What Does It Mean? 

“Flicker”

 

As a verb, it means to shine with a wavering or fluctuating light, or to move rapidly back and forth. But as a noun, it describes a brief flash of light. It is the word “flicker” as a NOUN that I’d like to focus on. 

As a follower of Christ have you ever felt like you didn’t belong here? Like your real home is somewhere else, like let’s say “heaven”. Does the Bible actually say we’re not of this earth as believers, but once saved our citizenship is in heaven with the Lord? Yes, it does.

Let’s look at Philippians 3:20-21 ^{[Amplified Bible]} ... “[we are different, because] our citizenship is in heaven. And from there we eagerly await [the coming of] the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who, by exerting that power which enables Him even to subject everything to Himself, will [not only] transform [but completely refashion] our earthly bodies so that they will be like His glorious, resurrected body. 

            There shall be a “catching away” of all true believers that believers refer to as the “Rapture of the Saints”. We have no idea when that will be, but if we make it a point to stay ready then is really doesn’t matter when it takes place. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 says the following: “Then we who are alive and remain [on the earth] will simultaneously be caught up (raptured) together with them [the resurrected ones] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord!”

            1 Corinthians 15:52 says the following: “...in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at [the sound of] the last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [who believed in Christ] will be raised imperishable, and we will be [completely] changed [wondrously transformed].”

            Now THIS is where the word “flicker” comes into play. We will leave this earth at an undisclosed day and time like a “brief flash of light” and we will be gone. Here one moment & gone the next. There will be many unsaved folks who at that moment will realize that what they’ve been told was absolutely true. Oh, there will no doubt be some who will be grateful that all the Christians are gone, not understanding what has happened. But the things of God are irreversible. If you’re truly saved with a personal relationship with the King, then you will go to be with Christ in the end. If you reject God and Christ and everything they stand for then you have purchased yourself a ticket to exile island (hell) where you will be apart from God FOREVER.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Quote Contemplations 

 

            “Forgiveness is described as setting a prisoner free and discovering that the prisoner was you.” ^[1]

            Forgiving others just as Christ forgave you is one of the cornerstones of Christianity. To forgive another saves you the emotional burden that comes from resentment, anger, and bitterness. That person you are directing all that at probably doesn’t know you’re mad at them and loses no sleep regarding the situation. All the teeth grinding anger that results on your end is self-inflicted pain that need not take place. Reflect instead on Christ and all He forgave you of and you may just feel pretty silly harboring the anger towards someone else at all.

            “Forgiveness is framed as a choice to release the right to revenge and trust in divine justice, mirroring how believers have been forgiven by God.” ^[1] Forgiveness is meant to detach you from the harm that comes from NOT forgiving. When you do not forgive more is at stake than just your spiritual health, but your physical and mental health as well. Unforgiveness can become a burden that elevates your stress level and causes your blood pressure to rise; two things that will not help you maintain a blessed life going forward. Lay that burden DOWN. You were never meant to carry it in the first place. Ephesians 4:32, "And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." 

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] www.impactus.org

Quote Contemplations

 

“It's not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something.”
― Leo Buscaglia

Living without doing it for a purpose, is just existing. Are you looking to make ANY sort of impact on those around you and the world at large or are you simply living for yourself and your own interests? True love is stepping outside your comfort zone and doing that which the Lord God has commissioned you to do. And what would that commission be? Sharing the gospel. Living out God’s principles. Imitating our Lord in word and deed. THAT is at least in part our commission as believers in Christ.

            I have often admired the simple truths that Leo Buscaglia brought to the table. Though no longer with us (died 1998), his thoughtful advice shall pass the test of time. Today’s quote is a basic truth. It’s telling us that simply living for the sake of living is just spinning your wheels. While there are many worthwhile endeavors to get involved with in this life, the highest honor is to surrender your own personal will and agenda over to your Heavenly Father and live for Him. 

            Now of course you must believe that God exists and accept the entirety of the Gospel message as true. Acceptance in His word and will can take you to places where the gifts He has endowed you with can shine, having a pronounced effect on all whom they touch. Without the Lord at the helm of your ship, I can’t imagine that any purpose for your life could be anything but egocentric. A sign of true love is to become selfless regarding doing for others. THAT is a noble purpose. If you believe the Lord has only the best intentions for your life than do what you do for Him in Jesus name and feel the power of truth and love emanating from your efforts. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Quote Contemplations

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ― Leo Buscaglia*

 

While our mission on behalf of the Lord is to share the gospel, there are many behavioral traits that can empower those you encounter each day. Leo Buscaglia sums that up with his quote at the top of the post. You’d be amazed how a simple act of kindness can lift a fallen spirit or encourage someone to keep going when they feel they cannot take another step. Our ministry doesn’t always have to be verbal; it can be simply a hug or taking someone’s hand in yours. It provides comfort, support... perhaps exactly what was needed by the hurting person at that particular moment. 

A historical illustration is when British Statesman Winston Churchill was on his death bed and his good friend US General Dwight D. Eisenhower visited him in his hospital room. No words were exchanged. Eisenhower simply held his hand in silence. His presence was enough. 

It’s important to know when the Holy Spirit is speaking to you. The above actions can easily be orchestrated by the Lord. It’s a simple way to bless others by showing love, concern, and/or support. You need to be able to read the signals. What is appropriate and what isn’t. God knows and we don’t always know.  Trust God and your words and/or actions will be a blessing. Until next time, walk with the King & treat others the way you’d like to be treated.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

* American motivational speaker and writer (1924–1998). A man who incorporates Christian themes in his books and talks was raised as a Roman Catholic.

 

Quote Contemplations

 

“Loneliness does not come from having no people about you, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to you or from holding certain views which other find inadmissible.” - Paul Jung 

            I equate this quote with the loneliness a believer can sometimes feel when he or she is labeled as a “Christian”. Some folks hear that you’re a Christian and every bad experience they’ve ever had with Christianity or Christians themselves comes to mind, making you some sort of pariah (outcast) in their mind.

            Christianity is considered to be something that sucks the fun out of life, by those who assume things that are simply not true. Ignorance is no excuse since research is so easy to come by. But their ignorance can spell loneliness for the believer.  You may even actually be nervous regarding sharing your faith for fear of rejection or ridicule. Something believers need to understand and accept is that the rejection is toward God, not them.

            “Talk is cheap”, & “Actions speak way louder than words” are two catch phrases that 

reveal what should be effective as a means of sharing one’s faith. Live it and try not to be too wrapped up in your acceptance by those outside the faith. Technically, we are never alone, as the Holy Spirit dwells within us since our conversion. Focus on that truth instead of wallowing in self-pity regarding how lonely you think you are. Love God and serve Him faithfully. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Note:  Paul Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist, psychotherapist, & thinker. The founder of the school of analytical psychology.

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. God reveals this us in 1 John 4:13 (NIV)... “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. 

            Since the Lord lives within us we must always trust Him to take good care of us. Only that which God allows will happen to us, unless we insist on going off on a tangent. God allowing us to have a free will permits us to wander off anytime; however, consequences for our actions WILL ensue whether we like it or not. Trust the Lord and follow His prescribed path for you. Then you’ll be able to trust Him even in the dark. 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

Quote Contemplations

 

“Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.” - Elisabeth Elliot

 

            Life is filled with questions; however, not all questions have answers. The very nature of faith resides in the idea that you believe something that cannot be experienced with your senses. Faith doesn’t require facts or proof, because that, in and of itself, negates the need for faith. 

            There are so many folks who have the attitude that if only there was some proof, some hard, fast evidence that could be experienced by them, they would believe in God. They will be disappointed because faith is required. Faith, and faith alone. Is it blind faith? Perhaps it could be looked at that way. 

            Piggybacking on faith is trust. If you place your faith in Almighty God than you now have the One who can provide the answers you seek. You must understand though that certain things will never be explained. I believe that is because our relationship with God is based on faith and trust in Him and not on our understanding. There are many things about God and Christ and biblical doctrine that we will definitely understand and hopefully apply to our daily lives... I mean, that’s the point to it all isn’t it? But things like the specific date Christ will return will NEVER be revealed. Does that cause your faith to waver? It shouldn’t because as long as you live as if He were coming back any day, then you’ll always live ready.

            So ask God anything you want to, but don’t doubt His existence if you don’t get an answer or you don’t like the answer you get. Trust God to do for you all that needs to be done to complete you as a person in Christ. He knows all we are capable of and is able to take us there. Have patience and trust the Lord. He KNOWS what He’s doing & is in complete control.

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Note: Elisabeth Elliot (1926 – 2015) was an American Christian missionary, author, and speaker.