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