There's A Difference Between Information And Transformation.

My Friend,

You can be saved, know a lot about the Bible, you can talk the talk, you can attend church regularly, know a bunch of information, and do a lot of other great things and yet, you can still choose to live a life that is not in transformation.

If your life consists of just checking off the boxes regarding all these things and not allowing God to change you from the inside out, you may know a bunch of information but you know nothing about transformation and you're stunting your own growth in the process.

You just can't fake it until you make it when it comes to the things of The Lord.

You see, God has begun the transformation in you through saving you...bringing you from spiritual death to spiritual life through His son Jesus but after this, you have to be willing to receive God's help in transforming you day-by-day as you put on the new self and life He's given you.

You have to walk the walk my friend...and that is an act not of legalism but of faith, obedience, will, desire, and a matter of the heart.

You have to want Him to change you and seek after the transformation that only He can truly provide.

To be transformed is a command (I.E. Romans 12:2) and in part it's a process, and it's also a gift from God but again, it's a gift you have to be willing to receive because He will not force transformation upon you but if being transformed isn't the objective for you then you are truly missing out on the complete life He wants you to live for Him if you don't allow Him to transform you day-by-day.

There's A Difference Between Information And Transformation.

Don't seek just after information and head knowledge but seek transformation by seeking The One Who has begun and will finish the transforming work in you.

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) 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

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July 2021 Memory Verse.

My Friend,

Here's July's memory verse: Galatians 2:20

I've suggested the ESV version which is the version I use most often, however, if you have another good word for word translation you enjoy, feel free to memorize it in that version. It's completely up to you.

You'll notice that following the verse is a list of some basic themes/topics. I've included those suggestions as I learned many years ago that having at least one theme or topic in mind when you memorize scripture helps you store them in memory and as you have conversations with others in the future, I can guarantee that as those themes/topics come up, the scripture you've memorized will also come to mind and you may share encouragement from God's Word or re-encourage yourself!

We're reminded of the importance of God's Word by a question from Psalm 119:9, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word" and then in Psalm 119:11 that, "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

So how do you "guard your ways according to God's Word" and how do you "store up His Word in your heart?" One way is summed up in these three words: Memorize God's Word!

It doesn't matter what age you are, we're all capable of memorizing scripture and need to incorporate it into our lives for our benefit and the benefit of others!

Abiding in The Word through reading, studying, memorization and living it out are vital keys to our growth.

Have fun with it! Don't stress about it! And, as always, be in The Word and stay in The Word!

You're in my prayers and please reach out if you need any tips.
Your Brother and Servant in Christ,
Randolph Koch

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

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June 2021 Memory Verse.

My Friend,

Scripture Memorization is vital and as promised, here's the first of prayerfully many more, monthly memory verse suggestions.

June's Verse suggestion is 2 Corinthians 5:17. I've suggested the ESV version but if you have another good word for word translation you enjoy, feel free to memorize it in that version. I may share verses twice a month sometimes but for now, once a month is a good starting point.

Sharing here in case you don't follow A Shepherd's Heart on Facebook or Instagram where this was previously shared.

You'll notice that following the verse is a list of some basic themes/topics. I've included those suggestions as I learned many years ago that having at least one theme or topic in mind when you memorize scripture helps you store them in memory and as you have conversations with others in the future, I can guarantee that as those themes/topics come up, the scripture you've memorized will also come to mind and you may share encouragement from God's Word or re-encourage yourself!

We're reminded of the importance of God's Word by a question from Psalm 119:9, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word" and then in Psalm 119:11 that, "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

So how do you "guard your ways according to God's Word" and how do you "store up His Word in your heart?" One way is summed up in these three words: Memorize God's Word!

It doesn't matter what age you are, we're all capable of memorizing scripture and need to incorporate it into our lives for our benefit and the benefit of others!

Abiding in The Word through reading, studying, memorization and living it out are vital keys to our growth.

Have fun with it! Don't stress about it! And, as always, be in The Word and stay in The Word!

Also, here's a useful post about scripture memorization tips:

https://www.ashepherdsheart.org/2018/02/the-bible-is-essential-part-3-scripture.html

You're in my prayers and please reach out if you need any tips.

Your Brother and Servant in Christ,

Randolph Koch

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

Are You Looking For A Christmas Devotional?

Hello!

Merry Christmas and Thank you for stopping by the A Shepherd's Heart Website!

Are you looking for a Christmas Devotional and use the YouVersion Bible App?

If so, you might check out one of my Christmas Devotionals, "Christmas: The Promise Fulfilled." or "The Wonder Of Christmas."

Click on the links one of following links (via Android or iOS it will open via the app or via PC it will open via the website)

• "Christmas: The Promise Fulfilled."
• "The Wonder Of Christmas."

Check it out in the app or the images below for a description of the plan.

You'll also find a written and an audio version of each (I recorded and Audio version only available in the app) of the daily devotional content.

Please feel pass it on to family and friends!

If you check this out I pray this simple offering will be a blessing to you this Christmas.

Lastly, if you do complete the these devotionals, please be sure let me know via e-Mail so I can send you a special thank you gift!

Merry Christmas!

Your Brother and Servant in Christ,

Randolph Koch

P.S. If you're willing to help a friend that operates ministry as a missionary, please considering helping A Shepherd's Heart through our first ever fundraiser as we seek to help disciple people as we aim to live life on purpose for Him! Please Help A Shepherd's Heart.

'The 7 Sayings of Jesus on The Cross' Easter Devotional Is Now Live!

Hello and thanks for stopping by my site!

I wanted to share the news that just in time for Easter, my new Easter Devotional 'The 7 Sayings of Jesus on The Cross' is now live in the YouVersion Bible App and Website!

Here's the link the plan:  https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/18966-the-7-sayings-of-jesus-on-the-cross

Here's a brief intro video: https://youtu.be/naTbjR6wOs0

Please check it out and please subscribe to the plan via the app and I'd greatly appreciate it if you could please share it with your family and friends.

Here are the title and daily graphics for the devotional that you'll see in the app:
Title Image:

 Daily Image: 

Have a blessed Easter as you fix your eyes on Jesus and all He's done for you!

Your Brother and Servant in Christ,

Randolph Koch

Choosing To Live Significantly

Dear Friend,

I continue to meet people even within the church who struggle with identity, significance, and purpose. So, I wanted to republish this article from several years ago with hopes it will bring encouragement to whomever reads it. I've also included a link to another post at the end which is a reminder of who you are Christ. 

Your Brother and Servant,

Randolph Koch

"Choosing To Live Significantly" By Randolph Koch

Read: John 15:5, John 15:16, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Ephesians 2:6, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 3:12, Philippians 4:13

On some level, we all want to be significant. We want to feel valued which in and of itself, there’s nothing wrong with that as long as we don't pursue it or live it out in an unhealthy way.

With this, we can often struggle with feeling insignificant or unworthy, and more. You may struggle with feeling insignificant at times as well. You are not alone...the world is full of people searching for significance and struggling with the very same things.

Unfortunately, some confuse significance with fame or popularity which it is not. They identify their worth by what they do or accomplish. In addition, some want to seek fame …the next viral video or YouTube. Some feed on how many “likes” or followers they receive on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram.

Some will also try to bring you down and make you feel that you aren’t important, worthy or worth something…but as for you...hold onto God's truth and don't believe the lies spoken to you or that you speak to yourself!

You have to shift your focus off these temporal things to God's eternal Word and specifically what He says about you and how He defines you!

You are significant… No matter what, I want you to know here and now that in Christ, The One Who gave you life in the first place and defines you…He says you are significant!

So much so that He took up the cross for you so that you might be forgiven and have salvation in Him. He loved you that much!

Again, here are some scripture encouragements (of the many and same as above) about who you are in Christ: John 15:5, John 15:16, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Ephesians 2:6, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 3:12, Philippians 4:13

Please note that NONE of these passages say anything about God operating without a specific purpose in regard to you nor do we see here that you have no worth or significance! ...Quite to the contrary…Again…You became worthy and significant through Christ!

You may feel insignificant at times but you can choose to live significantly by living the way God has commanded you to live!

God the Father sees you and says…There’s my child whom I love with a sacrificial, perfect and eternal love whom I sacrificed my Son Jesus for!

Choose to live significantly for Him my friend because you are secure, accepted and significant in Christ! Don't ever forget your worth! God gives you significance...so live it out!

In Christ Alone,

Randolph Koch

P.S. Please share this post with others to encourage them and please see the following link for further study about who you really are in Christ.  https://www.ashepherdsheart.org/2012/03/who-you-are-in-christ.html

My YouVersion Devotional Plan "Rooted" is now Live!

Hello!

Thank you for visiting the A Shepherd's Heart website!

I'm excited to share that my YouVersion Devotional Plan, "Rooted" is now Live in the YouVersion Bible App and website!

Here's the link: http://bible.us/r/4cs

Thanks for your prayers, for prayerfully subscribing and completing the plan, and helping spread the word by sharing with your family and friends!

Excited to see what God does through this in the lives of those who go through the plan. Praying this plan is a blessing to the body of Christ,

Humbly In Christ,

Your Brother and Servant, 

Randolph Koch

P.S. Please note: If you're unfamiliar with the YouVersion Bible App, if you open this link via your smartphone or tablet, you’ll want to open it via the free YouVersion Bible Application or it will open via a browser. If you are opening this via a PC it will likely open via your web browser only.

Fresh Eyes On Humility and Confession

Read Philippians 2:1-11, Psalm 119:105, and Matthew 5:16

Do you ever arrive at a familiar passage of Scripture, one that you've read and studied many times, and God shows you an insight that you possibly missed several times before?

It's not uncommon for us to sometimes gloss over the truths He teaches us but I'm thankful for His patience toward us while we finally learn something He's likely been trying to teach us for a long time! 

It's no doubt that God's Word is a lamp to our feet and light to our path just as Psalm 119:105 says and I'm thankful God illuminates us soul, minds, and spirit so we may live more faithfully for Him, His Kingdom, His glory.

As we abide in God's Word we are sure to find rich truths through His instructions for us.

Philippians 2:1-11 is no exception because the passage if full of truths to unpack and apply to our lives. 

Keep Jesus In The Center, Because He Is The Center.

Read: Matthew 6:33, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Romans 11:36, Colossians 1:16, John 15:5, John 15:16, Galatians 2:20, Psalm 34:3, Psalm 99:5, Psalm 145.

I recall the song, "Be the Centre" by Kathryn Sarah Scott, Michael Frye and I thought of it like a prayer asking for Jesus to be the center of everything in our lives. 

Part of the lyrics are: 

Jesus, be the centre Be my source, be my light Jesus

Jesus, be the centre Be my hope, be my song Jesus

Be the fire in my heart, Be the wind in these sails

Be the reason that I live Jesus, Jesus

Jesus, be my vision Be my path, be my guide Jesus

Everything we do as born again followers of Christ needs to be laser focused on Jesus, His Holy Spirit, and the Word of God. 

Passion Week - What took place?

Passion Week is an incredible time where we should pause to remember all Jesus did and endured for us so that we can have forgiveness and life in and through Him!

The following is a straightforward list of some of the many things that took place from His triumphant entry that we remember on Palm Sunday and on through to Resurrection Sunday with scriptures for your personal reading, study, reflection, and prayer. 

Palm Sunday:

• The Triumphal Entry of Jesus: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:29-44, John 12:12-19

Monday:

• The Cleansing of the Temple: Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48
• The Cursing of the Fig Tree: Matthew 21:18-19, Mark 11:12-14

Tuesday:

• Jesus’ Authority is Challenged: Matthew 21:23-27, Mark 11:27-33, Luke 20:1-8
• Jesus’ Parables of Warning: Matthew 21:28-22:14, Mark 12:1-12, Luke 20:9-19
• The Withered Fig Tree: Matthew 21:18-22, Mark 11:20-25
• Debate With Jewish Leaders: Matthew 22:15-46, Mark 12:13-37, Luke 20:20-44
• Jesus' Warning against Hypocrisy & Jesus Denounces the he Scribes & the Pharisees: Matthew 23:1-39, Mark 12:38-44, Luke 20:45-21:4 Teaching on the Last Things Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, Luke 21:5-36

Wednesday:

• The Chief Priests Conspire Against Jesus: Matthew 26:1-5, Mark 14:1-2, Luke 22:1-2
• The Anointing of Jesus & Judas' Plot: Matthew 26:6-16, Mark 14:3-11, Luke 22:3-6, John 11:45-12:8

Thursday:

• The Last Supper: Matthew 26:17-35, Mark 14:12-31, Luke 22:7-38, John 13-17
• The Garden of Gethsemane: Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-46
• Jesus’ Betrayal & Arrest: Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-52, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:1-14
• Jesus Stands Trial before the Jewish Authorities: Matthew 26:57-75, Mark 14:53-72, Luke 22:54-71, John 18:15-27

Good Friday:

• Jesus Stands Trial before Pilate: Matthew 27:1-31, Mark 15:1-20, Luke 23:1-25, John 18:28-19:16
• The Crucifixion of Jesus: Matthew 27:32-56, Mark 15:22-41, Luke 23:26-49, John 19:16-37
• The Burial of Jesus: Matthew 27:57-61, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42

Saturday:

• The Tomb Watch: Matthew 27:62-66

Resurrection Sunday!

• The Resurrection of Jesus: Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18
• The Report of the Tomb Watch: Matthew 28:11-15
• Jesus Appears on The Road to Emmaus: Luke 24:13-35
• Jesus Appears to the Ten in the Upper Room: Luke 24:36-49, John 20:19-23

May you be moved to praise The Lord all the more as you re-read, study, and reflect on these passages this week as you remember all He did and endured for you!

You're Brother and Servant in Christ,

Randolph Koch

The Christmas Devotionals Are Now Live In The YouVersion Bible App and Website!

Hello!

Thank you for visiting the A Shepherd's Heart Blog! 

I'm excited to share that my Christmas Devotionals are now live in the YouVersion Bible App and Website. 

Here are the links to the two plans:

#1: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/13399-christmas-the-promise-fulfilled

#2: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/13380-the-wonder-of-christmas
Will you please be a part of my launch team?

If so, Here are the three simple things I need your help to do:

#1 Please join me in praying for a successful launch - that people will be encouraged by the scriptures they read and study via the devotionals.
#2 Please spread the word to your family and friends about these devotionals!
#3 Please also subscribe to the plans in the app yourself.

Thank you!

Your Brother and Servant in Christ,

Randolph Koch

Worship...It's not just for the holidays!

Read: Hebrews 10:24‭-‬25, John 4:24, John 15:19, John 17:14-16, 1 John 2:15, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 5:9-10, Psalm 100:4, Psalm 96:8; Psalm 84 (Emphasis on verses 4 and 10)

The culture we live is vying for us to follow them and in many ways, it wants us to worship it. However, we are called to worship an audience of ONE...The Lord our God! 

We're to love God and not this world or the things of this world. We need to remember that the trappings of this world or temporal and everything will pass away but God and things of The Lord are eternal.

We're to be in and not of it as we're not to conform to this world. We're to be different and shine His light into the darkness. This is counter culture but we're either going to be In Christ or we are not. 

Worship and being an active part of The Body of Christ is a vital part of our faith and walk in Christ. This is also counter culture. 

We are called to worship with our lives and God's Word also places special emphasis on gathering together weekly to be instructed in The Word, Worship in Song, Fellowship, Give God the first fruits of your labor through your tithes and offerings, Caring for one another and more.

We shouldn't make gathering weekly a "sometimes" thing like only during special holidays. We also shouldn't make attending and being committed to the local church something that we do only when we "feel" like it because feelings come and go. No, we should be committed to the local church because God instructs us to do so and He knows what's best for us! 

You and I shouldn't attend out of legalistic reasons or just out of "obligation", rather, we should want to to be committed to attending because you know God wants us to do so.

Worship is a gift from God that in turn we give back to Him through our lives and weekly in a corporate setting or whenever or wherever you gather together with other believers. 

So, worship with your life and worship in connection to your attendance and heartfelt commitment to the local church because of God's great love for you and because The Body of Christ needs you as The Body isn't a complete body without you. 

In Christ,

Your Brother and Servant,

Randolph Koch

P.S. Please share this encouragement with others. 

P.S.S. Please pray for me as with any self funded ministry, (I work full time to provide for my family and to do His kingdom work) resources for projects are limited. Please pray with me as I'm currenlty working to acquire a specific type of DSLR camera to be able to do enhances biblical encouragement videos as well as still photography for projects as well. Thanks for your prayers! 

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

Also, here are a few ideas of how I can serve you: 
https://www.ashepherdsheart.org/p/ministry-service-offerings.html