Thoughts from a Random Mind

            Matthew West has a new song out titled “Truth be told”. It’s a really good song that tells a message of how things should be, at the very least between fellow believers. He tells of how believers should be truthful when we’re asked how we are, for example. We say “fine” when we know we’re not fine. But as I listen to the song, I say out loud, but “who truly cares enough to hear what you have to, even NEED to say?” There’s too much judging going on and unfortunately, I am part of the problem with that one. Where’s the love, man? I can think of a very small group of people that I might … might trust with the issues and problems that I face each day. That’s not even a definite. 

            I’ve told my wife that I tell others as little as possible, because the more they know about you or your situation, the more they feel they have the right to pass judgment. It’s the way I feel. It’s the way I’ve felt for a long time. Frankly, I simply don’t trust people. Not all people, but most. Many people that you try to talk to about something that is gnawing at you are busy doing something else and either don’t have the time to listen or are on their phone scrolling or texting while they are “listening to you” … You’re wasting your time talking to people who can’t manage to give you their undivided attention. 

            So, do we have to enlist the help of a counselor or psychiatrist (preferably a Christian one) to find someone who will listen to us? A lot of us can’t afford that. It’s like you need to interview people to find out their life story to see if they will satisfy your need for a listener. I’m not talking about someone who listens and advises so much as just someone who listens and then offers to pray for you. Sometimes you just need to talk certain things out. Once you do that many times you can straighten it out by just having a sounding board to talk it out. 

            It can be extremely frustrating when you have something that is heavy on your heart yet have no one that you can trust enough to unload on them. So, you internalize whatever it is. Christians are human beings, but why is it that so many don’t seem to have too much interest in imitating Christ in their lives. I’m not the role model for the problem I speak of, but at least I am aware of the issue and am trying to work my way thru the weeds.

            I think the most important resolution we can have for 2025 is to become more SELFLESS! We’re ALL selfish to a certain extent. Perhaps the world has beaten the caring out of a lot of us. Sometimes we’re too lazy to listen. Sometimes we listen but cannot help giving unsolicited advice. We need to empathize … we need to ask God to enable us to feel what they feel. That’s happened to me, so I know it is possible. 

            Luke 6:31 & Matthew 7:12 list what most refer to as “The Golden Rule”. That title doesn’t appear in scripture but is typically accepted as the unofficial title of the verses. “Treat others just as you want to be treated.” (Luke 6:31 CEV) “Do for others what you would want them to do for you. This is the meaning of the Law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12 ERV) We ALL need to be a lot better at this or we’ll not look any different to people than anyone else in this lost, sin sick world. 

 

 

Here's a prayer you can pray to get the ball rolling … please join me in rectifying poor behavior.

 

 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me to be more selfless in my everyday life. Let your Holy Spirit lead and guide me into deeper truths and mold me more into the image of your Son. In His name I pray … amen. 

 

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

 I’ve already spoken of my problem with judging people by their appearance. Seems to me a lot of folks have the very same problem. Whether Christian or not, we all fall into the same trap. The Lord shared something with me at work yesterday. The things He placed in my heart analyze this topic a little deeper. 

                  Isn’t it interesting that when two men meet for the first time one of the first questions they ask is either “Where do you work?” or “What do you do for a living?” It’s our way of assessing various things about that person. Things like how much they make, which spins off into what he drives, where he lives … the wheels start turning in our mind and we determine all sorts of things about that person without saying another word. It’s a pretty common practice. 

Christians are no different. What’s one of the first questions we ask someone we are meeting for the first time … “What church do you go to?” or “What denomination do you belong to?”  We can really go to town with that information. If they’re from a Pentecostal or Evangelical background, we may feel a certain sort of way. Orthodox church goers (such as, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, or Catholic) are viewed another way. We don’t accept people for who they are. Not always, but many times. We shun certain denominations without really knowing anything about the persons attending them.  What if they are born again yet aren’t attending any church at all at the time. Depending on how we feel about a given church or denomination, or why they don’t go to church at all and why, we will judge them accordingly. We allow that info to influence how we feel about them. And what about Jews? They’re very different than Christians in beliefs and practices. But they are created by the same God and loved by Him the same as you and me. Don’t they deserve to be loved just like anyone else, regardless of their religious affiliation. What about other religions? What about Jehovah’s Witness or Mormons, two groups that are viewed by Christians as cults? What about atheists or agnostics? The list goes on and on. 

Our upbringing, our friendships, our schooling, what we watch, listen to, or read all play a part in how we see others. We segregate ourselves from certain folks because of information we have accumulated in our minds thru the years. Was Jesus like that? The only ones he rejected were the religious men of the day … the Pharisees. Interesting, isn’t it? 

What gives any of us the right to judge ANYONE about ANYTHING? We don’t know anyone’s back story. We only know what they have chosen to reveal to us and what we have chosen to assume about them. We are all unique. Everyone doesn’t have to believe exactly like me or you. While it’s true there is one way to heaven and that is thru Christ, I have no doubt that there are many tributaries that flow into the same stream, so to speak, that lead to God. And they all flow thru His blood. 

This practice of judging others comes from none other than Satan himself. It certainly doesn’t come from God. God seeks to unite us in a bond of love. Satan seeks to divide and conquer us.  To put it very simply, nothing good or positive has or will ever come from Satan. So, recognize the source of this bad habit and rebuke him in the name of Jesus. 

We aren’t perfect. This isn’t meant to shame anyone or make anyone feel guilty. It’s merely meant to point out a problem we all seem to have. I know I do it all the time and I know better. I try with God’s help to treat all others the same, with the love of Christ. We’re not going to agree with everyone, but we can help unite us all with His love simply by how we treat others. Follow the “Golden Rule” from the gospels … Treat (ALL) others the way we wish to be treated (regardless of how they reciprocate). Scripture tells us the world will know we are Christians by our love for one another. Let’s learn from past mistakes knowing that they do not define us as people. Our ability to adjust and make the necessary changes will.

 

“Heavenly Father, I ask that we all strive to become more and more like Christ as each day progresses. I rebuke the devil in the precious and powerful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The devil has no hold on us unless we give it to him. May we stay focused on the Lord and listen for the directives from the Holy Spirit within us. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

PLATEAU - an elevated, level expanse of land; a relatively stable level period or state; to level off. 

 

                  Have you ever plateaued in your spiritual life? I have. I actually visualize my walk with the Lord as a steep climb up a mountain. You get saved and start your steep climb up. You get to a certain point in your walk, and you plateau and so on. Perfection is not your goal, consistency is. We strive to be EXACTLY like Jesus in our daily lives somehow knowing we will never achieve this. The proper result from reaching your plateau is that you remain stable for a certain period of time, while you level off. I believe it is one way God can lead you to the next section where your climb begins again. Sometimes you plateau to rest, sometimes for instructions, sometimes to heal, and still other times to assess your behavior. There are many reasons when and why people plateau spiritually. It is a very important to recognize it for what it is. Sometimes a person can feel lost on their path. Perhaps they’ve lost a sense that God is with them. Perhaps they have allowed themselves to stop growing in the Lord. The main thing to remember is that it can happen to anyone, and it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. If you feel empty inside and you feel you can no longer hear from God, pray. No matter how lame you think your prayer might be or how empty it may sound to you, pray. God loves to hear from us. Pray something simple regarding wisdom and guidance and he will hear you and will act on your behalf. Reaching a plateau is part of the process on the way to your eternal home. Praise God that he is a loving God who wishes to show us which way to go. “Love the Lord with all your heart and don’t lean on our own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

I’ve often thought to myself exactly what was expected of me as a child of God. He made us all different. Each one of us is unique … even identical twins. Doesn’t it stand to reason that each person’s walk with God would also be unique. We all have gifts given to us by God, but we don’t all have the same gifts. We each have gifts that are unique to each of us based on how we were wired. Each part of our lives has been influenced, either in a good way or bad way, depending on what path we took in life. 

            There are many things that I am not very good at. Some things I have no affinity for at all. I believe the Lord gave me several gifts. My gifts are not the same as others, but others do have the same gifts I do. Writing, speaking publicly, praying publicly & privately for others, serving others. Those are what I have discerned to be my gifts. Do you know what yours are? You can know by asking God to reveal them to you.

            I believe that we each have our own narrow path we must take. They all run parallel to one another and all lead to the same place … heaven. All we’re asked to do is honor and revere God and live a life that respects him for exactly who he is. We are called to do different things in his name. One thing we are all commanded to do is bring the gospel message to the masses of unsaved. My life has been such that I try my best to not bother others. Apparently, that is why I‘m not very good at initiating a conversation about God, but if someone else breaks the ice I am good to go. 

            I am a believer in prayer and am known by many at work and outside of work as someone who will pray for their needs any time. I know those I pray for don’t believe the same way I do, but they believe on some level so I ask that God would let them see him in me.  I am a big believer in leading with actions and not words. Time for words can wait, because I think if people see Christ in me, they will respond more quickly than if I tell them about him in words alone. 

            I call posts like these “Thoughts from a Random Mind” because they are thoughts that I believe God places in my mind and because my mind is incredibly random. My thoughts go all over the place at times, but I become very quiet and focused when I believe God wants me to say something thru my writing. God is good, all the time. He is still on his throne and prayer, without question, changes things. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

Today I had been grousing a little under my breath about the time I’d been required to be on my feet at work. I have an arthritic right ankle and knee and the longer I spend on my feet the more my ankle, and right leg ache. The company knows this, so I’m allowed to sit for 5-10 minutes whenever I feel the need to rest my legs. That’s a blessing. I pray regularly for God’s touch to enable me to still be a productive worker. I work in a warehouse. It’s the concreate slab flooring that is the problem. Anyway, as I was going about my business in the afternoon, I suddenly realized how gracious God is to me. I’m still above ground and breathing (as I like to say). Aside from my general aches and pains, I’m healthy as a horse. I really have nothing to grouse about. God allows me to grouse without punishing or reprimanding me. He knows my heart and understands that in my finite state I am easily prone to whining, whimpering, heavy sighing and grousing on a semi-regular basis. It’s as if I’m the only person in God’s creation that deals with negative circumstances in their life. 

            It still boggles my mind that the Lord loves me forever and always, even though he knows my propensity to grouse. It is the exact opposite of what is expected of me, but God is patient, and his Holy Spirit will quietly continue to teach me what I need to know to be more like Christ, if that is my desire … and it is. 

            How about you? Can you relate to my story? Do you ask God for help to NOT grouse anymore? Think of how blessed we all are in spite of ourselves. Our Lord is gracious, merciful, patient, compassionate and loving, both now and forevermore. I thank the Lord for reminding me today of his grace towards me. I definitely don’t deserve it, but that is precisely what grace is … undeserved favor. How easily we forget some of the most important things in life. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

NOTE: For those of you who may not know what the word ‘grouse’ means, it means “to complain or grumble” (although I’m sure you figured that out on your own ... chuckle). Love ya’ll. rlk

Thoughts from a Random Mind

Having read a devotional entitled ‘God in the Midst of Tragedies’, and with my wife and I discussing it, we both still have a difficult time dealing with the death of young children. Some get healed, some do not. Whenever children are involved in tragic events it touches the heart in a profound and hurtful way. Why must the innocent children of the world, of both Christian and non-Christian parents, be thrust into the theatre of pain? As before, I have no answer for this.

I suppose the only thing that comes to mind is that death is an integral and intrinsic part of the cycle of life. We are not promised a certain number of years of life. It seems unfair without question, but we must remember we are thinking with limited understanding that has been heavily influenced by all that has infiltrated our various senses since our birth. Scripture tells us we are not promised tomorrow. ^{(Proverbs 27:1)} Our expectations are that we will have many days on this earth before death takes us, but how do we come to that conclusion? Perhaps it has something to do with our belief that we are good people who deserve a long, happy, healthy life. But who ever told us we were entitled to that? For that matter, who ever told us we were good? According to scripture no one is good except God … not even Jesus ^{(Mark 10:18)}. According to scripture we aren’t good because we fail to “love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” ^{(Matthew 22:37-38)}.

            According to the Bible no one deserves anything but punishment because we all sin … every last one of us. Yet scripture is crystal clear that God is merciful and kind and loving. It is most certainly a conundrum without an earthly solution. We may never know this side of heaven and once in heaven will we really care anymore. Those children that have passed on from various maladies and even those who have been aborted, shall be in heaven. Maybe the answer to the ‘why’ question lies in the future of said children? In other words, what would their life have been like had they lived. Is that possible? … most certainly. Maybe God was sparing them from future pain. Hmmm, sounds a little sketchy, but that’s just it, we simply do not know.

I will continue to ponder the great, seemingly unanswerable ‘why’ question, looking for a greater understanding. Until next time, continue to walk with the King of Kings and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

                  

Thoughts from a Random Mind

            Have you ever been so frazzled and frustrated that you thought you’d explode? What does one do when they feel that way? I pray. I try my best to shift my focus back to the Lord and off all the fiery darts the enemy is throwing my way. I remind myself that God is always supremely in control, and nothing will come my way that I cannot handle. He knows what I can take. The enemy wants me to believe I can’t take a whole lot, but God knows best and since he made me and knows me better than anyone else, I guess he should.

            Thoughtless, ignorant people cause me to simmer. They bring out the absolute worst in me. It is at those precise moments that the Holy Spirit reminds me who I am and whose I am. I need constant reminders because I am human and show it quite often. I am my own worst enemy and Satan feeds off that at the worst possible moments. There are times when I am truly amazed that God loves me at all, but I’m comparing his love to the flawed, earthly love that exists in the world. His love is perfect and never-ending. Believe me, I’m super grateful for that. Where our understanding ends is where God begins. 

            Lord, thank you for the patience, mercy, compassion, understanding and love you have for us all. You make this life worth living, trials and all. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

 

Thoughts from a Random Mind

With all the chaos, killing and destruction being done worldwide, many are questioning why God would allow this.  And that is the proper word to use ... "allow"... because while God causes and / or all things, you can be sure that because of his very nature he has not caused all this. 

I’d like to share with you a question posed to the late Billy Graham and his answer. Perhaps it may shed some light on the subject.

 

Q: “A close friend of mine just told me she has incurable cancer. Why would God do this to her? I don't know anyone who is kinder or more thoughtful. It's really hit me, and it just doesn't seem fair.”

 

A: “No, it doesn’t seem fair; much of what goes on in the world isn’t fair or good or happy. Centuries ago, Job (who knew what it meant to experience suffering that just didn’t seem to make sense) penned these words: ‘Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward’ (Job 5:7).

Nor are tragedies like the one your friend is experiencing understandable—not completely, and not this side of eternity. I suppose I’ve asked myself thousands of times why God permits terrible things like this to happen, and I don’t know the answer—not fully. We live in a fallen, imperfect world that has been corrupted by sin, and we all share in its brokenness. But we still wonder why bad things happen—although we know God is still in control, even if evil sometimes seems to be winning.

When bad things happen, however, we can do one of two things: we can either be angry with God, or we can turn to Him in trust and faith. But anger only leaves us bitter and hopeless. May you and your friend turn instead to Christ and find in Him the comfort and strength you need.

Remember: by His death and resurrection Christ conquered death, and now He offers the gift of salvation to all who put their trust in Him. May the Psalmist’s words become yours: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. … and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:4, 6). Put your trust in Jesus Christ today.”

 

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

            For all the corrupt individuals in this world who have made a deal with the devil, your time is coming. Is the creature greater than its Creator? No. Satan knows he is already defeated and cannot be redeemed. The bottomless abyss was created for him and his minions, the demons. Man will go there if he insists, but it was not created for him. Free will makes that possible. You can reject Christ if you so choose, but I would advise against it.

Receiving Christ, while of immense benefit to the receiver, is frankly illogical. It makes no sense to the common man. Reading the Bible helps clear up some of the confusion, but because there are so many different interpretations to certain portions of scripture the confusion continues. It becomes imperative to pray your way thru the reading of scripture, that the Holy Spirit would do what he has been called to do - lead and guide. 

Don’t become a corruptible individual. Build up your faith and trust in God and stand firm on ‘the rock that is higher than I’. Turn away from the temptations that Satan dangles in front of you. He knows your weak points and will attack those areas to make you stumble and fall. God is mighty and able to lead you thru all the efforts the enemy unleashes against you. No matter what befalls you, rest in God as you continue to feed your spirit man. Bolster your faith and trust in the Lord by reflecting on all the answered prayers he has provided for you over time. Corruption is for the short sighted, power hungry individuals who desire to avoid God’s presence in their lives. Their end is coming. Keep the faith, pray without ceasing and stay prepared. 

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries  

 

Thoughts from a Random Mind

Is it true that it’s easier to lie than tell the truth? Some seem to think so, but my mother told me when I was around 7 years old that I shouldn’t lie because she will always find out. At 7 I believed her and have never been in the habit of lying. To say I’ve never lied in all my 66 years would be a lie in and of itself, but I never made a habit of it. As I have grown older, I have learned to take pride in the fact that “I don’t lie” ... and I don’t. There is no lasting benefit to lying, only a short-term benefit. Scripture lets us know we never get away with anything when we lie. Lying is a sin against God and sins are never hidden forever. “But if you do not do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD— and be assured that your sin will find you out.”  ^{Numbers 32:23}

            Being a truth teller is something to aspire to. Being inclined to lie in certain situations because we are sure no one will ever find out is ill fated logic. Why? Because God knows all and sees all. NOTHING is hidden from him. You may fool everyone on this earth, but God still knows all about it. Knowing you did something wrong in the sight of God can weigh heavy on a person. Confess it and repent. That is the only way to remove the weight of guilt. 

                  Using Christ as our model for living, we should take the time to study HIS life thru the scriptures and in doing that become a true living, breathing example of God on earth. Don’t let it go to your head, we are ALL ambassadors for Christ. We are no better or worse than the next guy or gal, we are just trying our best to be obedient to the Word of God. It’s not about you, but rather God in you that truly matters. Shed your selfishness and become selfless instead. It’s not about you, but rather everyone but you. God will sustain you in this life so you can do for others. Lie no more. Be a truth teller of the highest order and let Christ shine forth from your life. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

 

Thoughts from a Random Mind

Why is it that God doesn’t answer all our prayers? Theoretically, there could be many reasons. One example can be found in Daniel 10, where the prophet Daniel prayed for 3 weeks … on the 24^th day a mighty angel told Daniel he had been delayed 3 weeks due to a confrontation with a demon (one of the fallen angels). Frankly, that may happen a lot. One never knows. Daniel’s prayers were answered after the stated delay. 

I believe God answers in 3 ways: 1) yes, 2) no, or 3) not yet. But there are times when people are suffering with diseases or other physical ailments and never get healed this side of heaven. While I have no explanation for that, that doesn’t mean there isn’t an answer, it just means I don’t know it. God knows and understands yet will not divulge his reasoning for not bringing healing.  Does this mean God is a dictator? No, I really don’t think so. The fact that he knows ALL THAT CAN BE KNOWN puts on hold the accusation that God is a tyrannical king. 

If we always got exactly what we prayed for instantly would there still be the need for faith? I think ‘yes’, but to a lesser extent. You would have the faith and trust to ask in the first place, but knowing the answer is instantly coming takes some of the gloss off your faith. Scripture implies that whatever we ask for we shall receive ^{(Matthew 21:22)}. I say ‘implies’ because while it definitely says that it is not as it appears.  

We are expected, due to the love we have for the Father, to grow spiritually and seek things that are pleasing to God and according to his will for us. Our materialistic nature would want every ‘thing’ our eyes saw, not unlike a small child in a grocery store pointing to everything they see and yelling out to their parent that they want this and that.  Sometimes the parent must say ‘no’ because they know that ‘thing’ will not be good for them. Doesn’t that sound familiar? Isn’t God doing the very same thing for us? I say FOR us, instead of TO us, because he’s truly doing us a favor by withholding certain things we say we want or need.  

There are many things I don’t understand in this life, but I have deemed that alright, because I believe I know God fairly well. That’s not just because I’ve been walking with the Lord for over 45 years, but because I have spent much of that time reading the Word and seeking to please God with my life each day. Sure, I have good days and bad days, but God is still God in spite of my failings and his love for me is unwavering. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Matthew 21:22 “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Thoughts from a Random Mind

            Too many people simply go to church & think that makes them a Christian, but it’s like the old saying goes: “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.” * 

Is your faith real? Prove it! As believers in Christ, we are supposed to use God’s Son as our model for living. Do you? God is looking for faithful followers who will live out their faith, leading by their actions rather than by their words. It’s like another old saying: “Actions speak louder than words.” **What are your gifts? How are you using them for the Lord? ARE you using them for the Lord? Leading with ‘lip-service’ accomplishes nothing. 

Read God’s Word daily & live it! We are in a very unstable time in our country’s history. Prepare yourself by deepening your walk with the Lord. HE will never fail you. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

* Attributed to Evangelist Billy Sunday. William Ashley Sunday was an outfielder in Major League Baseball's National League and widely considered the most influential American evangelist during the first two decades of the 20th century.

** Attributed to Abraham Lincoln.

 

Thoughts from a Random Mind

            I have had a problem with my seeming inability to stop cussing. I’ve asked the Lord to purge this from me repeatedly, but to no avail. I usually cuss when I get frustrated regarding a situation I am in. I usually do it under my breath, which doesn’t make it alright, just sayin’. I’ve talked to several pastors throughout the years and found comfort in their words, but it still gnaws at me. Nothing unclean is to come out of my mouth. I strive every day to be more like my Lord but fail many times. Frustration is my middle name. Regardless of God’s patience, understanding and unconditional love I regret this problem and continuously seek its eradication.

 

“…no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! Can both fresh water and saltwater flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”- _{James 3:8-12}

 

                  I know a woman at work who professes to be a Christian. She cusses as a natural part of her vocabulary. If you say anything to her about it, she says, and I quote: “That’s the way I talk and I ain’t changin’ for nobody!” That sounds like an unteachable spirit. An unyielding will to God’s word and behavior. Make no mistake about it, we are both wrong, however, at least I can say of myself that I desire to shed my bad habit. I don’t do it during regular conversation, but frankly, I shouldn’t cuss at all. Unfortunately, I’m broken; still a work in progress, but I am confident that I will win that battle with the help of the Holy Spirit. As for my co-worker, I need to pray for her that she will see the need to change. Either way she will need God’s mercy to figure these ungodly issues out. I am not anybody’s judge; I am Christ’s ambassador. God is our merciful judge whose patience gives us every possible opportunity to right the ship, so to speak, in an effort to please him with our behavior. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries.

Thoughts from a Random Mind

            Knowing God as I do there is always an overriding sense of hope that exists. It’s in the air, permeating the stench of sin. My questions regarding the ‘why’ of things fades with time because I know there is a grand plan in play that has been in existence since the dawn of time. Not being able to explain things does not negate the truth that has been established by God from the beginning. God never changes and neither does his word. I stand on it for the rock that it is for his word is the ‘yay & amen’, the constant that feeds our soul. Nothing can compare to the Word of God. I except it at face value and allow it to guide my life. When the dust settles at the end of each day I know and understand my value …  not in this world, but in the world to come. To God we are priceless. Nothing can compare to the unchanging, never-ending love & grace of our Lord. Our questions shall never cease; however, the answers will become less and less important to us the closer we come to God. The dark clouds that surround us all at this time shall dissipate gradually until there will no longer be an evil presence in existence. Take heart my friends, Christ is coming, and he is bringing the wrath of God with him to conquer all evil. It’s the conclusion of life as we know it that shall finally come … and it’s not a matter of if, but rather when, for nothing can stop what’s coming. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

Thoughts from a Random Mind

Last night I believe the Lord allowed me to feel the heaviness his heart feels regarding all that is transpiring in the world at this time. The rampant sin without question breaks his heart. The unnecessary loss of life grieves him. I felt a great heaviness in my spirit and in my heart. I reflected on all the gross sin that is taking place worldwide with all the corruption, lies, crimes against humanity and needless death and became despondent. It isn’t God’s will for this to take place, but the free will that man has been afforded has unfortunately led to this. God is not surprised by all this, but I believe it hurts his heart all the same. I suppose it would be somewhat like how a loving parent feels when one of their children becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol. I never experienced that myself, but sometimes you don’t have to experience something to be able to have empathy. May God’s mercy flood our planet in such a way that millions of folks turn from their evil ways and embrace the gospel of Christ and in so doing have a fresh start at really living. Amen.

As always, till next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!!

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

A rather simplistic illustration danced thru my mind at work today. I would venture a guess that most people around the world have debt that they have accrued over time that they will need to eventually pay back. Debt can be looked a couple different ways: “An obligation … to pay something to someone else”. (ex. A student may be burdened with debt from attending school by virtue of a financial loan. He or she would be obligated to repay that loan.) Also, “a moral or legal obligation to make reparations (payments) or undergo punishment for committing an offense; as with a criminal repaying his debt to society.”

            In the spiritual realm there is another type of debt that people are accruing. It’s sin by virtue of disobeying God’s Word. The Lord is not a hard task master. He is our benevolent, patient, loving Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ was sent to this earth to pay off our spiritual debt with his own blood. That would be like a total stranger tapping into their own resources to pay off your credit card debt. I wonder why it is that folks would leap at that offer but ignore having their sin debt removed. That begs the question, is it more important to have financial freedom or spiritual freedom? 

            The answer is simple. Those having their financial debt paid in full will still die in their sins. Those having their spiritual debt paid in full will live with the Lord forever. If you don’t receive a pass (so to speak) to get into heaven, you are saying whether you realize it or not, that you would rather go to hell.  You see, God sends no one to hell … the result of man’s rejection of Jesus’ spiritual payment voids out their opportunity to spend eternity in heaven. Sound boring … hmmm, but what about if you compare it to Sulphur smoke and fire, pitch darkness and a chorus of moans and groans from all who now regret their decision. Sorry, no 2^nd chances. 

            Christianity is at its core a personal, intimate relationship with the One who made you. It is also a way of living. I assure you, there is nothing this world has to offer that can beat that. We’re not all goodie-two shoes. We’re human just like you. We make a myriad of mistakes yet receive forgiveness from God when we ask for it. We aren’t expected to be perfect, just make a spirit-led effort to live and behave like our role model, Jesus Christ. Don’t believe the lies, a future with Satan will not go well for you. He only wants to torture you and watch you burn, yet never die for all eternity. 

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

This has been a written warning by Richard Keller of Bread of Life Ministries.

If you know someone who would benefit from reading this, please pass it on & be ready to pray for and support them because they will no doubt have many questions. rk

Thoughts from a Random Mind

What does it mean to be incorruptible? It means you are “incapable of being bribed or morally corrupted”. What does the root word ‘corrupt’ mean? “To change from good to bad in morals, manners, or actions.” People without morals or ethics are easily corrupted and will do just about anything, for instance, for money or sex. Almighty God is incorruptible, and his children are expected to be the same. I believe it all comes down to what you are feeding your inner man. If you are constantly feeding your spirit man, you will flourish in the things of the Lord, but if you are feeding from the trough of the world, you will shrivel and die spiritually and the consequences you will pay for what takes place on that path will not be to your liking at all.

Strive to be incorruptible as your father in heaven is incorruptible. Feast on the riches that lie in his word. Let them and his Holy Spirit guide you thru this life and you will be blessed. Your life won’t be perfect, without trials and/or tribulations, but the Lord will be with you each moment of every day. Be incorruptible in all your dealings. It is what is expected of a child of God. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Note: Definitions come from Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Thoughts from a Random Mind

 

There’s a phrase that says, “An idle mind is the devil’s playground”. Perhaps you’re familiar with it. Let’s break it down ever so slightly. An idle mind - let me put this in terms of a vehicle. Wherever you happen to be, in your own driveway, at a stop light, anywhere really, if your car is running, but not moving, then at that moment, your car is “idling”. It isn’t going forward or backward; it is sitting still yet the engine is running. Your mind, like your car’s engine, is in what could be referred to as a passive state. 

40 years ago, the United Negro Student Fund had a successful ad campaign that stated, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” A true statement. They claim that when you retire you should keep your mind active, or you will grow despondent & depressed. Not remaining mentally active can shorten your life. 

A Christian need to keep his or her mind active with the things of the Lord or their faith will begin to fade. Like a person who deprives themselves of protein or water, their faith will slip into doubt. They will begin to question things that they used to accept as true. The enemy will take full advantage of passive Christians, nudging them in directions that could likely compromise their witness. Don’t allow it. Stay strong in your faith. Feed your spirit man or woman daily to ward off the fiery darts of Satan. Stay out of the devil’s playground by keeping your mind active in the things of the kingdom of God. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

Did you know that even the strongest believer in Christ can still feel lost at times? I don’t mean lost as in still needing salvation; I mean empty inside. I see it as a trick of the enemy, for we are never alone and are unconditionally loved. Perhaps it has something to do with our seeming inability to make a difference in this world. But wait, who says you’re not having a positive impact on everyone you encounter each day. You know all the folks that regularly gravitate toward you at school or work or at social gatherings? Don’t flatter yourself, it’s not you per se, it’s the presence of the Holy Spirit within you. What God has placed within you attracts people to you. This is why we must realize and acknowledge that God is in us working to do his will in this world whether we feel it or not. We never need to feel empty or alone because that feeling isn’t from the Lord who is merciful and compassionate … whose lovingkindness knows no end. We have no earthly reason to be ‘down in the mouth’ as the saying goes. Walking around with a distant, disengaged, detached look in our eyes. The enemy tries everything within his realm of influence to cause us to stumble. He can only do to God’s children what God allows for his own purposes and our own spiritual growth. Shake off the ‘woe is me’ attitude and rise to the level of spiritual maturity God intends for you. Feel empty no longer, in Jesus’ name, amen.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts From a Random Mind

            So, as it was in the days of Noah shall it once again be, only the next time it will be a consuming fire and not a flood. Noah was mocked. Not one person on the earth listened to him and believed. They scoffed at the coming of God’s judgment against mankind. ^{[Matthew 24:37-39]} Rain? What was rain? Scripture tells us the ground was nourished from water bubbling up from under the ground. It had never come down from the sky before. ^{[Genesis 2:5-6]} Flood waters? This has never taken place in their world, but this is what God promised was coming. Once it began to rain the people panicked, wanting desperately to enter the tremendous ark Noah had built, but alas, he had closed and sealed the mighty door and was given instructions by God not to open it again until the floodwaters had subsided, and the land was dry again. The people’s unbelief was their eternal undoing.

            Fast forward to today. There are millions of people who still scoff, ridicule and disbelieve the message God is sending out. There will come a day when the time for repentance will be gone forever. Time as we know it will be no more. A reckoning will take place where God will separate the wheat from the chafe. The warning signs are all around if you take the time to look. If you don’t believe in God’s existence you better be right. That is in no way a threat, but it is a promise. Sin cannot abide in the presence of Almighty God. Those who are still filthy with their own sin will have to bear the cost on their own with no hope of reprieve or redemption. God will not change his mind. Man has laughed off their need for forgiveness for too many years. The time will come and when it does it will come quickly. There will be no time to repent on that day. I don’t have to experience it to know that having to face God’s wrath would be a fearsome thing. Nothing will stop God’s judgment once it begins. 

            God’s Son was sent for the sole purpose of paying the price owed for all of mankind’s sins. He was real … a figure in our history. He walked on the earth for 33 years and ministered for 3 of those years. Christ will return in all his glory and evil will have had its day. Scripture tells us “no man knows the day or the hour” of Christ’s Return. This is why man must not wait … repent NOW and be ready for the 2^nd Coming of Christ. Don’t fritter your time away on trivial, meaningless endeavors. Surrender your life to the One who created you. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing. 

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

NOTE: This posting is meant for those who need to hear it. It may not be you, but it may be someone you know. If you feel so led, forward this to whoever you feel may need to read it. Sin is serious business, but forgiveness is real and available to all. If you’re the one who needs to read this, know that God doesn’t wish that any would go to hell. This is why his own Son Jesus Christ came to earth in the first place. He loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love. Amen. RLK

Thoughts from a Random Mind

               With all the instability and chaos in the world today, life can become very stressful. Those in charge are pushing fear in an effort to destabilize things even more. It is for times such as these that we have faith. We who believe in God trust him, so fear and doubt shouldn’t come into play. There is nothing this world can do to us that God is not already aware of. 

The Lord is allowing all that is currently transpiring for his own purposes. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” ^{[Hebrews 4:13 NIV]} Evil shall not triumph. God has already won.  If you have dedicated your life to knowing and serving God, then you are in a prime position to defeat the enemy who is quite literally already defeated. Push him over and he will fall.                   

As believers in Christ, we have nothing to fear. Feed your spirit with God’s word for it is sharper than a double-edged sword ^[1].  It’s why we read and retain his word. It is a powerful weapon against the enemy. God armor is sized to fit us all perfectly. ^{[Ephesians 6:10–18]} As his children we stand protected, so march forward in the name of Christ and watch the enemy flee. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

^[1] Hebrews 4:12 NIV - “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Thoughts from a Random Mind

            We all have fathers. Some are good, some are not. Some are attentive, some are indifferent. Some are supportive, some are not at all. My father felt his obligations and responsibilities ended when I left for college. In all the years I knew him he never called me on the phone. Once out of the house he took very little interest in me. It was sad, but I had been conditioned to expect nothing, so I wasn’t hurt. It’s a mantra I still recite to this day regarding my two AWOL adult daughters. Expect little to nothing and you won’t get hurt.

            This brings me to my Heavenly Father, who has a keen interest in me. He represents everything we wish our earthly fathers could become. Perhaps that’s too lofty an ideal to aspire to, considering how pitiful we are in all aspects of life compared to our Maker. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. There is no shadow of turning with him. God is faithful and trustworthy. He cannot lie, being the epitome of truth. What earthly fathers could be, God is.

            After a lifetime of selfish ambivalence, in his final couple years of life, my father finally looked at me and said, “You know, you’re a good son. I love you.” Hearing those words was like winning the lottery. After all the years of disinterest he finally made everything alright by saying those simple words. I suppose it was all I needed … somewhere within his stern German exterior he loved me, and he cared. 

            I believe my Father did the best he could. He didn’t get saved until the waning hours of his life, but he made it. In reality God shows us, thru the actions of his Son, that his love for us is matchless. Christ died that we might be free to live in peace and love one another.  

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

Focus – To concentrate all your attention or energy on something; to concentrate.

It can be said you are “drawing a bead on” something or “zeroing in on” something.

It is the “center” of your attention. 

We tend to fix our focus on many different things throughout life and God isn’t always one of them. We largely focus on problematic circumstances. Even though we are instructed to worry about nothing we focus on and over think our problems and the fixing of them. Why do we lose sight of God when we need him the most? He hasn’t gone anywhere. We’re the ones who moved, from Faith Lane to Doubt Drive. Our focus becomes blurred. Our troubles look more like insurmountable mountains instead of what they truly are, mere obstacles to be overcome … with the help of God. What is your focus locked in on? Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries