Thoughts from a Random Mind

“Why do You use me to make Yourself known… I’m a poor reflection of Your love & mercy.  At times my thoughts are so far from Your own. Lift me up & rescue me from myself.”  *

 

            A lyrical thought that feels like it’s something a lot of us could be saying to God. Why do you bother using me when I am fragile and broken, seemingly beyond repair.  Your love for me, while undeniable, seems way too good to be true. With no example of it this side of heaven, it is nearly impossible to fathom.

            I am indeed a very poor reflection of your love, mercy, compassion, peace... I wish I knew if others saw even a flicker of your light from my words and/or actions, but I have no assurance of that. 

            At times I feel like Paul when he wrote to the Roman believers regard how he does what he knows not to do, and doesn’t do that which he knows he should be doing. My thoughts can tend to be everywhere except where they should be at times; that being on You. 

            I need rescuing from myself. How about you? I love the Lord with all my heart, but I feel I fail Him regularly either by being lazy or apathetic. I know walking with You is where I need to be and am determined to allow you to lead me on into my future with no fear or hesitation. 

You are always with me, even when I don’t sense Your presence. Thank you for saving my soul... thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for Your grace. Thank you for your patience with me.

If you question your own walk with Christ, understand this: just the fact that you care enough to feel that way means there is hope for your spiritual resuscitation. It’s a spiritually healthy endeavor to assess your commitment to Christ and make sure you’re not fading away slowly. If this is you, don’t focus on how bad you think you are as a believer, but rather focus on the Lord and everything that HE IS. He is what’s important. Focus on Him & not yourself. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

* Bone Prophet is a Christian hard rock/metal band from Knoxville, Tennessee, formed in 2009.  The band’s name is inspired by Ezekiel 37:1–14, the biblical vision of the valley of dry bones, symbolizing spiritual resurrection and the mission to "speak life" into the spiritually dead.  Their music blends 80s and 90s hard rock and metal influences with modern production, aiming to deliver powerful, uplifting messages rooted in faith while appealing to both traditional metal fans and contemporary rock listeners.

Thoughts from a Random Mind

It seems that as the years go by marriage has become more difficult to maintain an even keel. Experts say marriage is a 50-50 proposition, but I disagree. I believe it MUST be a 100-100 proposition. Both parties MUST be ALL IN, or it will be less likely to succeed. That is only my opinion, but I personally believe it bears merit. You’ve made a commitment to another individual who just may be different than you in a multitude of ways. For me, taking an inventory of what you like and don’t like about your partner may help. Then you can sit down and discuss it like mature adults.

Prior to marriage you are attempting to align yourself with someone whom you may happen to “click” with. However, marriage is for the long haul, not just a pit stop. Open communication is vital in any relationship. Frustration arises when one party disregards the others discontent. Life’s not easy and marriage tends to complicate it somewhat. Life can come at you very hard at times.

             When you marry someone you’ve made a commitment before Almighty God, though I doubt many couples actually have that in mind when they exchange their vows. Annoyances arise once the honeymoon is over and reality sets in. Communication, as stated earlier, has to be an integral part of any relationship. It simply HAS TO BE. A lack of communication can lead to assumptions regarding how someone is feeling. Talk things out CALMLY. No yelling, no cussing… a calm, mature discussion… an “airing it out” session. Perhaps even a “gripe” session.

            There is a sad fact that has been emerging and that is that many folks are choosing to NOT marry in a church setting. I attended a ceremony last summer where there wasn’t a mention of God at all. The institution of marriage is in shambles due to peoples definition of love and happiness. Prenuptial agreements are a thing, have been for a little while now. Does anyone even marry their soulmate anymore, or is it just a bunch of meaningless words. We seem to have lost our moral compass.

             Remind each other what you love about them. Even though it seems like most people dismiss compliments given to them, give them anyway, because despite their initial reaction, it sinks into their subconscious and brings edification to that person. 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 works secretly & behind the scenes; but He will                                                   reveal his work to us when the time is right.” ^[1]

            We see throughout the gospels that there were certain events that couldn’t take place because as it stated, “the time was not right” or “his time had not yet come”. God is a master choreographer, with every movement done precisely when He wants them to. It requires patience on our part to endure the waiting. God knows what He’s doing to the moment, but we come from a NOW culture that is in such a hurry to achieve each moment right away with no waiting required. At times it can be an arduous task waiting for ANYTHING.

            The above quote captures the essence of God’s orchestrations as He accomplishes His will in His way, His time, out of sight, and unknown to a soul. Faith and trust play a key role in this dance as we eagerly await the manifestation of God’s work. Throughout scripture there has never been a time when Almighty God has failed at anything. Man failed and still fails regularly, which is why Jesus needed to come and die for us. Without His sacrificial death we would die still mired in our sins with no hope of redemption. But that is not the case, is it? 

            When the time was right Jesus was arrested, beaten, verbally harassed, flogged to within an inch of His life by a metal encrusted scourge and nailed to a wooden cross WILLINGLY to pay for all of our sins. EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM!! Do you understand the magnitude of such an event. Do you understand the timing of everything that had to take place. Do you see how God the Father orchestrated each movement in this life altering play. Nothing would ever be the same after God’s plan was performed. No mistakes were made. No regrets were had. Do you see how it HAD TO BE THIS WAY?

            God always knows what He’s doing. No mistakes. No mismanagement of time. Everything was executed perfectly to allow this redemptive act to play out. God’s timing is always purposeful and right on time. His mercy was and is so remarkable that one can barely fathom the depth of it. God does what He does with precise purpose to an end that is exactly what He intended to take place all along. Trust God always. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] www.christianquotesforyou.tumbler.com

Quote Contemplations

“Do what is right, not what is easy, nor what is popular.” - Roy T. Bennett

 

                  How do we know what the right thing is to do? Does it have to do with what is right or wrong? Of course it does. How do we know that is right and what is wrong? Where do their definitions come from? Is it universally or individually right or wrong? It is the former, rather than the latter. It must be universally right or wrong otherwise its definition couldn’t be fair. It has to be right or wrong for everyone in creation. It must be void of negative consequences to do the right thing. The easy thing to do can be universally true, but not always. The popular thing can be universally true, but chances are it is not. That which is either easy or popular is so because thought is not required. Being easy or popular follows along with those who do not wish to have to defend their choice. The vast majority as a rule chooses the easy or popular path for it is the path of least resistance. To do the right thing is to defend truth; to stand for something that goes against the grain. Doing what is right requires thought; requires taking action in a certain direction, typically the least easy or least popular. 

The Christian believes that Almighty God alone is qualified to determine what is right versus what is wrong. That which is wrong is typically the opposite of what is right. Once we have determined what is right in the eyes of God then we are to follow thru with our choice regardless of the circumstances. If it were easy or popular then anyone could do it, but it takes a person with integrity to do the right thing. It has to mean something to do the right thing to the person who does it. Those who seek the path of least resistance, do so out of vanity. The accolades they receive are hollow ... without any substance. The person who chooses to do the right thing does it not for accolades, but because it is the proper thing to do. Accolades are meaningless to that person. Remember, it’s NOT all about YOU. It’s simply not. Surrender yourself to the One who died in your place. It’s the only wise choice; however, it IS your choice and no one else’s. Choose wisely. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Quote Contemplations

"Worrying can't change yesterday or tomorrow, it can only make your today miserable." – Bob Goff *

 

            When uncomfortable situations arise they point a finger at your faith. Are you going to lean on your faith, trusting the Lord to teach you and guide you thru it or are you going to shake, rattle and roll your way thru it making yourself miserable? Remember, God doesn’t ever change, but we vacillate constantly. He is the rock of consistency that we so desperately need in our lives. He has no flaws and makes no mistakes. All that is only a problem for those who don’t like to be a follower.

            Yesterday is already “history” and everyone knows history cannot be altered in any way. Tomorrow is the future and no one can predict the future, so place your faith and trust in God and stop worrying. Some may say “That’s easy to say’, well, actually, it IS. If you believe in God how deep does that belief go? Do you only believe when things are going well? What type of faith is that? Faith is believing in things that you cannot see as if you can. The Lord is real to those who choose to believe it. You’re taking a step out from the masses and choosing to exercise the modicum of faith that you have to exhibit that which is, for you, very real. 

            Worrying changes nothing, it just makes YOU miserable. Your worrying effects no one else. Exercise your faith. Replicate the behavioral characteristics of Jesus Christ daily as you strive to be the best ambassador for God that you can possibly be. Show God’s love and mercy, kindness and grace freely to those you meet each day in this slow burn world that is on a fast track to go off the proverbial cliff. Notice that the only time people wanted to enter the Ark that Noah built in Genesis was after it started to rain. Up to that point they thought it was insane and had no interest. Is it not very much the same in this day and age? I believe it is. Don’t worry, trust God. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

*Bob Goff is an American attorney, international speaker, and New York Times bestselling author known for his Christian-themed inspirational books.

            

Quote Contemplations

“Most people need love and acceptance a lot more than they need advice.”- Bob Goff

 

            Good quote. Talk is cheap and advice is often not sought after. Some folks feel they have done a good thing when they advise someone regarding their situation. However, all the recipient truly needs and more than likely wants is to be loved and accepted for who they are. Everyone has an opinion on what someone else needs to do to with their life. It’s like getting financial advice from a non-involved participant. Don’t you know that someone other than yourself is so much better at spending YOUR money then you are (sarcasm). 

            There is a true statement that addresses this and it’s “opinions are like noses, everyone has one” *. Love, support, and acceptance is what is needed in many, if not most cases. Just being there shows love and support. You may not always agree with them, but standing by them at an appropriate moment is a greater help to that person than perhaps you may realize.

            This approach is the opposite to judging someone and their situation. As Christians we are nobody’s judge. Almighty God alone is the judge of each individual in His creation. Love and support, not being their judge and jury. If you have difficulty accepting what they’re doing, then at least BE THERE for them. Pray for them. If appropriate, pray WITH them. Prayer is a powerful tool to bring about a peaceful spirit, not to mention a powerful weapon against the enemy.

            At times it’s difficult to not look at those around you with a suspicious, cynical eye. We must learn to give folks the benefit of a doubt. Trust, show love, show concern, support, and if possible, acceptance. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

*Note: That’s the polite, cleaned up version.

Quote Contemplations

“There are three classes of people: those who see, those who see when they are shown, and those who do not see.” – Leonardo da Vinci

         This quote shines a light on those that exist in this world. I equate this to believing in God. Some folks are drawn to Him, and some are shown thru word or deed that He exists, and some simply do not see Him at all. Those who are drawn to Him embrace Him, those who are shown either follow thru to salvation or dismiss it as faulty and unreliable, and those who don’t see Him probably had no interest in finding Him in the first place. 

            The ones who have embraced God as their Heavenly Father are grateful for having found Him and wish to cultivate that relationship to its fullest, the ones who have followed thru may reach the place of those who have embraced Him, or possibly ride the fence between good and evil ending up being agnostic. The ones who dismiss Him as false find out once it is too late to embrace that truth. 

            We understand as believers and followers of Christ that there is time until God declares the end has come for a person to repent. Which person are you? The one who sees and acts, the one who is shown and either acts or remains undecided, or the one who decides to walk the wire of denial, hoping for the best, yet never knowing what lies in their eternal future. The decision is always ours. If you are already saved you can be a seed planter or a seed waterer for those who need to be shown. You can also do the same for those in denial. Their rejection is of God, not you. Allow yourself to be used to enlighten the untold unsaved masses who desperately need what they cannot yet see. Allow yourself to be used of God to plant invitations to the great eternal celebration for the redeemed who have had every foul deed expunged. What a great and glorious day that will be!! Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries