Thoughts from a Random Mind

 

                  Are we defining the value of others rather than lovingly accepting them for who they are?  The older we get the more entrenched in our prejudices and preconceived notions we get. It’s like scar tissue around our hearts that must be cleared away. The process can be painful because they have been in place, many times, for a number of years. It would be very helpful if we could see others thru God’s eyes, but that is an attribute that we must pray into existence and then cultivate as we would a garden. To get lovely red roses to grow we must tend to them daily; fertilizing, watering, weeding, then repeat. It’s not a one-time deal. Similarly, we must strive to be like Christ each and every day. It’s too easy to fall back into bad habits.

                  How do we establish another person’s value or worth? We do it with a condescending look, casting them beneath us in stature. Instead of valuing them as another of God’s creation, we are actually devaluing them as a means of subconsciously elevating our own stature. If we would be truly honest with ourselves, we are all guilty of this. It is so beneath the child of God to devalue anyone, no matter who they are or what they’ve done. Remember, we are not judge and jury for anyone. Only God is. We are the ones who are to embody God’s love, mercy, kindness, and compassion. The world needs that so badly and all we give them is a Sinner’s Prayer to pray and a list of attributes that are ideally supposed to seek. We accept them conditionally based on their response to the Gospel. If they respond favorably then we accept them … our job is done. If they turn away from our offer of eternal forgiveness, we simply move on to the next person in line. How embarrassing that our belief system has become a numbers game.

                  In spite of our faults, and they are many, God’s shows us love without one single condition placed upon it. Aside from the consequences that come from a poor choice made, we have nothing to be concerned about. What we must do is concentrate on imitating Christ in our daily lives. Bless others by valuing them as a creation of God. The Lord places incredible, immeasurable worth on each one of us. No one person is any more valuable than another. The world’s system is broken. Those with money, power and prestige are valued higher than a homeless person, but in God’s eyes they are equal. We must look at people the same way. 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

 

Does God still heal today? Yes. Is this phrase found in Isaiah 53:5 a promise of God to heal us? It doesn’t appear so if you look at this verse in the context in which it is found. The general tenor of the chapter is about the suffering of Jesus and his subsequent death on a cross. It speaks of what he suffered in detail. It has been referred to by some scholars as the 1^st Gospel. 

Is there truly such a thing as a modern day “faith healer”? We find in the gospels that every one that came to Jesus with a handicap, sickness or disease was touched by him and healed. In the book of Acts who see the same thing happening when the Apostles laid hands on those in need of a healing. Not one person failed to get healed. Not a single one. The same cannot be said of “faith healers”. If someone isn’t healed after they pray for and lay hands on them then it is the one being prayed for...it’s their fault. Not enough faith. Too much unbelief. But nowhere in the gospels or Acts does it say anything about having not enough faith. In Luke 17:19 1 of 10 lepers, when they had been healed, came back to see Jesus and praise God for his healing. This man happened to be a Samaritan, despised by Jews. The faith he showed was that he followed Jesus instructions to show himself to the priests. On the way all 10 were healed but only the Samaritan returned. He did as he was told and came back to give glory to God. On that day that man was healed of his leprosy and of his sins ... a physical and spiritual healing. He put feet to his faith. The question of not having enough faith should be moot because of Jesus own illustration that the disciples only needed faith the size of a mustard seed, no bigger than the head of a straight pin. So not being healed because the person didn’t have enough faith makes no sense. Our faith is found in the asking ... in the seeking. If we had no faith we wouldn’t even bother seeking anything from God. 

While I had thought of this some time ago, I have finally come to the conclusion that while God does indeed heal people today, the wounds suffered by Jesus healed us spiritually by cleansing us of our sins. God does what He knows to be right, and just and in our best interests. We aren’t asked to understand the ways of God, we are only asked to trust Him. God heals as He wills. Some get healed, some receive their healing by being taken from this world, which God knows was the only way to bring them their healing. Not the way we want it, but our desire to hold onto to a loved one when they are critically ill is a very human response and God understands that. It is not wrong to want them with you always, but it isn’t always possible. Trust God that He knows best what must take place. The departed shall never be sick again. 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

The Name of Jesus in Christian Music

 

                  I read a piece the other day that said there are believers out there who will not listen to Christian singers who do not incorporate the name of Jesus in their lyrics. They don’t consider it Christian music. Really? Geez, they refuse to take the entire message for what it is and allow themselves to be inspired or ministered to by it. Wow! In my humble opinion that is shortsighted. Because of that restriction that they themselves have placed on what they listen to they are missing multiple blessings.  Oh well, it’s their choice and they are allowed to it. I guess I just see that as being rigid and intolerant of an individual’s right to express their faith in a way that is different than others. Too bad. Oh well, it is what it is. 

                  Believers in Christ are redeemed, but they still must live out their lives in a world that is contrary to that which God requires. We struggle to hear from God daily. We deal with all sorts of issues that are the same as those living in the world. We are in the world but not of the world once we give our lives over to the Lord. To take a narrow view of anything in this world aside from Christ himself and his work on the cross is not a good thing. No one person is any better or worse than anyone else. The only reason we have anything over those in the world is because of what Christ has done for us and nothing we have done on our own. 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

 

Fight the Urge to Become Complacent

 

            Are you self-satisfied with yourself? I believe that if you are a genuine follower of Jesus Christ, you should never be self-satisfied, because there is always something else to do for the Kingdom of God. Unless your thoughts, words, and deeds are exactly like that of Christ, then you have not arrived. Frankly, none of us will EVER replicate His behavior and demeanor to a tee no matter how long we know Him. 

            Becoming self-satisfied is to become complacent. A colloquial phrase for the same is to “rest on your laurels”. There is much work to do to spread the gospel. There is no time to stand on the sidelines. Remember, God doesn’t NEED YOU but rather has CHOSEN TO USE YOU. You should be humbled by that. It should be considered a great honor. Even when the world turns its collective back on you, God never will. He will give you special gifts and then use you for His own purposes. Though each of us has been created unique, we are not all the same. Quite the contrary. We are all as different as light and dark, hot and cold … created for the master’s use.

            So don’t allow yourself to become self-satisfied, for you are shortchanging yourself. Notoriety is not something a genuine believer needs to seek. We serve a living God who wishes to bless us, in spite of ourselves. So, if you go about spending your time and money on being successful in the world’s eyes, even if done in Jesus’ name, you are barking up the wrong tree. A major mantra from scripture is found in John 3:30, where it says He must become greater, and we must become lesser. 

            In the grand scheme of things, we are inconsequential; however, having said that, God desires to use the weak, inconsequential things of this earth. “Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world; things counted as nothing at all and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.” ^{[1 Corinthians 1:26-28]} Remember that when you think a little too highly of yourself. God loves you unconditionally. Thank you, Lord. 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

 

                  What does it mean to be a Christian? The title ‘Christian’ was adopted by the Antioch church (Acts 11:23-26). It means literally “Christ-like” or “Ones of Christ” or “little Christs” *. There are some that believe that because America has Christian roots based on the beliefs of the country’s founding fathers, if you were born in America you are automatically a Christian. Not quite. If you ask most people if they are a Christian, they will say “of course”. They base their statement on the fact that they believe there is a God but based on the moral and ethical compass they follow it doesn’t seem to go much deeper than simply acknowledging God’s existence. Is there one way to believe? Does it follow some formula; like ‘do this and do that and you are in the club’ type of thing? If you believe God is real, then what about Jesus? Do you believe in him? Do you know what he did for you as an individual? What does it mean to you that based on Jesus’ actions you’ve been forgiven of all your disobedient acts? This information, once realized, should have changed your life, did it? Or are you a Christian in name only?  

                  Do you know why Jesus died? Was there a point to His dying? Should accepting Christ into your heart & life change the direction with which you go in the future? How about this: Because Christ died on a wooden cross for all in the area to see, you and I are set free if we embrace redemption the way we should. What are we free from? Whatever we have done that is displeasing to the Lord. That is referred to as “sin”. What is sin? It can be defined as such: 1. A transgression of a religious or moral law, especially when deliberate.

2.A. Deliberate disobedience to the known will of God; B. A condition of estrangement from God resulting from such disobedience; & C. Something regarded as being shameful, deplorable, or utterly wrong. 

                  The Bible tells us: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23 NLT) So what are you gonna do? Death is assured for all of God’s creation. Where we go after death is up to us. Choose wisely.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Definitions are taken from the American Heritage American Dictionary.

*https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/21020/what-does-christian-mean-acts-1126

Thoughts from a Random Mind

 

Can a Christian lose their salvation?

 

                  Basically, it would seem that there are those who are truly saved and are attempting to please God with their lifestyle and those who simply SAY they are a Christian but exhibit ZERO fruit. Oh, they go to church every time the doors are open and belt out the songs with the best of them. They even become deacons or elders. They say all the appropriate things giving the perception that they are a devoted follower of Jesus. But deep inside their heart of hearts, where only God can see, they are not committed as much as it would appear that they are. Many other worldly endeavors crowd out true commitment until they slowly fade away. Call it “flash in the pan” Christianity. Call it whatever you want, but what the Bible calls it “apostasy” … a falling away. 

                  So that would tell me that the “elect” the Bible speaks of would actually seek forgiveness and exhibit gratitude for the forgiveness they receive. They are those true, hardcore, followers of God’s Word. The ones who seek to grow spiritually continuously with the help of the Holy Spirit within.  To be honest, Christians are not always ON their game. At times they stumble and slip up. Make no mistake about it, Christians fall into sin, but it isn’t a habitual thing. Our humanness just happens to get in the way of God’s plan for us.

                  So CAN a Christian lose their salvation.  The answer to the question above is YES, CINOs or ‘Christians In Name Only’, can indeed lose their salvation, due to the fact that they more than likely never made the initial commitment to Christ and truly got saved to begin with.  Therefore, technically, they cannot lose what they may have never had.  They declare that they are believers and let it be enough. They hang their hat on the statement that all a person needs to do is “believe”. While that is true, that belief must lead you deeper into the truth of God. Imposters have NO intent to grow. They just ride the Jesus train as long as it suits them.

The answer to the question is also NO. Those who are TRUE Christians are sealed at salvation for eternity by the Holy Spirit and cannot lose their salvation. You see, the Lord must be preeminent in your life. He must be your all in all. He must mean more to you than life itself, because He is the giver of life. Sure, as I said earlier, even true believers, being human just the same as unbelievers, will sin from time to time, but with them it will be the exception rather than the rule.

Trust God with your everything and strive to know Him more each day by reading His Word and praying continuously.  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

 

                  What does it mean to be a Christian? The title ‘Christian’ was adopted by the Antioch church (Acts 11:23-26). It means literally “Christ-like” or “Ones of Christ” or “little Christs” *. There are some that believe that because America has Christian roots based on the beliefs of the country’s founding fathers, if you were born in America you are automatically a Christian. Not quite. If you ask most people if they are a Christian, they will say “of course”. They base their statement on the fact that they believe there is a God but based on the moral and ethical compass they follow it doesn’t seem to go much deeper than simply acknowledging God’s existence. Is there one way to believe? Does it follow some formula; like ‘do this and do that and you are in the club’ type of thing? If you believe God is real, then what about Jesus? Do you believe in him? Do you know what he did for you as an individual? What does it mean to you that based on Jesus’ actions you’ve been forgiven of all your disobedient acts? This information, once realized, should have changed your life, did it? Or are you a Christian in name only?  

                  Do you know why Jesus died? Was there a point to His dying? Should accepting Christ into your heart & life change the direction with which you go in the future? How about this: Because Christ died on a wooden cross for all in the area to see, you and I are set free if we embrace redemption the way we should. What are we free from? Whatever we have done that is displeasing to the Lord. That is referred to as “sin”. What is sin? It can be defined as such: 1. A transgression of a religious or moral law, especially when deliberate.

2.A. Deliberate disobedience to the known will of God; B. A condition of estrangement from God resulting from such disobedience; & C. Something regarded as being shameful, deplorable, or utterly wrong. 

                  The Bible tells us: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23 NLT) So what are you gonna do? Death is assured for all of God’s creation. Where we go after death is up to us. Choose wisely.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Definitions are taken from the American Heritage American Dictionary.

*https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/21020/what-does-christian-mean-acts-1126

Thoughts from a Random Mind

 

                 Sometimes, just when you think things are at their darkest a light appears. We, as believers in Jesus Christ, try to do the right thing and want to live lives that are pleasing to God, but fall into the continual trap of fretting and worrying. It is normal behavior, yet so unnecessary. I concern myself far less than I used to about the future, but that doesn’t mean I don’t get concerned. The future can appear very daunting at times. There is a certain blackness about it; void of any color. It’s exactly like entering into a pitch dark room. Even after your eyes adjust to the darkness you still cannot see. If we are a Christian, we have a built in light; He is the Holy Spirit. Although we still cannot see where we are going, if we rely on God’s Spirit to guide us, we will end up where we are supposed to be. We cannot make it in this life all by ourselves. There is no prize at the end for doing so. Only death awaits us, for it comes to us all. Even the conclusiveness of death cannot put a damper on the hope that should be within the genuine believer, for God is in us and will take us into His eternal rest when our life is over. For the Christian, the unknown is nothing to fear. We should embrace the unknown for in it lies the plans God has for us. He has never, nor will he ever fail us or leave us behind. It is His solemn promise in His word. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6) “Them” represents all the unknowns that awaited the Jews after they crossed Jordan into the Promised Land of Canaan. It also can represent all that is unknown to you. Don’t lose your focus.

 

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.”

[Words & music by Helen H. Lemmel; 1863-1961]

 

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

 

Today I believe I will simply extol the virtues of our loving and faithful God.  God is truly marvelous.  He is creative in all His ways and is the epitome of loving kindness and faithfulness.  Scripture tells us in 2 Timothy 2:13 that God is faithful to His children even when we are unfaithful because He cannot deny or disown Himself.  On our best day we can become so involved in our daily activities that God never enters our mind even one time; however, God is always thinking about us.  He cares what we think, say, and do at all times.  He is the proto-typical father in that He is perfect in every way in His care and assistance to His children.  Unlike earthly fathers, there is nothing God cannot do.  His way is always the way we should go for He has laid it out for us and although He is with us, is also at the end of the path to greet us.  God is ever-present.  Panic can take place when calamity arises & we lose our focus or take our eyes off the Lord altogether.  He is patient and will guide us back to where we need to be if we ask.  In the face of mounting criticism of Christianity and God in general, I still see no reason not to stand fast in my belief of Almighty God, for if He is who He says He is and I believe He is, then those who are opposed to Him can do nothing to me anyway unless God allows it for His own purposes.  Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! May His name be praised 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

 

The question is sometimes asked: what is true love? It isn’t lust. In fact it has nothing to do with the physical side of a relationship at all. I have the answer and it is right in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

 

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

 

Not only does it help us see what true love is supposed to look like, it also reveals to us the type of love our Heavenly Father has for us. These words easily describe the characteristics of our God. Let these words sink in. Apply them to your own relationships. Understand that with regards to God we are not in any way, shape, or form worthy of such love by our Creator. We have spent much of our lives straining at the leash rather than seeking and following His will for us. We have taken His love and forgiveness for granted. We have made His grace to be a cheap thing by the way we have lived. Yet God loves us still. His love is never changing. It is constant, just like He is. Let the words burn into your heart. This is the model for loving someone. This is the way we are to love ourselves, our spouses, our parents, our children and our brothers and sisters in the Lord. A good goal would be to seek to love others the way God loves us.  

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 saw a sign recently that said in part, “Hope reflects belief.” With 2024 in the past and 2025 just beginning, we should pause for a moment to take stock of what we believe in. I believe in many things. Most of those things are tied to my strong belief in God. I can’t prove He is there, but I have chosen to believe that He is and that His grace has carried me to where I now stand. Millions of people believe as I do. Millions do not. That is their right. To those who do not, where does their hope come from? What is it based on? I am banking on the fact that the Bible is true. If it is, then it tells me all I need to know about God. It’s a strange concept, this believing in an invisible spirit being. I just know that I have relied on my belief in God for over 45 years and it has pulled me through some very difficult times. If hope truly reflects our beliefs than my future is bright and if you are in relationship with God, then yours is too. You see, God promises us a future filled with blessing, peace, and fulfillment. Without God how can there be any hope at all? What would it be based on, man’s abilities? They are finite, God’s are infinite. It only takes a spark of faith to give birth to hope. I can hope because if I live for God, following His guide for living – the Bible, I cannot fail. I know I can’t because there is no failure in God. Therein lies my hope for the future. Where does your hope lie and in whom? 

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

 

The introductory line for my ministry ought to be: “God has a word for you today”. Why? Because that is quite literally true. Whatever you seek this day, God has a word for you. It may be the answer to a burning question or a word of direction; it may be a word that gives you comfort or peace. Words give hope. Words give guidance. Since we believe that God is all seeing and all knowing, doesn’t it seem plausible that He would have a very definitive word for you today … perhaps right now. How will you hear that word? Will you hear it from the God’s word, the Bible? Will you hear it from a brother or sister in Christ? Will you hear it from your pastor? God loves us and has a perfect will for us; a perfect plan that He is orchestrating from His throne. We need to engage our faith to believe that and see it unfold in our lives. We cannot see it with human eyes, but rather with the eyes of the spirit. The Holy Spirit enables us to see that which God is revealing to us. No matter what your situation is today, God has a word for you. Seek that word out. Ask Him to reveal it to you. Pray for wisdom. He wants you to be successful for the kingdom of God. He wants to bless you. He wants to use you to bless others. 

                  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 you are is what you do.” – C.S. Lewis 

 

          Now I don’t pretend to know exactly what was on his mind when Mr. Lewis said this, but I have an idea what he might have meant. Example: I am a writer, so I write. A swimmer swims, a logger logs and so on. So what does a Christian do? First, what is a Christian? A genuine Christian is a person who has accepted his sinful state, submitted to the grace of God, and received forgiveness. This forgiveness isn’t a one-time deal for immediate sins, but rather forgiveness for sins past, present and future. A genuine Christian recognizes his inability to make it in this life on his own. A genuine Christian has a personal forever relationship with Almighty God. What he does with all this reveals the true state of his heart. You see, God never judges man by his outward appearance, but rather by the condition of his heart. A genuine Christian strives to be more like Christ each day. A genuine Christian is compelled to read the word of God. A genuine Christian has a heart for lost souls. These are just some of the things a Christian is. What he does is an outcropping of who he is. It is something we grow into. Once we receive Christ we are not expected to be the quintessential Christian, perfect in every way. What we are is cultivated as we walk with God. I have walked with God for over 46 years, and I am still learning and growing. When we stop learning we stop growing and begin to stagnate. I have had periods of stagnation in my life. They weren’t God’s fault, but my own. So now the question is yours: who are 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

 

You know what’s nice?  Having friends.  People to share your highs and your lows. People who can sympathize and empathize with you; people who can laugh and cry with you. People who don’t judge you. People who understand you and even if they don’t, accept you and love you just the same.  Having friends over for dinner is nice.  Sharing food; breaking bread.  They don’t have to share your religious affiliation or your political views; heck, they don’t even have to root for the same sports teams (who knew Giant and Eagle fans could co-mingle and not kill each other?).  Friends are a valuable part of the fabric of our lives.  Playing board games, playing cards, going to the movies, going out to eat; spending time together.  Nothing heavy.  Nothing life altering.  Nothing traumatic.  Just good, clean, honest-to-goodness fun.  No fighting. No arguing. Having someone remember the same old commercial jingles you remember.  Singing the chorus from a nearly forgotten song together.  Telling stories to one another, sharing life. It’s a good thing and it’s nice.   

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

 

It’s quiet. No sound whatsoever. Clutter around my laptop. It’s indicative of the life that I have led. Amid the clutter and chaos that has been my life I have one place that is clutter-free and calm. It’s my laptop. My laptop is concise and organized. THAT is indicative of my relationship with God. While I don’t understand why I needed to go through all I have been through in my life, I know now more than I did then and am the wiser for it. I know now that God is incredibly faithful in spite of my unfaithfulness. I know now that God will never, ever look away from me no matter what. He is a mighty God who knows me better than I could ever know myself and better than I could ever comprehend Him. I know what I know, and I don’t need proof. I know in my heart, mind, and soul that God is real and no matter what the skeptics say or do, I will always believe in Him. I haven’t made a dime from my books, but I know that I am a success in God’s eyes because I believe I am being obedient to the call He has placed upon me. I am using my gift. It isn’t a gift that I purchased somewhere. It’s a gift that was given to me by God. I write. I believe I write well. That is not a credit to me, but rather to my God who has enabled me to write well. If I reach one soul, touch one heart, encourage one person, instruct, admonish, or enlighten one individual with what I have written then I will be a raging success in heaven. I do it because I believe in my heart that I was born to do it and I do it because God wishes me to do it. May I never take from God the credit that is solely His. I am truly nothing without Him.

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

 

In CS Lewis’ book Mere Christianity, he makes an interesting and profoundly logical argument for Christ being the Son of God.  In it he says we are truthfully left no other choice but to consider Christ either a lunatic or a demon from hell … or what He claimed to be, the actual Son of God.  Those are the options.  Nothing lies in between.  To call Him a great moral teacher is an insult, for He was far more than that.  Great moral teachers don’t heal the sick and raise the dead.  Great moral teachers don’t reach out, in full view of many, and heal an ear that has been cut off by one of His disciples.  No, He was either a crazy man, demon, or deity.  I personally opt for deity because He has come into my soul, filled me with His Spirit and changed my life for the better more than anything or anyone else ever could.  I have disappointed Him with my actions at times, but still He loves me.  One could never find a greater friend and savior than Jesus Christ.  My life would be empty and my future without hope were it not for my Lord and Savior.  My eternity is secure because of Him for He paid a debt He didn’t owe.  I had no way of paying that debt and He picked up the tab.  He bore my shame.  He took on my sin.  No, this man was no lunatic.  He was no demon.  He was the Son of God, and He shall always, and forever be worthy of praise.

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

 

If you make enough dumb mistakes do you get kicked out of the game? I’ve gone through life thinking I was one type of person only to realize that I am someone totally different. I knew I wasn’t selfless, but I wouldn’t have categorized myself as selfish … at least not until now. I’m no different than anyone else. I’m selfish. I should also state that I can tend to be very hard on myself. Some are not at all hard on themselves and thus give themselves a free pass regarding many, if not most, character flaws. Some folks think way too highly of themselves. Me … I tend to think much less of myself than maybe I should.   False humility … I don’t think so; at least I certainly hope not. That isn’t my intention. All I want out of life is some peace and quiet, kindness, love, mercy, and a nice clean beach to sit on so I can watch (and listen to) the ocean waves roll in. Okay, so I probably want a little more out of life, but that is all I can think of at the moment. I have most of that and I should be content. Yeah, I am. But deep down inside I still wonder if there is a limit to God’s patience. 

                Fortunately for me God doesn’t keep count of wrongs. It is equally fortunate that God understands us better than we understand ourselves. I’m glad He knows why I do some of the silly things I do, cuz I am clueless. God is good, we are trying … yes, we can be very trying indeed. God is patient, we are not. And some day, in spite of myself, I will go to heaven to live with Him forever. And if you are redeemed, so will you, in spite of yourself.

                  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

 

IRRELEVANT - not connected with or relevant to something. 

EXTRANEOUS - not forming an essential or vital part. 

 

            In my efforts to become more like Christ (which I am not doing very well at), I acquired a word that I thought defined my role in the relationship: irrelevant. I use John 3:30, “He must become greater, and I must become lesser” as my mantra. After taking a closer look at the definition of the word and pondering the topic a bit I thought of another word that would be more appropriate: extraneous. One of the meanings of extraneous is ‘not forming an essential or vital part’. That is perfect. While I am of immeasurable value to God, I am of little importance in the overall scheme of things. Now I expect that some might have an objection to my using this word to describe life with Christ, but it works for me. As the old saying goes, ‘if the shoe fits, wear it’.

            In the course of my life from now on I will try my best to become extraneous when involved in things of an eternal nature. Christ must increase in my life; His will, His desires, His precepts, His love, and mercy, etc. My will and desires must become less essential … non-vital, in my life. That is what I mean by ‘becoming extraneous’. I even had a tee shirt made with that phrase on it and the scripture John 3:30 as a reminder to me and a message to those around me: in our lives as Christians, Christ must become all important and we must become unimportant. I recognize my place in God’s world; I am but a single grain of sand on the immense beaches of all eternity. I also understand that while I am but a single grain of sand I am also capable of all things through Christ who strengthens me ^{(Philippians 4:13)} and I can be used as a conduit for God’s glory. I revel in my role as a grain of sand for God.

            It is my feeling that we as believers should all seriously consider joining the ‘becoming extraneous’ team. 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

 

                 Life can be challenging a lot of the time. As Christians, if we have been taught properly and have a solid spiritual foundation, we can usually rise above the chaos and turmoil. We are painfully human and struggle more times than we need to, but God understands. He made us and knows all about us. He has a tremendous arsenal of spiritual weapons available to us, yet we have this annoying habit of trying to go it alone. Not needing help is all well and good, but why row a boat against the current when a motor is readily available? One of these days we will all begin to realize who we are in Christ and start to assert ourselves spiritually, being bold in the face of trials and ministering fearlessly to those oppressed and in need. Until then, I suppose we will just continue to row.  

                  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

 

            Sitting on the back porch in the cool of the morning sipping on my coffee, I quietly look at the scene around me; trees rustling in the breeze, birds chirping and flitting about, a lone butterfly fluttering from tree to shrub to tree. The blue skies are dotted with clouds. It promises to be a very nice day. As I sit, I ponder God’s creation; those things that are natural and those that are manmade.  How must things have looked even 100 years ago, untouched by humanity.  In the name of progress we tore down only to build up again … monuments to our intellect and know how. However, in that moment all is serene. They say silence is golden and that is very true. I enjoy sitting on the porch soaking in the silence. It seems to clear my head and firm my resolve to do great things for God. I thanked Him for all the things in my life that have helped mold my character. I wouldn’t be who I am without the gracious hand of God moving upon me. His forgiveness and mercy are undeserved, yet appreciated, for I know that without God’s redemptive act in my life I would be lost. I reflect on the scene around me once again and find peace in the quiet. It promises to be a very nice day. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

NOTE: This post is from July 2019. Enjoy ...

Thoughts from a Random Mind

 

Ever wonder what it would be like if we got whatever we wanted whenever we wanted it? What a chaotic mess that would be. The impulsive person inside of us would want all sorts of things that we would rarely, if ever, use. Our needs would get lost in the midst of a sea of desires. It’s a good thing God knows our needs better than we do, because if not our world would be a lot more cluttered than it already is.

God watches out for us. He takes care of us. How do people live this life without the forgiveness and subsequent hope that God provides? I don’t know the answer to that; all I know is that I appreciate from the bottom of my heart what God has done for me. So I weigh that which I think I might want with that which I know I need and decide appropriately. I look at the pros and cons of acquiring my want and take the time to seek the wisdom of God (most of the time). Those things that I wanted but truly didn’t need end up gathering dust and taking up space; those things that I truly needed are consumed and then reacquired. God knows what He’s doing. It’s not all about us, but about God.

There are so many times that we make poor decisions based on faulty information or frivolous desires. Almighty God has a solution for that; simply give our lives over to Him lock, stock and barrel. Seek His face daily and find out what His perfect will is for your life. As a result of doing that you will more than likely become refocused and redirected back onto that narrow path that leads to your eternal home.

 

Isaiah 55:6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.”

 

         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

 

poser - one who pretends to be someone they’re not; someone who tries to fit in but with exaggeration. *

            Have you ever ‘people watched’ before. I used to do it in college at the mall because I didn’t have two nickels to rub together, and it was something to do. You can see some interesting looking people doing that. Some look normal by your own definition of normal and some look different. Some are what I would refer to as posers. They are trying so hard to present themselves as something they probably are not by the way that they dress, speak, act, and walk. You see it in malls, on boardwalks at the shore, just about anywhere. I wonder what their situations are. I wonder what they do for a living. I wonder why they feel they have to be a poser. I wonder if they know God. 

            Speaking of God, the other day I had someone ask me if I considered myself religious or spiritual? I said I wasn’t religious; that my belief was relational, that I had a relationship with God. She didn’t pursue it any further, but I shall. Having a relationship with someone is so much more intimate than just believing in them. I have spent the last 45 years of my life cultivating a relationship with Almighty God. I have good days and bad days, productive days and days that are not productive at all. All the while God has decided to love me. It was a decision He put into play before I was ever born. Being a God who doesn’t play favorites, He feels the same way about you. Did you know that? Perhaps all those folks who are trying so hard to fit in might like to slide into a comfortable relationship with the One who made them. Perhaps someday I will have the opportunity to tell them.

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

* definition thanks to www.urbandictionary.com

Thoughts from a Random Mind

 

          Where do people in the world today find hope? Is it in themselves and their own abilities? Is it in the government? Is it in family and friends? Superheroes came out of someone’s imagination, so they aren’t real and therefore are of no use to us. Our government can’t seem to get things right so we can’t count on them for hope. If we are painfully honest with ourselves, even on our best day our efforts and abilities don’t quite cut it in the long haul. It is my contention and strong belief that God is our only source of hope in a lost and dying world. Any other hope is imagined and not real. Any other source of hope is temporal at best; fleeting hope is no hope at all.

 

Romans 15:12-13 “… Isaiah says, ‘The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.’ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

 

          The Root of Jesse is Jesus Christ. Jesse was the father of David and Jesus is in the line of David, therefore He is considered in scripture to be the root of the family tree. In Christ we find our hope. It is not a passing hope that will pass away, but rather a hope that is eternal. Paul declares in Romans that in Christ the gentiles will find hope. The Holy Spirit of God infuses us to overflowing with hope. The return of Christ in the clouds for His people, referred to as ‘the Rapture’ of the church, is called the Blessed Hope of the church. We have hope in things yet unseen. Hope is a byproduct of faith and trust. We believe in God to begin with out of faith. We trust that He is who He says He is. We finally realize that that light at the end of life’s tunnel is the light of God and not an oncoming train. We can find rest in our hope. The world is striving, pushing, pulling, lunging forward constantly and in the process, is seeking hope and peace. Hope is found only in God. When hope is found, can peace be far behind? 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

 

          Life can be a peculiar thing. One day you’re flying high, and all is right with the world, the next everything comes crashing down. I have spent more time in my life apologizing for idiotic things I have either said or done that I am nearly exhausted. You would think I would have learned my lessons by now, but I still say and do some pretty silly things from time to time. I believe I am starting to learn though. At 69 years of age I think it’s about time. Through all the rubble that has been left in my wake, there is hope. I serve a patient God who knows me so much better than I know myself. I am trying not to look backward at the rubble, but rather forward at the promise of a new tomorrow. God has been very gracious and kind to me in spite of my own stupidity. Yes, I am incredibly hard on myself, but I always have been so that is no surprise. Perhaps being hard on myself has been a godsend in a way for I always knew better than the way I was acting and held myself to a lofty goal of living right. God didn’t look at my past mistakes and cast me aside, but rather embraced me and gave me the love and patience I needed to get to where I am now. The books I write are from a heart that has been bruised and beaten up, yet still has passion for God. I love God so much and yet have never seen Him. I know that is possible because I have a relationship just like that this side of heaven. I know a dear brother in Christ who lives in Tulsa, OK. I have never laid eyes on him either, but he has been a source of kindness, acceptance, and inspiration through the years we have known each other. It is that relationship that helps me accept that God is real, and it doesn’t matter one little bit that I cannot see Him. Without God I have no idea where I would be or what I would be doing, but I know this, it wouldn’t be nearly as exciting or rewarding. 

 

Lord, thank You for my life. You saved me from myself and for that I am eternally grateful. Help me live a better life for 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

 

“It’s so hard to see what you see in me / Would you lay it out for me?”

- “Best I Can” by Decyfer Down

 

            That’s the way I feel sometimes. “God, what on earth do You see in me that makes You want to love me the way you do?” You see, I know myself all too well, but so does God. Decyfer Down is a Christian Rock group. Their song “Best I Can” ministers to me because it acknowledges our sinfulness and our efforts to try to improve. God knows we are trying if we truly are and comes to our aid if necessary. Any struggles I have had have largely been my own doing. A bad decision here, poor judgment there and voilà, you have a big mess, hurts and all. I’m reminded of Paul’s poignant words in Romans 7:15-16a, 18b-20 and 24 … “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, … I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. … What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?”

           God provides the answer to Paul’s question in Jesus Christ. Yes, we are most definitely wretched men in our words, thoughts, and deeds. Not 100% of the time, but a lot of the time. We can do nothing to please God in and of ourselves. God knew this and sent the solution for our dilemma; His Son. Christ’s death frees us from our sin; we need to embrace that fact and allow it to transform us so that we are a little less wretched each day. You may be thinking to yourself, “I don’t think I’m wretched.” Really? Who are you comparing yourself to? If it’s anyone besides God then you are making an incorrect comparison. The Lord is the gold standard. Comparing ourselves to God is the only far, honest comparison that will shine a light on us, showing us how wretched we truly are. Having said that we need to remember, it’s not all about us; it is about living for God one day at a time. 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 recently remembered something that took place several years ago.  I had gone to church and upon entering the sanctuary I saw a lone old man sitting on the back row against the wall. I meandered over and sat down next to him, extended my right hand, and said “Hi, my name is Rich.” He shook my hand, smiled, and responded with “I’m Charlie.” We chatted a bit. I sat with Charlie during the service. I made a point of saying “Hi” to Charlie each time I saw him and made sure to ask how he was doing each time. He always sat by himself, alone. No one else ever spoke with him or came up to greet him. I honestly never gave it a second thought. 

                A couple months later it was announced from the pulpit that “Charlie” had passed away. I put two and two together and realized that it was the Charlie I had been speaking to. I asked the pastor about him and found out that Charlie had not been a very good man. Seems he mistreated his wife and was simply a very, very bad man. We discussed how perhaps it was his way of making some sort of peace with God. I began to think. You know, I knew nothing of Charlie’s misdeeds during this life and greeted him and was nice to him as if he had never done anything wrong in his life. The thought crossed my mind at that very moment, and I shared it with Pastor:  Isn’t that just the way God is with us?

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries