Thoughts from a Random Mind

 

Resolution - a firm decision to do or not to do something.

            Have you made a personal resolution to know God better? A personal resolution is a determination that a person makes to improve something about themselves. Many people make “New Year’s” resolutions that they keep for a few days or weeks until it fades into the expansive vortex of their mind. In other words, they forget all about it. 

            Why should we want to know God better? Well, it was HIS salvation plan, carried out by His own Son, that freed us from the slavery of a sinful life. Doesn’t God seem like a person we’d like to know more completely? Shouldn’t it be something you’d like to do?  A follower of Christ shouldn’t hesitate to enter in to fellowship with the King of Kings. He desires your company. He wishes to meet with you. But we must actually take the first step to knowing Him better. It has to be OUR resolution to know God more. If that is your prayerful desire, then you can be assured that is a prayer request God will surely answer. 

            How seriously do you take your walk with the Lord. Being a follower of Christ has little to do with going to church or even being extremely active there. That is what Christian’s DO.

A follower of Christ enters the spiritual realm thru prayer and quiet time with God. There He or she can listen more then they speak to God. Understand that you learn nothing new when you’re talking. It is when you take the time to listen that you grow. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

            

Thoughts from a Random Mind

 

What is unconditional love? Is it the sentiment that “if you love me forever, I will love you back”? Is it loving someone “to the moon & back”? They are two examples of “conditional” love. If you do this I will love you.

Unconditional love would be “I will love you whether you love me or not”. It is love that plans on loving another regardless of their response. That is God’s love for His creation. There is nothing this side of heaven that can replicate that kind of love. Unconditional love would be “to infinity & beyond”.

The definition of infinite love would be incalculable. The definition of unconditional love is unfathomable. Who do you know that would love like that? THAT is exactly how God loves us. The amount of love He has for His creation cannot be calculated. I mean, what formula would you use? There is nothing known to man that is equal to the love God has for you & me.

            Is there a way to calculate that kind of love? How can you put a value on something that never ends? It is of infinite value; in other words, it cannot be known. 

                  What does unconditional love mean to you? If you didn’t believe in the existence of God, would there still be unconditional love? If so, who would be your exhibit ‘A’? There is no one that could pull that off. Frankly put, I doubt humans could stop judging most others long enough to love them. That’s why God is the logical choice. He is the only infinite one. He is the only righteous one. He is the only one who is perfect in every way; a being with NO flaws. God doesn’t just love you or me, but rather the entirety of His massive creation.

                  Perhaps you think you’re a pretty good guy or gal. You’re not good enough. No one is except God Himself. The kicker is, you know those people that you judge freely based on their looks, or personality, or habits/quirks. God loves them just as much as He loves you. He also loves the rapists, street walkers, and murderers. No matter how evil a person happens to be, God still loves them. They may not know Him yet, but that doesn’t matter. “Because God bestowed on humanity a free will, man is not forced to love Him, but rather consciously and freely chooses the response he makes to God’s love.” ^[1] 1 John 4:19 states very clearly, “We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:10 says, “This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” Without God and the example He provided for us with the death of His Son, we’d never even know what true love was. So, understand how special being loved unconditionally is. Embrace it and love God for it.

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^{[1] https://biblehub.com/amp/1_john/4.htm}

Thoughts from a Random Mind

Complacency

 

            To be complacent is to be self-satisfied. It can also be having excessive and/or unwarranted satisfaction with oneself and/or their achievements. It could mean to be smug or to gloat. Those are all unfavorable characteristics for a follower of Christ, for He, whom we are to emulate, never displayed that sort of behavior.

                  A complacent person can be one who “rests on their laurels”, but being satisfied with one’s status or place in life causes that person to cease striving or “take their foot off the gas”, so to speak. Life is full of challenges but to become complacent means you have stopped marching in the parade; which means you are being passed by. 

                  As a true follower in Christ we must understand that there is ALWAYS something new to learn which the complacent soul will miss out on. Don’t allow yourself to become spiritually lazy. Dig into God’s Word on your own. Get yourself a good study bible. * Satan is working overtime to keep you from growing in your faith. We must learn the art of self-control. Spend time with God. Communicate with Him and wait in silence for His spirit to interact with your spirit. Discipline is a key, and a quiet setting is imperative. 

                   If you practice those few things on your own you’ll be less likely to submit to complacency. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Nane & for His Glory,

RL Keller 

Bread of Life Ministries

*Might I suggest the Life Application Study Bible, New Living Translation, Tyndale Publishers. Excellent translation, full of helpful information. Well worth the cost to purchase it.

Thoughts from a Random Mind

 

                  When kids grow up in church because their parents go, sometimes they want to explore other avenues to knowing God when they go out on their own. With burning questions unanswered, they may choose to deny the existence of God. That is the game the enemy plays with unwitting souls who may be confused or filled with doubts. The faith you grew up with was your parents faith and not necessarily yours. Obviously, this all depends on your parents, your upbringing, where you live, etc. 

Some of the poorest people on the planet have deep abiding relationships with God and are filled with joy, in spite of their personal situation. I’ve heard, over the years, of people in the poorest of countries; say portions of Africa, Haiti, South America, etc., that are filled with the joy of the Lord. They see themselves as blessed, rather than oppressed, because of their adherence to Biblical principles shared by their local churches.

I bring this topic up because I came across a little blurb about Aaron Rodgers and his beliefs. Check it out: “Aaron Rodgers attended an Evangelical Christian Church, in Chico, California while living with his parents. While he grew up attending church with his family, he has stated that he no longer identifies as Christian. He has expressed a preference for a more spiritual approach, one that allows him to be comfortable with unanswered questions. Rodgers has also criticized organized religion, suggesting it can be used as a crutch and that certain religious beliefs are psychologically true but metaphysical claims are unprovable.”

                  Ah, yes. The dreaded unanswered questions. They DO tend to make some folks very uncomfortable. Mr. Rodgers is obviously one of them. Criticizing things that we don’t understand is a weak approach to any topic, but “religion” has eternal ramifications, unlike most other things. I’m sure Mr. Rodgers would appreciate knowing that God set up His spiritual system allowing for man to have a “free will” to think as he wishes, say whatever he so desires, and do whatever he wants. I’m also sure Aaron doesn’t think of it that way.  Autonomy always mucks up the works when it comes to the things of God. Talk yourself into believing there really is NO God and you’re home free; or so you think.

                  “Jesus (said), ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” Think long and hard about your willingness to avoid God, for NOW you have a choice, but after you die your eternal fate is sealed. You will spend all of eternity apart from God. If that is what you really want then you can have it. Just turn your back and walk away. But in the afterlife your chance for repentance is gone. The parties you seem to think will be happening with all your buddies in hell won’t be happening. Satan makes hell sound like a veritable funhouse. Nothing could be further from the truth. It’s your choice. Choose wisely.

                  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

            Are you a member of the “Cult of Cool”? Regardless of what age group you are in, you are in someone’s “target market”. All depends on what they’re selling. They’re on ALL the social media genre – Facebook/Meta, X, Truth Social, Rumble ... could be music, movies, books or magazines, could be Tik Tok, could be YouTube. They’re all targeting you with their mega sales pitches. What you should like, WHO you should like, and/or what you should DO. 

                  There are media “Influencers” whose whole job is to move you into liking a certain wardrobe, or restaurant. What type of parties to go to. What concerts are “the bomb”! They can call it what they like ... I call it manipulation.  Playing on peoples emotions. Heck, even Christians do it with their altar calls. Sweet gospel music playing softly while the preacher implores you to come to Jesus. I’m saying that and I’m a Christian. Altar calls YES, soft music to play on a person’s emotions, NO. Let the Spirit breathe (Just my opinion.).

                  For goodness sakes, think for yourself. Let the Holy Spirit be your guide. He knows what is best for you. The worldly “trend-setters” and “influencers” do not. Be a salmon and swim UP STREAM, against the flow. When you’re in trouble or depressed or confused, what are the “Influencers” going to do for you ... NOTHING of any eternal value. TUNE OUT those who only have THEIR best interests at heart and NOT YOURS. Turn your back on the “Cult of Cool”. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

 

 

 

Let Us Remember ... and Never Forget

                  Today is Memorial Day.  A federal holiday in the United States observed on the last Monday of May to honor and mourn U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It’s a day for visiting cemeteries & memorials to remember those who died in the line of duty. Individuals often place American flags on the graves of fallen military personnel and some churches fill their front yard with flags to remember the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms.

The holiday was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, as proclaimed by General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Memorial Day is distinct from Veterans Day, which honors all who have served in the U.S. military, living and dead, while Memorial Day specifically recognizes those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

We Honor Your Memory

 

Thoughts from a Random Mind          

                      Your mind ever get scattered? I have what I call a “Random Mind”. It can go just about anywhere. There are so many things going on all around us that I sometimes wonder how anyone can stay sane. Some people call me “weird” and it’s NOT because I’m a Christian. I admit I’m somewhat quirky. I can be kinda out there mentally at times. Random thoughts drive me on occasion. Maybe that’s why I come up with so many different topics that others don’t seem to think of. 

            Take this post right here. I saw the word “scattered” on a piece of paper and my mind starts awhirlin’. Now I’m not saying this style of writing is good, but folks seem to like it. My mission is to tell others about the Lord. My main mission is to lift up followers of Christ, for many in God’s family are hurting with no where to turn by God, but they need someone let them know they aren’t alone. It’s not that God isn’t enough, but we’re human and have difficulty tapping into the things of the Spirit sometimes.

            Living for Christ is a mindset that needs to permeate your entire being. It has to matter more than anything or anyone else. I suppose some wives may not like hearing that, but it goes for them too. Jesus HAS TO be number one in your life. My minds not so scattered that I don’t know that. I don’t consider myself to be one of those who are “so heavenly minded that I am no earthly good”. My feet are on solid ground, but I know WHO I am and WHOSE I am. I strive daily to please my maker (and my wife*). I try to live out my faith the best I can with the Holy Spirit’s help.

            So, to circle back around, people with random, scattered minds aren’t weird, they’re just different. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

·       “If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.”

Thoughts from a Random Mind

 

“It’s a myth that drinking alcohol kills brain cells. Instead, alcohol damages the brain in other ways, for instance, by damaging the ends of neurons. This can make it difficult for those neurons to send important nerve signals. Alcohol may also damage the brain by increasing the risk of strokes, head injuries, and accidents.” – www.webmd.com

                  While alcohol doesn’t actually destroy brain cells, it does negatively effect your brain in other ways. The devil tricked man into thinking an alcoholic beverage is part of having fun. It’s interesting to me that people won’t consume many things that they happen to think are bad for them, but think nothing of drinking themselves into oblivion all in the name of fun. Anything in excess isn’t good for you, but some things actually harm you. Too many people have the attitude “You gotta die sometime.” That is a fatalistic way to view your life. 

Drinking one alcoholic beverage won’t kill you, but for the Christian there are other factors in play … one being causing another to stumble. Be aware of your surroundings and who you’re with. In other words, it wouldn’t be wise to drink in front of someone who is a recovering alcoholic. 

As followers of Christ, it is crucial that we stay focused on our behavior being Christ-like in spite of our inability to be consistent in doing so. Don’t give up. God created us; therefore, He knows us inside and out. He knows perfection is unattainable for us, but He also knows our heart and the motivation of our words and actions. 

As the commercials say, “Drink responsibly”, for God is watching us to see how we respond to the situation we find ourselves in each moment of every day. Would you do what you’re about to do if Jesus were physically there with you? Probably not. Well, the 3^rd Person of the Trinity is within you once you become saved and tries to send warnings to your spirit as a means of keeping you from uncomfortable situations. Trust God and live with Him in mind always. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

 

            Have you done a spiritual assessment lately? You know, have a talk with the Lord regarding how you’re doing with this whole Jesus thing? You’d keep up with your car, right? Regular oil changes, change out the anti-freeze/coolant every fall, keep an eye on your tread wear on your tires … things like that. Well, what about your walk with the Lord. Is that not important enough to keep your finger on the pulse of it. I mean taking a super hard look at yourself. The way you think, what you say both in public and in private, and what you do. You know, how do you act AND react to a given situation. Is your life pleasing to the Lord? Have you asked Him lately?

                  For me an assessment regarding your own walk with Christ is imperative for your spiritual well-being. You’d try to improve your life by eating well, exercising, and otherwise keep yourself active so your life doesn’t become stagnant. What about Jesus? There is so much to learn to be a fruitful ambassador for the Kingdom of God. Do you ask for the Lord to give you wisdom and discernment and then open your mind and heart to receive it? Is your focus on the things of God as a means of avoiding the devil’s schemes? Well? 

                  Now please do not misunderstand me. I’m no where near being perfect; never will be, but God is able to lead us into being the BEST VERSION of ourselves in any and all situations. Do others notice a difference in you? Do they know you’re a Bible believing Christian? Do they see Jesus IN YOU? It’s attainable, without question. It really all depends on how seriously your relationship is with Christ. I asked the Lord what He wanted me to talk about today & this is what was laid on my heart. I hope this helps someone refocus or perhaps place the proper focus on the most important relationship a person can ever have. With the One who took your place and paid for all your sins. Have you talked with Him today? Not TO Him, but WITH Him. Know His word and you’ll know how He would answer your questions. 

This isn’t a free ride … a hefty price was paid for your salvation. Trust God with your entire being and praise Him for all you’re worth. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

 

                  Here’s a thought to ponder … “Life is not a straight line.” If you’ve lived long at all you know that this is absolutely true. Life is filled with hills and valleys. Those are the obvious variants in the terrain of life. Then there are holes of various depths, ditches, side roads, potholes, speed bumps, obstacles that block the road you are on and I’m sure given time we could all come up with more examples. These are not things to fear, but rather seen as tests of our faith. There are always those untraveled roads that call to us and the roads less travelled. 

                  As a teenager I spent my Saturdays walking. Roughly 4-5 miles from my house would be a woodsy area that drew me like a moth to a flame. It was quiet and filled with wonderful things to experience … brooks, small wooden walking bridges that were built over the brooks, dirt roads, a water wheel, creatures of the woods … I learned a lot on those walks. They took me all day till dusk.  You can’t go there now because someone bought all that property and there are now NO TRESPASSING signs on the perimeter. But I still have the memories of those walks. 

                  As we walk around the curves, up and over the hills and down thru the valleys of life be mindful of all the created beauty that surrounds you. Breathe in the fresh, clean air. You won’t find that many places anymore, but you can find it in woodsy areas. NJ has a few walking paths created so folks could enjoy nature as it was meant to be experienced.  I know of 3 in my area alone. There may be more. So no, life isn’t a straight line, but I don’t think God intended it to be. Explore. You’d be surprised how much you can learn by sitting in your own back yard and just listen. You may even hear God speak to your heart. God bless and keep walking with the King and be a blessing to those around you. 

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries  

Thoughts from a Random Mind

                  A thought rolled thru my mind this morning. I’m looking at a few questionable religions at the moment and it dawned on me that free will allows Christians to pursue the Lord at our own pace. Once saved we can mature as fast as we want. The danger of free will is that man has a propensity to do that which is easy; that which is on the border of right and wrong. God allows that because knowing the Lord is a gradual process that begins at the point of conversion. He knows and understands that. 

                  Those involved in either cults or other religions that pretend to be God fearing folks, do what they do within their religion because their tenets require them to. If they want to get to heaven, they must do what is required of them. They are tenacious in their efforts to convert others to their way of thinking. They do it because according to their belief system, they must.

                  How much more effective for the gospel would we be if we were required to share the gospel as a means of getting to heaven? But that’s not the way things work in God’s economy. We come to Him because we want to, and we serve Him because we want to. God wants willing followers, not those who feel obligated to follow Him. 

                  Any church that requires its’ members to say or do certain things is mistaken. We do what we do out of shear obedience based on what we perceive and know about the Lord and what we know from His Word. Willing disciples. We do it because of what He did for us. Frankly, serving God is the very least we can do, don’t you think?

                  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

                  Perhaps you’ve heard the statement, “Confession is good for the soul”? Research shows that while the exact individual who said it cannot be found, it IS known to be an old Scottish proverb from the mid-1800’s. It’s meaning is pretty evident, I would think. If you hide your evil deeds (sins), guilt begins to creep into your heart and soul. If unchecked it can eat you alive from the inside. However, if you confess your evil deeds (sins) you will find peace. Who do you confess to? We can go directly to Almighty God and tell Him all about it, understanding that He already knows, but your confession is what triggers the peace that will follow.

                  Confession is tied to trust and personal integrity. If you are a true follower of Christ, then you will make a sincere and concerted effort to emulate the Lord in all facets of your life. Personal integrity is vitally important to any person, but even more so for those who are seeking to please God with their life. Being honest and forthright garners trust from others regarding your behavior. When you feel you can trust someone, we feel more at ease with them. You may even feel you can confide in them. 

                  Fellowship can blossom out of a confession. Knowing you can trust someone can make them an advocate for you. You can open up and confess something you’ve been keeping to yourself, which can be very freeing in a physical and spiritual respect. But not having anyone you feel you can trust to open up to can end up being very frustrating.

                  I live on the East Coast of the US and to me it seems as though there isn’t a real, genuine sense of community within the churches. Now obviously, I haven’t attended every church on the East Coast, but I have attended a number of them as I have looked for a new church to attend.  It seems to me that in some cases newcomers aren’t entirely trusted. Is it any wonder with the upside down world we live in. Ask the Lord to provide for you a trusted brother or sister to confide in and pray for you. That is how a friendship starts. Stay tuned in to the Lord as often as you are able and seek His wisdom and guidance. His will for each one of us is to enhance our skills and abilities not just for ourselves, so WE get the glory, but for the Kingdom of God, that HE might get the glory. 

                  Our relationship with the Lord should be preeminent in our lives. The most important one that we’ll ever be blessed to have. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

               I am concerned that I might be becoming a bit cynical as I simply don’t trust people anymore. Not even believers in Christ. That’s not a good way to be, and I admit that freely. 

            Some churches aren’t all that friendly. It seems like one big clique where newcomers aren’t welcome. That’s my perception of the situation, therefore, that is the reality I am faced with. 

    Now I don’t know anyone’s back story and I don’t know their heart. God does. I feel like I’m different than most Christians. Not better than, just different. I’m wired different. I may take my walk with the Lord TOO seriously; but is that even possible? I don’t know. 

    The Holy Spirit fills me with thoughts that I rush to type out. I have virtually no one to sit down and talk to about the things of the Lord. I have one or two brethren I can email, but no one to sit and break down scripture with. I am walking fine line between spending time in the Word and spending time with my wife. 

              Maybe some of you are experiencing some of the same thoughts and/or feelings. I regularly consult the Lord and seek His wisdom and guidance. His leadership via the Spirit is impeccable and totally reliable. But we must tune in to the spirit of God to feel His presence in a real way. Perhaps I need to refocus on the Lord and take my eyes off others who for some odd reason annoy me. I have been seeking and failing to see people the way God sees them, but I will not stop trying. I will come out the victor in the end because I trust God and love Him too much to allow my apparent cynicism to overtake me. May God be praised now and forever!

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

My relationship with Jesus Christ means EVERYTHING to me!! I’m painfully human; possibly the least perfect person I know. I struggle with my humanity, temptations, and selfish behavior. I strive to be more selfless and a lot more like Jesus each day. 

            There are days when I do or say dumb things and out of frustration ask the Lord out loud, “Lord, why do you even bother with me?” Even though I ask that question, I already know the answer. Scripture tells us in Romans 5:8, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” But even more to the point, 1 John 4:19 tells us, “We love (God), because He first loved us.” God loved us before we were born. He knit our members together in our mother’s womb. 

Without Christ in my life I am nothing. While I know that isn’t literally true, it’s the way I feel. Each day when I wake up, I know who I am and whose I am. I know I am loved with the greatest exhibition of love the world will ever see. Christ’s death on the cross was a living example of the type of love God had & still has for His creation. That means EVERYTHING to me. Someone who accepts me for who I truly am, without the slightest inclination to change me other than helping me grow closer to Him. I honestly do not know how anyone is able to exist in this sin-sick and dying world without the Lord. 

I am grateful for all that has been done for me. I believe in and implicitly trust the Lord to do all that His word declares He will do for those who walk with Him. What does Christ mean to you? Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

One of the reasons people turn to atheism may be because of the large number of believers whose actions do not line up with the words they say. You can literally say just about anything, but if the party you’re speaking to doesn’t see your life as a contradiction to the secular society we live in, then you are misrepresenting the gospel you say you believe in.

Life can be very rough and unforgiving, but if you at least attempt to walk as Jesus walked, you may just find that the roughness smooths out and forgiveness appears. God’s love doesn’t ever wane. It is exhibited to us without any conditions placed upon it.  But how can a dying world see that love exhibited if our spiritual life is just spinning its wheels in the mud? They can’t, that’s the point. It just galvanizes for them their reason to NOT believe in God. 

We mustn’t give the naysayers a reason to not believe. Having said that, I understand all too well that unbelievers will typically find a reason, any reason, not to if they don’t have a mind to believe. Autonomy is the key. Every man, woman, and child doesn’t like to have to follow rules, especially rules given by someone they cannot see. It boggles the mind how many people and/or things folks will place their faith in pretty much ANYTHING other than God. Yet they insist they can tow this load called life alone without help from what they seem to think is a mythical god out of some crazy fairytale. God gives man the right to think that way, because He desires willing followers. No one is forced to serve the Lord. To some it is restrictive, to others an honor. Which one are you? Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

Want means to desire, wish for, or need something. As a noun, it refers to a deficiency, or lack of something.

Need is typically defined as essential requirements for survival, well-being, or the functioning of a system. They are often distinguished from wants, which are desires or aspirations. Needs can be physiological (like food, water, shelter) or psychological (like belonging, self-esteem, or self-actualization).

                  I think a lot of times we confuse in our mind just what a ‘want’ and a ‘need’ are. I purposely laid out definitions of the two words on the outset of this post to clear up any misunderstanding. There happens to be many things in this life that we want, but do we need them? I would like an inground pool in my back yard, but I don’t need it. Now I’m in no way saying that it would be wrong to buy yourself a pool. I just use this example to show what can be a stark difference between wanting and needing something. I think that just may be a big reason why so many people are mired in deep debt financially. Because we impulsively purchase something, perhaps expensive, perhaps not, with your credit card. 

                  That little demon called credit allows us to buy things we may not be able to afford, never thinking when buying that we’ll have to pay back that money with interest tacked on. We got what we wanted, but did we really need it? Even every small item you buy all adds up until before you know it you are $1,000 in debt. Compound that by having multiple methods of expending credit and you’ve begun to create your very own debt monster.

                  As followers and representatives of Christ, we are to emulate Him and in doing so end up shifting our focus on our needs, rather than our wants. I cannot even begin to tell you how many items I felt I had to have throughout my life that ended up being pushed aside with a numbing amount of disinterest shortly after I received it/them. So reflect on the difference of wanting and/or needing something and find that your greatest needs have been met by the Lord and your wants in most cases were inconsequential. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

            I’ve been pretty transparent about my profane flareups, usually when I get frustrated by something that isn’t going well, like a repair project or something of that nature. I am painfully human; I know it ... God does too. 

Well today it happened again. I bought a cordless tool that required very minor assembly. There was a ‘U’ shaped, compressible safety handle that had to be attached. It came with a 4” or so long screw that went thru the handle to stabilize it. The handle had to be secure, or the tool wouldn’t work. I am very prone to misplacing things. It’s been a problem my entire life, without exaggeration. Well, I misplaced that screw. Had no earthly idea what happened to it. It could be anywhere. I started with my cussing under my breath and berating myself. I looked EVERYWHERE. I looked in things, under things, everywhere I had been. I was beginning to flip out a bit. In the midst of this mini-meltdown I stopped, asked the Lord to forgive my outburst and asked Him to PLEASE help me find the screw. Minutes later I began berating myself. I freely acknowledge that this is a horrible way to act for ANYONE, but it should have NO PLACE in the life of a follower of Christ. I opted to use Flex-Seal glue to affix the safety handle, having given up looking for the screw. I put the tool away in the shed, and continued to call myself names. Pretty childish behavior, which I readily admit. Admitting to myself defeat and intending to move on, I went back out front to put away my water bottle and the box the tool came in. It just so happens that I looked in the box again and lo and behold, there was the screw. I was humbled. I knew all over again that God really did love me and though He doesn’t want me to react that way to my difficulties or frustrations, He will give assistance when asked. I don’t understand (and probably never will) WHY God loves me, but THAT’S what unconditional love is. He was kind enough to answer my prayer in spite of my infantile behavior. I embarrass myself every time I overreact in an inappropriate way and end up apologizing for my words and actions to my Heavenly Father. May He never give up on me ... I know He never will. I strive to be the best version of myself each day. With the Holy Spirit’s help, someday I’ll make it. Pleasing God is more important than pleasing myself.

            I don’t know if anyone can relate to this. Take heart my brethren, God’s love and patience is far greater than our greatest weakness and His forgiveness is always available for those who ask for it. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

“For (God) has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:14
                  Did you ever see yourself as needing to be rescued? We are born into darkness until we see the light. It is only when we accept the light into our lives that we become rescued from darkness, death, and destruction. What have we more specifically been rescued from is a life of sin, outside the family of God and his influence. The scripture says of us that we have been born twice and will only die once; our 2^nd birth being spiritual in nature. This 2^nd birth negates a 2^nd physical death for our spirit never dies.

                  If you read the text from verse 9 you can see that Paul asks God to fill those in his presence with “all wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives”. There are two things shown to us here: 1 – God will give us those things we need to live a life worthy of Him if we ask for them and 2 – His Holy Spirit is the conduit by which these things are given to us. 

                  Without Christ, our life is under the domination or control of darkness, which permeates this world. It is cloaked so it is not easily seen by the naked eye, but with the eye of the Spirit, is seen plainly. We have been rescued from this world that we are IN yet no longer OF. This world embraces many things that are blatantly evil and easy to spot. However, the enemy works overtime to come up with ways to deceive those who would strive to avoid such things. We need the full Armor of God (Ephesians 6:13) to combat such an evil attack. 
                  Be wary of the darkness that surrounds you but rejoice in the light that resides within you. God has you covered with His righteousness. You are safe. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

RESCUE defined: 1. To set free, as from danger or imprisonment; save; 2. An act of rescuing; deliverance.

DOMINION defined: A territory or sphere of influence or control; a realm.

Thoughts from a Random Mind

“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”

Proverbs 30:5 (NIV)

                  Whatever you read in scripture is perfect and without mistake. The foot notes, commentary comments or interpretive inclusions are not, for they are written by man. There are not many gods, there is only one God. He stands alone. No one can rival Him. There’s no one who can replace God and anyone who tries fails.  You see it is God who is flawless, not any mere mortal. It is God in whom we can take refuge and not any of the Superheroes who have graced the cinematic screen. Who else can raise the dead, heal the sick and forgive every sin you’ve ever committed? No one but God Himself. 

                  What cinematic Superheroes do for us is put a face and body to an entity that is good and righteous and wholesome and capable of defeating evil. All this and special CGI effects to boot. But alas, it is fiction, as in not real. Even the actors and actresses who play the Superheroes are in need of what God offers to all. And even if the characters they played WERE real and COULD do all the things they can do in movies, they would STILL need the forgiveness God offers, because they cannot save themselves. No one ever could. So, go forth today knowing that the Word of God is true and that HE is the shield that protects you from all that the enemy dispenses against you. 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

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7 ^{New Living Translation}

                  Unfortunately, worrying has become an integral part of each person’s life. We have worries on the job, in our homes, at school and yet Paul tells us not to worry about anything. Seems impossible, doesn’t it? We’re all prone to worry, but Paul says to turn our worries into prayer. Essentially, he is saying the more we pray the less we will worry. 

                  Jesus says in Matthew 6:25, “…do not worry about your life…” and says in verse 27, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life.” We need to train ourselves to not worry. That is most assuredly easier said than done, but it is possible, for anything is possible with God. 

                  There is a definitive difference between worrying and being concerned. “Worry immobilizes you; concern moves you to action.” ⁽¹⁾ Worrying can have an ill effect on your health, make you unproductive, cause you to treat others in an ugly manner and negatively affect your trust in God. Notice nothing positive comes from worrying. Concern leads us to God and prayer as we seek an answer to the problem at hand.  

                  There are many things going on in our country and around the world to be concerned about, but God is in control of all of it. So because of that truth, we truly have nothing to be worried about. Our concern should help us move in a positive direction in an effort to help others seize the day and right the many wrongs that exist in society today. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

⁽¹⁾ Life Application Study Bible, New Living Translation, footnote on pg. 2012.

Thoughts from a Random Mind

Morgan Freeman, the actor, once said something to the effect of he doesn’t believe in God because there is “no hard evidence” to prove He exists. Johnny Depp, another actor, said he doesn’t believe in God because he doesn’t believe in anything he cannot see. ‘Seeing’ negates the need for faith. ‘Hard evidence’ also negates the need for faith. Faith is linked to trust. Plain and simple; man doesn’t truly want to answer to anyone other than themselves. Believing in someone or something you cannot experience with at least one of your six senses is too much of a reach for most non-believers. Honestly, if someone doesn’t have a mind to at least entertain on some level the validity of Christianity, then I believe Jesus Himself could engage them in a conversation & they would still find a million reasons not to believe.

The amusing thing to me is that Morgan Freeman played God in a Jim Carrey movie some time ago. Although it was a comedy, I felt that Freeman played the part as well as a human can without any ridicule or disparagement. Anyway, to many non-believers, they believe what they would like to believe and think that’s alright. They may even believe in the existence of God and / or Jesus yet have never allowed that knowledge to effect their lives either positively or negatively. To them Christianity is nothing more than another religion in a sea of religions. It’s funny in a way. It’s as if that which you don’t believe exists simply doesn’t exist. But that’s not the way it works. Just because you don’t believe in God doesn’t cause Him to exist for everyone else, but not for you. That doesn’t even sound rational.

How unfortunate that people don’t make or take the time to do an honest investigation. It’s as if they DON’T WANT TO KNOW, because if they know then they would have to do something with that knowledge. Come judgment day there may just be a lot of very shocked or at least surprised individuals as they stand before the One they chose NOT to believe in. Think on this: If there IS NO GOD, then when you die you won’t ever have another conscious thought, therefore we will never know. However, if God DOES EXIST, you will know it for all eternity. Woe to those who fall in the latter category. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You will try just about anything at least once, right? Why not try Jesus on for size? Why not entertain the idea that God is real and what is said about Him, and His Son Jesus is true? Read the Bible with an open mind and ask God to help it make sense to you. For those who will NOT try just about anything at least once, it’s still time to do some research. Don’t sidestep this important issue. If you are positive that there is NO GOD, you’d better be right ... your eternal destination is on the line. 

Rejecting that which could be true deserves a look, perhaps even a second look, don’t you think? Just because I believe it doesn’t necessarily make it universally true ... it makes it true to ME. Now I do happen to believe it to be universally true, but God has given us all the right to reject whatever we’d like to. It’s called having a ‘free will’. Free will is defined as: “The ability or discretion to choose; free choice” ^[1], and it’s a gift to us from God Himself. Now there are philosophical debates that take place with those who desire such endeavors that contests the existence of free will, but we’re not going to get into all that. Suffice it to say, Paul addresses the issue of free will in 1 Corinthians 10:23, where he is dealing with the Corinthians who seem to think they can do whatever they want to do with no repercussions or consequences. Paul says: “All things are lawful [that is, morally legitimate, permissible], but not all things are beneficial or advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life].” ^{(Amplified Bible)}. So based on that verse, it is true. Do as you please, but you will never avoid the consequences that come following your decision. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. (2011).