Advent Season – Peace 4

            Since we are in the Advent Season, I thought is appropriate to address the topic of the day by quoting the apostle Paul from his letter to the Philippian believers. In his statement we find a way to find peace at any time.

 

Phil 4:6-7 – “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” 

 

            Okay, so let’s break this down. Initially we’re told not to worry. It comes in the form of the phrase, “Fear not”and is found in scripture 365 times; once for every day of the calendar year. We are implored to pray about EVERYTHING. What does that tell us? It tells us that nothing is too big or too small to pray about. Prayer is communicating with God. The key is for us to be in tune with our Lord to the extent that we can hear Him when He speaks to us thru the indwelt Holy Spirit. It’s communication that must be worked at. Speaking to God is the easy part, hearing from Him is the part the typically needs work.

            From there Paul stresses that we tell God what we need. Now an omniscient God already knows what we need, so why do we have to TELL Him? Is it not so that we verbalize it rather than just expect it to come into being? Prayer is for OUR benefit, not God’s. We are to take the time to thank Him for His gracious willingness to hear us and act on our behalf. It is at that time that God’s peace will permeate our soul and spirit. Paul is plain about it when he says, there is no way we, in our inferior status to God, could ever comprehend God fully or understand the peace that He provides. 

            God’s peace acts as a guard for our hearts and minds as you proceed in your life with the Lord. Let’s face it, the mind is where most of the battles are fought. If we rely on Christ and not ourselves we will live a faithful life... not an easy life necessarily, but one that will reflect God’s perfect standard for living a victorious life in His name and for His kingdom.

            Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Advent Season – Peace 3

The Christmas holiday season, which essentially begins the day after Thanksgiving, in today’s society is anything but peaceful. True peace will never be found in the busyness, materialism, or holiday traditions, but instead in the very presence of Jesus Christ. We certainly understand that He no longer exists in bodily form, for He ascended to heaven in the very beginning of the Book of Acts to sit at the right hand of the Father. He DOES however exist in spirit form and resides within the heart of the Christian beginning on the day of their conversion. With Christ it is possible to find peace even in the middle of grief, stress and/or conflict by simply turning all our worries over to our Heavenly Father. That can be easier said than done. It takes a serious “want to” to LET GO of the worries that have eaten so much of your time, but it can be done with the help of God’s Holy Spirit. He is the one who resides in you. The third person of the Triune God. He, Christ, and Father God are one in the same, yet each one has a distinct role. God is the source, Christ is the means of salvation, and the Holy Spirit as the dynamic force thru which God's decrees are carried out. The Spirit is also the agent of new creation, imparting life and renewal to believers, transforming them into new creations in Christ.

Ways to achieve peace in your soul & spirit is thru prayer, reading scripture, spending valuable family time and/or just being still. These practices can assist in cultivating inner peace anytime of the year.

Ultimately, Christmas is a time to celebrate the Prince of Peace, whose birth offers a foundation for lasting peace—between God and humanity, among people, and within the individual soul. As believers reflect on the story of Christmas, they are reminded that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep, God-given tranquility that comes from trusting in Christ’s redemptive work. There is no deception in God, for He is the lone perfect entity in existence. He has the power and authority to make us perfect as well, though not this side of heaven. We remain flawed until we are taken to the new heaven & new earth. Then we will know even as we are known. 

Peace is attainable thru faith and trust in Christ; more specifically, thru relying on the fact that God is just and fair and perfect in all His judgements & decisions. We are promised a spirit of peace and if we remain focused on the King of Kings, we shall achieve this peace and be able to rest in it. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Advent Season – Peace 2

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6

 

            Jesus is the central figure in Christianity. "Prince of Peace" is a messianic title for Jesus Christ, derived from Isaiah 9:6, signifying His role as the divine bringer of true and lasting peace. This peace, in Hebrew ‘shalom’,encompasses wholeness, harmony, and restoration—primarily the reconciliation between God and humanity achieved through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. Unlike earthly peace, which is temporary and depends on circumstances, the peace of Christ is spiritual, internal, and eternal, transforming hearts and overcoming sin, fear, and division. He establishes this peace not passively, but as a victorious King who defeats spiritual enemies, bringing wholeness, or ‘shalom’, to His people. His reign, marked by justice and righteousness, promises ultimate fulfillment in the future kingdom of God.

            Isaiah 9:6 reveals three things about the Messiah. It describes what He brings: joy, freedom, and peace. It tells us just who He is: counselor, God, Father, and Prince of Peace. Scripture tells us, “and of His Kingdom it shall have no end.” ^{(Luke 1:33 NLT)} Lastly, it tells us who He is for, and that would be you and me. He comes with forgiveness in one hand and justice in the other. That is our Prince of Peace. There is NO power greater than the power of God, so if He declares that both peace and justice will come to men, you can bank on it, because no one has the strength or ability to stop Him from working thru His eternal plan. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Advent Season – Peace 1

Peace is a multifaceted concept that can be understood as a state of harmony characterized by the absence of violent conflict and freedom from fear of violence. It is often defined as a state of tranquility.

In religious and philosophical traditions, peace holds deep significance. In the Bible, the Hebrew word shalom means "to be complete or whole" and encompasses well-being, prosperity, health, and a right relationship between people and with God. The New Testament uses the Greek word ‘eirene’, which refers to rest, tranquility, and peace with God through Christ. The Bible emphasizes that peace is a gift from God, a result of righteousness, and a fruit of a right relationship with Him. Jesus is referred to as the "Prince of Peace”, and peace is seen as a key element of the messianic age, where nations will transform weapons into tools for agriculture.

In our world today we have a faction that is breeding anything but peace. They feed off of violence and chaos, two things that are the opposite of what most people want and the opposite of what God provides in abundance. At this glorious time of the year, peoples thoughts, words, and actions promote peace. Will we achieve it in this lifetime? It’s not looking good at the moment, but God is in control of all things and either causes or allows whatever takes place (or does not take place) to make this world, the world He created, a peaceful place once again. It shall be a supernatural thing that takes place in our future; at the appointed time that is known only to God Himself. So take the hope that we’ve spoken of in previous posts and apply it here, knowing that God is true to His word; there is no failing in Him. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Advent Season – Hope 5

A synonym for HOPE is TO ANTICIPATE. You have to find hope somewhere and/or in someone, but how do you decide? If you’re not a believer in God, then where do you turn for wisdom? To place your hope in mankind is shaky due to its track record. Even the most trustworthy individual can and eventually will falter and fail you.  That would be because we’re all human, with faults and flaws.

            Anticipating a positive outcome to a set of circumstances depends on the source of the anticipation (hope). Mortal man, as stated, is massively flawed, no matter how good they may think they are. Too many folks look for the easy path, rather than the best path. Many have no patience. They want what they want and they want it NOW. In that regard God would more than likely be a big disappointment to that individual because He acts when He knows the time is right and not according to our latest whim.

            Believers hope is found in Christ, based on His birth, His life, and His death. Why is that? It’s because of the things He said; the promises He made. Because scripture prophesied about His death and subsequent resurrection and it happens just as it was foretold. Those who don’t wish to search out the truth found in scripture, will miss out on the hope that God provides just because of who He is.

            I anticipate good things taking place at some point in the future because of my intimate relationship with the Lord. That is my hope based on what I believe to be true. You see, I’ve taken the time, as in years, to research out who God is, who Jesus is, what has been done to save mankind, and I have chosen to believe these things. THAT is my hope for my life’s future. 

            The hope that is associated with Christmas is based on our acceptance of that which has been disseminated throughout the globe for approximately 2000 years. Both Christmas and Easter give a follower of Christ supreme hope because of what those holidays represent; Christ’s birth, His death, and His resurrection. Those three events in history provide forgiveness for every sinful thing mortal man has ever done. Once saved our hope is realized and our anticipation ramps up. What a glorious holiday to celebrate! Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Advent Season – Hope 4

 

When the Bible speaks of hope it is rooted in trust and confidence in God’s promises, particularly when they concern salvation and eternal life. We shouldn’t wish for hope but rather expect it based on God’s faithfulness. Scripture describes hope as a source of joy, and peace, especially in times of trouble. Any hope we have will never be disappointed because the Lord has poured His love into our hearts via the Holy Spirit.

The Old Testament presents hope as trusting in God’s deliverance and provision, with God Himself being the object of hope. Passages like Psalm 25:21 and Isaiah 49:23 affirm that those who hope in the Lord will not be ashamed. The New Testament expands this hope to include the resurrection, eternal life, and the glorious appearing of Christ. This hope is not based on human effort or worldly things but on faith in Christ, who is described as the hope of believers.

The Bible also teaches that hope is essential for endurance and perseverance. Trials produce steadfastness, which in turn produces hope. The resurrection of Jesus is central to this hope, as it guarantees that believers will also be raised to eternal life. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:19, if our hope is only in this life, we are to be pitied above all people—but because of Christ’s resurrection, our hope is secure and eternal.

Ultimately, biblical hope is not uncertain or vague; it is certain because it is anchored in God’s unchanging nature and His promises. As the writer to the Hebrews says, believers have taken hold of the hope set before them, which is a sure and steadfast anchor for the soul. This hope is not found in human leaders, wealth, or political systems, but solely in the God of hope, who fills believers with joy and peace through faith. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Advent Season – Hope 3

 

What hope is found in suffering?   

Biblical hope in times of suffering is not denial or false optimism regarding your situation, but a confident expectation rooted in God’s character and promises. It transforms hardship into a means of spiritual growth, as Romans 5:3–5 teaches: “suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope—a hope that does not disappoint because it is fueled by God’s love through the Holy Spirit.”

In suffering, biblical hope means trusting that God is present, has a purpose, and will ultimately bring good. Isaiah 43:2 assures, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.” This hope sustains believers, preventing despair even when burdened beyond their strength (2 Corinthians 4:8–9). Paul, who faced imprisonment and persecution, found hope in knowing his suffering advanced the gospel and would one day give way to eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Hope also carries a communal dimension—God comforts us in trials so we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4). Even when suffering feels overwhelming, believers are called to rejoice, not because of the pain, but because of the future redemption and resurrection life secured by Christ, who conquered death. This hope anchors the soul, making suffering temporary and purposeful in light of eternity.

                  When dealing with sickness & disease we mustn’t assume that a physical healing will always be in the offing. Frankly, it may not come at all this side of heaven. We pray for total healing from cancer or some other malady and the individual being prayed for passed away. Have your prayers been answered? You may say ‘NO’, but think about it. The person wasn’t healed the way you wanted, but in heaven they will be completely healed, never to be sick again. That may be God’s way of answering your prayers for healing.

                  1 Peter 2:24 states that “Jesus bore our sins in His body on the tree so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness, and by His wounds we have been healed.” Peter is referring to Isaiah 53:5, where it says: “by His stripes we are healed.” When taken IN context spiritual healing rather than physical healing is being spoken of. Our salvation from sin is far more important than our physical healing. We are able to enter heaven when sick on earth, but we cannot enter heaven without our sins being expunged. It simply will not happen.  Our hope lies in God and God alone.  

                  It may seem contradictory to be joyful when in pain or terminally ill or deeply despondent, and the Lord knows it isn’t easy, but the potential is always there for you to shift your focus off your circumstances and gaze into the eyes of Jesus. There is a song we sang in the evangelical church I used to attend, and its chorus is the following: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” The answer for every question and every situation you may have or encounter in this life is always... JESUS. Trust in Him. Rely on Him. Love Him, Serve Him. It is the relationship of a lifetime. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries