Thoughts from a Random Mind

           Christ is the hand that pulls you back into the boat before you drown. He is the great “I AM THAT I AM”. He is the rescuer of life, soul & spirit that has lost its way. He is the One who has kept you from calamitous events.

He is the rescuer of mankind, yet mankind is oblivious to His presence. Their spiritual eyesight has been blinded by this world, yet God’s glory is the light that shatters all darkness. Still they announce their own prowess to all who would listen. Mankind is doomed to relive mistakes, never learning lessons from them.

            God rescues us all who have a mind to submit to his loving grace. Forgiveness – I love the sound of that word. It’s like having millions of dollars in financial debt expunged. Clean slate. In essence, a ‘do over’. How much should we all appreciate that? That is love, front and center. That is a rescue. You were due for execution, but you received a last minute reprieve. How grateful are you? Living for God; being His ambassador to the world? That is one of the things that He expects from us who have partaken of the ‘new wine’ of Christ’s teachings and incorporated them into your daily life.

           There is only ONE WAY to heaven and that is thru Christ’s blood. The blood He willingly shed for you and me. Think about that. Blood shed for you. FOR YOU!!! He had no regrets, no hesitation... it was personal. He knew what HAD to be done. It was for you. 

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

                  Did you realize that as the creation of God we have NO legitimate right to judge anyone else? The key to this thought is that only God is able to judge a person’s heart. In our heart lies our motivation for that which we do or don’t do. It is prideful and presumptuous to assume we would have the right to judge anything or anyone, for if it’s a person, we have no idea what the individual is dealing with in their life. In other words, we don’t know any person’s “back story”.  We’re all sinners against God, but some are former sinners who have been redeemed and now walk a straighter path. That doesn’t make Christians better than anyone else, not at all. We still trip up and sin; however, we now have an advocate that is with us always. Jesus represents us to the Father. Plus we don’t or at least shouldn’t make a habit of sinning any longer. We’re imperfect in every sense of the word and need help to get by in this life. For those who feel they can go it alone without any assistance, they are making it much harder on themselves then it needs to be. Submission is the key.

                  Some folks have this attitude “No one is ever going to ‘get over’ on me.” That is short-sighted thinking. For the men it might be considered ‘macho’ thinking. ‘I can handle my own business’, type of thinking, but why? It may have something to do with their upbringing, and/or their circle of influence. Think for yourself. Compare yourself to God and no one else. 

Judging others is allowing the enemy to manipulate your mind, making you think you’re better than others around you, but we are all the same inside. We all have a body, soul, & spirit. Can we get ourselves to heaven? No. Do we even have a desire to go to heaven, or are you of the mindset that we are born, we live, we die, and we rot in the ground... end of story. What if that weren’t true?

What if there IS a God? What if there were a devil? What if there is a heaven and hell? What then? How do you think your life will turn out if you keep the status quo, without trying to process this as either reality or fiction? Don’t pass up the offer of a lifetime. Seek forgiveness from Almighty God and watch what happens. Oh it may not be instantaneous, but just submitting to the will of God for your life will change your trajectory in life. You’ll be on the upward path, rather than scrambling on a hamsters wheel for all of your days. Think about it.

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Quote Contemplations

“Sometimes God’s refusals are His mercies.” – Elisabeth Elliot *

 

How many of you have prayed for someone, only to see your prayers go unanswered? How many have prayed and end up giving up because of how long it’s taking for an answer to come. Trust me when I tell you that God hears our prayers and will respond, but He will do so in His timing and within the parameters of His will for you. We mustn’t become deflated or discouraged. We need to believe that God WILL answer when the time is right, and only HE can know that.

            Prayer is the most precious way of communicating with our Heavenly Father; yet, when we pray or speak to Him there are times when He seems not to answer. We must understand and accept that God does indeed answer every prayer with either a “yes,” a “no,” or a “not yet.” In every case, though, Scripture suggests that our prayers ARE being dealt with and our patience is required.

It should be understood that sometimes, but not always, prayer is unanswered because of unconfessed sin. You know what it is, yet try to hide it from the divine entity who sees and knows all things. No one is able to mock or deceive God for He is omniscient, in that He knows all that CAN BE KNOWN (Psalm 139:1-4). If we harbor enmity in our hearts toward a brother or sister in Christ then we are asking for things with the wrong motives (such as from selfish desires), and our prayers can be negatively impacted (2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 66:18; James 4:3). Sin hinders our ability to be in fellowship with God, and it hinders our prayers. Unbelief (Proverbs 15:8) and hypocrisy (Mark 12:40) also negatively impact our prayers.

Another reason why prayers seems to go unanswered is that the Lord is attempting to draw out of our faith a deeper reliance and trust in Him. That should bring out of us a deeper sense of gratitude, love and humility. In turn, this causes us to benefit spiritually, for He gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; Proverbs 3:34). 

God may seem silent to us, but even if prayer has not been answered, we must rely upon God to do so when He knows the time is best. Even the exercise of prayer is a blessing to us. Our faith stirs us to persist in prayer. It’s our faith that pleases God (Hebrews 11:6), for He hears our cries in earnest for help. Our persistence is the key.  Let us hunger for the things that are after God’s heart and let us walk in His ways and not our own. If we are faithful to pray without ceasing, then we are living in the will of God, and that can never be wrong (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

* Elisabeth Elliot (December 21, 1926 – June 15, 2015) was an American Christian missionary, author, and speaker.

Resource: www.gotquestions.org

Quote Contemplations

“God uses valleys to mold our character.” – Lee Strobel *

            Trials promote growth. How could our faith and trust in God ever be cultivated if we never experience troubles. God allows troubles to come our way because they are character builders. They test our faith. They raise doubts in our mind about the nature of God and why certain things happen to us. God never minds being doubted or questioned, because such situations enable us to dig deeper into the mind of God thru His Word.

            It’s the people who feel that once they become “saved” life’s problems vanish. Nothing could be further from the truth. Once saved you are under God’s umbrella of grace, but with that comes a target that is not only affixed to your back, but your front as well. You have now become an enemy of the devil, who had been your master, unbeknownst to you. 

            It is the enemy of your soul who will now continuously take pot shots at you as you struggle to cling onto your faith and trust in the Lord. THAT is the reason why we are to invest our time spending it in God’s Word and in prayer, so we build an arsenal of weapons to ward off God’s greatest nemesis as he attacks our faith. 

            If you are serious about your faith in God, strive to grow your relationship with Him a little more each and every day.  No one’s going to do it for you. It’s up to you to take on the challenge of seeking your own spiritual maturation. God wants you to succeed in this battle. Do you? Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

* Lee Strobel (born January 25, 1952) is an American Christian author and a former investigative journalist.

Quote Contemplations

“The way to conquer sin is not by working hard to change our deeds, but by trusting Jesus to change our desires.” – David Platt *

            It stands to reason that if Christ can erase your sins, then He can alter your desires.  All you need to do is be discerning and compliant. Yield yourself to the leading of the Spirit within you. Seek assistance regarding those sinful practices that you happen to struggle with. God is more than happy to oblige.

            The same people who feel they have to step up their personal efforts may possibly be the people who believe that they can work their way to heaven. Just sayin’... Since you CAN’T work your way into heaven, what would ever make you believe that you can work yourself into a place where you could defeat sin in your life without God’s help. Do you understand that the enemy of your soul is working overtime to trip you up, thus making you less effective for the Lord. God is infinitely more powerful than Satan, but we are no match for the devil. We NEED the Lord’s help to be successful in our spiritual quest to share and spread the gospel. How do I know this? In John 15:5 Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” He’s talking about your spiritual progression. Oh, you can function as a human being, but you will be unable to do anything of any significance spiritually speaking. 

            Since Christ’s death erased all your sins, He is more than capable of altering your desires, so they become pleasing to the Lord. It’s all part of the faith/trust connection. You have faith in God and therefore trust Him to do that which He has declared in scripture He will do. Never lose your faith and trust in the Almighty, for He is the only entity who is entirely perfect in every way and never changes. He only does that which He knows will be best for you. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

*David Platt (born July 11, 1978) is an American evangelical Baptist pastor.

Quote Contemplations 9

“I do not always feel His presence, but God’s promises do not depend upon my feelings, they rest upon His integrity.” – R.C. Sproul *

 

            Have you ever prayed and felt your prayers simply bounced off the ceiling in your room? Are there times when you feel like God is a million miles away instead of right next to you as He promised? The standard follow-up question is, “Who moved?” To clarify, God is ubiquitous, as in everywhere at the same time. He is a Spirit being. While God interacts with the physical world, He Himself is not bound by physical limitations. 

            Almighty God is the epitome of integrity. He is the apex; the pinnacle of all love and righteousness. Believing in the living God is the beginning. Accepting the Bible as God’s inherent word is another initial step. Believing in His Son, Jesus Christ is vital. Accepting your need to have all your transgressions erased is necessary. In the midst of all this transpiring, you must develop a basic trust in God, that is to be combined with your faith in Him. Trusting someone with a HIGH level of integrity, or moral / ethical correctness allows you to realize that though YOU may not feel His presence, He is indeed there with you based on His immutable word, which declares in Matthew 28:20, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." And in Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

            So in conclusion, if you don’t feel God’s presence, remember what He has said in His Word to us all. HE WILL NEVER LEAVE OR FORSAKE YOU!!  Whether you feel His presence or not, He is there. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

* Robert Charles Sproul (February 13, 1939 – December 14, 2017) was an American Reformed theologian, Christian apologist, and Presbyterian pastor.

Quote Contemplations 8

“Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.” – Francis Chan*

 

            This statement emphasizes the importance of meaningful success over superficial achievement.  It suggests that the real danger isn’t failing to achieve a goal, but instead succeeding in pursuits that lack lasting value, personal fulfillment, or spiritual significance.  It challenges conventional views of success and failure, urging a deeper reflection on purpose and priorities.

The quote is often linked to Chan’s book Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God, where he challenges individuals and churches to focus on what truly matters—aligning their lives with deeper purpose, values, and divine calling rather than chasing worldly recognition or empty accomplishments.  The book explains that failure is not the worst outcome—it can be a teacher and a step toward growth. 

Meaningless success is far more dangerous: achieving goals that bring status, wealth, or recognition but lack eternal or moral significance. Pursuits that don’t truly matter often lack alignment with your core values and fail to contribute to a deeper sense of purpose.  They tend to be driven by external validation, societal expectations, or short-term pleasure rather than lasting meaning. For example, someone might climb the corporate ladder, earn wealth, and gain praise, yet neglect their family, health, or moral convictions—ultimately feeling empty despite outward success.

Ultimately, meaningful success feels sustainable and deeply personal—it’s not about achieving a socially prescribed standard, but about feeling aligned, fulfilled, and at peace with the life you're building each day. Spiritual principles that guide purposeful living are rooted in meaning, ethical conduct, and connection to something greater than oneself.  These principles help align actions with deeper values, fostering a life of significance over superficial success.

So to summarize, true success is measured not by external achievements, but by alignment with deeper values, such as love, service, integrity, and spiritual purpose.  Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: www.goodreads.com, www.reddit.com, www.allauthors.com

*Francis Chan (born August 31, 1967) is an American Protestant author, teacher, & preacher.

Quote Contemplations 7

“While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a God who hasn’t surrendered his authority.” – A.W. Tozer

         Do you understand that because God is sovereign, as in One that exercises supreme, permanent authority, He either causes or allows all that transpires in His world? That sovereignty involves both His direct action and / or His permission. David says in his 24^th Psalm, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.” The gospel of Matthew tells us this about God: “...not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.” There is nothing He isn’t aware of. 

            Now this being the case both good and evil events are included in all that. God actively wills certain things, such as creation and salvation, and permits other things, such as human sin, suffering, and evil, though He isn’t the author or originator of evil. 

            The Lord has given each person a free will to choose that which they think, say, and do, meaning that some can and will make decisions that are harmful to themselves and to others. While these events are within God’s overall control, He doesn’t cause them to take place. The Lord allows evil forces, led by Satan, to operate in the earthly realm, which he has been given dominion over.

            “'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 a hope and a future. '” — Jeremiah 29:11. First of all, this verse lets us know that God knew you in the past, He knows you now and also where you’re headed and what you’ll be involved in. For the believer, the Lord has filled you with His presence in the person of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit can lead and guide you where the Lord knows you will prosper the most. Please don’t make the mistake of thinking that the word “prosper” means God will make you rich. You may become wealthy, but that is NOT necessarily in God’s plan for you. His desire is that you prosper SPIRITUALLY.  So you see, while God doesn’t CAUSE suffering, He is able to use it for your ultimate good. I understand that must be hard to see and understand, but you must TRUST Him. If you refuse to trust Him in the tough times, why trust Him at all?

            Here are two examples of evil that appeared to triumph, yet good came out of it. Genesis 50:20 – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”Joseph’s brother betrayed him by selling him to slave merchants. The above verse is Joseph speaking to his brothers after the entire ordeal was over. In Acts 2:23, Peter speaks to a crowd and reveals the following – “...God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him.”

            While God doesn’t cause evil things to take place, His overall authority over His creation allows events to unfold and brings good from them. That is a viable demonstration of His POWER, WISDOM, and LOVE. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries        

            

Thoughts from a Random Mind

A Commitment is Needed

            The unsaved want the benefits of being a Christian without paying for it. Christ paid the price, but the unsaved balk at making any commitment to the One who paid. Make no mistake about it, salvation IS NOT FREE. It came with a cost attached. No one on this earth is able to pay that cost. It’s like having a debt that was SO BIG that you couldn’t ever pay it off in this lifetime. Knowing that, God sent the One person who alone could pay off EVERYONE’S debt with one lone action. Blood was required. Jesus gave His unto death. He did that for all of mankind, whom He created. That is love, unmatched by anyone else in all of creation. So, when you say you are a Christian, please understand the price paid for freedom from your sin and commit to knowing the One a little more each day. He alone is the Ohe who paid the debt we owed but couldn’t pay. Those who are truly His followers will make a greater  commitment to serve Him. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

What Does It Mean? - 'God is my portion'

            King David referred to God as his portion in Psalm 16:5: "The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot." He echoed the same sentiment in Psalm 142:5. Asaph wrote that "God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" in Psalm 73:26. Lamentations 3:24 says, "'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'" So, what does it mean that "God is my portion"? Sometimes the word "portion" is translated as "inheritance."Saying that God is your portion is another way of saying that He is your inheritance, your allotment in life. When we say that God is our portion, we are saying that He is our all-sufficient One, the source of all we could ever need. 

In the Old Testament, each Israelite tribe, minus the priestly tribe of Levi (Deuteronomy 10:9), received an allotment of land upon arrival in the Promised Land (Numbers 26:52–56; Joshua 14:1–5). This land was their family inheritance and was passed on from one generation to the next (Numbers 36:7). As was indicated with the tribe of Levi, another side to the concept of inheritance is that God Himself can be the inheritance of His people (see Jeremiah 10:16). "Levi has no portion or inheritance with his brothers. The LORD is his inheritance" (Deuteronomy 10:9). 

The New Testament furthers this by describing believers as co-heirs with Christ, the Son of God, for we have been grafted into the family of God. Through Jesus' redeeming work, we can become adopted as sons and daughters of God (John 1:12; Hebrews 1:2; Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:7). The presence of the Holy Spirit within our lives is the guarantee of this "eternal inheritance" we have received (Ephesians 1:14; Hebrews 9:15). 

The Bible makes it clear that all people have the opportunity to become children of God and recipients of the same inheritance (Ephesians 3:6; John 3:16–18). What is the inheritance? The kingdom of God both now and forever (Matthew 25:34; Romans 8:17–23; 1 Corinthians 15:50–58; 1 Peter 1:3–4). This doesn't mean that the life of a believer in Christ is easy; it means we have the grace of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives to help us as we journey through life, and we have the promise of eternity with Christ. God is the source of our sufficiency (2 Corinthians 3:5). Jesus says: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). This is what it looks like to choose to make the Lord your portion. 

By saying, "God is my portion," the biblical writers, and now us, are affirming that God is our source of all that is good. He is our portion in the life that is now (Psalm 142:5) and the life that is to come. He is the only inheritance that matters. Relationships, riches, jobs, health, and all other things in our lives may fail, but we can say with confidence that "God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Psalm 73:26, NASB). When God is our portion, we lack nothing for we have a never-ending supply of hope (Lamentations 3:24). 

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: www.compellingtruth.org

Currency in a Bankrupt World

           Let’s face it. At one time or another we all face some sort of catastrophic event in our life. Whether it is literally catastrophic or just feels that way to us, there is hope left in a bankrupt world. That hope comes in the form of a man who walked the earth over 2000 years ago. Hard to believe, then you haven’t met Jesus.

            Whether you have a personal relationship with Almighty God or not, hope is universal because God loves everyone in His creation and He loves them unconditionally. It doesn’t matter what has befallen you, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and trust me when I tell you it is NOT an oncoming train. That light is God’s glory beckoning you to come to Him. 

            Some of us commit some terrible sins which we’re sure God will never forgive, but you are wrong. NOTHING can separate us from His undying and unwavering love for us all. ^[1] Our hope comes when we release our white knuckled clench on our own life and let God take the wheel. Our hope comes when we begin to realize that we CANNOT live this life alone. We need a Savior, who shall also be Lord of our life.

            This world is indeed bankrupt in every sense of the word. While it may not be bankrupt in a financial sense just yet, it IS bankrupt morally, ethically, and spiritually. The soul remedy that can save mankind is being Born Again of the Spirit of God. ^[2] It’s a decision that every man, woman, and child must make at some point in their life. There IS currency of a Godly nature in this bankrupt world. Cash in on it now.

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] “...I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love... nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ^{[Romans 8:38a, 39b]}

^[2] “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a person is born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he?” ⁵ Jesus answered, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God. ⁶ That which is born of the flesh is flesh [the physical is merely physical], and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ⁷ Do not be surprised that I have told you, ‘You must be born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].’ ^{[John 3:3-7 Amp]}

            

What is Your Motivation?

            “In religion, we try to obey the divine standards out of fear. We believe that if we don’t obey we are going to lose God’s blessing in this world and the next. In the gospel, the motivation is one of gratitude for the blessing we have already received because of Christ. While the moralist is forced into obedience, motivated by fear of rejection, a Christian rushes into obedience, motivated by a desire to please and resemble the one who gave his life for us.” ^[1]

                  Do you serve God because you feel you have to, or do you serve Him because you want to? “Religion” is going to church because you feel you must. Following the prescribed liturgy, singing the songs, paying your obligatory offering, then leaving to enjoy the rest of the day. The Gospel, whose base line is a personal, intimate relationship with Almighty God, causes your desire to become altered from “have to” to “want to”. We go to a building to worship our Lord, praise His name, become charged with a bible based message, stay around after to fellowship with the brethren. Do not mistake this fact: YOU are the church. The edifice is nothing more than a building. YOU make it alive. It’s not because we MUST do these things, but just as Christ willingly went to the cross for us, we WILLINGLY go to show our God that we are extremely grateful for all that has been done for us.  What is your motivation? Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] Taken from The Reason for God by Timothy Keller

Not For Sale

          You cannot buy your way into God’s heaven, nor can you work your way in. No matter how good of a salesman you may happen to be, there is nothing you can say that will cause God to let you into His heaven. THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO TO GAIN ENTRANCE INTO HEAVEN but receive Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior. Too many people seem to think that if they are just a good enough person they just might be able to get into heaven, but it doesn’t work that way. You can’t GET into heaven; you have to be invited in and your ticket for entrance rests in your full acceptance of Christ’s death on a criminal’s cross. You see it’s all about the blood. His blood. He shed His own blood willingly for that blood was required as payment for all of mankind’s sins & indiscretions.

            Perhaps you are what could be classified as a “Christian in name only”. That would be a person who refers to themselves as Christian, yet doesn’t live a life that exhibits any of the recognizable behavioral traits that the Bible lays out. In other words, they don’t practice what the title implies. That being said, this post is for you as well. Just because you call yourself a Christian doesn’t necessarily mean you are one. It’s not about you. It has never been about you. It’s about Almighty God and His plan of salvation. We are invited to begin an intimate, personal relationship with the creator of the world and everything in it. Perhaps you didn’t realize that, but how else would you truly know God without spending time with Him. What type of relationship would you have with your spouse if you lived separately, thousands miles apart? I dare say not a very good one. Why wouldn’t the same criteria apply to a relationship with God? 

            God loves you more than you will ever know. There is no love on this earth that would be comparable to His. Sell out to Almighty God. The benefits vastly outweigh the negatives; especially since the negatives are an illusion concocted by Satan and are not real. This relationship with God isn’t something receive by osmosis and you aren’t born with it. It takes your consent and a “want to” regarding the effort you pour into it. 

            “Matthew 7:23 contains Jesus’ solemn warning: ‘Then I will tell them plainly, I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!'" “Jesus is not rejecting genuine believers, but exposing hypocrisy. Many will claim to know Him—prophesying, casting out demons, performing miracles—but their actions reveal a heart not truly aligned with God.  The phrase "I never knew you" means Jesus never recognized them as His true followers...  because they never truly knew Him through faith and obedience.” ^[1]

            Shed your façade and get real with yourself. Jesus is the only way. Surrender to the will of Almighty God and be free of the bondage of sin. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] www.biblestudytools.com

Quote Contemplations 6

“While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a God who hasn’t surrendered his authority.” – A.W. Tozer

            Whenever things are not going well and then take a turn for the worse, what should a believer in Christ do? Pray! AND never forget that God is STILL ON HIS THRONE!! He will never not be on His throne. He is the “yea & amen”.He is the Alpha & Omega; the beginning & the end. He shall never lose His ultimate authority, nor shall He ever surrender it to another. THAT is what should come to mind whenever the road gets rocky & the hill becomes too steep. 

            The Lord has a plan in place for each one of His children. He distributes gifts with the idea that the recipient will discover them and use them with the help of the indwelt Holy Spirit. I’ll use myself as an example. The gifts I believe the Lord has blessed me with are writing, public speaking, serving others, and encouragement. I think that’s it. I try my best to represent Christ using those gifts as I attempt to “make a difference one person at a time”.  I believe God gave me that tag line for my ministry and I think it’s absolutely fitting because THAT is the way I feel about my faith and my ministry. Trying to make a difference in a sin sick world. The second tag line is “feeding the need for Spiritual growth”. So with those gifts and the armor of God I move forward, ever so slowly so as not to make a wrong move. 

            So when things seem out of control, have your mind shift away from the obstacles in front of you to the gifts you’ve been given, and even more importantly, make that shift focus squarely on Almighty God, maker of the heavens and the earth. Nothing will ever happen to you that God hasn’t either caused or allowed for you greatest benefit and His greatest glory.

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Ministries

Quote Contemplations 5

"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you." - Christian author and theologian Lewis B Smedes

                  What Brother Smedes is saying here is that we become the prisoners of our own disposition when we decide NOT to forgive someone. Forgiveness is something Almighty God gives out freely when asked. We, on the other hand, use it as a power ‘thing’ ... a weapon of sorts, to hold others at bay. That type of attitude has more of a negative effect on you than the one the angst is aimed at. The other person may not even know you have an issue with them. In that case that individual just may be living rent free in your head. They aren’t fazed, but you end up thinking about it a lot. Like most negative events, thoughts, and/or words, it doesn’t have to end up that way. It was YOUR decision to withhold forgiveness. Granted, it can be difficult to broach the subject with the one you have the issue with, but in that case, let it go. It’s not worth chew it on it over and over and over again. That can effect an untold amount of time that ends up being wasted. Don’t be a time waster.

            Think about how Christ willingly and without hesitation went to a criminals cross for all of mankind to pay our sin debt. His actions initiated the period of grace where, by virtue of that death, forgiveness became readily available to whom so ever will seek it out. So if God’s Son can freely forgive those who ravaged and tortured Him because of trumped up charges that weren’t even close to being true, then who are we not to forgive someone who has wronged us. Think long and hard about that. Set yourself free from the self-inflicted chains you’ve allowed to bind you. Do it today. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Quote Contemplations 4

“As a rule, men worry more about what they can’t see than about what they can.” – Julius Caesar

            It’s the unknown factor. If you can’t see something you give way to wondering. You wonder if it’s benevolent or dangerous. You wonder if you will be in danger or not. You burn a lot of energy wondering. The unknown can rob you of peace, contentment, and joy, among other things. Julius Caesar obviously had much to worry about, especially since Marcus Junius Brutus, who was a Roman senator and a close associate of Julius Caesar, allowed their relationship to devolve from one of friendship and trust to one of betrayal and conflict. You see, Brutus involved himself in a plot to assassinate his friend. His actions prompted Caesar’s famous words, “Et tu, Brute?” (You too, Brutus?)

            When you are a follower of Christ, you truly have nothing to worry about in this life. That doesn’t keep us from worrying, sadly because we are painfully human and prone to fretting about far too many things we have no control over. Scripture tells us, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ^{[Matthew 6:34]} Yet still we worry. 

            We are taught thru God’s Word to trust in His provisions for us. The Jewish people refer to God as Jehovah Jireh, “the God who provides”. It’s a lesson that most of us need to learn by experience. Once God provides for us we begin to see that our concern was ill founded, yet even after the Lord takes care of us we still have the tendency to worry. Feed your spirit man regularly and you will grow spiritually. It’s an incremental thing. The more we delve into the things of the spirit, the quicker we will become the reflection of Christ that we strive for.

            Find your peace and confidence in the Lord. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Quote Contemplations 3

“The more you know yourself, the more patience you have for what you see in others.” – Erik Erikson, founder of Psychosocial Development Theory.

 

            To me this has a lot to do with our inability to avoid judging others by their externals. In most cases we don’t know them, so we judge them by their physical appearance, the way they act, the way they carry themselves, the way they interact with others, the way they speak, (as in the language they use) and that tends to be the tip of the iceberg so to speak. We also have a tendency to compare them to ourselves. How incredibly insensitive and conceited we all can be at times. Don’t we know we should never compare ourselves to any other person in creation? 

            We need to work at being much more introspective. We need to look at ourselves, especially our inner selves and compare it to the one true and perfect role model and that is Almighty God and Jesus Christ. THAT is what we should be emulating. We need to be a reflection of their virtue and behavior. What would Jesus do is NOT simply a catch phrase, but a question that we need to ask ourselves frequently whenever confronted with any situation.

            The greater we KNOW ourselves, the more we will appreciate others and while not knowing most folks back story, give them the grace to exist without being critiqued. We need to cut people the slack we would like to have from them. God loves us, but He loves others as well just the same way He loves us. Let’s point the finger at ourselves and make the necessary alterations so as to become the best version of ourselves in Jesus name. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Quote Contemplations 2

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not.” – Epicurus, Greek philosopher.

            Too many folks are desirous of material things. While nothing is intrinsically wrong with wanting material things, it has become an addiction for some. Many people lament over what they don’t have rather than being grateful for all that they do have. It truly doesn’t matter if you have a multitude of amenities, as long as you have a roof over your head, food to eat, and enough money to pay your bills. But many folks don’t see things that way.

            By virtue of the vast number of lottery tickets sold each day, we know that people in general believe that a vast amount of cash will answer all their problems and fulfill all their wishes. Not true. The more you have the bigger your bills & the more you spend.. I have no doubt that it would amaze the average person how fast one can spend a million dollars. Spending money can be addictive. Next thing you know you’re broke. If you doubt what I’m saying, go to YouTube and look up lottery winners nightmares. Money is nice and necessary, but even the Bible alerts mortal man that “the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves [through and through] with many sorrows.” ^{[1 Timothy 6:10 Amp Bible]} Sadly, some must learn that lesson the hard way, by experiencing it for themselves.

            Enjoy what you have without pining for that which you don’t have, for that will make a wonderful life into a hateful thing. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Quote Contemplations 1

“Wise men speak when they have something to say, fools speak because they have to say something.” – Aristotle, Greek philosopher

            Have you ever noticed that some folks simply HAVE to say something no matter whether it is helpful or not. Is it a sickness? Is it arrogance? Is it pride? Is it truly necessary, is the question that needs to be asked. Some folks just want to make their presence known. They want to be heard. The reason why is sometimes a mystery. 

            I have been known to act the fool in group settings because I think I’m funny. I can be very quirky and kind of “out there” with what I say. Nothing off color, just silly. I have learned to ratchet that back quite a bit. It had become somewhat apparent to me that some folks are very self-absorbed and have no interest in anything someone else is either saying or doing. So I now tend to limit my comments to ones meant to inspire, empathize or compliment. I strive to encourage & edify, rather than entertain. It takes a certain type of person to appreciate my humor. Being silly is part of my mental makeup, so I didn’t shelve it, I just came to realize that it wasn’t always necessary or appreciated. 

            I have come to realize over time that life is far too short to whittle away time playing the fool. Souls are on a straight line into the abyss and are very much unaware of it. Talk needs to become more meaningful and less eccentric. If I am known for anything, I’d like to be known as a man who loves God and lives to please Him by showing kindness and compassion to whosoever needs it. Having said that I don’t seek to come across as a grandiose person who has an over inflated sense of importance. I do not require a legacy. If no one ever knows who I am or who I was, that is fine with me, as long as they come to know Jesus Christ thru something I’ve said or done.

            I am learning to speak when I feel compelled by the Holy Spirit to do so and share that which He has laid on my heart. Sharing Christ or something related to Him is far more important than anything else I could ever say. So in conclusion I say, love God with all your being and live for Him alone. THAT is worth saying. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

What is “good”?

            You may think you’re a good person, but my question to you is “compared to who?” Exactly who would you like to compare yourself to so you can feel like you are a good person? Adolph Hitler? The “jerk” around the corner from you? The “nervy woman” at work? How would you define “being good”? A definition for good must be universally accepted, not accepted just by you. Perhaps this is why in the gospel of Mark 10:18 (NIV), Jesus Himself says the following: “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.”

            According to the Bible, God defines "good" as morally excellent, virtuous, righteous, of high quality, and beneficial. Goodness is not merely a human standard but is rooted in God's own nature, which is perfectly good and holy. God's goodness is revealed in His creation, where He declared everything He made to be good, culminating in the summary that creation was "very good". This goodness is consistent across Scripture, with God being described as the ultimate standard of all that is good.

God's goodness is demonstrated in His actions, including His law, which is holy, righteous, and good. It is also seen in His self-giving, other-centered love, exemplified in Jesus Christ, who laid down His life as the ultimate expression of goodness. The Bible teaches that God is the source of every good and perfect gift, and His nature is such that He cannot do evil or even desire to do wrong, as it would contradict His inherent goodness.

Furthermore, the concept of good in the biblical sense is tied to moral excellence and right behavior, involving kindness, justice, righteousness, holiness, and purity. Goodness is not just about avoiding evil but actively pursuing what is right and beneficial.  Ultimately, God's definition of good is inseparable from His character—He is the source, standard, and embodiment of all that is truly good. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: www.christianitytoday.com

 

 

Thoughts from a Random Mind

            I’ve said in the past that “once born we die a little bit each day”, but I was thinking just yesterday, is that literally true? I found this regarding that.

“The saying "once we're born we die a little bit each day" is not a scientific fact but a philosophical reflection on the nature of life and mortality. While our bodies grow and thrive for decades after birth, the process of aging and eventual decay is an inevitable part of the human life cycle.” ^[1]

            What it actually is is more of a reminder of our own mortality, if you want to be honest about it. Since death is inevitable for everyone, if shines a spotlight on the fact that our time on this earth is limited. With that in mind we should remember to cherish each moment we are above ground and live life to the fullest every day.

            Now there IS the thought from a religious perspective that we are to “die daily” as we practice self-control and surrender our will to a higher power. It means we are to cast aside selfish desires and strive instead to live a more spiritual life devoted to God.

            An interesting point is that scientifically speaking our bodies from birth are in a constant state of cellular regeneration. New cells are born and replace the older, dying ones, and this takes place every single day we are alive. For example, we don’t have the same skin cells we had a decade ago, a year ago, even a month ago. Constant regeneration.

            As we age there is a slow, gradual decline, which counters the thought that we die a little each day we are alive. So the entire concept of dying each day compared to life itself is more symbolic, rather than literal. As we understand this it should cause us to focus on the present and recognize the finite nature of life as a motivational tool that can encourage us to seize the day, appreciate each moment, rather than dwell on the end of your life.

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] This was an AI reflection on the topic discussed.

Thoughts from a Random Mind

                               “The phrase “the devil’s in the details” means small, often overlooked elements in a plan, project, or situation can contain hidden problems or complications that threaten its overall success. It serves as a cautionary reminder that seemingly insignificant particulars can have a major negative impact if not carefully examined.” ^[1]

            The earliest citation of the phrase is from around the 1880’s by German philosopher Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844-1900).  We know from scripture that the devil is a devious liar who is in direct opposition to Almighty God. He wreaks havoc whenever possible in his attempt to foil God’s plans. His efforts only succeed temporarily because God allows it, but His long term success against the children of God is limited as long as we stay close to our Heavenly Father and trust Him.

            Whenever plans are made careful attention must be paid to every detail, for to not do so can cause a mistake that has the potential to cause your entire situation to become mired in quicksand or worse. The devil is no friend to the righteous ones at all. He does all he can daily to trip us all up. God allows these trip ups as a means of training us to exercise our faith and trust in Him. He has a plan for each one of us to prosper us spiritually and bless us abundantly. The devil is out to short circuit those plans. 

            If our focus is on the Lord and not the problem then we will avoid the pitfalls that can arise from focusing on something other than the Lord. The devil may be in the details; however, God is also in the details and can easily circumvent the plans of the enemy.

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] http://www.grammarist.com