Thoughts from a Random Mind

 

Once you’ve been seen as a person of low integrity by others, it’s very difficult to gain a person’s trust again. God forgives; man typically does not. Those who know God and walk with Him can make somewhat of a recovery as far as being trusted again, but the consequences can be rough. When you aren’t trusted for legitimate reasons, you’ve shot yourself in the foot, quite literally. You’ve singlehandedly made your life a lot harder than it had to be.

That is precisely why a believer simply MUST dedicate time to knowing the Lord better and learn to emulate Christ. We cannot live this life without some outside help. Worldly help is risky business since the world is inwardly and not outwardly focused. We are inconsequential in God’s universal plan. In other words, He doesn’t NEED us to make His plan work; rather God has CHOSEN to use us and that my friends is a whole lot different than Him NEEDING us. He sees value in us. He knows what we can become with His influence firmly planted within our heart & mind. The catch is that we HAVE TO submit to His leadership in our lives. If you aren’t willing to entertain that proposal, then you’ve made your decision and once you die it becomes irreversible. 

If you don’t believe in there being an Almighty God who loves you and desires to have a relationship with you, then all I have to say is “YOU BETTER BE RIGHT.” 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

 

Understanding how fragile and brief life truly is, I honestly don’t waste a lot of time pondering its brevity. I’ve tried to make the most out of my life for the Lord in the comparatively short time that we all have?

                  I say our lives are brief because of the point of reference I am using. My point of reference is the longevity of God’s existence. It’s really no different than the bigness of God compared to His creation; namely man. We are nothing more than single grains of sand on the beaches of creation, especially when compared to the vastness of the universe and the Lord’s preeminence.

                  There appears to be a whole lot of folks in the world today who have an over-inflated sense of importance. They seem to think they are better than all others in intellect, status, looks, and so on. Only God knows who is serious about their commitment to Him.  Selfishness, laced with arrogance, is a poor path to follow. These type of people don’t think about the frailty of life, but rather have the odd notion that they will never die.

                  Life is too short to waste time on trivial matters. God is to be our primary focus. Understanding who He is and who we are in relation to Him is crucial to our spiritual growth. So don’t focus on the shortness of time, but rather focus on how you can make the most out of the time we have for the Lord. 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 world is filled with hatred and the vilest sort of evil that it leaves our collective heads spinning. It makes us bone weary. In our efforts to replicate the behavioral traits of Jesus we find Satanic opposition at every turn. The hatred that is percolating right below the surface is bringing about stiff resistance to Christianity. Notice that other “religious beliefs” are not mentioned. Why? Because they present no threat to the enemy. 

Jesus is THE ONE WAY to heaven and THAT is why He comes under attack so often from Satanic forces. It makes walking by faith a bit more of a challenge. But we must never lose sight of who God is & who we are IN HIM. 

With God there is nothing to fear. With God, by association, there is nothing we cannot do in His name. Faith and trust in God is what we need to survive in this world. He is the only One that can wipe your proverbial slate clean and give you a new start. He is the only One with the resources (Christ’s blood) to simply remove one’s sin permanently and for all time. God is the only One who can provide the way to an eternity with Him. 

So don’t look at the potential problems that loom off in the distant, but rather look at that which is right beside you, namely, Jesus Christ, the author and completer of our faith.

Refocus on that which is positive and refresh your mind with His word daily. We’re in a war of good vs. evil and though we already know that good wins, we need to play it out. Trust the Lord to lead you to the Promised Land. 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 strength of what we believe is measured by how much we are willing to suffer for those beliefs.” ^{P.1989; Life Application Study Bible.}

 

                  How strong are your religious beliefs? Would you be willing to suffer and die for those beliefs? If not then why do you bother to believe them? No one ever promised that you wouldn’t face persecution for your faith in God. In fact down thru the centuries untold numbers have suffered and died for what they believe. What would you do if it came to that in your own life? 

            I would like to think that I would stand tall in the face of all opposition. I love the Lord with all my heart and while I’m a highly imperfect representative for Christ, I am covered by His blood and bound for heaven. He loves me unconditionally and without reservation. At the critical moment when He was dragged off to His own crucifixion, Jesus had NO regrets for He knew it had to be done and that He was the only one able to do it. His blood was the only perfect blood specimen that could satisfy the payment due for the sins of all mankind. What He did for me I can never repay except with faithful obedience, and joyful worship. 

            Have you ever thought about how you would react should your life be required of you for your faith in Jesus? Think long and hard about that because it’s an important question. When we access our own ability to withstand pain and suffering, never forget that God is in ultimate control of all things and whatever He either causes or allows to happen is for our ultimate good. Do you believe that? I hope so, because it’s true. 

            Don’t lose sleep over the possibility of having to suffer for your faith. If it happens one day God will see you thru it. But it may never happen prior to the Rapture of the Saints. Trust God and know that He is with you wherever you go. 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

 

“Suddenly” is an interesting word... it typically leads into a big event in time. Take Pentecost... “On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place.  Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.” (Acts 2:1-2 NLT) It took place just as Jesus had said.

            When Jesus asked Peter to come to Him on the water, Peter was up for it and stepped out on the water. Prior to Jesus arrival a storm had whipped up. That particular area by the Galilean Sea was prone to sudden storms swooping down and causing havoc. This was what the scene was when Peter stepped onto the water.  “So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted.” ^{(Matthew 14:29-30 NLT)} Now this example doesn’t actually use the word ‘suddenly’, but based on the meteorological history of that region. Storms “suddenly” popped up seemingly out of nowhere, which makes this example qualify.

            Another example that doesn’t actually use the word “suddenly”, would qualify based on the nature of the event. “Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!” ^{(Exodus 14:21-22)} Because of Moses obedience in simply raising his hand over the sea, the Lord sent a “strong east wind” to blow ALL NIGHT. Sounds like it was a “sudden” event to me. It started suddenly at God’s command and was sustained throughout the night. Miraculous.

            The Rapture of the Church or the “catching away” of the saints is a sudden event that Paul speaks of in his letter to the Thessalonian church. “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” ^{(1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NLT) “}For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.” ^{(1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 NLT)}

            The reason I share about the word “suddenly” is because God is timeless and therefore not under the restraints that time can put on people. He does as He pleases without immediate warning, though there is more than likely some sort of warning woven into the scriptures. Since the sudden nature of certain future events we should live ready, for we may not have a seconds notice to get ready. Study the nature of God. Understand what it means to serve Him with your whole heart. This life isn’t all about YOU. It’s about GOD. Live like you believe that. Until next time, walk with the King & treat others as you’d like to be treated.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

Where is the Church?

 

            Evil is slowly taking a foothold in our country and around the world. While I don’t expect it to win in the long run, it is showing itself globally. Where is the church? Between woke pastors and ambivalent, apathetic congregations, we are starting to become irrelevant.

Zealous bible believing Christians are being targeted as dangerous as dying for your faith is becoming more prevalent in the world. And where is the church? Asleep at the wheel? Churches are supposed to be training believers to become Christ-like, yet instead they seem more interested in allowing the forming of cliques and creating a social club atmosphere where worship seems for like a performance and greeting time seems staged. What can be done?

          Unless individuals become serious about living for God there is little hope of resurrecting the church. So many people identify as Christians these days and whether they are or not is God’s call, not mine, but so many people seem to be lazy about their spirituality. People are believing the lie of ‘deconstructionism’, which is causing many to either become confused or leave the faith altogether. People don’t test their source of information enough. Is what is being preached today biblical? Most don’t have any idea because they’d rather be spoon fed than feed themselves. Too many “so-called” Christians have no idea what the Bible even says, because they don’t read it.

          We need to pray for an honest to goodness revival in this land and around the world. I’m hearing that revival is rising up on college campuses. People have had enough of the hate culture that is being spewed out on a daily basis. The purveyors of lies and false teachings will not go unchecked forever. The end for them will not be pretty.

Pray. It’s the most lethal weapon we have in our arsenal. Pray for our country. Pray for revival. Pray for spiritual growth within yourself. Seek wisdom and discernment. Only God can help us. Only God is faithful and true. Justice is coming for those who do evil deeds. God’s timing is always perfect. We must have patience and pray.

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

Addendum: This post is not an indictment on all Christians & all churches; far from it. I know there are those out there who are diligently doing God’s work & I praise God for that. This is directed at those who are misguided & misinformed by less than biblical leaders. They should know better. We need to gird ourselves for a spiritual war, because unless God intervenes that’s what’s coming. rlk

Happy 4th!!

 

Thoughts from a Random Mind

 

                  Why do babies suffer and die? Why do good people suffer and die? It is a nearly impossible question to answer, because God doesn’t explain his actions. People walk away from God because they cannot wrap their mind around the ‘why’ of it. At the risk of being trite I hold my tongue. I can repeat the typical reasons that are spit out to a hurting public, but I refrain because I truly don’t know. I don’t have all the answers and God isn’t interested at this time in providing them. It seems to fall under the category of either, “I will talk, says the Lord, and you will listen” or “I will ask the questions, and you will answer.” God was like that with Job. 

Believing doesn’t necessarily require understanding; neither does it need facts to substantiate our faith. Call it blind faith if you want, but it is what it is. We cannot change events in time, nor can we solve all the world’s problems. All we can do is trust God at his word. Sometimes that is much easier said than done. 

For example, I can see why some would say that God is mean to allow little children to contract a disease, but we live in a fallen world where EVERYONE is a sinner. Perfection was the plan in the beginning, but allowing free will to do as we please shines a spotlight on man’s tendency to serve himself at the expense of others. Eve fell for Satan’s deception, and Adam followed right along, and that gave birth to man’s sinful nature.

Some make the argument that babies and toddlers couldn’t have sinned. But once they can walk, who teaches them to get into things they’re not supposed to get into? Once they speak, who teaches them to lie? Every man, woman, and child is born with a sinful nature. The only cure is the blood of Christ.

God does exactly what He knows is the best thing to do for all parties concerned. He knows infinitely more than we do, so although we may never understand, He has His reasons. Just because we don’t agree doesn’t make God wrong. It’s a matter of trust.

Until next time, walk with the King & be kind to others.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

Sometimes I don’t understand myself. I’m gripey and moody and just in an overall foul mood. While I try to blame it on someone else’s words or actions towards me that would be an incorrect approach. I, and I alone am the commander of my ship. I have failed to use self-control. I have allowed the darker side of me take control and I don’t like that. I am a work in progress… have been under construction since the day I gave my heart to Christ. March 21, 1979… my spiritual birthday.

I know the Lord loves me because when I feel the most unlovable He blesses me with a scripture, or a song, or a message online or in a book and I know He and I are alright. I still hate myself for acting the way I do or when I cuss out of shear frustration. That, I suppose, is the old me clawing to come out, but is it the real me? Is THAT the real me that is being altered or is what I am becoming a little bit more each day the real me? I honestly don’t know. 

I am grateful for God’s patience with me. I know who I am in reality. A seriously broken version of what the Lord created 71 years ago. I’m trying to be what God knows I can be, but at times my mind gets tangled up in the craziness this world has become. I want to please the Lord more than anything and I am grateful that He knows my heart. I am a different person than I was prior to my conversion, and I feel that and know that. The enemy puts up so many roadblocks to trip us up and if we aren’t paying close attention we will go flying and end of doing a face plant on the ground. 

So if you’re like me, try your best with the Lord’s help to not be too hard on yourself. Feed your spirit regularly and DO NOT entertain yourself with questionable things. The Lord wants the best for all of us, but that is hard for us to attain when we continue to step full body into the sinkholes of life. Focus on Christ. Razor sharp focus. Know that God loves each one of us. Don’t doubt it because of your behavior, simply accept it and embrace it. You’ll be better off for it in the end. 

I love you all and appreciate the time you take to read my ramblings. It means God is still using me. Lord, richly bless all my readers with blessings that will take them to the next level in their walk with You. Amen. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing, and always remember, it costs nothing to be kind.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

 

What standard for living do you follow? One of your own making? Based on what? How you’re feeling? Is it universally applicable? Almighty God has a plan all mapped out for you. We’re all made different, unique unto ourselves; so God would have a separate plan specifically designed for each one of His children. If you’d like to know it you need to establish a personal relationship with Him and listen to what He says in His Word to find it out. 

It feels like most folks outside of the family of God have a broken moral compass. They don’t seem to know anymore what is good and what is bad; what is right and what is wrong.  I think societal disfunction has a lot to do with that. The fact that mankind strives to achieve complete autonomy; the ability to rule themselves, contributes to the problem. Over stimulation of our senses can contribute to mental chaos, which can also keep folks from seeing reality. Their vision has become blurred, and they’ve become spiritually blind as well. 

The enemy of our souls presents to all of us, both Christian and non-Christian alike, contradictory information that breeds confusion. Our ship is listing and as a result, and we are taking on water. Only a strong relationship with the “author and finisher of our faith” can right the ship. Only the Lord can bail us out. Only the Lord is readily available to assist us and feed us the truth we need to thwart the disruptive plans of the enemy.

Don’t fight it. Surrender to the supernatural plan that has been designed with you in mind. No, it won’t make everything perfect, but it will take you to a place where things will begin to make sense from a godly point of view. We cannot DO this thing called life on our own, as many times as the enemy encourages us to do just that. The master planner (God) can and will see you through life’s maze. 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 

 

“Why do You use me to make Yourself known… I’m a poor reflection of Your love & mercy.  At times my thoughts are so far from Your own. Lift me up & rescue me from myself.”  *

 

            A lyrical thought that feels like it’s something a lot of us could be saying to God. Why do you bother using me when I am fragile and broken, seemingly beyond repair.  Your love for me, while undeniable, seems way too good to be true. With no example of it this side of heaven, it is nearly impossible to fathom.

            I am indeed a very poor reflection of your love, mercy, compassion, peace... I wish I knew if others saw even a flicker of your light from my words and/or actions, but I have no assurance of that. 

            At times I feel like Paul when he wrote to the Roman believers regard how he does what he knows not to do, and doesn’t do that which he knows he should be doing. My thoughts can tend to be everywhere except where they should be at times; that being on You. 

            I need rescuing from myself. How about you? I love the Lord with all my heart, but I feel I fail Him regularly either by being lazy or apathetic. I know walking with You is where I need to be and am determined to allow you to lead me on into my future with no fear or hesitation. 

You are always with me, even when I don’t sense Your presence. Thank you for saving my soul... thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for Your grace. Thank you for your patience with me.

If you question your own walk with Christ, understand this: just the fact that you care enough to feel that way means there is hope for your spiritual resuscitation. It’s a spiritually healthy endeavor to assess your commitment to Christ and make sure you’re not fading away slowly. If this is you, don’t focus on how bad you think you are as a believer, but rather focus on the Lord and everything that HE IS. He is what’s important. Focus on Him & not yourself. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

* Bone Prophet is a Christian hard rock/metal band from Knoxville, Tennessee, formed in 2009.  The band’s name is inspired by Ezekiel 37:1–14, the biblical vision of the valley of dry bones, symbolizing spiritual resurrection and the mission to "speak life" into the spiritually dead.  Their music blends 80s and 90s hard rock and metal influences with modern production, aiming to deliver powerful, uplifting messages rooted in faith while appealing to both traditional metal fans and contemporary rock listeners.

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

It seems that as the years go by marriage has become more difficult to maintain an even keel. Experts say marriage is a 50-50 proposition, but I disagree. I believe it MUST be a 100-100 proposition. Both parties MUST be ALL IN, or it will be less likely to succeed. That is only my opinion, but I personally believe it bears merit. You’ve made a commitment to another individual who just may be different than you in a multitude of ways. For me, taking an inventory of what you like and don’t like about your partner may help. Then you can sit down and discuss it like mature adults.

Prior to marriage you are attempting to align yourself with someone whom you may happen to “click” with. However, marriage is for the long haul, not just a pit stop. Open communication is vital in any relationship. Frustration arises when one party disregards the others discontent. Life’s not easy and marriage tends to complicate it somewhat. Life can come at you very hard at times.

             When you marry someone you’ve made a commitment before Almighty God, though I doubt many couples actually have that in mind when they exchange their vows. Annoyances arise once the honeymoon is over and reality sets in. Communication, as stated earlier, has to be an integral part of any relationship. It simply HAS TO BE. A lack of communication can lead to assumptions regarding how someone is feeling. Talk things out CALMLY. No yelling, no cussing… a calm, mature discussion… an “airing it out” session. Perhaps even a “gripe” session.

            There is a sad fact that has been emerging and that is that many folks are choosing to NOT marry in a church setting. I attended a ceremony last summer where there wasn’t a mention of God at all. The institution of marriage is in shambles due to peoples definition of love and happiness. Prenuptial agreements are a thing, have been for a little while now. Does anyone even marry their soulmate anymore, or is it just a bunch of meaningless words. We seem to have lost our moral compass.

             Remind each other what you love about them. Even though it seems like most people dismiss compliments given to them, give them anyway, because despite their initial reaction, it sinks into their subconscious and brings edification to that person. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Quote Contemplations

 

“Sometimes God works secretly & behind the scenes; but He will                                                          reveal his work to us when the time is right.” ^[1]

            We see throughout the gospels that there were certain events that couldn’t take place because as it stated, “the time was not right” or “his time had not yet come”. God is a master choreographer, with every movement done precisely when He wants them to. It requires patience on our part to endure the waiting. God knows what He’s doing to the moment, but we come from a NOW culture that is in such a hurry to achieve each moment right away with no waiting required. At times it can be an arduous task waiting for ANYTHING.

            The above quote captures the essence of God’s orchestrations as He accomplishes His will in His way, His time, out of sight, and unknown to a soul. Faith and trust play a key role in this dance as we eagerly await the manifestation of God’s work. Throughout scripture there has never been a time when Almighty God has failed at anything. Man failed and still fails regularly, which is why Jesus needed to come and die for us. Without His sacrificial death we would die still mired in our sins with no hope of redemption. But that is not the case, is it? 

            When the time was right Jesus was arrested, beaten, verbally harassed, flogged to within an inch of His life by a metal encrusted scourge and nailed to a wooden cross WILLINGLY to pay for all of our sins. EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM!! Do you understand the magnitude of such an event. Do you understand the timing of everything that had to take place. Do you see how God the Father orchestrated each movement in this life altering play. Nothing would ever be the same after God’s plan was performed. No mistakes were made. No regrets were had. Do you see how it HAD TO BE THIS WAY?

            God always knows what He’s doing. No mistakes. No mismanagement of time. Everything was executed perfectly to allow this redemptive act to play out. God’s timing is always purposeful and right on time. His mercy was and is so remarkable that one can barely fathom the depth of it. God does what He does with precise purpose to an end that is exactly what He intended to take place all along. Trust God always. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] www.christianquotesforyou.tumbler.com

Quote Contemplations

 

“Do what is right, not what is easy, nor what is popular.” - Roy T. Bennett

 

                  How do we know what the right thing is to do? Does it have to do with what is right or wrong? Of course it does. How do we know that is right and what is wrong? Where do their definitions come from? Is it universally or individually right or wrong? It is the former, rather than the latter. It must be universally right or wrong otherwise its definition couldn’t be fair. It has to be right or wrong for everyone in creation. It must be void of negative consequences to do the right thing. The easy thing to do can be universally true, but not always. The popular thing can be universally true, but chances are it is not. That which is either easy or popular is so because thought is not required. Being easy or popular follows along with those who do not wish to have to defend their choice. The vast majority as a rule chooses the easy or popular path for it is the path of least resistance. To do the right thing is to defend truth; to stand for something that goes against the grain. Doing what is right requires thought; requires taking action in a certain direction, typically the least easy or least popular. 

The Christian believes that Almighty God alone is qualified to determine what is right versus what is wrong. That which is wrong is typically the opposite of what is right. Once we have determined what is right in the eyes of God then we are to follow thru with our choice regardless of the circumstances. If it were easy or popular then anyone could do it, but it takes a person with integrity to do the right thing. It has to mean something to do the right thing to the person who does it. Those who seek the path of least resistance, do so out of vanity. The accolades they receive are hollow ... without any substance. The person who chooses to do the right thing does it not for accolades, but because it is the proper thing to do. Accolades are meaningless to that person. Remember, it’s NOT all about YOU. It’s simply not. Surrender yourself to the One who died in your place. It’s the only wise choice; however, it IS your choice and no one else’s. Choose wisely. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Quote Contemplations

 

"Worrying can't change yesterday or tomorrow, it can only make your today miserable." – Bob Goff *

 

            When uncomfortable situations arise they point a finger at your faith. Are you going to lean on your faith, trusting the Lord to teach you and guide you thru it or are you going to shake, rattle and roll your way thru it making yourself miserable? Remember, God doesn’t ever change, but we vacillate constantly. He is the rock of consistency that we so desperately need in our lives. He has no flaws and makes no mistakes. All that is only a problem for those who don’t like to be a follower.

            Yesterday is already “history” and everyone knows history cannot be altered in any way. Tomorrow is the future and no one can predict the future, so place your faith and trust in God and stop worrying. Some may say “That’s easy to say’, well, actually, it IS. If you believe in God how deep does that belief go? Do you only believe when things are going well? What type of faith is that? Faith is believing in things that you cannot see as if you can. The Lord is real to those who choose to believe it. You’re taking a step out from the masses and choosing to exercise the modicum of faith that you have to exhibit that which is, for you, very real. 

            Worrying changes nothing, it just makes YOU miserable. Your worrying effects no one else. Exercise your faith. Replicate the behavioral characteristics of Jesus Christ daily as you strive to be the best ambassador for God that you can possibly be. Show God’s love and mercy, kindness and grace freely to those you meet each day in this slow burn world that is on a fast track to go off the proverbial cliff. Notice that the only time people wanted to enter the Ark that Noah built in Genesis was after it started to rain. Up to that point they thought it was insane and had no interest. Is it not very much the same in this day and age? I believe it is. Don’t worry, trust God. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

*Bob Goff is an American attorney, international speaker, and New York Times bestselling author known for his Christian-themed inspirational books.

            

Quote Contemplations

 

“Most people need love and acceptance a lot more than they need advice.”- Bob Goff

 

            Good quote. Talk is cheap and advice is often not sought after. Some folks feel they have done a good thing when they advise someone regarding their situation. However, all the recipient truly needs and more than likely wants is to be loved and accepted for who they are. Everyone has an opinion on what someone else needs to do to with their life. It’s like getting financial advice from a non-involved participant. Don’t you know that someone other than yourself is so much better at spending YOUR money then you are (sarcasm). 

            There is a true statement that addresses this and it’s “opinions are like noses, everyone has one” *. Love, support, and acceptance is what is needed in many, if not most cases. Just being there shows love and support. You may not always agree with them, but standing by them at an appropriate moment is a greater help to that person than perhaps you may realize.

            This approach is the opposite to judging someone and their situation. As Christians we are nobody’s judge. Almighty God alone is the judge of each individual in His creation. Love and support, not being their judge and jury. If you have difficulty accepting what they’re doing, then at least BE THERE for them. Pray for them. If appropriate, pray WITH them. Prayer is a powerful tool to bring about a peaceful spirit, not to mention a powerful weapon against the enemy.

            At times it’s difficult to not look at those around you with a suspicious, cynical eye. We must learn to give folks the benefit of a doubt. Trust, show love, show concern, support, and if possible, acceptance. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

*Note: That’s the polite, cleaned up version.

Quote Contemplations

“There are three classes of people: those who see, those who see when they are shown, and those who do not see.” – Leonardo da Vinci

         This quote shines a light on those that exist in this world. I equate this to believing in God. Some folks are drawn to Him, and some are shown thru word or deed that He exists, and some simply do not see Him at all. Those who are drawn to Him embrace Him, those who are shown either follow thru to salvation or dismiss it as faulty and unreliable, and those who don’t see Him probably had no interest in finding Him in the first place. 

            The ones who have embraced God as their Heavenly Father are grateful for having found Him and wish to cultivate that relationship to its fullest, the ones who have followed thru may reach the place of those who have embraced Him, or possibly ride the fence between good and evil ending up being agnostic. The ones who dismiss Him as false find out once it is too late to embrace that truth. 

            We understand as believers and followers of Christ that there is time until God declares the end has come for a person to repent. Which person are you? The one who sees and acts, the one who is shown and either acts or remains undecided, or the one who decides to walk the wire of denial, hoping for the best, yet never knowing what lies in their eternal future. The decision is always ours. If you are already saved you can be a seed planter or a seed waterer for those who need to be shown. You can also do the same for those in denial. Their rejection is of God, not you. Allow yourself to be used to enlighten the untold unsaved masses who desperately need what they cannot yet see. Allow yourself to be used of God to plant invitations to the great eternal celebration for the redeemed who have had every foul deed expunged. What a great and glorious day that will be!! Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Quote Contemplations

 

“To trust God in the light is nothing, but to trust him in the dark. That is faith.” – Charles Spurgeon

 

            We are bound by our ability to see. It’s like a ball and chain around our neck. Because we can see we are shaken when the unknown visits us. Being in a familiar setting is still a bit of a struggle, but it’s even worse when you’re unfamiliar with your surroundings. Not knowing what is coming next can be a debilitating event. 

            The Christian knows or at least SHOULD know that God dwells within us in the person of the Holy Spirit. 1 John 4:13 (NIV) reveals to us that the Holy Spirit of God dwells IN us. “This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.”  

            Okay, so who is the Holy Spirit to us? “The Holy Spirit is not a force or impersonal influence, but a personal, divine Person who actively works in the lives of believers to reveal Christ, guide, comfort, sanctify, and empower.” ^[1]

            We have all the tools we need to succeed in this sin torn world. The Holy Spirit came to lead and guide us toward the things of God and away from the things of the enemy of our soul. But having faith enough to endure darkness without panicking is tough, especially if you have a propensity to have anxiety issues. Certain events trigger that. It’s all mental. I’ve lived thru it and it’s not fun. 

            We also exercise our faith when things seem impossible or unattainable. Let’s get something straight. In God’s economy NOTHING is ever impossible or unattainable. If it is in line with His will for your life then things will work out the way the Lord knows it needs to. That calls for trust in God. That is why I say faith and trust are attached at the hip. They go hand in hand. To have faith is to trust and to have trust is to have faith. It’s interchangeable.

But the unknown rears it’s ugly head at inconvenient times and throws a monkey wrench in life. That’s when we have to just talk it out with the Lord. Then listen for that still small voice to whisper peace to your spirit. It will happen if you believe it can. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] www.biblebasedliving.com

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

 

There are folks who look at God and call Him a dictator; a tyrant of the worse degree. They see it as, “If I don’t serve God He will send me to hell”. But it’s not quite like that. 

The very fact that the Lord lets us have our way (if we insist) should be proof enough that He isn’t a dictator. If He were He would be compelled to eradicate all resistance by execution or incarceration. Instead He offers mankind an option. Heaven or hell, you choose.

If you don’t know anything about God; who He is, His attributes, the big cosmic picture then how can you legitimately call Him anything at all? You don’t honestly know what you’re talking about. I don’t mean that in an ugly way. Just saying....

The way I see it some simply can’t be bothered with the entire religious discussion at all, so they blow the whole thing off by making an unfounded accusation and walk away. It’s like being offered a gift, free of charge with no strings attached and you decide you’d rather not accept it thinking there must be a catch, so you turn and walk away. Salvation from yourself and a lifetime of your own moral and ethical iniquities... forgiven forever. Never to be held against you ever again. THAT’S what’s being offered to you. You’re simply asked to allow yourself to be guided by God’s Holy Spirit in the way He has recommended that you begin to live your life. Life according to God’s precepts. He knows all things that can be known and knows you better than you know yourself. He created you. 

Wait, but you think you can make your own decisions without any help from an entity that you CANNOT see. Fair enough, but what’s your track record been? If this whole thing about sins and forgiveness is legit then without God how do you intend to eradicate those sins? YOU can’t do ANYTHING to save yourself. But God leaves the final choice up to you. Why would He do that? Because He wants willing followers, not ones who feel forced to follow and serve. Don’t over think this whole redemption thing. You’re simply going to have to exercise a little faith and trust. Without that you will remain lost. Without Christ man has NO HOPE. Do as you wish, but know that every decision you will ever make will come with consequences. Take the time to investigate the whole topic of God. Read the Bible and when you do ask God to reveal the truth to you. He will if you’re paying attention. 

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 

 

                  Did you know that if you believe in the existence of God and His Son Jesus yet don’t follow them in this life you are really no better than Satan. Whoa, sounds harsh? Let’s look at it a little closer. 

            The Bible states that demons (including Satan) believe in God in James 2:19, which reads: "You believe that God is one; you do well.  Even the demons believe—and shudder!"

Satan interacted with Jesus when he led Him into the wilderness to temp Him. Satan certainly knew of Jesus’ existence otherwise why would he has attempted to break Him down thru temptation? 

            Now we know that Satan is the sworn enemy of Almighty God having at one time been highly thought of in heaven. However, Satan, then known as Lucifer, rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven along with 1/3 of the angels, who then became the demons; the minions that do Satan’s bidding. They all fear Christ / God the Father because of their awesome power and authority. 

            Now being compared to Satan just because you don’t buy into the whole concept of serving and following God technically isn’t harsh at all. Without a divine connection with our creator we would end up being subject to the wiles of the enemy of our soul. Blowing Christ off with all He has done to reconcile you to Himself is both short-sighted and foolish. Life isn’t all about you. 

            Believing in God is not nearly enough. Submission is essential. Complete surrender to the will of the Most High & Holy One. He has only good things in store for all those who turn to Him and stay close. In exchange we can receive complete and total forgiveness for everything that we have ever thought, said, or done to displease the Lord. That’s a good deal. 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 

 

Think back on your walk with the Lord. Are there times when you prayed for something; perhaps strength getting thru a trial, or a healing touch... you prayed then pretty much forgot all about it. How did things turn out? Did God provide the remedy for your dilemma, and it took place so seamlessly that you didn’t even notice. Not until you were asked to think back on incidents from your past. If we occasionally took the time to do that we’d end up being pretty amazed at how the Lord had been working in our lives. No trumpets sounding, no big show to point at what God was doing. 

            As followers of Christ we are to imitate God’s ways. When WE do something in the name of Jesus we should follow His advice from Matthew’s gospel chapter 6, verse 3: “But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” No fanfare, no acknowledgement needed, no praise necessary. God exhibits a humble spirit when He does what He does because He knows who He is. Who are we?

            It is far more important to be a faithful ambassador for God than to spend your time attempting to establish a legacy for yourself. I’ve learned thru the years that I’ve walked with the Lord to look at my life in the following way... I honestly don’t care if anyone remembers me when I’m gone, just as long as they found Jesus thru something I said or wrote. I understand my place in God’s kingdom. I am a child of the King, period and while that is no small thing, it’s seriously more important to me that I know who I am, God knows who I am, and that I spend the rest of my life striving to be more like Christ each day. THAT is what is important to me. How about you?

            Let me conclude by impressing on you that I’m not praising myself or being arrogant in any way regarding my relationship with the Lord. I think it’s important for each one of us to know who we truly are in Jesus name. Having said all that I understand that in reality I am really nothing more than a single grain of sand on the world’s beaches and I’m okay with that. We must follow John the Baptist’s thought process when he said in John 3:30, “Christ must increase & I must decrease.” John was the forerunner to Jesus. He understood his role; his place in God’s economy. So must we. Christ must increase in importance, and we must become of lesser importance. It MUST be this way. Ponder that truth and implement it in your walk with Christ. 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 other day I realized something that never dawned on me before. When Jesus was asked a direct question He didn’t always answer the question, but rather diverted the subject to something that would reveal the truth of God to that person.

            John 4:9-10 NLT reveals one example. “The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, ‘You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?’ Jesus replied, ‘If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.’” Here we see that though Jews hated the Samaritans, Jesus was not concerned with where the woman came from, but rather that she was a person in need of divine forgiveness. That should speak to us today. We all need redemption, regardless of where we came from or what we grew up believing. Because of Jesus’ indifference to the peoples she came from both she and many other Samaritans were saved that day. 

            John 4:49-50 NLT shows us a different scenario. A royal official’s son was near death. Hearing Jesus was in his area he sought the Lord out and said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” He had wanted Jesus to come to where his son lie and heal him. But Jesus replied, “You may go. Your son will live.” On his way home, the official’s servants met him with the news that the fever left his son and was alive. The official realized that the exact time his child’s fever broke was the same time Jesus said the words “he will live”.

            Now we can’t know whether Jesus said anything else at that time, but the point of the event is that Jesus “cut right to the chase” as the saying goes and dealt with the issue at hand as only He can. It was obvious at that moment in time that the Lord didn’t have to BE where the healing was to take place. Because He WAS God He merely spoke the word and the child was healed. That day the healing caused the official and his entire household to believe. 

            It is apparent from the scriptures that Jesus didn’t come to earth to hold multiple press conferences to answer questions regarding who He was or why He was there. He repeatedly stuck to His main mission which was to bring salvation to His sinful creation. God was their only hope and He knew that. The same is true today. Serving the Lord isn’t some sort of game. It’s serious business and one’s eternal destination hangs in the balance. 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 

            There is no doubt God forgives, but can we forgive ourselves? I think there are times in a Christians life when we find it difficult to accept God’s forgiveness because we simply cannot forgive our own sins. They weigh heavy on us and bind us up. God’s love is completely unconditional … that simply means he places no conditions on his love or forgiveness. If you ask the Lord for forgiveness with a sincere heart, regretting what you have done, regardless of what it is, you shall be forgiven. There is nothing this side of heaven to compare this type of love to. I believe that is why we have difficulty forgiving ourselves. Not to mention the fact that the enemy will continue to throw it back up in our face as long as we don’t reconcile ourself to the fact that we are the only ones keeping peace from ruling over the entire situation. Let the things that encumber you GO! Release it from your grasp in Jesus name. You don’t have to live with regret. Although regret reveals a level of sincerity from the deepest recesses of your heart and mind, you no longer have to carry that with you. Turn it over to God so he can get rid of it. Allow the Holy Spirit to do a cleansing work in you. If you’ve sought it, forgiveness is yours. Live in the freedom that God’s loving forgiveness provides. Amen. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries