministry, more information is contained on our web site at:

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

Remember that donations by mail need to be postmarked by December 31st in order to be recorded as a donation for 2011. Donation reports will be sent out by January 15th. Thanks again!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Off The Throne

By Steve T. on December 29, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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The Last Unopened Gift

By Steve T. on December 27, 2011

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

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

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

A prince has no problem accepting a gift meant for a prince. And a common person has no problem accepting a gift which is common. But a common person can be quite uncomfortable accepting a gift meant for a prince. We know what’s inside the gift – eternal life – a gift meant for a prince…and deep down we know we are so very common, so unworthy! This gift is too great, too much above what we feel we deserve. This gift makes us feel uncomfortable: “If we accept the gift will we then feel a debt? How could we ever repay such a debt? Maybe it’s best to ignore it and just leave it wrapped under the tree.”

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

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

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Ministry Update – Part 4

By Steve T. on December 26, 2011

This is the fourth Friday Ministry Update message in a series which I’m sending out to highlight different portions of this ministry. Email will continue to be the most effective and receive the highest priority in this ministry, but God has also led me to develop relationships, through my travels to Africa, with several individuals who are truly giving their all for the sake of the gospel.

The nature of this ministry allows me to be in contact with people from all over the world. I have found that the truths of God’s Word can speak into all different cultures and all different situations. This has allowed us to effectively minister to people in a surprisingly large number of countries. However, and this was a difficult lesson to learn, effective direct assistance cannot be accomplished outside of an ongoing relationship. Suffice it to say that the complications are greater than we can imagine. Therefore, I am currently working with three individuals, whom I now call friends, who have demonstrated a multi-year consistent relationship with Christ and commitment to ministry. The first two were highlighted in Parts 2 and 3 of this series at:

Update Part 3

Update Part 2

In this message I want to introduce you to pastor Thomas who ministers in one of the many impoverished areas of Nairobi. I have worked with pastor Thomas for the last six years and have been inspired by his steadfast faith through many difficult situations. This summer, pastor Thomas was ministering in a church and school which was in great need of repair. In fact, the building had been condemned and was to soon be torn down.

For a relatively small amount of money we were able to help pastor Thomas construct a new facility which allowed the ministry to continue.

I truly appreciate my friendship with pastor Thomas and I pray we are able to work with him on more projects in the future.

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

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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A Lifetime of Waiting

By Steve T. on December 22, 2011

It’s hard to believe it has been over fifteen years, but in August of 1996 God nudged me down a path which changed my life. The email ministry which began as an idea for the distribution of encouragement has taught me much, blessed our family, and provided many unique opportunities. But there have also been many frustrations, the biggest being the near constant lack of clear direction. It seems we are never allowed to see more than our next short step down the road. The result has been a continual asking of God, an on-going preparation to follow, and a difficult process of waiting. Looking back we can clearly see His loving Hand of guidance in every step, but looking forward we try to not grow impatient as we seek, trust…and wait.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Day of Remembrance

By Steve T. on December 22, 2011

There are only a few more days to go! If you read this on December 21st, there are only four days until…until what? Why is December 25th so special? What really is this day we call Christmas?

The early church didn’t 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. 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.”

These verses refer to Jesus Christ as “the Word” who was with God in the beginning and at the same time was God Himself. Though it is difficult to understand, Jesus left His Heavenly dwelling to begin life with us as a little baby. He “made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). This sacrifice 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 to be with The Father; 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 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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The First Move

By Steve T. on December 22, 2011

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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