Seek the Light

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way ….” - Colossians 1:9b-10a

            Paul, the once vile hater & slayer of Christians, was now a fierce prayer warrior on their behalf. The Damascus Road episode in his life changed everything. He now asks God to fill these same believers of Christ with “all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives”. Two things are shown to us here: 1) that God will give us those things that we are in need of to live a life worthy of Him; 2) His Holy Spirit is the conduit by which this is accomplished.
                  What have we been rescued from? These verses tell of God, by His Holy Spirit, through the actions of His Son, Jesus, the Christ, rescuing or delivering us from “the dominion of darkness”. Without Christ, our life is under the domination or control of darkness, which permeates this world. It is cloaked so it is not easily seen by the naked eye, but with the eye of the Spirit, is seen plainly. We have been rescued from this world that we are IN yet no longer OF. This world embraces many things that are blatantly evil and easy to spot. However, the enemy works overtime to come up with ways to deceive those who would strive to avoid such things. We need the full Armor of God (Ephesians 6:13) to combat such an evil attack.
                  Be wary of the darkness that surrounds you but rejoice in the light that lives in you. God has you covered with His righteousness. You are safe. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,  so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,  being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,  and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you^[b] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. ¹³ For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” – Colossians 1:9-14

What is a Theocracy?

                  A Theocracy is a land that is governed by biblical principles & doctrines. I think it’s safe to say that “heaven” is a Theocracy. I mean, heaven isn’t a place where mob rule exists, and it isn’t a place where the majority rules. It a place where Almighty God rules. 

                  Heaven will be a wonderful place to spend eternity. We’ll be with the One who created us and loves us without any conditions being placed upon that love. 

Heaven is a real place described in the Bible. The word heaven is found 276 times in the New Testament alone. Scripture refers to three heavens. The apostle Paul was “caught up to the third heaven,” but he was prohibited from revealing what he experienced there (2 Corinthians 12:1–9).

Since a third heaven exists, there must also be two other heavens. The first is most frequently referred to in the Old Testament as the “sky” or the “firmament.” This is the heaven where weather happens, clouds float, winds whirl, and birds fly. The second heaven is what we call outer space, the region of the stars, planets, and other celestial objects (Genesis 1:14–18).

The third heaven, the location of which is not revealed, is the dwelling place of God. Jesus promised to prepare a place for His followers in heaven (John 14:2). Heaven is also the destination of Old Testament saints who died trusting God’s promise of the Redeemer (Ephesians 4:8). Whoever believes in Christ shall never perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

The apostle John was privileged to see and report on the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:10–27). John witnessed that the new earth will possess the “glory of God” (Revelation 21:11), and the very presence of God will be among men. In the eternal state, there will be no night, and the Lord Himself will be the light of the city. The sun and moon will no longer be needed (Revelation 22:5).

The New Jerusalem will be filled with the brilliance of costly stones and crystal clear jasper. The city has twelve gates (Revelation 21:12) and twelve foundations (Revelation 21:14). Paradise is restored: the river of the water of life flows freely, and the tree of life is available once again, yielding fruit monthly with leaves that “heal the nations” (Revelation 22:1–2). The Bible gives us a glimpse of heaven, but the reality of that place is beyond the ability of finite man to imagine (see 1 Corinthians 2:9).

Heaven is a place of “no mores.” There will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more sorrow (Revelation 21:4). There will be no more separation, because death will be conquered (Revelation 20:6). The best thing about heaven will be the presence of our Lord and Savior (1 John 3:2). We will be face to face with the Lamb of God who loved us and gave Himself for us. Because of His sacrifice, we can enjoy His presence for eternity. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/heaven-like.html

If You Say It, Mean It

“Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the LORD your God with your own mouth.” - Deuteronomy 23:23

             In this day and age, we say a lot of things … often glibly, without thinking of the serious implications that come with the words said. When we do so, we cheapen the words immensely. Their meaning becomes cloudy and ineffectual. The off handed manner with which they are offered tends to belie what may be their true intention. Delivery is important, tone critical, and other’s feelings need to be considered. Words spoken have been replaced with words typed in emails or text messages. Intimacy has been replaced with online chats. No face to face contact. No intonation heard. Our society needs a serious overhaul, in my humble opinion.
             Let’s get a little specific for the moment. What about wedding vows? In a day and age when commitment is fleeting at its’ best and non-existent at its’ worst, we must stare down the barrel of temptation constantly. Are the words laid out in the “Love” chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 meaningless? When we say our wedding vows do they mean nothing to us when we say them? Is our “I do” covered with stipulations. In the back of our minds are we calculating deal breakers to the vows that we have made? 

              Look at this sample of traditional wedding vows: “I, (name), take you, (name), to be my [opt: lawfully wedded] (husband/wife), my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our family, and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.”
             When we say our vows they have to MEAN something to us. They have to, or they are a sham, not worthy of even being said. And make no mistake about it, when you make a vow, you make it to God as well. You’re not going to hell if you, as a couple, split up, but it’s certainly not what God had in mind when He created man. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministry

VOW defined: 1. An earnest promise to perform a specified act or behave in a certain manner, especially a solemn promise to live and act in accordance with the rules of a religious order; 2. A declaration or assertion; 3. To promise solemnly; pledge.

The Blood of Christ

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” - Matthew 26:28 NIV
          Blood is an amazing thing, isn’t it? It’s our blood that powers our bodies, as it flows through our veins and arteries into the furthest reaches of our extremities to provide life. God made it so that blood was required to cover one’s sins in the OT. In the NT, the blood of Christ no longer covered one’s sins, but rather removed them, as if they were never committed.  
          We take it for granted, I think, until we have problems with it. Certain diseases are blood related; blood carries those diseases to others if not quarantined. It CAN be a destructive force if not respected and taken care of. We do things to our bodies, put things IN our bodies that can affect our blood and shorten our life. While it’s true we can do as we please in this life, as Paul says to the Corinthians basically, ‘do as you please, but understand that not everything is good for you.’

          Forgiveness is a marvelous institution. To forgive is to practice unconditional love. It’s like saying to someone, “regardless of what you‘ve done, are doing or will do, I will love you … without conditions.” It is a wonderful thing. At times we can take forgiveness for granted. This creates cheap grace, but grace isn’t cheap, nor was it free. It came with a price. Christ willingly shed His own blood to provide forgiveness. Don’t let it become a cheap thing. Innocent blood was spilled on Calvary’s cross for you and me. Let us never forget that. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! 

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The Golden Rule

“Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.”- Luke 6:31 (NASB)

 

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” 

As long as I can remember I have tried to live Luke 6:31 in my own life. I am here to tell you that most of the time it ended up with me treating folks with kindness only to get crapped on or taken advantage of. Does that mean I should stop treating people with kindness? No. Does it get frustrating? Yup. Do I want to continue setting myself up in that manner, not really, but I do or at least I try my best to. 

The truth of the matter is that we are wired to be anything BUT kind to other people. Our sin nature, which is what we are born with, desires to be selfish … to do that which benefits us and us alone, even to the exclusion of those we love the most. When we came to Christ, He did a “re-wiring” job on us. As long as the current running through us is heaven sent, our desire will be to please God and not ourselves. 

Make no mistake about it; the enemy will do his best to throw a monkey wrench into any and all of your best efforts. This is when relying on God and His word for guidance comes into play. The closer you come to God, the heavier the attacks will be from your enemy. Focus on the source of your staying power and re-focus if necessary.

As a basic rule, you should never give anything expecting something in return. That is not the true spirit of giving. We are to give without conditions or expectations. It goes for material things, such as gifts and it goes for giving others kindness and compassion. Reflecting on what Christ forgave you for is always a great place to start. He willingly gave everything, requiring nothing in return. This is to be our example. No one said it was going to be easy. It’s called selfless living and that is incredibly difficult to pull off. Impossible without divine assistance. The one thing I CAN promise you though, is that if you follow these two scriptures in the way you live, most of the time, you will be the one getting blessed regardless of whether the recipient gets blessed or not. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Do Not Be Anxious 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”- Philippians 4:6-7

          I have a question: has being worried or anxious ever solved any problem you were having? I can answer that one from my own personal experiences … NO! and not just NO, but a resounding NO!! We humans have this propensity to become anxious over things we can’t do anything to change. The enemy jumps in our face and says to our subconscious, “Now you’ve really got problems. Do you really think God will get you out of all this?” We must remember, Satan is a liar and the father of all lies (John 8:44). He challenges our belief system by throwing flaming darts at areas that are our weakest. Our faith begins to fade far too quickly leading us to spend too much time fretting over things as if God’s word was a lie.

          God’s word is as clear as a newly cleaned windowpane. The word ‘but’ in verse 6 should actually read like this, “Instead of being anxious about anything, pray to the Father about everything … and be thankful in the process.” For people who constantly feel that we need to be doing something to create a change in their situation, here is your solution … PRAY. Pray from a clean heart. Pray from a clear conscience. Pray regardless of your mindset at the time. Pray. Pray specifically by asking that God’s perfect will for your life to be done. Give thanks for the opportunity to learn something new and become stronger in your faith. Don’t pray for the situation to disappear, because there is a purpose for everything that takes place in our lives, and you were meant to go thru whatever is taking place in your life right now and you may never know why.  Notice that in verses 6 & 7, God doesn’t say He will alleviate the problem or alter the situation. What does He say? That His peace will cover you with the purpose of guarding your hearts and minds. 
          Praying to God needs to become as commonplace an action in the face of unpleasant circumstances as breathing in and out. One action sustains life, the other sustains your spirit life. Don’t forget all you know and believe about God just because things have taken a turn for the worse. Always remember this: regardless of the circumstances, God is mindful of them and one word from Him can change everything in an instant. Focus on Christ instead of the winds and waves that surround you. It is how we grow in the spirit. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! 

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Standing in the Gap

 

“I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one.” – Ezekiel 22:30

            I’ve used the phrase “standing in the gap” with regard to praying for others. I mistakenly thought it only referred to praying for the unsaved among us, who have a gap between themselves and God, but what it really refers to is whenever we pray for ANYONE. Standing in the gap for someone is intercessory prayer. “The word ‘intercede’ comes from the Latin ‘inter’ meaning ‘between’ and ‘ced’ meaning ‘go’. So it literally means ‘go between’.” ^[1]

                  Intercessory prayer acts like the mortar that fills the gaps in a stonewall. It goes in between the stones solidifying the structure as a whole. If you want to weaken the wall the best place to start is by striking the wall at its weakest point, the mortar. Remove the mortar and the wall collapses. The enemy knows our weakest point and will hammer away at it until we either stand strong and ward off the enemies attack or crumble, thus becoming ineffective for God by sinning.

                  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) I ask you a question, how can we love one another if we don’t pray for them? This is part of community, loving one another and praying for one another. And part of that is ‘standing in the gap’ for our brethren, better still, for all who stand in need of prayer. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! 

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

[1]  http://myredeemerlives.com/intercession.html

Christ Came to Save Sinners

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”- Luke 19:10 NLT

            This is the story of a hated tax collector named Zacchaeus. Tax collectors in Israel were hated because they were considered swindlers and cheats, getting rich off the backs of the taxpayers. He had most assuredly heard of Jesus and now he was coming to his hometown of Jericho. Jesus called Zacchaeus out by name and said, “I must be a guest in your home today.” The people were displeased. Of all the people he could have chosen to eat with he chose a sinful tax collector.

                  This account reveals two important things. The people of that area judged others but comparing themselves to another. They saw Zacchaeus and presumed they were better than a tax collector both ethically and morally, but they were wrong. No man is good except one. Jesus says in the gospels that not even HE is good, but only the Father who is in heaven. 

                  This is just another example of how we are to see others the way our Father in heaven sees them, with kindness, love, and mercy. As the saying goes, “But for the grace of God go I.” * Believers in Christ are a most fortunate people. They ought not look down on anyone, especially those economically worse off then they are. Be Jesus to these folks as the Holy Spirit leads you. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! 

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

* This quote was attributed to:  John Bradford

John Bradford was an English Reformer, and martyr. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London for alleged crimes against Mary Tudor. He was burned at the stake on 1 July 1555.

Born: 1510, Blackley, Manchester

Died: July 1, 1555 (age 44-45), Smithfield, London

Education: Catharine Hall, University of Cambridge and Pembroke College, Cambridge.

Our Redeemer Lives

 

“I know that my redeemer lives and that in the end he will stand on the earth.” ^{Job 19:25}
                  After all Job had been through in his life; the loss of family, property and material goods, he could still look up and say “I know that my redeemer lives …” Isn’t it amazing how little some of us are required, by life’s inevitable trials and tribulations, to endure and yet we lose faith so easily? Is not God the same God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? Did He not say that He was “no respecter of persons” ^[1], that what He has done for one generation, he would do now? So why do we doubt? Why do we tremble in fear at times over circumstances that come our way? We didn’t ask for it. We do not require it, yet it comes upon us all the same.
                  I have learned that ‘everything happens for a reason’ … and I really believe that.  Almighty God orchestrates everything, and it lends itself to our own maturation process. It behooves us to be aware of that which is taking place around us. The Lord wishes to bless us, but we end up missing his blessings because we aren’t paying the proper attention. 
                  In all of the hustle and bustle of this crazy life in which we live, we would do well to always remember not only that our Redeemer lives, but also that he has defeated death; therefore, we who believe in Christ and all that He stands for shall not taste the sting of death. While we may taste the temporal death of these fleshly tents we live in, we will never partake in the 2^nd death that is the death of our soul. We will live forever with the Lord.
                  When Christ returns, all wrongs will be righted; all injustices will be dealt with; the evil one shall be punished; the righteous shall be rewarded with an eternity in the midst of God’s heavenly glory. Job believed this. Abraham believed this. King David believed this. Paul believed this. All these men were far from perfect. They doubted, lied, committed murder and adultery and still, when redemption came to them, they embraced it with both arms and did not release it until they were with God in the heavens. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! 

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

[1] Peter said: “Most certainly I understand now that God is not one to show partiality [to people as though Gentiles were excluded from God’s blessing] - Acts 10:34 Amplified Bible

 

No One is Good

                  With few exceptions the vast majority of people feel they are good. This thought begs a very important question. Who decides what’s ‘good’? It has to be a universal definition that can easily apply to everyone on the planet, one that cuts thru language and cultural barriers. Who on this earth could accomplish this? What’s ‘good’ for you may not be ‘good’ for me and so on. There has to be a standard.

                  ‘Good’ is a relative term used far too loosely. Like the word ‘normal’, I would venture to say that everyone has his or her own personal definition of ‘good’. I believe most would admit they weren’t choirboys, but they haven’t robbed a bank or committed murder so they feel they are good people. They hope they have been good enough to go to heaven when they die.  If they are not the least bit “religious” I suppose they would hope there really is no God.  I have a shocking revelation for you; Jesus himself says no one is good accept Father God. JESUS said that even HE wasn’t good. If Jesus isn’t good than what hope do any of us have to being ‘good’?

                  Goodness comes from God. That along with peace, patience, mercy, compassion, love, wisdom, guidance and so on. God is all we will ever need to make it in this life and the one that follows. With God we are children of the Most High King. With God we are forgiven. We are proclaimed holy and righteous in his sight. 

                  There is no such thing as ‘religion’. The word doesn’t even appear in scripture. The thing I’M speaking about is a relationship of the most personal kind with the Creator of the entire universe and man’s first breath. I’ve walked with the King since March of 1979. I just had my 46^th spiritual birthday. The only bumps in the road have been of my own doing, but then God never promised a problem free life. I’m not good, but I am a treasure in the eyes of my Heavenly Father. And so are you if you’ve entered into that relationship with him too. We’re not good and we’re not at all normal and I don’t care. I am who God made me and I’m proud of who I am and whose I am. You should be too. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! 

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Jesus as the Cornerstone

Cornerstone - 

1. a stone uniting two masonry walls at an intersection.

2. a stone representing the nominal starting place in the construction of a monumental building, usually carved with the date.

3. something that is essential or basic.

4. the foundation on which something is constructed or developed. ^[1]

Capstone -

The final stone placed at the top of a finished building or monument. The crowning achievement or final stroke. ^[2]

 

            “The Bible describes Jesus as the cornerstone that His church would be built upon. He is foundational. Once the cornerstone was set, it became the basis for determining every measurement in the remaining construction; everything was aligned to it. As the cornerstone of the building of the church, Jesus is our standard of measure and alignment.” ^[3]      

            Jesus as the cornerstone is spoken of prophetically in Isaiah - “So this is what the sovereign Lord says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line’”. ^{(Isaiah 28:16–17)}        

The apostle Paul gets specific - “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chiefcornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord” ^{(Ephesians 2:19– 21)}

                  Without Christ to stabilize the building, as in His kingdom and your life, it will collapse. Our faith must be built on the strength of the cornerstone, which is designed to be the strongest stone in the entire building. Jesus is matchless with regards to strength, and power. He is the first and the last, the alpha and omega. Nothing can overcome Him, and no one can remove Him from His throne. He is the One we must turn to, because He is the only One we need. Salvation comes in no other. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary. (2010).

^[2] American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. (2011).

^{[3]  www.gotquestions.org}

The Great Exchange

 ^“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin (or to become sin itself), so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” ^{2 Corinthians 5:21}

            This monumental event in history could be titled “The Great Exchange”.  God became man and dwelled among His creation for a time that He might ultimately and quite literally become sin to pay for all our sins. His blood satisfied the sin debt of all humanity. He took our beating and allowed Himself to be nailed to a wooden cross in our place. 

Some don’t like to focus on the bloody gore of that event, but without the blood there is no forgiveness. He took the 39 lashes for us so we wouldn’t have to. He staggered down the “Via Dolorosa” (literally “the sorrowful way”) carrying His own cross so we wouldn’t have to. His wrists and ankles were pierced with square Roman spikes that were on average 7-9 inches long so we wouldn’t have to have that done to us. Jesus Christ, Son of God, endured the pain and the shame of the cross, a cross reserved for criminals, so we wouldn’t have to. In reality, even if there were no spikes holding Him to the cross, His unconditional, undying love for all mankind would have. Our sin was washed away by the blood of someone we didn’t even know. Christ died for all of us because that was God’s plan.  Christ would have done it even if there was only one sinner that needed saving and He would do it again if it were necessary, but it will never be necessary again. 

We typically look at the crucifixion of Jesus at Easter, but isn’t it something that should stay fresh in our minds. The greatest exchange known to man.

 

1 Peter 3:18a “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God.”

Romans 6:10 “When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God.”

 

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

In His name & for His glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

NOTE: The translation used for this post was The New Living Translation, Tyndale House Publishing, copyright 1996, 2004 and 2007.

Let Us Remember ... and Never Forget

                  Today is Memorial Day.  A federal holiday in the United States observed on the last Monday of May to honor and mourn U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It’s a day for visiting cemeteries & memorials to remember those who died in the line of duty. Individuals often place American flags on the graves of fallen military personnel and some churches fill their front yard with flags to remember the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms.

The holiday was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, as proclaimed by General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Memorial Day is distinct from Veterans Day, which honors all who have served in the U.S. military, living and dead, while Memorial Day specifically recognizes those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

We Honor Your Memory

 

Christianity isn’t a Religion

There are key differences between Christianity and the other major world religions. The Hindus believe all roads lead to heaven. In other words, there are a variety of paths you can take to get to heaven. Is that true? First, we must understand that Hinduism is a world religion that has a sketchy origin. It’s origin is by conjecture only and not as a known fact. Buddhism at least has a beginning and a person to point to that started the religion, however, their beliefs are not based on ‘good vs. evil’. No sin, no God, no need for salvation. Islam claims that Christ never really died but rather was sitting at the right hand of God while He only made it appear to the human eye that Christ died. So the Bible would then be full of lies and deceit. I don’t believe that for a second, but I suppose that’s the only way they can legitimize their beliefs. To the Islamists Christ was simply another prophet/teacher like Mohammed. Okay, but Jesus Himself said He was God’s Son (Mark 14:61-62).

Christianity is not a religion; it’s a relationship, personal in nature, intimate at its core. It is the only belief system that offers forgiveness for sin and a singular person who performed the selfless act that provided forgiveness. If any and all paths lead to heaven, then why did Jesus have to die? The notion of there being many ways to achieve heaven minimizes what Christ did for all mankind on the cross. With regard to intimacy, scripture tells us the closer we draw near to God, the closer He draws near to us (James 4:8a). One day we will know even as we are known (1 Corinthians 13:12). I believe the other schools of religious thought are false. I choose to embrace that which I have believed. Whether you agree or not is completely up to you. Choose wisely. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Mark 14:61-62 ... “But Jesus was silent and made no reply. Then the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?’  Jesus said, ‘I am. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.’”

James 4:7-8a … “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

1 Corinthians 13:12 … “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

Questioning God

 

To question God is perfectly fine, but to renounce your faith saying simply that you don’t believe in God anymore seems a little weak. My question is “How diligently did you try to find Him? Or did you feel you might be missing out on something by being a believer?” I’m not judging people who renounce their faith, I’d just like to know how seriously they took being a Christian in the first place? Did they just grow up in a Christian home feeling they had to believe because their parents did? What things influenced them in their life? Do they realize that they, just like all mankind, have a propensity to sin that started with the Fall in the Garden of Eden? 

Questioning God as a true believer is not a problem either. However, don’t be surprised if you end up in His Word to find your answer. Perhaps there IS no immediate answer to your question or perhaps God’s answer is coming, but just not yet. The more we study the Bible and seek reliable sources for answers to our questions, the less questions we are likely to have. 

Familiarizing ourselves with the main tenets of faith will give us a sense of understanding. Feed your mind with ungodly information and you may wind up in trouble. Life isn’t perfect. Even for the Christian life isn’t perfect.  Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

NOTE: If you’d like the title of two (2) relatively inexpensive sets of books that can help with questions regarding your faith, seek out the following:

1 – “Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions” by Ken Ham & Bodie Hodge, published by Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Company.

2 – “The New Answers Book, Vol. 1-4”, by Ken Ham & Bodie Hodge, published by Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Company.

God Is Our Refuge

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” - Psalm 46:1 NLT

 

REFUGE - a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble.

 

            Whenever we feel like we are in danger, remember that our God is all around us and in us by His Holy Spirit. Remember, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” ^{(Psalm 18:2 NLT)}

                  We are told not to worry and not to be afraid, because our Lord protects us from harm and danger and that’s because we are His children.  “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread ..., for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” ^{(Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV)}

                  These are worrisome times. Evil seems to have the upper hand. But God sees all and knows all and is allowing what is taking place for His own purposes. Purposes for ultimate peace, restoration, and the total eradication of evil from the face of the earth. Those who trust in God have nothing to fear. Having said that, we are human. We tend to overreact to that which only appears to be problem. Many times the perceived problem is really nothing more than an obstacle to climb over or go around. Evil will not win. LOVE always wins!! The foundation that evil is built on is already beginning to crumble and will collapse under the weight of itself.

                  Don’t give in to worry and fear. It’s one of Satan’s greatest weapons against us. If we succumb to it we will needlessly stress over nothing. God is far greater than any weapon formed against us. When something bad happens to us, trust God. There is a reason for it. Don’t question it. Trust God. Has He ever let you down thus far? Trust Him. It’s part of having faith. God loved us enough to die in our place and offer us eternal life in exchange for submission to His will for us.  Trust Him with your life. He is our refuge and strength.

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

GOD HEARS US

 

“I have heard your prayer ….”^{2 Chronicles 7:12 (NIV)}

Nothing on this earth could ever compare to Almighty God. No matter how hard we try to emulate God we fail miserably because we are terminally imperfect. God is the only perfect entity, which is why He is the ‘prototype’, so to speak. The ‘standard’ that should be followed.

Having said all that, what does it mean to us when we read the words “I have heard your prayer …”? If God is ethereal and therefore not of this earth, then how does He hear us? So many of us, and I can tend to be one of them, over think certain things. Rather than focusing on the fact that He hears us, I want to know how He hears us. I am telling you now, the confirmation in scripture that your Heavenly Father actually HEARS YOU when you pray to Him is infinitely more important than HOW He hears you.

How many of you understand that there is a significant difference between listening and hearing? We can listen to someone all day long and not truly hear anything they’ve said. What a comfort to find that our Heavenly Father can be trusted to HEAR our prayers and not just listen to them.

In the movie, BRUCE ALMIGHTY**, God, played by Morgan Freeman, takes a vacation, giving all His powers to Bruce (Jim Carrey). In one scene, Bruce is on his computer, and he starts receiving hundreds, even thousands of prayer requests almost instantaneously. He can’t answer them all individually, because he has determined that it would be too time consuming, so he decides to just give an affirmative answer to all the prayer requests. This of course doesn’t work out so well. Isn’t it a good thing that God not only hears us as an individual, but takes the time to say either ‘no’ or ‘not yet’ from time to time when He knows to rubber stamp our request will lead to negative consequences. We truly do not know what is good for us and normally want the easy way into or out of a given situation. However, it is in the waiting that some of our most important lessons are learned … as long as WE have decided to hear and not just listen. So know that God hears all your prayers and will answer them when the right time for an answer has come. This involves trust and patience. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

*Prototype – An original type, form or instance serving as a basis or standard.

** Bruce Almighty – released in theatres May 14^th, 2003, by Universal Pictures.

Note: I just read a few months ago that Jim Carrey had given his life to Christ. I rejoice in that, for another lost soul has found his way to God. Thank you Lord for wooing him with your Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

The Depths of God

 

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!”- Romans 11:33 _(NIV)

                  If you lack wisdom or knowledge, dip into the deep resources of God. You may not receive an immediate answer, but the answer you need is an answer worth waiting for. The conventional wisdom of this world cannot compare to the wisdom of God. He is the embodiment of wisdom and knowledge. His essence is truth. He IS so everything about Him is eternal and everlasting. Nothing else on this earth can be spoken of in such a manner. All of creation is finite … the Creator is not. It is impossible to comprehend that He was and is and always will be. How does a finite mind grasp that concept? It doesn’t. It ‘s not possible. The knowledge and wisdom of God far surpasses anything that can be understood by mortal man.  

God’s wisdom and knowledge doesn’t merely exist, it flows on endlessly. I believe it flows because it is uncontainable. I believe, just like God Himself, His wisdom and knowledge is living, breathing and never ending. I do not pretend to understand a whole lot in this life, but one thing that I believe I DO understand is that God cannot be contained. He cannot be limited. There are no boundaries when it comes to what God is capable of doing. I believe it to be literally true that no matter what situation you find yourself in at this very moment in time, one word from Almighty God and your situation can CHANGE in an instant, a mere Nano-second. Faster than a blink of the eye. As quickly as Christ will appear in the sky when He returns for His church. In the twinkling of an eye, as scripture puts it. 

                  There isn’t anything this side of heaven that makes any sense at all when it comes to God and all the riches He has at His disposal. So, rest in God … rest in the knowledge of knowing that you cannot figure it out. As terrifying as being in a free fall may seem to you, imagine that you are doing just that. You are in a free fall through time and space and yet are seen by a God Who will not allow anything to harm you … those things that take place are pre-ordained or mapped out by the Creator of the Universe. You are safe in His arms, even while you are falling. Instead of stressing about the landing, allow yourself to reside in the peace of God and enjoy the ride. God will never fail you. He will never abandon you. He will never let you down. What you must endure in this life God is aware of and has either prepared you for it or will sustain you through it. Seek His face and reach deep into the richness that is God for His wisdom and knowledge. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries 

What are you missing?

                Invariably there comes a time when people feel they may be missing out on something. My dog is like that. He could be lying down resting, but if he hears a noise either inside or outside, he UP and checking it out. He doesn’t want to miss anything that’s going on. I wonder what goes thru their minds at a time like that? People can be like that also. At times those who called themselves Christians may feel THEY are missing something by not being OF THE WORLD. (At least we’re cautioned in scripture not to be.)

                What is so attractive about the things of the world? They speak to the baser side of the human mind. They attempt to draw you in and then lock you up. Once you’re hooked you will need to struggle twice as hard to get out. The seedy side of life can appear attractive from a certain point of view, but it will always leave you wanting something more. That is the way Satan’s web of lies and deceit works. Satan is the “prince of the power of the air”. God kicked him out of heaven for insubordination. He was cast down to earth where he has done his level best to disrupt the natural order of things. While God causes or allows whatever transpires in this life, Satan was given rule & reign over earth. Hence the proliferation of evil that takes place EVERY DAY.

                To live according to worldly standards is to play in Satan’s sandbox. Most folks would never consider that reality, but if the Bible is true, and I believe it is, then that is exactly what we’re dealing with each day. The devil’s toys. The devil’s venue. God gives us all the self-control we will ever need to avoid the pitfalls that arise in this sin-sick, dark, evil world, but we must SEEK IT. It doesn’t happen automatically.

                I got saved at the age of 24. I lived my youth in the world. I found no major attraction in the world that captivated my imagination. Nothing. I followed sports and played basketball or baseball whenever the opportunity presented itself. I grew up in a lifeless denominational church that growing up seemed more like a requirement than something I sought to do on my own. I went because my mom went. Dad stayed home. Nothing really drew me in. If I ever had the occasion to look thru a Penthouse or Playboy magazine as a youth, I quickly considered it something unattainable and dismissed it. I never got hooked on anything of that nature. Nothing in this world was alluring to me. I lived my life and did what I was told to do growing up. I suppose I was one of the fortunate ones. 

                How you look at things as an adult has a lot to do with how you were raised. If your parents were heavy drinkers, you probably will continue the cycle that may go on thru multiple generations until someone or something puts stop to it. If all your friends are addicted to gambling you may fall into the same trap. There isn’t much that is worth the time it takes to involve yourself from a secular perspective, and there isn’t ANYTHING that is worth your time from a spiritual and eternal point of view. 

                  God isn’t some cruel task master who wants to rob you of all your pleasure. What it comes down to is the fact that He knows us better than we know ourselves and has presented us with a blueprint for living a life that can be rewarding, generally peaceful and filled with hope for the future. Try not to dwell on what you feel you may be missing and tap into God’s way of living. Dwelling on negatives gets you nowhere. Shed the negativism and seek the joy of the Lord, which is available by asking God for it. Converse with the Lord regularly to maintain a line of communication. By doing so you can experience the presence of the Lord.  

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Abiding in Christ

 

To "abide in Christ" means to live in a close, sustained relationship with Jesus Christ, characterized by faith, obedience, and a continuous dependence on Him for life and strength. It's not a temporary state but a way of life for believers. 

Abiding in Christ is synonymous with being saved and being "in Christ". Keeping Christ's commandments, including loving God and neighbor, is a way to abide in His love. Allowing God's Word to shape your mind, will, and affections is essential for abiding in Christ. Recognizing Jesus as your source of life and strength, rather than a supplement. Both Christ and the believer are described as abiding in each other, signifying a close and intimate relationship. Abiding is not a one-time event but a daily practice of remaining connected to Jesus. As a branch on a vine, believers who abide in Christ bear fruit in their lives. Abiding in Christ is also described as "knowing" Him intimately. Continuously trusting in Jesus and His love. Following Jesus' teachings and commandments. Regularly praying and communicating with God. Meditating on God's Word and letting it shape your life. Engaging in fellowship with other believers and cultivating a close relationship with God. Regularly evaluating your relationship with Christ and identifying areas in need of growth.

That’s pretty much abiding in Christ in a nutshell. His death on the cross presented us with a challenge. That challenge is to accept Him for who He says He is, and leave your old life behind. That may not be so easy for some folks, but you will be the winner if you do. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries