NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

       A new year is fast approaching.  New Year's resolutions begin to creep into our minds.  What do we want to change about ourselves this coming year?  For believers shouldn't it be to behave more like Christ in our daily lives?  That is my daily prayer.  To become more and more like Christ knowing full well I don't have a snow balls chance of achieving it.  Should that stop me?  Not at all. Striving for something that is so righteous and might I say, necessary for our lives is never a wasted endeavor when are heart is in the right place; that being seeking to please God.  rlkeller

ATLANTIC CITY

          We went to Atlantic City last night to see the Christmas light show.  While there I never fail to see the eyes of lost people all around me, trying to be something they are not.  Young girls wearing dresses so tight that when they walk they inch up leaving very little to the imagination.  Guys with their hot babe on their arm.  What an empty existence.  Tomorrow they will wake up to the same problems they had the day before, no closer to a solution, unless they hit it big on the gaming tables.  But even that is only a temporary solution.  

       I like to go to AC to take in the sights and sounds.  The old people furiously playing their favorite slot machine with the endless hope of hitting the right combination with each push of the button.  The waitresses in the push up bras bringing mixed drinks to the patrons.  The mind numbing noises from all the machinery; bells, whirling sounds, clanging, hooting and hollering, laughing, groaning ... just some of the sounds of a casino.  I take in the scene and wonder how one would reach these people.  To preach at them is useless.  They would not listen. At least not in this environment.  Perhaps praying for them would be the answer.  That God would reveal Himself to each one of them in a personal way somewhere when the time was right.  God would know, I can only hope to know.  rlkeller

CHRISTMAS, GREAT WEATHER & HOCKEY

          Another Christmas is past and I survived it!  I am off work thru this coming Sunday and couldn't be happier.  Today will involve a trip with the pups to Cape May for the day.  There is a free petting zoo that we'll be checking out.  It's a beautiful day today!! Temps will be around 50, sunny skies ... perfect for a day trip!!  Not hardly December weather for NJ, but who's complaining?  Got a Triple Play ticket pack for 3 Devils games for Christmas.  Seeing the Flyers, Hurricanes and Maple Leafs between Jan 3rd and early February.  I do love my hockey!!  Devs are not scoring (again) for they are losing (again). Not doing well.  They'll snap out of it sooner or later.  Hope it's sooner ... . Have a blessed day!! rlkeller

A WEEK TO GO / VIENNA BOYS CHOIR / TSO

          A week to go until Christmas.  I still don't have my gifts bought.  I'm pretty much of a last second shopper.  Crazy ...  yeah.  Hey, during my first marriage I used to buy all my gifts for my wife on Christmas Eve.  Four hours at the mall covered it all.  With my crazy work hours lately I haven't had time to do ANY shopping at all.  No time to write.  Just time to do my devo.  I only have the time to write on this blog a couple times a week.  Oh well, that's the way things go.  Everything in God's good time.
          By the way, the Vienna Boys Choir (Monday, Dec 15 at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ) was really good.  The Choir was started around 1898 in Austria.  Today they have approximately 100 boys ranging from ages 10-14 who are mainly from Austria.  That 100 is broken down into 4 groups of 25 who are tours groups that travel the globe singing.  They sang mostly Austrian classical and folk songs, but closed the show with a few American Christmas carols.  Of the 23 boys that sang, one was from South Korea, one from Japan, one from Slovakia, one from Mexico and one from America.  The rest were native sons of Austria.  It was a cultural experience to be sure and we enjoyed it immensely.
          This Sunday, the Tran-Siberian Orchestra at The Rock, in Newark, NJ.  rlkeller

CORRECTION / also CONCERT

          I stand corrected.  As I have continued to listen to the HOLLY station on Sirius XM radio I have now been hearing spiritually based songs with the name of Jesus.  They are now playing familiar carols in addition to the current pop Christmas songs.  I have no problem with that.  I can now wholeheartedly recommend HOLLY (17 on Sirius XM radio ... normally the LOVE SONG station when not playing Christmas music).  I was mistaken regarding my original take re: their programing.  While the world is definitely doing it's best to remove God from the public arena, this station doesn't appear to be a part of that.
          Took today off.  Going to Red Bank to hear the Vienna Boys Choir sing a Christmas program at the Count Basie Theatre.  I'm excited to hear them.  They are world class singers.  I love Christmas!  rlkeller

WORK / CHRISTMAS

          In light of all the scuttlebutt about layoffs, I received confirmation from the 2nd shift Asst Operations Mgr that I was part of the core people who will remain working even after the layoffs are done.  The temps are the first to go, naturally.  Perhaps one or two OHL workers will be let go, but for the most part the OHL direct hires, of which I am one, will remain as the core to continue on with the Uniqlo E-Commerce account.  God has seen me through the roughest patch. We have reached the time when we are going to be working our regular shift.  After this Sunday, we will have our full weekends off.  Thank You Lord.  

          Christmas is right around the corner and I am awaiting my next paycheck to buy some gifts.  Things are expensive, however, there are also many sales.  I have found that buying online preserves ones sanity.  I do it as often as possible.  (lol)  Have an awesomely blessed day!! rlkeller

SNOW / WORK

       It's snowing in Brick, NJ.  Haven't checked the weather to see how much we're supposed to get, but it sure is pretty coming down.  Things have slowed down dramatically at work.  There is talk of letting people go.  The temps would obviously be the first to go.  I sure hope this isn't going to be another layoff situation for me.  That would not be good.  Especially after I just got a promotion.  This company has proven that they really could care less about their employees.  We are still using potty trailers outside as bathrooms ... even in the rain, wind, snow and cold.  Half they time there's no running water or soap or paper towels.  They are usually filthy.  They are having offices built inside, along with a break room and bathrooms. I guarantee you the inside bathrooms will be the last thing they construct.  We've pretty much been treated like lower life forms since day one.  If a layoff comes, it will come without warning.  They shift gears at a moments notice and are expected to adjust and go.  Oh well, such if life.  God is still on the throne and if there happens to be a layoff and I am effected by it, it will be of no surprise to the Lord and He will allow it for my greater good and His ultimate glory.  Amen!  rlkeller

WHERE'S JESUS?

          For those who have Sirius XM for their car radios, have you tuned in to the HOLLY station?  It's full of happy songs that speak of Christmas, peace, happiness, family, reindeer, santa, snowmen ... all the things Christmas is about.  But wait!!  Where are the Christmas songs that speak of the baby Jesus?  Where are the songs that speak of God?  Is it possible that they have purposely left them off their song list??  Apparently so.  On the HOLLY station you will not hear one song like JOY TO THE WORLD or O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM or NOEL or ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH.  Not one.  No mention of the reason for the season.  No WE THREE KINGS or DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR.  They have successfully left out any mention of Christ from their play list.  Now I love Burl Ives rendition of HAVE A HOLLY, JOLLY CHRISTMAS as much as the next person and I'm not saying RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER should be removed from our conscientiousness, but incorporate them in the midst of the "religious" based songs. It's not going to happen.  The secularization of Christmas has been going on for a long time.  That's okay.  For the true believer there is always Christian radio or THE MESSAGE on Sirius XM.  And there is always CD's.  They can't strip us of our memories or our soul.  They can try to make us forget about the coming of Christ, but to the true believer Christmas will always represent His coming.  For you see WISE MEN really do STILL SEEK HIM.  And although many stores may be told not to say MERRY CHRISTMAS to customers so as not to offend anyone, I still say MERRY CHRISTMAS to all I meet.  If they are offended by such an innocent statement then that's a shame.  I make no apologies.  rlkeller

RAIN & DOGS

NOR'EASTER!  Yuck!  Buckets of rain.  High winds.  Cold temps.  Double Yuck!  My pups definitely let me put their all weather rain coats on this morning.  They are smart enough to know they keep them mostly dry (except for their heads).  They don't like being out in the rain ... not one bit.  A light sprinkle isn't so bad, but when it's pouring out, they don't want to go out at all.  Fortunately, they've been potty trained since they were very young and simply will not go in the house.  Phew! Thank God for that.  rlkeller

Kally & Marty

1 year 7 months old

Brother & sister

Dachshund / Lab Mix

SNOW

          Hey, it's snowing in Brick, NJ.  Not too heavy and it isn't sticking to the roads ... yet.  Snow is so pretty.  It signifies purity in its' white, clean appearance.  Once we tromp through it with our cars and on foot we make it ugly.  Isn't that sort of what happens to God's grace.  It's pure and clean.  A fresh start.  However, man tromps all over it and makes it ugly.  We've been given a second chance at life through the soul saving blood of Christ.  Let's not blow it.  Be like Christ in your daily life.  rlkeller

SITUATION CHANGING FOR THE BETTER

       Been working a grueling 5 pm to 5 am shift since last Friday.  Ugh!  I'm dealing with it.  Supposedly tomorrow night is to be the last night of it, then we go back to our regular schedule ... hopefully 3 pm to 11:30.  I expect that it will be 3 to 1:30 for at least one or two weeks.  It's tiresome, but its a job and I do happen to like my work, which always makes it better.  I got promoted to Inventory Specialist the other day so that is a blessing!  God has been very good to me.  I have no complaints.  Now if my dad gum hips and back would stop aching.  In time all will work out.  God is still on His throne and prayer definitely changes things.  One word from Almighty God and your entire situation can change.  Amen? Amen!  rlkeller

WE WANT TO LOOK SEXY

       The other day at work I saw several women dressed up at work ... in a warehouse.  I asked one of them what I felt was a very legitimate question.  "Dressing up to work in a warehouse can't make working  very comfortable.  Why do you dress up?"  Both she and her sister quickly replied, "because we want to look sexy."  Huh?  My response was an indifferent, "Oh, there ya go."  Wow!  It's become very apparent to me in the 3 months that I have been working there that some of the women are there to either find a man or simply have sex.  They are dangerous women, deceitful, beguiling.  They are to be avoided at all costs.  They do just enough work to not be noticed, but in the wee hours of the morning (say 3-4 a.m.) they are leaning against the racks, hidden from most prying eyes, hitting on boys or men.  What has this world come to?  They would more than likely be the first to say "Oh, I believe in God."  It obviously means nothing to them.  They require much prayer.  They simply don't know or understand the seriousness of their own sin.  rlkeller

NEVER WRONG TO DO RIGHT

     I always try to live by what is known as THE GOLDEN RULE.  Luke 6:31 tells us to treat others the way we would like to be treated.  Do we always get treated in like manner, absolutely not.  Proverbs 25:21-22 tells us If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For you will heap burning coals on his head, And the LORD will reward you.  Do good to others regardless of how it is received.  Don't do it for God's reward, do it because it's the right thing to do.  And remember, it's never wrong to do the right thing.  rlkeller

POST THANKSGIVING OBSERVATION

          Thanksgiving.  It has come and gone.  Food was eaten, football was watched and not one mention of God.  No grace was said.  No talk of the goodness of God.  This is what occurred in the house of a family who doesn't live for the Lord.  They don't go to church and while they believe that a God exists, their belief is contingent on how good things are with them.  That was the scene in the house I was at yesterday.  They weren't ungodly people, they were people without God.  They were unaware of their sin.  They were equally unaware of their need of a savior.  It was a fairly large family gathering of roughly 16 people and no one was interested in discussing Jesus or God or anything of the kind.  Being in Philadelphia Eagle country (Nazareth, PA), most were intent on seeing the Eagles pound the Cowboys into submission (which they did!).  All partook in the feast that was spread out buffet style on big tables in the finished basement of the house.  While it was a very nice, relaxing day, it left me wondering if there was something more I could have done to inject God into the day.  The event didn't really lend itself to any of that, so I let it go.  But I had been praying that God would reveal Himself to family members in a real way and now I have more folks to add to that list.  If I was supposed to say something I failed in my mission, but I didn't feel any conviction or compulsion to do so.  May God reveal Himself in a real and special way to all those across the world who may be seeking something more yet don't know where to look for it.  Amen. rlkeller

INTERVIEW / WORK SCHEDULE

          I will be doing a brief interview with Claude Jennings at WGTS-FM, Washington DC regarding Thanksgiving and being thankful.  Not sure when it will air, but we are taping it tomorrow morning at around 9:30 am.  Claude has become a good friend and support to me and my ministry.  He was the one who conducted my first interview regarding my first book There Are No McDonald's in Heaven: Waiting on God.  We've stayed in touch ever since.  

          Starting yesterday we will be working longer hours.  Instead of 3 pm to 11:30 pm, it will be 3 pm to 1:30 am.  Ugh!  I will be asking my supervisor if I can leave at 12:30 am instead, since I live an hour away.  I hope so cuz the $45 I will net for that extra 6 hrs of work is hardly worth driving home at 1:40 am all blurry eyed.  We'll see what he says.  Blessings to all! rlkeller

GIVING THANKS

THANKSGIVING ... A time to give thanks.  Yesterday at work I heard someone proclaim rather loudly that they were going to come to work on Thanksgiving. That they don't celebrate the holiday.  They have nothing to be thankful for.  How sad! To me, everyday is thanksgiving because in my opinion there is always something to be thankful for.  I woke up this morning and found myself above ground and still breathing.  I'm thankful for that.  I'm thankful for my family.  I'm thankful for my job.  I'm thankful for good health.  And so on... . It all depends on your focal point.  If it's YOU, then things may seem kind of bleak at times.  If it's the Lord, there's always hope no matter what the situation.  rlkeller

TIS THE SEASON ...

          The holiday season is upon us.  Halloween is past and Thanksgiving is looming just on the horizon.  You'd think Christmas would be upon us any day what with the decorations already going up in stores and around towns.  Back in the day, as in when I was growing up (that would be back in the 1960's to early 70's), Thanksgiving weekend was when the Christmas season officially began.  Nowadays, with Blue Laws* a thing of the past, shopping for the holidays is the main reason for the season.  Mankind's allegiance to the credit card is misplaced.  Spend money you don't have to make others happy with a plethora of gifts and spend the next 6 months paying off the debt incurred.  The notion that the season should be about a baby born in meager surroundings in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago escapes folks.  The world would like to collectively forget all about Christ at Christmas time.   Even Christians find it hard to carve out several moments on Christmas morning to thank the Lord for the coming of His  Son, as if it were simply another historical event that could be rushed through without so much as a second thought.  Put Christ back in Christmas.  Focus on the real reason for the season.  Don't debate about what exact day Jesus was born or regale us with tales of how Santa Claus is a replacement for Christ.  Embrace the holiday with a spirit of love and grace and give of yourself in a special way to someone in need.  Be a blessing to someone every day.  rlkeller

* Stores had to be closed.

GETTING THRU TO THE UNSAVED

          How do you get through to those around you who are gleefully stumbling their way to eternal damnation.  They embrace every pleasure known to man and think nothing of the consequences.  When things go wrong they ask why God would allow such a thing to happen to them, as if they had any right utter such a thing based on their disobedience.  Bad things can happen to good people, but they most assuredly happen to the unsaved as the consequence of bad decision making.  When you engage them in conversation regarding spiritual things they act like they are interested, yet prove they are not by their subsequent actions.  Lord, have mercy on their souls and provide open doors of opportunity to share the peace and fulfillment that comes from knowing You. Amen. rlkeller 

THE COURT JESTER

          I happen to be an introspective person.  Introspection is self-examination.  I constantly critique my own behavior for the purpose of becoming a better man.  I have a tendency to kid around a lot.  I use sarcasm and a general busting of chops to get a laugh.  It has been said that there are times when folks don't know when I being serious or just kidding around.  While that made me reflect on my behavior nothing struck home better than our facility manager busting chops when he really should have been serious.  Once I saw first hand how annoying and childish it looked to have some one of authority act in such a manner nearly all the time, I realized that this could potentially be what people see when I'm doing pretty much the same thing.  That is not emulating Christ.  I have ratcheted back my silly, sarcastic behavior big time.  I mostly keep my mouth closed.  Oh I still do chime in with a barb or two or perhaps a silly reaction to a funny situation, but I have toned it down a lot.  I don't want to annoy people so I have asked the Holy Spirit to regulate my words and actions so that I more resemble Christ and not a goofy court jester.  rlkeller

FEASTING ON THE WORD

          We serve a great and merciful God.  How many times believers stumble, making mistake after mistake until they get it right.  Feasting on God's word daily will fill you with spiritual nourishment so that you can progressively begin to avoid the stumbles and stay upright.  rlkeller

PEOPLE ARE STRANGE

          Every day I see folks striving to find their true identity.  They dress a certain way, talk a certain way, even carry themselves a certain way. I suppose all this is done to impress others.  God forbid they are just real. 

         I believe I'm a little too real for some folks.  If I'm talking to someone and another person walks up and starts to engage the person I'm speaking with in conversation right in the middle of what we are saying, I think nothing of saying "excuse me, we were talking".  The common response I have received, especially from woman, has been "you don't have to be so mean" or "you're being mean to me".  I hold my tongue, but want very badly to say "oh please, grow up".  

      Belligerent, rude people never seem to think they are in the wrong.  In their effort to find themselves they interrupt, cuss regularly and act in a way that I suppose they think makes them look 'cool'.  And these are folks that range in age from 20-30, give or take a year or two.  This is at my work place.  I tend to tune out most of the gutter slang and profusion of profanity.  I do my job and inject my faith when appropriate and the opportunity arises.  Jim Morrison (lead singer of The Doors, circa 1960's) may have had it right after all ... "people ARE strange" and it's not just when your a stranger. rlkeller

WORK / THANKSGIVING

       Apparently I am going to be asked to be a regular and permanent part of the Inventory Control team.  It remains to be seen if the powers that be will agree to this, but I am finding that I have some good support from co-workers and supervisors that should make this happen.  With it is supposed to come a bump in pay.  That would be nice.  God has brought all this about and I am grateful.  I did my fair share of griping when the chiefs were making bad decision after bad decision, but I mostly kept quiet.  It's all working out slowly, in God's good time. 

      With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching it's as good a time as any to count your blessings.  Truthfully, every day is Thanksgiving for the Christian, because quite frankly, we could never thank God enough for all He has done for us.  Salvation from sin is the such an in describable gift that no other gift this side of heaven could ever trump it.  Serve God with your life, worship Him simply for who He is and thank Him each day that you are above ground and still breathing.  rlkeller

WORK / MY BOOK

          Things are quieting down at work for now.  Soon we will be ramping up for cyber Monday.  That's the Monday after Thanksgiving when big sales online cause people to buy, buy, buy.  We'll no doubt be very busy.  Business should tail off by Christmas and then we will be working a straight 40 hrs per week.  It will show in our paychecks without a doubt, but it will be nice to begin to spend a little more time at home.  Know what I mean?

          Haven't done too much on my divorce book recently.  I did find a website DIVORCE & REMARRIAGE IN THE BIBLE.  That should be somewhat helpful.  Since I don't have the money to publish anyway, I'm not really in any hurry to complete my manuscript.  God's timing is perfect and it will get done when it needs to get done.  For all I know Christ may return before I write another line. rlkeller

I STRUGGLE FROM TIME TO TIME ...

          As a believer in Christ of over 35 years I still find myself doubting the path I'm on from time to time. When the dust settles on any given day I realize I'm right where God wants me, but when I reflect on where I've been and what I've done in this life I wonder how I got where I am at this point.  I've have highs and lows and all things in between and I still marvel that I'm alive and well.  Without the Lord in my life I shudder to think of where I'd be or what I'd be doing.  Sometimes I wonder if I'd even be alive.  My humanness gets the better of me occasionally and I become downcast.  I wear my feelings on my face so it's very apparent to all around me that things aren't okay.  I struggle with all that from time to time.  How about you?  Am I all alone in this regard or do some of you encounter the same emotions and struggles?  rlkeller

CHRISTIAN CONCERT / FOOTBALL

          Found out we're going to a FOR KING & COUNTRY concert in Trenton, NJ on the night of Saturday, November 22nd.  They are good.  From down under.  We first saw them last April when they played with the NEWSBOYS in Middletown, NJ.  Good message to their music.  Looking forward to it.  

          Something I'm not looking forward to is tonight's game between my Giants and the Indianapolis Colts.  I'll be at work so I'll be spared the humiliation.  Maybe they will shock the world and win, but the way they've been playing I kinda doubt it.  Could be ugly.  Oh well, I try to remind myself that there's always next year.  The common cry of the fan of a losing team.  (lol)  rlkeller

WHAT'S INSIDE ME

          Can you believe tomorrow is November already?  Wow!  Thanksgiving is just around the corner and then comes Christmas!!  This is my favorite time of year.  

          I grew up in a middle class home near the Jersey Shore (Middletown Township) and was raised by non-Christian parents to be honest, responsible, dependable, kind, respectful and gracious to all.  While my parents are both gone now, they instilled in me a certain level of stability that I still have today.  I know God has been in me by His Holy Spirit since March 21st, 1979, when I gave my life to Christ.  He alone is the reason I still stand.  He graced me with a good upbringing and a love for life.  Now, with Christ as my example, I attempt to challenge others in the faith and outside the faith to embrace Christ and allow God to alter the path they are currently on.  rlkeller

WHAT'S HAPPENING ...

          Things may be leveling off at work.  Stabilizing just a bit.  Day shift supervisor quit.  His replacement comes from within.  I've been working at fixing incomplete customer orders or orders that have some sort of problem with them.  It's challenging and interesting.  Been doing that for the last couple weeks.  I had been seriously considering looking for another job due to the high level of chaos and disorganization, but there is a distinct possibility that we may be slowly turning a corner.  We need to. 

          I have been considering having a shirt made up with something spiritual written in Spanish, since the vast majority of the workers in our warehouse speak Spanish.  I also have in the back of my mind having at least my first book translated into Spanish.  I have some contact info that I received from a Spanish speaking brother at a book signing a few months back.  It's not a top priority for me, but it's been rolling around my head.

          It would appear that my next book, which is progressing very slowly due to the limited time I actually have to write, will definitely be a male perspective on divorce called DIVORCE THROUGH MY EYES.  We'll see how that all develops.  Have a super blessed day!! rlkeller

WHY WORRY?

       Life can be hairy sometimes.  Worrying about things that may never happen and usually don't is counterproductive.  In spite of that fact I find myself being concerned, which is a much nicer way of saying I worry, about things I have no control over as if God were unaware of the situation.  It's so easy to fall into the 'pity party', 'woe is me', 'what next?' mind set.  When the dust settles on any given day I manage to pull it together and come once again to the realization that God truly is in control and nothing will take place in my life that God doesn't already know about.  

       Do you worry about things that are out of your control?  That is a normal reaction.  None of God's children need worry for He's got it covered.  Nothing will take place in our lives that He hasn't caused or allowed to take place for His own purposes.  You may rest assured of that.  So live for Christ knowing that you are in very good and capable hands ... the hands of Almighty God.  rlkeller

TRYING TIMES

          These are trying times for many people.  Jobs are scarce and a workman's wages are not nearly enough to compensate them for the work they are asked to do.  Was there ever a time such as this when God was more needed. Perhaps throughout history we could find other times when the will of people was so sorely tested.  But this time we are closer to the day of Christ's return.  Christians the world over need not panic.  They need not wring their collective hands. God will not fail us.  He never has and never will.  While our faith is tested He is observing to see who will stand up to the test or fall down.  God will lift up those who fall and cause those who have stood up to continue to stand in the face of the fury that is pounding against them.  Where is God in all this?  Right where He always is, on His throne and in our midst, all at the same time.  Trust in God completely. rlkeller

TOTAL DISINTEREST

It has become painfully clear to me recently that people who say they believe in God and even read the Bible have no interest in drawing close to Him in a personal relationship.  They are content to sit in the same pew each Sunday morning and do their due diligence as if it were some religious requirement.  I submit to you that there will be folks who will have gone to church every Sunday morning and perhaps evening as well all their life that will not enter into heaven because they simply did it out of a sense of obligation and not to grow spiritually.  Jesus says in Matthew 7:21-23  “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’  Playing games with your eternal destination is not a good idea.  God desires for us to receive His blessings but they come with one small condition, that you seek His will and not your own.  I don't understand why people are so resistant to growing spiritually.  Perhaps is stems from the fact that all men, not just those who are unsaved, don't like being told what to do.  Submission to the will of God will lead to fulfillment in all areas of your life over time.  It's not instantaneous, it's progressive.  rlkeller

THE 3 R's - brief excerpt

·     What does it mean to carry our cross?

o  It means quite simply to be willing to die to self.

o  We must count the cost to complete the job.

·     God has given us any and every resource needed to succeed in this life. 

·     We only need to surrender our will over to Him. 

o  It’s not designed to be a painful process. 

·     God has proven over time to always have His children’s best interests at heart .  

                       

         [from RL Keller's teaching entitled "The 3 R's: Reflection, Reassessment & Reconnection"]

NOT MUCH OF A READER

          It's funny how I went through a reading spurt where I read about 4 or 5 books in rapid succession.  Now I seem to have no interest in reading.  I've never been much of a reader which I find amusing since I write quite a bit.  With 3 books to my credit I may come across as a conceited fellow who thinks no one can write as well and I do, therefore they are not worthy of my time to read them.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  The only reason my writing has any worth or value at all is because it is inspired by the Lord.  And that's a fact.  rlkeller

PROFANITY ... AGAIN

          I know I've mentioned people's use of profanity a number of times lately, but it is somewhat shocking to me the regularity with which it spews forth.  We went to a hockey game Saturday night and it seemed as though everyone around us had a distinct inability to speak without cussing repeatedly.  Lately I've been wondering if God is drawing my attention to its prevalence as a means of getting me to think twice before I open my mouth.  It's certainly possible.  Men, women, young girls and boys ... dropping F-Bombs and a variety of other colorful words.  They flow from them like water.  Now you won't go to hell for cussing, not at all.  You will go to hell for rejecting Christ and His saving work on the cross.  However, what comes out of our mouths speaks loudly regarding what we feed our minds. All this has made me all the more conscious of my own use of inappropriate verbiage.  May God have mercy on us all.  rlkeller

TWO PROJECTS BEING WORKED ON

          I have two projects going on right now: 1) Stark Raving Obedience which is a book on biblical obedience to God & 2) Divorce Thru My Eyes: A Male Perspective.  The Lord seems to be filling me with ideas for the book on divorce at this time.  I'm still formulating the content.  It will speak regarding my mistakes, what, in my opinion, goes into a good marriage and what things can cause problems in a marriage.  There will be much more to it of course.  I am in the research part of the creative process.  Just my opinion is hardly enthralling reading.  I need to back up what I'm saying with factual information from folks who are seen as experts in their field.  I will be straight forward in my approach (as I always am) and even somewhat blunt in my delivery as a means to make my point regarding a difficult subject.  May God continue to bless my efforts as I seek to glorify His name with my writing.  It is the gift He has given me and I shall use it up for His glory always.  rlkeller

OUR UNFAILING GOD

          I've fallen into the trap of becoming downcast regarding the amount of money I am earning at my job.  How people can be expected to survive on such meager wages is amazing to me.  This is why families become fractured; because both parents must work to make ends meet.  Many times the husband must work 2 jobs.  That leaves any children they may have at home alone much of the time.  

          The trap is that I've temporarily lost sight of my purpose in this life.  My wages are inconsequential.  God has and will continue to meet my needs.  He has never failed me.  I am working where I am because it's where God wants me to be to be a light among unsaved people.  I have been able to minister hope to several folks and that makes everything worthwhile.  God knows what He's doing all the time.  Our trust needs to be amplified.  Like David says in Psalm 37:25 "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread."   He will never fail us!  rlkeller

TEMPTATIONS

          Temptation lies all around us.  As believers, we need to recognize it as such and turn away 180 degrees from it and walk in the opposite direction.  Why do Christians have to deal with temptations?  They are there to test our resolve regarding our relationship with God.  What is more important to us, satisfying a temporal desire that will last mere seconds or minutes or turning away from it in favor for an eternity with our Lord.  I have faltered several times in my life and know from personal experience that temptations are evil mistresses that will drag you down a perilous path to destruction.  It's a long road back to righteous living.  I made it and use my mistakes as a teaching tool to other believers.  The grass is NOT as green as it initially appears on the other side of the fence.  Nothing and no one is perfect except for the Lord.  Serve Him and not your selfish, self-centered temporal desires. rlkeller.

TODAY'S MIND SET

          Well, we finally reached our normal schedule at work. Five 8 hr days with weekends off.  Thank You Jesus!  Starting today I will start work at 3 pm.  

          I struggle with the general attitude of younger people these days.  The profanity that freely flows from males and females alike is pretty shocking to me.  Now I'm not void of any foul language.  It comes out when I am most frustrated or upset about something, which is absolutely no excuse and never alright.  I am only pointing out that it doesn't so much offend me as astound me that women in particular speak in such a manner with no shame on their face.  Wow!  There is no doubt in my mind that there are multiple reasons why the Lord brought me back home in 2011.  The church in general is struggling to be relevant, believers are weak and shallow and non-believers simply don't care to hear about Christ saving blood.  They believe in a way they are most comfortable with, a way that is least intrusive and easiest for them.  They cry out to God when things are at their worst and disregard Him when things come together.  It's sad.  I can only do my best with the Holy Spirit's assistance to model Christ's life in front of them.  I'm planning to have a couple shirts made with challenging statements regarding God in spanish, since approximately 70% of my coworkers are spanish speaking.  I can also pray for God to intervene in their lives.  May the will of God be done.  rlkeller

A TROUBLED SOUL

       How does one deal with a person who admittedly has multiple issues?  This individual has ADHD and has no filter whatsoever.  He claims to have been in a few mental institutions in his younger years and was prescribed some meds but refuses to take them.  He is rude, profane, vulgar and will literally say whatever comes into his mind loudly for all to hear.  He is a co-worker of mine.  Everyone appears to love him and the off color, insensitive things he says, showing it by laughing loudly at each and every statement he makes.  Please pray for this man.  He is a very troubled soul.  rlkeller

LIFE IS GOOD!

          Life is good!  I always like to say "I woke up this morning above ground and breathing, so it's gonna be a good day!"  God is good!  I am nothing without Him.  I'm going to strive to have a good day in Christ today.  Yesterday I was a little down.  6 wks of 60 hr days will tend to do that to a person.  But I am up today.  I credit the Lord for that.  He knows my comings and my goings.  He will not allow me to fail unless I insist upon it.  He will provide for and sustain me and help me steer around, over or thru any obstacle.  I am victorious because He purchased the victory for me.  The neat thing is that all this is true for you too if you believe in Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.  Amen?  rlkeller

WORK

       Been tired lately.  60 hour weeks ... mandatory!  Slowly wearing down.  God is my strength.  The company is bringing in an army of temps.  Things are somewhat chaotic.  Running out of supplies, like copy paper and reinforced paper tape.  Whoever is doing the buying is clueless.  Naturally, when I offered my services telling them I have over 28 yrs experience purchasing, no one was interested.  I suppose they'd rather continue stumbling along.  The scary part is the bosses freely admit publicly that they have no idea what they're doing.  At times its like the Keystone Cops ... running around aimlessly.  Oh well, what do I know, I'm just a pion.  A pick/packer.  Let the chaos continue.  I figure all the hours is a way the Lord is providing additional monies to help us get caught up with our bills.  Praise the name of the Lord.  Man's best efforts are futile.  With God everything works out to our greatest benefit and His greatest glory. rlkeller

WORK / A NOVEL IDEA

Hoping to get on our regular work schedule in several weeks.  Hope so.  Got much needed break yesterday when the server went down.  Only worked a half shift.  Needed that break very much.

Got an interesting idea for a Christian novel.  THE CHOICE.  Based on personalities I have met throughout my life.  It may include a believer, an atheist, an arrogant believer,  a number of fence sitters ... I was thinking about it on the way home from work yesterday.  Must get some ideas down on paper before I forget.  Life is filled with choices.  But there is one choice that everyone must make and it involved eternity.  Could be good.  I'll keep you informed.  rlkeller

GOD'S SPIRIT IS MOVING AT WORK

          I'm back.  Been a rough stretch of 11 hr work days with only 2 days off over the last month.  Ugh!  I'm sore and tired, but God is still God and I'm still serving Him.  

          Relating to the world is an interesting endeavor.  I listen to the nonbelievers talk their mess and observe.  I don't judge or preach at anyone.  What they are saying or doing will not send them to hell, only their rejection of Christ.  I look for ways to challenge others regarding their beliefs or lack there of, whatever they may be.  God is using me in some small way to minister hope and peace to those at work.  I feel the Spirit moving.  It's a very cool thing!  rlkeller

DL MOODY QUOTE

“Faith takes God without any ‘ifs’.” – D.L. Moody