BREAD OF LIFE MINISTRIES

TEACHINGS DESIGNED TO EDUCATE, EDIFY & MAKE YOU THINK!!
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Stop by and check them out from time to time to see what has changed. May God's blessings to you be abundant. rlkeller

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Friday, February 28, 2014

FULLY TRUSTING GOD

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) 
          Timothy was referred to by Paul as his “child of the faith”, having traveled with the Apostle on two of his missionary journeys and been an important part of his work among the Philippians and Ephesians. Here Paul is exhorting Timothy to remain strong in the face of spiritual opposition that is working its way through the church at that time. 
          As believers today we can easily apply this verse to our own lives. This verse reminds us that we have not been given a spirit of timidity, but rather of power, love and self-discipline. We are the victors of every skirmish against enemy forces, yet we sometimes act as if the opposite were true. We need to remember the words of David from Psalm 118:6 when he proclaims, “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” There is nothing anyone can do to us that has not either been caused or allowed to take place by Almighty God. He and He alone is in ultimate control of all the situations we face in life. This is why we need to place our full trust and reliance in Him. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Thursday, February 27, 2014

ACTIONS TRUMP WORDS

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18) 
          On the heels of yesterday’s entry we find another verse in John’s first letter that drives home the whole concept of love being an action word. We tend to throw around the word love as if it were a plaything, never quite realizing it’s ability to either help or hinder. When we tell someone we love him or her certain expectations arise. The receiver of such kind words looks for a show of compassion and kindness along with in many cases an attachment of romanticism. We can hurt a person’s heart if we say such things and not truly mean them. This is why it’s imperative that we learn to show our love in addition to verbalizing it. 
          God gave us the supreme example and while we are certainly not expected to lay our life down for all we proclaim our love to, it’s important that our sentiments not lie empty on the ground. God expects us to follow suit and show the world what true love is; hence the verse in John’s gospel (John 13:35) that the world will know we are believers in Christ by our love for one another. As instructed, we are to love with the same love God first showed us. Action trumps words any day of the week. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

LOVE SHOWN

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” (1 John 4:9) 
          The word that stands out in this verse is the word “showed”. This is evidence that love is an action word and not one that should be glibly bandied about. We love everything from pizza to our pet dog to our spouse, but what do we mean when we use the word in those contexts. The love God talks about in this case is agape love - love that is selfless and sacrificial. We aren’t supposed to show this type of love to those we care for alone, but to all people. That is true Godly love. 
          The freedom with which we use the word ‘love’ cheapens it, but when our words are followed by action it’s value is enhanced. Take the above verse of scripture. God doesn’t merely tell us He loves us, but rather shows us by sending His Son to die on a cross as payment for our sins. That, my friends, is love in action. We belonged hanging on that criminals cross. Jesus willingly took our place.  
          If we want those around us to know we love them, show them. Provide something tangible; something they can wrap their arms around and embrace. That is love. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

BELIEVING vs. LOVING

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.’” (Matthew 22:37-38) 
          There’s a major difference with believing in God and loving Him. Millions of people each day proclaim their belief in God yet don’t allow that knowledge to change them in any way. God knows the deepest, most hidden thoughts and motivations of our hearts, so He cannot be fooled. “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” (James 2:19) 
          The Christian faith is much more than simply expressing your belief in God. It’s loving Him and in so doing allowing His Holy Spirit to do a makeover from the inside out. Wearing a cross around your neck is nothing more than a fashion statement if you don’t have a personal relationship with the One who hung on that cross. God desires for each of us to know Him even as we are known. 
          When we truly know God in an intimate sense we begin to think differently and see things differently. Once we allow the spiritual transformation to begin we will never be as we once were. It’s only through submission to His will that this is possible. Until nest time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Monday, February 24, 2014

IN THE HANDS OF GOD

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’” (Jeremiah 29:11-13) 
          We make plans for our future so that we do not do without. We set up retirement funds so that we feel secure; however, the winds of change can make any plans seem unreliable. In the face of uncertainty we can know a security that remains constant because the giver of that security is constant. God has a future and a hope for all who seek Him with their whole heart. He will cause us to be prosperous (“even as our soul prospers” – 3 John 1:2) and keep us from harm. 
          God’s plans do not fluctuate or fade away due to a lack of resources or contrary spirit. No, God keeps His promises; therefore, we must find peace in the fact that God will not let us perish or fall by the wayside. He is our Heavenly Father; the One who watches over us every moment of every day and knows what we are in need of. Nothing escapes His gaze and nothing shall take us down. 
          If Allstate Insurance can boast that they are “The Good Hands People”, how much greater must it be to be in the hollow of God’s hand. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Saturday, February 22, 2014

OUR ONLY HOPE

“Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” (Psalm 39:6-7) 
          We all know the phrase “You can’t take it with you when you go”. So why is it that we rush to accumulate that which we can’t take with us when we die? Money is necessary for our survival, without question, but some folks act as though it is their salvation from life’s troubles. If we rely on our own resources they will one day be depleted. God knows what we are in need of and will provide for and sustain us if we trust in Him to do so (Philippians 4:19).
          The Egyptian pharaohs had riches and items of importance placed in the casket with them when they were buried so they had access to them in the next life. Little did they realize that no one gets to enjoy the things they amass in this life once it’s over. In reality, everything either gets thrown away or enjoyed by someone else. 
          Millions of people attempt to strike it rich instantly through the lottery assuming money will solve all their problems, but money isn’t the answer. No matter how much we have it will never provide forgiveness from our sin, peace in our hearts or lasting contentment. We must place our hope wholly and solely in God, for it is in Him alone that will shall find ultimate fulfillment. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Friday, February 21, 2014

GOD’S CARING NATURE

“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:3-4) 
          When you consider the fact that in all of creation we, as individuals, are but a single grain of sand on the beach of life, it can make one feel pretty insignificant. In relation to all God is and all He has done, in reality, we are a speck; yet God loves us. 
          He created us for a specific purpose - to love and worship Him. As we comb through scripture we read of the mighty things God has done to provide for and sustain His creation. Without the faith to belief what we haven’t seen with our own eyes we will miss out on the true majesty of God. The fact remains that while our eyes can deceive us and our heart can betray us, our spirit never will. When finely tuned to our Maker, our spirit will help us see God in all His glory. As you look around you, marvel at the wonders of creation and know that the same God who created all of this created you as well. 
          His mercy toward us is endless and He’s placed no conditions on His love. God loves each of us equally, regardless of what we’ve done. So when you wonder why God cares for you, simply understand and accept that He does, for His word has declared it to be so. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Thursday, February 20, 2014

LETTING WRONGS GO

“You will keep your friends if you forgive them, but you will lose your friends if you keep talking about what they did wrong.” (Proverbs 17:9; CEV) 
          Most translations say you are exhibiting love when you forgive a friend. It’s true. Mercy and grace are extended when forgiveness is given. How would we even know what mercy and grace were if forgiveness for all we had ever done had not been offered? To forgive is the ultimate example of love. Since love is an action word it’s only right that it should be this way. 
          Forgiving is one thing, but letting it go is quite another. While we do need to remember such things so as to avoid their recurrence, to beat on the wrong doer like a drum regarding the offense is counterproductive. That’s the opposite of mercy and grace and is to be avoided. If not, you will not only lose a friend but perhaps may even drive them from their faith. 
          Even though we may be hurt by an indiscretion done to us, to not forgive is contrary to the example God set for us. Christ forgave far more than we will ever be asked to forgive and still maintains unconditional love for us all. Forgive and then let the matter go. It’s the way God intended us to settle such matters. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! 

(CEV) - Contemporary English Version

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

SEEING GOD

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” (1 John 4:11-12) 
          Do people see Jesus in us? Do our words and actions exemplify Christ? It’s no secret a non-believing world thinks Christians are hypocrites and you know what, many times they’re right. I know I don’t always act out what I believe. Non-believers know nothing of grace, mercy, true forgiveness or unconditional love unless we show them. Telling them becomes another clanging cymbal, but live out our faith so they can see love in action and we become a true emissary of God. 
          God loved us for a reason. He loved us because He created us. In spite of our propensity to do the wrong thing at the wrong time, God wishes to use us to introduce His grace and forgiveness to a lost and dying world. Yes, we will stumble, but if we take our relationship with God seriously we will neither fall, nor fail. 
          The key is not us, but rather God and our willingness to surrender control of our life to Him. His love makes us complete. People will be draw to God if we love our brethren and become God’s hand extended. No one has ever seen God, but they could see Him in us if we make that our goal. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

OUR EXAMPLE

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39) 
           We’ve talked a lot about love recently. It’s comforting to know that God’s love for us is steadfast and unchanging.  Unfortunately, even on our best day, our effort to love the way God does falls way short.  That being said, it's still important to have a standard to strive for.
          We Christians seem to have a problem comparing ourselves to others, when we should be comparing ourselves to God. How do we stack up against that type of perfection? Are we attempting to emulate the selfless, unconditional love that the Lord offers?
It’s a fact that we will never be exactly like Christ.  Not on our best day … not even close. However, that’s no reason for us not to try.  No one will ever match the sacrificial love that God has shown and continues to show to such an undeserving lot, yet as we soak in His love, grace and mercy, it should make a significant change in us. That change will come from the inside, generated by God’s Holy Spirit, if we allow it to take place.
          It’s true; nothing can separate us from the love of God. But the question remains how does our love for one another look in comparison to that?  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Monday, February 17, 2014

MORE THAN CONQUERORS

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:35,37) 
          The Apostle Paul had preached the gospel in the territories to his east. Now he planned a missionary trip to Spain, hoping that Rome would be his home base. This letter was to the folks he had converted in his travels who had since moved to Rome. In this letter he has put together a systematic presentation of the gospel, so that should he die, the gospel would be preserved. 
          We know God’s love for us is without conditions; therefore, nothing we could ever say or do would cause God to turn His back on us. While consequences always result from bad choices, the love the Lord has for us remains the same. I often refer to God as the lone constant in a sea of inconsistency. No matter what life throws at us we shall be victorious if we stand tall in Christ. It’s because of Him we are conquerors in all situations and not anything we do on our own. This is why we must surrender to God’s will for us, for He knew the outcome of each situation we would encounter before the beginning of time.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Saturday, February 15, 2014

SACRIFICIAL LOVE

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:10) 
          Another Valentine’s Day has come and gone; a day that brings roses, candy, jewelry, cards and words that speak of our undying affection for another. But do we truly know what love is? Love is sacrificial. Love is selfless. Love is shown, not merely spoken. 
          Jesus is the one true example of what love is. It has nothing to do with our love for God, because until He made Himself known to us we were unable to love Him. It was because He first loved us; that’s the reason we should love God. His own Son Jesus Christ gave Himself up for us. His sacrifice on the cross bridged the gap between creature and Creator that sin had caused. That’s love in action. 
          To reveal our love for someone we must DO something. Sitting still and speaking words sounds empty when they are never followed up with loving actions. Reflect on who God is. Then reflect on who He is to you. Then reflect on Jesus and all He did on this earth prior to His death. Then reflect on His death. That, my friends, is love. Anything short of living, breathing, selfless, sacrificial love is nothing more than words. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Friday, February 14, 2014

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

“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) 
          Man, in his infinite wisdom, has defined and redefined love to suit his latest whim for eons. Almighty God, the one true constant in existence, has defined love and it has stood the test of time. He showed us what it was through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, rather than blather on with rhetoric that ends up being emotionless and thus meaningless. 
          We say we love lots of things. We love steak – we love the Yankees – we love our dog – we love our spouse. Our use of the word has so weakened its true meaning that it barely means anything anymore. Love is an action word. Our example died a gruesome death on a wooden cross reserved for criminals. If we truly love someone, saying it followed by actions will have a far greater impact. 
          Jesus tells his disciples that the world will know we represent Him if we love one another. This is not a suggestion, but rather a command. If we allow the Holy Spirit to make us a little more selfless each day loving the unlovely ones within the brethren won’t seem so difficult. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Thursday, February 13, 2014

ALTERATIONS NEEDED

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) 
          We’ve seen it on placards at football stadiums and emblazoned on bright colored tee shirts. It’s “the verse” … the one that is probably the most recognizable of all Bible verses. It’s the verse that brings with it hope and peace and love. However, when read by itself; taken out of context, if you will, it creates a misconception. Should we really think that all one has to do is simply believe and we will achieve passage into eternal life with God when we pass from this earth? Although that is exactly what it says, if you take the entirety of scripture, you see a whole different, more complete story. That is why reading the Bible regularly rather than cherry picking scripture to suit our feelings on a particular day is vitally important. Why would Jesus have to die at all if all we had to do was believe in Him? What about sin? What about living according to the standards set down by God? Do we simply believe in Jesus and go about our merry way unchanged? If that were truly the case then I would consider Christianity a sham and faith a waste of time. No, belief must come through faith, which must lead us to a trust and reliance on the One whom we have believed in. Forgiveness is ours for the asking. Inner spiritual alterations are to be the result of such a transaction. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

GOD HEALS THAT WHICH IS BROKEN

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)
          There is a grand benefit to being a child of God. When we are hurting, when our hearts are bruised and broken, our Heavenly Father binds up our wounds. He brings about healing to the soul of the oppressed. Throughout the Old Testament, Israel has known its fair share of heartache and pain. Though it was brought on by their own stubbornness and disobedience God healed them nonetheless. The love of God has no limits. It is wider than the widest ocean and higher than the sky itself. There is nothing in all of creation that can cause our Heavenly Father to turn His back on us. He is in this thing for the duration. His love does not place conditions on us as if we had to do anything to receive it. So we see that it is out of His all abiding love and affection for His creation that God heals our broken hearts and binds up our wounds. Since He doesn’t play favorites, what God did for His chosen people Israel He will most assuredly do for us all. All we need do to receive such a benefit is ask for the forgiveness He so graciously offers. Once we have done that we become a family member and the healing can begin. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

WAITING

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3) 
          This Psalm of David was sung with instruments as he called upon the Lord to hear his prayers. Whether we call out to God in the morning, afternoon, evening or night, God hears us. Look at the words David uses; he lays his requests before the Lord and waits expectantly
          It’s a curious thing, waiting. In this life we must wait for things to take place quite often. For the Christian, waiting is designed to test our faith and teach us patience. When we wait for an answer from the Lord we should do so as David did, expectantly. God knows exactly what He’s doing and will answer when He knows it’s the correct time. Everything about God is perfect, for there is no flaw or falseness in Him. Our expectancy must not breed complacency or we will miss the point of the exercise. We must be keen, alert and ready to embrace His answer whenever it comes our way. This is done through the spirit. We must be in tune with the spirit to discern the arrival of our answer. It takes more than simply believing in God. We must cultivate an intimate relationship with the Lord so we develop spiritual eyesight. Then we will see His answer coming from a mile away. 
Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Monday, February 10, 2014

TRUE PROSPERITY

“Blessed is the one … whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, ... whatever they do prospers. “ (Psalm 1:1a, 2a, 3) 
          Man strives for prosperity all their days, but there is a way to prosper in a manner that can and will never diminish in value. That way is to quit your striving toward earthly riches and delight yourself in God’s law. His decrees may seem restrictive and demanding; however, if you have embraced the cross and all it stands for, you will find His law liberating. It provides a standard to live by that cannot be rivaled. 
          A tree that is planted by water will flourish; its’ roots driving deep into the soil to soak up life giving moisture. Many times we have no idea from where we need to draw our strength. God’s word is the one true standard by which we can live and prosper in all we do. 
          The prosperity scripture speaks of isn’t the kind you can put in your wallet or store in bank accounts. It’s spiritual prosperity that is of far greater value than any riches this world can afford. It comes from our diligent efforts to know God through the study of His word, for it’s there we will find the true nature of our Creator. Drink deeply from the riches of God’s word and prosper. 
Until next time, walk with the King today and be a blessing!

Saturday, February 8, 2014

USING SELF-CONTROL

“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent and discerning if they hold their tongues.” (Proverbs 17:28) 
          Mark Twain once said: “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.” A foolish person who has the good sense to be quiet at the appropriate time has the potential for wisdom. The chatterbox who doesn’t know when to be quiet proves him or herself to be a fool time after time. There are many times in this life when saying nothing is far better than saying anything at all. I’ve had to learn that the hard way a time or two. How about you? 
          Wisdom, discernment and self-control all come from the Lord and can be ours for the asking. Such Godly attributes shall never be denied us if we seek them. Knowing when to keep our mouths closed is difficult for some. God can help with that. Speaking up when it is needed can also be difficult. God can help with that as well. 
          Don’t be thought a fool by running your mouth. Seek, then exhibit discernment and hold your tongue. 
Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Friday, February 7, 2014

GOD’S DELIVERANCE

“… he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.” (Psalm 97:10b) 
          Have you ever felt you were surrounded by enemies and had no way of escape? I have. It can make you anxious and fearful, but those emotions are not from God. Our enemies aren’t always mortal men, but rather anything that comes against us, such as stressful circumstances, health problems and so on. 
          Here we are told by the Psalmist that God guards the lives of those who are faithful to Him. There is nothing that can happen to us in this life unless God causes or allows it to take place for His own purposes. Even then God is in ultimate control, for if He were not He wouldn’t be who He says He is. Since we can find no fault or flaw in our God, we can trust Him to deliver us from the hand of those situations that wish to harm us. We should remember that whenever we feel overwhelmed by our enemies; whatever form they can be in, we can trust God to guard us and deliver us. He is the Alpha & Omega, the beginning and the end. Nothing escapes His ever-watching eye. God will deliver us. Our job is to trust and be at peace. 
Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Thursday, February 6, 2014

KNOWING GOD’S WAY

“A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:2)     
          You probably know the story of how Solomon received incredible wisdom to lead the people of Israel (read: 2 Chronicles 1:10-12). He asked for it rather than riches, honor or the death of his enemies. It’s a far greater thing to seek wisdom than material possessions. The former will last a lifetime; the latter will wither and decay over time. When we seek things from the Lord, He is able to see through to our heart’s motivation. The one who asks with righteous intent shall be rewarded with what they seek. Those who ask for all the wrong reasons shall come up wanting. 
          It’s a naturally human trait to feel our way of doing things is correct. If we arrive at our conclusions on our own there is a chance we may be incorrect. God represents all the wisdom, knowledge, guidance and direction one would ever need to make accurate and true decisions, yet we sidestep His involvement thinking we know the right way. This is why laying down our will is so important. God knows what’s best for us at all times. We must learn to engage our faith and trust in our Lord, thus allowing Him to show us His way. 
Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

OUR FAITHFUL & TRUE GOD

“For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” (Psalm 33:4) 
          Although the author of this Psalm is unknown, it’s message is clear and consistent with scripture. It's a Psalm of praise to Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth. 
          Two truths shine forth from this one verse. The word of God is declared to be right and true. Hebrews 4:12 says this: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” There’s something about the word of God that pierces our soul and convicts us at our core. God’s spirit is in His word, judging the hearts of men.            
          Faithful is being constant and steadfast. Scripture tells us there is no shadow of turning with God. In other words, He is consistent and reliable. He doesn’t change His mind and His decisions are always right. As I often say, God is the one true constant in a sea of inconsistency. He provides the only standard by which we can live and thrive this side of heaven until our time on earth is done. 
Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

GOD’S UNFAILING LOVE

“… (God) shows unfailing love to his anointed, to David and to his descendants forever.” (Psalm 18:50b) 
          Unfailing love. The Greeks have a word for it; it’s agape. This is the highest form of love there is. It’s selfless, sacrificial and unconditional. It’s the type of love God has for us. It’s the same type of love we are to have for our brothers and sisters in Christ. 
          We are anointed of God; tied to Him through the substitutionary death of His Son Jesus. God’s love for us is evidenced by that death. What a wonderful thing God’s grace is. We aren’t getting what we deserve. His unfailing love has saved us from our sins and ourselves. 
          Do we live as if we have been forgiven of anything at all? Do we comprehend the depth of the sacrifice that was willingly made for us? Does God’s unfailing love cause us to look at things around us differently? Has Christ’s death on the cross driven us to serve God at any cost? It should and it needs to or what did Christ die for. Let us surrender to the will of God for our lives. His unfailing agape love will carry us when we cannot even stand and reveal to us those things that should be most important to us all. 
Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Monday, February 3, 2014

OUR REFUGE

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” Psalm 59:16 
          Have you ever been in trouble? I have. Difficulties can dull your senses and sap your strength if you allow them to. I’ve done that and I know you have too. God shows us in His word that it doesn’t have to be that way. Since there is no record of failure on God’s part to come to the aid of His children in times of trouble, we need not hesitate in trusting Him to deliver us. Consequences may need to play out, but God is merciful and full of grace. He will not allow us to go through more than we can handle. He is our redeemer and friend; He is the One who sticks closer than a brother. It’s His Spirit that dwells within us at salvation. 
          I, myself, have gone so far as to fret about events that haven’t even taken place and may not take place at all. How foolish of me. Are you like that as well? God wants us all to know that He will be our fortress; our refuge in times of trouble. Think of a fortress as an edifice with walls of stone many feet thick. God provides for us an impenetrable wall of protection against the calamities of life. We must find our rest in Him. 
Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Saturday, February 1, 2014

LOVING GOD

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) 
          These two verses mark the beginning of the commandments God instructed Moses to tell the people of Israel prior to entering into the Promised Land of Canaan. Moses was not to enter in, but was allowed to see it from the top of Mount Nebo. 
          In these two verses we find the crux of our faith. It reminds us that our God isn’t one of many gods, but rather the one true God over all living things. The love we are to have for our God is the same love He has for us. It is a selfish, sacrificial love. We are to make Him the focal point of our lives. We are to love Him with every ounce of our being. If we do that, it will become natural for us to live according to His precepts and laws. We will want to please Him with our thoughts, words and actions. His standards are not burdensome, but bring life. To not have such a desire is to overlook the importance of the gift that grace is; His undeserved favor towards us. Let go of your own desires and tap into all that God has for you. It’s a matter of faith and trust. 
Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!