God's Word

Matthew 24:35 

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

            If we believe the Bible is God’s word for us as Christians, then this verse tells us something very important: that His word shall never leave us. It will always be the true standard to live by and will never diminish in power and effectiveness to speak to us and provide guidance and instruction. This is incredible news in a world where change is the norm in the name of progress. The consistency and stability of God’s word provides hope to us. Just as God shall never change in any way, shape or form, so His word shall not either. 

            We can be assured that heaven and earth shall one day not exist; however, God always was, is and shall be. He is the great I AM THAT I AM. It takes faith and trust to believe anything, let alone in an unseen spirit Deity who proclaims His love for us mainly in written form. But as we open up to God, He reveals untold mysteries and points us in the direction we are to go in this life. We can feel His love for us in every chapter of scripture. The death that His own Son endured willingly as a part of God’s salvation plan shouts out His mercy, grace and forgiveness. His words are true and neither God, nor His word shall ever pass away.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Symbolism in Scripture

Matthew 3:16-17_{(GOD’S WORD Translation)} “After Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up from the water. Suddenly, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down as a dove to him. Then a voice from heaven said, “‘This is my Son, whom I love—my Son with whom I am pleased.’”

            Here we see our Heavenly Father proclaiming that Jesus is His Son. The dove coming down from the heavens to Him is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. In our day, the dove is used most in non-Christian circles as a symbol of peace, often with an olive branch in its mouth. While Jesus is the embodiment of peace, it is the Holy Spirit that is paramount in this case and not the ever elusive ‘peace’. The Holy Spirit is given to us as a guide and advocate. He is always readily available to us and resides within us if we have received salvation. The gift of the Spirit is secondary to salvation of course, but He is most necessary in our walk with Christ. Going it alone in this life is like going out of your house without clothing. It’s like going into battle without a weapon. We certainly wouldn’t do either of those things, so why do we go about our business without a second thought given to our greatest helper?

            There is a second lesson in these two verses for us and that is the issue of baptism. It is a public proclamation of the change that has taken place in our life. We are to follow Jesus’ example in baptism, which is symbolic of the old nature dying and the new nature rising up from a watering grave to live on. It’s done in the name of the Triune God; the Father, Son & Holy Spirit. Obedience is sought by our God. It’s the least we can do in response to what has been done for us. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

 

The Terrible Day of the Lord

2 Peter 3:10 ^NLT “But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.”

            Scripture tells us that no one knows the hour or the day when the Lord shall return. ^{[Matthew 24:36]} Only the Father knows. Believers in Christ should be anticipating his return as if it were going to be today. Non-believers, who live their lives outside of God’s family, are too busy with other things they deem essential to their lives. That is precisely why they will have no idea what is coming and thus will not be prepared.

            Knowing that the earth will be burned up, why wouldn’t we place our confidence in that which is lasting and eternal? Being bound to the earth, with its valueless treasures and frivolous pursuits is a sure death sentence. God knows all this which is why his patience with mankind is long suffering. He knows the stubborn ways of man. He knows their rebellious nature. But he loves them just the same and gives them every opportunity to receive forgiveness for their sins.

            I have said on multiple occasions that we must assess our walk, not compared to anyone else on this earth but, to God himself. Just because perfection is unattainable doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be our goal in this life. Ask yourself this important question: Do I spend more of my time piling up possessions or striving to develop Christlike character? Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Attaining Peace

Proverbs 14:30 “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” 
            Peace seems unattainable at times. We struggle through life seeking it, yet it appears to be so far from us. We worry about that which we have no control. We envy those who have what we desire. We desire temporal things that will be discarded shortly after. It is only when we come to the realization that God has a plan for us that peace reveals itself. 

Jeremiah 29:11 “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.” 

            We have nothing to fear and nothing to envy. God knows what we need. We will be at peace in our minds and bodies if we surrender and submit to the plans He has for us. We may not have any idea what they are, but we can rely on His truth and His past performance throughout scripture to show us the way to peace. 
            In peace we find rest. Rest is necessary for our bodies to recuperate from the strain of life. We can put our minds at rest by accepting that God has everything under control. Things may not be going the way we think they should or the way we would like them to, but they will turn out the way God knows they need to. Our entire belief system is built on a cornerstone of faith and trust in God. Faith and trust give birth to hope, which in turn gives birth to peace. Peace gives life to our bodies and rest to our souls. Peace is within our grasp. It comes from understanding that we cannot solve things ourselves, but we know who can. Rely on God to provide you with peace today. Until next time, walk with the King today and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

Seeking the Things of God

Psalm 25:4-5 “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”

            King David is seeking the instruction and guidance of the Lord. His relationship with His God is strong, despite his failings. We all have failings; none of us is perfect. Once we realize and accept that we can begin to let God do His work in us. Just like David, we need to ask and ask often for God to reveal His truths to us. It comes from the reading of His word and praying. It comes from cultivating a spiritual awareness of the Holy Spirit’s leading. We can do it, but it doesn’t happen overnight; it takes time. Frankly, it takes your whole life. 

            Acknowledging God as his Savior, David shows the reader that he knows where his salvation comes from. There is nowhere else in scripture that would say or even indicate that David found salvation in anything or anyone else. God is the saving factor. Christ’s death purchased our souls, redeeming us from hell. God desires to be our all in all. 

            David shows in these two verses that his reliance is on God and not himself. He derives hope from the truth God lays out before him. We too can find hope in His guidance and instruction. We allow ourselves to become so easily entangled in that which would bind us, rather than shrug ourselves loose and stand tall in the truth of God. Life as a Christian is rewarding and filled with joy, yet our enemy tells us otherwise. It is in truly getting to know God intimately that we experience all the blessings His has for us. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

How Often do we Forgive?

Matthew 18:21-22 “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”    

            Symbolism plays a big role in the Bible. Here we see Peter asking a simple question regarding forgiveness. Jesus’ answer is direct, yet seems preposterous at the same time; 490 times. I would hate to think of how many times God has forgiven me. Surely it must surpass 500 times; yet He still forgives and loves. I’m sure Peter thought 7 times was a lot, but Jesus blew the disciples doors off with His answer. It is hard to imagine that an individual would commit the same exact sin 490 times, so while there may be some repeat offenses, I think we can assume that forgiveness is being given for various sins. The offender must ask for forgiveness, yet even if they do not, we should treat them with kindness anyway. That isn’t something that's easy to do, especially when malicious intent is involved. It may help to remember how often Christ forgave us in the light and magnitude of our own sin.

            Believers can take solace in the above scripture because it means that there is no end to the forgiveness of God. You see, while Peter’s number represents a point to which forgiveness would be withheld, Christ’s number represents no end to forgiveness. That doesn’t give us a license to act out and do as we please. God is forgiving us in an effort to reform us so that we improve our behavior as we attempt to be His ambassador on this earth. Forgiveness comes with a price; consequences are tied to our actions. Forgiveness allows us to see the error of our ways and reform. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

Thoughts from a Random Mind

            I’ve referred to a problem I have in several past writings; that being my inability to stop cussing. I’ve asked the Lord to purge this from me repeatedly, but to no avail. I usually cuss when I get frustrated regarding a situation I am in. I usually do it under my breath, which doesn’t make it alright, just sayin’. I’ve talked to several pastors throughout the years and found comfort in their words, but it still gnaws at me. Nothing unclean is to come out of my mouth. I strive every day to be more like my Lord but fail many times. Frustration is my middle name. Regardless of God’s patience, understanding and unconditional love I regret this problem and continuously seek its eradication.

 

“…no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! Can both fresh water and saltwater flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”- _{James 3:8-12}

 

                  I know a woman at work who professes to be a Christian. She cusses as a natural part of her vocabulary. If you say anything to her about it, she says, and I quote: “That’s the way I talk and I ain’t changin’ for nobody!” That sounds like an unteachable spirit. An unyielding will to God’s word and behavior. Make no mistake about it, we are both wrong, however, at least I can say of myself that I desire to shed my bad habit. I don’t do it during regular conversation, but frankly, I shouldn’t cuss at all. Unfortunately, it’s still a work in progress, but I am confident that I will win that battle with the help of the Holy Spirit. As for my co-worker, I need to pray for her that she will see the need to change. Either way she will need God’s mercy to figure these ungodly issues out. I am not anybody’s judge; I am Christ’s ambassador. God is our merciful judge whose patience gives us every possible opportunity to right the ship, so to speak, in an effort to please him with our behavior. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries.

No Place to Hide

Jeremiah 23:24 “Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?”

            Folks do things that are wrong all the time. They think they are so cunning, as if they had gotten away with something. All the while they are acting out in full view of God, whether they believe that or not. The fact is that sinful man can run from God as long as they want, but they will only die tired. 

Christians can take comfort in the fact that there are no places that He does not see us; non-Christians cannot. There is no place on this planet that is hidden from Him. Like a home builder who knows every nook and cranny of a house they built, so God knows even the most remote place in His creation. If a Christian has a misstep, there is a need to own up to it, seek forgiveness and move on. God knows all about it, so denying it or acting as if it never happened, is fruitless. Take solace in the fact that God is patient. This isn’t a single elimination reality show; God wants us to succeed, to thrive and be at peace.

            Since God is omnipresent, there is literally no place that He is not. His spirit can be found everywhere. Self-absorbed man sees nothing but themselves and what they are doing; the spiritual man can see God’s presence all around him. Take the time to marvel at the creation of God. 

 

Jeremiah 29:11 “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.
            God always has our best interests at heart. 

Seek His will for your life and not your own. 

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

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Wise & Foolish Men

“Wise people think before they act, fools don’t -                      

and even brag about their foolishness.”

Proverbs 13:16 NLT

 

Proverbs 3:7 says, “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” Many people have acquired knowledge over the years and have believed of themselves that they have become wise. But a wise person need not label themselves wise. If a person is truly wise, they will intrinsically know that about themselves. However, a truly wise person is humble, not boasting about their accumulated knowledge and/or wisdom, for they know it is inappropriate behavior. Also, a truly wise person will know it is a gift from God to be used to advise and bless others. 

 

Solomon was considered the wisest man of all time. He didn’t acquire his wisdom from book learning, but rather thru prayer. In meeting with the Lord one evening, it came about that God told Solomon he could ask for anything and it would be given to him. He could have asked for great wealth, a long life or the death of all his enemies, but instead he asked for the following: “…give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” God was so impressed with his selfless request that he gave him not only what he asked for, but also what he didn’t ask for. Solomon was exhibiting wisdom.

 

Remember this: Without God there is no one who is good or wise or righteous or holy. Only God is all those things. If you seek to live within God’s will for your life you will attain all that he has set aside for you in this life and the life after. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Rich Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Heaven or Hell - It's Your Choice

³⁴ “And He summoned the crowd together with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. ³⁵ For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. ³⁶ For what does it benefit a person to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? ³⁷ For what could a person give in exchange for his soul?”- Mark 8:34-37 ^NASB

                  Did you know this world was not your home? If you are a child of God it isn’t, that is. Those who turn their back on Christ and his offer of forgiveness will end up regretting their decision forever in hell. Once the final trump sounds and time as we know it is no more, the fate of all creation shall be sealed. 

                  Man seeks pleasure as a means of counteracting the drudgery of work, which unfortunately, lasts most of our lives. Those who like what they do for a living would no doubt rather be doing something else. Even those who are flushed with money at one point or another find their lives to be hollow and empty. There are those who actually do carve out a pleasurable existence, but when they are alone with their own thoughts the emptiness calls out to them. There’s a place within us that only God can fill and until he is allowed to enter in the emptiness will only be compounded over time.  

                  To answer Jesus’ question in verse 37, there is NOTHING that man can give in exchange for his soul. We are made up of body, soul and spirit. When God breathes life into your body you then become a living, breathing soul. Your soul is what gives you your life-force. It has nothing to do with the spirit or whether you are a Christian or not, but it has everything to do with heaven and hell. Your soul is what goes to either place once your life-force passes on. You cannot give away your soul without losing your life. Why would anyone willfully and purposefully forfeit their own life? We don’t need to because Christ forfeited his life in our place. That sacrifice is tantamount to forgiveness for all our sins. A payment will come due on the final day. To be saved is like having a “get out of jail free” card in a game of Monopoly, only the stakes are much higher. Dedicate your life to God now if you haven’t already. If you are already redeemed and walking with the Lord daily, assess your walk to see if you are lacking in any way. Seeking pleasure to the exclusion of all else is not worth spending eternity separated from God forever with no hope of reprieve. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries                 

Word of the Day

 

Word of the Day

 

Is God too kind & loving to cast someone out of his presence?

“…the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”- 2 Peter 3:7-13 

 

            God’s loving kindness is directed to those who have been grafted into his family (both Jews & gentiles alike). This is not so with those outside the family. God is clear, “The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.” ^{[Proverbs 11:21]} It is stated clearly up above … God wants no one to perish; however, those who ignore the warnings of his return and continue to live a life unto themselves and not to please God, will have to pay the price for their own sins. It doesn’t have to be that way, but man’s incredible ignorance and failure to investigate that which they may not understand will be their undoing. You see, God sends no one to hell; they go all on their own. 

Scripture is clear, a payment must be made for our own sin. Colossians 2:13-14 … “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” Christ paid the required price. You are in debt no more. God’s kindness is illustrated by his willingness to wait until the last possible minute so that all who would receive the gift of salvation are able to. Psalm 5:4-6 says … “For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil can dwell with You. The boastful will not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do injustice. You destroy those who speak lies; The Lord loathes the person of bloodshed and deceit.”

            Make sure your life is right with God. He’s not the “man upstairs”, he is a holy, righteous God who created you knowing you would turn away from him. Christ is the bridge back to God. Don’t burn that bridge. Run over it to freedom for all eternity. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing. 

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

Did you know that even the strongest believer in Christ can still feel lost at times? I don’t mean lost as in still needing salvation; I mean empty inside. I see it as a trick of the enemy, for we are never alone and are unconditionally loved. Perhaps it has something to do with our seeming inability to make a difference in this world. But wait, who says you’re not having a positive impact on everyone you encounter each day. You know all the folks that regularly gravitate toward you at school or work or at social gatherings? Don’t flatter yourself, it’s not you per se, it’s the presence of the Holy Spirit within you. What God has placed within you attracts people to you. This is why we must realize and acknowledge that God is in us working to do his will in this world whether we feel it or not. We never need to feel empty or alone because that feeling isn’t from the Lord who is merciful and compassionate … whose lovingkindness knows no end. We have no earthly reason to be ‘down in the mouth’ as the saying goes. Walking around with a distant, disengaged, detached look in our eyes. The enemy tries everything within his realm of influence to cause us to stumble. However, he can only do to God’s children what God allows for his own purposes and our own spiritual growth. Shake off the ‘woe is me’ attitude and rise to the level of spiritual maturity God intends for you. Feel empty no longer, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Word of the Day

 

How to Avoid Guilt

“How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.” - Psalm 19:12-13 ^{New Living Translation}

                  Knowing that believers can be constantly bombarded with temptation that leads to sin, we must know how to combat these potential sins. Some folks think they may have sinned out of ignorance, not knowing something said or done was sinful. Let me make one thing clear, you don’t need to walk thru life with guilt weighing you down. It’s a good thing that you are astute enough spiritually to recognize sin or at least question what is being said or done by you or someone else. 

You must have a heart after God to truly succeed in this life. Godly success looks nothing like worldly success. Worldly success showers accolades on mortal man for their wonderful achievement(s). Godly success breeds an attitude of humbleness in the face of what God is doing thru you.

David’s plea to God here is one that we should all embrace. You will stand before God untarnished by this world if you emulate Christ and seek to please God. * Those who regularly give in to the sins that lurk within them may need to fall on the mercy of God in the end, for repeated sin either shows spiritual weakness or a fraudulent redemption event. While guilt can be a means to salvation, for the believer it is a cross they need not bear. Ask God, as King David did, to cleanse you of all that is displeasing to him … both hidden and deliberate sins, that they do not grab a hold of and control your will and your heart. You are a child of God. Guilt need not eat you up. Be transparent with our Lord because he is aware of all things anyway. Do not be involved in the vain effort to conceal your sinful behavior, for God sees all and knows all. Come clean and ask for a deep cleaning of your soul and spirit. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

*  Clarification:  I am not saying emulating Christ and seeking to please God is necessary to be forgiven. Once saved we should be doing those things as a natural outcropping of our salvation. However, even after being redeemed some may tend to dabble in sin or experience a moment of spiritual weakness. These actions do not revoke your salvation and certainly don’t send you to hell unless you never repent and turn away from them. Even then the ultimate decision lies with God, who is the sole judge and jury in the end. His mercy and compassion is well documented in scripture. rk

Word of the Day

 

The Significance of the Narrow Gate

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”- Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

In the Gospel of John Jesus tells his listeners that he is the gate by which men can be saved. “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.” ^{[John 10:7-9 NLT]} In today’s text he references the same gate he speaks of in John. It’s part of his Sermon on the Mount. Thru this illustration, Jesus is telling his listeners that it is thru him and him alone that someone can enter heaven. 

“This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” ^{[Acts 4:11-12 NLT]} Jesus is the only way to enjoy an eternity with our Heavenly Father. He is the only way to have our sin debt paid for in full. 

The narrow gate doesn’t signify that it’s difficult to become a Christian, but rather that there’s only one way to reach heaven. When he says only a few find it I believe that ‘few’ is in comparison to the trillions of people that have been born and died on the earth. Comparatively speaking, the number of believers is few in view of all humanity that has existed thru the ages. Living your life by following the example laid out by Jesus and by God’s word is certainly not the most popular or most comfortable way to live in light of how most people live, but it is the only way that in the end will prove to be true and right. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

            So, as it was in the days of Noah shall it once again be, only the next time it will be a consuming fire and not a flood. Noah was mocked. Not one person on the earth listened to him and believed. They scoffed at the coming of God’s judgment against mankind. ^{[Matthew 24:37-39]} Rain? What was rain? Scripture tells us the ground was nourished from water bubbling up from under the ground. It had never come down from the sky before. ^{[Genesis 2:5-6]} 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 the tremendous ark Noah had built, but alas, he had closed and sealed the mighty door and was given instructions by God not to open it again until the floodwaters 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 where God will separate the wheat from the chafe. 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 in the presence of 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 or redemption. 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. I don’t have to experience it to know that having to face God’s wrath would be a fearsome thing. Nothing will stop God’s judgment once it begins. 

            God’s Son was sent for the sole purpose of paying the price owed for all of mankind’s sins. He was real … a figure in our history. He walked on the earth for 33 years and ministered for 3 of those years. Christ will return in all his glory and evil will have had its day. 

Scripture tells us “no man knows the day or the hour” of Christ’s Return. This is why man must not wait … 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. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing. 

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

NOTE: This posting is meant for those who need to hear it. It may not be you, but it may be someone you know. If you feel so led, forward this to whoever you feel may need to read it. Sin is serious business, but forgiveness is real and available to all. If you’re the one who needs to read this, know that God doesn’t wish that any would go to hell. This is why his own Son Jesus Christ came to earth in the first place. He loves you with an everlasting, unconditional love. Amen.

Word of the Day

 

Thoughts from a Random Mind

With all the instability and chaos in the world today, life can become very stressful. Those in charge are pushing fear in an effort to destabilize things even more. It is for times such as these that we have faith. We who believe in God trust him, so fear and doubt shouldn’t come into play. There is nothing this world can do to us that God is not already aware of. 

The Lord is allowing all that is currently transpiring for his own purposes. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” ^{[Hebrews 4:13 NIV]} Evil shall not triumph. God has already won.  If you have dedicated your life to knowing and serving God, then you are in a prime position to defeat the enemy who is quite literally already defeated. Push him over and he will fall.       

As believers in Christ, we have nothing to fear. Feed your spirit with God’s word for it is sharper than a double-edged sword ^[1].  It’s why we read and retain his word. It is a powerful weapon against the enemy. God armor is sized to fit us all perfectly. ^{[Ephesians 6:10–18]} As his children we stand protected, so march forward in the name of Christ and watch the enemy flee. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

^[1] Hebrews 4:12 NIV - “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.”

 

 

Thoughts from a Random Mind

Have believers in Christ become so predictable that we have begun to sound like the static you hear on a radio station frequency that can’t be fine tuned in. Autonomous man doesn’t want to be told anything they don’t think, in their vast wisdom, they need to know. Needless to say, they miss out on all that God has prepared for them.

I understand that we need to be relevant to unbelievers, but God does a fine job of wooing folks with the Holy Spirit that he really doesn’t need us to invent new ways to lure them into the family. Follow the plan, share the word, don’t water down the Gospel. Don’t be combative or controversial. Keep your cool, ask the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you and listen more than you talk. Sometimes we talk when we should be listening. Remember, we don’t do the saving, God does. He uses us to plant seeds and water them, so he can bring in the harvest of souls. Work at not judging people by their appearance and their views. Everyone needs salvation, but most don’t realize they have that need. If we live like Christ in our daily life people will see it and wonder what’s different about you.

Some people barely try at all, but conversely, some people try too hard to “get people saved”. Leave the saving to God. Leading others to Christ needn’t be a painful experience. We need to ask the Lord to speak thru us at the appropriate time. Trust God and allow yourself to be used. 

Currently Christianity is under fire by the radical left who, as part of their globalist agenda, are working to eradicate all dissenting voices, which include all religious groups. We can trust God to protect us, but always remember the words of Paul, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” ^{[Phil. 1:21 NIV]} Is that to say you may lose your life for your faith, perhaps. But is it not a small price to pay for an eternity with Christ? We must stand our ground and allow ourselves to be used for the kingdom, not hide out of sight in the comfort of our homes. God has already won. The enemy has already been defeated. Prayerfully, share what you know. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The Trust Initiative - No. 5

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

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

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

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

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

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The Trust Initiative - No. 4

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”- Psalm 118:8 ^{New American Standard Bible}

                  While it cannot be confirmed, many Bible scholars surmise that this Psalm was written by none other than King David. But it really doesn’t matter … the message is a familiar one nonetheless.  Trusting in man is misplaced trust. Almighty God can do what no man could ever do. Our trust in God enables us to know exactly where to go in our greatest time of need. Proverbs 18:10 tells us, “The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.” Again, in Psalm 46:1 it says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

                  What can man offer us when trouble arises? Not much. As I have said in past postings, mortal man’s resources are sorely lacking. When you think of God and what scripture says of him, you should have confidence that he will protect you from anything that may come against you. God watches over his children as a mother hen watches over her chicks or a shepherd watches over his flock. Both are safe and secure, protected by their loving overseer.

                  As an illustration, a form of refuge could be a fortress, which can have outside walls as thick of 4 feet. Penetration by the enemy would be difficult. Infiltration from within would accomplish that goal. I would compare that to your mind being compromised by the enemy thru some form of media incursion or irregular association. Our relationship with God is meant to be deeply intimate. The closer we are to our Heavenly Father the more we will trust him, because we know him a little bit more each day we spend time with him. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The Trust Initiative - No. 3

“You who [reverently] fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.” - Psalm 115:11 ^{Amplified Bible}

            Once again, we see the reference to fearing the Lord. I’ve been using the Amplified Bible up to this point because it breaks down a word or phrases meaning in an easier to understand way. Fear of the Lord is not like being afraid. Those who should be afraid of the Lord are folks who live as they choose, without any consideration to God or his Word. Those are the people who need to take a real hard look themselves and think about the possibility of a higher power that is far greater than themselves. Not just a higher power, but a spiritual entity that IS love in its purest and most concise form. Because of his majestic power and endless wisdom, we are to be in awe of him and treat him with reverence. Our fear of him should also lead to trust, just as our faith should. We should trust him because there has, nor will there ever be a time when he will not be our help and protector. 

When I think of the word ‘shield’, I think of the Roman shields they sometimes used in battle.  They were convex in shape and had straight sides; 4 feet tall and 2-1/2 feet wide. They were made of wood and copper and at times had a thick leather overlay that was saturated with water to douse the flames of fiery arrows shot at them by the some enemies. The average height of a Roman soldier back in the day was roughly 5’7”-5’8” tall. If they crouched down their entire body from head to toe would be covered by these shields. That is what comes to mind when scripture tells us God is our shield. He protects us from the fiery darts of the enemy. Satan is powerless against a child of God, unless that child gives the devil a foothold.^[1] Do not yield to the enemy, for God is your “help and shield”. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

^[1] Ephesians 4:26-27

 

“O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness endures forever.” - Psalm 118:1 ^{Amplified Bible}