Thoughts from a Random Mind

            “Time is the indefinite continued progress of existence and events that occur in an apparently irreversible succession from the past, through the present, to the future.”^[1] It is comprised of seconds, which are the base unit. Everything builds off that. 60 seconds equals 1 minute, 60 minutes equals 1 hour & 24 hours equals 1 day. 365 days equals 1 calendar year. Time is fleeting. “Time & tide wait for no man.”^[2]

                  As we stand at the doorway leading into a new calendar year we must reflect on our use of time. I confess I end up wasting far too much time on frivolous things. It reminds me of a line from Pink Floyd’s song “Time”. “Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day. Fritter & waste the hours in an offhand way.”^[3] Any day as a Christian should never be dull, but we often find ourselves frittering & wasting far too many hours in an offhand way. There is so much we can be doing for the Lord and while everyone needs some ‘chill’ time every once in a while, too many of us tend to see the need to ‘chill’ every chance we get. I am writing this to ME as much as anyone else.

                  Scripture is very clear regarding time and man’s use of it. I am not good at using my time wisely. It readily escapes me. What about you? We’ve been given a second chance to live our lives righteously according to the Word of God. We all must do better with our time management. Before you know it the trumpet will sound and time will be no more. All the things we planned to do will be blown away like dust in the wind. We all must see to it that we place God first every day in all we do. He is the one who controls time. Now read these scripture regarding time. Take them to heart & apply them to your life with the Holy Spirit’s help.

2 Peter 3:8 – “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven… .”

Ephesians 5:16 – “Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

James 4:14 - “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

Psalm 31:14 – “But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand… .”

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

Resources:

^[1] – https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time

^[2] – Unknown origin; predates modern English. 

[3] – Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd; March 1,1973; Capitol Records.

Taking a Look at Isaiah

“Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.” – Isaiah 55:6-7

            Chapter 55 speaks very directly to an invitation of eternal value. It is an invitation to the Lord’s Salvation. Statements like “Is anyone thirsty, come and drink – even if you have no money! … it’s all free!” and “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life.” It speaks of salvation, of the complete forgiveness of all one’s sins. It is prophetic. It has taken place and will continue to take place until the final trumpet sounds. Forgiveness for the asking, resulting in a changed life.  

            The above verse 6 tells men to seek God while he may be found, while he is near. It isn’t the Lord who moves away, but man who often moves away from him by erecting barriers of sin between God and us. These words in chapter 55 encourage all men to make things right with the Creator of all things before he comes to judge the earth. Then it will be too late. 

            No one can know the mind of God unless he reveals his thoughts to you. The Jews foolishly thought they knew what the Lord was thinking and planning and as a result stubbed its collective toe regularly. No one can squeeze God into his or her own mold. His ways are mysterious and do not line up with our own way of thinking. What we must do is strive to fit into his plans. His plans are meant to prosper all his children even as their soul prospers ^{(3 John 1:2)}. 

            For those who reject the existence of one true God, they will one day face the harsh reality of their mistake. The truth is that if there is no God man will die never having another conscious thought, so he will never know if there is no God. However, if there IS one true God and Creator of all things, man will know it for all eternity because he will not stay dead but rise up to face the White Throne Judgment of Almighty God. My understanding is that is for all who do not know Christ. Those who are children of the Most High God will stand before the Bema or Mercy Seat of Christ where they will give an account of all they have done on behalf of the Lord. Take advantage of God’s forgiveness while it is still available to you. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

“The judgment seat of Christ does not determine salvation; that was determined by Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf (1 John 2:2) and our faith in Him (John 3:16). All of our sins are forgiven, and we will never be condemned for them (Romans 8:1). We should not look at the judgment seat of Christ as God judging our sins, but rather as God rewarding us for our lives. Yes, as the Bible says, we will have to give an account of ourselves. Part of this is surely answering for the sins we committed. However, that is not going to be the primary focus of the judgment seat of Christ.” - https://www.gotquestions.org/judgment-seat-Christ.html

* The study of the final judgments is for another time.

Taking a Look at Isaiah

After a month’s holiday hiatus from the study of Isaiah we are back, taking another look at Isaiah 53.

“When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins.”- Isaiah 53:11

            Last time we visited the brutal way in which Christ died. Now let’s focus on what that single act of obedience brought to fruition. Can you imagine how many souls were saved from everlasting damnation because Christ allowed his life to be taken from him? He in no way resisted what he knew he must endure. Think of the deep pain he must have felt being separated from his father even for a short time.  This torturous punishment was meant for you and me, yet he willingly took it on so we wouldn’t have to.

            We truly have no idea how many souls stand as righteous in God’s sight because of Christ’s substitutionary death. Are you among the souls counted as righteous? Have you shed your old life as a snake sheds its dead skin? If your answer is yes, then what are you doing with the knowledge that you are getting a do over?  Are you seeking to please the Lord with your life or are you simply continuing down the same path you travelled before?

            Christ, seated at the right hand of the Father, is satisfied by the huge volume of sinners who have turned from their old life to face the challenge of a new life guided by the Holy Spirit. God spoke thru Isaiah to let all the people know what had been preordained. It provided hope for mortal man. Life without hope is not much of a life, but hope realized causes our faith is rise up and our trust in God to expand. Christ is coming again for all those who have turned their life and allegiance over to the one true King of Kings. We don’t know when, but as we remain active for the kingdom the time will soon enough arrive. Christ enabled us to live eternally with our Creator God and so we live with great anticipation, expecting his return when God knows the time is right. Meditate on all Christ went thru for you. I am thoroughly convinced that because of the loving nature of Almighty God, he would have enacted his salvation plan even if there were only a handful of souls to be saved. I encourage you to think on Christ’s actions and apply them to your heart. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible.

IF CHRIST HAD NEVER COME

NOTE: Mrs. Charles Cowman compiled a devotional titled ‘Streams in the Desert’. It is a wonderful book. In it there is a devotional for Christmas Day entitled “If Christ Had Never Come”. This is my attempt at writing on the same topic.

          What if Christ had never come to this earth! Have you ever given that any thought? Do we truly comprehend the impact He has made on this world that He created? Over two thousand years ago God chose to have His Son be born on this earth as a conduit to our salvation. He was to be our deliverer. He would deliver us the sin that has so easily entangled us throughout the ages. What if He never came to earth? What if God, as a consequence of our separation from Him due to our disobedience decided to let us cook in our own juices, so to speak? Think of it … No churches dotting the landscape, so there would be no church bells tolling on the hour, every hour. No steeples rising to the heavens. No crosses to remind us of Christ and all He willingly accomplished on our behalf. No mention of God or Jesus. There would be no manger, no wise men, no shepherds. No story of Mary & Joseph. There would be nothing of any value or consistency to place our faith in. There would be no standard for living. There would be no angels, no miracles, no example of unconditional love. We would be on our own; left to our own devices and our own wisdom. If Christ had never come there would be no hope.

          Fortunately for us Christ DID come. Many shun Him, many try to remove Him from our collective conscience, but He is here. We should thank God daily for the coming of His Son for without Christ there is no forgiveness. Instead we can say with one voice rising up to the heavens – Glory to God in the Highest for His sent His Son to save us from our sin. Salvation has come to us all. Merry CHRISTmas!! Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlkeller

May the true meaning of Christmas fill your hearts with joy, peace and love during this special time of the year. 

Another Pre-Christmas Thought from a Random Mind

How St. Nicholas became Santa Claus

“In the 16th Century in northern Europe, after the reformation, the stories and traditions about St. Nicholas became unpopular. But someone had to deliver presents to children at Christmas, so in the UK, particularly in England, he became 'Father Christmas' or 'Old Man Christmas', an old character from stories plays during the middle ages in the UK and parts of northern Europe. In France, he was then known as 'Père Nöel'.

            In some countries including parts of Austria and Germany, the present giver became the 'Christkind' a golden-haired baby, with wings, who symbolizes the new born baby Jesus. Early on in America his name was 'Kris Kringle'.  Later, Dutch settlers in America took the old stories of St. Nicholas with them and Kris Kringle and St Nicholas became 'Sinterklaas' or as we now say 'Santa Claus'!

            Many countries, especially ones in Europe, celebrate St. Nicholas' Day on 6th December. In The Netherlands and some other European Countries, children leave clogs or shoes out on the 5th December (St. Nicholas Eve) to be filled with presents. They also believe that if they leave some hay and carrots in their shoes for Sinterklaas's horse, they will be left some sweets. St. Nicholas became popular again in the Victorian era when writers, poets and artists rediscovered the old stories. In 1823 the famous poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas' or 'T'was the Night before Christmas', was published initiating Santa Claus coming down the chimney and having 8 reindeer.” 

            Santa Claus himself isn’t a bad symbol for giving help to those less fortunate in the form of money or small gifts, especially for the children. These are all innocent endeavors, but should never serve as a replacement for Christ. As the often seen sign says: “Keep Christ in Christmas”. For without Christ we have nothing and the celebration of Christmas is nothing more than a series of lifeless gestures based on the perpetual goodness of man, which is sporadic and often times conditional. rlkeller

From www.whychristmas.com

Another Pre-Christmas Thought from a Random Mind

 

Who was St. Nicholas?

“The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara in Asia Minor. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Those knew Bishop Nicholas throughout the land for his generosity toward those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Widely celebrated in Europe, St. Nicholas’ feast day, December 6th, kept alive the stories of his goodness and generosity. In Germany and Poland, boys dressed as bishops’ begged alms for the poor—and sometimes for themselves! In the Netherlands and Belgium, St. Nicholas arrived on a steamship from Spain to ride a white horse on his gift-giving rounds. December 6th is still the main day for gift giving and merrymaking in much of Europe. For example, in the Netherlands St. Nicholas is celebrated on the 5th, the eve of the day, by sharing candies (thrown in the door), chocolate initial letters, small gifts, and riddles. Dutch children leave carrots and hay in their shoes for the saint’s horse, hoping St. Nicholas will exchange them for small gifts. Simple gift-giving in early Advent helps preserve a Christmas Day focus on the Christ Child.” From https://www.stnicholascenter.org/who-is-st-nicholas

Another Pre-Christmas Thought from a Random Mind

As Christians we believe Christmas is the celebration of the birth of man’s redeemer, Jesus Christ. He was God’s only Son. He was sent to die in our place. An infant cannot know of such things and the parents, Mary & Joseph, were unaware of the reason for his birth. They knew God sent him. They knew the Holy Spirit caused Mary to become pregnant, yet there was so much they didn’t know. This is no doubt why Mary wept so bitterly when he hung on a criminal’s cross for no reason other than man’s arrogance & impudence. Men who should have known better … religious men. The spiritual leaders of the Jews. With all the hate that existed then and still exists now, was Christ’s death worth it. Millions shall be saved because of his one selfless act. Yes, it was well worth it. 

Christmas has morphed into something materialistic, something to go into debt for. Our focus has shifted off the Giver of life onto the giver of laptops & PlayStations … nothing intrinsically wrong with that other than these things that surround us have begun to consume us. We are forgetting the reason for the season. We are ignoring the true meaning of the holiday in favor of temporal things. Gifts are wonderful and it is fun to exchange, but it should never be to the exclusion of honoring Christ, the one who bled and died for our disobedience … our sin.

If we ignored our wives the way we ignore the Lord we’d be divorced. As believers in Christ we must keep our priorities straight and our focus sharp. The Creator of the Universe and man’s first breath shouldn’t take a back seat to celebratory festivities, especially when the festivities focus on happiness, love and family alone. You see, those are honorable things to focus on but only with the inclusion of God, not his exclusion, He must be preeminent in each of our lives. Without Almighty God we would be lost in a very literal sense. Respect & revere the Lord for he is very much worth it. rlkeller

      

Word for the Day

Word for the Day

Word for the Day

Word for the Day

Another Pre-Christmas Thought from a Random Mind

                  Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. The name “Christmas” comes from the Mass of Christ or the Christ Mass. A Mass is a service where Christians remember that Jesus died for us and then came back to life. The Christ Mass took place after sunset and before the sunrise of the next day … so people had it at Midnight. 

                  Christians and non-Christians alike now celebrate Christmas. It’s become a time when family and friends come together and remember the good things they have. It’s also a time to give and receive gifts.

                  Regarding the holiday being on December 25^th, a very early Christian tradition said that the day when Mary was told she would have a very special baby, Jesus was on March 25^th.  Nine months after the 25th of March is the 25th of December!

                  Some people also think that December 25th might have also been chosen because the Winter Solstice and the ancient pagan Roman midwinter festivals called 'Saturnalia' and 'Dies Natalis Solis Invicti' took place in December around this date - so it was a time when people already celebrated things. It has also been said that at a time when persecution was high, Christians celebrated the birth of Christ quietly within the Pagan celebrations so as not to raise suspicions of their being followers of Christ.

                  The Jewish festival of Lights, Hanukkah starts on the 25th of Kislev (the month in the Jewish calendar that occurs at about the same time as December). Hanukkah celebrates when the Jewish people were able to re-dedicate and worship in their Temple, in Jerusalem, again following many years of not being allowed to practice their religion.

                  Jesus was a Jew, so this could be another reason that helped the early Church choose December 25th for the date of Christmas!  So whenever you celebrate Christmas, remember that you're celebrating a real event that happened about 2000 years ago when God sent his Son into the world as a redemptive gift for all mankind.

Word for the Day

Another Pre-Christmas Thought from a Random Mind

                  The following post is speculative in that there is no solid proof, only information based on traditions passed down thru the years. 

            The 3 Wise Men were an integral part of the Christmas Story. Who were they? Where were they from? What was the significance of their gifts? Were there 3 or were there more than 3? These are all questions that will be answered in this writing.

            One Christian tradition holds that these men were members of a priestly class from ancient Persia whose names were Balthazar, Gaspar, and Melchior. This is not known to be factual, only tradition passed down thru time. Another tradition was that Balthazar was from Arabia, Gaspar from India and Melchior of Persia. 

            They were not referred to in scripture as the “3” Wise Men, just “Wise Men”. The word “Men” implies more than 1. Since they travelled a great distance it’s stands to reason they would have had others with them, a caravan of sorts, as a security measure due to the dangers of travelling thru the desert, especially at night. The Bible simply says “some wise men from the eastern lands…”. (Matthew 2:1 NLT) No names, no description of their appearance, no verification as to their number … not much is known about them. They were referred to as Magi, Kings or Wise Men. Tradition tells us they were educated and that they were astronomers and astrologists. They studied the stars and that would be how they would know about the Star of Bethlehem. “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose in the east and we have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2 NLT)

            The gifts mentioned, gold, frankincense and myrrh symbolized a specific element of Christ’s life. Gold, for Jesus was royalty as the “King of the Jews”. Frankincense represented the child’s holy nature as the Son of God and myrrh, which pointed to Jesus’ mortality.

            Did they visit Jesus as an infant or as a small child? Scripture makes it sound like he was newly born although it didn’t seem as though the Wise Men were there at the time of his birth. 

            The questions seem to be endless. All these topics, while interesting, have zero effect on anything having to do with God’s eternal plan. Whether there were 3 or 30 Wise Men matters little. The plan had been set in motion. Christmas is about the Christ child who was born to die for us all. 

Richard L Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Word for the Day

Word for the Day

Another Pre-Christmas Thought from a Random Mind

                  

                  The night sky is filled with stars, some bright, some a little dull, some near and some very, very far away. They make a light filled tapestry that is very impressive even to the most casual of observers. The further into the suburbs and out lying areas, away from all the light pollution the sky is transformed. The deeper darkness reveals billions more stars so that it almost looks like a thick starry blanket that covers the night sky. Beautiful is the only way to describe it.

            A little over 2000 years ago a certain star filled a small segment of the sky. It was said to have led the 3 Magi to where the Christ child lay. Some scientists and astronomers got together and tried to find out if it really was a star or other celestial bodies that were responsible for that certain big, bright light that night. That star provided the type of light that made travel a bit easier as it lit up the terrain that surrounded you as you continue your trek thru the night. There was speculation that it may have been 3 planets, all properly aligned at the time of Christ’s birth that could have been responsible for that great light. Others speculate that it may have been an mighty angel shining with the light of heaven,  that hovered over where Christ laid as a sign of the importance of this development. Or it could have simply been a star … a Star of Bethlehem. Regardless of what it was, it’s light drew those God desired to be present for the birth of his beloved Son. His Son who would live and die with the sole purpose of eradicating all sin from the hearts of mankind.

            There was nothing special about that star other than it being one of a myriad of conduits used by God to fulfill his purposes. Another piece in the mysterious puzzle that constituted his grand plan of salvation. Once the star had served its purpose it is never spoken of again. Another innocuous event in the lives of men that led to a greater purpose, a singular goal; the expulsion of sin from man’s heart. 

RL Keller

Author / Teacher / Speaker

Bread of Life Ministries

Yet Another Pre-Christmas Thought from a Random Mind

            Women get pregnant all the time. It’s the right of passage to motherhood. It’s something that has transpired throughout the years, generation by generation. But Mary was different. She was hand selected by God to carry HIS Son. The angel Gabriel was sent by God to deliver this message; Mary would give birth to a son who shall be called Jesus. I think it’s safe to say no one has had an experience like that before that time or since. So while women can relate to the experience itself, there is no way they could ever relate to how it all took place.

            Joseph was an honorable man. We know that because when he found out Mary was pregnant he decided he would help her because of the stigma that was borne out of what appeared to be an illegitimate pregnancy. He knew he couldn’t marry her under these conditions, but wanted to do the honorable thing.  Then Gabriel came to Joseph and told him it was all right for him to take Mary as his wife for she was pregnant by the hand of God. 

            The pregnant Mary endured travelling riding bare back on a donkey the entire trip that she and Joseph were to take. Speculation from scholars says the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was roughly 90 miles. They probably travelled about 20 miles per day making their trip take approximately 4 ½ days. Even though there were no rooms in the Inn, resting in a stable was probably a welcome break after their long trip. A donkey would play another prominent role in the life of Jesus as he entered into Jerusalem on the back of one as an adult. This beast of burden was a symbol of the simplicity demonstrated by Christ. Thought he was worthy of it, Jesus requested no gold covered carriage or throne. Rather he very specifically sent his disciples to fetch a donkey for his entrance. It was a sign of not only basic transportation, but a clear indication of  humility. This is an important trait in any follower of Christ. God is greater, I am the lesser. He is to take the lead in our lives, not us. 

In his name & for his glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Word for the Day

Another Pre-Christmas Thought From a Random Mind

             At this time of year the landscape becomes littered with manger scenes. Plastic ones that light up, life size ones that move and table top ones for the homestead. Some come with hay and a wooden crèche. Cultural history from that region tells us there may have been a variety of crèches  … some made of stone, some of wood, some cut out of a stone wall. I’ve read various articles regarding what type of crèche Jesus was laid in, but aside from tradition, cultural regularities or accumulated historical data, no one truly knows. 

            Man is a curious being. They have a need to know inconsequential information. Frankly, although it’s interesting (at least to some) to find out where Jesus was born, in what he was laid and what his surroundings were regarding personage and animals, the main topic to be discussed would be the birth.  I do see the significance in knowing about the 3 Wise Men. They traveled a great distance following a star in the sky to where the baby lay. They bore him gifts fit for a king and were Godly men due to their allowing an angel of God to advise them. I would imagine the presence of the animals and the overall scene itself reveals the common way in which Christ was born. Not in a palace, but in a stable with barn yard animals. A relatable scene to the vast majority of those he would minister to in future years.

            There was no heat, no creature comforts and no amenities, just beasts of burden, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. This scene is just the opposite of what you would expect for the birth of a king. God orchestrated this from the very beginning and worked out every detail with the precision of a highly skilled surgeon. Was Jesus really born on December 25^th? I doubt it. There are several theories as to when he was born, but all of that is inconsequential in the eternal scheme of things. The fact that needs to be focused on is that Jesus came, lived his life and died a criminal’s death so that we might live. That’s what can be called ‘the great exchange’! 

RL Keller 

 Author / teacher / speaker

Bread of Life Ministries

PRE-CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS FROM A RANDOM MIND

The message of the gospel is straining to be heard over the cacophony of noise the world provides at this time of year. Salesmen sound like Carnival barkers as they sell their wares. Sales for the next “latest, greatest” thing are soaring thru the roof. The giddy excitement of getting what you’ve always wanted. The numbness that hits you over and over as your credit cards become so overworked they are warm to the touch by the end of each day. That’s what Christmas has become and that’s what it is. But is that what Christmas is supposed to be all about?

The message of the gospel doesn’t hit you like the heavy-handed sound of a syncopated drumbeat. It’s the still small voice of peace and hope. Those who are drawn to it embrace it and follow its lead like the pillar of fire that led the Israelites out of Egypt. It speaks to our hearts about the Christmas story that was born over 2000 years ago. There are many explanations of just what a manger is. There is so much discussion about the time and the place and that which surrounded baby Jesus, that it almost overshadows the importance and miraculous nature of his coming.

       Christmas time is a time to reflect on the divine gift giver, rather than the gifts we receive, for their value is infinitesimal by comparison. We all need to focus on Christ at this time of year more so than any other time of the year for his coming is vastly important, not just to you and me, but to all mankind. His death cannot take place unless his birth comes first.

Learn to block out the wide variety of noises that attempt to break the sound barrier and hone in on the importance of birth vs. the resurrection. That is not to diminish Christ’s death and resurrection at all, but it is very much like the ‘which came first the chicken or the egg’ conundrum. We Christians must stay in touch with what our faith means to us as individuals because it is a very personal individual faith that we have. Don’t ever lose sight of what is truly important during this most wonderful holiday season.

       May God be praised both today and always!  

            rlkeller – Bread of Life Ministries