No One Else.

As I awoke this morning, thoughts of many disappointments and discouragements started to fill my head. But God, being rich in mercy helped me turn once again to His goodness and His Word. He reminded me to turn to Him and His truth, THE Truth!

We all have our moments of weariness, but, then His truth comes through like a fresh wind and clears the fog that fills our minds sometimes, the fog that the enemy and our own wrong thinking that we allow to take hold.

As I sought Him this morning, He also brought this song to my heart and mind and I lifted up to Him:

Fernando Ortega’s “No One Else” that you can listen to here: https://open.spotify.com/track/4iSAdKa3Rm4Ha5FC7KMcdK?si=76fe9928857d4591

Ultimately, there is no one else besides Him that we should turn to and reply on that will always be there for us.

This doesn’t mean we don’t or shouldn’t seek wise counsel and encouragement from others, rather, it means, He’s the only one that is our constant and perfect source of counsel, refuge, strength, and more! He is the only one that will never leave or forsake us.

He helps us grow in the wisdom and knowledge of Him and provides the tools we need to live for Him, for His Kingdom and Glory, as we wrestle with the ups and downs of life.
So, in our times when the "fog" roles in, we need to turn once again to Him, turn to Him right away, as there is no one else besides Him Who will see us through any storm or good time in life.

A Prayer To The Lord:

Lord, I thank you that there is no one else besides you. You are my rock and fortress. You are my deliverer and strength. You are my fog lifter and the lifter of my head. You are my provider. You are the light unto my path and lamp unto my feet and I turn to you. Please help me by Your Holy Spirit turn to you as a first response instead of an afterthought, as I know the truth of Your Word no matter what the enemy or my own thinking tries to convince me of…I need to turn to you. Thank you for Who You are. Thank you for Your Word. Thank You for your love and care. Thank you for your provision and protection. Thank you for your new mercies today and every morning. Thank you for your Holy Spirit’s guidance and wisdom in my life! May You receive all the glory due your name! In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.

Friend, as you wake up in the morning, may you remember and proclaim that there is no one else but you Lord. And, as you lie down to rest at night, may you remember and proclaim that there is no one else but you Lord.

In the valleys and mountain tops of life, turn to Him.

He is your all in all. May you be lifted up today by this remembrance.

You’re in my prayers and please keep me in yours.

In Christ Alone,

Your Brother and Servant in Christ,

Randolph Koch

Happy New Year 2024!

Hello Friend! 

Happy New Year! 

Thank you for the honor of serving you in 2023, and Lord willing, I’ll have the honor of serving you even more in 2024! 

May you and I enter the New Year, with a fresh new outlook, filled with the same hope you have in Jesus.

Keep your eyes fixed on Him my friend!

Don't just take my word for it but do take His Word for it and may you be a Word filled follower as you abide in, read, study, and live out God's Word! By doing so, you will also be a Spirit led follower as you actively take God's Word and live of out! 

Take time to read, study, and take to heart 2 Corinthians 5:17, Philippians 2:12-13, Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 3 :5-6, 1 Peter 3:8-12, and John‬ ‭14:12‭-‬14‬ for starters. ‭

May God richly bless you as you continue to seek, serve, and love Him everything that is within you! 

You're in my prayers and please keep me in yours. 

Your Brother and Servant in Christ,

Randolph Koch

-Founder and Servant-Shepherd of A Shepherd's Heart

https://youtube.com/shorts/_06Xzq95nsE?si=UMnseg4Imz_7lFBt

Connect with A Shepherd's Heart: https://linktr.ee/ashepherdsheart (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Website, YouVersion, Telegram, and More)

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Please help us reach and help people for God's Kingdom and Glory! Any spare change would be a blessing! 🙏🏼

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Venmo: ashepherdsheart

CashApp: $ashepherdsheart

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He Is Your Rock!

My Friend,

My hope is that none of us has to hit rock bottom in order to discover that God truly is our Rock. 

I pray that no matter where you are today in life, that you rest in the truth that He alone is your Rock no matter what! 

He is your firm and true foundation, so seek Him as your foundation and trust Him as your foundation. 

Take time to read, study, and take to heart Matthew 7:24-27, Ephesians 2:19– 21,  and 1 Peter 2:6 for starters.

You are in my prayers. Please pray for me as well. 🙏🏼

Your brother and servant in Christ,

Randolph Koch

 

Connect with A Shepherd's Heart: https://linktr.ee/ashepherdsheart (Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, YouTube, Website, YouVersion, Telegram, and More).

Please help us reach and help people for God's Kingdom and Glory! Any spare change would be a blessing! 🙏🏼

Personal Fundraiser: https://www.givesendgo.com/ashepherdsheart

Venmo: ashepherdsheart

CashApp: $ashepherdsheart

#HeIsYourRock #faith #joy #peace #truth #wisdom #life #Bible #GodsWord #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #christianblogger #discipleship #growth #encouragement #soulcare #wellness #trustgodbro #praywithme #encouragement #Christian #Christianity #Christfollower #livelifeonpurpose #ashepherdsheart 

An Encouragement For Discouraged Dads

Dear Men, especially Dads,

On Father's Day I had the honor of reading a post that was forwarded to me and as an imperfect father of 5 (all who are young adults now), I found it super comforting, special, and like a healing balm to the soul, mind, and spirit of this dad.  

I asked the author, Cendrine Hosoda for permission to share it with you and she graciously agreed as she would like this to reach other dads. Thank you Cendrine!

Please read this guest post and I pray you are as encouraged as I am by what she shared. Always remember that there is still time to change, grow, and heal as a man, father, and grandpa. Don't give up!

God is with you and will help you in your journey. 

Your Brother and Servant In Christ,
Randolph Koch

An Encouragement For Discouraged Dads

By Cendrine Hosoda

To all the discouraged dads out there on Father's Day,

I want you to know that I think about you today. Maybe your kids don't acknowledge this day, or perhaps you feel like you've messed up too badly. It's possible that you're overwhelmed with confusion, not even knowing where to start. I want to apologize for the lack of modeling and guidance you received growing up, and for the deficiencies you're still trying to navigate in your own heart.

I understand the weight of shame and the high pressure placed on men to represent God the Father to their children. It's a daunting standard that can paralyze you. I know firsthand the battle and the pain that comes with not turning out the way you wanted to for your kids. It hurts when your best intentions don't translate and your efforts go unnoticed because you were unable to connect or understand your child's needs.

I'm sorry for all the times you weren't seen and met in your own needs. It's no wonder that hopelessness and the desire to give up may seem like the only option. But today, I want to be a voice of grace and hope for you. You matter. Your pain matters. What you didn't learn matters. What you wish you had matters. The fact that you resemble your father more than you wanted to matters. Your hurt matters. Your sense of failure matters.

It matters that you tried. It matters if you didn't try and now you regret it. There is grace for every scenario. You can't control the outcome, but you can start pursuing steps toward wellness now. It is never too late for you to begin this journey. The best thing you can do for your kids, even if they won't speak to you or if you doubt they'll ever see your changes, is to pursue change for yourself. You are worth the investment, and it will make a difference.

I won't sugarcoat it. It will be one of the hardest things you'll ever do, but I implore you, on this Father's Day when you feel the pain of failure, disappointment, and grief, make a promise to yourself. Take one step toward working on yourself and allowing God and His servants to help you uncover the person your heart may have stopped dreaming you could be.

It won't be easy, and it will take time. But I promise you, the pain of growth will be worth every bit of it. Your time is not over. The bravest and greatest thing you can do is say, "I'm going to do this. I'm going to work on myself. I'm going to let God have the final say, not people or myself."

May you feel renewed hope that you are not beyond help and hope. Know that I am praying for you as you embark on this journey. I believe in you. You can do this. It will make a difference.

Happy Father's Day

The 7 Sayings Of Jesus On The Cross Devotional.

Hello Friend!

As we head toward Palm Sunday this weekend, and Passion Week next week, I wanted to share my YouVersion Devotional with you titled, "The 7 Sayings Of Jesus On The Cross." 

The aim of this 7-Day devotional is to help lead us in a time of meaningful contemplation as we study the seven significant sayings of Jesus on The Cross.

Check out the plan via the link or you can search the title, "The 7 Sayings Of Jesus On The Cross." or by my name, Randolph Koch, in the YouVersion app search option: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/18966/

Here’s a brief intro video: https://youtu.be/cIQ5eQY_uxo 

Your brother and servant in Christ,

Randolph/Randy  Koch

Connect with A Shepherd's Heart: https://linktr.ee/ashepherdsheart (Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, YouTube, Website, YouVersion, Telegram, and More)

Please subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

Christmas Eve, Every Day!

My Friend,

It’s Christmas Eve and you may recall what it was like as a child as you waited in anticipation for all that Christmas day would bring?! You may have lost some sleep too due to the excitement! :-)

This brings to mind the many who were waiting in anticipation for the Messiah’s arrival, and they waited…for years.

I wonder what the anticipation must have been like!? Was it like Simeon that we learn about in Luke 2 who had been waiting his entire life for The Messiah? 

And then Jesus arrived the wait was over! What a day for Simeon that was and especially after The Holy Spirit showed Hi that he would not see death before he’d seen Christ! Then when Simeon met him face to face, he praised God! (See Luke 2:25-35)

Now as followers of Christ the wait is over! We’ve received His free gift of salvation!

We know and celebrate Jesus, The Messiah’s birth during Christmas an all year through. We don’t have to wait to receive Him, Worship Him, and walk with Him as He is The Messiah!

As we prayerfully live life with a childlike faith, it occurred to me that we can basically have a “Christmas Eve” every day as we anticipate and look forward to each new day to celebrate, walk with, grow in, and do life together with Jesus. 

We can meet Him daily through seeking Him through prayer, studying His Word, serving Him will our entire being, and walking in and being filled with His Holy Spirit. 

May you go to sleep and rise to greet each day with the blessed anticipation of meeting with Jesus, walking with Jesus, and serving Him. He’s our eternal gift that we get to appreciate each day.

I pray you have a wonderful Christmas, and may the light of Christ shine brightly in and through you each days as you live to do His will for all for His Kingdom and Glory!

Lastly, here's a special brief Christmas greeting from my heart to you: https://youtu.be/wY_xHsEFWR0

You're in my prayers.

Your Brother and Servant In Christ,
Randolph Koch

Connect with A Shepherd's Heart: https://linktr.ee/ashepherdsheart (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Website, YouVersion, Telegram, and More)

Friends Helping A Friend Fundraiser:
If you'd are able to help in a friend helping a friend endeavor, please help A Shepherd's Heart if you are able. Any amount $1 on up is a big help! https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-ashepherdsheart

Or, if you'd rather not help through gofundme, please see the other giving options here: https://www.ashepherdsheart.org/p/help-a.html

9 Things You Should Remember & Be Encouraged By About God Day-by-Day.

Hello Friend!  

Here are 9 of the many things you should remember and be encouraged by about God day-by-day.
 

Check out this video here: https://youtu.be/nPxR_DlgRfQ

He is The Only Way!

John 14:6

He Loves you!

Ephesians 3:18-19, Psalm 5:11-12, John 3:16

He is Faithful! 

Hebrews 10:23 and Deuteronomy 31:6

He is for you!

Romans 8:31

He is Good!

Psalm 119:68

He is your deliverer!

Psalm 34:4

He is your sustainer!

Psalm 54:4

He always hears you! 

1 John 5:14-15

He is with you always!

Matthew 28:20 and Joshua 1:9

May you be lifted up!

Please pass this encouragement on to others.

You're in my prayers!

Your Brother and Servant in Christ,

Randolph Koch

 

Connect with A Shepherd's Heart: https://linktr.ee/ashepherdsheart (Instagram, Facebook, Web, YouVersion, and Telegram)

Seasons Of Change.

I was walking this morning and enjoying the beautiful fall leaves when I started to hear God speaking to me through them. 

He showed me that the most beautiful leaves are the ones that are changing and blemished. How cool is that?

I started to think about all of us and how God changes us as we grow in Him and work toward the day of perfection and I guess I’ve always thought about the beginning and the ending but not the middle. The part that is CHANGING. 

Changing is hard. It’s work. It’s leaving old things and clinging to the new. It’s dark and ugly sometimes but as I looked at the leaves I began to see that the dark spots just made them more beautiful. It wasn’t the perfectly changed leaves that I felt God pointing out to me – it was the ones with blemishes that were the most colorful and beautiful. 

We don’t have to be beautiful or perfect to be seen and loved by God. He sees perfection in us because He sees us through Christ. 

I think my walk away today was simply to revel in the beauty of the change and not let myself be discouraged by the blemishes life and choices may have left in me – that’s beauty to God because it means I’m growing and changing and that’s beauty to others because it means I’m human and relatable. 

We all have things we go through that are hard. Some things happen TO us and some things happen BECAUSE of us – our choices. But what if we’re willing to share those things with others and let them see the beauty they are becoming in us as we change and grow? 

What if instead of dwelling on them and staying where we are, we decided to use them as a catalyst for even more growth? Just something to think about. Romans 12:2 ESV

In Christ,

Angela Koch

Picture of fall leaves by Angela Koch

We're blessed to have Angela Koch as a guest contributor to A Shepherd's Heart. Angela is the wife of Randolph Koch, Founder and Servant-Shepherd of A Shepherd's Heart. She hails from the Pacific Northwest in the USA where she actively and passionately lives life on purpose for The Lord as she uses her many gifts, talents, and skills to bless others. We prayerfully look forward to further guest posts from Angela in the future.

Connect with A Shepherd's Heart: https://linktr.ee/ashepherdsheart (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Website, YouVersion, Telegram, Whatsapp, and More).

5 Affirmations From God's Word.

My Friend,

Everyday, and especially in these uncertain and tumultuous times, may you seek The Lord all the more for truth, wisdom, affirmation, encouragement, identity, and more!

Here are 5 Affirmations from God's Word for you and coinciding scriptures for you to read, study, and take to heart.

Let's pray for one another in Jesus name.

Your brother and servant in Christ,

Randolph Koch

Here are some recent post via my YouTube Channel:

• https://youtu.be/8QZFXpqHUJE
• https://youtu.be/wgI23bF4r0Y
• https://youtu.be/35UoOxSZxxo
• https://youtu.be/nB0lfX7AN1k
• https://youtu.be/4ThGJAELw_4

Connect with A Shepherd's Heart: https://linktr.ee/ashepherdsheart (Instagram, Facebook, Web, YouVersion)

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Fundraiser:

If you'd are able to help in a friend helping a friend endeavor, please help A Shepherd's Heart if you are able. Any amount $1 on up is a big help!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-ashepherdsheart

Or, if you'd rather not help through gofundme, you can share directly via Venmo: ashepherdsheart or Cash App: ashepherdsheart

or you can use your favorite app to send to giving@ashepherdsheart.org.

Thanks and many blessings!

The A Shepherd's Heart Team

Are You In A Season Of Waiting?

My Friend,

Sometimes waiting isn't our strong suit. OK, so maybe that's an understatement. :-)

Waiting seems even harder sometimes when we're waiting on an answer from God but we forget that sometimes "wait" is the answer He's give us at that time.

It doesn't mean we'll have to wait forever, but, we may have to wait for a while until His perfect timing arrives according to His perfect plan and will for you and I.

Let me simply encourage you that while you wait, may you wait on Him, seek to grow deeper in Him, and learn to trust Him more.

Many mighty men of God had to learn about waiting and it's a lesson, this side of heaven, that we'll continually be learning too. I pray for each of us that The Holy Spirit helps us learn to trust God even more...while we wait.

Let me encourage you to be in constant prayer my friend and then Read, Study and Take to heart Psalm 27:14, 2 Peter 3:9, Exodus 14:14, Isaiah 30:18, and 2 Peter 3:8 for starters.

Your brother and servant in Christ,

Randolph Koch

P.S. Here's a recent encouragement video message:

• Who Are You Putting Your Trust In? https://youtu.be/B-X2XiAGvfU
  

Please help A Shepherd's Heart if you are able. Any amount $1 on up is a big help! https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-ashepherdsheart

Here's one place that lists where you can connect with A Shepherd's Heart:

https://linktr.ee/ashepherdsheart

No Matter Who Leads A Nation, God Is Still On The Throne.

"And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you." -Psalm 9:10 ESV

My Friend,

Who are you putting your trust in?

It's inauguration day in the USA and there are many who will either be happy, sad, or somewhere in between.

I simply want to encourage you today with a reminder (no matter where you live) that politicians, no matter where you land politically, are not The Savior, only Jesus is.

Politicians can only provide temporary supposed solutions to peace, provision, unity, hope and more while Jesus is your true refuge and is The Only One Who can provide true peace, provision, unity, hope and more.

For everyone reading this today, let me encourage you in that no matter what nation you live in, if you are a follower of Christ, one of the greatest things you can devote yourself to is praying for your leadership state, local, and national. It doesn't matter if they are in Christ or not, you can pray for them and God hears the prayers of His people.

Put your trust and hope in The Lord and not in any politician or other human.

If you're anxious or worried today, let me encourage you to turn from that and instead, turn to The Lord in prayer and through abiding in His Word. Put your trust in The Lord.

Read, study, and take to heart Luke 12:25-31 and Psalm 9:10.

Praying for you and praying for our leaders...may we all turn To The Lord in all and for all things.

Your Brother and Servant In Christ,

Randolph Koch

P.S. Please pass on this encouragement to others who may be encouraged that God hears their prayers.

Here's one place that lists where you can connect with A Shepherd's Heart:

https://linktr.ee/ashepherdsheart

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You Will Be And Are Accountable To God.

Read and Study: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

My Friend,

Who or what do you live for and who or what do you embrace and promote?

We live in a broken world, and yet I have to admit that I find it absolutely shocking to see what's going on in our world today at times.

People calling good bad and bad good. People promoting and embracing the most heinous things. Their behavior is horrible and yet they are deemed "good" and "moral" in the eyes of this world.

This is even true sometimes of those who call themselves followers of Christ. They promote some of the most ungodly and vile things and people. Some even claim that Jesus would as well?!

My Pastor recently reminded me that we will be accountable to God for what we embrace or promote.

Let that sink in for a moment.

Then ask yourself:

-Do you embrace that which is unbiblical and ungodly?

--Do you care more about the world than God?

-Do you live more for the world than God?

-Do you love the world more than you love God?

We need to care more about people's eternal well being, their very souls, and eternal destination than that which is momentarily popular.

If you're a follower of Christ then you and I need to stand on biblical principles with Jesus as our foundation. We need to stop playing games. The world is not our foundation but Jesus is.

Furthermore, the world does not and should not dictate our behavior and morals, but God's Word should as it's full of principles for life and godliness.

Friend... I challenge you to seek to live for Him, His kingdom, His glory and your eternal future and not for this world, it's ways, and this little temporal "kingdom".

I challenge you to love people in Jesus name but to not embrace or promote that which goes against God and His Word. If you choose to do so anyway, just remember that you will stand before God one day and you will be accountable.

Your brother and servant in Christ,

Randolph Koch

P.S. Please share this encouragement with others and please also pray and give if possible to our first ever fundraiser. https://www.gofundme.com/f/Please-Help-AShepherdsHeart