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The Search

The_Search

We have come to that wonderful place where our only desire is to do God’s will. We have begun to view our time on earth with an eternal perspective and are now in the process of aligning our life with His desires. We truly desire to do the will of God, so we desperately (and often unceasingly) search for His will. This is a significant step of maturity for any believer, but it can also be a time of great frustration.

Before we were saved, we were controlled by a sinful nature. This nature manifested itself in a variety of ways; “sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like” (Galatians 5:19-21).

Through the Spirit of Christ, we now have the power to break free from the control of the sinful nature. And, though most of the sinful nature is clearly out of character with a Christian walk, the sin which is often the hardest to recognize is that of selfish ambition. Even in our striving to live according to God’s will, we continually battle the desire to achieve and accomplish.

The deception which surrounds selfish ambition sounds so good and spiritual: “God, let me do something really great….for You! I’m ready to have a MAJOR impact in Your Kingdom.” We look for God’s will as if it is some sort of mountain to climb, and then we become frustrated when we never seem to arrive at the summit. But God’s will is never a destination. His will is always a process – always found in the journey! His will is that we love Him, trust Him, and seek Him with all our heart.

Psalm 9:10
“Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.”

Anyone who earnestly searches for God’s will has a strong desire to please Him. They love God with all their heart and are leaning on Him for guidance like never before. This love and trust mean more to God than anything we could ever accomplish. But God allows us to search, because the search is what brings us to His throne.

We must continue to seek His desire for our life and always be prepared to follow where He leads. But we must also strip back the layers of pride which require an achievement of something grand. We have found His perfect will when we walk in humble submission, with a thankful and loving heart, and are actively involved in the search.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Aug 1 2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21; Romans 15:1-22; Psalm 25:1-11; Proverbs 20:13-15

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La Búsqueda

The_Search

Hemos llegado a este lugar maravilloso donde nuestro único deseo es hacer la voluntad de Dios. Hemos comenzado a ver nuestro tiempo en la tierra con una perspectiva eterna y ahora estamos en el proceso de alinear nuestra vida con Sus deseos. Este es un paso de madurez significante para cualquier creyente, pero también puede ser un tiempo de gran frustración. Verdaderamente deseamos hacer la voluntad de Dios, entonces desesperadamente (y frecuentemente sin cesar) buscamos por Su voluntad.

Antes que fuéramos salvos, eramos controlados por una naturaleza pecaminosa. Esta naturaleza se manifestaba en una variedad de maneras; “inmoralidad sexual, impureza y libertinaje; idolatría y brujería; odio, discordia, celos, arrebatos de ira, rivalidades, disensiones, sectarismos y envidia; borracheras, orgías, y otras cosas parecidas” (Gálatas 5:19-21).

A través del Espíritu de Cristo, ahora tenemos el poder de liberarnos del control de la naturaleza pecaminosa. Y, aunque la mayoría de la naturaleza pecaminosa es claramente afuera del carácter de un caminar Cristiano, el pecado que es frecuentemente lo mas difícil de reconocer es de ambición egoísta. Aún en nuestra lucha de vivir según la voluntad de Dios, estamos continuamente batallando contra el deseo de lograr y cumplir.

El engaño suena tan bueno y espiritual: “Dios, dejame hacer algo realmente importante…para Ti! Estoy listo para tener un impacto GRANDE en Tu Reino.” Buscamos la voluntad de Dios como si fuera algún tipo de montaña para escalar, y después nos frustramos cuando parece que nunca llegamos a la cumbre. Pero la voluntad de Dios nunca es un destino. Su voluntad es siempre un proceso – siempre encontrada en el viaje! Su voluntad es que le amemos a El, confiemos en El, y que busquemos a El con todo nuestro corazón.

Salmo 9:10
“En ti confían los que conocen tu nombre, porque tú, Señor, jamás abandonas a los que te buscan.”

Cualquiera que busca honestamente la voluntad de Dios tiene un deseo fuerte de complacerle a El. Ellos aman a Dios con todo su corazón y están dependiendo de El para Su dirección como nunca antes. Este amor y confianza significa más para Dios que cualquier cosa que jamás pudiéramos lograr. Pero Dios nos permite que busquemos, porque la búsqueda es lo que nos lleva a Su trono.

Tenemos que continuar buscando Su deseo para nuestra vida y siempre estar preparados a seguir donde El nos dirige. Pero también tenemos que quitar las capas de orgullo lo cual requieren un logro de algo grande. Hemos encontrado Su perfecta voluntad cuando caminamos en humilde sumisión, con un corazón agradecido, y estamos activamente involucrados en la Búsqueda.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Refuse To Be Afraid

Refuse_To_Be_Afraid

As wars continue around the world, we must remember our true battles are not against flesh and blood – not against terrorism or deceptive governments, not against an oppressive boss or unappreciative spouse, not even against attacks on our health – but “against the spiritual forces of evil in the Heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). The true battles occur in a world which is real, but unseen; and yet, the battles we see and hear everywhere we turn are the ones which tend to consume our thoughts and cause us to become angry…and to fear.

As Jesus was teaching and healing around the Sea of Galilee, large crowds of people began to come out to Him. One evening, Jesus decided to leave the crowds behind and sail with His disciples to the other side of the sea. As Jesus slept in the back of the boat, a terrible storm soon developed. The disciples woke Jesus and cried out in fear, “Teacher, don’t You care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38).

Mark 4:39-40
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to His disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'”

The disciples had seen Jesus cure a man with leprosy, heal a paralytic, and teach with the authority of Almighty God, but now they thought Jesus didn’t care. When Jesus rose, He rebuked the storm as well as His disciples. These men who were chosen to walk with the Son of God were now accused by Jesus of being afraid and living without faith.

This same event occurs in our life today. Jesus climbs into our boat and directs us to a distant shore. We’ve heard about His miracles so we joyfully cast off, expecting a smooth sail. Suddenly, the wind begins to blow and the waves turn white; this is probably not the voyage we had in mind. No longer able to see the shore, we begin to wonder why we ever set sail. Did we really hear His voice? And in our desperation we pathetically cry out, “Don’t You care if we drown?” … Is our faith really so weak?

In the midst of our fears, we must remember that the God to whom we cry is the same God who created the Heavens and the earth, sent His Son to die for our sins, and gave us His Spirit “with whom we were sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). He is the same God who chose us to walk by His side!

Jesus is still committed to our journey, and still in complete control. In His perfect timing He will calm ALL the wind and waves, ALL the roaring seas. When doubts begin to surface, we must draw even closer, hold on even tighter, and trust Him even deeper. No matter what battles we see with our eyes and hear with our ears, we must be determined to live each moment by faith and refuse to be afraid.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jul 30 2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27; Romans 13:1-14; Psalm 23:1-6; Proverbs 20:11
Jul 31 2 Chronicles 29:1-36; Romans 14:1-23; Psalm 24:1-10; Proverbs 20.12

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Rehusar a Ser Temerosos

Refuse_To_Be_Afraid

Mientras las guerras continúan alrededor del mundo, debemos recordar que nuestras verdaderas batallas no son contra carne ni sangre – no contra el terrorismo o armas de destrucción masiva, ni contra un jefe opresor o una pareja desagradecida – sino “contra huestes espirituales de maldad en las regiones celestes” (Efesios 6:12). Las verdaderas batallas ocurren en un mundo que es real, pero invisible; y aún, las batallas que vemos y oímos por todas partes son las que tienden a consumir nuestros pensamientos y que nos causan a enojar…y a temer.

Mientras Jesús enseñaba y sanaba alrededor del mar de Galilea, grandes cantidades de personas comenzaron a venir a El. Una tarde, Jesús decidió dejar las multitudes atrás y navegar con sus discípulos al otro lado del mar. Mientras Jesús dormía en la parte trasera del bote, una terrible tormenta se desarrolló rápidamente. Los discípulos levantaron a Jesús y lloraron en temor, “Maestro, ¿no te importa que nos ahoguemos?” (Marcos 4:38).

Marcos 4:39-40
“Y levantándose, reprendió al viento, y dijo al mar: Calla, enmudece. Y cesó el viento, y se hizo grande bonanza. Y les dijo: ¿Por qué estáis así amedrentados? ¿Cómo no tenéis fe?”

Los discípulos habían visto a Jesús curar a un hombre con lepra, sanar a un paralítico, y enseñar con la autoridad del Dios Todopoderoso; y ahora pensaron que a Jesús no le importaba. Cuando Jesús se levantó, reprendió a la tormenta igual como Sus discipulos. Estos hombres que fueron escogidos para caminar con el Hijo de Dios estaban siendo acusados por Jesús de estar temerosos y viviendo sin fe.

Este mismo evento ocurre en nuestras vidas ahora. Jesús aborda nuestros botes y nos dirige a una playa lejana. Hemos oído de Sus milagros así que nos lanzamos al mar con alegría, esperando navegar sin obstáculos. Repentinamente el viento comienza a soplar y las olas se vuelven blancas – este no es probablemente el viaje que teníamos en mente. Ya no podemos ver la playa, comenzamos a preguntarnos por que en algún momento decidimos lanzarnos al mar. ¿Escuchamos realmente su vos? Y en nuestra desesperación patéticamente lloramos, “¿No te importa si nos ahogamos?” …¿Es nuestra fe realmente tan débil?

En medio de nuestros temores, debemos recordar: El es el mismo Dios que creó los cielos y la tierra, mandó a Su Hijo a morir por nuestros pecados y nos dio Su Espíritu “con el cual fuisteis sellados para el día de la redención” (Efesios 4:30). El es el mismo Dios que nos eligió para caminar a Su lado!

Jesús todavía está comprometido con nuestro viaje, y aún está en completo control. En Su tiempo perfecto el calmará TODO el viento y las olas – TODOS los rugientes mares. Cuando las dudas salen a flote, debemos acercarnos aún más, sujetarnos aún más fuerte, y confiar en El más profundamente. No importa que batallas vean nuestros ojos y oigan nuestros oídos, debemos estar determinados a vivir cada momento por fe y rehusar a ser temerosos.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Gifts To Be Returned

Gifts_To_Be_Returned

After Joshua led the Israelites into the promised land, the nation was governed by a series of judges. The period of the judges lasted several hundred years and ended with the prophet Samuel. Samuel lived his entire life dedicated to God. In fact, Samuel’s mother dedicated him to God before he was even born.

For many years Hannah and her husband had tried to have a child, but God did not allow her to conceive. The desire for a child continued for several years and became such a consuming portion of Hannah’s life that she could think of little else; “In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:10).

Finally, Hannah’s heart softened and she made a vow that if God would give her a son, “then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life” (1 Samuel 1:11). God honored Hannah’s vow and she soon became pregnant. A few years after Samuel was born Hannah brought him to Eli, the priest.

1 Samuel 1:27-28
“I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.”

When Hannah made her vow, she no longer desired a child to satisfy her own needs but truly desired to honor God by returning her son to Him. In turn, God blessed Hannah with five additional children after Samuel (1 Samuel 2:21). God did not bless Hannah because of her vow (we can never “bargain” with God); rather, God blessed Hannah because her heart desired to glorify Him with her blessing.

We must learn to consider everything in our life from the same perspective as Hannah. We have created nothing of lasting value with our own hands. Everything we have – everything which defines who we are – is a precious gift from God. This includes our possessions, family, business, school, special skills, and talents. ALL we have is by the grace of God.

And just as it is prideful sin to take self-credit for God’s many blessings, it is equally shameful to shun His gifts – to pretend they do not exist – and fail to use them for His glory. God always blesses with a purpose, and we live a shallow life if we ignore His gifts or use them solely for our own benefit and pleasure.

Let’s bless our Heavenly Father by fully receiving His gifts, and then by giving back what we have so graciously been given. Let’s praise Him and determine to use even the gift of our own life to bring Him glory and honor. God has showered us with many wonderful gifts, but they are ALL gifts to be returned.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jul 29 2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28; Romans 12:1-21; Psalm 22:19-31; Proverbs 20:8-10

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Regalos Para Retornar

Gifts_To_Be_Returned

Después que Josué dirigió a los Israelitas a la tierra prometida, la nación fue gobernada por una serie de jueces. El período de los jueces duró varios cientos de años y terminó con el profeta Samuel. Samuel vivió su vida entera dedicado a Dios. De hecho, la madre de Samuel lo dedicó a Dios aún antes que naciera.

Por muchos años Ana y su esposo intentaron tener un hijo, pero Dios no le permitió concebir. El deseo por un hijo continuó por varios años y llegó a formar una parte de su vida tan consumidora que no podía pensar en nada más; “con gran angustia comenzó a orar al Señor y a llorar desconsoladamente” (1 Samuel 1:10).

Finalmente, se ablandó el corazón de Ana e hizo un pacto que si Dios le diera un hijo, “yo te lo entregaré para toda su vida” (1 Samuel 1:11). Dios honró su voto y pronto Ana se embarazó. Unos años después que nació Samuel, Ana le llevó a Elí, el sacerdote.

1 Samuel 1:27-28
“Éste es el niño que yo le pedí al Señor, y él me lo concedió. Ahora yo, por mi parte, se lo entrego al Señor. Mientras el niño viva, estará dedicado a él.”

Cuando Ana hizo su voto, no solo deseaba un niño para satisfacer sus propias necesidades sino verdaderamente quería honrar a Dios, regresandole a El su hijo. En cambio, Dios bendijo a Ana con cinco hijos adicionales después de Samuel (1 Samuel 2:21). Dios no bendijo a Ana solamente por su voto (nunca podemos hacer “tratos” con Dios); sino, Dios bendijo a Ana porque su corazón deseaba glorificarle a El con su bendición.

Tenemos que aprender a considerar todo en nuestras vidas desde la misma perspectiva que Ana. No hemos creado nada de valor perdurable con nuestras propias manos. Todo lo que tenemos – todo lo que define quienes somos – son preciosos regalos de Dios. Este incluye nuestras posesiones, familia, negocio, escuela, habilidades especiales y talentos. TODO lo que tenemos es por la gracia de Dios.

Y tanto como el pecado del orgullo quiere tomar el crédito por las muchas bendiciones de Dios, es igual de vergonzoso negar Sus regalos – o pretender que no existen – y fallar en usar los regalos para Su gloria. Dios siempre bendice con un propósito; y vivimos una vida muy superficial si ignoramos Sus regalos o los usamos solamente por nuestro propio beneficio y placer.

Bendecimos a nuestro Padre Celestial recibiendo completamente Sus regalos, y después regresandole lo que nos ha dado tan graciosamente. Alabemosle a El y determinemos usar aún el regalo de nuestra propia vida para traerle a El gloria y honor. Dios nos ha rociado con tantos regalos maravillosos, pero TODOS son regalos para retornar.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Kenya School Update

I am resending the message from last week.  We have raised $5000 this week.  Thanks so much!  We still need $20K to purchase the plot.

Mathare School 7-18 (1)

Except for a little painting which will be accomplished during school breaks, our school in Mathare, outside of Nairobi, Kenya, is complete. The facility is four floors, with classrooms for our 205 kids! This is such a praise report! And I confess the school was completed much faster than I thought possible – two and a half years! Thanks so much!!

Mathare School 7-18a (1)

In the last month, an opportunity has been brought to our attention that would be an incredible blessing to our kids. The plot right next to our school is for sale. This plot can be seen directly to the right of the school. There are currently a few partially finished structures on this plot but they are in bad condition and not used for anything. I would like to purchase this plot, clear it, fence it in, and use it as a safe recreational area for the kids. We currently utilize a very small courtyard and the street – not ideal!

I need to secure $25,000 in the next 30 days in order to purchase this plot and move forward with clearing. If the plot is sold to someone else, we are boxed in and will not have an opportunity like this again.

Please consider helping with this project! You can make a donation through the Donate Now button below or by mailing a check to:

God’s Daily Word Ministries
P.O. Box 12441
Jackson, TN 38308

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

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A Taste of Eternity

A_Taste_of_Eternity

In the message “An Eternal Perspective” we saw the need to consider our life on an eternal time scale and to weigh our current burdens against the eternal glory of Heaven. But there are many believers who are unable to gain strength or comfort from this view of life. Although they know the concept, they lack anything on which to base their hope.

This lack of tangible hope is unfortunate, but understandable. If our view of Heaven contains no real foundation, the thought of eternity will never make our troubles seem “light and momentary” (2 Corinthians 4:17). And while it’s true that “faith is the substance of things hoped for” (Hebrews 11:1), we still need some understanding or our faith will never generate the hope which can truly impact our life.

When Jacob was looking for a wife, he found Rachel. Jacob quickly fell in love and promised to work seven years in exchange for receiving Rachel as his wife.

Genesis 29:20
“So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.”

Jacob worked hard for many years, but the hope of being with the one he loved eased any burden he might have felt. Jacob had a good understanding of the one he hoped for, and this brought him great comfort. He saw Rachel’s beauty every day and was certainly permitted to talk with her often. He knew Rachel and probably spent many hours dreaming of her and holding her in his arms. There was undoubtedly a longing inside Jacob which he knew only Rachel could fill.

God gave His Son so we could be brought back to a full and right relationship with Him for all eternity. But God did not leave us with an empty view or ask us to cling to a blind hope. He allows us into His presence and gives us the ability to know Him NOW! We will never grasp all that Heaven has to offer until we see Him face to face. But God allows us to taste eternity if we will remove the competing distractions, draw near to His side, and ask for our hunger to be satisfied.

Let’s dedicate our lives to knowing the One with whom we will spend eternity – the One on whom we base our hope. Let’s commune with our Father in prayer and learn of His nature through His Word. Let’s strive for an all-consuming love – a love complete with the empty ache which only His presence can fill. Let’s rejoice, receive comfort and gain strength, as we draw near and are allowed a taste of eternity.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jul 26 2 Chronicles 17:1-18:34; Romans 9:25-10:12; Psalm 20:1-9; Proverbs 20:2-3
Jul 27 2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37; Romans 10:13-11:12; Psalm 21:1-13; Proverbs 20:4-6
Jul 28 2 Chronicles 21:1-23:21; Romans 11:13-36; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 20:7
Jul 29 2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28; Romans 12:1-21; Psalm 22:19-31; Proverbs 20:8-10

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Una Prueba de la Eternidad

A_Taste_of_Eternity

En el mensaje “Una Perspectiva Eterna” vimos la necesidad de considerar nuestras vidas en una escala eterna de tiempo y medir nuestras cargas de ahora contra la gloria eterna del Cielo. Pero hay muchos creyentes que son incapaces de renovar fuerzas o de ser consolados desde esta perspectiva de la vida. Aunque conocen el concepto, les hacen falta algo para poder cimentar su esperanza.

Esta falta de esperanza tangible es infortunado, pero entendible. Si nuestra perspectiva del Cielo no contiene una fundación real, pensar en la eternidad nunca hará que nuestras pruebas se sientan “ligeros y efímeros” (2 Corintios 4:17). Y aunque es verdad que “la fe es la garantía de lo que se espera” (Hebreos 11:1), todavía necesitamos algún entendimiento o nuestra fe nunca generará la esperanza que realmente puede impactar nuestras vidas.

Cuando Jacob estaba buscando una esposa, encontró a Raquel. Jacob se enamoró rápidamente y prometió trabajar por siete años en cambio de recibir a Raquel como su esposa.

Génesis 29:20
“Así que Jacob trabajó siete años para poder casarse con Raquel, pero como estaba muy enamorado de ella le pareció poco tiempo.”

Jacob trabajó duramente por muchos años, pero la esperanza de estar con aquel que le amaba hizo que su carga se sintiera mas liviana. Pero Jacob conocía lo que le esperaba; y esto le dio mucho contentamiento. Jacob vio la belleza de Raquel cada día y probablemente pasó muchas horas soñando con ella y sosteniendola en sus brazos. Sin duda hubo un anhelo adentro de Jacob que él sabía que solamente Raquel podía saciar.

Dios dio Su Hijo para que pudiéramos regresar a una relación completa y correcta con El por toda la eternidad. Pero Dios no nos dejó con una vista vacía y no nos pidió tener una esperanza ciega. El nos permite entrar en Su presencia y nos da la habilidad de conocerle a El AHORA! Nunca entenderemos todo lo que ofrece el Cielo hasta que vemos a Dios cara a cara. Pero Dios nos permite una prueba de la eternidad si quitaremos las distracciones que compiten, nos acercamos a Su lado, y pedimos que nuestra hambre sea saciado.

Dediquemos nuestras vidas a conocer a Aquel con quien pasaremos la eternidad – Aquel en quien basamos nuestra esperanza. Pasemos tiempo con nuestro Padre en oración y aprendamos de Su naturaleza a través de Su Palabra. Luchemos por un amor consumidor – un amor completo con el dolor vacío que solamente Su presencia se puede llenar. Regocijémonos, recibamos confort y renovemos fuerzas, de la manera que nos acercamos y que nos permiten una prueba de la eternidad.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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An Eternal Perspective

An_Eternal_Perspective

The path of a “successful” Christian walk is one of daily commitment to Christ and submission to the leading of His Spirit. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Paul understood this commitment when he said, “I die every day” (1 Corinthians 15:31). Our old nature died when our heart was transformed by the Spirit of God; yet, there remains an on-going death which occurs as we continue our walk and battle temptations from a world which seeks to pull us away from Christ.

Our daily commitment, denial, and “self-death” can become a painful burden if we focus on our present circumstances. Anytime our walk is characterized by self-pity, and our trials become viewed as the heavy cross we must bear for Jesus, we have missed the true joy and peace – the true success – that God desires for our life.

1 Corinthians 15:19
“If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.”

If our hope in Christ is only for today’s protection and blessings, then we have grossly underestimated the power of the gospel. This limited view of a Christian life will always fall short of our expectations. Through faith in Jesus, we have been given eternal life! This means the life we now live must be viewed on an eternal time scale.

When we place our faith in the sacrifice of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, our life begins anew. But this means far more than a fresh start. In an instant, EVERYTHING has changed. The burdens that were once so heavy must now be weighed against the magnificent glory of Heaven. And our “never-ending” trials must now be timed on the clock of eternity.

The world screams at us to focus on the here and now, on immediate gratification from what we can see and feel. It tells us life is short so fill it with sensual pleasures and tangible possessions. God’s Word agrees that our earthly life is short; “A mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). But it also teaches that our spiritual life continues forever! “What is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

We have been given new eyes! Let’s begin to view our life in the context of eternity and gain the greater hope and power this view can provide today. Let’s carry our cross with greater joy, live with more peace and contentment, and experience new victories in life’s many battles. Let’s find true success as we evaluate all areas of our life from an eternal perspective.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jul 25 2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14; Romans 9:1-24; Psalm 19:1-14; Proverbs 20:1

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Una Perspectiva Eterna

An_Eternal_Perspective

El caminar de un Cristiano “exitoso” es de compromiso diario a Cristo y de sumisión a la guianza de Su Espíritu. Jesús dijo: “Si alguien quiere ser mi discípulo, que se niegue a sí mismo, lleve su cruz cada día y me siga” (Lucas 9:23). Pablo entendió este compromiso cuando dijo: “cada día muero” (1 Corintios 15:31). Nuestra vieja naturaleza murió cuando nuestro corazón fue transformado por el Espíritu de Dios; y aún, nos queda una muerte continua que ocurre de la manera que continuamos nuestro caminar y batallamos las tentaciones del mundo que buscan separarnos de Cristo.

Pero si nuestros ojos permanecen enfocados en el día de hoy, nuestro compromiso diario, negación, y “muerte a nosotros mismos” llegará a ser una carga dolorosa. Si nuestro caminar se caracteriza por lastima por si mismo, y nuestras pruebas parecen como una cruz pesada que tenemos que cargar por Jesús, entonces hemos perdido el gozo verdadero y la paz – el éxito verdadero – que Jesús desea por nuestras vidas.

1 Corintios 15:19
“Si la esperanza que tenemos en Cristo fuera sólo para esta vida, seríamos los más desdichados de todos los mortales.”

Si nuestra esperanza en Cristo solamente es por protección y bendiciones para hoy, entonces hemos subestimada terriblemente el poder del evangelio. Esta vista limitada de la vida Cristiana nunca alcanzará nuestras expectaciones. A través de la fe en Jesús, nos ha dado vida eterna. Esto significa que la vida que ahora vivimos debe ser vista en una escala de tiempo eterno.

Cuando ponemos nuestra fe en el sacrificio de Jesús por el perdón de pecado, nuestra vida comienza de nuevo. Pero significa mucho mas de un comienzo fresco. En un instante, TODO ha cambiado. Las cargas que eran tan pesadas ahora deben estar medidas contra la gloria magnifica del Cielo. Y nuestras pruebas que “nunca terminan” ahora tienen que estar medidas con el reloj de la eternidad.

El mundo nos grita que nos enfoquemos en el “aquí” y el “ahora” – en gratificación inmediata de lo que podemos ver y sentir. Nos dice que la vida es corta entonces llenela con placeres sensuales y posesiones tangibles. La Palabra de Dios esta de acuerdo en que nuestra vida en la tierra es corta: “como la niebla, que aparece por un momento y luego se desvanece” (Santiago 4:14). Pero nos enseña que nuestra vida Espiritual continua por siempre; “lo que se ve es pasajero, mientras que lo que no se ve es eterno” (2 Corintios 4:18).

¡Se nos han dado ojos nuevos! Comencemos a ver nuestras vidas en el contexto de la eternidad y a obtener una esperanza y poder mayor que esta vista nos puede dar ahora. Carguemos nuestra cruz con mayor gozo, vivamos con mas paz y contentamiento, y experimentemos nuevas victorias en las muchas batallas de la vida. Encontremos el éxito verdadero mientras comenzamos a evaluar todas la areas de nuestra vida desde una perspectiva eterna.

Tenga un Dia Centrado en Cristo!

Steve Troxel
Ministerios La Palabra Diaria de Dios

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Be Clean

Be_Clean

The term leprosy, as used in the Bible, actually refers to a whole variety of skin conditions ranging from rashes, to open sores, to various infectious diseases, and includes true leprosy as we know it today.

According to God’s Law given through Moses, a person with leprosy was ceremonially unclean and not allowed to take part in any form of worship. They were to live in isolation or cry out “Unclean! Unclean!” as they walked about the community (Leviticus 13). Lepers were strictly avoided since even accidental contact would cause a person to become unclean. Therefore, imagine the turmoil in the crowd as a leper boldly approached Jesus.

Matthew 8:2-3
“A man with leprosy came and knelt before Him and said, ‘Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.’ Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ He said. ‘Be clean!’ Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.”

Yes, imagine the turmoil as many in the crowd scattered to get out of the leper’s way. Some must have been calling out warnings, others delivering harsh rebukes. But even more important, consider the faith of the leper as he stepped forward. He knew he would face ridicule and scorn, but he had heard about Jesus and his faith propelled him to action.

Jesus looked past the ugliness of the man’s condition and saw directly into his heart. In the heart, Jesus saw a beautiful man of faith reaching out to be made clean. He saw a heart which reflected the heart of king David; “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:2).

Our sin creates an ugliness far greater than any skin disease. Sin caused man to be repulsive to God and totally separated from His presence. But while we were in this terminal state, God poured out His love; “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

No matter how bad we think we “look” – no matter how much sin is covering us and making us unclean – Jesus sees directly into our heart. No amount of sin can keep Him from rescuing those with a repentant heart and a desire to be cleansed.

If there is anything causing us to be separated from the presence of our Lord today – any past sin, any current temptations, or any lack of obedience – we must kneel before Him and seek forgiveness. Others may turn away and not understand, but Jesus stands ready to lovingly touch us with His outstretched hand and say, “Be Clean!”

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

**** Reading Plan ****

Jul 24 2 Chronicles 11:1-13:22; Romans 8:24-39; Psalm 18:35-50; Proverbs 19:27-29

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