Our Hearts Motivation

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” - James 1:5-6

 

 “… the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” - James 3:17  

 “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” - James 4:3

 

          There is nothing we can’t ask for in the name of Jesus that God will not grant us, as long as we ask with proper motives. God cannot be fooled into thinking we have pure motives when we do not. He knows the motives of the heart ^{(1 Thessalonians 2:4)}; whether they are pure or impure. 

          Let’s take a look at the meaning of wisdom. Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. When we need wisdom, where should we turn? Man has his own definition of wisdom; however, it comes from a finite mind that is fraught with prejudice and judgment. Men define their terms based on their own experiences, needs and goals. It’s God to whom we should look for true wisdom for only God has perfect knowledge and impeccable judgment. 

It’s in His nature to dispense to His children only that which is good, right and supremely beneficial. If we don’t receive that which we have requested, perhaps we’ve asked with the wrong heart motive. 

God is our provider and sustainer. He is more than willing to provide for us the wisdom we need for any given situation. Look at Solomon in the Old Testament. In 2 Chronicles 1:10-12 Solomon, son of David, seeks wisdom and knowledge to lead the people of God. He didn’t ask for riches, wealth or glory for himself, but rather that which was pleasing in the sight of God. His motives were correct and because of that God gave him the riches, wealth and glory he did not ask for anyway.

         God knows what He wants to use us for, and He wants to use us all in one way or another. Don’t doubt His ability to answer your request for wisdom or anything else for that matter. Ask what you will, but ask carefully and prayerfully, making sure that what you seek is not for your own pleasure and gratification. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Ask Responsibly

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; those who seek find; and to those who knock, the door will be opened.”- Matthew 7:7-8

          As believers, we take these verses out of context and apply them to our lives telling ourselves that we can receive whatever we ask for from God at any time. We are mistaken. I am not sure why we desire so many temporal things rather than the eternal things of God, but for some inexplicable reason we cannot help being drawn to them like a moth to a flame. What Matthew is referring to here are the things of the kingdom. When we ask for Godly things and for our basic needs to be met, God responds. We don’t have to beg or plead with God, only ask. The Lord knows the motivation of our hearts. He also knows what we are in need of. In spite of that it behooves us to ask anyway, for the answers bolster our faith. If we don’t ask, our needs will undoubtedly be met; however, we may miss the significance of such an event because we weren’t watching for it. 

          The things of this world will surely pass away. The things of God will not. It is pretty cut and dry. When we ask for the things of God we are asking for patience, perseverance, joy, peace, love for our fellow man … things of that nature. Success in this life is not gauged by how many ‘things’ of earthly value we have, but rather by our obedience to the standards set by the Lord. We should be mindful of what you are asking for. Is it something you can purchase on your own when the finances are available? Then if you simply must have it, wait until you can afford it, don’t beg God for it and don’t allow yourself to fall into the credit card abyss. If you are asking for something that money cannot buy, like humility or joy or tranquility in the face of difficult odds, then ask and expect your answer with confidence. God loves you and will lead you into all things that are necessary for a fulfilling life. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

NOTE: “Jesus promise is for the righteous (people who share kingdom values) who are asking for basic needs and making requests concerning the kingdom.” [Inter-Varsity Press New Testament Bible Commentary]

Live Like God is Real

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. People reap what they sow. Those who sow to please their sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; those who sow to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”- Galatians 6:7-8

          As believers we know these verses to be true, yet we still dabble in sin as if there were no God at all or at least no ramifications for going against His precepts. Paul is clear in his letter to the Galatians. God is no one to be trifled with. When we ponder the value of doing that which satisfies our sinful nature, we entertain the notion that God winks at such indiscretions as if we were precocious young children in the vein of the old adage ‘boys will be boys’. Nothing could be further from the truth. We should not deceive ourselves into thinking God will ever look the other way at our indiscretions. This does not preclude us from having fun; it is just fun that has been redefined. The closer we become to our God the clearer the definition of that fun shall become. We are not called to be hermits, afraid to go outside for fear of displeasing the Lord. However, if we are going to live for God, we need to tap into that which is pleasing to Him and not harmful to ourselves or anyone else.            
          Consequences are a universal rule that is not spiritual in nature, but rather the rational, common sense response to our words and/or actions. Sowing and reaping is the Biblical equivalent to consequences. We should never, ever think that we can get away with something in the presence of God. I have done things that I knew at the time were wrong and I paid dearly for them. He knows what is good for us and many times we do not. If we sow to the spirit, then we will most assuredly reap what we have sown, and eternal life shall be in our future. There is no doubt that we all make misjudgments and mistakes throughout our walk with God. One mistake will not cause us to be cast into the Lake of Fire on the last day. We simply must understand that God’s love for us is so deep and abiding that He wishes us to avoid such pitfalls. Growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord through regular scripture reading, prayer and fellowship with other believers will enable us to see that which is pleasing to the Lord and that which is not. Then it is up to us to choose. Will we do that which will benefit us eternally or that which will entertain us for a short time. God is not mocked; what we sow we will reap. Seek the face of God and live the life He intends for you. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Rejecting the World

“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”- James 4:4

         This letter from James is addressed to “the 12 tribes scattered among the nations”. ^{[James 1:1]} It is a letter that is passed around to all the associated churches in the general area. James found out that there had been a lot of infighting and disruption due to selfish desire for pleasures found in the world. In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he admonishes the church to “not be lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God”. ^{[2 Timothy 3:4]} In the 4^th chapter of James, this apostle equates friendship with the world with adultery. That is to say the people were being unfaithful to their first love.

                  The word ‘enmity’ means “a feeling or state of hatred or animosity”. It is impossible to love both the world and God. The whole of human institutions, values and traditions is a direct contradiction to what God stands for. It’s no different than when scripture says "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” ^{[Matthew 6:24]} 

            This is no time to be flirting with the ‘dark side’. The enemy continues, both night and day, to lure believers away from their beliefs. This is why we shouldn’t dabble in things that we know go against God’s Word. Trust me when I tell you you’re not missing a thing. How can you compare the world’s supposed blessings and the blessings of God when you don’t have any idea what the depth of His blessings are? The enemy will lie to you just to woo you away from your promised eternity with God. Turn your back on the world and anything or anyone who provides a temptation to do that which you ought not do. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Dealing with Temptation

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to us all. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13 

          In light of the fact that Corinth was a decadent city with a mixed bag of residents, Paul was compelled to write 1^st Corinthians. His compulsion was based on oral reports and letters he received from believers within the church he had started during his first visit there. His words ring true for us today. 

          Seeing as God is ever-present (omnipresent) and all-knowing (omniscient), He is intimately aware of each and every temptation that comes our way. 2 Timothy 2:13 speaks clearly regarding our occasional lack of faith when it says: “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” God is the constant; we are inconsistent at best. His love and faithfulness towards us never fade and never die. I can personally attest to the fact that while a way of escape is always provided from on high, we can and do many times walk right past it, hell-bent on having our own way. The results can be devastating, as I and many others have found out up close and personal. It didn’t and most certainly doesn’t have to be that way. God doesn’t desire for us to get caught in the bear traps life at times presents to us. The closer we become to Him the easier it will be to hear that still small voice* of the Holy Spirit as He guides and directs us through the mine fields of life. 

          Paul chooses an interesting word when he states that we can ‘endure’ the temptation. Many times, the temptation does not go away, but rather stands there right in the midst of you attempting to lure you into sinful behavior. In enduring the temptation, we are to carry on, even through potential hardships. It may be a test of your faith. Satan knows our weak points; however, it should go without saying that God is greater and more powerful than the devil ever was or ever could be. There is nothing foreign to our God; nothing He cannot and would not do for us. Our part is to make sure we focus on the Lord and not on our surroundings. When we do that we sink just as Peter did when called upon to walk to Jesus on the Sea of Galilee in Matthew 14:22-32. If we stay close to our Lord, we will be able to discern that which is within the parameters of His will for us in this life. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries 

* 1 Kings 19:11-12

 

Thoughts from a Random Mind

So, as it was in the days of Noah shall it once again be. Noah was mocked. Not one person on earth listened to him and believed. They scoffed at the coming of God’s judgment against mankind.  Rain? What was rain? Scripture tells us the ground was nourished from water bubbling up from under the ground. ^{[Genesis 2:6]} It had never come down from the sky before. Flood waters? This has never taken place in their world, but this is what God promised was coming. Once it began to rain the people panicked, wanting desperately to enter into the tremendous ark Noah had built, but he had closed and sealed the mighty door and was not to open it again until the flood waters had subsided, and the land was dry again. The people’s unbelief was their eternal undoing.

Fast forward to today. There are millions of people who still scoff, ridicule and disbelieve the message God is sending out. There will come a day when the time for repentance will be gone forever. Time as we know it will be no more. A reckoning will take place when Christ returns, for He will separate the people even as a Shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ^{[Matthew 25:31-46]}

The warning signs are all around if you take the time to look. If you don’t believe in God’s existence you better be right. That is in no way a threat, but it is a promise. Sin cannot abide with Almighty God. Those who are still filthy with their own sin will have to bear the cost on their own with no hope of reprieve. God will not change his mind. Man has laughed off their need for forgiveness for too many years. The time will come and when it does it will come quickly. There will be no time to repent on that day. It is a fearsome thing to have to face God’s wrath. Nothing will stop it once it begins. Scripture tells us “no man knows the day or the hour”. This is why man must repent NOW and be ready for the 2^nd Coming of Christ. Don’t fritter your time away on trivial, meaningless endeavors. Surrender your life to the One who created you. Nothing can stop what’s coming! 

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

NOTE: Please feel free to copy & paste this post or forward this link to anyone you know who may be riding the fence or doesn't know Christ as Lord & Savior. There is no time like the present to get right with the Lord. May God richly bless you. rlk 

Link:   www.minidevos.blogspot.com

Draw Close to God Thru Prayer

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”- Matthew 7:7-8

These verses are generally accepted as an example of persistence in prayer. Prayer can be conversation with God, but most of the time it’s our effort to ask God for answers to questions or request something. We must truly know who we are praying to. Scripture tells us to draw near to God and He will draw near to you. To draw near to God, one must humble themselves, resist the enemy, purify their heart and remain loyal to the Lord. ^{(James 4:7-8)}

Some people are lacking what they seek either because they simply don’t ask God or ask with the wrong motive. James 4:2b-3 says, “You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” Ask whatever you wish, and you shall receive it, but there’s one stipulation: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” ^{(John 15:7)} Whatever you seek should always line up with God’s Word and God’s will for your life. You will not be receiving any old thing your heart desires unless it’s what God knows is good for you.

                  God isn’t hard of hearing and isn’t slow to act as we know slowness. He acts when you would receive the greatest benefit and it would bring Him the greatest glory. We can expect an answer, not because of anything we’ve done in the way of praying, but rather because God is the one being prayed to. Whatever God says He will do, He will do. His timing is always right, and His answers are always concise; exactly what we need at exactly the right time. Trust God because we all have a favorable track record with Him. He has never let any of us down and I don’t expect that He ever will. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Be People of the Light

“Try to shine as lights among the people of this world, as you hold firmly to the message that gives life.”- Philippians 2:15b-16a

Paul authored this letter from prison. Scholars say that he was either in Rome or Ephesus during the writing of this letter. The date of its writing is unclear, although some speculate that its’ writing was done sometime between 55 and 61 A.D. The letter was written to the Christians and their church leaders in Philippi ^(v.1).

The words above are meant to encourage them and the modern reader as well regarding letting your faith be evident to those around you. Especially in this day and age, this is no time to place the reason for your hope and joy under a bushel basket, thus hiding it from the world. It is something we ought to do with boldness in the face of the disrespect that has been and is still being shown to believers today. The message Paul is speaking of is of course the message left to us by Jesus. It is a message of love and redemption. As a result, it is a message of hope. 

It speaks of forgiveness that is freely given and all we must do is receive it. It’s God’s gift to us; a gift that gives us life. Without forgiveness we have no hope for the future. Without forgiveness we are walking dead men. The message the gospel brings to this dying world is one that shines forth with intense brilliance. Those that are not redeemed shy away from it because it lights up the deeds that they do revealing their true nature. Evil deeds are easy to spot by everyone except the one doing them. Their conscience has been seared over ^{(1 Timothy 4:2)}. 

As believers we must be careful not to be swayed by this world. As we shine our redemptive light into this world, we must hold fast to its’ message or we may become entangled in sin that can so easily bind us ^{(Hebrews 12:1)}. God is our provider, sustainer, protector and guide. He accomplishes this through the Holy Spirit which resides within us. As we draw closer to God, He will draw closer to us ^{(James 4:8)}, thus making our light more intense. Let it shine for the whole world to see. Be proud of your faith for it is the means of salvation. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.     

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

NOTE: “Philippi was the site of the first Christian mission in Europe. It resulted from Paul's response to “the Macedonian call” (Acts 16). The city, named after Philip of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, was located eight miles north of Neapolis, the port city. Philippi became a Roman colony in 42 B.C. It was a strategic city for the launching of Western Christianity.” [Asbury Bible Commentary]

Be Spirit Walkers

 “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” - Galatians 5:16-17

          When we receive Christ into our hearts, we not only receive forgiveness of all our sins, but we also receive the Holy Spirit. It is that Spirit that Paul is speaking of in these verses. Walking by the Spirit is done by seeking His council and guidance. God directs us via His Holy Spirit. If we listen to the Spirit of God, we will not do those things that come from a sinful nature or at least we will be less likely to. We override the influence of the Spirit by allowing ourselves to be drawn into situations that may not be healthy for us both physically and spiritually. Remember, we have a free will. We can do as we choose and as a result our new and old nature war against each other all the time. 

It is very much like the ‘white dog – black dog’ scenario. Whichever dog we feed the most will be the stronger of the two. We must feed the white dog and starve the black dog so that we make right choices. God will enable us to withstand the wiles of the devil if we will listen and obey. Peace is born out of our obedience. It leads to contentment and fulfillment. When we live contrary to God’s will we are on edge and feel out of sorts. I know … I’ve been there. When that happens, God doesn’t whack us on the head with a 2x4 and tell us how stupid we are. Rather, I believe God speaks peace to our hearts and loves us back onto the correct path, just as the Prodigal son’s father did in Luke 15:21-22. That story is an illustration of exactly how God feels about us. 
          Our Lord is not a tough task master; that title would apply to Satan. He tickles and tantalizes us until we traipse off in the opposite direction we should be going. As ambassadors of Christ, we would do best to recognize and avoid the many traps Satan has lying about. If we stay focused on our Lord and not on ourselves and our own interests, we will be able to sidestep the land mines that litter the landscape. 
          “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.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Until next, walk with the King and be a blessing,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

I've spoken about this topic before, but felt the Lord laying this on my heart today in light of current events we are living thru.

When God does something, He does it on His timetable, not ours. We get very impatient as if we know what is best for us, but we could not possibly know that because of all the outside influences that attempt to subjugate our way of thinking. We allow ourselves to be controlled by our emotions, prejudices and presuppositions which make us unable to think clearly regarding our own well-being. There is nothing to cloud God’s judgment. His decision making is concise and correct all of the time. Sometimes we don’t realize this until the dust has settled and the results are clear. At times we don’t even realize what has happened. Shed yourself of overthinking and relax your mind. Seek the peace of God and allow His perfect will to manifest itself in your life. His timing is always perfect. Tell Him you are ready to accept whatever His will is for you and then watch it unfold before you in His time. You’ll have much less stress if you simply accept this as fact and move on. You can prove this out by reflecting on your life since your conversion. Has God ever failed you by not providing the solution to your problem or answer to your question at the exact moment you needed it most? Trust God for all things and rest in His peace that passes all earthly understanding. Until next time, walk with that King and be a blessing!

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

How to Elude Death

“Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”- John 8:51 

          In a world where people do everything in their power to put off death all the while enhancing their physical appearance, we read these words to the Jews from Jesus. There is one way and one way only to cheat death and that is to obey the word of God. I know people who work out to tone their bodies. Some hone their bodies into sculpted masterpieces. Others want to look like they are in their 20’s when they are in their 50’s. For what purpose do they do these things? I can only imagine why. The reality that they are either ignorant of or refuse to believe is that we live in temporal shells; tents made of flesh. 

Our bodies house our soul and spirit. It is a good thing to remain fit, but to take it to the extreme is a waste of time. Even if you were to prolong your life by a few years, all shall die at one point or another. Prolonging your life without God is just more time spent in futility. Solomon spoke of a “chasing after the wind” in Ecclesiastes. He was referring to all the things that he pursued in his life aside from God. Everything outside the realm of God is fruitless and elusive; always out of one’s reach. It is only when a man dedicates his life to the pursuit of righteousness that they find true satisfaction this side of heaven. There is nothing in this world that could ever compare to the glory that awaits those whose lives are sold out for the Lord. What could possibly be the benefit of any other pursuit in this life? Apart from serving God life is as Solomon’s puts it in Ecclesiastes 1:2 - “Meaningless! Meaningless!” … “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” With God things are very meaningful. Obeying the word of God is what is expected of one who is following Christ. Never seeing death means that eternal life with God is your reward. A Christian is born twice and dies only one time, that being death to their old nature. The non-believer is born once and dies twice. ^{(Revelation 20:11-15)} 

          After all the many dalliances experienced by Solomon throughout his life, he was still able to come full circle and proclaim the following at the conclusion of Ecclesiastes – “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of every human being. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” ^{(Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)} Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

Love God's Way

 

“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” - 1 John 4:20-21

 

“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}

 

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” - _{Matthew 5:23-24}          

          These three portions of scripture paint a vivid picture of just how we are to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. First off, we cannot hate anyone and have it be alright with God. The Jews sent His only Son to the cross to be crucified and God didn’t hate them, yet some of us work up a good hate for just about anyone who wrongs us. Scripture tells us to be wise a serpents, yet gentle as doves ^{(Matthew 10:16)}. In other words, we are not to allow others to walk all over us, but we are also not supposed to trample others underfoot either. Love, do not hate, but in the process of loving be wary of those whom you sense cannot be trusted. Extend a hand of friendship if so led; however, do not allow yourself to be taken advantage of. 

If you say you love God, you must love your brothers and sisters in the Lord. It is how the world knows we are disciples and ambassadors of Christ. How else would they know? If we speak and act like the world, how could anyone in the world possibly know we are walking with God? What about us would tip them off? Our love for one another and I might also say that our peace in difficult situations, no matter what the magnitude, would speak loudly as well. 

           The Bible is very clear regarding having an issue with a brother or sister in Christ. The world says the one that is wrong is to initiate the reconciliation; however, the Bible says just the opposite: you who have been wronged, you go to the guilty party and make amends. That shows the offender love and a spirit of reconciliation which should cause him or her to soften their heart towards the offended party and agree to a harmonious settlement. It is then that you can both present your gifts at the altar. Love breeds forgiveness. Forgiveness reveals love. God is the definition of love. It flows from His character. It is out of His love for us all that forgiveness is possible. Genuine love is easy to spot. It shows in ones’ eyes and in the selfless acts that one does. True love is love that seeks nothing in return. Those who receive unconditional love feel compelled to return it of their own volition. We are to love our brothers and sisters the same way we love our God. The Bible calls us liars if we do not. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

What Shall We Fear?

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"- Psalm 118:1, 5-6

          This Psalm is listed among the Thanksgiving Songs attributed to King David. These verses remind us today of something that is very important. Nothing that is done to us or happens in this life can take away God’s love for us or remove what He has done for us. While there appears to be many fearsome people and circumstances that could come against us, there is truly nothing that can be done to us that God is not mindful of and that He cannot rescue us from. Therefore, we have nothing to fear but the Lord Himself. 

           When we say we should fear the Lord we are not speaking of fear in the sense of being afraid; we are speaking of a reverential awe. We are to be in awe of His great power and majesty. As subjects kneel before the kings of this earth, we too should kneel out of respect and awe at the glory, majesty and power of our God. There is no one on this earth that compares to Him. There is no one who can replicate what He has done and is able to do. We are to give thanks to Him not just one day each year in November, but rather every day of our lives. His love is never-ending and comes without any conditions attached to it. We can call out to Him any time of the day or night and He will hear us. There is nothing the government or any individual can do to crush the hope that a Christian has. A place is reserved for us in God’s heaven. All He asks is that we live for Him. It is a small thing to ask seeing as there is no one in existence who can offer what God offers us. The key element in committing to honor and obey His precepts is forgiveness. It can be found nowhere else and in no one else. Only one man willingly went to a bloody cross to eradicate all sin for all time. There is no one else. He is worthy of all our praise. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

Our Living Hope

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.”- 1 Peter 1:3-4a

 

         Any hope that we may have in the future as believers is derived from God. That hope is manifested in the resurrection of Jesus. If God can raise Christ from the dead, then how alive must we be when we receive our new birth from Him. It should be without question that any and all praise would go to our Heavenly Father and Almighty God for this great and unfathomable mercy. We did absolutely nothing to deserve it. 

 

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.” - Ephesians 2:8-9

 

          God’s grace: His undeserved favor, has given us a new birth. This living hope is nonperishable. It is permanent and everlasting. Through the promises that appear throughout the Bible, we can have a confident expectation of future blessing. Our inheritance is not a temporal thing. Temporal things rot or decay and their resulting dust is blown away by the wind. Anything God gives us can and will “never perish, spoil or fade”. Therein lies our future. Therein lies our promise that gives us the resultant hope - a new birth; a second chance. 

Our faith in God has produced this marvelous reality for us. Our new birth has cleansed us from any and all sin. Our separation from God has been removed. Our acceptance of His loving merciful forgiveness through Christ’s death on the cross has provided our bridge to salvation and a new life. This is our inheritance – salvation. Freedom from sin; freedom not to sin again, but to allow God to change us into all He knows we can be in this life from the inside out. We were created with a purpose in mind. That purpose wasn’t to live as we choose, even though that is our option. That purpose is to live for God and magnify His name. In exchange we would live in peace and harmony having all our needs met. We buck at that. We have the propensity to want our own way. This is why we were given a free will to choose which way we live the life we have been given. God wants us to worship Him of our own free will and not as a requirement. It’s our choice to make. What choice will you make? Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The Treasure of God

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”- Matthew 6:19-21 

          The things of this world are temporal; nothing lasts forever. Our televisions die … our clothes become threadbare … cars eventually cease to function. Every material thing is subject to decay or loss, deteriorating over time. Only that which is related to God or is done for Him will last the test of time. We store up material things thinking they are what we want; things we believe will bring true satisfaction and fulfillment, but these things can do nothing for us in the end. They are nothing more than ‘stuff’, the baggage of life. There is nothing wrong with ‘stuff’ in and of itself; however, if we store these items as treasures, we will be sorely disappointed when they are lost to the elements as all material things inevitably do.           

What are the treasures of heaven? These treasures are the things that money can’t buy. They come from our allegiance to God; a total reliance on Him. As a result, we accumulate those things which we cannot put our hands on - peace, joy, comfort, fulfillment, hope. As we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, we find that the things of this world begin to mean less to us then they once did. Our hearts will begin to turn towards the things of God rather than the things of this world. We will begin to see things differently; we will see them with spiritual eyes. 

          Am I saying it is wrong to acquire material possessions? No. What I am saying and what I believe our Lord is saying is that we need to understand what these things actually are and not place too much stock in them. They are either material necessities or simply things we desire. They are there for our entertainment or enjoyment, nothing more. Only God can fulfill the deep need we have for the thing’s money could never buy. Only God can provide the peace we seek and the hope we crave. There is nothing this side of heaven that will ever replicate what our God can freely offer us. There is no forgiveness found in the things we acquire. Whatever the world has to offer is nothing more than a cheap imitation of the real thing. Those things that define your treasure speak loudly of where your hearts allegiance lies. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

Our nation is in a very chaotic state at this time. I’ve heard many prophecies & underground reports of what is going on and what is supposed to happen and with all that racing thru my mind the Lord brought to me the thought of the churning of the earth at the creation. What came out of all that churning chaos? A place for his creation to reside. A new birth. What we are seeing take place right before our eyes is a new birth. That which was shall be again. The prophets have spoken. God is moving, slowly at first then with a mighty burst His will shall be manifest and seen by all. Pray for what is coming and keep praying that the church is ready for what is about to take place. The churning chaos shall not last forever. It may end as suddenly as it began. Have faith and always trust in God. He has not and shall never fail His children. He loves us and He loves our country. Justice and peace shall prevail. All of this is designed to give you hope. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

One True Gospel

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”- Galatians 1:3-5

Back in Paul’s day, just as today, there were false preachers and teachers of the word of God who tried to turn believers away from the true teachings of Christ. Paul was disappointed that the Galatians had been sidetracked so easily in their faith. He spends the first portion of the letter reestablishing the fact that there is no other gospel other than the one true gospel of Jesus Christ and that he, Paul, had without question been sent by God to preach to them that one true gospel.  

“‘Grace’ translates the Greek charis, which means ‘an undeserved act of kindness.’ Paul uses this word more often than any other New Testament writer and gives it immense theological significance. It refers to all that God has given us in Christ, nothing of which we have earned or can repay.” *

                  The grace of God is nothing to trifle with. It is undeserved to begin with, so we cannot boast in any way that we have achieved it. Regarding false teachers and preachers Paul is very clear in verses 8 and 9 of the first chapter that anyone who deviates from the one true gospel should be under the curse of God and undoubtedly would be. Paul paints a clear picture of God’s grace when he says that Christ “gave Himself”. He essentially poured Himself out for our sake. He allowed Himself to be brutally beaten, savagely flogged ** and nailed to a cross that was reserved for common criminals. He volunteered for that. He did it willingly. He did it for you and for me. While it’s true none of us asked Him to do it, without that selfless act we would all be walking dead men (and women). Our sin would convict us and there would be no absolution forthcoming. It was this message that was being altered by the false teachers and preachers in Paul’s day and it is that same message that is being watered down today. Don’t let anyone deceive you. Christ came, Christ lived, and Christ died. He did it for a specific purpose; He did it to pay the sin debt for every man, woman and child who was ever created. No other way of redemption is available or ever will be. If someone ever tells you otherwise run in the opposite direction, for they are heretics and frauds, and their words are not to be entertained for even a moment. Believe in God and serve Him only. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

* Taken from the Reformation Study Bible.

** Flog is a polite word. Scourge is the proper term. A ‘scourge’ is a whip with strips of leather that had affixed to them pieces of broken bone, jagged metal, beads of lead and the like to actually tear flesh from the body of the one being punished. That is what Christ endured for us.

NOTE: “Paul had received word that in Galatia, where he had preached the Gospel, there were some who were preaching ‘another gospel,’ which was unsettling the believers. These other preachers were responsible for ‘bewitching’ (Gal. 1:6-9; 3:1) them.” [Asbury Bible Commentary]

The Example of God

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”- Ephesians 5:1-2 

 

“A firm knowledge of God’s love and of one’s place in His family motivates the self-sacrifice necessary for Christian life.”^{[Asbury Study Bible]}

          Ephesians is a letter that has been identified as one Paul wrote from prison. Imagine yourself sitting in a dank prison cell, perhaps by yourself, perhaps with other prisoners. How much joy and peace would you have? Would your faith in God carry you seeing as it was your faith in God and the pronouncement of your beliefs that got you incarcerated to begin with? Paul’s writings were plentiful in prison. He was sold out to the Lord and knew who He was in Christ. He was redeemed from death. He was chosen by God to proclaim His word wherever he was led. He was a child of the King. Do we know who we truly are in Christ and what we have been saved from? Christ gave Himself for us. He willingly died for us all. 

Once we ask for forgiveness, we are free from our sins. We have entered into a relationship with God. What we choose to do with that relationship is up to us; however, we must realize that it will not grow without our participation. We are dearly loved by God. We are called to walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us. In this increasingly horrifying world in which we live, it is becoming more difficult to love those around us, yet how else will the world know God loves them. We have trouble loving fellow Christians, yet we are commanded to do that very thing in John 13:34-35. 

In John’s gospel are these words from Jesus: “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.” We are told by Paul to follow God’s example. If God has either asked or told us to do something, you better believe He has empowered us to do it. His Holy Spirit resides in you if you are in relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit is your guide. He will show you where to go, what to do, what to say when the time is right. We must understand who we are and whose we are. Nothing this world has to offer us even remotely compares to the majesty of our God and future He has planned for His children. Are you willing to follow His example? Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Note: “… the Ephesians, who, having been in time past idolatrous heathens, were now converted to Christianity and received into covenant with God, which he illustrates from a view of their deplorable state before their conversion (in) Ephesians 1:1-3:21.” [Matthew Henry’s Commentary]

Reliance on the Lord

“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, …”- Nahum 1:7

          In roughly 760 B.C., Jonah was sent to Nineveh to save it from God’s wrath. They repented in sackcloth and ashes seeking the forgiveness of God. (Jonah 3) Apparently the Ninevites fell prey to disobedience again in the future because in 612 B.C. Nineveh fell. The book of Nahum contains a vision the prophet saw regarding the fate of Nineveh. In the midst of the declaration regarding God’s anger against the Ninevites we find this gem which is as true today as it was back then. 

          Through faith we know that God is good. The scriptures make endless references to that very fact. He is a fortress of strength and a haven of rest for us even in our darkest hour. Too many people down through history have relied on their own wits and plans for survival. Folks fail to accept the universal dilemma that we all face; we are a selfish, sinful lot whose main goal in life is to do our own thing. It seems as though it isn’t until man is at the absolute end of his rope that he even remotely considers God. We should all be grateful for the patience He has with us, for without it we would have been wiped from the face of the earth long ago. 

We were created to worship and praise God. Those who have placed their trust in Almighty God will be taken care of one way or the other. God is the first place we should turn, not the last resort when all else fails. God has a plan for each of us. He desires that we should prosper, even as our soul prospers. He desires that we live in peace and seek to serve others. He is our refuge and our tower of strength. There is no one like our God. He cares for us without question or hesitation because He knows us intimately and desires that we know Him the same way. We will not trust Him until we know Him, and we cannot know Him if we do not spend significant and meaningful time with Him. 

          As we embark on a new year, make it a natural and regular part of your day to read a bit of the Bible. Make it a time when all is quiet, and life is at a lull. Ask God to help you find that time. A single moment with God is better than hours doing anything else. Always remember: God cares for those who trust in and rely on Him. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The Purpose of Grace

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:11-14)

          Grace is defined as unmerited or undeserved favor. Salvation means deliverance from sin and its consequences … AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. Do you understand what that means? Anything we have ever done of an ungodly nature has been completely removed from the record books. It’s as if you never did or said that thing. The mercy God shows us an example of how we are to treat others. His favor is also supposed to teach us to say ‘no’ to that which we have now discovered is ungodly behavior. Without the standard that God has provided for all mankind, we would never have known what was right and what was wrong. There has to be a standard to live by. It can’t just be live and let live. Imagine living in a country where there were no laws. You could do whatever seemed right to you. The problem with that is what seems right to you may seem wrong to others. Without standards conflict arises and chaos is the ultimate result. 

          We must never lose sight of the fact that Jesus Christ willingly gave His own life in exchange for ours. We were bound for an everlasting hell as the consequences of the ungodly lives we had led. In God’s economy sin must be paid for. There was a payment due. It’s what I refer to as our sin-debt. Christ paid that debt without hesitation. Almighty God sent His Son to earth to live among us for a time. The full purpose of His coming was to reveal the mercy of God to us all. The culmination of His coming was to die in our place so that we might live. All this was designed to redeem us from all evil and show us the way to a fulfilling life in Him. We are supposed to be eager to do good in the sight of God. The grace God bestows upon us allows for our purification. Let us stay clean in His sight going forward so that Christ’s death was not in vain. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Loving Forgiveness

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.”- Isaiah 1:18 NLT

                  This first chapter of Isaiah deals with rebellious and unfaithful Judah and Jerusalem. Even though the Lord cared for them as a father would his own child, they rebelled against Him. Verse 18 is one of the last ones dealing with Judah. It’s a verse that is familiar to many believers because it describes what happens to our sins when we seek God’s forgiveness. 

                  Crimson is the color of a deep-red permanent dye. It is virtually impossible to remove the color from clothing, which is why God used that color to illustrate the permanence of sin. It would be the same with the bloodstained hands of a murderer. The stain would be pretty close to impossible to wash off ones hands. Only God can wash a crimson stain away as if it had never existed in the first place. In spite of Israel’s disobedience, God still loved them and provided a way of escape from their sinful lives. This is a reoccurring theme throughout the Old Testament.

                  The one important thought you can take from this portion of scripture is that one need not go thru life permanently soiled. We are assured in scripture that if we are willingly obedient to our Lord, Christ will forgive and remove our most indelible stains. There are times when we must go thru discipline for wrongs we have done, but we can rest assured that it is done out of love and compassion for us. Consequences must play out, but forgiveness is readily available once repentance takes place. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries.

How to Please God

“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”- Micah 6:8

                  These few verses in Micah spell out what many define as the meaning of true religion. Do what is right, love mercy and walk humbly with God. Let’s clarify this statement. There are right and wrong things you can do. When it says “do what is right” it’s not speaking of what is right in your own eyes. “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” ^{(Judges 17:6, 21:25 NLT)} We know from the OT writings that didn’t go so well. God was supposed to be their King, but they balked at that. “There is a way which seems right to a person, but its end is the way of death.” ^{(Proverbs 14:12 NASB)} So it is NOT what man sees as right in his own eyes, it is what God has told them and shown them is right. Man is basically incapable of making a correct decision regarding eternal matters of the soul without input from God.

                  You have a choice to be any type of person today that you wish … choose to be merciful and kind. There are plenty of jerks in the world. We encounter them every day. Don’t you be one of them. Stand out from the crowd by showing mercy and kindness to others. To be merciful is to be compassionate, lenient, forgiving, tenderhearted. Sadly, because of the chaotic world we live in, many of us have to work at this, but the Holy Spirit is on call 24/7 to help us whenever we are in need. If you want to show this world Christ in a real and palpable way, then exhibit mercy and kindness to ALL others, not just those who are kind in return. The real test comes when you must be kind to someone with an unkind, crass, ugly disposition. Your action or reaction toward them may be the only Christ-like example they may ever experience.

                  Our salvation doesn’t hinge on what we do in this life, but rather what God did for us. These early verses in Micah shine a bright light on man’s need for a Savior, because the reality is that we are unable to do right, love mercy and walk humbly with God unless we have been brought into fellowship with Him. We can only do these things that are pleasing to God if we submit to the leadership of the Spirit in our lives. So that which is mentioned in the opening two paragraphs is only possible if we allow Christ to live thru us. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

            As much as we are not supposed to judge others, I find myself doing so quite frequently. How about you? The reason God needs to be the sole judge and not me or you and anyone else is that we act and react based on our emotions at the time. God is the ultimate example of what is fair and just. He will never discipline in anger or judge based on physical appearance, behavioral attitude or ideology (a set of beliefs). He is the perfect one to judge all peoples. He is influenced by nothing but his deep abiding love for each one of us. Take note, God doesn’t have corporate love for the entirety of humanity, but rather individual love for each person in his creation. We were all created with a unique intellect and behavioral characteristics provided by our Creator. How we utilize that intellect, or those traits will determine much regarding what we do, don’t do and where we end up in this life.

                  We willingly serve a deity that always has our best interests at heart. No matter what your reality may appear to be, things will always work out for your benefit in the end if you have relied on the Lord. Regardless of your situation God is with you and standing at the end of it all at the same time. His presence is ubiquitous, as in, he is all places at one time. That’s nearly impossible to wrap your mind around, but it’s true. That is a faith issue because it is scientifically and logically impossible to understand. Faith, simply put, is believing in something or someone without understanding it or being able to see it. 

            Those people who used to profess salvation, but now no longer do, are tools of the enemy used to cause strife and division among the brethren. We aren’t to judge but rather pray and show mercy in love. It’s not all that easy, especially with family. The temptation can be to write the person off in favor of loyalty to God. It is happening even as I write this and will continue to happen until time is no more. That seems like a selfish, yet simple way of dealing with an uncomfortable situation. The Lord MUST come first in spite of our propensity to please others. We must risk every worldly thing dear to us as a means of taking off in the Spirit to minister on behalf of the Lord. The world has nothing to offer us that can match being forgiven of all our sins. Our reward? An eternity in the presence of God. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Our Secret Sins

“You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.”- Psalm 90:8

          We, as a people of God, should never think that we can think, say or do something that will escape God’s ever watching eye. The eyes that see danger and protect are the same eyes that chastise and rebuke. When the Bible tells us of His omniscience that essentially means that anything that can be known is known by Almighty God. That is not meant to be a threat or have us walking on eggshells our entire lives, it is meant to be a comfort to us. It is also meant to instruct us that there is nothing we can think, say or do in our lives that will not be known by God. 

          There are some people who feel they are doing their due diligence when they make an appearance in church on Sunday morning and still others that show up any time the doors are open, and the lights are on. This does not make that person a Christian. That is simply what a Christian does. Typically, it is those believers who, through a lack of understanding, live their lives in ignorance. They don’t realize what is asked of them as Ambassadors of Christ and live a life that is not exemplary of God’s grace and mercy. Secret sins done in private may be a secret to all of creation, but they are fully known to God and are laid out before Him. He cannot be fooled and cannot be mocked. What a person sows in their life will result in the harvest they reap. If a life is filled with secret sins that fly in the face of God’s glory and by their very tenor disgrace the mercy He has bestowed upon them, then God shall shine a light on those sins at the proper time. We must never think we can pull one over on our Heavenly Father. He knows all things and will allow you to continue in them if you are determined to; however, the consequences may end up being devastating. The way to remove sin of all kinds from our life is to allow the Holy Spirit of God to extract them from us. Don’t let another day go by where a secret kept can stunt your spiritual growth. God is a righteous judge but is also a loving Lord who will forgive all sin if confessed with a sorrowful and sincere heart. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Hope for the Future

“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

          The prophet Jeremiah was called by God to speak His judgment upon the people of Israel for their idolatry. They were to be exiled and cut off from God’s blessing for a time. In the seventy years that they are banished from their land they were not to lose hope. Even though they are under God’s judgment He provides a glimpse at what is in store for them. He declares that His plans are to prosper them and give them hope for the future. 

          God may punish us all from time to time for our disobedience, but we bring it on ourselves. He withholds His blessing to us even today, but only for a short time and does this out of His everlasting love for us. God will not let us languish in sin forever, for He knows our hearts and has great things in store for us. As we embark on the adventure that is this New Year, we are to find hope in the fact that God already resides in all our tomorrows. He stands at the end of whatever trial we may find ourselves in and waits patiently for us to surrender to His will. God’s promise to us, just as it was to His chosen people Israel, is that if we seek Him with our whole heart, we will find Him. He is not hiding from us but rather is in the open. We simply need to use spiritual eyes to see Him. The one way to ensure that our life is blessed is to call upon the Lord and serve Him. Our needs shall be met, and our desires shall gravitate towards that which God knows is good for us. 

          When God proclaims that His plans are to prosper us, we should not automatically assume that it is monetary in nature. There are much more important ways in God’s economy that we may prosper. Spiritual prosperity can carry you a whole lot further than money even would. It may not seem like it at the moment, but when we place our complete faith and trust in our God, He will make a way for us even when there appears to be no way. 

          My prayer for you all is that you may have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year and that you may prosper even as your soul prospers. ^{(3 John 1:2)} Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries