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Paul had been arrested and sent to Caesarea to stand trial before Governor Felix. During his trial, Paul spoke of his worship of God and belief in His Word. Felix kept Paul in prison, but often talked with him about his faith.

Acts 24:24-25
“He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, ‘That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.'”

Governor Felix had the ability to hear the gospel from the greatest theologian of all time and yet failed to act on what he heard.

Several years earlier, Herod had arrested John the Baptist for speaking against his marriage (Herod was married to his own brother’s wife). Though Herod wanted to kill John, he also feared and respected him because he was a righteous and holy man: “When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him” (Mark 6:20). Herod liked to listen to John’s uncompromising message of repentance, and yet he failed to act on what he heard.

When Jesus was arrested, Pilate came face to face with the Son of God. He heard Jesus calmly claim to be King of the Jews and to have special favor from God; “You would have no power over Me if it were not given to you from above” (John 19:11). Pilate listened to Jesus, found no fault, and tried to set Him free (John 19:12); but in the end, Pilate failed to act on the truth.

Most of us experience a wonderful religious freedom today. We have free access to God’s Word and can usually find a local church willing to preach the truth. Yet, how often do we fail to act on what we receive? How often do our religious activities become cold and mechanical, lacking any real interest? “These people come near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me” (Isaiah 29:13).

If our worship does not invade every area of our life, then God is not on the throne of our life. We must trust Him in ALL things! We ought to have a passion for His Word as well as an uncompromising willingness to act. We should long for His presence and obediently follow each and every day – not just during our once a week worship.

Let’s NEVER put God on the shelf or ask Him to be “on-call.” He’s the Creator of the Universe who has called us to a committed life of full time worship. Let’s follow where He leads and never treat our Heavenly Father as a God of convenience.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

In the message “The Mind of Christ” we considered our call to walk according to the new life we have been given. We then looked at several aspects of Jesus’ life as our solid example to follow. We saw His desire to serve and glorify the Father, but probably the most challenging aspect of Jesus’ life was His ability to forgive; “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

The walk of a Christian is a life-long process of being transformed into the likeness of Jesus. This process brings us continually closer to God and, in a very real way, shows the gospel message to the world. There is no clearer demonstration of a transformed heart and true love for Christ than when we forgive one another. The simple fact that it’s so difficult makes forgiveness a blazing light into a dark and dying world. The unity obtained through forgiveness causes those in the world to be drawn closer to Christ.

John 17:23
“May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me.”

Being united is never a call to compromise the essential truths of the gospel; but it is clearly a call to put aside quarreling over trivial issues and stamp out all jealously, envy and, one of the greatest evils known to man, pride! Pride keeps more people separated from God and more relationships locked in unforgiveness than any other sin.

Continued forgiveness demonstrates the gospel because it requires us to honestly face our pride, place our trust in God, and walk in absolute humility. Forgiveness is not something we can do in our own strength. When we’ve been wounded, unfairly treated and misunderstood, our pride wants things to be “even” – it demands the other person to confess, repent, and bow to kiss OUR feet. True forgiveness of others brings us back to the cross where we must confess the ugliness of our heart, acknowledge our need for His forgiveness, and, once again, remove ourselves from the throne of control.

Continued forgiveness requires a daily crucifixion of our fleshly, pride-filled self, and a submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It requires a complete trust in our Heavenly Father to continue the process He has begun in our life and to fully work in the life of others according to His perfect timing. This is a life which definitely shines and causes the world to notice.

Let’s take a new look at any unforgiveness and determine once and for all to give it to the Lord. Let’s glorify our Father and become a living example of the gospel. Let’s live in unity through love and forgiveness…so the world may know!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

Our Christian walk of growing closer to God and becoming more like His Son involves a process of “renewing our mind” (Romans 12:2). Our mind is renewed as we begin to consider things of eternal value rather than the fading things of the world. But no matter how far we mature in our walk, distractions attempt to consume our thoughts and distance us from God.

Distractions always come in some form of temptation. There is a wide range of self indulging, flesh-filled desires and power hungry ambitions which tempt us at every turn; but there are also the more deceptive temptations like laziness, worry, pride, and overfilled schedules (and don’t even get me started about my selfishness!). Each of these are common tools of the enemy used to separate us from an intimate relationship with God. But God is not surprised by temptation. He understands and has provided a way out.

1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

In our fight against temptation, we must first understand that being tempted does not mean we have been singled out. Temptations are not an issue of Salvation, and they do not diminish God’s love – our temptations are “common to man.” Though we don’t seem very good at talking about our struggles, we ALL face forms of temptation. We are a Family and have much more in common than we realize.

Since we know we will face temptation as part of our daily battle, let’s start our day by getting prepared. No soldier enters war without the proper equipment. Neither should we enter a clearly hostile environment without making sure to get properly dressed; “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” (Ephesians 6:13).

The middle of a tempting situation is not the time to make decisions on how to react. Temptation decisions must be solidified in our heart long before the enemy attempts to pull us off God’s path. Conquering temptation is only possible by growing deep roots of commitment and Godly character through daily studying His Word, praying for strength, and trusting in the Holy Spirit to guide our steps – by putting on the “FULL armor of God.” I must start today asking God for the patience and strength to give myself away.

Our Heavenly Father has given us the tools, and He desires for us to live a victorious life. The attacks are going to come (and they will keep coming!) but our way out is to be prepared. If we will begin each day by getting fully dressed for battle, we WILL bear the temptation – we WILL stand our ground.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

Joseph had some difficult times in his early years. His brothers tried to kill him and then sold him to the Midianites. The Midianites, in turn, sold him as a slave to Potiphar who was one of Pharaoh’s officials. Joseph was then falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and thrown in prison where he sat for several years – things definitely weren’t going very well.

Then one day Joseph got his opportunity to make a change. Pharaoh had some dreams that bothered him greatly, but, when he sent for the wise men of Egypt, no one could help; “Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him” (Genesis 41:8). Pharaoh was told of a young Hebrew slave who was in prison but had demonstrated a unique ability to interpret dreams.

Pharaoh quickly summoned Joseph from the dungeon; “I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it” (Genesis 41:15). Wow! This was Joseph’s big chance – his opportunity to take matters into his own hands and shape his circumstances. He certainly deserved a break. And after all, doesn’t God help those who help themselves?

Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest misquotes of the Bible – and a shameful misrepresentation of God. It’s much more accurate to say God will faithfully work our circumstances to the good (as seen through His eyes) as we diligently seek Him and love Him with all our heart, and faithfully follow where He leads.

Joseph could have used this opportunity to bring glory and honor to himself. But He had learned the important lesson that ALL things come from God and should be used to glorify His name.

Genesis 41:16
“‘I cannot do it,’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.'”

Joseph had been given a wonderful gift, but this gift would only produce fruit as God worked through Joseph’s life. This was the same lesson Paul tried to teach the Church in Corinth: “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).

It’s by God’s grace we accomplish anything; “apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). It’s by His grace we have talents and abilities. It’s by His grace we obtain direction and motivation. In fact, it’s by His grace we take our next breath! If God provides all the tools, He certainly deserves ALL the praise. Let’s never miss an opportunity to use the gifts God has provided. And when our lives produce fruit, let’s never miss an opportunity to give Him all the glory!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

As Moses was about to die, he transferred leadership of Israel to Joshua. God gave His approval of Joshua with the instructions, “Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go” (Joshua 1:7).

Initially, Joshua sought God’s counsel for every step he took. Joshua received direction for crossing the Jordan river (Joshua 3), building a lasting memorial (Joshua 4), renewing the covenant of circumcision (Joshua 5), and defeating the fortified city of Jericho (Joshua 6). In all of this Joshua listened and obeyed; “So the Lord was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land” (Joshua 6:27).

However, after the miraculous success at Jericho – after Joshua witnessed the city walls fall with the sound of a trumpet and a shout – Joshua’s confidence began to grow. When it was time to attack the small city of Ai, Joshua relied on his own strength and the advice of men rather than seeking God.

Joshua 7:3-4
“‘Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary all the people, for only a few men are there.’ So about three thousand men went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai.”

Attacking the city of Ai seemed an insignificant decision. It was a small city and the Israelite army was mighty. And God had already given general instructions to conquer the entire land and an assurance of victory in battle; “I will give you every place where you set your foot…No one will be able to stand up against you” (Joshua 1:3,5). But, unknown to Joshua, there was sin in his camp – spiritual battles which would hinder any physical victory; “That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies” (Joshua 7:12). The assurance of victory always assumes we are walking with God and trusting in His strength.

When did we last seek and received counsel from God? If it’s been longer than the time it took to begin our last step, we may be attempting to fight a battle we cannot win. We must never presume to know God’s specific plan without asking for specific directions. Just because He said “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), doesn’t mean we can presume on His method or His timing; “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

God will show us the way, but we must ask for His guidance; “I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8). Our battles are never won because of our strength or the enemy’s weakness. They are won only as we allow God to guide and then boldly follow where He leads. No matter how insignificant the decision may appear, let’s be sure to walk in His strength and always seek His counsel.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

In the message “We Will Overcome” we were encouraged to hold on to Jesus when our strength fades and we become weary. We saw that our faith (not our strength) ensures we will overcome and receive the gift of eternal life. We can take great comfort in knowing Jesus will carry us and not let us fall. But we must also remember we were not born into His family to be permanently carried: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31). As we draw near to God through dedicated quiet times of prayer, He WILL renew our strength; and when He does, we must once again march into battle.

We often forget there is a war being fought all around us. We tend to become passive because we don’t actually see the fighting. There are no official announcements of enemy strength and no news flashes of casualties. But make no mistake…it’s a war!

Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Just as surely as there is a God who gave His Son to die for our sins, there is also a devil and spiritual forces doing battle. The good news is that we know the final outcome of this war; “And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur” (Revelation 20:10).

The devil’s end is certain; but until his end he is attempting to disrupt God’s plan and take as many with him as possible; “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was {also} thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15). The stakes of this war are high. The enemy continues to attack, and he rejoices when we think we’re defeated.

But we are NOT defeated! We may lose our focus – we may stray from what is really important and trust in things which are fading, or even experience times of fear and doubt – but we are definitely not defeated! The road to victory has been paved with the blood of Christ. We walk in victory as we remain on His path with determined steps of drawing closer to God and loving Him with all our heart.

As our strength returns (and it will!) we must pick up the Word of God and become a soldier! There are many all around us with deep wounds who are literally dying for help. Let’s not be content to sit on the sidelines or be forever carried. Let’s present our lives to God and allow Him to work through us to encourage others in their walk and share the hope of Jesus with whoever crosses our path. Let’s rededicate our lives to an uncompromising faith and, once again, join the battle!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries