Showing posts with label Pray. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pray. Show all posts

Friday, September 15, 2023

Pray At All Times!

My Friend,

No matter what you face each day, let me encourage you to make prayer a priority. Make it your first response and not an afterthought.

Check out this brief video with a poignant quote:

Take time to read, study, and take to heart 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Philippians 4:6, and Ephesians 6:18 for starters. Approaching God in prayer is a blessing, gift, and privilege so don't take it for granted and again, make prayer for yourself and others a priority. You are in my prayers. Please pray for me as well. Your brother and servant in Christ, Randolph Koch
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Monday, March 29, 2021

This vs That? or This and That?: Finding A Better Way To Represent Christ.


Read: 2 Timothy 2:22-26, , Proverbs 17:28, Proverbs 20:3, Ephesians 4:1-16, Colossians 4:2-6, Colossians 3:13-15, Ephesians 4:29, James 3:8-10, Matthew 15:18, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, John 15:12.

My Friend,

It's a trying season for sure whether it's due to health related issues, politics, or other issues. 

Any season like this can bring out the absolute best in people and the absolute worst...and for some time now there has been a lot of the latter for sure. 

Even without these things, we live in a time where many supposed "Keyboard Warriors" sling their opinions, (as if they are experts on every issue that comes and goes) and if you don't agree with them, you better get ready for an assault of hatred, shaming, finger pointing, character attacking, and name calling to be launched. 

Division Ensues: 
This is happening for things such as...

-Mask wearing Vs. No mask wearing.
-Shelter at home vs some shelter at home vs absolutely not. 
-All vaccines vs some vaccines vs absolutely no vaccines. 
-Gun control vs no gun control vs somewhere in between. 
-One political party vs another. 
-Universal health care vs private Healthcare 
... And the list of this vs that goes on and on...

It seems at times people have traded what should be adult maturity for adolescent behavior... all while they often hide behind their keyboards. 

Harsh Words Are Communicated: 
People type away and spout things from their high castles...things that many of us would never say to someone's face...or I hope not!?

People trash talk, name call, label, and launch evil words just because they think their opinion or viewpoint is somehow superior. 

It must make the evil one happy to see so much division horrible behavior in word and action...even within the church on these and many more issues. 

Let me ask, even if we think our opinion is better, how does it make us better to inflict others with such negative things?

What happened to being OK with respectfully disagreeing with one another without slinging hate toward one another? 

People Should Be Valued: 
It's sad because I see that supposed friendships end over things like this and you have to ask if they were remotely true friendships in the first place?

Aren't people more valuable than all of this?! 

Aren't people who were supposedly our friend(s) more important than this? Or were they only our supposed friend(s) when they didn't have a different viewpoint? 

Don't they still have value with or without your and my acceptance and despite our differences?... But instead, you or I may have thrown them away, and for what? 

Does It Have To Be This Vs. That?: 
In the current state of things and in general, why does it have to be "This vs That" instead of "This and That" about many of these issues or topics? 

Let me say here and now that it doesn't have to be this way!

The fact is that we will never be the same or completely agree on every issue and that's completely OK...or it should be. 

We need to be wise in what we engage on or as the old saying goes, "pick your battles wisely".  

There are many things that can be seen as "This and That" or we can stay neutral on. 

Kindness Please?! (We Represent Jesus!) : 
What we need is more people being good and kind toward one another...even those with whom we disagree. This doesn't mean you can't have and voice your views, and it doesn't mean you will necessarily or ever be best friends with each other, but, it does mean you should respect and value one another despite your differences. 

We need less hatred, shaming, harsh words spoken, and division. In its place we need more kindness and acceptance. We need more kind words spoken, (or how about not saying anything at times if you have nothing nice to say?), and we need more love and unity! Or if not unity, at least civility. 

We are welcome to have and respectfully express our opinions and viewpoints but, I believe that we show our strength more as we come together as unique people as we listen and lift others up instead of tear them down. 

Anyone can tear others down but it takes truly mature and special people to instead build one another up. 

To be clear, there are also times where we need to be bold and share the truth but we better have clear direction from The Lord regarding when we are to do that and we again, need to speak the truth in love. 

Even if we disagree with one another, we need to be good human beings, listen to those we don't agree with and show a little kindness and respect. Or, if we can't handle it then we should be mature enough to not engage with others in the specific conversations.

Even more important is that we as followers of Christ seek to live in a way that represents Jesus well, in an honoring way because we are His ambassadors and we're to speak the truth but in love. 

Sometime Silence Is The Best: 
I'd suggest there are times when we might choose to be silent on some non-essential issues so we don't add to further division and strife.

We Need To Do Better: 
We as followers of Christ need to do better. We need to behave better. We need to represent Jesus better in all these things. 

May we pause to consider how we're representing Him, especially in these crazy times we're living in, in Jesus name. May we ask for The Lord's helping in how we can do better and when we should speak up or remain silent. 

Your brother and servant in Christ,

Randolph Koch

Please Note: This article was geared toward general issues and behaviors I've observed many times. This also isn't speaking to condoning sinful behavior or anything like that but on general issues, non-essential issues, non-salvation issues, things that are possibly neutral in alignment to God's Word, that we find a better more biblical way to communicate.

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

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

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Give It All To God!

Someone, including me, needs to hear this periodic reminder.

This is something God continues to remind me time and time again, including in the midst of the challenging season I've been facing.

Always remember

Give it all to God.
He knows exactly
what you need.
He knows exactly
what you're going through.
He's got you covered, always!


You're in my prayers!

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:
_

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Taking Steps Of Faith (Regardless Of Whether You Have It All Figured Out.)

My Friend,

I don't know about you but sometimes I freeze in my steps because I kind of want all the details before I move forward or sort of "to be in control" of things. I like to know as much details as possible and sometimes I get stuck with the "analysis paralysis" because I'm focusing more on rethinking things too much instead of doing what I should do first, which is seek God first.

I also tend to be a "perfectionist" at times and don't complete something as soon as I should because I fall into the false idea that it needs to be somehow "perfect" when there is no such thing! I'm sure I'm the "only one" who struggles with things like this. ;-)

While there is wisdom in planning, what matters most is seeking God through prayer and through His Word for each plan, dream, goal, and step of faith as the first step for anything we do.

I encourage you to seek Him through prayer, His Word, and through seeking Godly counsel as needed, then take the step or leap of faith knowing Jesus is The One directing your path. Even if you're afraid, you will know His peace as you do what He's calling you to do. We will never have it all figured out, but we know The One Who does have it all figured out.
Just like when Peter stepped out of the boat after he asked Jesus, "If it's you Lord, tell me to come to you on the water." and Jesus said, "Come" (See Matthew 14:22-33), Jesus was calling Peter to take a step of faith. While water was familiar, Peter had never walked on water before and instead of keeping his eyes on Jesus, he looked at the stormy waters and started to sink. He did the right thing though by crying out to The One Who was able to save Him, Jesus, and Jesus came to His rescue but Jesus said "Come" with no further instructions and while Peter did, again, he didn't keep His eyes on Jesus as he stepped out of the boat in faith.

We're not too different from Peter and each day God is calling you and I to take steps of faith. Sometimes, it's full on scary to take that step of faith, but none-the-less, Jesus knows and will help us, He is calling us regardless of whether or not we have all the details. We're supposed to live by faith and not by sight. (See 2 Corinthians 5:7)

Whatever you're facing today, whether a major decision, something you've put off for a while that you know He has called you to do, or whatever it is, remember this: IF you put your trust in The Lord, (and not in yourself alone) you don't have to have all the details to move forward... just take one step of faith at a time with or without the details.

Here are a few of the many passages to read, study, and take steps of faith regarding: Proverbs 3:5-6, Philippians 4:13, and Hebrews 11:8.

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:
_

Thursday, January 07, 2021

God Always Hears Your Prayers!

My Friend,

Be encouraged that God always hears your prayers no matter what.
It doesn't matter if they are "perfectly" worded. It doesn't matter if they are long or short or somewhere in between.
What matters is that you commit yourself to prayer and humble yourself as you approach Him filled with confidence and faith.
Your heart and countenance matters more than eloquent prayers of any length.
Also, be encouraged that even when we don't have the words to say or don't know how to pray, The Holy Spirit always intercedes for us. (See Romans 8:26-27.)
Just pray knowing He always has time for you and always hears your prayers.
Read, study, be encouraged by, and take to heart Hebrews 4:16, Romans 8:26-27, and Matthew 6:7 which are some of the many verses about this.
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:

Thursday, June 14, 2018

You Need To Leave Your Past Behind!

Read: John 8:36, Ephesians 2:1-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17 

Note From A Friend (Me): You Need To Leave Your Past Behind! (see above image too)

Friend...there's nothing there for you anymore! 

God has given you a new life and He always has something better in store for you to replace the old stuff that you no longer need...including the old you! 

You are no longer who you once were because you are in Christ! You have been redeemed and you are a new creation! You've been "upgraded" thanks to Christ.

So, stop trying to be like the Israelites of old who wanted to go back to Egypt where they were enslaved! Your past can enslave you if you dwell or seek to return there!

As I've shared before...your history is now completely HIStory! So, walk with Him, trust Him, listen to Him, be obedient to Him, and live in the new life He's given you!

Your old life can no longer enslave you! He has set you free so live in His Freedom! 


In Christ Alone,
Your Brother and Servant,

Randolph Koch


P.S. Please share this encouragement with others! 

Please consider helping this ministry through prayer and other ways! Find out more here:  ttps://www.ashepherdsheart.org/p/help-a.html

 

Tuesday, March 06, 2018

The 3 Part Test of a Prophet

Read: Deuteronomy 18:20-22, 1 Corinthians 14:1-40, Ezekiel 13:9, Matthew 24:24, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, 1 Timothy 4:1-10, Acts 20:28-30, 1 John 4:1-6, Matthew 7:15-20, 1 Peter 5:8, Hebrews 13:9

It's been my observation that there are many gifts such as the gift of prophecy and speaking in tongues that aren't handled or expressed Biblically today and we need to be careful to take in any teaching that doesn't align with God's Word. 

It's seems that specifically with the gift of prophecy, that it is often only thought by some to be the foretelling of future events but it is also and more often than the previous - it is the proclamation of God's truth from His Word. 


Monday, January 15, 2018

5 Practical Things You Need To Do When God Seems Distant!


Read:  Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 4:25, Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, James 1:22, James 4:7, John 15:4, Hebrews 4:16, and Psalm 145:18

I often hear people say that "God is distant" or that "God seems far away" and let me tell you: this is the furthest thing from the truth that anyone can proclaim, think or feel! 

In other words, this is flawed thinking or what I refer to as "stinking thinking".

Why do I say this? "Spoiler Alert"...in case you forgot...It's because in God's Word, He tells us that He will never leave or forsake us, and we can take Him at His Word! 

Just as the enemy helped confuse Adam and Eve, which contributed to them doubting God and not taking God at His Word as well as led to their sin against Him...he tries to do the same thing in our lives so that we also might doubt God and not take Him at His Word. 

Thursday, October 05, 2017

Finding His Peace In Every Moment

Read: Philippians 4:7

Sometimes we buy into the idea that peace is only found in the absence of conflict but that isn't necessarily the case!

It may not make sense to us sometimes but if you're in Christ...As you abide in Christ you will be able to experience His peace all the more...even in the midst of troubling or tumultuous times!


His peace is supernatural and can be found and experienced in any moment including the storms of life.


You and I need to seek Him in those good or hard moments because no doubt...He will give you His steadfast peace, love and strength that will help sustain you through that time. 


The peace of God is truly beyond understanding...but it is available to us through His Holy Spirit.


May we seek and find His peace in every moment! 

I pray that we experience His peace through every season in Jesus name I pray, Amen. 

In Christ Alone,


rlk





#peace #rest #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #inspire #inspiration  #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind  #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart

Wednesday, September 06, 2017

Don't Just Say That You'll Pray...Actually Do It!


Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Colossians 4:2-6

When you say you will pray for someone, do you say it as just a passing phrase or do you actually intend to pray for them?

I think we're all guilty sometimes of saying we'll "pray", (kind of like "how are you doing" but not really wanting the answer sometimes...just a passing phrase) and not following through with prayer and...we need to change this! 

The fact is that prayer is a fundamental tool God has gifted us with.
"When you say you will pray for someone, actually pray for them!"
We're to be people of prayer and commit to praying for one another.

So, let me encourage and challenge you to be a man or woman of your word and The Word...and make every effort to follow through and pray when you say you will do so.

I pray that God will help us take prayer all the more seriously.

Prayerfully,

rlk






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Friday, July 01, 2016

Special Prayer Request


Dear Friends: 

While I can always use your ongoing general prayers for God's ministry through me to you and today I have a specific prayer request for you...

I’m continually led and seeking to create meaningful content that encourages, lifts-up and challenges people in their day-to-day faith and walk with God in and out of the 4 walls of the church meeting places. 

With this in mind, I’ve hit the limit regarding what I can produce beyond short 60 second or less clips, etc using my basic smart phone and I’d like to ask you to join me in prayer specifically for a way to acquire at least the follow three tools:

1.  A quality (Used/Refurb/New) DSLR Camera with mic input (and potentially with a flip out screen that can face forward for framing and monitoring during recording).  (Use: To create inspiring video and still image content for teaching and encouragement.) (Have some models/types in mind)

2.  A basic iDevice (Apple) or other tablet (Android 5.0 or above) for Interactive live Video for Facebook, possibly Periscope, etc. (Used/Refurb/New) (The Basic Smartphone I have cannot handle the apps) 

3.  A Zoom H4N Pro, or a Zoom H5 or H6 portable recording unit (Plus a memory card and other accessories). (Use: for podcasts, field recording and enhanced audio for video segments)

If you have any question regarding the future content I’m seeking to create, please let me know. 

Thank you for joining me in prayer for God’s provision!

In Christ,

rlk


P.S. Please pass this prayer request on as I'd appreciate prayer covering for this.