Deuteronomy at a glance

DEUTERONOMY

 

The fifth book in the Bible whose author is again Moses. Tradition tells us that it was written around 1400 BC. The time period covered in this book is 1450 BC thru 1400 BC. It covers the Mosaic Laws, which applied until shortly after the death of Christ, when the temple was destroyed in 70 AD.

 

The central point of this book ...

 

Deuteronomy contains the death of Moses as well as a repeat of the Ten Commandments first found in Exodus 20.

 

What Important Story is found in Deuteronomy?

 

The death of Moses as recorded in Deuteronomy 34:1-12.

 

Important Points found in this book:

 

1) The Book of Deuteronomy contains a repeat of all the Mosaic laws, plus the death of Moses. It’s the only book in the first five (known as the Pentateuch) to record Moses’ death.

 

2) The children who had left Egypt were adults when this book was written. They were quite ready to battle for the Promised Land (Canaan). Deuteronomy repeats the laws in other books, specifically directing it to this new generation.

 

3) The last few chapters describe Moses’ final blessing on the children of Israel as well as his death (which must have been written by someone other than Moses.)

 

Key Verses:

 

“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft.” - Deu. 18:10

 

“Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.” - Deu. 34:10

 

Next time we’ll take a look at the book of Joshua ... Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His glory,

Rich Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: Books of the Bible at a Glance; published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 18, 2018).

Numbers at a glance

NUMBERS

 

The fourth book in the Bible whose author is again Moses. Tradition tells us that it was written around 1400 BC. The time period covered in Numbers is 1450 BC thru 1400 BC. 

 

The central point of this book ...

            The 40 years of desert wandering is established in Numbers for the Hebrew people. Israel could have been a nation after two or three years, but this accounting shows the people being terrible fighters with little to no faith, so God sends them to wander in the desert as a means of building maturity and strength.

 

Important Points found in this book:

 

1) Spies saw giants in the land Moses wanted to invade and grieved the Lord with their lack of faith. Their long journey was due to the failed tests of endurance, ethics, good judgment and faith. Numbers shows how God wanted to make the Hebrew people strong, but they had become nothing more than resistant complainers. In Numbers 14 God sentenced the Jews to wander for 40 years in the desert.

 

2) An enemy, Balak, easily taught the people of Israel to worship Baal, a false god, and they upset God so badly that 24,000 of them died.

 

Key Verses:

 

“God is not a human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” - Numbers 23:19

 

“But as for you, your bodies will fail in this wilderness. Your children will be shepherds here for forty years, suffering for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness.” - Numbers 14:32-33

 

Next time we’ll take a look at the book of Deuteronomy... Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His glory,

Rich Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: Books of the Bible at a Glance; published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 18, 2018).

 

Leviticus at a glance

LEVITICUS

 

The third book in the Bible whose author is again Moses. Tradition tells us that it was written around 1445 BC. The time period covered in Leviticus is 1445 BC thru 70 AD. The laws applied until shortly after the death of Christ, when the temple was destroyed in 70 AD.

 

Note: Leviticus contains many laws for the Hebrew people. It’s not often studied by Christians because Jesus freed us from the letter of the law. Having said that devoted believers will end up living the law because they are a changed people who seek to please the Lord. It’s no longer required but is fulfilled as a result of earnest spiritual living.

 

Important Points found in this book:

 

1) Leviticus is mostly laws that kept the Hebrew people safe, healthy & peaceful.

 

2) It is decreed in this book that priests shall be members of the tribe of Levi and descendants of Moses’ brother Aaron.

 

3) Moses describes things that are considered “unclean”, such as various animals and insects. God’s purpose was to protect people from germs and unhealthy living.

 

4) Moses teaches the Day of Atonement. It is a ceremony that takes place only once a year. The High Priest enters into the Holy of Holies (the most special part of the tabernacle) and offers a sacrifice to God for sins of the entire nation. No one else could go in there.

 

Key Verses: “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” - Leviticus 17:11

 

“Don’ t seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” - Leviticus 19:18

 

Next time we’ll take a look at the book of Numbers... Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His glory,

Rich Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: Books of the Bible at a Glance; published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 18, 2018).

Exodus at a glance

EXODUS

 

The second book in the Bible whose author is also Moses. Tradition tells us that it was written around 1400 BC. The time period covered in Exodus is 1525 BC thru 1400 BC.

 

This writing contains stories from Moses birth thru the 40 years of the Exodus.

 

The following are the most famous stories included in Exodus:

 

1) Moses & the Burning Bush

3) The Ten Plagues of Egypt

4) The Parting of the Red Sea

5) The introduction of the Ten Commandments

 

Important Events found in this book:

 

1) There are many exciting stories found in Exodus... It starts 280 years after the death of Joseph in Egypt with the birth of Moses. Moses was born in 1426 BC. Chapters 1 & 2 cover events before Moses was called to lead Israel out of Egypt.

 

2) Chapter 3 covers the story of the Burning Bush & Moses’ call from God to lead his people to the promised land of Canaan.

 

3) Chapters 7-12 cover the Ten Plagues of Egypt, including the Passover, established with the 10^th plague that called for the death of the oldest child of both man & beast.

 

4) Chapter 13 begins the Exodus.

 

5) Chapter 20 contains the Ten Commandments.

 

6) The stories are basically over for the remaining 20 chapters, except for Chapter 32, which contains the story of the Golden Calf. The other chapters contain laws & instructions for the constructing of the first tabernacle. A tabernacle was like a temple, only portable for use in the desert.

 

The most famous verses found in Exodus are:

 

“You shall have no other gods before me.” - Exodus 20:3

 

‘’God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM’. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” - Exodus 3:14

 

This is the book of Exodus in a nutshell. Up next, Leviticus... Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

 

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: Books of the Bible at a Glance; published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 18, 

Genesis at a glance

This is the start of a teaching that will cover the entire Bible at a glance. Nothing in-depth, just hitting the high points of each book. We will go in chronological order as the books appear in scripture, so strap yourself in because it’s gonna be a fun ride. May the Lord bless this endeavor in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

GENESIS

 

The first book in the Bible whose author is Moses. Tradition tells us that it was written in 1430 BC. BC stands for “before Christ” and represents time prior to the birth of Jesus, the Christ.  For information sake, AD stands for “anno Domino” or “in the year of the Lord”. 

 

Genesis covers the historic period of 4004 BC to 1805 BC. Covering over 2000 years, which means it covers the longest span of time of any book in the Bible.

 

The following are the most famous stories included in the book of Genesis:

 

1) The Creation Story

2) Noah’s Ark

3) Abraham’s Journey

4) Isaac nearly sacrificed

5) Jacob’s Ladder

6) Jacob’s name is changed to Israel

7) Joseph is kidnapped 

 

Genesis can be broken down into two parts:

 

1) Prehistory contains everything from Genesis 1 to 12, or everything until the birth of Abraham. Included in this first part is Creation, the Great Flood, and the Tower of Babel.

 

2) Genesis 12 to 50 covers the story of the Patriarchs.  Included are Abraham, his son Isaac, and Isaac’s son Jacob. Jacob was the father of Joseph, who isn’t considered a patriarch but is nonetheless very important. These are the men who started the nation of Israel.

 

The most famous verses found in Genesis are these:

 

Genesis 1:1 ... “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

 

Genesis 1:27 ... “So God created human beings in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

 

This is the book of Genesis in a nutshell. Up next, Exodus ... Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: Books of the Bible at a Glance; published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 18, 2018).

LIVING A WORTHY LIFE

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” - Ephesians 4:1 _(NIV)

            Paul, writing from his prison cell, urges the Ephesians to live lives worthy of the calling of Christ. He clarifies what he is referring to in the following verses … be gentle, be patient, be loving and be unified. He is speaking to the believers of his day. Today, we seem to be distracted by everything that comes our way. Living a life that is worthy of being called a Christian seems the furthest thing from our minds. We have so many other things that we have deemed more important that simply must be done.

            We can be just as effective as human beings in this life if we live our life worthy of Christ’s calling. We are His ambassadors; we represent Him everywhere we go and in everything we do. Are we making a good showing or embarrassing the name of Christ by our words and deeds. God enables us to live for Him. Many believe living as a Christian is restrictive, but in fact nothing has ever been so liberating. God wants what is best for us always. Give your all to Him and see what happens. Until Christ’s Return, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

NEVER ALONE

Psalm 121:7-8

 

“The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”  

A person’s life is not their own if they have committed their way to the Lord.  This is not a problem for the believer, for God can be trusted to keep you from all harm & danger.  We know this because His word says so.  “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." _{(Deuteronomy 31:8)} This verse points out that the Lord will essentially have you surrounded with His mercy & grace.  He doesn’t take coffee breaks, nor does He ever go on vacation.  As a result of our God watching over us continuously, day and night, therefore, we truly have no reason to be discouraged or afraid.  Fear is a natural human emotion.  It’s a mental thing.  We especially fear the unknown.  It isn’t always so easy to rid ourselves of fear, but as we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord we will slowly begin to elevate our trust.  As we trust the Lord more we should give in to our fears less.   

In Joshua 1:9, Moses speaks to Joshua saying “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

“‘That God always keeps watch for us’ is deeply rooted in our hearts; so that, depending upon his guardianship alone, we may bid farewell to all the vain confidences of the world.” ^[1] There is absolutely nothing in this world that we can unhesitatingly place our trust in because even the person closest to us will eventually let us down.  God never will.  If scripture tells us God is with us wherever we go, you can bank on that.  Just in case you think the Lord might handle things differently in this day and age, read Hebrews 13:8 which proclaims, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”  Until Christ returns, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

[1] The Treasury of David; Charles H. Spurgeon.

OUR OMNIPRESENT GOD

Jeremiah 23:24 _{New Living Translation}

 

“Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the Lord.”

            In Jeremiah’s time there was seen an economic, political, and spiritual deterioration that was taking place. In additional to these circumstances, there were people who claimed to speak for God, yet saw him as a limited and localized God. They viewed him as not having the ability to alter a person life path. The Lord spoke thru Jeremiah saying, “Am I not everywhere … “.  He wasn’t localized with no universal abilities, but rather was a God having unlimited abilities, foreknowledge, and power. 

            Jeremiah, whom scholars refer to as “the Weeping Prophet”, was named this because of his tremendous empathy for those he prophesied against. There were other prophets in his time, but they were more sympathetic toward public opinion and therefore looked upon more favorably. The verse above reveals that neither the disobedient peoples of Judah, nor the false prophets that roamed their streets, could escape the eye of God. There is nothing he does not see or hear. Though looked upon with distain by the people of Judah, Jeremiah was God’s true messenger. The test of which prophecies were accurate was shone in the fact that the prophecies that were contrary to Jeremiah’s brought about no change in the behavior of the people. No repentance was sought.  

            This history lesson shows us two things: God is truly omnipresent, and he is very serious about us changing the path we are on if it is not the one he has set aside for us. It also shows us we must always trust him to know what is best for us.  We must allow our trust in him to accept the fact that he always has the absolute best in mind for us. Until next time, walk with the one true King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource:  The Reformation Study Bible; NKJV Chronological Study Bible Notes; www.biblegateway.com

Word for the Day

 

Thoughts from a Random Mind

            There are times when I enjoy looking up a word that is generally associated with either the Bible or Christianity in a secular dictionary. Today I decided to look up the word “cross”. I started thinking about the word during a conversation with a female co-worker. She had just had a birthday and I asked her what her boyfriend got her for the occasion?  She showed me a small gold cross.  This prompted the following query: “What does the cross mean to you?” After a bit of a pause, she said: “Well, hmmm, it represents life. You know, life, because we aren’t always gonna have these bodies.” That was an interesting take. Since we were supposed to be working, I left it at that, but will revisit the topic again tomorrow if the opportunity presents itself. 

It’s interesting to me that so many people really have no idea what the cross stands for. They don’t automatically associate Jesus Christ with a cross. I view the cross as an international iconic symbol that should have a deep significance to those who profess faith in God.

I checked three (3) different secular dictionaries; American Heritage® Dictionary, Collins English Dictionary, and Dictionary of Unfamiliar Words. Each one as one of its’ definitions tied it to Christ’s death on a cross and its’ association with Christianity. I happened to like the definition listed from the Dictionary of Unfamiliar Words. It reads: “The main Christian symbol, reminding Christians of Jesus’ sacrificial death and his resurrection. It is a symbol of good over evil.” 

It is disappointing that some many people wear ostentatious crosses with big chains as a fashion statement yet means very little to them personally. I cannot know their heart’s motivation for wearing such a gaudy item, that’s up to God. But wearing such a piece without knowing it’s true significance is simply sad. 

There is a local independent evangelical church who has NO crosses anywhere on its property, its building or in its sanctuary. When asked why their only response that “Jesus is no longer on the cross.” I am certainly aware of that; however, the cross is a universal symbol that is easily recognizable to most. It’s a symbol of peace, hope, love, Christ’s death. I attempted to broach the subject with the head of their Christian Education Dept to no avail. I was treated as if I were a reporter looking for something scandalous or controversial. I received no answer of any consequence.  Why are people who are supposed to be lovers of Christ so afraid to take a stand regarding their beliefs? That represents a broad, sweeping generalization, for I know that all believers don’t feel that way. 

What does the cross mean to you? Have you told anyone else? The cross represents new life ... eternal life. It represents a payment ... a debt paid. A debt we owed yet had no way to repay it. It represents Christ taking a severe beating in our place ... bled and died for us willingly with no hesitation. Do you agree? The cross does indeed represent “life”, my co-worker was on the right track. I aim to reveal to her what she’s missing. Maybe you have someone you know who wears a cross. What an awesome conversation starter!! Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource(s): American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved; Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014; Dictionary of Unfamiliar Words by Diagram Group Copyright © 2008 by Diagram Visual Information Limited.

The Prophet Amos

The Prophet Amos

Amos 1-9

Superficial Religion

 

            In Amos’ day many of the people had abandoned their faith in God; however, still put on an outward show of religiosity. They obviously didn’t know God well enough to know that He sees and knows all things, therefore, while they may fake out everyone on the face of the earth, they could never put anything past our Lord. Their superficial religious exercises replaced what God was, and still is expecting ... spiritual integrity and heartfelt obedience toward the Lord. 

            This expectation flies in the face of the simplistic approach by a large portion of Christianity even today; that being believing in God and Jesus and being good. I’m afraid it’s a little more complicated than that. Being truly ‘born-again’ of the Spirit of God is evidenced by living according to God’s standards found in scripture and with the Spirit’s help live a life that imitates Christ. Jesus DIED ON THEIR behalf, even though they lived prior to His birth and it’s the same today. He didn’t have to do that, but He chose to. 

            The Lord isn’t looking for robotic responses from His followers. He knows their heart as well as their intentions. God simply wants everyone to avoid the complications and distrust that comes from trying to impress those around you with insincere Christian gestures.

            Those whose faith is insincere toward God, have determined in their own minds that because they know God, nothing bad will ever happen to them. It doesn’t work that way. Their insincerity is tantamount to disobedience which will be punished on the last day unless repentance is forthcoming. 

            While we serve a loving, compassionate God, His judgment against sin and disobedience will come. The message to the people by God thru Amos was clear and concise. Though He loved the Jewish people unconditionally, just as He does us, He will not overlook sin. The Bible is our roadmap to heaven. Do as it says, and you’ll not go wrong. This concludes our brief look into the Prophet Amos and God’s message to a less then obedience Israeli people. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

Word for the Day

 

The Prophet Amos

The Prophet Amos

Amos 1-9

Oppressing the Poor

 

            The wealthy, powerful people of Samaria, the capital of Israel, had become prosperous, greedy, and unjust. Illegal and immoral slavery came as a result of over-taxation and land-grabbing, which is “the act or practice of seizing or occupying land by unlawful or dishonorable means”. [1] There was also cruelty and indifference toward those who were considered by the wealthy Israelites to be less fortunate, creating in their minds the thought that those people were beneath them. God had during Amos time, grown weary of the peoples greed and indifference and would not tolerate man’s injustice toward their fellow man.

            God made all people; therefore, to ignore the poor is to ignore those whom God loves, and Christ came to save. Israel’s sin is still practiced today by us all. All people must go beyond feeling bad for the poor and oppressed. We’re to act with compassion, trying to end injustice as we help care for those in need. That is what I refer to as “being Christ” to those we encounter each day.

            This sin of oppression is often based on judging others due to their physical and/or fashion appearance or how they speak. Are they learned, as in acquiring knowledge by learning or personal experience? Do they have a favorable reputation? Are they well-known? We must all be blind to anything that the world would consider a negative. The Jews were judged harshly for placing those deemed less fortunate beneath them by ignoring them or “giving them a hard time”.  Always remember and never forget God’s greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “’Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” *

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

[1] Cited from The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia which is one of the largest encyclopedic dictionaries of the English language. In its day it was compared favorably with the Oxford English Dictionary, and frequently consulted for more factual information than would normally be the case for a dictionary.

* Mark 12:30-31

Word for the Day

 

The Prophet Amos

The Prophet Amos

Amos 1-9

Israel’s Complacency

 

            We spoke of Israel’s sin yesterday. Today we will focus in on the extreme self-satisfaction of the nation. It’s known as being complacent with yourself; feeling self-sufficient, even somewhat smug, or self-righteous. When you are self-righteous you tend to feel that you needn’t bother with God in an intimate way on a daily basis.

            The nation of Israel was optimistic; business was booming and with the exception of the poor and oppressed, people were happy. The comfort and luxury attained came with a sense of self-sufficiency and with that a false sense of security. A sense of complacency now will lead to a future of disaster. The Israelites needed to thank God for all their blessings and benefits, however, they did not. They were apparently more satisfied with themselves than with God. Author, Rev. Rick Warren shows us that without God as the central point of our life, everything is meaningless. “Without God, life has no purpose, and without purpose, life has no meaning. Without meaning, life has no significance or hope.” [1]

            A person’s downfall will without question be the outcropping of a self-sufficient attitude. It’s what Amos warned Israel about and today the same problem exists. In Amos 3:10-11 ... ““My people have forgotten how to do right,” says the Lord. “Their fortresses are filled with wealth taken by theft and violence. Therefore,” says the Sovereign Lord, “an enemy is coming! He will surround them and shatter their defenses. Then he will plunder all their fortresses.”

            Don’t allow yourself to become complacent. Life aside from God is not much of a life at all. Christ is to be our all in all. Our self-sufficiency is a lie from the enemy, for even though we may not notice, God is our provider. Heed Amos’ words. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 [1] Pastor Rick Warren, in The Purpose Driven Life

 

Word for the Day

 

The Prophet Amos

The Prophet Amos

Amos 1-9

What Was Israel’s Sin?

 

            Israel had been enjoying peace and economic prosperity, but this blessing had caused the people to become a selfish, materialistic society. Those who were prosperous had begun to ignore the needs of those who were less fortunate. The people were also found to be self-centered and indifferent toward God, which is the exact opposite of how they were supposed to act.  They had forgotten how much they needed God, believing they had become self-reliant.

            Amos’ message was mostly directed against those who had been exploiting or ignoring the needy people around them. Believing in God was and still is more than simply a matter of individual faith. God calls all believers to work against injustices in society and give aid to those less fortunate.

            In his God-given proclamation, Amos pronounced judgment from God on all the surrounding nations, then included Judah and Israel. Almighty God always has been and always will be in ultimate and supreme control of all nations. Because of this fact all peoples are accountable to him.

            Since we know from scripture that all sin against God, then all will have to give an account for their sin. You must understand that when those who reject God seem to get ahead, we aren’t to envy them or feel sorry for ourselves. We must always remember that all mankind must answer to God for how we have lived. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

The Prophet Amos

The Prophet Amos

Amos 1-9

Introduction...

 

            I have chosen to take a broad look at the Book of Amos from the Old Testament thru next week. There are some major themes that apply to us today. Have your spiritual eyes and ears open to hear what God wishes to say to you via His Holy Spirit.

            The purpose of this writing was to pronounce God’s judgment upon Israel, the northern kingdom, for its complacency, idolatry, and oppression of the poor. The vessel God used was the prophet Amos, who was a shepherd and fig grower from the southern kingdom of Judah.

The kings of the two kingdoms were Jeroboam II in Israel and Uzziah in Judah. This writing took place between 760-750 B.C..

            Let’s set the stage: The wealthy people of Israel were enjoying peace and prosperity, so much so that they had become complacent. In addition they had begun oppressing the poor among them by various means, including selling them into slavery. Soon, however, Israel’s elite would see their kingdom overrun by Assyria. It was then that the wealthy were themselves sold into slavery.

            Amos was not the son of a prophet, nor was he the son of a priest. He was in fact a humble shepherd who sought nothing more than to stay where he was in the town of Tekoa, tending to his flock, providing for his family, and worshiping his God. However, God had a different plan for his life. God gave Amos a vision of the future (1:1) and told him to bring his message to the northern kingdom of Israel (7:15). Amos obeyed. Monday we will take a look at Amos’ message of judgment from God to the northern kingdom. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible, pp.1861-1880.

Word for the Day

 

Thoughts from a Random Mind

Labels

 

“To identify or designate with a descriptive term...

describe or classify.” *

Judging others is a problem nearly everyone, Christian or Non-Christian, has difficulty with. Going hand in hand with judging is placing labels on individuals.  Just by watching another person’s behavior or interaction with others can cause the judging person to figuratively place a neon sign over the head of the subject being judged. They seem to think that they know this individual without any personal interaction.

                  Labels can be hurtful if given with malice intent. In actuality, they can be hurtful if given with kindness in mind yet are misconstrued by the recipient. If we are to emulate Christ in all areas of our lives we must not size up people and assess them based the world’s consensus of who people are. Love and kindness should always lead the way. If you don’t know someone, either introduce yourself and get to know them firsthand or simply leave it alone. Nine times out of ten the person being judged or labeled isn’t known by the offender. 

                  What is the purpose of judging or labelling another person? Have we been manipulated into believing a lie about the person being labelled. I’ve been labelled throughout my life as many things that are simply not at all true. The result has been being rejected by other family members based on lies or half-truths. I’ve been guilty of this sin myself, but understanding that God loves all his creation, I’ve fought hard to banish such ungodly behavior from my heart. It’s a blessing to make new friends and a bigger blessing give everyone the benefit of the doubt rather than judging or labeling people out of ignorance. 

We are called to love all we encounter in this life. We are called to accept all we encounter. We are to treat them just the way we’d like to be treated. If you are unfamiliar with these concepts, seek them out in scripture. Learn what scripture says about living for Christ. It’s so much more rewarding then being negative towards others. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries                                                                                    

* American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 

PublishingCompany. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Rejoicing In Spite of Trials

Habakkuk 3:17-18

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails, and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

             The prophet Habakkuk is praying to Jehovah God in the third chapter as he sees Him trample his enemies underfoot. Habakkuk is awestruck by the power displayed and the vengeance brought against his enemies. In the end of the prayer Habakkuk is resolute as he states that no matter what may happen to him, he will rejoice in the Lord. Habakkuk sees the ferocious way that God repays evil done against His children and recognizes that only God can deliver him from his calamity. He humbly acknowledges that God is the one who is over all and shall provide for and sustain him.

             If we were in the same situation, how would we act? No food, no job, no money to pay bills … what’s going on? God was mindful of Habakkuk, and He is mindful of us as well. We are not in danger of anything other than the discomfort of having our routine disrupted. Habakkuk, being a prophet, was targeted and in danger of death from enemies that rose up against the people of God continually throughout the Old Testament. In all three chapters of Habakkuk, the overriding theme is that the just shall live by faith. It is faith that leads to trust and as believers we need to know we can trust God. It is a conscious decision we must make; do we trust God or not? If we do, then we should understand that nothing is impossible for God and His timing rarely syncs up to ours. The perfect job is coming your way; financial relief is coming as well. 

Your prayers shall be answered. Seek His will for your life and then praise God from whom all blessings flow. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

Rich Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

IN THE HANDS OF GOD

Jeremiah 29:11-13 New Living Translation 

“‘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.’”

We make plans for our future so that we do not do without. We set up retirement funds so that we feel secure; however, the winds of change can make any plans seem unreliable. In the face of uncertainty we can know a security that remains constant because the giver of that security is constant. God has a future and a hope for all who seek Him with their whole heart. He will cause us to be prosperous (“even as our soul prospers” – 3 John 1:2) and keep us from harm. Prosperity in Christ may mean financial prosperity, but there are so many more important things than that in this life.  Spiritual prosperity enables us to be more like Christ in our daily walk.  The things of God cannot be purchased, but rather are there for the asking.  God freely gives blessings that lift up and encourage us as we strive to serve Him with our whole heart.

God’s plans do not fluctuate or fade away due to a lack of resources or contrary spirit. No, God keeps His promises; therefore, we can find peace in the fact that God will not let us perish or fall by the wayside. He is our Heavenly Father; the One who watches over us every moment of every day and knows what we need. Nothing escapes His gaze, and nothing shall take us down. If Allstate Insurance can boast that they are “The Good Hands People”, how much greater must it be to be in the hollow of God’s hands. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

How to Avoid Guilt

Psalm 19:12-13 _{New Living Translation}

 

“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.” 

                  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.

In His Name & for His Glory,

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 ... 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

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