Rain

Some days or weeks when things are stressful and crazy (especially at work and other parts of life like overall ministry in life, etc.)...

I find myself looking outside, (like today) when it's pouring down rain...and for a brief moment I wish I could literally run out in the rain during the hard deluge and let it wash over me and wash away the junk I've been going through... 

...But that's not how life works...You have to work through things in different ways. 

I am however glad I know the One who I can cast all my cares and anxiety upon because He cares for and loves me. I'm also glad I have family and a few friends that love me and are there for me and besides the Lord....they do help "wash" the troubles away. :-)

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." - John 14:27

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

9 Reasons why people aren't singing in worship

Some of you in the church may sadly blow this off as it doesn't fit into your philosophy, or as harsh as this sounds...maybe you don't care, or something else but I've observed and experience over the years many of things the author outlines.

I wonder if in the current state of church affairs (Specifically the church in US) if some of the "modern" worship leaders will be courageous enough to #1 read the below linked post (even if you don't agree), then #2 honestly pray and seek God about this, dare I say...#3 actually listen to the wisdom in your congregations, and #4 then adjust where necessary to steer the congregations back to genuine worship? 

This isn't really a matter of style or traditional vs. modern worship rather it's a matter of the heart and leadership/shepherding as well as everyone who attends desire to worship God in song genuinely and completely. Worship in Song is very important part of the life of the church so we ought to honestly and continually "check and adjust" to make sure we're on course. 

The Put Off and Put On Principle

As we approach each new day or New Year we set goals, resolutions, plans  or have hope that we’ll have a fresh start, put the old things behind us and move forward with hope of change and of great new things to come!

We all know about resolutions and stereotypically we make them and then a few months into a new year, we basically end that resolution for many reason and sometimes because we really didn’t want that change in the first place. 

Every time we want to make a change there is some level of sacrifice involved because in order to change, well, we have to change…either a behavior or something we no longer want to do or many other things. :-)

In order to truly change and grow in these cases, whether goals, resolutions or plans, we have to put something off and replace it with something new. 

Life Experience Reflection: Communication

I've been reflecting on what we consider today's modern communications for quite a while and I've come to realize that just because we live in an instant gratification, high expectation, "respond instantly" (e-Mail, text, Facebook, IM, Skype, etc) world, it doesn't mean it has to be that way nor do you have to stress yourself out trying to operate especially in the "respond instantly" mode...people can actually wait a few minutes, hours, or even a day for you to respond! Unless it's literally a life or death situation, They will survive.

Someone well stated recently that we are spoiled today with instant responses. When I was a kid like in high school, e-Mail was just surfacing but hardly anyone had it because technology wasn't there yet. We still used pay phones. We wrote letters and talked mostly in person. Computers were just coming out such as the 286 PC, Tandy PCs, etc. A text message was words in a book or a typed or handwritten note. Smart watches like you saw via a communicator watch that Dick Tracy had were things of fiction but now they are a reality. 

There is a balance between personal and business communications but the same is true of both areas some things are more urgent than others. 

The sum is that the older I get, and as someone who is an active communicator via many of the current means of communicating, I realize daily that realistic expectations need to be set for ourselves and others when it comes to response times. This however, doesn't give us a license to be rude and never respond or take weeks to respond because there should be a sense of urgency toward those around us...it just doesn't mean it has to be instant. 

Something for all of us to reflect on...

blessings,
rlk

‪#‎lifeexperiencereflection‬

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We all have much to be thankful for!
Take time today to focus on counting your Blessings instead of your troubles and give especially your loved ones a hug and share words of encouragement and thanksgiving with everyone around you!
Especially take time to give thanks to the Lord for He Is Good!

Have a great day everyone!

Blessings,

rlk



#thankfulness #Thanksgiving

Of Skipping Rocks & Impacting Lives

I recall numerous times as a child where I’d stand on the bank of a body of water and I’d collect as many of the smoothest and flattest rocks I could find and put them in my pocket.

Then like any kid I’d take the rocks and sling them one by one across the water to see how many times I could skip it across the surface as well as how far I could reach. 

If was a more narrow body of water the goal would always be to try and reach the other side of course with as many “skips” as possible.  :-)

As I’d make each attempt, the rocks would touch down briefly and repeatedly upon the surface of the water as it moved along the path of its journey.

Each place it touched down it would create a ripple on the surface of the water and if I’d skipped it enough times, one ripple would eventually span out and connect to the next ripple in the water.

As I sat on the bank of a river during a recent backpacking trip I began to reflect on my own life as well as the life of others. My childhood memory of skipping rocks came to mind as an image of the life we live and the journey we are traveling from cradle to the end of our days here on earth.  (Like one side of the river to the other side – the far bank)

Like a rock being moved in its trajectory and briefly touching down skipping across the water - we also have an impact on those around us.  We also have multiple touch points as we come into contact with others and build relationships.

Transformed

No matter your past, don't ever forget that your Father in Heaven is in the business of transforming lives! He sent His Son, Jesus to died for your sins and if you are in Christ, you've been set apart by Him (Sanctified) and as you walk with Him in faith, salvation in Him has made you a new creation and He's daily working to renew your mind so you can be even more useful to Him! Take time right now to thank Him for His transforming power in your life! 

Here's a prayer for you and I:
Heavenly Father, Thank you for Your transforming power! You take unworthy sinners and forgive & transform us. You've made us new creations & You are daily renewing our minds. You've satisfied / set us apart & You are daily progressively sanctifying us to be useful vessels for You! Again, I thank You and Praise You in Jesus name I pray, Amen!

In Christ Alone,

rlk 

A Prayer For Resting in Jesus

Lord, help us to cast all of our anxieties and cares upon You! 

Help us to not lose sleep over the troubles of today knowing Your mercies are new every morning! 

Help us to not allow the evil one, other people or ourselves to influence negative or anxious thoughts. 

In Jesus name I pray, Amen! 

 Rest well in Jesus family.

40,000 suicides annually, yet America simply shrugs!?

Did you know that In the U.S. there is one suicide every 13 minutes & suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S?! These are sobering statistics...not just a statistics but representative of people who have come to an extreme place of hopelessness and despair and ended their lives. This is heart wrenching!

I've been in that place and it's not a place I want to ever go back to nor do I want anyone to go to that place. There are a lot of influences that send people that direction but not all of the influences are for clinical reasons but for spiritual and emotional reasons too. No matter what, we as a society need to pay closer attention to mental health as much as we do other issues and put resources toward helping reach people before they get to that point....so they don't get to that point.

I share the linked report, not because everything they say is the full picture of suicide, because it's not, but to #1 Beg you, if you are in that place now or heading that way...please reach out for help...simply start by sharing with someone that you're struggling! and #2 For awareness! 

It may be difficult to know sometimes (In my situation, most people had no idea I was depressed and suicidal), but you and I don't realize that there very well maybe people in our lives that are heading that direction and we need to do our best to reach out to those who (may not be suicidal yet) are down, going through a hard time, are in a predicament because of their actions and a bunch of different reasons and we need to stand in the gap and come along side them somehow...be the ones who show that they are highly valued, they are loved, that they matter! 

You and I can be that person to them! To help give them and build hope into them!

If you've read this far, thank you...Let's pray and be a part of the solution. Let's pray that the tide it turned in regard to suicide.

Take a look at this report when you have a few moments. 

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db229.pdf

https://www.freep.com/story/life/wellness/2014/10/10/us-suicide-epidemic/17022961/

Thanks,

Randolph Koch

"Smart" Phones and Dumb Choices....Can we Auto-Correct Humanity?

Check out this video. 

It's very well done and gives real food for thought. 

I think all of us with "smart phones" have some adjustments to make. I know I use my phone for pretty much everything when I'm not using a PC because I can connect to pretty much anything, digital books, multiple apps, podcasts, social media, taking and sharing pictures, audio and video, my bank account, e-Mail, etc. 

Gotta long way to go but find that some days the "smart phone" can help us make "dumb" decisions when we're with others especially. 

We need to disconnect in order to connect or re-connect with others...

Anyhow, here's a dose of perspective. Check it...

"The Fiery Sermon"

This is such a great illustration and it's so true! There are also multiple applications within this...Check it out...then let's pray for one another! 

"The Fiery Sermon"
by Greg Bradon

A member of the church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him.

It was a chilly evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his pastor's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.

The pastor made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone then he sat back in his chair, still silent.

The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.

Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting.The pastor glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, 'Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I will be back in church next Sunday.'

We live in a world today, which tries to say too much with too little. Consequently, few listen. Sometimes the best sermons are the ones left unspoken.

Whom will you serve?!

Whom will you serve today? Pray and then check out this Powerful song/video: 

 Joshua 24:15

Be Blessed and a blessing!

Be Still...and Know!

(Sunset over Tillamook Bay (Photo By Randolph Koch 2014)

 ...“Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth. 

                             -Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Be…Still…

I’ve been thinking a lot about this passage and I’ve come to realize these are two simple but very profound words that communicate volumes!

With the activities of life and hurried fast paced lives we often live, we don’t do the “Be Still” principle very well.

Think about it, when was the last time you and I just allowed ourselves to even physically…BE STILL?

I bet if you’re ever able to get yourself to a place in your schedule where you could be still, it felt very foreign to you for a bit or you felt like you should be doing something because by all means it’s all about “our strength” or “pulling ourselves up by the boot straps”?! We we’re supposed to be self-reliant and not need anyone’s help, right? 

Well, that may be what the world around us tells us but that way of operating doesn’t hold water to what God tells us we need to do. 

Being still requires faith. Being still requires trust. Being still requires hope. 

…A Faith that… God has you covered no matter what. 

…A Trust that… He is God and He already has a plan in the works to meet you where you are according to His perfect will. 

…A Hope that… His plan will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. 

Ultimately being still is more than just being physically still as it involved our mind, soul, spirit and body. 

When we take time to be still, we allow ourselves a few moment of time to collect ourselves and realign our focus back on God who will be exalted – especially when we operate how He instructs us to because His ways are higher than our ways and life typically works out better for us (not necessarily easier) in the long run if we do things His way. 

Other translations use the words “Cease Striving” and it is the same idea that we need to stop and be still. Cease trying to work to make things happen on our own strength. Cease trying to figure everything out on our own. Cease trying to be master and commander or our lives when we can’t do it all alone. No, we need to Be Still and know that He is God and…well…we are not!

The “Knowing” is the second and more important part because, if we can first off get ourselves to regularly “Be Still”, then we can rest in the “and know” part knowing wholeheartedly that He is God…He has everything under control. We need to again, know He is God and we are not.

It’s not that we are to shirk our responsibilities and be completely idle siting somewhere singing the proverbial “Kumbaya”  or think we should “let go and let God" (because this statement tends to not take into account some of our personal responsibility but we are to cast/give all of our anxieties to Him and leave them there. See 1 Peter 5:7)  because there are real things we need to do and own but it’s the reality that we need to completely rest in, be still in... Him. At the same time, we think sometimes that we’ve got it together and in the waiting we try to force God’s hand with pushing our agenda with the absence of His blessing…and in the process we will not get anywhere.

Being still is also a time seeking Him so in this sense, that is an action we can and should take in the process as we can pray, study and seek Him with everything that is within us.

We cannot clearly hear from Him amidst the chaos that sometimes surrounds us (or that we allow to surround us)…we need to sometimes physically escape just to be still before Him.

Once you and I get into the regular habit of being still, it will become more like breathing…it will become more natural and a part of our day-to-day walk and journey. 

So…

Are you going through a hard time… Be Still…and know…

Are you facing a financial crisis… Be Still…and know…

Are you going through a health crisis…Be Still…and know…

Are you having an identity or self-worth crisis… Be Still…and know…

Are you unclear on what direction you’re to head… Be Still…and know…

No matter what you’re facing today, be still, cease striving to do it on your own and seek Him because you know He is God. He will be exalted through your life as you are a part of the nations and He will be exalted throughout the earth.  

A prayer for you and I:

Heavenly Father, Help us to be still…and know. Help us to hold every anxious thought captive. Help us to be better at building “be still” time with you so that we may hear your voice through our times with you through prayer and your Word and through the proclamation of the Word through our local church gatherings. Help us to fight back the chaos in our life that comes our way or that we allow to be a part of it. Help us to live wholeheartedly for you walking in the truth that You alone are our strength and have it all together! Let us be your ambassadors and may we help exalt and make your name great among the nations. In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen.  

Be blessed friends…by being still...and knowing He is God...

In His Love and for His Glory,

rlk

Happy 20th Anniversary My Love!

I've heard it said that "Love does not consist of merely gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction."

20 years ago today my love and I began a journey of looking forward together in the same direction.

So far, we've seen many good times and times of trials and it's amazing to look back and see all that we've been through & that God has brought us through!

All of these things have made us stronger and we've been blessed many times over together as well as through the 5 children God has blessed us with!

It goes without saying that I married UP! :-)

I married a strong, independent, intelligent lady who is beautiful inside and out. She has a great sense of humor (for those have taken time to get to know her know this) is very feisty in her own way and she’s continued to blossom even more in the 22 years I've been blessed to know her!

In 20 years of marriage she has helped me be a better man, husband, dad and friend and I look forward to continuing to look forward together in the adventure and journey that still lies ahead.

Happy Anniversary Angela my love!

What do you value?

Here's a sobering reflection to kick your week off with...

What do you value most now? & What will you value at the end of your life?

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you seek out the answer to these questions.

Blessings,

rlk

60 Is just a number but it’s now a goal...my goal!

This post is a bit of a departure from my other past posts but it’s an even more personal one that I am sharing here.

I believe in some shape or form we all set goals for ourselves.  I set goals all the time and now I have decided to set another goal but this one is one of the most important goals I’ve set for myself. 

For many years I’ve been working, albeit slowly and with varying successes, to get back into shape – to be where I want to be health wise.

For quite a while in my younger days I did A LOT of things. I was a three sport guy, was involved in music, was in several drama productions and much more. At one point I suffered an injury in which I separated my shoulder and snapped the ligament in two places which effectively, per the Dr.’s advice ended my athletic involvement. I still did things like backpacking, riding my bike and walking but I became overall less active and it started impact me…and many years later I am where I don’t want to be.

I’ve had some really good successes over the years in achieving my various health goals and then I’ve had setbacks too.

I also realize that some who know me must assume I eat all day long – or just eat a ton, well, although I do have the capacity to chow down with the best of them, to the contrary, one of my biggest problems is that I skip too many meals and that bad habit coupled with others has influenced where I am today health wise.

I also know that I’ve been the “punch line” to several jokes over the years, which of course, I cannot control other people’s mouths (although sometimes I’d like to physically do so) :-) , but I’d rather not be the punch line anymore. 

Some days I’ve felt shame for not being at my best but no more because God and my family love me anyway so no more shame game…I’m just going to work at being a physically better me! 

So, here it is… My goal today and going forward is to work at losing 60 pounds over the next 2 years or less if possible. 60 pounds that I believe I need to shed in order to be at my personal best. I want to do it and I know I can do it but it’s going to take hard work!

I want to continue to be physically strong but in a more shall we say, streamlined package. :-) LOL.

This goals is sort of selfish but in a good way because I want to do it for myself as I want to look and feel my best – but I also want to look better for my wife and set an example for my kids, friends, colleagues and those I serve and serve with and equally important have even more capacity to serve my Creator according to His will, purpose and plan!  :-)

I also know that even though I own and will be daily owning  this goal every step of the way as I’ll be the one to physically do the work to get there, I believe I will be even more successful with the support and prayers of my family and friends!  

So, please pray for me! Please encourage me along the way. Please send me words of motivation and inspiration. Don’t judge me for my failures and celebrate with me at the milestones along the way…an occasional hi-five would be awesome when you see some of the results/progress being made.

I also realize and believe in order to get there I need to plan and have…

Adequate and regular caloric intake.  I list this first because I know for me it means no more skipping meals and being more intentional about what I choose to fuel myself with. Some days I’ll skip lunch, breakfast and lunch, etc. but that is really bad. With this, I also need to “unlearn” many of the bad habits I picked up transitioning from one sport season to the next…bulking up for one and starving myself and rapidly losing weight for another helped me learn really bad habits.

Adequate water intake.  Don’t allow myself to be dehydrated and just make sure I’m drinking water every day that my body needs anyway.

Adequate sleep. Work on getting more sleep as I need rest to reach my goals.

Adequate exercise.  In the gym, neighborhood and in the outdoors – challenge myself to find fun and varying ways to regularly exercise.

Adequate spiritual, intellectual and emotional care.  All three of these areas are important to me reaching the goal I’ve set and maintaining once I reach the goal and from my own experience they strike a meaningful balance in my life and I know when they are not balanced…I make less progress in multiple areas of my life.

Adequate Prayer, Encouragement and Support.  Again, I will be doing the work but I believe I will be even more successful

So, 60 is just a number but it’s now my goal and I’d really appreciate your prayers and encouragement along the way!

If you’re heading toward your goals, you can count on me to do the same for you!

Thank you in advance for your prayers!

All the best,
rlk


60#s, Health, Goals, Prayer,

The Keys to Happiness

Hello!
 
Here's something to think about today:

Apart from God..."Don't put the keys to your happiness in someone else's pocket." -Unknown

A Prayer for us: 

Lord, please help us to find our happiness in who You are and who we are in you! Help us to not allow others in our lives to dictate our happiness or worth. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 

Hope you're having a blessed day.

Blessings,
rlk

A Prayer for Casting Our Anxieties on our Father

A wise pastor friend, Pastor Frank Emrich,  shared this prayer and I wanted to share it with you as well as anxiety is real and we need to continue to cast our anxieties upon the Lord.

A Prayer for Casting Our Anxieties on Our Father
From: Scotty Smith

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Dear heavenly Father, I slept well last night, but I awoke restless and antsy. I know you tell us not to be anxious about anything (Phil. 4:6), but, honestly, I am feeling a bit anxious.

Sunrise has yet to happen, yet I’m already looking forward to moonrise. Thank you for freeing us, your beloved children, from pretending otherwise. At least I’m not anxious about surprising, embarrassing, or disappointing you. The gospel has taken care of that old bondage and slavery. I know that you love us with an everlasting, unwavering love—no matter what is going on inside of us.

What’s my restlessness about? There’s really nothing enormous looming on the horizon—no major crisis staring me down8, no boulder I’m assigned to push up a hill, like Sisyphus. It’s just one of those Fridays where I find myself looking at seventeen little backpacks of needs, issues, and hurting hearts lined up at my front door, waiting to be picked up.

So what will I do with my restless, fitful, anxious feelings? Father, I would surely despair if I didn’t really believe you care for me. That would be the one unbearable burden. But please help me know what anxiety casting actually looks like today, and over the next several busy days.

Of these things I am certain: you’re not calling me to be the fourth member of the Trinity; I’m not the whole body of Christ; you do promise sufficient grace; you will give wisdom to those who ask; and your strength is made perfect in weakness—in my weakness.

Father, show me which of the seventeen backpacks I’m to pick up first; which ones don’t really have my name on them at all; and which ones will just have to wait, as you give me grace not to give into my people-pleasing idol.

As you have promised, please send your transcendent peace to guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:7). Help me to live today at the pace of grace. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ trustworthy and triumphant name. -Scotty Smith

The Spiritual Barometer of your life

Hello,

Here's a great and very practical reminder via a quote from James Gleason, the pastor of Sonrise Church in Hillsboro, Oregon and then a prayer for you from my heart to you, praying over our lives:

"The barometer of your future spiritual life is all about the things you actually participate in spiritually." -James Gleason  

In order to grow spiritually you and I have to actually put out the effort to do so through doing the right things such as reading/studying our Bibles, Giving of our time, talents, finances. Communicating with God through prayer.  Engaging in the family of Christ through corporate worship, fellowship and things like small groups or serve teams. There isn't a magic bullet to growth but all these things mentioned here and more contribute greatly to our spiritual growth and we should include them in our walk and journey with the Lord. Not in a legalistic way but as a practical way just like we nourish ourselves physically, we ought to be nourishing ourselves spiritually as well!  

There are many things we can devote ourselves to but let us be found devoting ourselves to the things that are lasting and truly impact eternity such as our spiritual growth!

My Prayer for you and I:
Lord, through the help of Your Holy Spirit please help us invest our time each day in doing the right things that will help us grow in wisdom, knowledge, grace, love, maturity and most of all - bring You glory. Help us to grow in every way possible. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Blessings in Christ,

rlk

#truth #wisdom #life

Consecration to Jesus

Hello,

Hope you had a fantastic Easter / Resurrection Sunday! 

As you continue to celebrate His resurrection, check out this Powerful spoken word! 

Have a great week ahead!
Many Blessings,
rlk
#word #wisdom #truth