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All For His Glory

By Steve T. on February 27, 2019

All_For_His_Glory

A few years ago I visited a planetarium and remember coming away with a renewed wonder of God’s creation. I saw many pictures taken from large telescopes and even many taken from space. The stars are fascinating! I’ve often looked into the night sky and wondered about God’s promise to Abraham: “‘Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them.’ Then He said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be'” (Genesis 15:5). When Abraham looked into that dark clear sky, you can be sure he saw a LOT of stars.

But as incredible as our night sky appears, the facts of our universe quickly become staggering. During the day we see the sun – which is really just the closest of all the stars. Our sun, though it appears large, is a relatively small star located 93 million miles from Earth. This distance is about the same as traveling around the world 4,000 times. And though this distance is hard to comprehend, the next nearest star is 270,000 time farther away. But that’s only two of the 200 billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy – a galaxy which takes light 100,000 years to travel from one end to the other!!

But as incredible as our galaxy appears, the Milky Way is but one of billions of other galaxies within the Universe. There are estimated to be as many galaxies in the Universe as there are stars in the Milky Way.

But as incredible as our Universe appears…

Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Just like that, it was done…and it was good. The Creator spoke and the Universe appeared. He then selected one of the billions of galaxies, one of the billions of stars within the galaxy, and one of the many planets around this star to create a people to call His own. God’s plan from before the foundations of the world was to create a family who is adopted “as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will – to the praise of His glorious grace” (Ephesians 1:5-6).

We who believe that Jesus Christ died for the forgiveness of our sin have become a testimony of praise to God’s glory and grace. In the same way, the immensity of the stars give testimony; “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1). I can barely understand the distance to our sun, let alone the size of our galaxy or the size of the Universe, and I’ll spend a lifetime trying to comprehend the “size” of our God; “The heavens proclaim His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory” (Psalm 97:6).

If we would look up on a clear night we might see that our perceived status, as well as our varied problems, are all quite small. And we might begin to understand our God to be much, much bigger than we thought. We might even just shake our head, as we try to understand His love, and realize this is all for His glory.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Feb 27 Leviticus 20:22-22:20; Mark 9:1-29; Psalm 43:1-5; Proverbs 10:18

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An Unsearchable Love

By Steve T. on February 26, 2019

An_Unsearchable_Love

As I look back through the Scriptural account of history, I can see how God sent His Son to be born in a manger, grow and live among us, and die for our sins upon a cross. I can clearly see how the sacrifice of Jesus allows us, through faith, to enter into God’s presence for all eternity. I can even see the purpose of His humble birth as a permanent example of humility and service. But what I don’t think I will ever fully understand is why. Sure, I know the reason is love, “For God so loved the world that He gave…” (John 3:16), but I seriously doubt I will ever understand the amount of love required to sacrifice so much – the amount of love He had (and has)…for me!

Paul wrote his letter to the Romans with the intent of establishing foundational beliefs for the church. In this letter, Paul presented the greatest amount of teaching found anywhere in the Bible. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote on topics ranging from sin and judgment, to faith and salvation; from the purpose of the Law and life through the Spirit, to the sovereignty of God and the future of Israel. But toward the end of the letter, Paul paused and wrote a short prayer of praise and glory.

Romans 11:33-36
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay Him? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.”

We almost get the feeling that Paul had reviewed the first portion of his letter and just couldn’t continue writing without praising the Lord. Paul had wrestled through many difficult issues and learned a most valuable lesson: God is God…and sometimes this simple truth defies understanding.

God has a perfect plan where every piece fits neatly together, but there are MANY connections which our finite minds fail to comprehend. I almost never see how to best trust God through my trials until long after they have past. I get impatient and frustrated with God’s timing and want to know His plan, now! And yet, I know His love for me gave everything; “He humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8). I may not fully understand this love, but the little I know is enough to create a desire to live a life of devotion and faith. One day, I will stand before His throne and all His mysteries will be perfectly revealed. Until then I will simply continue to worship and trust.

We may never fully understand, but I pray we are all drawn a little closer today. If you have never experienced His love, I pray that you will release your heart into His care. If you are feeling unloved by the world, I pray you will look to Him and see a Father who gave His Son so He could hold you for all eternity. He is an unsearchable God who has poured out, for you, an unsearchable love.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Feb 26 Leviticus 19:1-20:21; Mark 8:10-38; Psalm 42:1-11; Proverbs 10:17

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Un Amor Indescifrable

By Steve T. on February 26, 2019

An_Unsearchable_Love

De la manera que veo hacia atrás, puedo ver como Dios mandó a Su Hijo a nacer en un establo, a vivir entre nosotros y a morir por nuestros pecados en la cruz. Puedo ver claramente como el sacrificio de Jesús nos permite, a través de la fe, entrar a la presencia de Dios. Y aun puedo ver el propósito de Su humilde nacimiento como una manera de darnos un ejemplo permanente de humildad y servicio. Pero lo que creo que nunca voy a entender completamente es el porque. Ah, claro, yo se que la razón es amor; “Porque tanto amó Dios al mundo…” (John 3:16), pero seriamente dudo que algun dia voy a entender la cantidad de amor requerida para sacrificarse tanto – la cantidad de amor que EL tuvo (y tiene)…por mi!

Pablo escribió su carta a los Romanos con el intento de establecer creencias fundacionales para la iglesia. En su carta, Pablo presentó la mayor cantidad de enseñanza que se encuentra en cualquier parte de la Biblia. Bajo la guianza del Espiritu Santo, Pablo escibió de temas que varían de pecado y juicio, a fe y salvación, del propósito de la Ley y vida a través del Espiritu, a la soberanía de Dios y el futuro de Israel. Pero hacia el final de la carta, Pablo se detuvo y escribió una oración corta de alabanza y gloria.

Romanos 11:33-36
“¡Qué profundas son las riquezas de la sabiduría y del conocimiento de Dios! ¡Qué indescifrables sus juicios e impenetrables sus caminos! ¿Quién ha conocido la mente del Señor? ¿O quién ha sido su consejero? ¿Quién le ha dado primero a Dios, para que luego Dios le pague? Porque todas las cosas proceden de él, y existen por él y para él. ¡A él sea la gloria por siempre! Amén.”

Casi tenemos la sensación que Pablo revisó la primera porción de su carta y simplemente no pudo sequir escribiendo sin alabar al Señor. Quizas Pablo no entendió completamente todo lo que escribió, pero había aprendido una lección muy valiosa – Dios es Dios, y a veces esa verdad escapa de nuestro entendimiento.

Dios tiene un plan perfecto donde cada pieza encaja perfectamente, pero hay muchas conexiones que nuestras mentes fallan en comprender. Yo no puedo ver siempre el propósito de mis pruebas o las lecciones que El quiere que aprenda: me pongo impaciente y frustado con Su tiempo (Quiero saber Su plan, ahora!). Pero se que en Su amor por mi dió todo; “se humilló a sí mismo y se hizo obediente hasta la muerte, ¡y muerte de cruz!” (Filipenses 2:8). Quizas no entiendo completamente este amor, pero lo poco que se es suficiente para crear un deseo de vivir una vida de devoción y fe. Algún día, me pararé ante Su trono y todo Sus misterios seran perfectamente revelados. Hasta entonces Yo simplemente continuaré alabando y confiando.

Quizas nunca entenderemos completamente, pero oro para que tu seas atraído un poco mas cerca ahora. Si nunca has experimentado Su amor, oro para que sueltes tu corazón a Su cuidado. Si te sientes no amado por el mundo, oro para que lo busques a El y veas un Padre que dio a Su Hijo para que pudiera abrazarte por toda la eternidad. El es un Dios indecifrable que derramó, por ti, un amor indecifrable.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Two Become One Flesh

By Steve T. on February 25, 2019

Two_Become_One_Flesh

In the message “Stay Off The Roof” we saw how seemingly innocent beginnings can have disastrous results when we entertain even the slightest area of temptation. This becomes even more critical in marriage when the result of temptation can cause great pain to the one who has been given to us as a gift from God.

By the middle of the sixth day, God had created the sun, moon and stars; the land, sky, and water; the fish, birds, plants and animals. And when He looked at His creation, “God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:25). But God’s creation was not yet complete; “Then God said, ‘let us make man in our image'” (Genesis 1:26). Out of the dust of the ground God breathed life into man and put him in the Garden of Eden, “to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15).

As God watched man go about his work, He saw that something was not right. Some have suggested that man looked a little sad; others have joked that man was making a big mess and kept wandering around, lost and confused. Whatever the cause, God looked at His latest creation and said:

Genesis 2:18
“It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Adam needed more than someone to help him with his chores; he needed someone to make him complete! So God formed woman, not from the ground but from a rib taken from Adam’s side; “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:23).

If God gives us someone as a special gift to make us whole, they ought to be cherished and protected for a lifetime; “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Like pieces of a puzzle that fit neatly together, a God-ordained marriage joins and completes by making two become one.

It’s sad how quickly we forget these basic truths as we continue to place our individual desires ahead of the union created by God. We walk on the roof of temptation without regard to the potential devastation. The result is often a bitter war with years of spiritual bloodshed and an eventual ripping apart of what God has joined. We must stop this downward spiral before it even begins.

To those who have suffered the painful end of a marriage, I pray that you would see the love and forgiveness found in the arms of God. To the MANY singles, I pray that God would give you encouragement and strength; I pray He would be the true and faithful Helper. To those who are married or planning to marry, I pray we would now and forevermore see our spouse as a true gift from God given to make us whole. I pray we would forever thank Him for joining us together and commit to the protection of the union. I pray we would always remember that when God provides our most suitable helper (and completer), the two become one flesh.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Feb 25 Leviticus 16:29-18:30; Mark 7:24-8:9; Psalm 41:1-13; Proverbs 10:15-16

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Una Sola Carne

By Steve T. on February 25, 2019

Two_Become_One_Flesh

En el mensaje “Mantengámonos Alejados del Terrado”, vimos como inicios aparentemente inocentes pueden tener resultados desastrosos cuando entretenemos aún la mas pequeña área de tentación. Esto se vuelve aún mas crítico cuando nos casamos; entonces, el resultado de la tentación puede causar gran dolor a aquel dado a nosotros como un regalo de Dios.

A la mitad del sexto día, Dios había creado el sol, la luna y las estrellas; la tierra, el cielo, y el agua; los peces, las aves, las plantas y los animales – y cuando vio a Su creación, “Y Dios consideró que esto era bueno” (Génesis 1:25). Pero todavía no estaba completa Su creación: “y dijo: Hagamos al ser humano a nuestra imagen y semejanza” (Génesis 1:26), y del polvo de la tierra, Dios sopló vida al hombre y le puso en el Jardín de Edén, “para que lo cultivara y lo cuidara” (Génesis 2:15).

Mientras que Dios vio al hombre ocuparse en su trabajo, vio que algo no estaba correcto. Algunos han sugerido que el hombre parecía un poco triste – otros han bromeado que el hombre estaba haciendo un gran desorden y caminaba, perdido y confundido. Cualquiera que sea la causa, Dios vio a Su última creación y dijo:

Génesis 2:18
“No es bueno que el hombre esté solo. Voy a hacerle una ayuda adecuada.”

Adán necesitaba mas que alguien para ayudarle con sus tareas, el necesitaba a alguien que lo hiciera completo! Entonces Dios formó a la mujer, no de la tierra, pero de una costilla tomada del lado de Adán; “Ésta sí es hueso de mis huesos y carne de mi carne” (Génesis 2:23).

Si Dios nos da a alguien como un regalo especial para hacernos completos, ellos deben ser queridos y protegidos de por vida; “Por tanto dejará el hombre a su padre y a su madre, se unirá a su mujer y serán una sola carne” (Génesis 2:24). Como piezas de un rompecabezas que encajan perfectamente, un matrimonio ordenado por Dios se une y se cumple haciendo que los dos formen uno.

Es triste que rápidamente nos olvidamos de estas verdades básicas. Continuamos poniendo nuestros deseos personales adelante de la unión creada por Dios. “Jugamos” con tentaciones sin tomar en cuenta devastación potencial. Con frecuencia el resultado es una guerra civil con años de derramamiento de sangre espiritual y un rasgado eventual de lo que Dios se unió. Tenemos que parar esta deterioración en forma de espiral aún antes que comience.

A los MUCHOS padres solteros: Oro que Dios les de animo y fortaleza – Oro que El será el ayudador que tan desesperadamente necesitan. A aquellos ya casados o planeando casarse: Oro que para ahora y para siempre veamos a nuestro esposo o esposa como el verdadero regalo de Dios que nos dió para hacernos completos. Oro para que siempre demos gracias a El por habernos unido y para que nos comprometamos a proteger la unión. Oro para que siempre recordemos que Dios provee nuestra ayuda mas adecuada cuando los dos lleguen a ser una sola carne.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Stay Off The Roof

By Steve T. on February 21, 2019

Stay_Off_The_Roof

King David gave in to temptation with Bathsheba and then tried to cover up his sin with lies and murder. How could someone described by God as, “A man after My own heart” (Acts 13:22), make such a bad error in judgment? Sin is rarely the result of a single poor choice. Most often, the actual sin is caused by a long drift away from the presence of God and several specific decisions made outside His will.

2 Samuel 11:1
“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.”

David had become complacent about his duties as King. When the rest of his men were off at war, David stayed home with not much to do. He could have spent time drawing closer to God with prayer and study of the Word, but apparently David allowed himself to become quite restless.

2 Samuel 11:2
“One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful.”

David walked on the roof and (much to his surprise?) he saw a naked woman in a bathtub! Remember that David built this palace – he knew every detail of the architecture. He knew exactly where the bath houses were and knew the preferred times of bathing! “But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin” (James 1:14-15).

David’s sin began long before he climbed into bed with Bathsheba. It began with letting down his guard of self-discipline and wandering from God; it then continued by entering an area of compromise – an area where he was enticed.

We must all recognize our “roof” where we become susceptible to temptation: “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” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Many times, our way out of temptation is simply to not visit the place where we know temptation resides – to not allow temptation to even germinate in our heart.

Is there a restlessness which is causing us to drift from God? Are we spending time and energy on activities, in places or conversations (physical or virtual), which we know are not honoring to God? Let’s remain in His presences and ask God to open our eyes to the vulnerable areas of our life; let’s commit to walk the path of purity and stay off the roof!

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Feb 21 Leviticus 11:1-12:8; Mark 5:21-43; Psalm 38:1-22; Proverbs 10:8-9
Feb 22 Leviticus 13:1-59; Mark 6:1-29; Psalm 39:1-13; Proverbs 10:10
Feb 23 Leviticus 14:1-57; Mark 6:30-56; Psalm 40:1-10; Proverbs 10:11-12
Feb 24 Leviticus 15:1-16:28; Mark 7:1-23; Psalm 40:11-17; Proverbs 10:13-14

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Mantengámonos Alejados del Terrado

By Steve T. on February 21, 2019

Stay_Off_The_Roof

El Rey David se entregó a la tentación con Betsabé y después intentó cubrir su pecado con mentiras y homicidio. Como puede ser que alguien descrito por Dios como, “varón conforme a mi corazón” (Hechos 13:22), hiciera tan grande error en su juicio? El pecado es raramente solo el resultado de una mala decisión. Mas bien, el pecado actual se debe a un proceso de alejarnos de la presencia de Dios y varias decisiones específicas tomadas fuera de Su voluntad.

2 Samuel 11:1
“Aconteció al año siguiente, en el tiempo que salen los reyes a la guerra, que David envió a Joab, junto a sus siervos y a todo Israel, y ellos derrotaron a los amonitas y sitiaron a Rabá, mientras David se quedó en Jerusalén.”

David estaba satisfecho con respecto a sus deberes como Rey. Cuando el resto de sus hombres estaban lejos en guerra, David se quedó en casa sin mucho que hacer. Hubiera podido pasar tiempo acercándose a Dios a través de la oración y estudio de la Palabra, pero aparentemente David permitió a si mismo volverse ansioso.

2 Samuel 11:2
“Un día, al caer la tarde, se levantó David de su lecho, y se paseaba sobre el terrado de la casa real, cuando vio desde el terrado a una mujer que se estaba bañando, la cual era muy hermosa.”

David salió al terrado y (¿para su sorpresa?) vio a una mujer desnuda bañandose! Recuerda que David construyó este palacio – el conocía cada detalle de su arquitectura. David sabía exactamente donde estaban los balnearios y sabía de las horas preferidas para bañarse! “Cada uno es tentado, cuando de su propia pasión es atraído y seducido. Entonces la pasión, después que ha concebido, da a luz el pecado” (Santiago 1:14-15).

El pecado de David empezó mucho mas antes que cuando se acostó con Betsabé. Empezó con bajar la guardia de dominio propio y alejarse de Dios; y continuó cuando entró en una área de riesgo – una área donde fue tentado.

Todos tenemos que reconocer nuestro terrado donde nos volvemos susceptibles a la tentación: “Ustedes no han sufrido ninguna tentación que no sea común al género humano. Pero Dios es fiel, y no permitirá que ustedes sean tentados más allá de lo que puedan aguantar. Más bien, cuando llegue la tentación, él les dará también una salida a fin de que puedan resistir” (1 Corintios 10:13). Muchas veces, nuestra salida es simplemente no visitar el lugar donde sabemos que reside la tentación – a no permitir que la tentación germine en nuestro corazón.

¿Existe una ansiedad que nos esta causando alejarnos de Dios? ¿Estamos pasando mucho tiempo y energía en actividades, en lugares o conversaciones, que sabemos que no estan honrando a Dios? Permanezcamos en Su presencia y pidamosle a Dios que abra nuestros ojos a las áreas vulnerables de nuestra vida; dediquémonos a seguir el camino de la pureza y mantengámonos alejados del terrado!

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Never Trade The Blessing

By Steve T. on February 20, 2019

Never_Trade_The_Blessing

When Isaac was sixty years old, his wife Rebecca gave birth to twin sons. Esau was born first, followed immediately by Jacob; “with his hand grasping Esau’s heal” (Genesis 25:26). Esau grew to be a skillful hunter while Jacob stayed more around the tents with his mother.

In the days of Esau and Jacob, the firstborn son was given a special honor called the birthright. The child having the birthright received a double portion of the family inheritance as well as the eventual privilege of family leadership. The birthright could be traded, but all future birthright blessings were then lost.

Genesis 25:29-32
“Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, ‘Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!’ Jacob replied, ‘First sell me your birthright.’ ‘Look, I am about to die,’ Esau said. ‘What good is the birthright to me?'”

Esau was a young man who lived “in the moment” and traded his birthright for a bowl of stew. He placed much greater value on immediate gratification than on future blessings, and he exaggerated his immediate need in order to justify the future loss. The mighty hunter may have been hungry – maybe even VERY hungry – but he certainly was not about to die.

Esau’s decision to let go of his birthright was based on the temporary needs he could see and feel. His focus on the immediate caused him to lose the blessings which were greater and long lasting, but unseen. Jacob would later steal Esau’s final blessing from their father, but Easu freely gave away his birthright blessing because he never understood its true value.

Similar trades are being made today. We just don’t understand (or believe) the value of blessings. When a child leaves home in rebellion, they trade the blessing of an honoring relationship with their parents for perceived pleasures of immediate freedom. When a spouse pursues a relationship outside of marriage, they trade the blessing of a God-honoring union for perceived pleasures of the flesh. And when we fail to “wait upon the Lord” with decisions, we have allowed our impatience to trade away the blessing of walking in God’s perfect will. We may spend a lifetime understanding the value of this blessing!

So what bowl of stew are we trading for today? God has promised a blessing for those who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, for those who trust in Him for the forgiveness of sin and walk daily in His light. He has promised to set us free to live a life of true peace, purpose, and contentment, and an eternal glory in His presence when we die. ALL worldly pleasures will one day fade away; “For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Let’s devote our lives to worship and obediently follow wherever He leads. Let’s keep our eyes on the eternal and NEVER trade the blessing.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Feb 20 Leviticus 9:7-10:20; Mark 4:26-5:20; Psalm 37:29-40; Proverbs 10:6-7

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Nunca Cambiar la Bendición

By Steve T. on February 20, 2019

Never_Trade_The_Blessing

Cuando Isaac tuvo sesenta años de edad, su esposa Rebeca dio luz a dos hijos. Esaú nació primero y fue seguido por Jacob; “trabada su mano al talón de Esaú” (Génesis 25:26). Esaú fue diestro en la caza mientras Jacob habitaba mas en las tiendas con su madre.

En los días de Esaú y Jacob, el primer hijo fue dado un honor especial que se llamaba la primogenitura. El hijo con la primogenitura recibía una doble porción de la herencia familiar igual como el privilegio del liderazgo de la familia. La primogenitura podría ser intercambiada, pero todas las futuras bendiciones relacionadas serían perdidas.

Génesis 25:29-32
“Guisó Jacob un potaje; y volviendo Esaú del campo, cansado, dijo a Jacob: –Te ruego que me des a comer de ese guiso rojo, pues estoy muy cansado. (Por eso fue llamado Edom.) Jacob respondió: –Véndeme en este día tu primogenitura. Entonces dijo Esaú: –Me estoy muriendo, ¿para qué, pues, me servirá la primogenitura?”

Esaú fue un joven quien vivía “por el momento” y cambió su primogenitura por un guiso. El valoraba mas la gratificación inmediata que las futuras bendiciones, y exageró su necesidad inmediata para justificar una futura perdida. El gran cazador quizás tuvo hambre – posiblemente MUCHA hambre – pero ciertamente no estaba al punto de morir. Su decisión de ceder su primogenitura fue basada en las necesidades temporales que podía ver y tocar; y en cambio, perdió las bendiciones que eran mayores e invisibles.

Cambios parecidos se hacen hoy en día. Cuando un hijo rebeldemente se va de la casa, está cambiando una relación honrosa con sus padres por unas aparentes placeres y libertad inmediata. Cuando un esposo o una esposa persigue una relación afuera de su matrimonio, está canjeando la unión que honra a Dios por unas percibidas placeres de la carne. Y cuando fallamos de esperar al Señor con decisiones de nuestro trabajo, un traslado, una gran compra, o nuestra relación, hemos permitido que nuestra impaciencia se intercambia por la bendición de caminar en la perfecta voluntad de Dios.

¿Para cual guiso estamos cambiando hoy? Dios ha prometido una bendición por aquellos quien creen en Jesús como Señor y Salvador, por aquellos quien confíen en El por el perdón del pecado y caminan diariamente en Su luz. El ha prometido a liberarnos para vivir un vida de verdadera paz, propósito, y contentamiento; y una gloria eterna en Su presencia cuando nos morimos. TODOS los placeres mundanas pasarán algún día; “lo que se ve es pasajero, mientras que lo que no se ve es eterno” (2 Corintios 4:18). Dediquemos nuestras vidas a la adoración y sigamosle obedientemente a dondequiera que nos guíe. Mantengamos nuestros ojos enfocados en lo eterno y NUNCA cambiemos la bendición.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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His Consuming Fire

By Steve T. on February 19, 2019

His_Consuming_Fire

Ice will turn to water at a temperature just above zero degrees centigrade. We might consider the water to be consumed as it turns to steam at one hundred degrees centigrade. Wood must be heated to a much higher temperature before it is consumed, and metal must be heated even more. I wonder how much heat is required to finally consume the works of my flesh and burn away my selfishness and pride.

Hebrews 12:28-29
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”

When we begin to understand the Kingdom we have inherited through Christ, we dare not enter His sanctuary with anything but pure praise and worship. Whatever else we attempt to bring is born in our flesh with a spirit of pride. If we say, “Look at what I’ve brought You, my Lord!” He will simply burn it to ash. We might protest, “But God, look at all I’ve done for You!” But the heat will be turned up until all we hold is consumed.

Is our greatest ambition to impact the world for Christ? Is our motivation to be significant in the eyes of God or become a major player in the advancement of His Kingdom? Beware! Though these sound good and have the appearance of being pleasing to God, they are conceived in pride and will be consumed.

We truly can bring Him NOTHING of worth except a pure heart; “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Our greatest desire (our ONLY desire) must be to praise and worship the King through all we think, say, and do. All our striving to be obedient and produce good works – all of our “Godly” motivation and ambition – must flow simply as a direct outpouring of our worship.

If we are still trying to conquer something for Christ, we have not yet fully submitted to His leading nor found complete rest in His strength. Jesus came with all knowledge and power, and yet He walked with absolute surrender and submission; “the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what My Father has commanded Me” (John 14:31).

This is a daily challenge, one of the more subtle battles between the Spirit and the flesh. While we must strive, we must also remember that God does not need anything we produce. True fruit which pleases our Heavenly Father comes only as we “remain in the vine” (John 15:4), and love Him with all our heart.

The same fire that will one day burn all our righteous acts can be used today to cleanse our heart until only the One remains. Let’s come into His presence and worship with pure reverence and awe. Let’s allow every selfish desire and every fiber of pride to be burned away in His consuming fire.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Feb 19 Leviticus 7:28-9:6; Mark 3:31-4:25; Psalm 37:12-28; Proverbs 10:5

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Su Fuego Consumidor

By Steve T. on February 19, 2019

His_Consuming_Fire

El hielo se convierte en agua a una temperatura justo arriba de cero grados centígrados. Podemos considerar que el agua sea consumida mientras se evapora a cien grados centígrados. La madera debe ser calentada a una temperatura mucho más alta antes de ser consumida y el metal debe ser calentado aún más. ¿Me pregunto, cuanto más calor se requiere para finalmente consumir el resultado del trabajo de mi carne y consumir mi egoísmo y orgullo?

Hebreos 12:28-29
“Así que, recibiendo nosotros un reino inconmovible, tengamos gratitud, y mediante ella sirvamos a Dios agradándole con temor y reverencia; porque nuestro Dios es fuego consumidor.”

Cuando comenzamos a comprender el Reino que hemos heredado a través de Cristo, no nos atrevemos a entrar en Su santuario con nada menos que pura alabanza y adoración. Cualquier otra cosa que intentamos llevar es nacida en nuestra carne con un espíritu de orgullo. Si decimos: “Mira lo que te he traído mi Señor,” El simplemente lo convertirá en ceniza. Podríamos protestar: “Pero Señor, mira todo lo que he hecho por Ti!” y el calor será elevado hasta que todo lo que tengamos sea consumido.

¿Es nuestra mayor ambición tener un impacto en el mundo para Cristo? ¿Es nuestra motivación ser significante en los ojos de Dios o ser un punto clave en el avance de Su reino? ¡Cuidado! Aunque puede sonar muy bueno y tener la apariencia de agradar a Dios, estas cosas están concebidas en el orgullo y serán consumidas.

Verdaderamente no podemos llevarle NADA que valga la pena excepto un corazón puro; “todas nuestras justicias (son) como trapos de inmundicia” (Isaías 64:6). Nuestro mayor deseo (nuestro ÚNICO deseo) debe ser alabar y adorar al Rey a través de todo lo que pensamos, decimos, y hacemos. Todos nuestros esfuerzos por ser obedientes y producir buenas obras – toda nuestra motivación y ambición “en Dios” – debe fluir simplemente como derramada directamente de nuestra adoración.

Si aún estamos tratando de conquistar algo para Cristo, aún no nos hemos sometido por completo a Su liderazgo ni hemos encontrado el completo descanso en Su fuerza. Jesús vino a la tierra con todo conocimiento y poder, y aún caminó con absoluta entrega y sumisión; “Mas para que el mundo conozca que amo al Padre, y como el Padre me mandó, así hago” (Juan 14:31).

Este es un reto diario, una de las más sutiles batallas entre el Espíritu y la carne. Mientras debemos seguir esforzandonos, debemos también recordar que Dios no necesita nada que nosotros produzcamos. El verdadero fruto que agrada a nuestro Padre Celestial viene solo si nosotros “nos mantenemos en la vid” (Juan 15:4), y le amamos con todo nuestro corazón.

El mismo fuego que un día consumirá todas nuestras buenas obras puede ser usado ahora para limpiar nuestro corazón. Vengamos a Su presencia y adoremosle con pura reverencia y admiración. Permitamos que cada deseo egoísta y cada fibra de orgullo sea quemada en Su fuego consumidor.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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The Living Word

By Steve T. on February 18, 2019

The_Living_Word

In the message “God’s Plumb Line” we were encouraged to build our lives upon the absolute and unwavering standard of God’s Word. His Word is truth and holds the answer to every problem we will ever confront. If we search for answers and prayerfully reflect on the truth of God’s Word – if we indeed consider His Word as absolute and unchanging, and apply it directly into our life – we will find the solutions have been available long before we were born.

Hebrews 4:12-13
“For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

Without changing in content or meaning, the Word of God adapts to every situation. If we maintain the habit of reading and reflective study, we will find new insights in what appear to be the peeling back of multiple layers of understanding. But it is actually us who are being peeled back and laid bare by the ever present truths of His Word.

The passage, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5), will have a much different meaning after we have obediently followed God for several years. Each time adversity strikes and doubts arise, we will find an ever deeper calling in the phrase “with ALL your heart.” And though we walk with Him for all the rest of our days, we may never fully appreciate the words; “God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). How our lives would change if we could ever fully understand His love!

We do not truly “dig deeper” into the Word; rather, the Word digs deeper into us! Scriptural truths are not revealed until our hunger is so great that we are willing to place our life on the table and allow the sword of truth to cut deep inside. Do we really desire to know God, His Word, and His Spirit? Do we really want to understand the depth of God’s love and the implications of His justice? Then be advised: even necessary and beneficial surgery can be painful. When our chest is opened, the condition of our heart is revealed; and that which is dark and displeasing must be cut away and burned.

But fear not! Our Heavenly Father is a skilled surgeon who can make our heart new and prepared to yield to His Spirit. The solution to our most complex problems is always found in His presence, and He has given His Word to show us how to draw near. Our lives are in need of some divine surgery today! Let’s allow our heart to be cut by the truth, to be exposed and purified by the Living Word.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Feb 18 Leviticus 6:1-7:27; Mark 3:7-30; Psalm 37:1-11; Proverbs 10:3-4

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