NOAH - the movie

          There are no spoilers in this post.  Went to see Noah over the weekend.  I had heard the protests that God's name isn't mentioned throughout the movie; however, I noticed He is referred to as the Creator.  I'm not one to look for any and every reason to protest something.  They hadn't even seen the movie and they protest.  Russell Crowe, in a interview, said the very same thing.  He said once people saw the movie the protests lessened.  I believe, just as the president of NRB (National Religious Broadcasting) had said, that the main thrust of the Biblical story remains intact.  For those who know the Bible, it will be pretty easy to see where Hollywood exercised theatrical license and where events are biblically accurate.  For those who are not too familiar with the Bible, I invite you to read Genesis 5:32-10:1 for the scriptural account of what you will see in the movie.  Hollywood took much theatrical license during the telling of this story, but if you see it for what it is, a dramatic cinematic representation of a Biblical story which Christians believe to be true, then you should be fine.  Russell Crowe is excellent in the part of Noah and Jennifer Connelly is equally excellent as Noah's wife.  The factual events lie more in the first half of the movie.  Once on the ark the story drifts into the fictional realm.  Knowing all this, I would give this movie 3 out of 5 stars.  It's really quite spectacular to see.  There is no profanity or nudity in the film.  Take it for what it's worth; nothing more, nothing less.  Read and know your Bible so you can determine for yourselves what is truth and what is fiction.  rlk

JESUS BOOK & GIFT STORE - GREEN BROOK, NJ

          I visited the Jesus Book & Gift store in Green Brook, NJ yesterday.  Met with the manager Mike Isabella for about 30-40 min.  Nice store.  Well stocked.  Complimentary coffee with fancy creamers.  A little area by the coffee where there's a couch and a couple chairs for people to sit and chat.  The staff was buzzing about ... very friendly folks.  If you are in that area of Jersey, check them out.  If you live elsewhere, you can still visit them via their website at www.jesusbookandgift.com.

          I booked a book signing with them for Saturday, May 17th from 12 noon to 3:30 pm.  Come by, say 'Hi', buy some cool stuff and while your at it, purchase one or all three of my books and get them signed by me.  Have a super blessed rest of the weekend! rlk

NJ DEVILS HOCKEY

           Being a Christian and rooting for a team with the name Devils can bring interesting reactions from some.  I have always loved ice hockey.  I used to be a NY Ranger fan, but switched my allegiance once Jersey got it's own team in 1981.  The NJ Devils.  Now for those who don't know, we are not talking about satan here; we are talking about the urban legend - Jersey Devil from the Pine Barren region of the state.  It's a sports team.  It's a kid's game played by men.  So I root for the Devils.  I have a Marty Brodeur (future Hall of Fame goalie) jersey, multiple caps, tee shirts & a sweatshirt.  I have framed pictures of Marty on the wall and a framed team picture there too.  Did I happen to mention that I LOVE ice hockey.  It's exciting, fast paced and just one big thrill ride for three 20 min periods.  Anyway, that's what I want to say today ... also that we were at the game last night and they lost in a shoot out 3-2 to Phoenix.  That warrants a pouty face.  Their chances of making the playoffs is slowly slipping away.  They are a very good team, but have been too inconsistent all season long.  They are currently 31-27-15.  Very average.  Oh well, there's always next season.  Not to mention that baseball starts next week ... GO YANKEES!!! (lol)  Can you tell I love sports? rlk

BOOKS TO BE READ & PUBLICITY

          I have several books to read.  I am a slow reader.  My concentration is lousy.  I get distracted very easily.  Yet when I write, my focus is crisp and clear.  Anyway, I will attempt to work my way thru Mitch Albom's "have a little faith: a true story" & Bill O'Reilly's "Killing Jesus".  I still have Bill Graham & Dietrich Bonhoeffer books I want to read, but they will keep.  I have several books on my Kindle that I haven't read yet.  Kurt Warner's book, along with books by Josh Hamilton & Tim Tebow.  All books I really would like to read.  At this point I have all the time in the world.  Although I write quite a bit, I have never really fallen in love with reading.  Peculiar really if you think about it.  But it is what it is.  

      My publicity campaign starts April 1, but I already have an interview scheduled with Conservative talk show host Bill Martinez on the left coast.  Live, next Tuesday morning at 10:45 my time.  Should be good.  It's on my new book, Man's Rejection of God: Who's Responsible?  Have a blessed day my friends.  rlk

BE A LIGHT

          Today is the big day.  I am mailing out letters of introduction, color flyers and book cards to 39 churches in the hopes of getting an audience with the pastor over the next several weeks or months.  With Easter approaching it may be difficult to see them right now, but with all this being in God's hands anyway, I will do my part by sending out the info and trust God for the rest.  God has a plan for each and every one of us if we would only take our eyes off our surroundings and entertain all the reasons why we can't be of any use to Him.  God doesn't need us to spread His message, but has instead chosen to use us.  That should humble you to the point of service.  Be a light in this world of darkness.  rlk

JESUS BOOK & GIFT STORE

I stopped by the Jesus Book & Gift Store yesterday to see if they had any interest in carrying my books.  I met the manager Kazia Raffei, who was a very pleasant, helpful lady.  She handled several customers while I was there and satisfied their needs quickly and efficiently.  If you are any where near the West Long Branch, NJ area the store is quite easy to find.  The store was well stocked, but if online shopping is your thing you can go to their website and order away. Below you will find their contact info.  I highly recommend that you pay Kazia a visit.

JESUS CHRISTIAN BOOK & GIFT STORE
ROUTE 36 & 71
WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ  07764
PHONE:  (732) 229-4999
WEBSITE LINK:  www.jesusbookandgift.com

They also have a store in Green Brook, NJ.  I plan to stop by there in the next few days.
Their contact info is:

JESUS CHRISTIAN BOOK & GIFT STORE
301A ROUTE 22
EAST COLONIAL SHOPPING PLAZA
GREEN BROOK, NJ  08812
PHONE: (732) 968-5588
MGR. - Mike

SIGHT & SOUND THEATRE

          Went to Lancaster, PA this past weekend to Sight & Sound Theatre.  I've been there before to see their lavish productions of Jonah, Noah & their Christmas Show.  Very evangelical and extremely well done.  Live animals, excellent professional actors and actresses.  It's quite a spectacle.  This production was Moses.  It chronicles his life from birth thru the parting of the Red Sea, then jumps to the giving of the Ten Commandments.  Every show always ties the story into Jesus Christ and how He is the Savior of mankind and soon coming King.  The picture on the right was in the main foyer as you walk in the front door.  It is of Moses parting the Red Sea.  I would HIGHLY recommend you go to see any of their productions.  This presentations just started 2 wks ago and is showing thru April 18th of 2015.  There will be no special Christmas Show this December.  For anyone who is reading this who lives in the Midwest or Southwest, Sight & Sound has a Theatre in Branson, MO as well.  I believe tickets for most shows are around $65.  The seating is comfortable and there isn't a bad seat in the house.  Take my word for it. You will not be disappointed. rlk

CASTING CROWNS & CO.

          Went to the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ to see FOR KING & COUNTRY, LAURA STORY and the headliner, CASTING CROWNS.  What an incredible concert!  The spirit was there and the event was uplifting.  Whenever you get a large group of believers in one place to worship God, wonderful things happen.  If you like to hear encouraging, edifying, hopeful lyrics sung to vibrant music, then I heartily recommend you go see any one of these Christian artists.  It was part of my birthday present and it was a very special night.  

          Today it's off to Lancaster, PA to the Sight & Sound Theatre to see their new production called MOSES.  This would be, let's see, our 4th trip there to see a show.  We saw JONAH a couples years ago, NOAH and their CHRISTMAS SHOW last year.  We are planning to get tickets for their CHRISTMAS SHOW for this year as well.  So we are going to 2 shows a year.  Spectacular shows.  Astounding set designs.  Cannot wait to see what they do with the parting of the Red Sea.  You should definitely check it out.  It is well worth the time and money to go.  Be blessed! rlk

THE REST OF MY LIFE

Tomorrow is my 59th birthday.  A thought crossed my mind just this morning. My father just passed away. He was 89.  If I live as long as he did that would mean I would have 30 more years of life left.  I thought of all the things I would like to accomplish in that time. Then I stopped and said to the Lord, use me to the fullest during the remaining years I have left in this life that YOU have given me.   I don't desire to be famous by worldly standards.  What I want is to be pleasing to the Lord.  I want Him to be proud of me.  I want to be spoken of as Job was or Paul or Abraham or Moses.  I want to do great things for the kingdom of God.  My future is in His hands.  How about you?  What do you want to do with the rest of your life? rlk

THOUGHTS RE: MY 3rd BOOK

     My 3rd book is available to the public at this time.  You can visit my website at breadoflifemin.net to check out all that is there and while you're there, pick up a book from the book store.  You'll find radio interviews, a praise report re: my father, info re: past events; an endorsement page.  It's a pretty nice site ... naturally I would say that cuz I designed it myself.  (Yes, it's true, I have skills.)

     Man's Rejection of God: Who's Responsible? was a labor of love for me.  I feel there is something special about it for some reason.  It's approx. 183 pages ... 18 chapters ... and it covers a lot of ground.  It's designed to make Christians think.  I believe I make a compelling argument for Christians being one of several reasons why some folks reject the notion of a God existing.  Since scripture is clear that God wishes all to come to repentance (see verse below), I dismiss the idea of predestination; as in some were born to go to heaven and some to hell.  That's utter nonsense in my humble opinion.  The common thread throughout the book is that we assess our Christian walk regularly in our effort to be more like Christ in our daily lives. rlk

2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

A POTENTIAL NOVEL IN MY FUTURE

I have been toying with the notion of writing a novel.  One that is morally based yet futuristic in its storyline.  I am a big comic book super hero fan.  This book wouldn't be about a super hero, but perhaps a hero nonetheless.  We'll see.  I had a faint idea a couple years ago but hit a mental roadblock and put it on the back burner.  I woke up this morning thinking about it again.  Strange that I would think about that.  Anyway, I have a mind full of ideas of what to write.  A book about obedience, a book about divorce from a males perspective, a Layman's Series of books re: Biblical doctrine.  I love to write and believe God has chosen me to be one of the conduits He uses to minister the word of truth.  In the end all I truly want is God's will to play out in my life.  Amen.  rlk

Life can be like snow

           A snow storm hit us as predicted last night.  Still coming down.  Shoveled a path for the pups at 6:30 am or so.  It's already covered up again.  It looks pretty when it's coming down.  But this is way more snow over a winter than we've been used to.  No complaints.  It is what it is.  You deal with it and move on.  By the end of the week temps are supposed to be up near 50 again.  Weird weather!

          Life can be like snow.  We welcome it when it comes, but it can get messy over time and end up wearing us down.  Dealing with life or snow or whatever is kinda like how you eat an elephant.  How DO you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time.  You take life on one day at a time, all the while tapping into our source of all good things, none other than Almighty God.  He will help us navigate throughout he rough patches in our lives if we let Him.  Surrender your will over to the Lord and watch what happens.  rlk

PUBLICITY TRAIN ON THE TRACKS

I'm getting set to embark on my publicity campaign for the new book.  Primestar Publicity out of Texas is once again doing the campaign.  We're going to flood to media outlets to see what the interest is.  We are hoping for many radio interviews, possibly a TV interview and some book reviews as well.  I am pumped up for this.  I understand fully that this whole deal is in no way about ME ... it's about GOD.  He doesn't need me, but for some unknown reason has chosen to use me.  May His perfect will unfold before my eyes so that He is glorified.  Regardless of the outcome, Jesus is worthy of any and all praise for what He has done for me personally and for us all.  Have an awesome Lord's Day tomorrow my friends.  rlk

LISTENING TO GOD

How long shall God be patient with us.  We stumble and fall on a regular basis, yet He lifts us up, dusts us off and points us once again in the right direction.  Fortunately God isn't at all like us.  We lose our patience at the drop of a hat.  We fly off the handle at the least little provocation.  What's wrong with us?  I think it's because our focus is on the wrong thing.  We need to focus on our Lord and instead we are focusing on our circumstances.  It proves we are human.  It also proves we cannot make a go of this alone.  God wishes to guide and direct us through this maze called life.  Will we listen to Him?  rlk

ARROGANT IGNORANCE

They say "ignorance is bliss"; however, when it is combined with arrogance it can be an impenetrable wall.  Those who believe in the falsities of life do so to their own peril.  Proclaiming them loudly  only amplifies their ignorance.  We can look down through history at example after example of this.  It's as if the louder they get the more it will become believable.  You cannot reason with arrogant ignorance.  They know it all and always manage to get the last word in.  They will steal your peace and slice through your joy.  Avoid such people.  Pray for them that their heart would be softened to the things of God, but do not engage them in conversation for it will end up coming to naught.  They will shout you down in an effort to win an induced debate you never intended to partake in.  It's a losing battle.  Pray and engage at your own risk.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlk

Have you visited my website @ www.breadoflifemin.net ?

Or my devotional blog @ www.minidevos.blogspot.com ?

MY BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE

          My third book, MAN'S REJECTION OF GOD: Who's Responsible?, is now available to the public.  I am offering this book at a reduced price for a limited time on my ministry website (link seen below).  I am especially proud of this book.  The way it came together was a blessing to me.  I believe it will stimulate thought in the ardent believer.  Are we to blame for some folks shunning God?  If so, how much of a part do we play or is it everyone else's fault?  My hope is that people will buy this book and take to heart that which I was inspired to write within its pages.  May God's will be done.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlk

Ministry website link:   www.breadoflifemin.net

ASSESSING OUR WALK

          I have called 2014 a year of assessment.  Believers the world over should assess their walk with Christ to see if it is wanting in any way.  Are we are close to the Lord as we could be?  What undesirable characteristics do we display that might keep others from God?  What can I do better?  We can't do any of this by ourselves.  It's meant to be done in the form of a conversation with God.  Not a monologue, where we do all the talking, but a dialogue where we do some listening.  Remember, we will never learn anything new while we're talking.  Learning only takes place when we both listen and hear what's being said to us.  Who better to learn from than Almighty God.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlk

THE ONE CONSTANT

          Life is a curious thing.  It ebbs and flows regularly like water, always changing, never the same.  However, we serve a God who never changes.  As I have put it, He is the one constant in a sea of inconsistency.  Surrendering our will to God is like anchoring ourselves to a mighty fortress.  Like that fortress, He is immovable.  He is our strong tower.  He can be relied upon to rescue us from calamity and lift us up when we have fallen down.  He is our trusted provider and sustainer.  To Whom else shall we turn, for He is the giver of life everlasting.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!  rlk

FIRING THE FIRST SALVO

          Over the next few weeks I will be contacting churches via email, fax, regular mail and then follow up with phone calls in an effort to meet with pastors re: my ministry.  It make seem like a daunting task, however, I believe in my heart of hearts that God has called me and gifted me and wishes to use me.  Does He NEED me? Absolutely not.  But I believe He has chosen to give me the gift of writing and speaking clearly and effectively for His honor and I will pursue it until I feel all doors are closed to me.  27 emails reached their appointed destination yesterday with an introductory message; a first salvo, if you will.  I am coming to ministry encouragement to those believers who are struggling with their faith.  These are trying times.  Someone needs to pick up the gauntlet and say something.  I believe that someone is me.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlk

YOU ARE A BLESSING!

What does it mean when Jesus says our Heavenly Father has the very hairs on our head numbered? (Matthew 10:30 & Luke 12:7)  It's simple ... God knows us intimately.  He knows everything about us as a earthly parent would know everything about their own child.  God created us for His own good pleasure.  You are a blessing to God.  Spread the blessings God gives YOU around to all you encounter each day.  You will be better off for it.  Have a super blessed day!! Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

NO HIDDEN AGENDAS

          It's Thursday and I am preparing to launch emails and faxes at unsuspecting AG churches within a 50 mile radius.  I have signed up for a free 30-day trial with NextivaFax.  Supposed to be easy to use.  I should be getting an email from them sometime today letting me know how to start faxing documents from my laptop.  That would be a big time saver.  I seek to remain humble in my efforts to make a name for myself.  Therein lies the difficulty.  My publicist told me that instead of looking at it as "tooting my own horn" perhaps I should look at it as "tooting my horn for the Lord".  Good advice.  God knows my heart.  I seek to serve Him in whatever capacity He ordains.  It would appear that I am gifted at writing or so it seems.  I have many folks who simply love my relaxed writing style.  It is matter of fact and plain vanilla.  No hidden agendas or white washing of the truth as I believe it to be.  Let's see what doors God opens for me.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlk

ARE YOU A BUCKING BRONCO?

          God desires to guide and direct us throughout our lives.  Many see it as giving up control, but is it really?  God doesn't play us like puppets on a string.  He doesn't want to control us, but rather instruct us so that we have a sincere, heartfelt desire to follow His decrees as laid out in the Bible.  God knows exactly what is best for us and is willing to guide us into all truth if we will let Him.  Submission.  That's what it's gonna take.  Surrendering our will over to God.  Once we do that we begin to see that everything God asks of us will benefit us and not harm us.  It's only when we buck wildly, trying to keep from having the saddle put on our backs, that we get nicked up and exhausted. It doesn't have to be that way. Surrender your will to God.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlk

IMPORTANT DAY!

          The storm came and went.  4-6" of light, fluffy snow.  No big deal for us at the jersey shore.  It's cold this morning ... 11 degrees.  Brrrr!  Crisp air ... smells good.  I can deal with this a whole lot better then 95 degrees and muggy.  Anyway, nothing will be melting for a while I'm guessing because of the temps.  We're used to it here.  We're from Jersey. Yeah baby!

          Today I attempt to pull together a listing of churches I can send my email out to.  No job in the offing yet, so I will do what I do in the meantime.  God knows what He's doing.  I'm trying to keep up with Him.  

          Gonna speak with my publicist this week to discuss plans to do our campaign perhaps in a month or so.  Helen Cook has been invaluable to me.  She is a lovely Christian woman from Industry, TX who runs Primestar Publicity.  She is awesome at what she does!

          Gotta get rolling ... gotta contact the VA to get paperwork to file for my benefit check.  Army insurance policy my dad put in place many years ago.  I'm the sole beneficiary.  Not much, but every little bit helps.  Have to cancel my dad's pension too.  Alrighty then ... until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

SNOWY MONDAY

          March has come in like a lion.  We are in the midst of a snow storm that started as rain last night.  The temps dropped from 34 to 19 overnight and there is a glaze of ice under the light, fluffy snow.  If you're home in the warmth of your dwelling it's pretty to look at out a window, but driving in it is not recommended if it can be avoided.  Geez, I sound like a weatherman. (lol)

          God has not revealed my future path to me just yet.  No employment has yet been offered to me, so I am going to continue working at putting together my email to NJ pastors from various denominations seeking an audience with them in the hopes of securing speaking engagements.  All this is in God's hands.  I desire for his will to unfold in my life.  God knows what he's doing, I only pretend to know.  I must follow his lead, stay focused (I can tend to become a little scattered when I don't organize myself properly) and trust him to work all things for the good.  May his name be glorified forever.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlk

          

LIFE IS GOOD - GOD IS GREAT!

          I have been chosen for a second year in a row to provide devotionals for the 40 days of Lent.  They were very well received last year.  

          I am a member at a Presbyterian Church in Middletown, NJ where the head minister is born-again.  I grew up in a Presbyterian church in Red Bank, NJ through high school. It wasn't until I had graduated from then Montclair State COLLEGE that I gave my life to Christ.  That was nearly 35 years ago and I haven't looked back, nor have I ever envied the unsaved.   My life isn't perfect, no ones ever is, but it is the life I have been given and I will embrace it for all that it is and serve God to the best of my ability with the help of His Holy Spirit as long as I have breath.  

          Be blessed today, my friends, you are favored of God. He loves us with a never ending, unconditional love that shall never fade.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!