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A Great Place to Visit

By Steve T. on October 6, 2009

This afternoon I was thinking about the message “Just Passing Through” and found myself in a slight dilemma. In that message we were reminded that “our citizenship is in Heaven” (Philippians 3:20), and how we should never place our hope in the things of this world. Our daily news makes it easier and easier to accept that our security cannot be found in this world. In fact, even non-believers are beginning to believe that “this world in its present form is passing away” (1 Corinthians 7:31).

We are all here for such a short time, “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). And one of our constant challenges is to keep our eyes focused on Christ as our eternal hope; “what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18b). He will never leave us, and His promises are forever!

1 Peter 5:4
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”

All of this I know – I’ve thought about it many times. I try hard to live my life by these enduring truths. The things of this world are temporary. God is eternal. Store up treasures in Heaven because this world is not my home…I’m just passing through. Yes, all of this I know.

But my dilemma occurred because I was looking up at some snow covered hills and sitting in a mountain river at the point where scalding spring water mixes with the frigid mountain water. We had a VERY cold walk back to the truck, but with the hot spring water beating on my shoulders and looking up at the hills, I felt incredibly blessed and was in complete awe of God’s creation.

Today is our sixtieth day of travel and we are currently camped outside the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park. This place is amazing! My daughter Sarah created the above collage from pictures we took the last few days. The wildlife is literally everywhere, the scenery is exquisite, and some things, like the bubbling pools of sulfuric acid, are just plain weird! As we continue to travel this country (and hopefully are able to travel to other parts of the world) we are brought face to face with beauty and majesty – we are brought face to face with God.

My citizenship is in Heaven and my hope is in Christ and Christ alone. And though I understand that all we see is temporary and will certainly fade away, and though I will remember that this world is not my home, I have to admit…it can sure be a great place to visit.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Just Passing Through

By Steve T. on October 5, 2009

It’s a great privilege to be part of God’s creation. Through the beauty of this world we have the honor to view “God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature” (Romans 1:20). Every plant and animal; every hill, valley and body of water; every star in the sky and every man, woman and child declare the glory of God and attest to His majesty. And yet, as glorious as this world may be…it is not our home.

Philippians 3:19-21
“Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in Heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.”

When we place our trust in Jesus, He provides a way for us to be united with God and “adopted as His sons” (Ephesians 1:5). We are adopted by grace and become “fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household” (Ephesians 2:19). If we could gain even a small understanding of “God’s household,” we would hold very loose any of our attachments to this world.

Abraham lived his life by faith. When God called Abraham to pack all his household and move, he obeyed “even though he did not know where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8). Abraham was never concerned with his earthly dwelling; he was “longing for a better country – a Heavenly one” (Hebrews 11:16). Abraham honored God through faith while remaining an “alien and a stranger on earth” (Hebrews 11:13).

We have been placed in this world with all its beauty and with all its temptations. In fact, when we give our life to Christ, we are specifically sent into the world for the purpose of ministry; “As You have sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world” (John 17:18). But we must NEVER become identified by the values of the world or driven by anything it can offer. We are sent into the world, but we must not be part of the world system; “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it” (John 17:16).

Our home is defined as the place we feel most comfortable; the place we store our treasures and find rest for our soul. If we are a child of God, our eternal home is in His presence and we ought to be able to say, “Take everything I own but leave me Jesus and I will have enough!” This world can be VERY beautiful and our lives should always be a productive expression of worship for our Lord. But we must remember that our citizenship is in Heaven; and for all the days we walk this earth, we must walk as though we are just passing through!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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We Will Not Fear

By Steve T. on October 1, 2009

In these times of great uncertainty – with concern about things like war, terrorism, and the economy – let’s always remember, our Heavenly Father is the Creator of the Universe. He formed the Heavens and the Earth out of nothing, and, as we place our trust in Him, He has given a basic promise: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). His desire is for us to draw nearer in our love and worship, and allow His Spirit to remove all fear.

Psalm 46:1-3
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

Although we are uncertain what tomorrow may bring, we ought to have confidence in the One who really controls tomorrow. If we believe Jesus died for our sin, rose again in victory over death, and is seated at the right hand of the Father – if we surrender our life to who He is and what He has done – our eternal home has been firmly established; “Our citizenship is in Heaven” (Philippians 3:20). As a child of the Sovereign King, as one who believes in our eternal future, we no longer have reason to fear; “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship” (Romans 8:15).

We no longer have a reason, but still we fear. The unknown is scary and makes us feel out of control. But as we pray for an end to violence, and as we strive to make this world safer, better educated, and more prosperous, we must understand there is only one true solution to our fear.

Our fear will only be removed as we love the Lord with ALL our heart, soul, mind and strength. When we understand that our life is not our own, we will love with a complete abandonment to His desire. We will pray and live each day with the surrender demonstrated by Christ; “Father…not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). As we live each day to bring Him glory and honor, fear WILL begin to fade: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18).

Yes, these days contain some uncertainty. If we continue to focus on what we can see, there will always be uncertainties. But our faith, hope, and joy are in His eternal glory, not in this world which will one day pass away. Let’s refuse to allow our fear of the unknown cripple our service for God. There is still much work He has for us to do. Let’s pray that our love will increase, that our worship will intensify, and that we will boldly stand up and proclaim, “We will not fear!”

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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United in Purpose

By Steve T. on October 1, 2009

In the message “His Disciples” we saw how our love for one another demonstrates we are true followers of Jesus Christ; “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). We saw our call for a sacrificial love, focused on those with clear needs – the lonely, hurting, anxious, depressed or hungry – needs which require definite action.

But there is another expression of Christian love – a love which is still sacrificial, but one that requires us to withhold certain actions, place restraints on our words, and definitely increase our time in prayer. This is the love which leads to unity in our local fellowship.

1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

There is a story of a man lost at sea. He is treading water and has given up all hope. Suddenly, a ship appears on the horizon and moves his way. His strength surges as he wildly waves his arms, rescue is near! But as the ship gets closer, he sees the passengers yelling at one another; many are punching, kicking and spitting; and some are even being thrown overboard. It doesn’t take long for the man to begin swimming as fast as he can AWAY from the ship.

We are passengers on the gospel ship, and God’s Word continually calls us to unity; “conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ…stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). If we are united with Christ, we ought to be “like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (Philippians 2:2). As Jesus prayed to the Father, He made it clear why we are to unite: “so the world may believe that You have sent Me” (John 17:21).

Unity is never a call for compromise on the essentials of the gospel. We must never give a single step of ground regarding the necessity and sufficiency of faith in the sacrifice of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin. But when we begin to divide over issues like the format of our worship service, the structure of our programs, or the look of our facility, perhaps we have stepped over the line of Biblical unity.

I can’t define the exact line of unity in your local fellowship. But I can confidently suggest there is greater room for unity than what first appears. If all of us will honestly remove our pride and understand God’s purpose in a unified fellowship, we will see much more room for grace and love. Let’s truly show the love of Christ. Let’s all draw closer and closer to Jesus and show the world we are united in Spirit, united in purpose.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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His Disciples

By Steve T. on September 29, 2009

One of the last commands Jesus gave was to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The making of a disciple is the complete work of the Holy Spirit; but we are told to join in this work by teaching people to believe in the sacrifice of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, to humbly submit control of their life into His hands, and to “obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20).

God’s Word contains the complete description of what it means to believe, submit, and obey. Jesus taught extensively on each of these issues. But the single command which will have the greatest impact on the world around us is the command to love.

John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

The phrase “As I have loved you” ought to rip at our heart. Though there was nothing in us to deserve His love, Jesus gave His life. And long before He gave His physical life, He gave something even greater; He “made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7). Jesus loved enough to give up who He was for those completely unlovable; and this is the level of love we are called to demonstrate to one another.

We are called to a sacrificial love – a love that gives and considers the needs of others ahead of our own. We are called to give our time, our tears, our understanding, and even our material resources when necessary. We are called to love enough to rejoice when others rejoice, but also to hurt when others hurt, and to forgive simply because Jesus first forgave us. We are called to love!

But notice why we are called to such love. Our love for others is certainly an expression of gratitude to God and a maturing process as we grow into the likeness of Christ, but Jesus also says our love for others is the one sure way of telling the world we are followers of Christ. Our love becomes an act of worship because, through love, we are boldly declaring Jesus is Lord! As we love – even when others may not “deserve” our love – we actively show the world the joy and peace found only in Jesus.

The world is overflowing with people who need love, who have run out of hope, longing for someone to let them know they care. We are those who must care! We must reach out to one another with a love that defies all worldly wisdom and understanding. We must love as Jesus loved us. This love will be used to work miracles; this love will bring glory and honor to our Heavenly Father; this love will show the world that we are truly His disciples.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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His Gentle Knock

By Steve T. on September 28, 2009

In the message “The Most Holy Place” we saw how Jesus became the final sacrifice for our sin. When Jesus died on the cross, “the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51). The curtain had, up to that point, formed a barrier for the Most Holy Place in the temple where God resided with His people. The tearing of the curtain was a clear demonstration that anyone who believes in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin can now enter the presence of God; “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19).

We are a fortunate people! Not since Adam has man had such access to the presence of God. We no longer need a priest with a specific sacrifice, and we need not pray a specific prayer – but there IS a condition. The Most Holy Place of the presence of God can only be entered by those who come by faith in Jesus Christ. If we desire the presence of God, we must first open the door of our heart.

Revelation 3:20
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.”

Here is contained the great mystery of God’s plan for man. He desires a people who recognize their need, hear His voice, and open the door to invite Him in. He then promises to enter and “set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (2 Corinthians 1:22). This is His sovereign, majestic, and glorious plan.

God’s Word never indicates that Jesus will crash through the door of our heart; He’s never pictured as huffing and puffing to blow the door down. And He certainly NEVER sneaks in through a side window! He simply and patiently stands at the door and knocks – He says, “I am here. Won’t you invite Me in?”

Opening the door involves an understanding of who Jesus is, as related to our need for forgiveness, and an act of submission which releases control of our life. We may hear His voice through something someone says or something we read – we may “hear” Him knocking as we sit in silence – but when we hear, we must be willing to open the door; “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15).

Many people will hear the knock of Jesus, but few will open the door. Most will spend a lifetime evaluating the knock and analyzing the One who is knocking; some will even push a little food onto the front porch; but few will actually recognize their need and open the door. Let’s invite Him in today and commune with Him EVERY day for all eternity. Today, let’s answer His gentle knock.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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The Most Holy Place

By Steve T. on September 25, 2009

One of the amazingly consistent themes through all of God’s Word is His desire to fellowship with His children. When God created Adam and placed him in the Garden of Eden, Adam was allowed to enjoy God’s presence. God brought Adam the animals to name (Genesis 2:19) and actually walked with Adam during the day. However, this fellowship was broken and man was cast out of God’s presence when Adam sinned by eating the forbidden fruit.

Many years later, God formed the nation of Israel to be a people fully devoted to Him. When God led the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery, He told Moses to construct a holy place for His presence to reside. God called this the Most Holy Place and instructed that it be separated from the rest of the tabernacle by a curtain.

Leviticus 16:2
“The Lord said to Moses: ‘Tell your brother Aaron not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud over the atonement cover.'”

The presence of God resided in the Most Holy Place, behind a curtain, and could only be entered by the High Priest once a year on the Day of Atonement. The High Priest would enter the Most Holy Place with the blood of a goat as a sacrifice for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:15).

God loved us so much, and so greatly desired a lasting and intimate fellowship, that He gave His Son to be the final sacrifice for our sins: “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12).

When Jesus died on the cross, “the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51). His sacrifice provided a way for us to enter into the presence of God at any moment; “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19).

God is calling us to reach out and draw near to His presence through faith in the sacrifice of His Son. The Creator of the Universe is knocking at the door; “If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20). Our Heavenly Father is calling us to an eternity of fellowship. Let’s open the door and enter His presence today. Let’s confidently enter the Most Holy Place.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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The True Peace of God

By Steve T. on September 24, 2009

We are all striving toward the “successful” life, though our definitions of success may often differ. Many of us place our effort in obtaining more and better things, reaching a higher status, or building greater security. Others involve themselves in more “spiritual” endeavors with ministry activities and service projects. But the root motivation for all our effort is the same – we all are seeking a life full of peace.

Unfortunately, the world trains us to simply set and then exceed our goals without ever taking the time to examine what our heart really longs for – we long for peace! I’m certainly not opposed to goals; but we must understand that meeting every single goal, by itself, will NEVER result in peace.

The lack of peace is, first and foremost, the result of our sinful condition. When man first chose to place his desire ahead of God’s perfect plan, sin entered the world and true peace became illusive; “when you eat of it you will surely die” (Genesis 2:17). We will never obtain true peace through different governments, nor can we purchase or create peace by changing our surroundings. Peace begins with the forgiveness of sin through faith in Jesus and grows as we live in submission to the Holy Spirit; “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he said those who have placed their faith in Jesus now have a basic formula for a life of peace.

Philippians 4:4-7
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Our formula for peace is: (1) Rejoice, (2) Rejoice some more, (3) Be gentle, (4) Know God is near, (5) Remove all anxiety, and (6) Pray about everything with a thankful heart. Jesus promised that those who trust in Him will receive a peace beyond anything this world can understand: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

If our lives are lacking peace, the ONLY solution is to draw nearer to God, trust Him more, and rejoice (and rejoice and rejoice) as we are guided by His Spirit. Only then will we find the “success” we have been striving for – only then will we obtain what our heart longs for…the true peace of God!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Our Spiritual Walls

By Steve T. on September 22, 2009

Nehemiah lived in the days following the Israelite captivity in Babylon. The first captives had been allowed to return to Jerusalem and reconstruct the temple. However, those who returned had left the walls of the city in great disrepair. When Nehemiah heard this discouraging report, he asked permission of the king to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the once mighty walls.

Nehemiah’s request was granted. He traveled to Jerusalem in the year 445 BC and motivated the people to rebuild the walls in record time. But Nehemiah discovered there was more broken in Jerusalem than just physical walls. It had been many years since the people truly worshipped God – spiritual walls were now in desperate need of mending.

Nehemiah knew the only way toward spiritual repair was through the Word of God. He gathered the people and they wept as Ezra read God’s Word “from daybreak till noon” (Nehemiah 8:3). For seven days, Ezra continued to read. On the eighth day, walls began to mend as the people “spent another quarter {of the day} in confession and worshipping the Lord” (Nehemiah 9:3). True repair occurred as they recommitted their lives to following the commands of God.

Nehemiah 10:29
“All these now bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses…and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the Lord.”

Our world continues to change. Nations continue to build physical walls and attack one another while showing little concern for the spiritual walls which protect from the real enemy. Years of neglect, and large scale drifting from God’s path, have left our spiritual walls cracked and vulnerable. Our families are seldom led by God and our courts make laws without seeking His counsel. Attacks come from every direction and our defenses are weak!

The repair of our spiritual walls will not occur at the national level. Governments have become too large and diverse to even recognize this need. But we have the opportunity all around the world to rebuild, one individual, one family, one church, and one community at a time. We have the ability to repair the portion of wall within our circle of influence. Together, we CAN rebuild and strengthen!!

As in the time of Nehemiah, we must return to a passion for the Word of God. His Word reveals His eternal plan through faith in His Son, and guidance and strength for our daily walk through obedient submission to His Spirit. Let’s become people dedicated to study and prayer, and allow each day of our lives to be led by God’s Spirit. Let’s make a lasting commitment to focus on the eternal and rebuild our spiritual walls.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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What The Lord Has Provided

By Steve T. on September 21, 2009

As a young teenage boy, David showed a deep understanding of God’s strength as he prepared to fight Goliath; “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37). The understanding that God was fighting the battle allowed David to confidently approach Goliath with nothing more than a sling and a few stones; “This day the Lord will hand you over to me” (1 Samuel 17:46).

After many years of being pursued by king Saul, David continued to demonstrate his belief that every victory he enjoyed came as a direct result of God’s hand.

The Amalekites had raided the village where David and his men were living. Under God’s promise of victory, David set off with six hundred men to battle the enemy and take back their stolen possessions; but two hundred of the men were too tired to join the fight. After the victorious battle, the four hundred who fought wanted to exclude the two hundred who stayed behind; “Because they did not go out with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered” (1 Samuel 30:22). But David reminded them Who really won the battle.

1 Samuel 30:23
“No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the Lord has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us.”

David understood it wouldn’t have mattered whether four hundred or forty, or even four, had gone into battle – it wouldn’t have mattered whether the men were skilled or unskilled – the battle would have been won. The battle was won because of God’s promise and His provision, not because of the men’s ability.

As we see the battle approaching, we must draw even closer to our Heavenly Father. He has given us abilities which we must use, but then we must place all our trust in Him for the results. If the battle appears to be a failure, we must trust that God is in control and working toward His good and perfect plan. When God is in control, there are no failures as viewed through His eyes. And if the battle appears to be victorious, we must not allow our pride to take credit for the work God has done – for this always results in failure, regardless of our perception of victory.

God owns ALL and provides ALL. He owns our possessions, our relationships, and our ministries. He owns our abilities as well as our lack, our successes as well as our failures. As we come through our next battle (and we will!) – in fact, even in the midst of the battle – let’s return the ownership and give Him all the glory. We must never attempt to control or hold tight to what the Lord has provided.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Remember The Eternal

By Steve T. on September 17, 2009

Heavenly Father, we pray for comfort and peace for those directly affected by the tragic events this week. For those who lost loved ones, we pray that You would become their refuge and source of strength. For the children who lost a parent, we pray their hearts would remain tender and receptive to Your Word. We pray for those searching for answers. Please reveal Your truth and help us all to understand that apart from You, there is nothing! In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

This prayer was originally distributed after a major tragedy in which many people died. Unfortunately, it could also be a prayer for every day of the year because of the thousands who die in accidents, or as a result of senseless violence or disease, or because of starvation or addiction to drugs, or due to the tragedy of war. So many lives seem needlessly shortened. But even life which reaches its “full-potential” is incredibly short: “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). As I continue to “mature” in age, this truth becomes more and more real. Our time is short!

When world tragedy occurs we ought to sincerely pray for those affected; it’s not often the whole world can pray for a specific group of people. And when individual tragedy occurs we ought to sincerely pray and seek ways to comfort those in need. But we also should take a moment to consider the frailty and brevity of life, and how our priorities reflect this truth. We must strive for a firmer understanding that anything outside the will of God will one day fade away. Any other “god” who receives our worship in the form of excess time, thought, energy, or resources will most surely burn and be swept aside.

1 Corinthians 7:29,31
“What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on…those who use the things of the world, {use them} as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.”

No matter how many times I read these truths of God’s Word, I know I don’t yet fully understand. I know our time is short, but I continually gain my identity and become engrossed in my toys. Father forgive me!

If there is any good to come out of tragedy, it will only be as we resolve to “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen” (2 Corinthians 4:18a). We must allow events such as these to firmly establish that “what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18b).

It’s time we turn our heart to God in true revival and do ALL as unto the Lord. We can no longer give our lives to what is temporary and passing away. It’s time we unashamedly worship Him and follow where He leads. It’s time we draw close to His presence and remember the eternal.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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Heart Full of Passion

By Steve T. on September 16, 2009

In the message “A God of Convenience” we were encouraged to be true worshipers who walk with God every day and refuse to put Him “on the shelf.” We must never become people who worship with our lips, but have hearts which are far from God (Isaiah 29:13). We need to be careful not to stray from the path of devoted love to become entangled in the weeds and thorns of selfish convenience.

But how can we guard against such wandering? How can we recognize when we are beginning to stray? And how can we return to the place we truly desire?

The answer to these questions will always be found in a deep and passionate love! Our relationship with God is not based on an exercise of our intellect, but on a transformation of our heart. Our relationship began with a work of the Spirit as our heart became His. It must now continue as we walk so close that our only desire is to give Him ALL our heart – to give Him what is already His.

After years of successful rule, David’s kingdom was now in total rebellion. His son, Absalom, was attempting to become the new king and had forced David to flee into the desert. With his life’s work falling apart, and far from his home and place of worship, David turned to God and gave us a clear picture of Godly passion.

Psalm 63:1-4
“O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and Your glory. Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands.”

Although it may be difficult to maintain this level of passion every moment of the day, this IS the relationship to which we have been called. This is worship! We must realize that this world is a “dry and weary land” when compared to walking in His presence. We must long for God’s love more than life itself and seek to glorify Him in all we do.

If this type of relationship sounds foreign – maybe even a little radical – then I invite you to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). He will pour out His blessings on those who step out in faith and truly give Him their heart. If you already understand this relationship but realize the passion has faded, then I boldly exhort you to return. Return to what you know will truly satisfy – to what you know is eternal, imperishable. Let’s all return to the place of true worship. Let’s all draw near and worship with a heart full of passion.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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