I Have a Question 

 

Does God Rule Over the Entire Universe?

 

According to Judeo-Christian theology & biblical texts, God DOES INDEED rule over our entire Universe. God created all things, from the biggest things to the tiniest particle. It is thru him that all things both work & hold together. 

He is Sovereign, which means he has TOTAL authority & control. His sovereignty is different than a worldly Sovereign, for Almighty God is in complete control of all eternity. Worldly Sovereigns get old & die eventually. God was & is & is to come. The Lord is timeless; he adheres to no actual system of time. In other words God exists outside of time & space. This why he’s Omnipresent or everywhere at the same time.

            Yet if God is in absolute control than why was Jesus captured, tortured & killed when there could have been a thousand angels waiting on his call to come down and stop the crucifixion? Nothing prevented Christ’s death because it was God’s deliberate plan & foreknowledge. All that Jesus went thru had to take place per God’s plan to save us from our sinful selves.

            “Your name, O Lord, endures forever, Your fame, O Lord, throughout all generations.”

Psalm 137:13 NKJV

 

“The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all [the universe].” – Psalm 103:19 AMP

 

            God sustains and rules the universe primarily through the immutable physical laws He has established, which govern all natural phenomena* and human behavior. In addition to this, the Lord retains the power to intervene via miracles. All authority, whether human or spiritual, is subject to God’s will. He is described as having complete control over history, nations, and individual lives, ensuring that nothing occurs outside His permissive or direct will. That would mean that all earthly and heavenly authorities are subject to God’s will. Jesus Christ is the unrivaled sovereign who upholds all things by His power, possessing the keys of death and Hades, and ruling over both the physical and spiritual realms. Almighty God is the ultimate ruler of everything in existence. He created it and He rules over it. The universe may seem extremely large in comparison to the earth itself, but to God, the universe is simply something else He has created and has control over. Until next time, serve the Lord by imitating Christ.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

*An occurrence, circumstance, or fact that is perceptible by human senses.

I Have a Question 

How are we to act as followers of Christ?

 

Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. It is not rude; it is not self-seeking; it is not provoked, nor overly sensitive or easily angered; it does not take into account a wrong endured.  It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears all things regardless of what comes their way, believes all things looking for the best in each one, hopes all things remaining steadfast during difficult times, endures all things without weakening^{. [1 Corinthians 13:4-7 The Amplified Bible]}

                  If you want to know how God defines “love” then look no further than the passage shown above; 1 Corinthians 13... the Love Chapter. The world has it all wrong. Generally speaking, they’ve mixed up love with lust. Just because you go to bed with someone doesn’t necessarily mean you love them. That approach can cause a large amount of consternation on the part of both parties involved. The woman who wanted kids but NOT NOW!! The man who didn’t want the commitment that comes with raising a child... so he vanishes adding another number to the already growing single parent ranks. THAT is not love. That is the height of selfishness. Having “fun” without dealing with the inevitable consequences.

            Love is SELFLESS. Love views the other person are more important than you are. Love is a 100-100 proposition; not 50-50 as the experts say. Love is either ALL IN or NOT ALL IN. It MUST be 100% ALL IN for both parties. God IS LOVE and therefore is 100% invested in His relationship with those He created. No regrets. No hesitancy. Just full bore, unselfish, unconditional love for all. 

Does the Lord get frustrated with His creation? Because His purposes are set from the foundations of the earth, nothing man can say or do even begin to thwart God’s plans. He’s knows we are frail and fault ridden. We say and do dumb things; however, it’s not as if God doesn’t know us so well that these mistakes take Him by surprise. 

We are asked to emulate Christ in our daily life. We can never use the excuse that we don’t know how God wants us to act, for the blueprint is clearly revealed in 1 Corinthians. Don’t fight knowing the Lord; embrace that relationship and allow your faith and trust in God to thrive amidst the chaos that rages all around us. Until next time, live your life following God’s statutes, with no regrets, and thrive in Jesus name.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries                                                                                                                                                                    

I Have a Question 

Is God Just?

            In today’s world, too many people are lax when it comes to punishment for crimes committed or evil deeds done. For that reason God seems harsh and unjust for his unwavering disciplinary actions against sin. Man has a million and one reasons why leniency is the way to go. One is that the individual is a good person who reacted poorly to a given situation. Another happens to be pressure from community action groups who bring up the perpetrator as being the one who is harassed or provoked into retaliatory actions.

            God is pretty plain regarding iniquity. No sin shall go unpunished. Now He also is merciful, so knowing the heart and the motivation of a person, can cause God to be merciful or conciliatory under certain circumstances. This wouldn’t show weakness in God but rather an innate strength of character to be fair and just. 

            Modern man wishes to do away with law enforcement & prisons altogether, as a means of doing away with all types of punishment. They seem to think this will change society for the better by taking that negative aspect out. Wrong behavior must be dealt with for society to function as a whole, rather than be fragmented into small cells of differing ideologies and opinions. 

            Since Almighty God knows all that can be known and therefore knows the hearts of men (women & children as well), then we ought to follow His lead and not our own. Now we must obey the law and so I am certainly not saying we should obey God’s Word to the exclusion of all else. We must obey local laws, whether we agree with them or not. But we should be led by the statutes of God to achieve a peaceful, loving way of life where good triumphs over evil. God’s way is the way we are to follow because His statutes are not influenced by opinion or prejudice or pre-conceived ideas. God is not susceptible to any outside influence for He is the grand designer of both mankind and the world he lives in. 

            God is just because His fairness works for everyone if they truly seek fairness and honesty. There is no sin or corruption in the Lord. That cannot be said of man. Submit to the wisdom and power of Almighty God and live in peaceful harmony with your fellow man.

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

 

“In every trial and affliction, we must always trust that Jesus knows what He is doing, and that all He does is done in infinite wisdom and love for us, and so it is the best for us.” - - Charles Spurgeon

 

            The key word in this statement from Rev. Spurgeon is “trust”.  The way the word is used has everything to do with the context in which it is used. The way it’s used above reveals that Spurgeon is speaking of trust in Jesus and by association, Almighty God. 

            Whenever we go thru a trial or some sort of affliction we must rely on and have confidence in the fact that the Lord knows exactly what He’s doing. We must learn to cast all fear and apprehension off like a winter parka on a 100 degree day. Our acceptance of God’s ability to be relied upon will cause you to sleep better at night.  

            Our confidence in God means we trust that He is reliable, honest, and has a high level of integrity. Not being in control of our own life’s trajectory can tend to be daunting, but in a relationship such as the one we have begun with God, that trust is a foundational piece that triggers mutual respect and personal security. Regardless of whatever happens to us in this life as a child of God, we can know that the Lord is with us wherever we go and when we make a foolish misstep, which we may do, the Lord is always watching and able to come to our aid in whatever form He feels is necessary.

            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 

 

Something important to remember: God forgives, man does not. They resent and tend to hold grudges. They take things out of context and take things very personal. Now having said that I realize that is a “broad sweeping generalization” as I like to call them. Yes, there are gracious folks who do actually forgive, but forgetting it much harder. I get that. If you have a contrite heart you will be forgiven by God. That would be a heart that says “I messed up. I’m truly sorry and with Your help Lord I will not do it again.” Regret translates into contrition. God will forgive that every time. But people are not wired like God. They have feelings and emotions that get burned and hurt and sometimes they have difficulty in seeing past the infraction.

              I have a personal situation where my two girls don’t have anything to do with me. They were lied to and believed those lies and now want nothing to do with me. It would appear that there is no forgiveness in their heart toward me. It’s unfortunate, but that’s how life goes sometimes. Attempting to reestablish some sort of relationship over a ten year period came to nothing. Not wanting to get hurt again I have at least for the time being abandoned my attempts to reconcile. I pray for them, and myself, and a possible future reconciliation. I have left it in God’s hand.

             So if you have folks who have not forgiven you, pray over the entire situation in the hope that forgiveness will manifest itself in the form of a reconciliation between both parties.  It can happen, but patience is required. God moves in hidden and mysterious ways His wonders to perform. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9. Like me, leave it in God’s more than capable hands and hope for a resolution in His time.

            Until next time, 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 

 

Our “old man”, aka, our old sinful nature, CAN be snuffed out like a cheap cigar if that is your desire. Stop feeding him. Feed your spirit man instead. Once saved your desires should start to realign themselves with the Lords desires FOR YOU. Because of the free will that God offers us all, one doesn’t HAVE to stop feeding the old nature, because there’s a good chance your past life has some pleasurable moments that you’d like to replicate. But does that help you grow spiritually AND is it pleasing to the Lord. We can do as we choose. We don’t HAVE to conform to God’s will for us, but if we choose not to we are shortchanging ourselves in a very big way with regards to that which will benefit us the most. 

            To do our own thing means we think we know better than our Creator what benefits us the most. With the influence of the “prince of the power of the air” ^[1] (Satan) we’ll have a difficult time adhering to God’s statutes. That’s why our focus cannot be on the past events that have brought us pleasure. We must readjust our way of thinking and make our main goal to emulate Christ and follow the directives of the Lord. 

            The problem many have regarding the “old man” is that he just doesn’t have the good grace to stay buried. He’s constantly trying to claw his way back into our lives. It takes a “stick to it” attitude and determination to thwart the enemies attacks. Put on your spiritual armor 

(Ephesians 6), call on the name of the Lord, rebuke the enemy in Jesus’ name. This approach works if you’re locked into a steady, rock solid relationship with God. You are His child and as a good Father, God provides for and protects us. He strengthens us and guides us by His Holy Spirit who resides within us once saved. Feed your spirit man and starve the old man. He no longer has to have any hold on you. Believe that and you shall be free of him.

            Until next time, serve God & praise His name.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] Ephesians 2:2 NIV

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

 

          Do you understand that there is nothing you can do to gain God’s favor? Do you know that you are totally unworthy of His grace and mercy? Scripture says ALL fall short of the mark for ALL are overrun by sin. Once redeemed there is still nothing you can do to gain God’s favor. God doesn’t love you because you are worthy of His love, you are worthy of His love because He is gracious. 

Grace is UNDESERVED FAVOR. GRACE stands for “God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense”. All of mankind is worthy of hell fire, but by God’s unfailing mercy and love for His creation we are all given the opportunity to shed our sin skin and rise up as a NEW CREATION in Christ. If you’ve already made the choice to follow and serve Christ than nothing can take that salvation away from you. Your soul has been bought and paid for by Christ’s blood.  If you haven’t decided to follow Christ yet what on earth are you waiting for? This world of sin and sorrow offers NOTHING of any lasting value. The trinkets this world offers us are worthless in God’s eyes. You can’t be good enough to get into heaven. Jesus said there’s NO ONE who is good except the Father. Salvation isn’t something you EARN. No. It is a free gift bought with blood. Eternity hangs in the balance. Prior to redemption we walk a tightrope between heaven and hell. Once redeemed that tightrope becomes a bridge made from the wooden cross on which Christ was crucified. That bridge will take you all the way to where God is in heaven. Live for Christ and have no regrets.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

 

Life sure can be frustrating, what with all the lies and corruption in the world. Immoral and unethical behavior have permeated our world. It can drive a well-grounded follower of Christ to distraction. I’ve begun to hate watching the news. NO GOOD NEWS. But that raises an important question… why am I looking for good news in an ungodly world? The enemy likes things just the way they are and revels in it. However, once the dust settles amid the chaos we see that God is STILL ON HIS THRONE and in control of ALL THINGS that transpire. He causes or allows all things for his own purposes. If we walk closely with him then we truly have NOTHING TO FEAR.

Having said that I know that fear is purely a mental thing. I know because I’ve struggled with anxiety since the 1980’s. I make it thru life with two different medications. I also deal with claustrophobia. It keeps me from doing certain things. I used to be embarrassed being a Christian and dealing with these problems, but I’m not embarrassed any longer. I’m a human being, just like everybody else. I’m not superman because I’m saved. I’ve had little victories dealing with anxious moments as I prayed my way thru them. The mental part can be difficult to combat. It’s a war for the psyche of men. Our ability to reason is under attack by the one who will literally do anything to screw with us. 

Because I have these issues come up from time to time does that make me a poor Christian? Absolutely not. I used to think so until I realized it had no bearing on my relationship with the Lord whatsoever. The Lord knows all the intricacies regarding our lives. As a matter of fact there is NOTHING the Lord doesn’t know about you. I know for a fact that God DOES NOT ever say, “You have problems with anxiety? Get that fixed then come back to see me.” NEVER - NEVER - NEVER... God never turns us away. He loves and accepts us JUST the way we are. He made us, he knows how we’re fearfully & wonderfully made. When you’re afraid, give it over to the Lord. It works. Trust God. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

            It seems to me that simple common courtesies are becoming extinct. Hold a door for someone. Greeting a person with a cheery disposition. Paying for the coffee of the person behind you in line whether you know them or not. Giving others the right of way on the road. You just don’t see that sort of thing much anymore. At least not in New Jersey.

            Now I realize that is what I refer to as a broad sweeping generalization. Just because I don’t happen to see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, but as far as I’m concerned you really have to look for it to find it. Shouldn’t it be commonplace or is that asking too much?

            As a believer in Christ I believe it’s something Jesus would do. My father taught me to treat all people with respect, especially women. Common courtesy was nestled in those lessons. So perhaps it’s lacking because parents just don’t take the time to impart it to their kids. Or maybe they took the time, but the kids blew it off as unimportant. I don’t really know, but I DO know that when you perform a common courtesy for someone, they appreciate it, almost as if they thought it had died out as well. But an old dinosaur like me still looks to bless others every chance I get. It costs nothing to be kind, but the dividends can be enormous. It could start a revolution of sorts just like it the movie “Paying It Forward”. * Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

*The movie Pay It Forward, with Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt & Haley Joel Osment, came out in the fall of 2000. It was a Warner Bros. film. Great movie ... if you haven’t seen it check it out. You won’t be sorry.

Taking a Look at Scripture

 

“Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.” - Psalm 37:3-5 NLT

            Let’s first look that the definition for the word “trust”.  Trust is the “firm belief in the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing; confidence or reliance in that person or thing.” In this particular case the “person”happens to be Almighty God. Here we see advice to those whose hearts are towards God.  

We are seeing another “if-then” clause, even though the word “if” isn’t being used here. For all intents and purposes you could really slide it in the beginning of the verse so it reads – “IF you trust the Lord and do good, THEN you will live safely in the land and prosper.”

Prosperity isn’t always referring to financial gain. In God’s realm prosperity is tied directly to spiritual growth and maturity; growing in the things of the Lord. Money is temporal; here today and gone tomorrow. The accumulation of monetary wealth, while not intrinsically wrong, is NOT what is important in God’s kingdom. 

A lot of people misinterpret the next sentence. Delight in the Lord & he will give you whatever your heart desires. Our heart has the potential to deceive us. I believe it is implied that our heart’s desires should be linked to our intimate relationship with the Lord. In other words, I wouldn’t expect to receive a brand new Maserati or other sports car because you know the Lord and have a heartfelt desire to own one. It’s not going to happen. I mean you can MAKE it happen by going deep in debt by buying one, but the consequences of that decision could crush you in the long run financially. No, I believe it’s safe to say that God is hoping you’ve matured enough as a follower of Christ that your heart’s desire should have something to do with drawing closer to him in some way. Aside from spiritually growth and maturity, it seems to me that the Lord isn’t terribly interested in some of the crazy things we feel we have to have. Just sayin’...

Whatever you do in this life, commit it to God. Your schoolwork, your job performance, your responsibilities as a husband or wife, father or mother. These things are vital to your existence in this life as you serve Christ. Again the word “trust” comes into play. As you strive to commit every aspect of your life to the Lord, trust him and he WILL help you. It’s a promise.

As a matter of fact it’s 1 of 3 promises God makes to us in these verses. 

            We trust in a lot of crazy things in this life. Trust in God. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Dictionary used is the American Heritage Dictionary.

Note: Psalm 37 is a Psalm of David.

Taking a Look at Scripture 

 

“It is better to be godly & have little than to be evil & rich. For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly.” – Psalm 37:16-17 NLT

                  Do not envy the wealth of the unsaved, for everything in this world is temporal. If it were not true than we’d only have to buy one of everything as it would last forever, but that isn’t the case is it? Companies wouldn’t be able to stay in business if people only bought one item and never had to replace it. 

            Do not be attracted to the shiny baubles or glittery jewels. The enemy does his best to lure you into striving after such things, but there is no future in it. True perpetual peace and satisfaction only comes from knowing the Lord. 

A question for nonbelievers - If you don’t know the Lord then realistically how can you speak against him. By regurgitating falsehoods you have bought into? Does your curiosity go no deeper than that? Is the concept of digging for nuggets of truth that foreign to you or are you just spiritually lazy? 

            There is a serious movement against Christianity. Not against ANY other religion, just the one true God and his Son Jesus. Some non-believers feel we’re out to conquer the world, forcing people to convert to our way of thinking. That is completely false. The free will God allows his creation gives us all the right to believe whatever way we choose. Then he shows all thru his word a better way to live. Accept it or reject it, that’s an individuals choice. 

            Justice WILL come for the evil ones of the earth. Retribution is coming for those who have blasphemed against the Most High God. A reckoning of sorts. In this sin-sick world evil has received NO consequences due to the corrupt evil that exists throughout the globe. But permanent and eternal consequences originating directly from God’s throne IS coming. NO evil shall escape the wrath of our Holy God.  Live a Godly life for He will take good care of us all. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Taking a Look at Scripture 

 

“Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.”  - Psalm 37:25 NLT     

 

            There is something that King David knew. He knew from his Jewish heritage growing up that one of God’s names was “Jehovah Jireh, the Lord provides”. David also knew that the Lord didn’t provide sometimes and not other times. He knew that God had a covenant with his people to provide for them in good times and bad as long as they faithfully served him. Once they turned their collective backs on God, which they did multiple times thru the years, the blessings stopped along with the provisions.

            David drew from his years of life experience when he uttered the words above. The verse previous to our text revealed to the reader that though his children may stumble, they will never fall and the reason given for that is that the Lord upholds his children with his own hand. David trusted his God. We are to trust our God as well, regardless of our circumstances. God provides whatever we truly need when it is needed the most. That will require faith AND trust in him to do as he has promised in his Word. 

            There is no record throughout scripture where Almighty God has failed. There is no failure in him. He doesn’t make mistakes or miscalculations. He is perfect in every way. Past performance is evidence of that fact. It is not a theory, as with science or evolution, for prophecies have been made and fulfilled throughout the ages; however, men failed to see and accept these things as facts. Trust God. Where else can we go to find the truth? Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Taking a Look at Scripture 

 

“Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead.” – Mark 8:31 NLT

 

            This verse redefined who the Messiah would be. The disciples expected a political liberator instead of a suffering servant figure. The Jewish people wanted to be freed from being under the thumb of the Roman Empire, but this was not what God had in mind. The plan was on a universal scale and not a limited, individualistic scale that only aided the immediate situation of the Jewish people of Jesus day.

            The suffering Jesus was destined to endure was foreordained by God and predicted in Isaiah 53 of the OT. Christ’s death would be a substitutionary one that would atone for the sins of all of mankind.

            Mark 8:31 represents the first of three predictions of Christ’s death in Mark’s Gospel. You can be sure that his disciples were not at all prepared to hear of the Lord’s death, in spite of the fact that his statement ended with him rising from his tomb alive again. Killing an innocent man to stop the proselytization of their own beliefs was hardly a reason to commit murder, but the religious leaders didn’t see Jesus as the Messiah. They also saw him as a blasphemer which was punishable by death. God had other plans that involved Christ returning to heaven and observe his followers fulfill their mission to share the teachings of the Lord throughout the known world at that time.

            Take notice of the word “must” in the beginning of verse 31. That one word controls the entire statement.  That which was to take place was non-negotiable. It was divinely necessary for Christ to suffer and die. It should be no surprise that Jesus spoke in terms of suffering. He saw what happened to John the Baptist and also knew that there was a growing antagonistic sentiment against him. Since he was trained as a Rabbi Jesus would have had to memorize the entire OT and would have thus been intimately familiar with Isaiah 53, the Suffering Servant. His obedience is the reason we as followers of Christ shall live in heaven with Almighty God for all eternity. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: https://www.bereanbiblechurch.org/transcripts/mark/8_31-33.htm

Taking a Look at Scripture

“So get rid of all uncleanness and all that remains of wickedness, and with a humble spirit receive the word [of God] which is implanted [actually rooted in your heart], which is able to save your souls.” - James 1:21 (AMP)

            James is writing his letter to the converted Jews that lived outside the Palestinian community in around AD 49. Its purpose was to shine a light on the hypocritical practices within the body of Christ. His goal was to teach them correct Christian behavior. He encourages them to GET RID of all their wrong actions and practices, which provides for a spiritual transformation. Instead, with all humbleness, receive God’s Word. The humbleness we are to display is akin to meekness or gentleness. We must allow that humble spirit to take root in our hearts. This act of laying aside moral filthiness & all sorts of wickedness must be a deliberate act. One that treats sin as an external garment that can be tossed away rather than internalized.    

            By internalizing God’s Word we then can call on it to help shape our life, but we cannot simply listen to it. Listen to verse 22. “But don’t just listen to God’s Word. You must do what it says. Otherwise you are only fooling yourself.” Verses 23 & 24 continue on with an illustration. “For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.” Don’t allow yourself to be that person. Live out God’s Word daily with the help of the Holy Spirit within you. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

Taking a Look at Scripture

 

“They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.” – Titus 1:16 NIV

 

            Titus was a Greek who was probably converted to Christianity thru Paul’s ministry. His responsibility was the supervision of the churches on the isle of Crete. He was sent by Paul to both organize and oversee the churches started by the apostle. 

            One of the problems that the early church had to deal with was the rise in false teaching. These teachers had theoretical knowledge of God, yet didn’t have a genuine spiritual relationship with him. The actions of these spreaders of lies show that they are not truly who they pretend to be.

            Titus goes on in chapter 2 to describe what righteous living looks like. Verses 1-2 speak of wholesome teaching being done within the church, promoting the exercise of self-control, living wisely, and living so that they are worthy of respect within the body. 

            Even today there are purveyors of falsehoods regarding what it means to follow Christ. As believers we must know WHAT we believe and WHY we believe it so as to thwart any attempt by the enemy to draw us out of the community of believers. Stay focused on Christ and serving him so you don’t become susceptible to false teachings. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

 

Some folks just seem to gripe all the time. They’re just never satisfied with anything in your life. I catch myself getting gripey from time to time and remind myself that no matter what my situation may happen to be things could always be worse, much worse. If you doubt that just turn on the news. 

Evil is on the rise, and things seem to be out of control, but again I remind myself that GOD IS STILL ON HIS THRONE AND PRAYER CHANGES THINGS. With prayer any set of circumstances can change in a literal instant. GOD is in control, not man. Remember, God either causes or allows all that takes place in this world. Factored into that is the fact that God has given mortal man a free will to do as he or she pleases. Many good choices have been made throughout the centuries; however, history shows that many bad choices have also been made resulting in the world we now live in. 

God has the final say regarding anything and everything that is to transpire, so we truly have nothing to gripe about. We must learn to be like the apostle Paul. “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” [Philippians 4:11-13 NIV] 

Complaining is a waste of breath. Chances are you will be unable to alter that thing you are complaining about. So learn to be content in whatever situation you happen to be in. You’ll be happier in the long run. Face it, more money isn’t the answer, more friends isn’t, a bigger house isn’t, a nicer car isn’t... nothing can stop your downward spiral but YOU with the help of the Holy Spirit within you. For those who haven’t surrendered to Christ and been forgiven, your only hope in this sin-sick world is to turn to God. 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 

 

At times our impertinence regarding God and His Word can be shocking; however, according to that same word the Lord not only forgives us when we screw up, but never holds it against us… as if it never happened in the first place. Repeat offenders struggle with the weakness of their own self-control and feel that God couldn’t possibly forgive the same indiscretions AGAIN & AGAIN. Unless I’m taking it out of context, God doesn’t tell US to forgive a scant number of times but rather 7 x 70 times. That is symbolic for the number of times the Lord forgives. The number represents an infinite number of times and not a literal number.

Do we sin knowing that the Lord will forgive us? Or do we sin because our self-control is weak? The first suggestion is NOT okay with the Lord, the second can be corrected thru a determined will to change. We KNOW that which we should do, yet succumb to temptations thinking we may be missing something that is enjoyable, never realizing it is a trap of the enemy. It’s a pretty simple concept. God wishes you to succeed in all you do on His behalf. The enemy wishes you to flat out fail in every endeavor you take on. Who’s side do you think you should be on? The enemy uses smoke and mirrors to fool us into doing something we would normally not do. The Lord can lead and guide us into that which will thwart the enemies most heinous plans and bring Him both honor and glory. “...so then choose for yourself this day whom you will serve, but as for me & my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 NLT) Until next time, walk with the Lord & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

Lady Gaga says she is a Christian who was born the way she is. She grew up Catholic and went to a Catholic school. She likes the Catholic service and the homilies, but doesn’t appear to adhere to biblical doctrine very much. She shares that her beliefs are mostly based on self-empowerment and loving others.

Though she says she’s a Christian there’s no talk of Christ or becoming like Him. It would seem as though she has fallen into the trap of defining Christianity in a way that pleases her rather than living a life to please God.

Now I’m not her judge, nor am I ANYONE’S judge. We are allowed to be a fruit inspector; not as a means to judge but as a reason to pray for them. God knows the details in our lives. He and He alone is our judge. He judges on the motivations of the heart. Only God could possibly know that.

The really sad part about Lady Gaga’s story is that if she’s off the mark and propagating skewed biblical teachings, she is unintentionally leading people astray. May she find the true path to righteousness. Be careful who you follow. No one is the correct path but Jesus Christ. Follow Him and live. 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 

            Recently I went thru a time when I wasn’t going to church. I was thinking too hard about the service and how it was done rather than simply worshipping the King. For some reason I felt the services I attended were stiff and unwelcoming. Was that just the enemy doing a tap dance in my head? I knew nothing was perfect except the Lord Himself, so I was coming to realize that I was looking at church all wrong. 

My wife grew up in an Episcopal Church with their one hour services and brief messages, so she didn’t want to attend a church where the sermon was longer than 20-30 minutes and the service wasn’t longer than one hour. That was the reason she didn’t want to go. Plus she felt they were always asking for money.

Now I’ve been a follower of Christ for 47 years, which doesn’t necessarily mean anything, but it’s important to me. I’ve have my highs and lows regarding my walk with Christ, but I feel my faith and trust in God has been steadfast. When my wife said she wanted to go to church on Easter Sunday, I agreed. It was a good, biblically sound message and the service was uplifting. My wife now wants to begin returning to church and I felt this was an answer to prayer. So we’re going to get a little involved and not be so critical of the fellow humans who are striving, just like us, to serve the Lord effectively. 

I knew it was important to attend a bible believing church, for fellowship with others of like faith is vital for your spiritual growth. So I have been a little uncomfortable NOT going. Well, I feel much better now that we’ve both agreed to attend church again. So if you’re like me and you feel there are certain aspects of your church or church in general, and those things make you not want to go, put that aside and worship the Lord regularly. Fellowship is very important. I believe I’ve learned an important lesson. It’s NOT all about me... it’s about God and who I am IN Him. I actually knew that, but forgot. It’s an important thing to remember. Our opinions tend to be flawed in one way or another when it comes to church Mine were and I readily admit that. I love the Lord and always try to be as transparent as I feel is necessary. I’m not perfect, nor am I better than ANYONE else. I know who I am and that’s a good thing. Live your life FOR God taking advantage of all the resources He has placed at your disposal. 

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

 

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

            I saw an interesting quote... “Whether the truth sets you free or not is up to you.” Now I don’t know who said this, but I believe it be a true statement. It HAS to be up to you. If someone gives you a gift and you accept it but never open it so you can apply its usefulness to your life, that would be absolutely up to you. So then what would be the point of believing that the Bible is true, yet not read it and apply its principles to your life. So it IS up to you. 

             If you knew the truth regarding the matters of life and disregarded it, whose fault would it be? I essentially brought up the same point in several different ways to prove a point. That point is that WE are responsible for every decision we make in our lives. We also bear the consequences of the decisions we make. Whether we live in freedom or not is the result of our following the truth, but which truth. There are many folks who have established their own version of the truth based on what they believe. That which we believe comes from acquired knowledge. What are our sources for that knowledge. The Communist Manifesto represents one system of truth that has been pushed on people for decades, but if it has no reference or tie in to Almighty God then we should disregard it as false information.  

            Believe whatever you wish, but understand that EVERYTHING cannot be true. Some things must be either blatantly false, misinterpreted, or simply misunderstood. When we find a path to truth we must embrace it. Truth, as with many other things, must be universally true as in true for everyone. It cannot be true for some and not for others. For example, salvation is available to anyone who seeks it, not only to some. It isn’t based on knowledge or goodness or what is fair. It is based on the universality of scripture. It’s application is unlimited, not limited as some seem to think. 

            Grasp the truth with both hands and do not allow it to slip thru your fingers. Biblical truth WILL absolutely set you free from the evil that exists in our depraved world. Seek the truth of God and follow it where it leads you. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

 

            Does the church ask too often for money? I’ve had discussions in church board meetings regarding one way to go about raising money, let’s say for a building program or a renovation project. Those particular people didn’t want to hear about it. I laid it all out and the financial guy moaned and groaned about the whole trusting in the Lord deal. My feeling is this: if the Lord’s in it it cannot and will not fail. You lay your need before God and lay out the proposed project before the congregation. Then you tell the people to pray to the Lord regarding their participation. From that point it is between the people and God. If you place your faith and trust in God you will succeed; if you place your faith and trust in human effort, chances are you will fail. Lay it before the Lord. The folks I’ve encountered didn’t act like sold out believers in Christ at all. They rejected the whole ‘relying on the Lord’ as antiquated & impractical. But aren’t we, as representatives in a lost and dying world supposed to BE like Christ as much as it is within us with the help of the Holy Spirit? Not according to this “Christian” church.

            Do churches ask for money too often? I know the whole biblical concept of tithing, yet I don’t really hear it preached very much nowadays. Isn’t that part of what a Pastor’s duty is; to instruct the people? Churches don’t seem to be praying for the will of God, or at least that’s the way it appears to me. Now I’d like to think that is the exception rather than the rule, and it seems to happen more in the main line orthodox churches more than the evangelical churches. 

            There is a great divide between believers who work at acting in the spirit realm and those who believe that is passe’. Churches that live by a liturgy rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to have His way in the church service are missing out on one of the most exhilarating experiences a believer can have. The plan I proposed required faith and trust in an unseen source. Those who PLAY church rather than work at getting closer to God are wasting their own time as a placid believer. Do churches even hear from the Lord anymore?

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Disclaimer: I feel compelled to say that I am keenly aware of many churches that have gifted pastors and churches that do their level best with the Spirits help to live as God would have them live; therefore, this is a “if the shoe fits wear it” posting. rlk

The Trust Initiative - No. 5

“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.”- Psalm 56:3 ^NASB

                  In past postings I have made a distinction between fear & reverence. In this verse being afraid is the other meaning of fear used in scripture. We’re human with emotions. We become afraid and we worry; however, God instructs us that we need not fear or worry. This is because we are his and he is our Heavenly Father. 

                  No matter what circumstances you may find yourself in, what good could possibly come from worrying or being fearful. Will it help you in your situation? No. Will it bring you peace or comfort? No. These are characteristics that emerge from a close, intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father.

            With regards to our fear of mortal men, they can inflict pain, suffering and death to us, but they cannot rob us of our soul or our future beyond this life. A travesty in this life is when someone rejects Almighty God and loses out on forgiveness and a subsequent eternal life in his presence.

Matthew 10:28 says this: “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” We need to revere God with awe for who he is and what he has done and can do, for God controls this life and the next. We can trust our God with our very lives, without question. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries