Quote Contemplations

 

“We will always find ourselves in trouble when we get comfortable with things as they are.” – Francis Chan

            Getting comfortable with our life could be a good thing, or a bad thing, depending on our point of focus. But as a follower of Christ should we ever really be comfortable? We need to be at the top of our game spiritually speaking as much as possible with the help of the Holy Spirit within. The things we ought to be comfortable with are reading the scriptures daily, praying regularly, seeking to tap into the wisdom of God thru a variety of trusted and reliable sources, and so on. Being comfortable engaging in such endeavors will help stabilize your faith and trust in God and will lead to spiritual growth.

            It’s getting comfortable NOT doing such things that can become a dangerous proposition for us. We then become what Pink Floyd lyrically referred to as being “comfortably numb”. Things don’t seem to matter to us as much anymore. We begin to become oblivious to our surroundings, thus making us an easy target for the enemy. Being comfortably numb is like leaving your foxhole in a war zone without your weapon and just standing out in the open with no protection. Oh, make no mistake about it; you HAVE protection in the armor of God, but you are failing to utilize it. 

            Living on the edge of the ledge has the large possibility of bringing about BAD JUJU. *

We must accept the fact that we cannot do this life on our own. The only true help we have at our disposal is the Creator of the Universe. If you take the time to think about that, it’s a pretty impressive thing. 

            Don’t allow yourself to become comfortably numb in your walk with Christ. Stay on the razor’s edge and be aware of what is taking place all about you. Always be prepared to take a stand regarding the joy and peace that exists in you because of God’s spirit that dwells within you. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

*Bad juju refers to negative energy.

Quote Contemplations 21 

 

“Above all, do not lie to yourself.” - Fyodor Dostoevsky*

 

This is a profound statement regarding moral responsibility, self-honesty, and the dangers of self-deception. This could apply to all peoples because many of us tend to become self-deluded regarding our goodness. We make the crucial mistake of seeing ourselves as compared to a variety of other people, thus proving to ourselves that we are more good than those others. That delusion ends up stunting our growth. For the Christian it stunts our spiritual growth. We see ourselves as needing nothing to initiate change; some sort of behavioral alteration that is not needed. In that, we fail to realize the reality of our woeful state. We are sinners. Every last one of us. There is truly nothing good about us. We all tend to be selfish, self-centered, and self-absorbed in one way or another. 

It’s very difficult to face our flaws, but when you compare yourself to the only perfect example of righteousness, holiness, and purity, you then realize you come up wanting. We cannot save ourselves and we cannot find our own way out of the abyss we invariably find ourselves in. We NEED a Savior to lift us out of our perpetual dilemmas and place us on a path lined with forgiveness, love, and hope for tomorrow. 

So do not bother lying to yourself about the state of your being. Face the stark reality that we are nothing without the Creator of the Universe handling our affairs. Surrender to the Almighty One and live in truth and harmony with yourself and those around you.  Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

* Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (1821 – 1881) was a Russian novelist, short story writer, essayist, and journalist, widely regarded as one of the greatest literary figures in world literature.

Quote Contemplations 

 

“I don’t belong here, I’m just a weary traveler, here for a flicker of a moment and then I’m gone.” – “As the World Bleeds” (Theocracy)*               

 

Philippians 3:20 states: "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." This verse emphasizes that believers' true identity and allegiance belong to God's eternal kingdom, not to any earthly nation. 

As citizens of heaven, Christians are "resident aliens" on earth—living here temporarily while being spiritually aligned with heaven’s values, laws, and ultimate hope. This citizenship shapes how they live, prioritize, and serve, even while remaining in the world. It calls for a life of holiness, hope, and service, grounded in the expectation of Christ’s return. Believers are to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8), reflecting heaven’s character on earth. 

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead will transform believers’ mortal bodies into glorious, resurrected ones (Philippians 3:21), fulfilling the promise of eternal life. 

Paul contrasts earthly citizens—focused on fleshly desires—with heavenly citizens—whose minds are set on eternal things (Philippians 3:19–20). This dual citizenship (earthly and heavenly) demands loyalty to Christ above all else. This truth is not just about the afterlife—it's a present reality that transforms daily living, worship, and mission. Remember, a moment in time is NOTHING to Almighty God. Therefore, when the undisclosed date of the Rapture of the Church is here, we will vanish “in a flicker of a moment”. Here one moment and then....

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

·       Theocracy is a Christian Rock group that has biblically based songs that, based on their sound, come across on many songs as theatrical in their vocals and delivery.

Quote Contemplations 

 

“As a Christian, we always fail because we can’t become Christ, but I can try to at least emulate the best qualities, even if I may fall short.” – Kelsey Grammar

 

            Almighty God has known from the beginning of time those who would turn to Him and those who would choose to turn away. His wish for those who have chosen to believe is to use His Son, Jesus as their primary role model. See Paul’s statement from his letter to Roman believers: ^“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” ^{(Romans 8:29 NIV)}

            We all could use a role model, but one that is positive, edifying, kind, and loving. We get to choose our role models in life. Parents can be role models. Older siblings can be. To follow the path of righteousness is challenging for sure, but if we rely on God’s leading thru the Holy Spirit, and pay close attention to what is being relayed to us, we can find our way thru any difficulties. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

* Actor Kelsey Grammar (sit-com ‘Frazer’) believes that a large part of his faith is in trying to live the best way he can using Jesus Christ as a role model.

Quote Contemplations 

"If I were ever prosecuted for my religion, I truly hope there would be enough evidence to convict me." – John Wooden

            After someone I had witnessed to told me they had no idea I was a Christian, my world started crumbling around me (in my mind). I seriously questioned my walk with the Lord. Then I saw this quote from the legendary college basketball coach John Wooden and I began to wonder. If I WERE indicted for being a Christian, would I have put forth enough in the name of God to lead to my conviction? Makes one think, doesn’t it?

            I’d like to think I have, but only the Lord knows for sure. A lot of the time I feel like Paul when he writes in his letter to the Christians in Rome. In Chapter 7, verses 15, 18-21 he confesses to struggling with sin. I guess I’m in good company.  Am I really all that different from the world? I’d like to think so, but am I? Are you?

            I think we make our journey with the Lord a lot more difficult than it has to be. There is NO ONE on the face of this earth that matches the love and understanding God has for us. I think about how much we love our kids, even when they act unlovely toward us. We never stop loving them, do we? No matter what they say or do. Isn’t that true? I think it definitely is. So really think about this. How much greater is God that He would never turn against us, never NOT love us, never NOT forgive, never NOT show mercy, never pull His grace from us? 

            Pleasing God with our life is so incredibly important. We already know He loves us. In fact, He loved us prior to our knowing Him. Parents love their babies prior to their being born. See the comparison? God gives us comparative examples to help us understand how great His love actually IS toward us. So yes, I have no doubt that if push came to shove and we were arrested for being a follower of Christ, even if we hadn’t spoken up about our faith all that much up to that point, I betcha we’d do it then. Don’t keep your faith a secret. Speak it as readily as you breathing in air. Let it come naturally. I’m thinking that while upsetting, it would be a distinct honor to be taken into custody for my faith. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Note: John Wooden was a legendary college basketball coach for UCLA, known for being a staunch Christian.

Thoughts from a Random Mind

 

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” – Leo Tolstoy. *

            What an immensely profound statement. The problems in the world today will not be fixed simply by talking, but rather by being people of action. I am not insinuating that physical violence is the answer to change. I’m thinking more along the lines of changing your attitude, your thought process, your capacity to love. These things can only be found in the heart of Almighty God. 

            It is my humble opinion that God is the answer to all of mankind’s problems. Surrendering to His will for your life is a crucial start to your journey toward changing yourself for the better. You’ve heard of becoming the best version of yourself, well wouldn’t you want to become all that the One who created you knows you can be? I sure would. It’s not a cake walk though. The enemy doesn’t want you to become all you can be in Christ. He wants to cripple you spiritually thru temptation and difficult trials. Some believers have walked away from their faith because it seems too hard to deal with. Were they truly redeemed in the first place? It is not for us to say, for only God knows reality from fiction. 

            Changing yourself with limited resources is like trying to mow your lawn with a weed whacker. You’ll get the job done eventually, but it won’t look very good. The total resources of God are readily available to those whom He calls His children. Are you sold out for Christ, or hitching a ride on the soul train with the thought of jumping off at any time. 

            We aren’t perfect and never will be this side of heaven; however, as we strive for perfection we will grow and mature spiritually speaking and slowly begin to change from the inside out. It’s a daily process; one that isn’t always easy, but perseverance will always win the day. Dogged determination is one of the keys to success in this life and walking forward hand in hand with the Lord guarantees success from an eternal perspective. Don’t just desire to change the world. Start by looking into your own heart and seek to change yourself. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

·       Russian author Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) is considered a master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists. His best-known novels are “War and Peace” (1865–69) and “Anna Karenina” (1875–77).

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

 

I find that I enjoy the company of unsaved people more so than believers. You may not agree with everything they happen to believe or say, but with some you can at least agree to disagree and leave it at that. No irate bursts. No hate. With Christians I’ve gotten various responses from them. Some seem to want to have an impromptu Bible quiz to show off what they know. Some are silent and don’t even know how to talk about the things of the Lord. Some are judgmental to the max, thinking that they’ve cornered the market on Christian doctrine, and you simply MUST agree with them, or you’re wrong.

             Now I tend to look at my faith the following way. I am NOT a judge re: anyone else’s lifestyle or beliefs. God alone is the judge. If you disagree with me on any topic I’m fine with that. Maybe I’m mistaken. Maybe not. Either way I wish to be friends and sidestep the controversial stuff. I believe I know what is right and what is wrong in God’s eyes, but I never force it on anyone else. I would pray for the opportunity to share what I believe, but do not require anyone to believe like me. I try to plant a seed of faith when the opportunity presents itself and they can if they feel the wooing of the Spirit, become Born Again as Jesus had said. I absolutely DO NOT live a perfect life, but I’m trying to be the best version of myself with the much needed help of the Holy Spirit within me.

              I pretty much have no one to discuss doctrine with. You aren’t able to do it with unbelievers, and in many cases you cannot do it with believers either. It can be frustrating at times. I write. I write a lot. I write a Blog re: Christ. I’ve written 3 books, with a 4th one in the wings. Aside from the normal sports banter that most guys engage in, doctrinal talk is scarce. I do find myself precariously close to falling into the trap of wanting everyone to like me, but with a few exceptions, I feel just the opposite is true. I’ve come to believe that I annoy people. I’m quirky, but have been referred to as strange, weird, crazy… the fact of the matter is that I’m just different than other folks, and that’s alright. We judge others by externals, while side stepping the reality that we DO NOT know them. We do not know their back story. We don’t know their heart. Who are we anyway? How are we living out the gospel to an unbelieving world? Are we so self-absorbed that we are singularly focused on ourselves and nothing else? 

I believe it is better for Christians to interact with the unsaved regularly, without following their behavior. How else can we reach the masses? Staying in our little conclaves, wishing to avoid the front line in the battle for men’s souls, we invent ways to keep the reprobates from dirtying us. Jesus mingled with those in need of redemption on a daily basis. Shouldn’t we be doing the same thing. Just because someone isn’t part of your church or your faith doesn’t make them reprehensible. They require that which we have already obtained... forgiveness. 

            Think of it this way: If a raging fire broke out in your home and you didn’t know because you were sound asleep, would you want someone to come, wake you up and help you escape? Of course you would. So why is that any different than sharing salvation with a person destined for hell? It isn’t is it? Think about that and then ask God for opportunities to be a seed planter of the gospel.  Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries