Advent Season – Love 1

       “Christmas love is fundamentally understood as God's self-sacrificial, unconditional, and transformative love, demonstrated through the birth of Jesus Christ. It is not merely a seasonal sentiment or human affection, but a divine initiative where God, out of deep compassion, sent His Son to reconcile humanity to Himself. This love is described as steadfast and loyal, going beyond mere emotion to involve tangible actions, culminating in Jesus' sacrifice for the sins of the world. The true meaning of Christmas centers on this love, which is freely given and available to all who receive it in faith, transforming lives and inspiring believers to love others in return.

Christmas love is rooted in God's initiative: ‘We love because he first loved us’. The season invites individuals to slow down, ponder God's love, and live it out through acts of kindness, forgiveness, and generosity.” ^[1]

This sentiment is from the pastor at Mercy Village Church in West Virginia. I like what he has to say here. Love is transforming. No matter how difficult your life has become, real love can make things seem different. The burdens of life don’t seem so heavy. Your troubles seem to evaporate, like steam rising from a boiling pot of water. Love forces you to reevaluate yourself and your situation. God’s love is even more powerful a force than human love, though human love is a wonderful place to start.

At this time of year, when finances are tapped and hope seems fleeting, God wishes to remind us that all is not lost, nor will it ever be extinguished. Hope came in the form of an infant child; Almighty God in the flesh. The second person of the Triune God. Jesus Christ, the Son of God. What Christ did for mankind is the clearest illustration of real love that shall ever exist. Would you die for another person? Knowing your death would be horrific and traumatic. Knowing that the pain you would feel would be greater than any you’ve ever felt. Would you willingly do it? Christ was born to die for us all. That speaks loudly of hope, peace, joy and love so much so that it cannot be denied. Feel God’s love this Advent Season. Bask in it and rejoice. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] www.mercyvillagechurch.com

 

Advent Season – Joy 5

            The Christmas season is filled with all sorts of happy times based on family traditions. A tree to decorate, gifts to wrap, eggnog, special cookies, time spent that builds memories. For a follower of Christ these times are extra special simply because of the reason we place on the season. It is a joyous time, as it should be. It’s a time for reflection, a time for forgiveness, a time to humbly thank God for His grace. It all makes it an exciting, yet reflective time.

            Some believers suck the life out of the holiday by being pharisaical in their approach to it. They erroneously wish to ban the tree and sap the celebratory nature of the season, replacing it with nothing by quiet, almost monk like reverence toward God and the season. Now don’t get me wrong, time for quiet reflection and reverence toward God is never wrong, unless it is mandated to the exclusion of all else. 

            We need to realize that joy isn’t just an emotion, but rather something that has its roots in the divine. True joy is realized once we embrace the true sentiment behind the celebration. It can be a very pleasant time of year where problems, while they don’t disappear, seem somehow less important. To the person who has established an intimate relationship with their God, it can be a very profitable spiritual time for them.

            Knowing you are celebrating the holiday by living in alignment with your beliefs brings a certain level of joy and contentment, because after all, isn’t that what we’d like; to be content with our lives because we know they align with the standards our Father in Heaven has set forth. Reflect on your celebration at this time of year and see if it is all it can be unto the Lord. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Advent Season – Joy 4

Comparing earthly joy with celestial joy...

 

Earthly joy refers to temporary and imperfect pleasures derived from material and worldly experiences, which are ultimately fleeting and unreliable sources of contentment. It is often associated with external circumstances, such as success, possessions, or sensory pleasures, and can be easily lost or diminished when those conditions change. While earthly joy may provide happiness, it lacks lasting fulfillment and can distract believers from their spiritual focus, as it is contrasted with the eternal rewards of heaven. It is sometimes described as superficial, lying on the outside like dew on a leaf, and is not deeply rooted in the heart.

In contrast, celestial joy—also referred to as heavenly or divine joy—is a profound, spiritual fulfillment that transcends earthly experiences. It is not dependent on external circumstances and remains constant even in suffering, as it is rooted in a relationship with God and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Celestial joy is described as inward, pure, and enduring, like a spring of water running underground, hidden from the world’s view. It is a gift from God, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and is characterized by deep satisfaction, inner peace, and a lasting sweetness that surpasses all earthly delights. Unlike fleeting earthly joys, celestial joy is abiding and eternal, symbolizing a foretaste of the everlasting pleasures found in God’s presence. It is associated with spiritual fulfillment, divine approval, and the ultimate hope of believers for eternal life.

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource:  www.goarch.org

Advent Season – Joy 3

“Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.’” – Luke 2:9-10

 

            Imagine you are a shepherd watching your flock of sheep in the middle of the night. It’s dark except for the light of a multitude of the stars that filled the skies. Perhaps you’ve never seen such a multitude of stars in the night sky because of the massive amount of light pollution that is all around many of us. I have and it is an unbelievable sight.

            So here are some shepherds, at night, alone with their sheep and there appeared before them an angel of the Lord whose glory filled the night. Having never seen anything like this before the shepherds were petrified. We know they were afraid because the angel first said to them, “Don’t be afraid”. Put yourself in their situation. How would you have reacted? The news the angel brought was good & would provide great joy to ALL people. Who is salvation available to? ALL people. Whosoever will...

            As if a lone angel wasn’t shocking enough, soon a “vast host – the armies of the Lord” appeared to give praises to God. Now THAT must have been a sight to see.  Isn’t it interesting that though the shepherds had never had this type of experience before, their fear obviously left them. It would appear that their fear was replaced by a response rooted in faith, awe, and purpose, for when the host of angels returned to heaven they decided to go to Bethlehem to seek out the baby that was described to them. There was written in scripture no explanation for the sudden change in emotion. This transition reflects the broader theme that God’s message of peace and salvation is meant to inspire faith and action, not ongoing fear.

Whenever the Lord is involved, there is always reason for joy. Mixed in with the joy is hope and peace. Mortal man’s joy, hope, and peace are placed in temporal things and therefore cannot last. It is with joy that we celebrate the birth of Christ the Messiah, Savior of men’s souls.

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Advent Season – Joy 2

The Joy of Salvation

 

“The joy of salvation is a profound, lasting happiness rooted in the knowledge of being forgiven, redeemed, and eternally secure in God’s grace through Jesus Christ. It is not dependent on circumstances but arises from a deep understanding of God’s unchanging love and the fulfillment of His promises, as seen in Scripture where believers are called to rejoice always. This joy is described as "unspeakable and full of glory”, a result of the transformative experience of salvation that brings reconciliation with God, the removal of sin’s burden, and the hope of eternal life.”^[1]

 

Our greatest reason to be joyful is that God wants to save us and spend eternity with us. 

 

Luke 15:7 NLT: “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”

All heaven is joyful when a person accepts God’s provision of salvation.

 

Acts 8:8: The people of Samaria were joyful as they heard the gospel and saw God’s power in healing the sick.

 

Acts 13:52; 15:3: Jewish believers rejoiced when they heard of the work of the Holy Spirit in saving Gentiles.

 

            Once a person realizes they have a debt that they are unable to pay, having that debt paid by another party would be reason enough to exude feelings of joy. A celebratory flood of emotions should ensue. That is EXACTLY what our Lord did by virtue of His death on the cross. His spilt blood in effect has washed away the sin debt of every person who sought forgiveness. When one submits to the will of God, they become a NEW CREATURE in Christ. 

            If that describes you, then rejoice, for Christ was born to save the world from itself. There is no greater gift this side of heaven then salvation from sin. It is the only gift that is completely free for the asking. It is the only path you can take that clears your way to eternal life with our Father in heaven. What glorious news!! 

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1]  www.christianitytoday.com

Advent Season – Joy 1

          “The Greek word for joy is "chara", a noun derived from the verb "chairo", meaning "to rejoice". It is used 59 times in the New Testament and is defined as cheerfulness or calm delight, representing a deep, inner gladness that is not dependent on external circumstances. This joy is understood as a spiritual reality, rooted in the redemptive work of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit, rather than a fleeting emotional state tied to favorable situations. The term is closely related to other Greek words like "charis" (grace) and "eucharisteo" (to give thanks), highlighting that biblical joy is a response to God's grace and gifts, and is often expressed as a sustained, soul-satisfying state given by God. It is a fruit of the Spirit, appearing alongside love, peace, and other virtues in Christian character.” ^[1]

 

Whenever God is at work, typically, the natural reaction is one of joy. It is produced and brought out in individuals in several different ways. 

 

One is the “Joy of Deliverance”.  “The concept of deliverance is a central theme throughout the Bible, representing God's intervention to rescue His people from peril, sin, and oppression. The joy that accompanies deliverance is a profound expression of gratitude and worship, reflecting the believer's recognition of God's power and mercy.” ^[2]

 

When God sets someone free, rejoicing is in order. Here is an example in scripture of joy found in 1^st Samuel & the Book of Acts.

 

1 Samuel 2:1: Hannah was filled with joy at her deliverance from her enemies.

 

Acts 12:14: The servant girl was so overjoyed that God had rescued Peter from prison that she forgot to let Peter in the house.

                  Joy, especially at this time of year, creates a festive atmosphere. We, as followers of Christ have much to be both grateful & joyful about. Being grateful starts on Thanksgiving, and it ushers in the joyous season of Christ’s birth. Are you joyful during this Advent Season?

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/chara.html

^[2]  www.Wikipedia.com

Advent Season – Peace 5

3 Practical Ways to Find Peace at Christmas Time 

 

            One of the reasons Jesus came down to live among men was to bring peace to the whole entire world. In spite of your current situation in life there are three things you can do to achieve the peace that God freely offers.

 

Give all your worries over to God – What is heavy on your heart this holiday season? Is it your first holiday with a loved one? Did you just lose your job? Are you and your spouse continually fighting about family finances? Lift them all up to your Heavenly Father in prayer and see what happens. Prayer helps us bring our hopes, frustrations, fears, and doubts to God. You should EXPECT to have peace. God doesn’t lie to us or attempt in any way to fool us. He is truthful and just and shall give you what you need exactly when you need it the most.

 

Accept His overwhelming peace - Colossians 3:15 says “The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make…”. The followers of Christ are promised an abundance of peace from God... read 2 Peter 1:2, "Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord".

            Accept His overwhelming peace and let that peace guide your way of living this holiday season. Is there a way to accept His peace? You could start by recognizing His overwhelming, unmatched power. He is in control of all things in existence. If it were not true He couldn’t be who He says He is. We need to accept the fact that God is in the process of healing the world. If we can realize that as true it may be a little easier to find personal peace; even when you are dealing with conflict, pain, and/or grief.

 

Even in the midst of your struggles accept His peace – There isn’t a magic potion that enables you to find peace in the midst of pain. It’s allowing His peace to permeate your being. It starts with refocusing... shifting what you are seeing over to looking full in the face of Christ. That reminds me of the following chorus: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory & grace.” That is one way to find peace. 

            The Lord understands when we get frustrated, overwhelmed or mourn a loss, but His compassion can take the place of the negative emotions you are facing. Don’t you realize that God controls every detail in the entire universe. Nothing is overlooked. Nothing is out of place. No matter what you’re going thru, God knows all about it and is ready, willing, and able to be the salve that brings healing to your soul.

            Once we find peace we are able to celebrate the greatness of God. We aren’t celebrating as a means of ignoring the complexities of life. It’s not to distract us from reality. It’s making a declaration that we’ve found peace exactly where we were told we would find it, in the realm of God.

            How did Mary find peace when her son was crucified? She found it in God. How did Joseph find peace when his brothers sold him into slavery? He found it in God. How did Paul find peace when he was put in jail for sharing the gospel? He found it in God.  And you can too. It starts with faith, then moves on to trust. If you trust God you will know you can rely on Him. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

https://finds.life.church/peace-at-christmas/

 

Advent Season – Peace 4

          Since we are in the Advent Season, I thought is appropriate to address the topic of the day by quoting the apostle Paul from his letter to the Philippian believers. In his statement we find a way to find peace at any time.

 

Phil 4:6-7 – “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” 

 

            Okay, so let’s break this down. Initially we’re told not to worry. It comes in the form of the phrase, “Fear not”and is found in scripture 365 times; once for every day of the calendar year. We are implored to pray about EVERYTHING. What does that tell us? It tells us that nothing is too big or too small to pray about. Prayer is communicating with God. The key is for us to be in tune with our Lord to the extent that we can hear Him when He speaks to us thru the indwelt Holy Spirit. It’s communication that must be worked at. Speaking to God is the easy part, hearing from Him is the part the typically needs work.

            From there Paul stresses that we tell God what we need. Now an omniscient God already knows what we need, so why do we have to TELL Him? Is it not so that we verbalize it rather than just expect it to come into being? Prayer is for OUR benefit, not God’s. We are to take the time to thank Him for His gracious willingness to hear us and act on our behalf. It is at that time that God’s peace will permeate our soul and spirit. Paul is plain about it when he says, there is no way we, in our inferior status to God, could ever comprehend God fully or understand the peace that He provides. 

            God’s peace acts as a guard for our hearts and minds as you proceed in your life with the Lord. Let’s face it, the mind is where most of the battles are fought. If we rely on Christ and not ourselves we will live a faithful life... not an easy life necessarily, but one that will reflect God’s perfect standard for living a victorious life in His name and for His kingdom.

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Advent Season – Peace 3

The Christmas holiday season, which essentially begins the day after Thanksgiving, in today’s society is anything but peaceful. True peace will never be found in the busyness, materialism, or holiday traditions, but instead in the very presence of Jesus Christ. We certainly understand that He no longer exists in bodily form, for He ascended to heaven in the very beginning of the Book of Acts to sit at the right hand of the Father. He DOES however exist in spirit form and resides within the heart of the Christian beginning on the day of their conversion. With Christ it is possible to find peace even in the middle of grief, stress and/or conflict by simply turning all our worries over to our Heavenly Father. That can be easier said than done. It takes a serious “want to” to LET GO of the worries that have eaten so much of your time, but it can be done with the help of God’s Holy Spirit. He is the one who resides in you. The third person of the Triune God. He, Christ, and Father God are one in the same, yet each one has a distinct role. God is the source, Christ is the means of salvation, and the Holy Spirit as the dynamic force thru which God's decrees are carried out. The Spirit is also the agent of new creation, imparting life and renewal to believers, transforming them into new creations in Christ.

Ways to achieve peace in your soul & spirit is thru prayer, reading scripture, spending valuable family time and/or just being still. These practices can assist in cultivating inner peace anytime of the year.

Ultimately, Christmas is a time to celebrate the Prince of Peace, whose birth offers a foundation for lasting peace—between God and humanity, among people, and within the individual soul. As believers reflect on the story of Christmas, they are reminded that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep, God-given tranquility that comes from trusting in Christ’s redemptive work. There is no deception in God, for He is the lone perfect entity in existence. He has the power and authority to make us perfect as well, though not this side of heaven. We remain flawed until we are taken to the new heaven & new earth. Then we will know even as we are known. 

Peace is attainable thru faith and trust in Christ; more specifically, thru relying on the fact that God is just and fair and perfect in all His judgements & decisions. We are promised a spirit of peace and if we remain focused on the King of Kings, we shall achieve this peace and be able to rest in it. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Advent Season – Peace 2

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6

 

            Jesus is the central figure in Christianity. "Prince of Peace" is a messianic title for Jesus Christ, derived from Isaiah 9:6, signifying His role as the divine bringer of true and lasting peace. This peace, in Hebrew ‘shalom’,encompasses wholeness, harmony, and restoration—primarily the reconciliation between God and humanity achieved through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. Unlike earthly peace, which is temporary and depends on circumstances, the peace of Christ is spiritual, internal, and eternal, transforming hearts and overcoming sin, fear, and division. He establishes this peace not passively, but as a victorious King who defeats spiritual enemies, bringing wholeness, or ‘shalom’, to His people. His reign, marked by justice and righteousness, promises ultimate fulfillment in the future kingdom of God.

            Isaiah 9:6 reveals three things about the Messiah. It describes what He brings: joy, freedom, and peace. It tells us just who He is: counselor, God, Father, and Prince of Peace. Scripture tells us, “and of His Kingdom it shall have no end.” ^{(Luke 1:33 NLT)} Lastly, it tells us who He is for, and that would be you and me. He comes with forgiveness in one hand and justice in the other. That is our Prince of Peace. There is NO power greater than the power of God, so if He declares that both peace and justice will come to men, you can bank on it, because no one has the strength or ability to stop Him from working thru His eternal plan. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Advent Season – Peace 1

Peace is a multifaceted concept that can be understood as a state of harmony characterized by the absence of violent conflict and freedom from fear of violence. It is often defined as a state of tranquility.

In religious and philosophical traditions, peace holds deep significance. In the Bible, the Hebrew word shalom means "to be complete or whole" and encompasses well-being, prosperity, health, and a right relationship between people and with God. The New Testament uses the Greek word ‘eirene’, which refers to rest, tranquility, and peace with God through Christ. The Bible emphasizes that peace is a gift from God, a result of righteousness, and a fruit of a right relationship with Him. Jesus is referred to as the "Prince of Peace”, and peace is seen as a key element of the messianic age, where nations will transform weapons into tools for agriculture.

In our world today we have a faction that is breeding anything but peace. They feed off of violence and chaos, two things that are the opposite of what most people want and the opposite of what God provides in abundance. At this glorious time of the year, peoples thoughts, words, and actions promote peace. Will we achieve it in this lifetime? It’s not looking good at the moment, but God is in control of all things and either causes or allows whatever takes place (or does not take place) to make this world, the world He created, a peaceful place once again. It shall be a supernatural thing that takes place in our future; at the appointed time that is known only to God Himself. So take the hope that we’ve spoken of in previous posts and apply it here, knowing that God is true to His word; there is no failing in Him. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Advent Season – Hope 5

A synonym for HOPE is TO ANTICIPATE. You have to find hope somewhere and/or in someone, but how do you decide? If you’re not a believer in God, then where do you turn for wisdom? To place your hope in mankind is shaky due to its track record. Even the most trustworthy individual can and eventually will falter and fail you.  That would be because we’re all human, with faults and flaws.

            Anticipating a positive outcome to a set of circumstances depends on the source of the anticipation (hope). Mortal man, as stated, is massively flawed, no matter how good they may think they are. Too many folks look for the easy path, rather than the best path. Many have no patience. They want what they want and they want it NOW. In that regard God would more than likely be a big disappointment to that individual because He acts when He knows the time is right and not according to our latest whim.

            Believers hope is found in Christ, based on His birth, His life, and His death. Why is that? It’s because of the things He said; the promises He made. Because scripture prophesied about His death and subsequent resurrection and it happens just as it was foretold. Those who don’t wish to search out the truth found in scripture, will miss out on the hope that God provides just because of who He is.

            I anticipate good things taking place at some point in the future because of my intimate relationship with the Lord. That is my hope based on what I believe to be true. You see, I’ve taken the time, as in years, to research out who God is, who Jesus is, what has been done to save mankind, and I have chosen to believe these things. THAT is my hope for my life’s future. 

            The hope that is associated with Christmas is based on our acceptance of that which has been disseminated throughout the globe for approximately 2000 years. Both Christmas and Easter give a follower of Christ supreme hope because of what those holidays represent; Christ’s birth, His death, and His resurrection. Those three events in history provide forgiveness for every sinful thing mortal man has ever done. Once saved our hope is realized and our anticipation ramps up. What a glorious holiday to celebrate! Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Advent Season – Hope 4

                  When the Bible speaks of hope it is rooted in trust and confidence in God’s promises, particularly when they concern salvation and eternal life. We shouldn’t wish for hope but rather expect it based on God’s faithfulness. Scripture describes hope as a source of joy, and peace, especially in times of trouble. Any hope we have will never be disappointed because the Lord has poured His love into our hearts via the Holy Spirit.

The Old Testament presents hope as trusting in God’s deliverance and provision, with God Himself being the object of hope. Passages like Psalm 25:21 and Isaiah 49:23 affirm that those who hope in the Lord will not be ashamed. The New Testament expands this hope to include the resurrection, eternal life, and the glorious appearing of Christ. This hope is not based on human effort or worldly things but on faith in Christ, who is described as the hope of believers.

The Bible also teaches that hope is essential for endurance and perseverance. Trials produce steadfastness, which in turn produces hope. The resurrection of Jesus is central to this hope, as it guarantees that believers will also be raised to eternal life. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:19, if our hope is only in this life, we are to be pitied above all people—but because of Christ’s resurrection, our hope is secure and eternal.

Ultimately, biblical hope is not uncertain or vague; it is certain because it is anchored in God’s unchanging nature and His promises. As the writer to the Hebrews says, believers have taken hold of the hope set before them, which is a sure and steadfast anchor for the soul. This hope is not found in human leaders, wealth, or political systems, but solely in the God of hope, who fills believers with joy and peace through faith. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Advent Season – Hope 3

What hope is found in suffering?   

Biblical hope in times of suffering is not denial or false optimism regarding your situation, but a confident expectation rooted in God’s character and promises. It transforms hardship into a means of spiritual growth, as Romans 5:3–5 teaches: “suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope—a hope that does not disappoint because it is fueled by God’s love through the Holy Spirit.”

In suffering, biblical hope means trusting that God is present, has a purpose, and will ultimately bring good. Isaiah 43:2 assures, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.” This hope sustains believers, preventing despair even when burdened beyond their strength (2 Corinthians 4:8–9). Paul, who faced imprisonment and persecution, found hope in knowing his suffering advanced the gospel and would one day give way to eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Hope also carries a communal dimension—God comforts us in trials so we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4). Even when suffering feels overwhelming, believers are called to rejoice, not because of the pain, but because of the future redemption and resurrection life secured by Christ, who conquered death. This hope anchors the soul, making suffering temporary and purposeful in light of eternity.

                  When dealing with sickness & disease we mustn’t assume that a physical healing will always be in the offing. Frankly, it may not come at all this side of heaven. We pray for total healing from cancer or some other malady and the individual being prayed for passed away. Have your prayers been answered? You may say ‘NO’, but think about it. The person wasn’t healed the way you wanted, but in heaven they will be completely healed, never to be sick again. That may be God’s way of answering your prayers for healing.

                  1 Peter 2:24 states that “Jesus bore our sins in His body on the tree so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness, and by His wounds we have been healed.” Peter is referring to Isaiah 53:5, where it says: “by His stripes we are healed.” When taken IN context spiritual healing rather than physical healing is being spoken of. Our salvation from sin is far more important than our physical healing. We are able to enter heaven when sick on earth, but we cannot enter heaven without our sins being expunged. It simply will not happen.  Our hope lies in God and God alone.  

                  It may seem contradictory to be joyful when in pain or terminally ill or deeply despondent, and the Lord knows it isn’t easy, but the potential is always there for you to shift your focus off your circumstances and gaze into the eyes of Jesus. There is a song we sang in the evangelical church I used to attend, and its chorus is the following: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” The answer for every question and every situation you may have or encounter in this life is always... JESUS. Trust in Him. Rely on Him. Love Him, Serve Him. It is the relationship of a lifetime. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Advent Season – Hope 2

                         The Bible has quite a lot to say about hope. Biblical hope has as its foundation faith in God. The word hope in English often conveys doubt. For instance, “I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow.” In addition, the word hope is often followed by the word ‘so’. This is the answer that some may give when asked if they think that they will go to heaven when they die. They say, “I hope so.” However, that is not the meaning of the words usually translated “hope” in the Bible.

In the Old Testament the Hebrew word for hope has the meaning of confidence, security, and being without care; therefore, the concept of doubt is not part of this word. In most instances in the New Testament, the word hope in Greek again reveals no doubt attached to this word. Therefore, biblical hope is a confident expectation or assurance based upon a sure foundation for which we wait with joy and full confidence. In other words, “There is no doubt about it!”

One of the verses in which we find the word hope is Hebrews 11:1. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” This verse at the beginning of the faith chapter (Hebrews 11) carries with it all of the confidence that comes with knowing for sure, with no question, what we have been promised by God in His Word. Our faith is confident assurance, for it is founded upon the Rock of our salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ. All of the actions of the heroes of the faith recorded in Hebrews 11 were made possible because they had this faith based in their confident assurance or hope in God. 

Therefore, biblical hope is a reality and not a feeling. Biblical hope carries no doubt. Biblical hope is a sure foundation upon which we base our lives, believing that God always keeps His promises. Hope or confident assurance can be ours when we trust the words, “He who believes on Me has everlasting life” ^{(John 6:47, NKJV).} Accepting that gift of eternal life means our hope is no longer filled with doubt but, rather, has at its sure foundation the whole of God’s Word, the entirety of God’s character, and the finished work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: www.gotquestions.org

Advent Season – Hope 1

Hope is “to cherish a desire with anticipation; to want something to happen or be true.”_{(Merriam-Webster Dictionary)}

 

“Biblical hope not only desires something good for the future — it expects it to happen.”- _{John Piper}

 

“Wherever there is full assurance of hope, there is faith. Faith is the full assurance of hope.”- _{John Piper}

 

         In God’s economy there is no such thing as being “hopeless”, for God is ever-present and loves His entire creation with an everlasting love. Therefore, IN God there is ALWAYS hope. Frankly speaking, it has everything to do with your point of reference. What you focus on. Peter focused on his horrific surroundings, namely the winds and waves that flared up constantly on the Galilean Sea. The result was that he began to sink. He was saved by the mighty right hand of Jesus. What are you focused on and why? Do you not yet know that all lasting and eternal hope comes from God?

            While worldly resources are limited to the extent of man’s intellect, God Himself is infinite, making all His resources infinite as well. Therefore, hope is ALWAYS readily available when you have a personal relationship with the Almighty One. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Note: John Piper is a Christian Teacher, Pastor, & Author of more than 50 books.

Advent – What is it?

The Advent season is a four-week period in the Christian calendar that prepares people for Jesus Christ’s birth at Christmas, while also pointing ahead to his promised return. Each Sunday of the season traditionally spotlights a key theme—like hope, peace, joy, or love—to invite reflection, prayer, and expectant celebration.

The word “advent” comes from the Latin “adventus”, which is about a “coming” or an “arrival.” The Latin translation of the New Testament uses adventus to describe God the Son arriving on Earth, born as Jesus of Nazareth during the 1st century A.D. ^{(see Acts 7:52)}. Still, throughout Church history, Advent has more traditionally referred to Jesus’ future arrival, when he comes to complete his work of restoring all creation ^{(see Matt. 24:27; 1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Thess. 3:13)}.

The Advent season leads to the celebration of Jesus’ birth and also emphasizes his future arrival. It’s a season that includes practices like prayer, giving to those in need, and worship ^{(plus more, depending on the tradition).} And it reminds us that we’re living during the time between Jesus’ first and second advents, leading us to lament the hardships we experience in a still-broken world, while also forming us into people who wait with longing for the renewed world to come. 

Celebrating Advent also means living it by practicing a generous way of love and care for our neighbors as we partner with Jesus to bring peace on Earth. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: https://bibleproject.com/guides/advent/

The Four Weeks of Advent

          In most Christian traditions, Advent is a four-week season of celebration and observation prior to Christmas, each week often focusing on a particular biblical theme. These are some themes commonly explored during Advent. 

 

Week 1: Hope

Week 2: Peace

Week 3: Joy

Week 4: Love    

 

For the next four weeks up until Christmas Day I will address each topic during that particular week. As you can see the first week of December will address Hope.

 

Christmas is a very special time of year for all those who celebrate it. There are many traditions, some bible-based, others purely personal & family oriented. It is a season that is meant to bring all the themes listed up above out in those who celebrate the season.  

Advent itself has, down thru the ages celebrated the arrival of the divine child; God in human form. The anticipation of His arrival becomes electric as the day approaches. His arrival had come at its prescribed time, and the world was better for it. Those who dismiss His arrival as a children’s fairytale are missing out regarding something that is outside themselves and is waiting to bless them.  

The four topics from up above are attainable in the real world, yet they are not the lasting versions of them. Hope, peace, joy, & love can be had outside of knowing God, but they are of the temporal variety, and not eternal, as they are from knowing God.

The spiritual realm exists in part to enhance our experience knowing God. The hope, peace, joy, & love that exists as it radiates from Almighty God is eternal in nature and attainable by merely asking. God is the embodiment of these four traits that place our lives on a path to supreme and everlasting peace, contentment, and fulfillment. These things are attainable only thru God and no one or nothing else. So enjoy the next four weeks of Advent as I attempt to educate, encourage, & edify you all. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries