A FULL DAY

          Today is my book signing at Jesus Book & Gift Store in Iselin, NJ.  I'm hoping for a good turn out.  I enjoy meeting brothers and sisters in the Lord in public venues.  It's a lot of fun and good conversations are had.  I am armed with lots of hard candies and a decorative plastic bowl to put them in.  I'm excited about today.  Tonight I believe it will be rain free so it will be off to Wall Stadium to watch the races.  Should be a good day all around.  

     If you haven't visited either my devotional blog (http://minidevos.blogspot.com) or my website (http://breadoflifemin.net) you should go check them both out.  There's a lot happening on the website and I do an new devotional every day except Sundays.  It's part of what I do in my quest to make a difference one person at a time.  rlkeller

THE GOD OF COMPLETION

          When faced with an uncertain future, what are we to do?  Trust in God.  God has taken us this far.  There's no record in scripture of Him ever leaving someone hanging or something unfinished.  He is the God of completion.  He completes us as human beings and has provided complete redemption for our old sinful self.  Without God in our lives we aren't whole.  We feel it might be that we haven't found our soul mate; the one in this life that we feel will complete us.  But I say that while that may be true to a certain extent, God is the One who truly completes us as a person and is the only One who is capable of making us all we can be ... the best version of ourself.  Place your full trust in God. rlkeller

THE NAMES OF GOD - A TEACHING

Last night I taught briefly on the Names of God.  Here is an even briefer version of this interesting topic:

YHWH (the Hebrew language has no vowels) - the English transliteration is Yaweh.

JEHOVAH ... both mean "to be" (Exodus 3:13-14)

ELOHIM ... "strength" or "power" - His is the greatest & highest power & authority. He bows to no one.

EL SHADDAI ... "God Almighty" - The God who corrects & disciplines.

EL ELYON ... "The Most High God" - The God who is sovereign & supreme over all.

EL OLAM ... "Everlasting God" -  The God who is unchanging & eternal.

JEHOVAH NISSI ... The Lord is my banner - The God who fights for His people. (Exodus 17:15)

JEHOVAH JIREH ... The Lord will provide - Stresses God's provision for His people. (Gen. 22:14)

JEHOVAH SHALOM ... The Lord is peace - The God who provides peace & rest. (Judges 6:24)

JEHOVAH MACCADDESHCEM (pronounced M'KADISH) ... The Lord is our means of sanctification. - The God who sets believers apart for His purposes. (Exodus 31:13)

JEHOVAH ROHI (pronounced ROW-E') ... The Lord is my shepherd. (Psalm 23:1)

JEHOVAH TSIDKENU (pronounced SID' CANOE) ... The Lord is our righteousness. The Lord is the means of our righteousness.  (Jeremiah 23:6)

JEHOVAH SHAMMAH ... The Lord is there. Speaks of the Lord's presence in the millennial kingdom.  (Ezekiel 48:35)

JEHOVAH ROPHE (pronounced ROW-FAY') ... The Lord is my healer. For physical, moral & spiritual healing. God is the remedy for the healing of mankind.  

ADONAI ... Lord.  More than a name - speaks of a relationship.  God's total possession / man's total submission.  Adonai is the owner of all that exists!

That's it in a nutshell.  I hope you found it interesting.  It's important to know as much about who you are serving as possible.  Next week I will list God's attributes.  Be watching for it.  rlkeller

INTERVIEWS NEXT WEEK

I'll be doing several radio interviews next week and you can listen in.  Here's how:  find the station online and click onto the LISTEN LIVE button their website has on their home page.  Voila'!

Tuesday, June 3rd at 5 pm on WSKV-FM out of Kentucky.
Link:  http://www.wskvfm.com

Wednesday, June 4th at 11 am on STATIC RADIO out of New Mexico.
Link:  http://www.mystaticradio.com

Wednesday, June 4th at 1:40 pm on The Bob Dutko Show out of Michigan.
Link:  http://www.wmuz.com

Tune in and listen, then let me know what you thought of it.
Thanx ... rlkeller

MOVIE REVIEW: The Impossible

          This 2013 movie chronicles the story of a family's survival during and after the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004.  It begins at the beautiful Orchid Resort Hotel in Thailand where hundreds of families were vacationing.  Maria was lounging by the pool where her husband, Quique and their 3 boys were swimming.  Their view of the ocean was blocked by palm trees so the unidentifiable sound coming towards them was nothing more than a curiosity.  Without warning a 30 ft high wall of water flattened the trees before them and hit them with such ferocity that it swept the family and everything in its path miles inland.  We are with the mother and her oldest son, Lucas for much of the movie as they struggle to survive.  Are the father and other two boys alive or did they get swept away to their deaths like thousands of others had?  You'll have to watch the movie to find out. 

          I didn't realize it before watching this movie, but apparently tsunami's strike with little or no warning whatsoever.  I can't even imagine what those on the beach watching this immense wall of water coming at them must have thought.  They undoubtedly didn't know quite what it was, but they knew after it reached them.  Then it was too late.  

          A terrific movie about a true historical event that shocked the world with its suddenness.  I highly recommend it.  

SALUTE TO OUR VETERANS

          I have immense respect for all of our service men and women who put their lives in harms way every day.  Those who went to foreign countries to defend freedom against tyrannical leaders are to be commended and respected.  My dad enlisted in the Army in 1943 and ended up in Europe for nearly 2 years of his life.  I appreciate all they have done and all the sacrifices they have made.  Some made the ultimate sacrifice and to them I will remember that sacrifice all my life.  No one made them go, they went voluntarily to defend what they believed in.  That all men should be free from the tyranny of others.  I salute all those who have been, are and ever will be in our Armed Forces.  You have made us proud.  May God keep His hand of mercy and grace upon our great land.  Amen.  rlkeller

MY SOCIAL EXPERIMENT

I began a little social experiment this morning.

I had this tee shirt made and wore it out in public this morning for the first time when I went to pick up bagels.  I've noticed in the past that people don't want to talk about "religion" or "God" or "Jesus". I noticed the same thing this morning.  It makes people nervous, uncomfortable.  I know because that's exactly how I felt back in 1979 when approached about Jesus on the Montclair State campus (in NJ).  I was uncomfortable because I had grown up in church, yet didn't have the faintest idea what I believed.  I went cuz my Mom went.  

This morning I perceived a severe lack of eye contact with me.  In the past when I've worn something that spoke of ministry or Jesus or God I was met with scowls or blank stares.  People will talk until they become hoarse about something they feel comfortable talking about, but God isn't a topic most people are ready to discuss unless they are vehemently opposed to all religion or the notion that God doesn't exist.  I'm trying to get people to think when I wear this shirt.  What if God DOES exist?  What if He really DOES love you?  What if Jesus really DID die for you?  What then?  From time to time I will post reactions to my wearing of the shirt.  Should be interesting. rlkeller

MOVIE REVIEW - THE 5 PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN

          Curiosity got the better of me, so after finishing the book by Mitch Albom, I sought out the movie.  I found it on Amazon for $5.  Nice.  I watched it yesterday morning.  After it was over I thought a little better of it than when I had finished the book.  After my reading was complete I simply thought Albom had a skewed view of heaven.  While I still do, I found some merit in the story after watching it played out in a movie.  

          Scripture tells us there's no sickness or death, no tears or sorrow in heaven (Rev. 21:4), so right out of the box the movie has it wrong.  Now I know this endeavor wasn't any kind of theological statement, but rather Albom's attempt at story telling and he is very good at it.  I wouldn't consider this book or movie to be an accurate portrayal of how heaven is.  Even though I admit I have never been there myself I do have the Bible to use as a reference to what it's supposed to be like.  

          Jon Voight's character, Eddie, is perfect.  His facial inflections and handling of each scene is flawless.  The supporting actors play their parts convincingly, adding legitimacy to this Hallmark Cinematic Production.  Having heaven be a place where you meet 5 people that crossed your life at some point is unsubstantiated in the Bible.  Actually, it's not so much that you meet 5 people, it's the purpose behind you meeting them.  They help you make sense out of events in your life that you may not have understood.  It's an odd premise, but some folks that have no concept of who God is or what heaven is all about, at least in theory, seem to lap this type of story up.  Just being a good person who acknowledges the existence of God isn't quite what being a Christian is all about.  

          It's an interesting movie, filled with poignant dialogue at times, yet is never anything more than sheer entertainment. Things like "sacrifice is the noblest thing we do" or "we weren't born angry, we have it build up over the years by things we don't say or do" may touch a cord with the viewer, it did with me, but in the end the overall story just too simplistic and unrealistic to accept.  Just being good and believing in heaven isn't nearly enough to achieve your entry.  No mention of Jesus, one mention of the word 'sin'  and one mention of 'God' when Eddie asked his deceased wife if God knows he's there.  

         Enjoy it for what it's worth, but don't take it's premise too seriously.  I can assure you heaven isn't anything like it is portrayed in the book or this movie.  rlkeller 

A CLOSER WALK

       Is forgiveness a blanket that God throws over all creation or is it a specific gift that is offers to all who would receive it?  We are speaking of two different things here. 1) we are speaking of a relationship with the creator that resembles the relationship we might have with a distant relative.  We receive a gift on a special occasion, tell them 'thank you' and go about our business as if nothing significant has happened. 2) we are speaking of a cherished gift that is offered to all yet actually received from an unseen giver by those who see the need of it and desire to have it.  There is a very distinct difference in the two mindsets.  One seems rather arbitrary, while the other is very personal.  God desires for us to know Him even as we are known.  That knowledge won't become complete until we see Him face to face, but if we determine in our hearts to know Him in an intimate way, we can achieve that relationship through time spent with God.  How seriously are you taking your relationship with the Lord?  Do you even have what you would consider a relationship?  You can.  Ask God to lead and guide you into the deeper spiritual things and He will draw you into a closer walk with Him.  It's your choice.  You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.  rlkeller

TEBOW, MUELLER & A MOVIE

          I am currently reading Tim Tebow's book Through My Eyes and a biography on the great man of faith George Mueller.  

          Purchased the movie The 5 People You Meet in Heaven.  I had heard it corresponded perfectly with the book, which I just finished reading last week.  Mitch Albom's book was obviously a work of fiction, yet his idea of heaven is pretty skewed*.  It's an interesting read, but I hope people don't honestly believe that heaven is truly as he portrays it.  Okay, I've never been there so I don't know for a fact that it isn't.  But using the Bible as my source, I see nothing there that would indicate Albom's version has an ounce of reality in it.  And that may not have been his intention.  I do like his writing style.  His books do provoke conversation.

          People will believe that which they are comfortable believing.  Scripture can be uncomfortable for us to read and adhere to, but always remember, the Holy Spirit can make it easier if we rely on and listen to His direction.  rlkeller

*Distorted or biased in meaning or effect.

BE A BLESSING!!

          Do you realize there is nothing we can't do in the name of Christ?  The word impossible isn't in God's vocabulary.  No matter what set of circumstances you find yourself in at this very moment, ONE WORD FROM GOD can change everything.  Do you understand that God loves you with an everlasting love?  There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. This is incredible news!  Now go out and be a blessing to everyone who crosses your path today.  You will find that the one who receives the greater blessing will be you. rlkeller

GREEN BROOK BOOK SIGNING

          Well, I'm here to tell you that I had a great time at the Green Brook, NJ book signing.  I met very interesting folks, sold a few books, but more importantly was able to be a blessing to those who stopped to chat.  Had the honor of praying for a couple folks that needed a specific need met.  Being made available as God's conduit is a blessing in and of itself, but the folks you meet can change your life.  I often say that one of the cool things about God is that wherever you go on this planet you will run into relatives, cuz brothers and sisters in Christ are everywhere.  I have one one book signing at the Jesus Book & Gift Store in Iselin, NJ.  I am hoping for a good showing ... it's on Saturday, May 31st.  I met a sweet little German nun Saturday that was just precious.  I introduced myself and she responded by saying "It's a pleasure to meet you.  I love Jesus very, very much."  What a cool way to introduce yourself to someone.  I gave her a big hug.  She was a blessing to me big time.  God often times using the little, seemingly insignificant things of this life to provide the biggest blessings to us.  I thank God for His mercy, grace and forgiveness.  God be praised both now and evermore.  rlkeller

Movie: The Life of Pi

Today is my book signing in Green Brook, NJ at the Jesus Book & Gift Store.  May it be successful as the Lord defines success.

Watched The Life of Pi last night.  Interesting movie.  Had elements of God in it.  The praising of Him and the trusting of Him.  The protagonist, Pi, saw value in Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.  His admission was that all he wanted to do was "love God".  I liked it.  I had purchased it several months ago and decided it was time to watch it.  The Blue Ray version made the colors and scenery pop with brilliance.  The movie is adapted from the Canadian Fantasy adventure novel of the same name by Yann Martel published in 2001.  It speaks of life as being a story and growth through adversity.  It is a sometimes tragic, ofttimes exhilarating tale that captures the imagination and is well worth watching.  rlkeller

DEUTERONOMY 31:8 - A POWERFUL VERSE

          Deuteronomy 31:8 is an awesome verse of scripture.  Read it out loud wherever you are and it will inspire you.  Encouragement can be hard to find at times, but these words will bring you comfort and peace.  

          In chapter 31, Moses is passing the torch of leadership over to Joshua in the presence of all of Israel.  In verse 8 he speaks these powerful words that resonate throughout history: "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” That should send shivers up and down your spine.  God's not dead, He's surely alive and is with you wherever you should happen to go.  Draw on the power that comes from knowing that. rlkeller

SHUNNING THE CHALLENGE

          It has occurred to me just very recently that many believers simply do not want to be challenged in their faith.  When it's suggested that we assess our walk and see how it lines up with Christ's example of how to live, people balk.  It must be like picking at a scab for some folks.  I don't like it either, but there is no other way to grow spiritually.  Status quo isn't the place a Christian wants to live.  Sure, stay on a spiritual plain for a time to collect yourself and rejuvenate your resolve.  Set up a tent there, but don't build a house.  Our walk should be in a constant state of flux, ever evolving, ever moving forward.  God knows who we can be as an ambassador for Him.  He wants to take us to that place, but we must let Him.  Our allegiance is based on our free will decision to do so.  Nothing is demanded of us.  He has set the standard for a prosperous, fulfilling life.  We must seize the opportunity to become more like Christ.  How else can we grow?  Knowledge is all well and good, but if our knowledge doesn't result in subsequent actions, then what's the point.  rlkeller

THE CRUX OF IT

       I hope you folks are checking out my Virtual Book Tour.  The schedule is listed on my website @

http://breadoflifemin.net .  Each post is only up for that particular day.  Today is an interview with me regarding my latest book, Man's Rejection of God: Who's Responsible?.  

       I realize finding faults with yourself can be difficult, but hey, none of us are perfect.  I'm hearing that some folks are saying they don't like the title cuz it sounds like someone is being blamed.  Darn right.  Someone has to be at fault.  But it's no one person or one groups fault.  There are a combination of factors that all come into play.  Free will, a rebellious spirit, ignorance, lack of commitment, autonomy and inconsistency to name just a few.  Like it or not, Christians play a part in man's rejection of God.  Too many times we don't walk our talk.  We're viewed as hypocrites by an unbelieving world and while they will undoubtedly grasp for any flaw in us to justify that, we do need to assess our walk with Christ to determine what type of ambassador we are for God.  Not judgin', just sayin'.  Know what I mean? The book is meant to challenge all of us, myself included, to be more like the Lord in what we think, say and do.   That's the basic crux of it.  No more complicated than that.  I'm normally a pretty plain vanilla guy.  rlkeller

UNDER HIS WATCHFUL EYE

       Today is not just another day, it's a day when we get to represent our King.  We are ambassadors to this world.  What type of an ambassador are we?  I admit I can tend to be a bit inconsistent, but I am working on it.  I sincerely have a heart after God and desire to be more like Christ in my daily life.  Sometimes I get in the way of His moving and I defeat the purpose of my existence in Him.  God loves me regardless and that keeps me moving forward.  I will mess up from time to time and so will you, but God knew that about us when He sent His Son to pay our sin debt.  He loves us with an eternal love that will never fail or fade away.  That, my friends, is very good news.  That is grace.  God's undeserved favor.  How wonderful to have the opportunity to live such a blessed life under the watchful eye of our Creator.  rlkeller

BOOK SIGNING - BLESSINGS!!

       BOOK SIGNING IN GREEN BROOK, NJ this coming Saturday.  W Long Branch was a success spiritually speaking because I got to meet three awesome people.  Sandy with her husband John and Sam.  All had interesting tales to tell and we ended up each getting blessed by one another.  It is truly a wonderful thing when you think that as a believer you have spiritual kin throughout the world.  Those of other faiths are not our enemy.  We have all been created by the same incredible God.  What a blessing!!  Sam and I spoke for quite some time.  We ended up praying for his Dad, Sam Sr, who is fighting pancreatic cancer and so far is winning the fight.  If you're reading this, remember Sam Riello Sr in prayer for a healing touch from God.  Amen?

          Always remember and never forget that God is always the same; the one true constant in a world of inconsistency.  rlkeller

BOOK SIGNING - WRITING RELAXES ME

       Today is book signing day.  Noon to 2 pm at the Jesus Book & Gift Store in W. Long Branch, NJ.

I am trusting God things will go well.  I have no doubt they will go as He has ordained.  Thank You Lord for the opportunity.  

       I have often said writing relaxes me.  It's true.  Being able to put your thoughts into words and write them down for future reference is a blessing.  While I feel I can express myself very well verbally, I believe I express myself even more clearly and concisely when I write.  

       I am getting favorable feedback from the readers of my new book.  That is encouraging.  Thank You Lord.  All glory goes to You and You alone.  rlkeller

VBT - BOOK SIGNING - ABOUT TRIALS

       My Virtual Book Tour is in full swing.  I hope you are checking it out.  You can find the VBT schedule on a special page on my website ( www.breadoflifemin.net ).  

       Tomorrow is the first of 3 book signings.  This is the one in West Long Branch @ the Jesus Book & Gift Store on 175 Monmouth Road.  I'll be there from noon til 2 pm.  Come by and say "Hi".  

       The Lord has only good in store for us.  Even when trials come our way ultimate good comes out of them.  Lessons are to be learned from each trial.  They are brought our way to strengthen our faith and cause our trust in the Lord to grow.  Many times we miss the lesson and must go through something else as a means of highlighting the lesson for us.  We can resist learning from the Lord, but knowing that He only has our best interests at heart should cause all resistance to melt away.  He loves us ... always has and always will.  Nothing can separate us from God's undying love.  Even if we turn away from Him, God will still love us.  Live for God - surrender to the Spirit's instruction.  rlkeller

The Edge of the Ledge

          There are going to be times when God takes to right to the edge of the ledge and says "Trust Me."  Does your trust go that far or do you trust God when times are only alright?  The edge of the ledge is where the rubber meets the road.  The edge of the ledge is where we put up or shut up.  The edge of the ledge is not a fun place to be, but it doesn't have to be scary or faith defying.  It can be an inspirational place where we realize, perhaps for the very first time, just how strong our faith is.  Faith leads to trust and God is trustworthy.  So today, when you embark on your day, know that the edge of the ledge may not be far away, but your faith can sustain you and God is always with you.  rlkeller

Book Signing + Random Thoughts

Book Signing in West Long Branch, NJ at the Jesus Book & Gift store this coming Saturday, May 10th.  If you live near there and are reading this, come by and say HI.  

I have been doing a lot of reading lately.  Finishing up Kurt Warner's book "All Things Are Possible: My Story of Faith".  I plan to read a few more books on my kindle and in book form in the next few months.  God is so good to us.  We need to take a hard look at ourselves and see if we are as close to Him as we can be.  He loves us and only wants the very best for us.  Even when it looks like we are being denied something we feel we really need or want, we must trust the Lord that He has something much better in store for us.  Trust and reliance is what God seeks from us.  Out of that should come obedience, consistent and unwavering. rlkeller

Kathy Lester's "My Heavenly Encounter With My Mom"

          I know Kathy from my dealings with her through my own writing. When she told me she wrote and had published a book of her own, I was excited for her and promised to read it. I finally got the chance to read it yesterday and boy, was I glad I did. Kathy sets the scene very well by explaining in detail who all the people are and about her younger years growing up in this true story. Her writing style drew me into her world and I felt what she was feeling. I received a clear sense of the closeness she had with her mother. The encounter with her mom after her death was incredible to say the least.

      I've been walking with the Lord for a little over 35 years and still never know what to think about out of the body experiences or visits by the living to heaven. The popular new movie "Heaven is Real" is out now and I've seen it. It's a topic that is interesting to people world wild, probably because no one likes the unknown. We all would like to know what to expect regarding certain important events in our lives. Is there a literal heaven and hell? Kathy has shed some light on the heaven part of that question through this true account of an event that happened to her personally. I tip my cap to Kathy for a job very well done. She has clearly and succinctly shared an actual event that blessed her heart and in turn, has blessed mine. I heartily recommend this book. rlkeller

Jeanie L's "I'll Try Tomorrow"

       Jean was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy.  She lost her house and everything in it.  Through the Sandy Rescue efforts of our church she ended up coming for service and continues to come.  I introduced myself and over the course of time have had several interesting conversations with her.  When she found out I was a writer she mentioned that she had written a book as well.  "I'll Try Tomorrow" chronicles Jean's life from birth until 2001, when the book was published.  It's a relatively short book; 108 pages and most of the chapters are short.  It's not your typical book, but the story is riveting.  I'm not really sure where you can get a hold of a copy of the book.  I suppose you could email me at rlkeller@breadoflifemin.net with your mailing address and I can get one for you from Jean.  It's worth reading because it tells how someone who grew up with essentially nothing and experienced no love found Christ and saw her life turn around.  If you'd like to read a simple little book that will give you a glimpse into the life of an alcoholic who gives God all the glory for being clean and sober for well over 20 years, let me know and I can get you a copy of Jean's book.  I think she charges $15 or $20 for a copy.  It's a very worthy investment. rlkeller

NEXT TIME:  My Heavenly Encounter with My Mom by Kathy Lester

Mitch Albom's "have a little faith: a true story"

Saturday ... gorgeous outside!  Temps will be close to 70.  Nice.

I've read a few books lately.  Mitch Albom's "have a little faith: a true story",  Jeanie L's "I'll Try Tomorrow" and Kathy Lester's "My Heavenly Encounter with Mom".  Albom is a noted sportswriter in the Detroit area who was originally from NJ.  He is Jewish, yet not a practicing Jew.  His tale is a true story of his quest to get to know the Rabbi he grew up under.  The reason was because Rabbi Lewis had asked Mitch, of all people, to deliver his eulogy when he died.  Mitch spent what ended up being 8 years meeting with the retired Rabbi at his home.  Mitch also intertwines in the book the life of a man named Henry Covington, a black man who was nothing but trouble until he encountered Jesus.  How these two men happened to meet and become involved is fascinating.  It's an interesting and engaging book that I was glad I read.  

• Book:  have a little faith by Mitch Albom
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion; 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140131046X
• ISBN-13: 978-1401310462

I will write about Jeanie L's book Monday.

rlkeller

Just Another Friday

Another Friday has come.  Rain is gone.  Mild temps.  Nice weather is expected for the weekend I think.

Finished the second chapter of my 4th book.  Slow going.  Still seeking speaking engagements.  Quiet morning so far.  Pups asleep.  God is good ... all the time.  rlk

THE VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR

        My Virtual Book Tour kicks off in a couple days.  Go to my web site for details. (As of 7:20 AM it not on my web site, but it will be shortly ... on its own separate page!!).  The Tour has interviews, Q&A, book reviews and more.  The articles will only be available on the listed site for the one day listed on the schedule, so if you're interested then check out the schedule and follow along each day to be a part of the entire Tour.  It will stretch out over the entire month of May.  It's my first time doing this so I hope readers enjoy it.  Have a super blessed day!! rlk