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The Risk of Faith

By on January 9, 2020

The_Risk_of_Faith

At the beginning of Elijah’s ministry, God sent him to stay with a widow and her son. When he first arrived, Elijah asked the widow for some bread. The woman sadly said she only had enough for one final meal: “I don’t have any bread – only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it – and die” (1 Kings 17:12).

The widow had completely given up on life. She believed she was preparing her last meal, but Elijah told her to trust God and make him something to eat out of the remaining flour. Elijah said it was God’s plan to provide for all her needs…but she must believe.

1 Kings 17:14
“For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land.'”

The widow could have used the remaining food to feed herself and her son, but she risked all she had and did as Elijah requested. Even though she could not see the extra food or understand how it would arrive, she had faith in God’s Word and took action based on her faith. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).

The risk was great, but God’s promise and provision were even greater: “So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the Word of the Lord spoken by Elijah” (1 Kings 17:15-16).

Taking a step of faith ALWAYS requires risk – always requires stepping into the unknown. If we could see every detail about where God was leading and how He would provide, we wouldn’t need faith. But if there is any “success” to be had in the Christian walk, it will only come as we daily live by faith; as we live each and every moment by listening intently for the call of God and then trusting Him, even through our fear, as we step into what we cannot see. This is where the true blessings of God reside.

When God calls us to a place where we must be “certain of what we do not see,” we must boldly step. We must overcome our fears with a faith grounded in the promises of His Word and trust Him with all our heart to never leave our side.

There are so many who live their life without hope. Their circumstances seem to indicate that all is lost and they have been abandoned. And yet, God continues to call and promises hope through faith and trust. But we must take the step! Let’s compassionately share this message of hope all around the world. If we are careful to listen, we most certainly will hear His call. He is faithful and will never lead us astray. So when we hear His call, let’s be prepared to step and take the risk of faith.

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; Psalm 9:1-12; Proverbs 2:18-22
Jan 10 Genesis 23:1-24:51; Matthew 8:1-17; Psalm 9:13-20; Proverbs 3:1-6
Jan 11 Genesis 24:52-26:16; Matthew 8:18-34; Psalm 10:1-15; Proverbs 3:7-8
Jan 12 Genesis 26:17-27:46; Matthew 9:1-17; Psalm 10:16-18; Proverbs 3:9-10

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El Riesgo de la Fe

By on January 9, 2020

The_Risk_of_Faith

En el principio del ministerio de Elías, Dios le mandó a quedarse con una viuda y su hijo. Cuando había llegado, Elías le pidió un poco de pan. La mujer le dijo tristemente que solo tenía lo suficiente para una última comida: “no me queda ni un pedazo de pan; sólo tengo un puñado de harina en la tinaja y un poco de aceite en el jarro. Precisamente estaba recogiendo unos leños para llevármelos a casa y hacer una comida para mi hijo y para mí. ¡Será nuestra última comida antes de morirnos de hambre!” (1 Reyes 17:12). No olvidemos que hay muchos en el mundo hoy en día con este mismo sentimiento de desesperanza.

La viuda había rendido completamente su vida. Ella creía que estaba preparando su ultima comida, pero Elías le dijo que confiara en Dios y que le hiciera una comida de la harina que había. Elías le dijo que era el plan de Dios de proveer para todas sus necesidades – pero tenía que creer.

1 Reyes 17:14
“Porque así dice el Señor, Dios de Israel: No se agotará la harina de la tinaja ni se acabará el aceite del jarro, hasta el día en que el Señor haga llover sobre la tierra.”

La viuda podría haber usado el poco de comida para alimentarse a si misma y su hijo, pero arriesgó su última comida e hizo como pidió Elías. Aunque no podía ver comida extra ni entender como llegaría, tuvo fe en la Palabra de Dios y tomó acción basada en su fe. “Ahora bien, la fe es la garantía de lo que se espera, la certeza de lo que no se ve” (Hebreos 11:1).

El riesgo era grande, pero la promesa de Dios era aún más grande: “de modo que cada día hubo comida para ella y su hijo, como también para Elías. Y tal como la palabra del Señor lo había anunciado por medio de Elías, no se agotó la harina de la tinaja ni se acabó el aceite del jarro” (1 Reyes 17:15-16).

Tomar un paso de fe SIEMPRE requiere riesgo – siempre requiere entrar en lo desconocido. Si pudiéramos ver cada detalle acerca de donde Dios nos esta dirigiendo y cómo El proveerá, no necesitaríamos fe. Pero si hay algún “éxito” en el caminar Cristiano, solo vendría de la manera en que diariamente vivamos por fe – de la manera en que vivamos cada día primero escuchando atentamente al llamado de Dios y confiando en El, aún a través de nuestros temores, mientras damos un paso adonde no podemos ver. Esto es donde las verdaderas bendiciones de Dios residen.

Cuando nos llama al lugar donde tenemos la “certeza de lo que no se ve”, tenemos que caminar con valentia. Tenemos que vencer a nuestros temores con una fe fundada en las promesas de Su Palabra y confiar con todo nuestro corazón que El nunca nos dejara de Su lado. Podemos estar seguros de la esperanza que se encuentra de Jesucristo! Compartamos este mensaje de esperanza y fe alrededor de todo el mundo.

Si hacemos el esfuerzo de escuchar, es casi cierto que oiremos Su llamado. El es fiel y nunca nos desviará por el camino equivocado. Entonces, cuando escuchamos Su llamado, estemos preparados para caminar y tomar el riesgo de la fe.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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The Gift of Eternal Life

By on January 8, 2020

The_Gift_of_Eternal_Life

In our last few messages we have seen that being discipled is a life-long process which begins prior to Salvation with a clear presentation of the gospel and continues all the rest of our days. As Jesus was talking with Nicodemus, He began the process of discipleship by giving clear instruction on belief and eternal life.

John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

The moment we truly believe, our heart is transformed and we are given the gift of eternal life; “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). However, we need to consider what Jesus meant when He said, “whoever believes in Him.” The prior verses help yield a better understanding; “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life” (John 3:14-15).

When Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt, they soon began to complain: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!” (Numbers 21:5). God punished the people for this sin by sending poisonous snakes. Many began to die from snake bites, so they went to Moses and said: “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us” (Numbers 21:7).

Moses prayed and God replied: “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live” (Numbers 21:8). To be saved from the snakes, the people had to recognize their sin, repent of their sin, and understand death was certain without God’s intervention. They then had to believe God’s Word and act in faith; “Look at the snake and you will live.”

Our Salvation “process” is the same today. We have all been snake-bit by sin! We must recognize our sin (Romans 3:23), desire to turn away from our sin (repentance), and understand eternal death is certain without God’s intervention (Romans 6:23). We must then believe God’s Word: “God presented Him {Jesus} as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood” (Romans 3:25). His sacrifice paid the penalty for our sins! “Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins” (Acts 10:43). We must believe the sacrifice of Jesus is sufficient for complete forgiveness and then act on that belief by submitting our life into His hands, trusting in Him and Him alone!

God gave us His Son, that whoever, by faith, enters through the gate of forgiveness – whoever “believes in Him” – will not perish but receive the gift of eternal life.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jan 8 Genesis 18:20-19:38; Matthew 6:25-7:14; Psalm 8:1-9; Proverbs 2:6-15

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El Regalo de La Vida Eterna

By on January 8, 2020

The_Gift_of_Eternal_Life

Hemos visto que ser discipulado es un proceso de por vida que realmente comienza antes de nuestra Salvación con una clara presentación del evangelio y continua por el resto de nuestros dias. Mientras Jesús hablaba con Nicodemo, El inició el proceso del discipulado dandole instrucciones claras acerca de creer y de la vida eterna.

Juan 3:16
“Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que ha dado a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree, no se pierda, mas tenga vida eterna.”

En el momento que verdaderamente creemos, nuestros corazones son transformados y se nos da el regalo de la vida eterna: “Porque por gracia sois salvos por medio de la fe” (Efesios 2:8). Sin embargo, debemos considerar lo que Jesús quería decir cuando dijo, “para que todo aquel que en él cree.” Los versículos anteriores ayudan a un mejor entendimiento: “Y como Moisés levantó la serpiente en el desierto, así es necesario que el Hijo del Hombre sea levantado, para que todo aquel que en él cree, no se pierda, mas tenga vida eterna” (Juan 3:14-15).

Cuando Moisés condujo al pueblo de Israel fuera de Egipto, ellos comenzaron a quejarse: “¿Para qué nos trajeron ustedes de Egipto a morir en este desierto? ¡Aquí no hay pan ni agua! ¡Ya estamos hartos de esta pésima comida!” (Números 21:5). Dios castigó a la gente por este pecado mandando serpientes venenosas. Muchos murieron por mordidas de serpiente, así que fueron a Moisés y le dijeron: “Hemos pecado por haber hablado contra Jehová, y contra ti; ruega a Jehová que quite de nosotros estas serpientes” (Números 21:7).

Moisés oró y Dios respondió: “Hazte una serpiente ardiente, y ponla sobre una asta; y cualquiera que fuere mordido y mirare a ella, vivirá” (Números 21:8). Para ser salvado de las serpientes, la gente tuvo que reconocer su pecado, arrepentirse de su pecado, y comprender que la muerte era certera sin la intervención de Dios. Ellos tuvieron que creer la Palabra de Dios y actuar en fe: “Mira a la serpiente y vivirás.”

Nuestra Salvación es la misma hoy. Todos hemos sido mordidos por la serpiente del pecado! Debemos reconocer nuestro pecado (Romanos 3:23), desear alejarnos de nuestro pecado (arrepentimiento), y comprender que la muerte eterna es certera sin la intervención de Dios (Romanos 6:23). Luego debemos creer en la Palabra de Dios: “Dios lo presento a El {Jesús} como un sacrificio de expiación, a través de la fe en su sangre” (Romanos 3:25). “Todos los que en él creyeren, recibirán perdón de pecados por su nombre” (Hechos 10:43). Debemos creer que el sacrificio de Dios es suficiente para el completo perdón y después actuar sobre esa creencia sometiendo nuestra vida en sus manos, confiando en El y solamente en El!

Dios nos dio a Su Hijo, todo aquel, que por fe, entre por la puerta – todo aquel que “crea en El” – no perecerá sino que recibirá el regalo de la vida eterna.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Enter Through The Gate

By on January 7, 2020

Enter_Through_The_Gate

In the message “A Life of Discipleship” we considered our need to be continually discipled and the vital importance of discipling others before and after Salvation. The message stated: “Receiving the Word, or even initial growth, is not Salvation.” Many people pray to “receive” salvation without an understanding of the gospel message. But without the truth, we are never born again as a new creation in Christ. Therefore, teaching the truth of the gospel is the first priority of discipleship.

Many have become over-zealous in their desire to pull people into the Kingdom of God. We should all have a passion to see those around us saved from a path of destruction. But our intense desire must never cause us to pull people “inside” without presenting the absolute truth about sin and forgiveness. Sin causes separation from God. Forgiveness is by the grace of God through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus. Without these truths there is no salvation.

The Church has done well with creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere which makes people feel part of the family. But in the process, we often create the disastrous environment in which many will one day hear: “I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!” (Matthew 7:23). We should all attend a local fellowship, serve one another in love, and live a life characterized by high morals; but we must never even give the appearance that these activities provide an entrance to Heaven.

John 10:1, 9
“I {Jesus} tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved.”

If we attempt to enter the Kingdom through any other means than the gate of Jesus, we completely miss the eternal glory of God. We may think we are His sheep – we may even look and sound like His sheep – but in truth, any path other than belief in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin makes us a thief and a robber: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

We never help by “pulling” someone in or allowing them to remain comfortable while on the path to destruction. We must speak the truth and point the way to Jesus as the only gate through which we may pass – the ONLY way unto Salvation.

Everyone who walks this earth must make a decision about Jesus Christ. Let’s make sure we never inadvertently pull someone over the top rail of the fence without presenting the real decision. Let’s minister in a loving and welcoming manner, but let’s provide proper discipleship by clearly sharing the need to enter through the gate.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jan 7 Genesis 16:1-18:19; Matthew 6:1-24; Psalm 7:1-17; Proverbs 2:1-5

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Entrar Por la Puerta

By on January 7, 2020

Enter_Through_The_Gate

En el mensaje “Una Vida de Discipulado” consideramos la necesidad de ser constantemente discipulado y la importancia vital de discipular a otros, antes y después de la Salvación. El mensaje dijo: “recibir la Palabra, y aún el crecimiento inicial, no es la Salvación.” Muchas personas están dirigidas a decir una oración de Salvación sin tener un entendimiento del mensaje del evangelio. Pero, sin la verdad, nunca “nacen de nuevo” como creación nueva en Cristo. Entonces, enseñar la verdad del evangelio es la primera prioridad de discipular.

Muchos de nosotros hemos llegado a estar sobre-animados en nuestro deseo de arrastrar a otros al Reino de Dios. Todos debemos tener la pasión de ver salvos a aquellos que nos rodean de una fin de destrucción. Pero nuestro deseo intenso nunca debe causarnos arrastrar a otros “adentro” sin presentarles la verdad absoluta acerca de pecado y perdón. El pecado nos separa de Dios. Perdon es por gracia a través de fe en el sacrificio de Jesús. Sin estas verdades no hay salvación.

En la Iglesia, hemos hecho bien en crear una atmósfera cómoda y de bienvenida que hace la gente sentirse parte de la familia. Pero en el proceso, frecuentemente creamos un ambiente desastroso en la cual algún día pudríamos oír “‘Jamás los conocí. ¡Aléjense de mí, hacedores de maldad!” (Mateo 7:23). Todos debemos asistir a una congregación local, servir uno al otro en amor, y vivir una vida que se caracteriza por valores altos; pero nunca debemos dar aún la aparencia que estas actividades proveen una entrada al Cielo.

Juan 10:1,9
“Ciertamente les aseguro que el que no entra por la puerta al redil de las ovejas, sino que trepa por otro lado, es un ladrón y un bandido. Yo soy la puerta; el que entre por esta puerta, que soy yo, será salvo.”

Si intentamos entrar al Reino a través de cualquier otra manera que no es la puerta de Jesús, perdemos completamente la gloria eterna de Dios. Pudríamos creer que somos Sus ovejas – aún pudríamos parecer y sonar como Sus ovejas – pero en verdad, cualquier otro camino aparte de la sumisión total a Jesús nos hace como el ladrón y el bandido. “Yo soy el camino, la verdad y la vida –le contestó Jesús–. Nadie llega al Padre sino por mí” (Juan 14:6).

Nunca ayudamos “arrastrando” a alguien o permitiendo que se queden cómodos mientras están en el camino de destrucción. Tenemos que hablar la verdad y apuntar el camino a Jesús como la única puerta por la cual podemos pasar – el ÚNICO camino a la Salvación.

Cada persona que camina en esta tierra tiene que hacer una decisión acerca de Jesucristo. Asegurémonos de nunca arrastrar a alguien involuntariamente sobre la barra alta de la cerca sin presentarles la decisión real. Ministremos con amor y de una manera acogedora; pero proveamos el discipulado adecuado compartiendo claramente la necesidad de entrar por la puerta.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Resolve To Be Transformed

By on January 6, 2020

Tunnel Hill 100

Every year I send out the same first message titled Off The Throne where we are challenged to release the control of our lives into the hands of God. The next message is always related to goal and resolutions. I am one who is quite supportive of resolutions. Sure, many resolutions will fail. But is that any reason not to set goals for the new year? And what if…

On New Year’s Day, in 2003, I made a resolution to run a certain number of miles. It’s not really important what the goal was, but it motivated me to start running. After a few years I stopped running, but I began again about nine years ago – and now, running consumes much of my free time and has altered the direction of my life. My personal Facebook page contains reports of many of my running adventures if you are interested.

I’m very glad I made this resolution many years ago, but, of course, there are resolutions which carry much more significance than running or any other physical goal, definitive things we can do 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). Many make resolutions focused on external things like exercise or diet. Few resolve to make the more important changes.

The Bible speaks about the initial transformation which occurs when we become a “new creation” in Christ. We call this initial transformation Salvation, and it is ALL by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). But the Bible also speaks about the on-going transformation as we draw closer to God and achieve the peace and contentment found only in His presence. This is a process called sanctification.

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.”

Bible reading would make a great resolution for 2020. Another good resolution might be to live by more of the things we have already read! If you began a plan last year but did not finish, please don’t be discouraged. Rather, consider what you accomplished and simply continue. It really makes no difference if you finish the Bible in one year or in two or three. But a habit of reading and studying God’s Word can make a lasting transformation in our life.

There are several reading plans posted on my web site at:

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

I will also continue to post the daily reading sections at the bottom of every devotional message.

There are many other resolutions which would help the process of transformation. So on our list of things to do differently this year – our list of resolutions – 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. I also pray that we all do a better job of learning how to love one another as Jesus first loved us. Let’s pray for one another, that we would 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 3 Genesis 5:1-7:24; Matthew 3:7-4:11; Psalm 3:1-8; Proverbs 1:10-19
Jan 4 Genesis 8:1-10:32; Matthew 4:12-25; Psalm 4:1-8; Proverbs 1:20-23
Jan 5 Genesis 11:1-13:4; Matthew 5:1-26; Psalm 5:1-12; Proverbs 1:24-28
Jan 6 Genesis 13:5-15:21; Matthew 5:27-48; Psalm 6:1-10; Proverbs 1:29-33

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Determinamos Ser Transformados

By on January 6, 2020

Resolve_To_Be_Transformed

¿Que haremos diferente este año? Durante la primera semana de Enero, habrán mas dietas comenzadas y mas intentos de varias formas de “auto-mejoramiento” que durante cualquier otro tiempo del año. Yo confieso que he tomado una resolución de correr mil millas este año. También confieso que no he comenzado muy bien – solamente he corrido dos millas en las primeras cinco dias, pero los mantendré informados. [Nota: Este mensaje fue escrito el 6 de Enero de 2003. Corrí la milesima milla el 15 de Septiembre y terminé el año con 1508 millas! Gloria a Dios!!]

Sin importar cuando se lea este mensaje, hoy es el principio de un año nuevo. La mayoría de resoluciones con buenas intenciones pronto estarán olvidadas, pero algunas harán cambios permanentes para mejorar. Si le requiere un compromiso de una resolución del Año Nuevo para liberarse de un habito malo, restaurar una relación destruida o mejorar su salud, entonces de cualquier manera haga la resolución!

Pero durante este tiempo cuando casi irresistiblemente reflejamos para atrás y miramos hacia adelante, enfoquemos unos de nuestros esfuerzos en hacer cambios con importancia eterna. Jesús dijo bien cuando les regañó a los fariseos: “Limpian el exterior del vaso y del plato, pero por dentro están llenos de robo y de desenfreno. ¡Fariseo ciego! Limpia primero por dentro el vaso y el plato, y así quedará limpio también por fuera” (Mateo 23:25-26).

La Biblia habla acerca de la transformación inicial que ocurre cuando llegamos a ser “nueva creación” en Cristo. Pero también habla acerca de la transformación continua mientras nos acercamos a Dios y logramos tener paz y contentamiento encontrada solamente en Su presencia.

Romanos 12:2
“No se amolden al mundo actual, sino sean transformados mediante la renovación de su mente. Así podrán comprobar cuál es la voluntad de Dios, buena, agradable y perfecta.”

La renovación de nuestra mente es un cambio interno donde nos estamos “conformados a la imagen de Su Hijo” (Romanos 8:29). Es un proceso de cambiar nuestros pensamientos, prioridades, y metas para estar alineados con aquellos de Cristo; “La actitud de ustedes debe ser como la de Cristo Jesús” (Filipenses 2:5). La mente de Cristo era pura, enfocada en el Padre, y determinada a hacer Su voluntad: “Mi alimento es hacer la voluntad del que me envió y terminar su obra” (Juan 4:34).

En nuestra lista de cosas por diferente por hacer en este año nuevo, Yo oro que incluyamos mas tiempo con Dios en oración, mas tiempo en Su Palabra, mas tiempo amandole a El con TODO nuestro corazón, buscando Su presencia, y honestamente deseando conocer, y hacer, Su voluntad. Que nuestra oración el uno por el otro sea que nos acerquemos mas que nunca a nuestro Padre Celestial y experimentemos Su amor nuevamente cada día. En este año nuevo, hagamos resoluciones eternas mientras determinamos ser transformados!

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Off The Throne

By on January 2, 2020

Off_The_Throne

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 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

**** Reading Plan ****

Jan 1 Genesis 1:1-2:25; Matthew 1:1-2:12; Psalm 1:1-6; Proverbs 1:1-6
Jan 2 Genesis 3:1-4:26; Matthew 2:13-3:6; Psalm 2:1-12; Proverbs 1:7-9

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Bajemonos del Trono

By on January 2, 2020

Off_The_Throne

Después del nacimiento de Jesús, llegaron tres magos a Jerusalén y preguntaron, “¿Dónde está el rey de los judíos, que ha nacido?” (Mateo 2:2). Cuando el Rey Herodes oyó esto se puso muy turbado. Herodes había sido nombrado Rey de los Judíos por el gobierno Romano; pero solamente era parcialmente Judío y no fue muy bien aceptado por la gente.

El Rey Herodes sabía de las escrituras Judías y como la gente estaba esperando un mesías; “y el principado sobre su hombro” (Isaías 9:6). El había oído las palabras del profeta quien contó donde iba a nacer el nuevo líder; “Pero tú, Belén Efrata, pequeña para estar entre las familias de Judá, de ti me saldrá el que será Señor en Israel” (Miqueas 5:2). Herodes vió las noticias de este líder nuevo como una gran amenaza. ¿Como afectaría esto su derecho de ser rey? ¿Perderá poder? prestigio? control?…comodidad!?

No podía soportar el dolor potencial y por eso decidió tomar acción.

Mateo 2:16
“Mandó matar a todos los niños menores de dos años que había en Belén y en todos sus alrededores.”

Muchas personas ahora no son tan diferentes que Herodes. Aún cuando reconocemos a Jesús y vemos claramente nuestra necesidad, tememos la perdida de nuestra habilidad de dirigir nuestro propio camino – a controlar nuestro propio destino. Quiza no tomemos paso para destruir a Cristo, pero el solo pensar de rendir control completo a Cristo parece insoportable. De alguna manera, hemos sido enseñado que la sumisión equivale al fracaso y comodidad reducida; pero la realidad es que el “exito” verdadero solamente se encuentra en Cristo, y comodidad verdadera solamente se obtiene a través de ser liberado del poder del pecado y las distracciones de este mundo.

Jesús era – y siempre será – una gran amenaza a aquellos que insisten en sentarse en un trono. Aquellos que intentan entrar a una relación con Jesús mientras sigan tratando de mantener su “derecho a gobernar” nunca lo conocerán verdaderamente, y ciertamente nunca experimentarán Su paz.

Jesús se dará a Si mismo a “todo el que cree en él” (Juan 3:16). Pero en cambio, El espera nuestra devoción total: “Y amarás al Señor tu Dios con todo tu corazón, y con toda tu alma, y con toda tu mente y con todas tus fuerzas” (Marcos 12:30). A El le damos alabanzas apropiadas – alabanzas que El merece – solamente de la manera que nos sometemos y le exaltamos encima de todo lo demas; “Es necesario que él crezca, pero que yo mengüe” (Juan 3:30).

Mientras celebramos el nacimiento de nuestro Salvador, aseguremonos que nuestra relación con El está en linea con el plan de Dios. El es el legítimo Lider y Rey – el Salvador y Señor! Confiemos en El y alabemosle a El con todo nuestro corazón y neguemos el ser amenazados por Su derecho de dirigir. Decidamos una vez y por siempre a renunciar el control y bajemos nuestro ser orgulloso del trono.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Last Update Message

By on December 30, 2019

Mathare_School_12_19

Thank you so much for your support and prayers through all of 2019! We received enough funds the last few weeks to accomplish all our end of year projects. You can read more about our school in Kenya and our end of year projects at:

http://gdwm.org/category/update-message/

In this last message I want to stress our day to day needs with operating the school. With needing to raise funds to fully support a school for 250 kids, I need to continually ask for generous partners. We need partners who make donations at the end of the year and we also need partners who commit to making monthly donations. Take a few minutes before the end of the year and see how you might join us in this wonderful journey.

If you are able to commit to monthly donations, you can do so through the Donate Now button or through bank checks or by sending me your address and requesting pre-addressed donation envelopes. Our monthly donors play a very important role in this ministry, but monthly donations provide less than half of our needed support. The rest must come from individual donations, both large and small. Your end of year donation can be made through the Donate Now button or by sending a check to:

God’s Daily Word Ministries
PO Box 12441
Jackson, TN 38308

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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The Last Unopened Gift

By on December 26, 2019

The_Last_Unopened_Gift

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 the way He was born; “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 easily be missed. But perhaps there is something else, something in the very makeup of our nature which keeps us from opening His gift.

A prince does not have a problem accepting a gift meant for a prince. And a common person does not have a 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 is 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). 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

**** Reading Plan ****

Dec 26 Zechariah 9:1-17; Revelation 17:1-18; Psalm 145:1-21; Proverbs 30:32
Dec 27 Zechariah 10:1-11:17; Revelation 18:1-24; Psalm 146:1-10; Proverbs 30:33
Dec 28 Zechariah 12:1-13:9; Revelation 19:1-21; Psalm 147:1-20; Proverbs 31:1-7
Dec 29 Zechariah 14:1-21; Revelation 20:1-15; Psalm 148:1-14; Proverbs 31:8-9

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