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The parable of the prodigal son has had special meaning to our family over the last many years. We’ve witnessed nearly every aspect of this parable work itself out through the life of our daughter, from the pain of her rebellion to the joy of her return. I’ve also seen this as a common issue faced by parents all over the world. No matter what country or culture, parents agonize over the one who has gone astray.

In this parable, we see a rebellious young man demanding what he felt was rightfully his: “Father, give me my share of the estate” (Luke 15:12). This disrespectful attitude grew until the son no longer desired to live under his father’s roof. He “got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living” (Luke 15:13).

The reason this is such a universally common issue is that we are all born with the same sinful nature – a nature which holds us in tight control unless we are utterly transformed by the Spirit of God through faith in Jesus; “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires” (Romans 8:5). At the heart of the sinful nature is a pride which continually demands what we believe we deserve – this is the root of all sin!

The prodigal son continued to live according to his sinful nature until he found himself in a field of pigs; “he longed to fill his stomach with the pods {they} were eating” (Luke 15:16). But God used this terrible situation to soften the heart of the prodigal son and bring him to a state of submitted repentance.

Luke 15:17-18
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.'”

Before the son left home, I’m sure the father tried to provide wise counsel about the true priorities in life. I’m sure the father desperately tried every possible method of guiding the son along the straight and narrow path. I’m also pretty sure the father simply held his son close and wept. Unfortunately, the lessons the son needed to learn could only be taught through pigs.

There is nothing more painful than to watch someone you love walk down a path of obvious pain – nothing rips the heart like watching your child walk away from God and engage in various forms of “wild living.” But it helps to remember that God loves the prodigal more than we can hope or imagine. He desires to live with them in an eternally restored relationship. Our Heavenly Father will never miss an opportunity to teach the prodigal and draw them near – even as they may drift and sink – even as they may wallow in their field of pigs.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

After Joshua died, the nation of Israel was ruled by judges for over 300 years. During this time, the people turned to God when life became difficult, but “did evil in the eyes of the Lord” (Judges 3:7) when the difficult times passed. Finally, they cried out for a king: “We want a king to rule us. Then we will be like the other nations” (1 Samuel 8:20). God gave them exactly what they wanted – He gave them Saul, “An impressive young man without equal among the Israelites” (1 Samuel 9:2).

Saul looked impressive and was loved by the people, but he failed to obey God’s commands. After several years, God rejected Saul as king and sent Samuel to anoint a new king from among the sons of Jesse. When Samuel arrived at Jesse’s home, he saw Eliab and thought for sure he was to be the next king (Eliab was probably tall and strong like Saul).

1 Samuel 16:7
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'”

Samuel assumed the next king would fit the same “impressive” mold as Saul. But this king was to be chosen according to the criteria of God, not the criteria of man. God chose David, not because of his appearance or status, but because of his heart.

How often do we fall into the trap of evaluating others based on outward appearance? How often do we draw conclusions about a person based on looks and status. These prejudices affect the relationships we pursue and the counsel we give as well as receive. But God calls us to consider the heart of others and to strongly examine the condition of our own heart!

Much of our life is focused on being externally impressive. We desire the “right” looks, credentials, and possessions. We believe our outward condition makes us more valued, and some people do base their value on these outward coverings. But God looks past the external and directly pierces into who we are on the inside. Our focus must forever be on how we are viewed in the eyes of God, not the eyes of man.

There are very few things with eternal value. And nothing outside the will of God can survive the flames of judgment. The priorities of our life become the treasures which mold our heart; “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). And our heart is NEVER hidden from the eyes of God!

Let’s place our treasure firmly in the palm of His Hand. Let’s begin to consider the riches stored inside our Brothers and Sisters, and consider our true appearance as we stand before our holy Father. Everything external will one day fade away and we will stand bare and empty, with God looking at our heart.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

There will always be a fascination with the end times. There will be those who study every detail of scripture in an attempt to pinpoint a date and those who simply believe the end is near because of our current moral decay. Debates will continue about when Christ will return for His Church and exactly what signs will precede this wonderful event. Unfortunately, these debates often become heated and turn our attention away from the One who has promised to return.

Questions concerning the end times are not new. Two thousand years ago, the disciples asked Jesus: “What will be the signs of Your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3). Jesus answered the question directly and in several parables, but His basic message was: “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him” (Matthew 24:44).

There’s nothing fundamentally wrong with discussing the end times. The return of Jesus Christ is our “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13). We are encouraged to live as those “who have longed for His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). But we should never allow our discussions to lead us into “foolish and stupid arguments” (2 Timothy 2:23). Though the scholars may not agree about all the details, one fact is unanimously proclaimed: “He’s coming back!”

Mark 13:35-37
“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back – whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!'”

Are we ready for the Owner of the House to return? We can’t afford to wait for that next promotion or for the kids to grow, we must wake up and be prepared today! We can’t wait for our house to be built to our satisfaction before we dedicate it to the service of the Lord, we must give our all and serve the One who gave His life so we could live…today!!

If the end of our time on earth were to occur tomorrow, did our thoughts, words, and deeds for today bring glory and honor to our Heavenly Father? If the answer is no, we need to do some changing – we need to arise from our spiritual slumber and clean house. For what is the purpose of our being allowed to walk this earth if not to bring Him glory?

The study and discussion of end times should cause us to praise God for His victory over evil. Our understanding of the end times should cause us to walk in reverent obedience and help us to fight the pulls of the world. Let’s not be caught sleeping. Rather, let’s look forward with great anticipation and commit to being prepared. Let’s draw near to God in all we do and watch for His return.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

Moses received clear instruction as God spoke to him from the burning bush; “I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:10). Moses debated with God regarding his assignment and pushed God to the limit of His patience; “The Lord’s anger burned against Moses” (Exodus 4:14).

But once he began to follow, Moses maintained a close relationship with God and witnessed His mighty hand in many different ways. God worked through Moses to bring plagues against the Egyptians and to miraculously bring the Israelites out of Egypt. As Pharaoh released the Israelites and they began their journey into the desert, Moses witnessed more of God’s power; “By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light” (Exodus 13:21).

But as the Israelites approached the Red Sea, “Pharaoh and his officials changed their mind” (Exodus 14:5). Every chariot in Egypt was sent to bring the Israelites back. With no escape route in sight, and the Egyptian army closing in, the people cried out to God. Moses tried to calm the people, “The Lord will fight for you: you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). But being still was not in God’s plan.

Exodus 14:15-16
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.'”

God had been in close communion with Moses. He had given His direction and demonstrated His awesome power. Now at this moment of crisis, God expected Moses to know what to do: “Why are you crying out to Me…move on!”

We must diligently seek His will in stillness and prepare our life to follow where He leads; “be still and know that He is God” (Psalm 46:10). But we cannot allow our stillness to make us immobile: “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap” (Ecclesiastes 11:4). The conditions will never feel perfect nor will we ever feel fully prepared (beware of a never-ending mission analysis which paralyzes us from action). In the end we must remember: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

There will always come a time when God expects us to demonstrate our faith in what He has provided. Let’s prepare for that time by drawing near and learning to trust in HIS ability. Let’s live with an active faith such that when we know His power, know His provision and know His direction, we are able to trust and move on.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

In the message “The Burning Bush” we saw how God spoke to Moses in a miraculous way. And, although we don’t know for sure, we considered that God may have placed several burning bushes along Moses’ path and called him in a variety of ways during his time as a shepherd. After forty years of relative solitude, Moses was to ready to listen.

When Moses approached the bush and heard God call his name, he simply replied “Here I am” (Exodus 3:4). Moses had no idea how the next few moments would change his life. Initially, he didn’t even know it was God who called. But God was at work, and Moses’ answer signaled his availability to respond.

However, though Moses drew near and was available, he was not yet prepared to hear God’s call.

Exodus 3:5
“‘Do not come any closer,’ God said. ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.'”

Sandals were in constant contact with the ground. They were continually stepping in dirt, and “other messes” left from the animals. It was unthinkable to allow something so unclean to be in contact with the holy ground of God’s presence. This act of reverence was expected – even demanded – by God.

Our relationship with Jesus Christ should produce great assurance; “In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (Ephesians 3:12). But as we approach the throne, we must always remember He is the King and the Creator of ALL things. He has invited us into an intimate relationship, but we must never attempt to enter into God’s presence with a casual or assuming attitude.

If we desire to hear from God, we must first establish time which is free of distractions – we must be able to see where He is burning and listen for His call. Then we must have an available heart which daily cries out “Here I am!” Finally, we must draw near in reverent and humble submission.

The presence of God demands holiness, it creates holiness…it IS holiness! “For it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy'” (1 Peter 1:16). Without the presence of God, our churches and homes are nothing but walls and a roof; and our lives are nothing but empty shells of flesh. But as we love and worship Him with all our heart, His presence resides within us and we can live with purpose and direction.

Through faith in Jesus we have become His living temple. Let’s take off our sandals by confessing and repenting of ALL that is unclean in our life, all that has been soiled with worldly messes. Let’s live every day and take every step to honor Him; for we are His, and we are standing on holy ground.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

In the message “The Courts of God” we saw how the presence of God is to be cherished above all else. We considered that not even a thousand days in an earthly paradise can compare to a single day in the presence of God. And yet, though we may understand the value of His presence, we seldom make the decisions or exercise the discipline required to enter.

Luke 5:15-16
“The news about Him spread all the more, so the crowds of people came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Jesus had a relationship with the Father which can only be described as absolute perfection; “If you really knew Me, you would know My Father as well. Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:7,9). We long for and desperately seek the presence of God, but Jesus Christ IS the very presence of God: “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” (John 1:1,14).

And though He had perfect union with the Father, created the entire Universe, and demonstrated complete control over the elements of nature as He “rebuked the wind and the raging waters” (Luke 8:24), Jesus still made time to be alone with the Father in prayer. Why?

Prior to the important decision of choosing His twelve apostles, Jesus “went out to a mountainside and spent the night praying” (Luke 6:12). On the night before He was crucified, Jesus was in such anguish that He prayed until “His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground” (Luke 22:44). Jesus, through His life and death, taught us how we ought to relate to God…and it’s a lesson we must not ignore!

If Jesus, who is Perfection, demonstrated such need of prayer, how much more necessary is it for us who contain so many flaws and so easily drift away from God. We cannot wave our hand to calm the storm, but we CAN pray for patience and the strength to endure, and relentlessly ask for His help. We are to live in such constant communion with God that we “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), even as we drive in busy traffic, manage multiple assignments, or care for noisy children.

But each of us must also set aside time, which is “often” and regular, where we can withdraw to a quiet place. Yes, the presence of God can be found in the midst of our busyness, but we all need times of quiet where we can be refreshed and receive direction – times when we can simply lift our hearts to God and say “Thank You!” Let’s develop and maintain the discipline of entering the courts of His presence. Let’s regularly set aside times of quiet to get alone and pray.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries