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This is another message I send out every year around Christmas. In this world which is doing everything possible to take Christ out of the season and day, it’s important for us to be reminded what this day is that we call Christmas. What exactly is December 25th?

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’s generally agreed that, due to the relatively colder weather, December was an unlikely time for the birth of our Savior. So what really is this day we call 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. Jesus then 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 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

As we continue our search for God’s direction – patiently waiting and actively seeking His presence – we ought to rejoice with every single step He reveals. As we draw closer to Jesus, we will desire, more and more, to only take steps which are aligned with His will. Therefore, ANY direction from God – no matter which way He leads and no matter what method He uses to direct – should be a reason to rejoice.

During his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul received specific direction from Jesus; “get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do” (Acts 9:6). A few years later, the Holy Spirit specifically directed Paul to begin his first missionary journey; “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul {Paul} for the work to which I have called them” (Acts 13:2).

Midway through his second journey, God directed Paul with peace and assurance: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you” (Acts 18:9-10). And at the end of his third journey, Paul once again received specific direction; “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem” (Acts 20:22).

God often leads us by opening doors and lighting a path for us to follow. But there are also many times when God directs by simply telling us where NOT to go.

Acts 16:6-7
“Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.”

Paul was still walking with God – still being directed by His Spirit – but now God’s direction was in the form of closed doors. Paul never appeared to get discouraged when God closed a door, he simply allowed himself to be redirected toward whatever door God opened.

So much of our Christian growth is a process of relinquishing control and trusting God to completely direct our life. He alone is in control of the doors; “What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open” (Revelation 3:7). It’s a mixture of pride and foolishness which causes us to continually push on doors which God has closed.

Our Heavenly Father is constantly guiding and calling us to trust Him more. He opens doors which require us to step through in faith, and closes doors which require us to patiently wait. His guiding hand is always a reason to rejoice – even when we are lovingly guided by closed doors.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

When my mom was forty-three years old, she developed skin cancer and died within four months of the first diagnosis. I was in my early twenties at the time and I remember forty-three seeming much older than it does now. As I approached the age of forty-three (hard to believe that’s been seven years ago!) I also developed a case of the same skin cancer which took my mom’s life. Fortunately, the detection and treatment of skin cancer has greatly improved and I am fine – praise God! But that event has given me reason to ponder many times over the last seven years: “What if this day was my last? Would I have any regrets?”

John the Baptist discovered the uncertainty of each moment of life as he sat in prison.

I guess they call me “John the Baptist” because I preached a message of repentance and baptized with water while pointing the way to Jesus (John 1:31-33). “The Baptist” isn’t such a bad name. I could have been called “John the Wearer of Camel Hair” or “John the Eater of Locusts.”

King Herod must have been mad at me for exposing his sin of marrying his brother’s wife (Matthew 14:3-4). I sure wish I was back in the desert preaching, but God must have a plan for me here in prison. I think Herod actually likes me. He often listens to me talk and seems genuinely interested (Mark 6:20). It’s pretty loud in the palace tonight. They must be having quite a party.

Matthew 14:6-10
“On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.’ The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison.”

Wow, that was fast! No time to say good-bye or write letters to my friends – no time to even gather my thoughts – just, “lean over and put your neck on the block.” I sure wish I would have…..

No one knows when they will breathe their last. We may have sixty years or sixty minutes; but no matter how long we have, it will seem to pass in an instant – It amazes me how fast life passes by. The time to place our saving faith in Jesus is NOW! The time to restore relationships and encourage others with the gospel is NOW! The time to enjoy our family is NOW! And the time to praise God for His blessings and grace is absolutely NOW!!

Each of us enters this day with things we wish we could change, decisions and words which have not been honoring to God. But each of us also enters this day with the ability to begin, right this very moment, to live a life which glorifies God in all we do. Let’s begin today to live fully committed to following Christ. Let’s give Him our ALL and live toward an end which will leave no regrets.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

In the message “Patiently Trust His Timing” we considered Abraham and Sarah as they waited for God’s promise through the birth of Isaac. Waiting for God’s direction and blessing can be a great test of our faith, but waiting on God for our rescue can be an even greater challenge.

There are three great storms detailed in the New Testament. The first occurred when Jesus was crossing the Sea of Galilee with His disciples. Jesus was asleep when the storm began, and the disciples became afraid and woke Him: “Lord save us! We’re going to drown!” (Matthew 8:25). Jesus rebuked the disciples for their fear and proceeded to calm the storm; “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” (Matthew 8:26).

The second storm occurred immediately after the miraculous feeding of over five thousand people. This time, Jesus sent the disciples across the sea by themselves. When the storm rose up, Jesus went out to meet them…walking on the water. As Jesus again calmed the storm, He spoke the same message against fear; “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).

The last storm occurred about thirty years after Jesus was crucified. Paul had proclaimed the gospel through much of the Roman empire and was being transported by boat to stand trial in Rome. A storm arose which blew the ship terribly off course. The ship was battered and tossed for several days; “We finally gave up all hope of being saved” (Acts 27:20).

It must have been difficult to trust God’s timing as the storm continued through the many long days and sleepless nights. But as hope was fading away, God sent an angel to Paul with a familiar message.

Acts 27:23-24
“Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid.'”

There may be times when our ability to trust is severely tested. But our faith in God – in His ability to hold us secure – must be independent of the force of the wind. Though the winds may blow, we remain in His hands and must not fear; “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, but even if He does not…” (Daniel 3:17-18).

Most storms last longer than we prefer. But our Heavenly Father is leading us to the place where we can have peace, contentment, and even joy, whether the sun is shining or the storm is raging. He is calling us to be free of fear; calling us to trust Him more and experience His calm within the storm.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

In the message “Without Compromise” we saw three young Jewish men face the ultimate test of their convictions. When the king threatened to throw them into a blazing furnace if they did not bow to a golden image, the three calmly refused to compromise; “We will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:18).

These three men had learned the importance of convictions when they were first brought as captives to Babylon. They were selected, along with another young man named Daniel, for a special program to prepare them to serve the Babylonian king. One of the “benefits” of this program was being fed choice food and drink from the king’s table. But Daniel knew these special favors were designed to pull them into a culture that did not honor God.

Daniel 1:8
“Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.”

Although Daniel was determined not to partake in the ways of his captives, his initial approach was to graciously ask permission for him and his friends to follow their convictions. Daniel was resolved, but he also knew the importance of serving God through his interaction with other people.

Daniel continued to minister in this foreign land for over sixty years. He was a respected advisor to four different kings and taught them many lessons about the One True God. During this time, his faith was severely tested and he often faced great pressures to adopt the value system of ungodly people. But Daniel was prepared with a resolve that he would continue to follow God and God alone.

Many of us live in an environment which is hostile to the ways of God. Some are in work environments which actively promote ungodly activities and strike down those who even mention God. Many more of us face subtle hostilities from a world system which calls faith a crutch for the weak and uneducated, and teaches a truth which is relative and continually changing. Many ministry leaders even face pressures to dilute the gospel truth in the name of a distorted view of grace and tolerance, or the perceived need for increased membership.

We must resolve not to defile ourselves by compromising our convictions or lowering our standards – our lives as well as our message must remain true to God’s Word. But we must also keep the doors open for the opportunity to minister and shine His light into the darkness. Our convictions must stand firm; and yet, they must be implemented with true grace and compassion. Let’s show the world around us the unfailing and never-changing love of God through a firm and gentle resolve.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries