There is a Man...By Brenda Keller

There is a man who can move a mountain
That same man has calmed the sea.
Yet he bled and died on a tree at Calvary
Because of His love, for you and for me.

In this old world, I've climbed many mountains
with deepest valley's in between
Yet I continue to reach higher ground
With Jesus, the light unto my path and lamp to my feet.

There's no greater love than to die for another
and no other love has suffered such same
There's only one man, who's ever lived blameless
Jesus, my lord, is His name.

Trust In The Lord!

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.


Pro 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Pro 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Pro 3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Pro 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

Pro 3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

I need a Savior!

Who do you look like?

  

  Did you know that God created us in his image? We are alway trying to change our looks and make ourselves look better, but what is important is the condition of our heart.  That's what God looks at. Even though it seems that  we walk around looking at others and judging one another by our looks, it is really who we are in Christ that will eventually attract people to us.

A Victory Song!

The armor of God, gives my life liberty
This sword and shield I carry, leads me to Victory
To war against the Devil, and principalities,
Everything they've stole must be given back to me!

Satan get behind me,  I have been set free!
When Jesus came into my heart, he brought me Victory
Those lies the Devils telling, no longer have me bound
The chains of sin are broken, where the Love of God is found.

My weapons of warfare are not carnal
No they will never rust, nor break
to fight a good fight, against the enemy,
Faith and the Word is all it takes.

So if your mind your mind is troubled and no peace is around
just call upon the Lord, let his love and joy abound
resist the Devil daily, then he must flee
Come join the army of the Lord and walk in Victory!

Abundant Living

    I had to prepare a paper and then talk about a struggle I've had since coming to Bible College.  As I first addressed the class, I announced that it took me a while a to decide what to talk about, because I had a whole list of struggles to choose from. Even though this made them laugh, they also shook their heads in agreement. I knew that everyone of them had faced not one but many struggles completing 3 or 4 years of Bible College.

Praise the Lord!

Psa 150:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
Psa 150:2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Psa 150:3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
Psa 150:4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Psa 150:5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
Psa 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

Freedom

John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. The is no pain that Jesus can not heal, no problem he can not solve, no bondage he can not break. Jesus is the answer to every situation in our lives that seem impossible. His love can penetrate even the hardest hearts. His word brings peace to tormented minds. His Holy Spirit brings comfort. Put you trust in Jesus. When all the world turns from you, He will be there for you!

Only The Redeemed

Only the Redeemed are Heaven bound
Only the Redeemed receive a robe and a crown
Only the Redeemed will enter Heavens' door
And live in peace forever more

There is a Savior
Who paid a high cost
So there would not be
One soul that is lost
For you Jesus bled
And died on a tree
Call on the Lord
SALVATION IS FREE

Only the Redeemed are Heaven bound
Only the Redeemed receive a robe and a crown
Only the Redeemed will enter Heavens' door
And live in peace forever more

Cast all your cares
of this world aside
And Praise the Lord
In his word abide
Watching and waiting
for His final call
BE NOT DECIEVED SATAN'S KINGDOM WILL FALL!

My Minds on Heaven

The world thinks I'm a fool
I don't really care
Gods word says I'm His righteousness
of His kindgdom I'm his heir
Who's report will you believe
Who's promises do you share
On streets of gold I'll praise my Lord
Oh, I long to be there!

My minds on Heaven
I've left this world behind
I want to see Jesus
In the sweet by and by
My minds on Heaven
where forever I will Praise
The King of Kings
The Lord of Lords
The Ancient of Days

Trials and temptations
My world they try to spin
But meditating on Gods' word
Renews my strength in Him
To the Lord I'll sing Praise's
Anytime, any place,
I'll trust and abide in Him
Till we see face to face.

Jesus is calling,
Child it won't be long
Till all of the family
Will gather round my throne
Look up toward Heaven
Leave this world behind
For you I've built a mansion
That gold and silver lined.

My minds on Heaven
I've left this world behind
I want to see Jesus
In the sweet by and by
My minds on Heaven
Where forever I will Praise
The King of Kings
The Lord of Lords
The Ancient of Days'

My Redeemer

Hebrews 13:8  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever!

Love  knows no bounderies, it has no end.  Christ loves us just as much today as he did the day he hung on the cross for our sins.  The world changes, people change, cultures change even religions change, but the love of Christ remains the same.

1 Corinthians 13: 7-8a Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never ends.

What's on Your Mind?

Several years ago I wrote this song  "My Minds on Heaven." I had come to the realization that what is on my mind can distract me from what is in my heart. This must be why in both Matt 22:37, Mark 12:30 and Luke 10:27 Jesus said “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” This combination is mentioned because what goes on in one directly affects the others.
Sin starts in our mind, we have a thought and then choose whether we will act on it or not. If we have the word of God in our heart, when Satan brings an evil thought, we will follow what is in our heart. Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Because I know what Jesus did for me, when he took my sins to the cross, I don’t want to sin.

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

How do we replace evil thoughts with good ones? I like how Philippians 4:8 says it, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things re pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

LOVE

There Is A Man
There is a man, who can move a mountain
That same man, has calmed the sea,
Yet He bled and died on a tree at Calvery
Because of His love, for you and for me.
In this old world, I've climbed many mountains,
With deepest valleys in between
Yet I continue to reach higher ground
With Jesus the light unto my path
And lamp to my feet.
Theres no greater love, than to die for another
And no other love, has suffered such shame
Theres only one man, who's ever lived blameless
Jesus my Lord, is His name.


Last night I spoke to my Son (Matthew) on the phone. It was his 27th Birthday. I’ve come to love these times that I have on the phone with him because, it’s just him and I talking. When I visit, I am surrounded by my Grandchildren whom I love very much. But nothing can replace the joy that a parent has in their own children. Some times we just talk about the kids and what they are doing, other times we may talk about the Bible and what we are reading. Many times we talk about the past, about places we went and fun things we did together as a family.


It was hard being a single parent. Every decision I made was influenced by the love I had for my children. I wanted the best for them and I wanted to protect them from the world, but some decisions I made still hurt me when I’m reminded of them.

There is one memory, one decision I made, that always leaves me with sadness and regret. When Matt was in 7th grade he started a new school, we had moved over the summer so I could go to Indiana University to finish my BA degree. The beginning of the school year seemed to go all right. Matt had made several friends, and I was adjusting to life on the campus.

One Thursday afternoon Matt came home from school. He had been threatened by some boys who wanted to beat him up. Matt was very small for his age, and he was afraid to go back to school. So I let him stay home Friday, knowing that Monday was a holiday, I thought by then maybe over time things would be forgotten. But come Tuesday, he still did not want to go back. Wanting to protect him, I offered to go with him to talk to the principle, the teachers, the boys whatever, but it’s the law kids go to school.

Matt declined my offer to help, he said that would only make the boy madder. So I did the only thing I knew to do, we prayed that the Lord would protect him and give Matt favor with these boys, then I sent him to school. That night I arrived at home to find Matt rolled up in a ball in the corner of the livingroom. He was covering his face and head with his arms. I called to him and asked was he alright. I will never forget what I saw when he looked up at me. He was covered with bruised, cuts and blood from head to toe. His left eye was popping out of his head, his lips bruised and swollen, he had many ribs broken. After these boys had held him up to punch and beat his face and head, they threw him to the ground and kicked him many times over. A teacher gave him a ride home and dropped him off. The school did not want to take responsibility for the incident.

That was one of the many decisions I made as a parent that I regret. If I could have foreseen the outcome, of course I’d have done things differently. I would have never sent my Son whom I love very much, to be beaten. I would have never allowed anyone to hurt him.

Through this situation, I have a better understanding of how much our Heavenly Father really does love us. You see, God knew when He sent His only Son, Jesus, to this earth, that he would be rejected, despised, brutally beaten, and killed. Yet He allowed it to happen so we could be save, that’s how much he loves us. John 3:16 “ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

NO FEAR?

The words NO FEAR have been popular for several years now. The clothing line suggests a person with no fear is considered to be, bold, or brave, and a risk taker. My question is,What exactly are they not afraid of ?

    It is may concern that this phrase has penetrated the Body of Christ. If we know the Word of God we should realize that when it comes to man we should have no fear, because God is on our side. But instead of fearing man, we are to fear God. This however is a portion of the Bible that many today would like to ignore.


I am not one to say God did this or that,with out hearing directly from Him on a situation. But I am concerned about the great number for people who are stating what he can and can’t do. I would not take it upon myself to announce to anyone that the disasters that have happened lately, where a result of sin, or an action of God. On the other hand nor would I say God can’t do such a thing because He only responds in love. According to the Bible the only thing God can’t do is lie. Heb 13:8 states “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”

To only look at one characteristic of God will cause a person to be out of balance. Many mighty men of God have fallen because they became unbalanced in the word. Grace and love are wonderful, but sometimes we need to fear God. Some who consider theirselves holy and sanctified may think that grace is enough. But the Bible tells us there are benefits in fearing God and we are to obey Him. They are there for a reason.

Many people have a hard time understanding Gods love for them. If you grew up in a Christian home with a wonderful Father and Mother, it is easier to understand the kind of love God has for us. But people who grew up in abusive situations, do not understand this type of love.

Others think that because we are in New Testament times, we don’t need to fear God. But if you look in the book of Acts, you will read about 3 people who may have lived longer is they had feared God. Yes, even after Christ died for the sins of the world, there where people who died because they sinned against God.

Acts 12:21-23 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.  And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

Herod was a prideful man, but haven’t we all been guilty at sometime of pride?


Earlier in Acts 5 a man named Ananias and his wife Saphira sold a piece of land and kept a portion of the money and gave a portion to the church. But they said they gave it all to the Church. This was also a matter of pride. It did not matter to God if they kept some of their own money but they wanted people to think they had made a great sacrifice by giving all. When they told Paul about their actions, they both fell down dead. Paul said they lied to the Holy Ghost.
 
Acts 9:31 gives a good description of the balance of freedom and fear that we are to maintain.
"Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied."
 
 
These scriptures are in the New Testament for a reason. I believe its' because God knows that many will come to him because he loves us, but many will use, and pervert his word in the last days.  Read the book of Revelation if you can not believe that God becomes angry at sin. What make things worse is that we have his word available to us more than any other generations and we still can’t get it right. We still miss interpret and pick and choose our favorite parts.
 
I am thankful that God gave me a choice, to choose Jesus as my Savior and to follow only Him and His Word.  Philippeans 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Where's the Peace?

After spending many hours applying for jobs on line, I finally accepted a part-time position, merchandising with a large company. Then after spending 3 long days of training out of town (which was great, we went out to eat for lunch, and dinner, woohoo, I felt special)

How Embarressing!

Have you ever had an embarressing moment?
It’s kind of a fact of life, we all have silly and embarrassing things that happen. And we love to see them happen to other people don’t we. That’s why Americans Funniest Home Videos has been on for so many years. It is great to laugh at someone, when they are in a funny situation, but it is not always that comfortable when you are the center of attention and that embarrassing moment happens to be all yours.
I’m sure that just my opening statement, has brought the thoughts of an uncontrollable situation you have been in. I can think of many that have happen to both me and other people.
How do you react in this type of situation? Do you hide, laugh, get mad, or do it again and hope you will look even dumber the second time around?
Sometime, I can’t help but wonder, if we are created in Gods likeness, what kind of sense of humor does he have. Does he look at us and laugh, or think he really didn’t intend for us to be that dumb? Nevertheless we are human and all of us face strange situations in life and how we respond to them, often effects the lasting impression they have on us.
I recently had a situation where I was somewhat embarrassed about a situation that was beyond my control. Looking back, if this would have happened to me when I was younger, it would have been a big deal to me. I use to be very self-conscience, so being embarrassed would have had a lasting effect on my. But now I just laughed and enjoyed telling others the story, knowing it would make them laugh.
I had to get up at 5:30 that morning to leave the house at 7. Then school started at 8:30. The first thing we do after roll every morning is pray. I always walk around the room during this time, it helps me to focus. It wasn’t until after 30 minutes of walking and praying that a friend decided to tell me that I had a large whole in the back of my pants. What would we do with out friends! So I laughed and went on to tell everybody, just incase they didn’t see the whole.

Another thing that I find embarrassing is when someone thinks they know you from somewhere and you don’t remember ever seeing them before. Not too long ago I walked out of a funeral, where I knew very few people and I heard a man say, “Look there’s Brenda”. I immediately looked to see who was talking about me and did not recognize the man nor his wife. I had to talk to them for several minutes before I could remember them.
Even the Bible talks about embarrassing moments. In the book of Matthew Chapter 7 Jesus said that not everyone that called him Lord would go to heaven. Can you image standing before Jesus as he looks through the book of life only to find out your name is not in it ? Asking Him to look again because maybe he spelled your name wrong would be out of the question. Here is what the scripture says Vs.21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Vs.22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? Vs.23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
We never know when this will be. It is easy to think that you have plenty of time to make things right later. But our lives can end suddenly, without notice. Just because you think you are a good person, does not mean that Jesus knows you.
So what do you need to do, just admit to him you are not perfect, none of us are. And ask him to forgive you, and believe he died on the cross for your sins.

What am I doing?

Have you ever gotten so busy that you forgot what you were doing? Maybe I mean to ask, have you ever been distracted? No, that doesn’t quite fit my situation either. Here is my dilemma: I am a 4th year student at New Life Bible College, I work, have bills and tuition to pay, and help out in a ministry 2 days a week. Then I have homework, church, and sometimes take on extra work assignments, because my part-time job, well its also part-time pay. I am by no means lazy, but sometimes I get tired and at times I loose site of what I’m suppose to be doing.

I know that the Lord wanted me to come to Cleveland, Tn. to go to Bible College. All the other stuff I do comes with the assignment, but that is easier said than done. Sometimes I get so busy I have to wonder who am I trusting to get it all done, me or him. Maybe if I trust God more for my finances, I can work less. I find myself going back to the basics of Christianity. The first scriptures I learned are in Phil 4. vs 19 says “But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in Glory in Christ Jesus.” That sounds like if I trust him more, I can work less. Then again, I remember the other scripture, that helped me so much in tough times. Vs 13 “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

God really does want us to trust him, but I believe he wants us also to work diligently to do what he has called us to do. It does not mean we are saved because of our works, but we do Godly works because we are saved. I want to please the Lord in every area of my life. I know that the things I am going through are helping me, to trust him more and to be more like him.

I drive a lot when I’m working, and sometimes I wonder how I ever got around with out my GPS. I don’t have to think, about where I am going, that little box, is always giving me direction. The Holy Spirit leads the same way, if you will read the Bible, he can bring it back to your memory when you need it. John 16:13 says the Spirit will guide you into all truth. He doesn’t seem to get mad at me like my GPS does when I go the wrong way, it tells me over and over again, in a stern voice, when I need to make a U-turn. I don’t know how I got on this subject today, but it reminds me of;this poem I wrote a long time ago.
Life's Highway
Going down life's highway, just a little too fast
Never stopping for any reason, nor to see what I pass
Just wanting to keep on going on, I keep pouring on the Gas
Going down life's highway just a little too fast.

Then one day on the windsheild a knocking I heard
I saw my Savior Jesus, he was pointing to his word
He said "My child, I love you, but slow it on down,
You've passed what I called you too, you better turn your life around.

Going down life's highway, just a little too fast
Never stopping for any reason, nor to see what I pass
Just wanting to keep on going on, I keep pouring on the Gas
Going down life's highway just a little too fast.

The moral of this story is, You'd better slow it on down.
And give your heart to Jesus, He'll turn your life around.
It doesn't matter what rode your traveling on
He'll make you heaven bound.
So put your trust in Jesus, And Slow It On Down!

A New Year!

Hello,

My name is Brenda Keller. I love to study the bible, and many times I write thoughts down and then never share them. So if anyone is interested, they will be in my blog.

I was glad to see the end of 2009. At the end of each year, I try to review them, and ask myself, "What accomplishments did I make, and where did I fail ?" It didn't take me long to remember my failures, since some of them still hurt. Mistakes are a good thing for us to remember if we learn from them. I am also greatful to my Lord Jesus Christ, who does not see my sin once I repent.

So after looking at 2009, I've asked myself "How can I make the New Year different?" I've decided to take a long look at the men and women of the Bible who accomplished God's will for there life and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I will strive to do the same.

As I was reading the 1st Chapter of Acts I saw where Jesus' disciples decided to choose a man to replace Judas. They thought that he should be a man who had been with them since the beginning of Jesus' ministry. Acts 1:23 says that they appointed two men, Joseph, called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and asked the Lord to choose one of them, and when they cast lots, they fell on Matthias and he became the 12th disciple.

Wow, I can only imagine the feelings that Matthias had knowing that he was chosen by Lord to be his disciple. The other disciples were chosen by Jesus for what they could be, because they knew nothing about him, but Matthias was chosen for who he was in Christ. Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

It is my desire for 2010, to search the scriptures and learn the characteristics of those who the Lord had chosen. As I do this, I will yield myself to the Holy Spirit to make the necessary changes.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.