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An Anxious Heart

By on September 23, 2019

An_Anxious_Heart

In the message “Consistent Trust” we were encouraged to “trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5). We saw how a consistent trust ought to invade all areas of our life, how we must be able to trust God for our eternity as well as our daily walk. A good measure of our trust (or lack of trust) is in our level of anxiety.

Being anxious, or having anxiety, is defined as being mentally troubled with worry or concern. Unfortunately, we have all been battling anxiety ever since Adam ate the forbidden fruit and tried in vain to hide from God; “I heard You in the garden, and I was afraid” (Genesis 3:10). The negative effects of anxiety were understood three thousand years ago when King Solomon wrote his proverbs of wisdom; “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up” (Proverbs 12:25).

Anxiety remained a necessary topic as Paul preached the Good News of Jesus. Almost in the same breath that he gave instruction to “Rejoice in the Lord always!” (Philippians 4:4), Paul taught on removing anxiety from our life; “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

When we find ourselves being overly concerned or mentally troubled about ANYTHING, we must go to God (with thanksgiving) and give our burdens to Him. This doesn’t mean we ignore our problems, but we must learn to view the things of this world against the backdrop of eternity. The concerns of this life always fade as we compare them to the eternal glory of His Kingdom.

Matthew 6:25,34
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry {or be anxious} about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

When we feel weighed down, pressured, or stressed – when concerns are coming in fast motion from all directions and we don’t know where to begin – we must stop and take a long, deep breath! We must refocus on Jesus and His Word. We must be reminded of eternity in the presence of a loving God and diligently seek His Kingdom; “make every effort to enter that rest” (Hebrews 4:11).

As we draw closer to our Heavenly Father, our eyes become adjusted to His light and we see He has already given all we really need. As we love Him more, all fear is removed: “perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). And as we trust Him more and more, we will receive His gift of peace and no longer live with the burdening weight of an anxious heart.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Sep 23 Isaiah 41:17-43:13; Ephesians 2:1-22; Psalm 67:1-7; Proverbs 23:29-35

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Un Corazón Ansioso

By on September 23, 2019

An_Anxious_Heart

En el mensaje “Confianza Consistente” fuimos motivados a “confiar en el Señor con todo tu corazón” (Proverbios 3:5). Vimos como una confianza consistente tiene que invadir todas las áreas de nuestras vidas. Debemos ser capaces de confiar en Dios en cuanto a nuestra eternidad al igual que nuestro caminar diario. Una buena medida de nuestra confianza (o nuestra falta de confianza) es nuestro nivel de ansiedad.

Estar ansioso, o tener ansiedad, se define como estar mentalmente lleno de preocupación o aflicción. Desafortunadamente, todos hemos estado batallando con ansiedad desde que Adán comió el fruto prohibido e intentó en vano esconderse de Dios; “Oí tu voz en el huerto, y tuve miedo” (Génesis 3:10). Los efectos negativos de la ansiedad fueron entendidos hace tres mil años cuando el Rey Salomón escribió sus proverbios de sabiduría: “La angustia abate el corazón del hombre, pero una palabra amable lo alegra” (Proverbios 12:25).

La ansiedad permaneció como parte de nuestra naturaleza mientras Pablo predicó las Buenas Nuevas de Jesús. Casi del mismo aliento que usó para instruirnos a “Alégrense siempre en el Señor!” (Filipenses 4:4), Pablo enseñó acerca de remover la ansiedad de nuestras vidas; “No se inquieten por nada; más bien, en toda ocasión, con oración y ruego, presenten sus peticiones a Dios y denle gracias” (Filipenses 4:6).

Cuando nos encontramos a nosotros mismos demasiado preocupados o mentalmente angustiados acerca de CUALQUIER COSA, necesitamos ir a Dios (con gracias) y entregar nuestras cargas a El. Esto no significa que ignoremos nuestros problemas, pero tenemos que aprender a ver las cosas de este mundo con una perspectiva eterna. Las preocupaciones de este mundo siempre se desvanecen cuando las comparamos a la gloria eterna de Su Reino.

Mateo 6:25,34
“Por eso les digo: No se preocupen {o estén ansiosos} por su vida, qué comerán o beberán; ni por su cuerpo, cómo se vestirán. ¿No tiene la vida más valor que la comida, y el cuerpo más que la ropa? Más bien, busquen primeramente el reino de Dios y su justicia, y todas estas cosas les serán añadidas.”

Cuando nos sentimos cargados, presionados, o estresados – cuando las preocupaciones vienen a toda velocidad de todas las direcciones y no sabemos donde comenzar – tenemos que detenernos y respirar largo y profundo! Debemos reenfocarnos en Jesús y Su Palabra. Tenemos que recordarnos de la eternidad en la presencia de un Dios amoroso y perseguir con diligencia Su Reino; “Esforcémonos, pues, por entrar en ese reposo” (Hebreos 4:11).

De la manera que nos acercamos más y más a nuestro Padre Celestial, nuestros ojos se ajustan a Su luz y vemos que ya nos ha dado todo lo que realmente necesitamos. De la manera en que Le amamos más, todo temor es removido; “el perfecto amor echa fuera el temor”(1 Juan 4:18). Y de la manera que confiamos en El más y más, recibiremos el regalo de Su paz y dejaremos de vivir con el peso que carga un corazón ansioso.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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School Field Trip Update

By on September 22, 2019

Just a quick update on the request I sent out on Friday for Field Trip donations. Within 48 hours, I received 30 different donations – mostly $25, but some that were also $50 and $100. This was a wonderful encouragement and we have all the necessary funds to make this a successful trip. Thank you so much!!
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Assembly_Mathare

By all accounts, our school in Kenya is having a great year! Thank you so much for your support!! We have been able to purchase the plot next to the school and turn it into a play and assembly area for the kids. We have also been able to increase our food budget, purchase books for the library, purchase four computers, and hire a family pastor. All of these blessings will make a real difference in the lives of many children for years to come.

Every year we try to take the kids on a field trip outside of the local community. For most of the kids this is the only time they will get out of the local slums. This year we would like to take the kids to several geographical sites in the country – waterfalls, forest, caves and rivers. The cost of this trip will be a little less than in past years but with 250 kids plus staff we will still need an additional $1000 for this trip. These funds will cover transportation, lunch, and admission to a park.

I know there are several people who could fund this trip with a single donation, but I thought it would be fun to send the kids on this trip with many smaller donations. I propose we limit the donations for this trip to $100 or less. Imagine if we could have 40 people give $25 to support this effort. What a blessing this would be! This is a fun opportunity to have an impact in the lives of many kids.

Please consider making a donation to this school field trip. HOWEVER, if you donate, also please send me a reply saying that you donated to the field trip. I will keep track and give a report after this weekend. Donations can be made through the Donate Now button, or by mail at:

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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School Field Trip

By on September 20, 2019

Assembly_Mathare

By all accounts, our school in Kenya is having a great year! Thank you so much for your support!! We have been able to purchase the plot next to the school and turn it into a play and assembly area for the kids. We have also been able to increase our food budget, purchase books for the library, purchase four computers, and hire a family pastor. All of these blessings will make a real difference in the lives of many children for years to come.

Every year we try to take the kids on a field trip outside of the local community. For most of the kids this is the only time they will get out of the local slums. This year we would like to take the kids to several geographical sites in the country – waterfalls, forest, caves and rivers. The cost of this trip will be a little less than in past years but with 250 kids plus staff we will still need an additional $1000 for this trip. These funds will cover transportation, lunch, and admission to a park.

I know there are several people who could fund this trip with a single donation, but I thought it would be fun to send the kids on this trip with many smaller donations. I propose we limit the donations for this trip to $100 or less. Imagine if we could have 40 people give $25 to support this effort. What a blessing this would be! This is a fun opportunity to have an impact in the lives of many kids.

Please consider making a donation to this school field trip. HOWEVER, if you donate, also please send me a reply saying that you donated to the field trip. I will keep track and give a report after this weekend. Donations can be made through the Donate Now button, or by mail at:

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

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

DonateNow

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Consistent Trust

By on September 19, 2019

Consistent_Trust

In the message “Eternal Healing” we saw that God’s plan will often allow trials for the purpose of bringing us to a greater understanding of His glory. God’s desire is for us to turn our eyes from the things we can see and begin to trust the things which are unseen; “for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

This lesson is obviously important as we face extreme hardship, but it’s even more necessary as the trials begin to fade. The temporary things of this world (even the good wholesome things) will never satisfy the deep longing of our heart. We will always hunger for more until we place the entirety of our life firmly in the unseen hand of God – the same loving hand which holds all of creation.

Trusting in what we cannot see is the very essence of our faith; “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). We will never find true contentment and peace until we completely “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Our trust should be consistent and invade every area of our life.

If we say we trust that Jesus Christ, who “was with God in the beginning” (John 1:2), and who, “being in very nature God” (Philippians 2:6) came to die so we may live – “in Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7) – then we must also completely trust that “God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). Saying we trust in Jesus for our eternity without trusting Him to guide and protect us during our daily walk is like trusting in the need for air while refusing to breathe. Both are a false trust and will ultimately lead to death.

Romans 8:32
“He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”

God loves us so much that He gave us His absolute best; “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). This love assures us He will give exactly what we require to become sons and daughters who glorify His name. God will not give up on a project which cost Him the life of His Son; “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6).

When we give God our life through faith in Jesus, we must also trust He will not allow the fire to get hotter than we can stand nor the load heavier than we can bear – He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Let’s trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins and then focus on what is eternal as we give Him a lifetime of consistent trust.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Sep 19 Isaiah 30:12-33:12; Galatians 5:1-12; Psalm 63:1-11; Proverbs 23:22
Sep 20 Isaiah 33:13-36:22; Galatians 5:13-26; Psalm 64:1-10; Proverbs 23:23
Sep 21 Isaiah 37:1-38:22; Galatians 6:1-18; Psalm 65:1-13; Proverbs 23:24-25
Sep 22 Isaiah 39:1-41:16; Ephesians 1:1-23; Psalm 66:1-20; Proverbs 23:26-28

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Confianza Consistente

By on September 19, 2019

Consistent_Trust

En el mensaje “Sanidad Eterna” vimos que el plan de Dios frecuentemente permite pruebas para el propósito de llevarnos a un entendimiento más profundo de Su gloria. Dios desea que quitemos nuestros ojos de las cosas que podemos ver y que empecemos a confiar en las cosas que no vemos; “lo que se ve es pasajero, mientras que lo que no se ve es eterno” (2 Corintios 4:18).

Esta lección es obviamente importante mientras enfrentamos tribulaciones, pero es aún mas importante cuando terminan las pruebas. Las cosas temporales de este mundo (aún las cosas buenas y sanas) nunca pueden satisfacer los deseos profundos de nuestro corazón. Siempre tendremos hambre de mas hasta que coloquemos nuestra vida entera en la mano invisible de Dios – la misma mano amorosa que contiene toda la creación.

Confiar en lo que no vemos es la esencia pura de nuestra fe; “Ahora bien, la fe es la garantía de lo que se espera, la certeza de lo que no se ve” (Hebreos 11:1). Nunca encontraremos contentamiento verdadero y paz hasta que completamente “Confía(mos) en el Señor de todo corazón, y no en tu propia inteligencia” (Proverbios 3:5). Nuestra confianza debe de ser consistente y que penetre en cada área de nuestras vidas.

Si decimos que confiamos en Cristo Jesús, quien “estaba con Dios en el principio” (Juan 1:2), y quien “siendo por naturaleza Dios” (Filipenses 2:6), vino a morir para que pudiéramos vivir; “En él tenemos la redención mediante su sangre, el perdón de nuestros pecados” (Efesios 1:7), entonces tenemos que también confiar que “Dios dispone todas las cosas para el bien de quienes lo aman” (Romanos 8:28). Decir que confiamos en Jesús para nuestra eternidad sin confiar en El para guiar y protegernos durante nuestro caminar diario es como confiar en la necesidad del aire mientras nos negamos a respirar. Ambos son falsas confianzas que últimamente terminarán en muerte.

Romanos 8:32
“El que no escatimó ni a su propio Hijo, sino que lo entregó por todos nosotros, ¿cómo no habrá de darnos generosamente, junto con él, todas las cosas?”

Dios nos ama tanto que El nos dio absolutamente Su mejor; “en que cuando todavía éramos pecadores, Cristo murió por nosotros” (Romanos 5:8). Este amor nos asegura que nos dará exactamente lo que requerimos para llegar a ser hijos e hijas que glorifiquen Su nombre. Dios no se rendiría ante un proyecto que Le costó la vida de Su Hijo; “el que comenzó tan buena obra en ustedes la irá perfeccionando hasta el día de Cristo Jesús” (Filipenses 1:6).

Cuando entregamos nuestras vidas a El a través de la fe en Jesús, tenemos que también confiar que El no permitirá que el fuego sea mas caliente de lo que podemos soportar o que la carga sea mas pesada de lo que podemos sostener – El nunca nos dejará ni nos desamparará (Hebreos 13:5). Tenemos que confiar en Jesucristo para el perdón de nuestros pecados y después enfocarnos en lo eterno mientras vivimos una vida de confianza consistente.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Eternal Healing

By on September 18, 2019

Eternal_Healing

In the message “Godly Compassion” we saw how Mary and Martha watched Lazarus become increasingly sick. They knew the healing power of Jesus and had sent for His help, but by the time Jesus arrived Lazarus had died. The sisters were filled with sorrow and cried out; “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21,32). At this, Jesus was troubled and compassionately wept with those who had gathered (John 11:35).

Jesus genuinely cared about the sorrow and pain of those who knew and loved Lazarus. But remember, Jesus had intentionally allowed Lazarus to die; “when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was two more days” (John 11:6). And if Jesus really wanted to heal Lazarus, He would not have even needed to be near. When He had healed the royal official’s son (who was in a bed twenty miles away), He did so by simply speaking a word: “You may go. Your son will live” (John 4:50).

Yes, Jesus allowed Lazarus to die. For in God’s all-knowing plan, the need to strengthen the faith of those around Lazarus was more important than healing his illness.

John 11:40
“Then Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?'”

God had prepared a miracle which would cause many others to believe and bring glory and honor to His name: “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me…I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that You sent Me” (John 11:41,42). Jesus then proceeded to raise Lazarus from the dead! “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43).

We’ve all been in bad situations which have caused us to cry out and wonder why God didn’t just make things “right.” Why didn’t He remove the enemy, restore our finances, or take away the hurt? And how many times have we become burdened by the apparent injustice in the world; “I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked…surely in vain have I kept my heart pure” (Psalm 73:3,13).

God has the ability to “fix” every situation, but His plan is so much more; though I confess I do not always understand the process. His plan is for us to know Him and His glory; to trust Him and grow while being strengthened through every trial; to continue to be “conformed to the likeness of His Son” (Romans 8:29). His plan is to prepare us for an eternity in His presence.

We must trust God to refine and strengthen our faith – even if by fires which He did not cause! No matter what trials we face, we must trust that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). Our job is to love Him! And, as we do, we must continue to believe that He is at work in our lives (even right now) accomplishing a true and eternal healing.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Sep 18 Isaiah 28:14-30:11; Galatians 3:23-4:31; Psalm 62:1-12; Proverbs 23:19-21

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Sanidad Eterna

By on September 18, 2019

Eternal_Healing

En el mensaje “Compasión de Dios” vimos como María y Marta vieron a su hermano Lázaro llegar a estar más y más enfermo. Ellas conocieron el poder sanador de Jesús y habían mandado por Su ayuda, pero antes de que Jesús pudiera llegar Lázaro había muerto. Las hermanas estaban llenas de tristeza y lloraron: “Señor, si hubieras estado aquí mi hermano no habría muerto” (Juan 11:21,32). Oyendo esto, Jesús fue conmovido y lloró con los que habían llegado allí (Juan 11:35).

A Jesús genuinamente le importaba la tristeza y dolor de aquellos que conocían y amaban a Lázaro; pero recordemos, Jesús intencionalmente permitió que Lázaro muriera; “Cuando oyó, pues, que estaba enfermo, se quedó dos días mas en el lugar donde estaba” (Juan 11:6). Y Jesús ni siquiera tuvo que estar cerca a Lázaro si realmente quería sanarlo. Cuando sanó el hijo del oficial real (quien estaba en una cama a mas de veinte millas de distancia), El lo hizo simplemente hablando una palabra: “Vuelve a casa, que tu hijo vive” (Juan 4:50).

Si, Jesús permitió que Lázaro muriera. Pero dentro del plan soberano de Dios, fue más importante fortalecer la fe de aquellos alrededor de Lázaro que sanar su enfermedad.

Juan 11:40
“¿No te dije que si crees verás la gloria de Dios? –le contestó Jesús.”

Dios había preparado un milagro que causaría a muchos creer y traer gloria a Su nombre: “Padre te doy gracias porque me has escuchado…pero lo dije por la gente que está aquí presente, para que crean que tú me enviaste” (Juan 11:41,42). Jesús después procedió a levantar a Lázaro de la muerte! “Lázaro, sal fuera!” (Juan 11:43).

Todos hemos estado en malas situaciones que nos han causado clamar a Dios y preguntar que porque sencillamente Dios no intervino para hacer las cosas “correctas.” ¿Por que no removió el enemigo y quito el dolor? Y cuantas veces hemos estado cargados por la injusticia obvia del mundo; “Sentí envidia de los arrogantes, al ver la prosperidad de esos malvados…En verdad, de que me sirve mantener mi corazón limpio…?” (Salmo 73:3,13).

Dios tiene la habilidad de “arreglar” cualquier situación, pero Su plan es más que eso. Su plan es que le conozcamos a El y Su gloria; que confiemos y crezcamos mientras somos fortalecidos y refinados a través de cada prueba; y que continuemos siendo “transformados según la imagen de Su hijo” (Romanos 8:29). Su plan es prepararnos para una eternidad en Su presencia.

Tenemos que confiar en Dios para refinar y fortalecer nuestra fe – aún si es con fuego! No importa las pruebas que enfrentemos, tenemos que confiar que “Dios dispone todas las cosas para el bien de quienes lo aman” (Romanos 8:28). Y tenemos que continuar confiando en que El está trabajando en nuestras vidas (aún en este momento) para cumplir una verdadera y eterna sanidad.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Godly Compassion

By on September 17, 2019

Godly_Compassion

As we open our hearts to minister to those around us, we soon discover we live in an imperfect world full of sickness, heartache, and frustrations. Many of us (many more than we realize) are facing trials which are sometimes quite severe. When we are finally invited into someone’s private world and allowed to hear of their pain, it can be difficult to know what to do or say.

As we grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus, we learn of His truths: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). We understand and usually have some actual experience with God’s loving plan and purpose; “in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). But there are times when this type of advice – even this type of truth – can be a little cold and fail to comfort or draw someone closer to God.

While it’s absolutely true that God will use our pain and suffering for His glory, it may not be the first response someone needs to hear when they enter a difficult trial; “There is a time for everything…a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,7). We must learn to be sensitive to the more immediate need.

When Lazarus became very sick, Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus but He did not come until after Lazarus died. Mary fell at Jesus’ feet and cried: “Lord if You had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:32). At that moment, Jesus did NOT begin preaching “Rejoice in the Lord always!” (Philippians 4:4). There would be other opportunities for sermons, other opportunities to speak about faith and trust, but in this moment the need simply required compassion.

John 11:33,35
“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled…Jesus wept.”

The Creator of the Universe wept! From the beginning of time, Jesus knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead; He knew many lives would soon be changed through this miracle. Though good would ultimately come from this pain and sorrow, these were real people who were grieving: “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus” (John 11:5). In this time of greatest need, Jesus took time to show He truly cared and understood their pain.

The world is in great need of the healing power of Jesus Christ. Sin has caused separation from God and left many lives in a mess. As we minister through encouragement and the truth of God’s Word, we are called to do so while “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). But love does not exist outside of a relationship. And in a loving relationship we will often best demonstrate God’s truth by listening and comforting with a Godly compassion.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Sep 17 Isaiah 25:1-28:13; Galatians 3:10-22; Psalm 61:1-8; Proverbs 23:17-18

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Compasión de Dios

By on September 17, 2019

Godly_Compassion

Cuando abrimos nuestros corazones para ministrar a aquellos que nos rodean, pronto descubrimos que vivimos en un mundo imperfecto lleno de enfermedades, corazones rotos, y frustraciones. Muchos de nosotros (mucho mas de lo que pensamos) estamos enfrentando pruebas que a veces son muy severas. Cuando somos finalmente invitados al mundo privado de alguien y nos permiten oír de su dolor, puede ser difícil saber que hacer o decir.

En la manera que crecemos en gracia y conocimiento de Jesús, aprendemos de Sus verdades: “Estén siempre alegres, oren sin cesar, den gracias a Dios en toda situación, porque esta es su voluntad para ustedes en Cristo Jesús” (1 Tesalonicenses 5:16-18). Entendemos y usualmente tenemos una experiencia actual con el plan amoroso de Dios: “sabemos que Dios dispone todas las cosas para el bien de quienes lo aman” (Romanos 8:28). Pero hay tiempos en que este tipo de consejo – aún este tipo de verdad – puede ser un poco fría y falle en consolar y acercar a alguien a Dios.

A pesar que es absolutamente verdad que Dios usará nuestro dolor y sufrimiento para Su gloria, es posible que eso no sea la primera respuesta que alguien necesita oír cuando entran a una prueba difícil; “Todo tiene su momento oportuno…un tiempo para callar, y un tiempo para hablar” (Eclesiastés 3:1,7). Debemos aprender a ser mas sensitivos a la necesidad inmediata.

Cuando Lázaro se enfermó, María y Marta enviaron palabra a Jesús pero no llegó hasta que Lázaro ya había muerto. María cayó a los pies de Jesús y clamó: “Señor, si hubieras estado aquí, mi hermano no habría muerto” (Juan 11:32). En ese momento, Jesús NO empezó a predicar “Alégrense siempre en el Señor!” (Filipenses 4:4). Habrá mas oportunidades para sermones acerca de fe y verdad, pero este era un tiempo para compasión.

Juan 11:33,35
“Al ver llorar a María y a los judíos que la habían acompañado, Jesús se turbó y se conmovió profundamente…Jesús lloró.”

¡El Creador del Universo lloró! Desde el principio del tiempo, Jesús sabía que iba a resucitar a Lázaro de la muerte; El sabía que muchas vidas serían cambiadas a través de este milagro. Pero, “Jesús amaba a Marta, a su hermana y a Lázaro” (Juan 11:5). A pesar que este dolor y sufrimiento era necesario en el contexto del plan soberano de Dios, estas eran personas reales quienes estaban llorando y Jesús tomó el tiempo para mostrarles que realmente les importaba y entendía su dolor.

El mundo tiene una gran necesidad del poder sanador de Cristo Jesús. El pecado ha causado una gran separación de Dios y ha dejado muchas vidas en ruina. Mientras ministramos a través de motivación y la verdad de la Palabra de Dios, somos llamados a “vivir la verdad con amor” (Efesios 4:15). Pero el amor no existe afuera de una relación. Y una relación amorosa demuestra mejor la verdad de Dios, escuchando y consolando con una compasión de Dios.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Eternally Secure

By on September 16, 2019

Eternally_Secure

In the last two messages we have considered how the gift of eternal life is given to “everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him” (John 6:40). But we also saw that belief is much more than a mere acknowledgement of existence; “Even the demons believe that – and shudder” (James 2:19). Eternal life is a gift given only to those who so intensely believe that Jesus is the only way to receive forgiveness that they stand before a living God and enter into a relationship of an eternal covenant.

Covenants were first introduced by God to Noah after the flood; “I establish My covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood” (Genesis 9:11). Over the years, God made covenants with Abraham (Genesis 15), the nation of Israel through Moses (Exodus 19), and with David (2 Samuel 7). In each case, God initiated the covenant and clearly established the guidelines.

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God spoke about the new covenant He would make through Jesus; “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people” (Jeremiah 31:33). This new covenant was designed to be permanent and under God’s complete protection: “I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear Me, so that they will never turn away from Me” (Jeremiah 32:40). Through the prophet Ezekiel, God gave further indication of how this would be accomplished.

Ezekiel 36:26-27
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit in you and move you to follow My decrees and be careful to keep My laws.”

When we truly believe in Jesus, we enter into a covenant and God transforms our heart by His Spirit; “a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance” (Ephesians 1:14). At that moment we are “sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). And when we enter into His saving covenant, we are purchased with the blood of Jesus: “You are not your own; you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

We are still called to continue in the faith, but God has promised we WILL continue; “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:8). He is the giver and sustainer of eternal life; “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish” (John 10:28).

There is great debate whether this covenant can ever be broken, whether it is truly eternal, whether we can ever walk away or lose what has been given. But perhaps this debate only distracts from the greater truth: We are called to love God and continue to love Him with all our heart. This calling is clear! Let’s remain within His arms of love, and trust that as we do, we are eternally secure.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Sep 16 Isaiah 22:1-24:23; Galatians 2:17-3:9; Psalm 60:1-12; Proverbs 23:15-16

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Eternamente Seguros

By on September 16, 2019

Eternally_Secure

En los últimos dos mensajes consideramos como el regalo de la vida eterna es dado a “todo el que reconozca al Hijo y crea en él” (Juan 6:40). Pero también vimos que la creencia es mucho mas que un simple reconocimiento de la existencia de Jesús; “También los demonios lo creen, y tiemblan” (Santiago 2:19). Vida eterna es un regalo dado a aquellos que creen intensamente que Jesús es la única manera de recibir el perdón y que ahora pueden pararse ante un Dios vivo y entrar a un pacto eterno.

El concepto de un pacto fue primeramente introducido por Dios a Noé después del gran diluvio; “Éste es mi pacto con ustedes: Nunca más serán exterminados los seres humanos por un diluvio” (Génesis 9:11). Después de los años, Dios hizo pactos con Abraham (Génesis 15), la nación de Israel a través de Moisés (Éxodo 19), y con David (2 Samuel 7). En cada caso, Dios inició el pacto y claramente estableció los reglamentos.

A través del profeta Jeremías, Dios habló del nuevo pacto que iba a hacer a través de Jesús; “Pondré mi ley en su mente, y la escribiré en su corazón. Yo seré su Dios, y ellos serán mi pueblo” (Jeremías 31:33). Este nuevo pacto fue diseñado para ser permanente y bajo la protección completa de Dios: “Haré con ellos un pacto eterno: Nunca dejaré de estar con ellos para mostrarles mi favor; pondré mi temor en sus corazones, y así no se apartarán de mí” (Jeremías 32:40). A través del profeta Ezequiel, Dios dio mas indicaciones de como esto sería cumplido.

Ezequiel 36:26-27
“Les daré un nuevo corazón, y les infundiré un espíritu nuevo; les quitaré ese corazón de piedra que ahora tienen, y les pondré un corazón de carne. Infundiré mi Espíritu en ustedes, y haré que sigan mis preceptos y obedezcan mis leyes.”

Cuando realmente creemos en Jesús, entramos a un pacto y Dios transforma nuestros corazones con Su Espíritu, “Éste garantiza nuestra herencia” (Efesios 1:14). En ese momento somos “sellados para el día de la redención” (Efesios 4:30). Cuando entramos al pacto salvador, somos comprados con la sangre de Jesús: “Ustedes no son sus propios dueños; fueron comprados por un precio” (1 Corintios 6:19-20).

Siempre estamos llamados a perseverar en la fe, pero Dios nos ha prometido que PERSEVERAREMOS; “Él los mantendrá firmes hasta el fin, para que sean irreprochables en el día de nuestro Señor Jesucristo” (1 Corintios 1:8). El es el dador y sostenedor de la vida eterna; “Yo les doy vida eterna, y nunca perecerán” (Juan 10:28).

Hay un debate sobre si este pacto de salvación puede ser algún día quebrado: si realment es verdaderamente eterno. Pero quizás este debate solamente nos distrae de la mayor verdad. Somos llamados a amar a Dios y continuar amandole con todo nuestro corazón. Este llamado es claro! Permanezcamos en Sus brazos amorosos, y confiemos que mientras lo hacemos, estaremos eternamente seguros.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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