THE HOPE OF A BETTER DAY

          My day off.  A welcome break from the fast paced job I now work.  Weekends are taken and days are disrupted, but this is the door God opened for me.  I'm not thrilled with it.  It's less than 40 hours per week and the pay is dismal, but it's a job and for that I am grateful.  God has delivered again.  An answered prayer just when I needed it most.  He has never failed me as long as I have known Him.  Sadly, I have failed Him numerous times.  His patience and forgiveness are greatly appreciated for without His understanding of my weak nature (face it, we all have a weak nature), I would be completely undone with nowhere to turn.  God is gracious, merciful, loving and kind. I will and do praise His name for He has forgiven me of all my past sins and given me hope of a better tomorrow.  rlkeller

HASIDIC JEWS - An Observation

          The Hasidic Jews are a much maligned community.  I have been observing how they act in public and have made a couple observations thus far.
          1)  I was told of a Hasidic who casually took an item from their basket in a store and flung it up on the highest shelf apparently because she no longer wished to purchase it.  Now I didn't observe this for myself, but have no reason to doubt the store employee who asked one of the store lead men in front of me if she was allowed to politely ask the woman to fetch the item and put it back where she found it.  We are not allowed to confront a store 'guest' regarding anything was the reply she received.
          2)  I did, however, personally encounter a Hasidic woman who smiled and nodded at me as she passed by.  That may seem like a small thing, but my experience has been that the majority of them don't seem to have any desire to make eye contact with gentiles (1).
          3)  I unintentionally kept a store 'guest' waiting for an order from the back when I grabbed the wrong order by mistake and had to go back to fetch the correct order.  The Hasidic gentlemen was very kind, gracious and understanding, which is not what I've been told about them as a group.  I appreciated his attitude and was truly sorry for the delay.  Now THAT is exhibiting the mercy and grace of God to others.

More to come ... rlkeller

(1) Any person who is not Jewish.

YOUR ORIGINS MATTER

          There is a campaign going on in Christian circles called Your Origins Matter.  It's designed to have a conversation about creation and evolution.  Who's right?  Who's wrong?  It really can't be a You believe what you want, I'll believe what I want type of situation.  There must be an absolute truth somewhere out there.  Simplistically speaking, if you shun the existence of an unseen deity and intend to rely on only your own resources and intellect to get by in this life, you will eventually come to a dead end.  All natural resources run dry at some point.  If a stream's source is cut off the stream will dry up and be no more.  

          God provides a viable alternative.  Endless resources to lead and guide us into eventual peace through hope given by His Holy Spirit.  God has never and will never let us down.  

          I haven't delved into this "conversation" just yet but I intend to.  If you care to do likewise go to the link listed below:

                                          www.youroriginsmatter.com

rlkeller

THE DEATH OF A SWEET SISTER IN CHRIST

    Went to a Memorial Service at a Baptist church this past Saturday morning for a dear, sweet sister in the Lord.  She was well spoken of and obviously had a very large, positive impact on many, many people within the congregation.  Her husband was a drunk who never darkened the door of any church.  He treated her horribly throughout their marriage and yet she maintained her witness.  She is with her Lord now, no doubt dancing and praising His name in His presence.  

     What an inspiring service.  The gospel message was laid before those whom I happen to know do not know the Lord.  Oh, they bowed their heads in prayer, a show of piety, but they see no need to go to church or serve Him.  Saturday was either a seed planting or a watering day.  From now on none of those people can ever say they were never told the gospel.  How sad that people come face to face with Christ only to turn and walk away just as empty as when they first arrived.  That is their choice.  May God have mercy on them and continue to give them chances to find Him.  As for our sweet sister in Christ, her journey is over.  Now the celebration in heaven is beginning.  rlkeller

I HAVE SOME WORK TO DO

       I live in Brick, NJ which happens to be next to what I am told is the largest Hasidic Jewish community in the country.  I have been told many things about them, most disparaging.  I find myself wanting to know their story.  What is true and what isn't.  It's impossible to not encounter them for they're pretty much everywhere you go in our area.  I find it fascinating and must dig into it.  From time to time I will share what I find in my research.  I find it hard not to assume some things based on what I see and experience each day, but will let my heart be my guide and trust the Lord to take me to accurate information regarding this interesting group who feels so incredible compelled to live such a restrictive lifestyle.  rlkeller

ARE WE MISUNDERSTOOD?

          In the course of my life I find that Christians are very misunderstood. Where does the problem lie?  I think the problem is two-fold.  1) We confuse people because we don't show the world Christ through our own life (I include myself in that group); 2) People aren't interested and don't make any effort to understand that which Christians believe.  What can we do to clarify this issue?  Devote ourselves more to the teachings of Christ and seek to do that which He would do.  If we strive to be more like Jesus in our daily lives I believe that will help take care of problem #2.  People will notice the difference and begin to ask questions.  This is a very simplistic approach to the whole issue of why people simply aren't interested in God, but it's a start.  More at a later date ... rlkeller

BAD KARMA

kar·ma

noun

1. (in Hinduism and Buddhism) the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.

   • informal

     destiny or fate, following as effect from cause.

     
     

     Why am I defining the word Karma?  I have heard at least 6 people over the last few days use the word.  I think they are using it incorrectly and don't even know it.  These people are saying that when a person does a bad thing to someone else, and then something bad happens to them it's "karma".  1) the definition above shows where they are wrong.  These other religions believe that if you live a bad life and do bad things to others you will come back in the next life as a cockroach or some other nasty creature.  While I admit that it is really just a matter of semantics, to me when someone has something bad happen to them after they do bad to another, it's simply the consequences of evil actions.  Nothing more, nothing less.  I wouldn't think Christians would want to fall in line with Hindus and / or Buddhists by spouting the phrase ... it's karma.  We must learn our terms and then call it what it truly is.  While it's not a heaven or hell issue, it can sort of make us sound a little ignorant.  That's just my opinion.  rlkeller

GOD SEES US THROUGH

          When difficulties hit us do we run and hide, shaking in our boots or do we stand tall in the face of it and trust in God to take us through it?  It's very human to fret and stress over problems.  We aren't sinning when we do, we are simply not seeing things for what they are.  If we believe God is the creator of all things and that He knows all things at all times, then we need to also believe that He is fully aware of our circumstances and is already standing at the end of it as well as standing with us in the midst of it.  He WILL see us through any set of circumstances we find ourselves in.  rlkeller

THE RIGHT ONE

          Is there such a thing as a spark that helps you know you are with the one person God meant you to be with for your entire life?  I think it can be true, however, we become too impatient to wait for the one God has chosen for us.  So does that mean I believe God has a significant other for everyone?  Yes, I really do.  I also believe that we tend to settle for less than God's best out of impatience.  Instead of letting things happen we want to make things happen.  It's as if we are saying to God, "okay, I got this.  I know what I want."  Knowing what we want and knowing what God knows we truly need in our life are two distinctly different things.  God knows us inside and out.  We don't even know our own mind most of the time.  We don't wait for God for any number of reasons.  Hormones play a big part.  Infatuation.  Decisions based on ones appearance.  We don't seem to want to take the time to find out what's at their core, what they believe.  Many times we hook up with someone without even knowing how they feel about God.  Patience is required to acquire God's best for us.  Don't short change yourself.   rlkeller

USE DISCERNMENT WHEN U SPEAK

          Why do so many people have difficult telling the truth?  They'd rather fudge the truth as a means of, at the very least, delaying some unpleasantry.   The truth told in kindness can act as a salve.  Too many times those that tell others the truth under the guise of "telling it like it is" can hurt feelings and bruise egos.  We are to be different as believers in Christ.  We are to tell the truth as a means of compassionate instruction, not as a weapon to hold over others.  Seek the wisdom of God and use discernment when you speak to others.  Be truthful, but with a measure of mercy.  rlkeller

BE A BLESSING

          Have you ever thought of the impact you could have on others if you set your course to bless at least one person every day?  The statement we should make to God every morning, in addition to others, is "Lord, let me be a blessing to someone this day."  Make it your prayer.  How can I bless someone, anyone, during the next 24 hours.  That takes the focus of yourself and puts it squarely where it belongs, on others.  If God literally does provide for and sustain us each day, then that should free us up to bless others, should it not?  God has never failed any one of us.  Let's think of others rather than ourselves each day and what the world around us begin to change.  Even a little change is a move in a positive direction. rlkeller

LIVING FOR GOD

          Why does man sin?  Even believers sin, it just isn't habitual.  We sin out of ignorance or out of weakness perhaps, but we don't make it a common practice.  Nonbelievers sin because they don't know any better.  The ember within them hasn't been fanned into a flame for God through Christ yet.  Perhaps it never will.  This isn't God's desire for any man, woman or child.  His wish is that all would come to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 1:4).  Some folks sin because sinning is fun; however,  the fun is temporary and the consequences that emerge from those situations can weigh heavy upon us.  

          Living for God isn't boring.  It's exciting!  If you place your hand in the hand of the Lord and rely on Him to guide you into all truth you will find fulfillment and peace that the world could never on it's best day offer.  I pray that more and more young people especially come to realize that life is but a whisper and then it's gone.  What will you make of your life?  Who will you serve?  Yourself or a God who loves you unconditionally and wishes to save you from your past and launch you into the future. rlkeller

GOD IS GOOD! ALL THE TIME!!

          God is good.  Even when we are disappointed with life or feel like a loser He's still good.  And He cares for us.  Unconditionally.  He loves us.  Undeniably. He doesn't hold things against us but rather offers forgiveness instead.  We only have to ask for it.  What a great and mighty God we serve! reeler

I'M ON THE SOAPBOX

          I have a couple days off, so here I am.  Been running around taking care of personal stuff.  Stuff is the slang used for all the assorted things that one either has or has to do.  So I was taking care of stuff.  

            I overheard someone telling another person at work that the company should reconsider hiring overweight people as employees.  Her reasoning was that they were an unnecessary liability because the job could put undo stress on their heart and they could have a heart attack.  A lawsuit waiting to happen is apparently where this individual was going.  So in other words, there should be some legislation passed prohibiting overweight people from being able to get jobs based on the possibility that they could be a health risk to themselves and an insurance liability to the company that hires them.  Wow!  Good thing she doesn't have the power to bring that thought process into reality.  It's not okay to discriminate against gays and lesbians (and rightfully so), but in this person's mind it would be alright to discriminate against overweight people.  Hey, it's for their own good, right?  What a load of crap.  (okay, I'll get down from my soap box now. lol.) rlkeller

WHERE DOES OUR FAITH & TRUST LIE?

          It's an interesting dynamic when you ask for something to take place and it does, only much less then you had hoped for.  Perhaps a job that is not what you were desiring for much less pay then you actually need.  Isn't it possible that God could be testing you to see how you will handle the little things before He blesses you with something bigger.  What have we learned if we gripe and complain every step of the way?  God wants to see just where our faith and trust lies.  Is it in Him or something else?  And what if you were required to work at this menial  job for quite some time?  Does this mean God has forgotten you?  Not at all.  I believe God is constantly preparing things for us in the spiritual realm and they will take place exactly when He ordains them to and not a moment sooner.  Patience is required.  Strap yourself in and enjoy the ride.  rlkeller

I LOVE THE LORD

          I love the Lord.  How about you?  If it weren't for Him we'd be bound for an everlasting hell.  But that's not the only reason I love Him.  I was compelled to love Him.  When former Black Panther Eldridge Cleaver speak at my college back in 1979 about his conversion to Christianity, something awoke within me.  I felt a stirring.  God has been stoking that ember ever since, making it a blazing fire for Him.  

          When it's right you know it.  You just do.  Something about that night over 35 years ago seemed very right and while I didn't go forward to receive Christ that night it didn't take long for me to surrender my will over to the Lord.  God has taken very good care of me ever since, just like He said He would.  I've stumbled a time or two and also fallen flat on my face, but rather than be surprised at my lack of good judgement, God lifted me up, dusted me off and pointed me in the right direction all over again.

              You know what's so cool about that?  He'll do the exact same thing for you.  rlkeller

WALKING THE WALK

I was at my new job yesterday and felt a burden for those I was working with.  They all seem like very decent, friendly people.  How do I interject the Lord into my work place?  I'm not a ball of fire when it comes to approaching folks about the Lord.  If the topic comes up I am not at all afraid to speak my mind and maybe that's just the way it is with me.  Everyone is different.  Different in the way they present their faith and on the flip side, different in the way they receive such information.  I will let the Holy Spirit lead and guide me to those He wishes to touch.  I am not responsible for the salvation of everyone I meet, neither must I evangelize each one I encounter.  Some plant, some water, but God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:4-9).  One thing's for certain, I can't just talk the talk.  I must walk the walk.  In fact, I think walking the walk is more important than talking the talking.  Walking the walk to supplement talking the talk is best.  I think a lot of people are seriously tired of hearing about Jesus.  I think they want to SEE Jesus in His followers.  I'm trying to be like Christ to the world around me.  Granted, I may not be the best example of His love and mercy, but I know how important it is and I'm working at it.  How about you?  rlkeller

HAVING IT YOUR WAY

       Have you ever wondered why certain things happen in your life?  Have you ever considered that God may have allowed whatever you're going through at this very moment for a specific purpose?  It is my belief that God either causes or allows all things that take place in this world as a means of revealing to us our sin and bolstering our faith.  We must trust God if we are ever going to get anywhere in this spiritual walk we are taking.  God knows what He's doing.  We do not.  That becomes obvious when our decisions in life fail us.  Let go and let God, as the old Christian adage states.  Let go of what?  Your circumstances.  Let God what?  Have His way in your life.  Oh, you can plod along if you so desire, but I'd rather experience all He had for me rather than stumble through life seeking ways to replicate God's blessings.  rlkeller

SAYING YOUR SORRY

       I've always believed that someone who says they are sorry should make a concerted effort to make a 180 degree turn and walk away from that which they have done or said.  It's my contention that if a persons behavior doesn't change then they weren't truly sorry.  Someone can tell me they are sorry until the day they die, but it isn't followed by a change in their behavior, they in essence, they are lying; perhaps on intentionally, but that is really what it comes done to though, isn't it.  When you say you're sorry, mean it and make the appropriate changes needed to correct the improper behavior.  rlkeller

THE GREATNESS OF GOD

          The greatness of God is unparalleled among the nations.  Who is like our God?  No one.  It requires our faith and trust.  Faith that He exists and trust that He will provide for and sustain you in every and all situations that you encounter in this life.  Rejoice, for you are loved unconditionally by the one true God who created the heavens, the earth and man's first breath.  rlkeller

FOLLOWING GOD'S LEAD

          Here it is! July 4th ... Independence Day.  The day that commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  We were a nation under God.

            Today I want to briefly speak on freedom and our right to do as we please.  The Apostle Paul addressed this in his letter to the Corinthians, who had become somewhat arrogant regarding their spiritual freedom.  He mentions it 2x in his first letter to them; in 1 Cor 6:12 & 1 Cor 10:23.  Paul repeats back to the Corinthians that which they have proudly declared:  "I can do anything I want" ... "All things are lawful for me".  Paul's response?  Yes, this is true. You CAN do anything you want to do, but not all things are beneficial to you or construction either.  Well, the Corinthians apparently hadn't taken the time to consider that and neither do we.  Nowadays people are so busy doing that which pleases them that they never stop to consider the consequences.  Do as you please, but never forget the God who created you and know that He always has your best interests at heart.  Follow His lead in life and you will be blessed.  rlkeller

OUR CHOICE

It's the day before Independence Day.  July 3rd.  Our nation's freedom was born on the day when the Declaration of Independence was signed.   In spite of the freedom we enjoy as a nation, there are still millions in bondage.  True freedom comes with the salvation of one's soul.  It is the second birth that provides peace and joy.  It isn't the freedom to live as we please that brings us the greatest fulfillment, but rather the freedom to willingly abide by the standards of God which brings us the greatest benefit.  God knows what we need and will provide it freely to those who have given their lives to Him.  It's a choice, like whether you live in this great land of ours or move somewhere else.  It's an individuals choice.  Choose wisely.  rlkeller

LIVE WITH ABANDON

Our God is a gracious and kind God who is slow to anger and abounding in love and mercy.  We don't have to live perfect lives this side of heaven.  That's not at all what God expects from us.  He expects us to take our walk with Him seriously though.  We are to place the interests of others above our own.  We are to place no other gods before Him who has created all living things.  We are to diligently strive to cultivate a close, strong relationship with Him.  Why are we to do these things?  Because in God lies all truth and it is in Him that our salvation lies.  Without the Lord we would have no hope of forgiveness for our sinful lives.  God forgives those who ask to be forgiven.  From that point a whole new life begins.  It's what we call 'the second birth'.  Live with abandon in response to all God has done and will do for you.  rlkeller

BE A BLESSING!

In a bit of a hurry today.  God is good, in spite of myself or my situation.  God never changes.  He is the one lone constant in a sea of inconsistency.  His word declares that He he is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  Go with God today and bless someone, for we are blessed because we are saved from our sin and loved by God. rlkeller