Starting Each Day With Fresh Faith.

My Friend,

Just as God's mercies are new every morning, we need to rise up each day to greet those new mercies with fresh faith in The Lord fueled by the power of The Holy Spirit.

It's through faith that we're justified and it's through faith that we have access to His grace and its faith in Jesus that we can have and know true hope. (See Romans 5:1-5)

It's also by faith that we have assurance in and through Him and helps us fully live life as we put our faith into action just like many who have gone before us. (See Hebrews 11)

We need to have constant faith and the faith you had yesterday was for that day really and each day we need to have faith for each new day He provides us as we walk with Jesus.

To walk by faith requires you to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and not the crashing waves that seem to be appearing around you.

Let me encourage you to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus my friend and keep walking by faith and living with fresh faith relying on Him day-by-day.

Take time to read, study, and take to heart Romans 5:1-5 and Hebrews 11 for starters and seek to start each day with fresh faith.

Your Brother and Servant in Christ,

Randolph Koch

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

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Thanks and many blessings!

The A Shepherd's Heart Team

P.S. A Shepherd's Heart is not a 501c(3) organization so again, this is a friends helping a friend endeavor such as helping an individual missionary.

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

No, You Can't Have Your Own Truth.

My friend,

We live in a time where The Truth is under attack. A time where the world thinks the truth is for sale, that the truth is "relative" (no absolute truths), where people are really big on proclaiming that they live by "their truth" and that you should live by "your truth". From a secular perspective, it may seem appealing but is it really truth and where does it end?

The truth always leads us somewhere and it should bring about lasting change and boundaries to live by but I'm not convinced that the world's "truth" is really the truth.

The truth today it's less about truth and more about people thinking their opinion is the truth no matter how untrue and baseless what they are saying is.

In "living their truth" it often seems like they are trying to somehow justify a ton of sinful behaviors, push baseless claims, and again to push an opinion which doesn't really equate to "truth". Basically, it's a "leave me alone with "my truth (opinions)" and "however I want to live my life no matter what" viewpoint.

To be 100% clear, while we all have opinions, there is no your truth, my truth, or their truth. There are only opinions and The Truth and The Truth will set you free, not keep you in bondage.

Furthermore, you can try to live "your truth" and they can try to live "their truth" but in the end, it will lead to destruction because it's not The Truth.

Let me remind and encourage you that as followers of Christ, we are to live by God's Truth which is The Truth and as we do, we are also to speak The Truth in love.

As we pursue The Truth, let me also encourage you to make sure that in sharing your opinions and taking in other opinions, to pray and then check it against the lens of Truth which is God's Word, before you communicate it or take in the opinions of others.

May we make it our prayer that we would be led by and live by God's Truth through The Holy Spirit always in Jesus’ name and may we never be swayed by or buy into "truth" of this world.

You're in my prayers.

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) 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

#faith #hope #truth #love #wisdom #life #Jesus #jesusistheway #Bible #GodsWord

#heart #mind #soul #ashepherdsheart

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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#faith #hope #truth #love #wisdom #life #Jesus #transformation #Bible #GodsWord

#heart #mind #soul #strength

#bibletime #biblestudy #dailybible #HolySpirit #christianblogger

#faithblogger

#bibleinspiration #oldtestament #newtestament #encouragement #Christian #Christianity #Christfollower #ashepherdsheart #livelifeonpurpose #reshare

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

#memorization #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #Jesus #Bible #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #HolySpirit #encourage #encouragement #Christian #Christianity #Christfollower #ashepherdsheart #livelifeonpurpose #reshare #faithblogger #love #ashepherdsheart
 

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2 Questions For Introspection Especially For Men

Hello Men (and everyone as you can glean from this too),

Here are Two Questions for your Introspection:

1. What are you doing for yourself (and your wife) to grow in your relationship with the Lord?

2. What are you doing to grow in your relationship with your wife?

I asked these questions to a young married guy recently, (and I'm asking myself) for their own benefit and thought I'd pass them along as it is something we can glean from whether married or not.

These are two of the areas The Lord impressed upon me and they require intentional regular recalibration or pause to take inventory of our lives needed especially in these areas.

I encourage you to ask yourself these questions at least periodically and in prayer to The Lord. Then, make an action plan to improve and also give thanks for the progress you are making in your life around these areas!

Now, if you're a wife and reading this, first off, don't "elbow your husband", lol but do pray for him, possibly share this post, and then insert "wife" in each place "husband" is mentioned.

For everyone, if you're not married you might ask yourself:

1. What are you doing for yourself to grow in your relationship with the Lord?

2. What are you doing to grow in your relationship with others?

We all have to own our own growth and our part of relationships, especially in marriage.

You are 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

Go Where The True Gospel Is Preached!

My Friend,

So many today in the church forget that gathering together is not about the building, or the entertainment, pro music, and feel good messages that may tickle the ears.

These may seem nice for a short while but you won't be challenged to grow in your walk with Christ and long term, places like this just churn out baby Christians who stay baby Christians.

Let me encourage and challenge you to make it a priority to be a part of a local church that preaches the true Gospel and the whole counsel of God's Word.

Be a part of a local church that keeps Jesus and God's Word in the center of all they do.

Don't settle for anything else!

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

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

Who Is This King Of Glory?

My Friend,

No matter what you're facing today, no matter if you're having a bad or good day, take a moment to pause.

Pause to remember that no matter what you're facing today, The Lord Your God is THE King of glory and He is Strong and Mighty.

He is mighty in battle and goes before you and is with you no matter how big or small your battles are!

May this Biblical truth from Psalm 24:8 refresh your soul, calm your mind and emotions, encourage you, and recalibrate your thinking.

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

Created For His Glory

My Friend,

Did you know that you were created for God's glory and you can bring Him glory?
 
Everything that God created is from Him and for Him, His glory, purpose, will, and plan.
 
The whole earth is full of His Glory! (See Isaiah 6:3)
 
I've heard it well said that, “God’s glory is the perfect harmony of all his attributes.”-John Piper

So, His glory is a reflection of His attributes which we cannot fully comprehend in your finite minds. 

As we live this life that He's given us, may we always remember that we should strive to live for His glory in what we do and seek to bring Him glory with the help of The Holy Spirit.

 
Let me encourage you to do a word study through The Scriptures on Glory / His Glory to see what He says about this.
 
Your Brother and Servant in Christ,
Randolph Koch

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Beware Of Pride.

My Friend,

This world is so full of pride and arrogance sometimes. So much so that it's sickening. We see it all over the TV, social media, pretty much everywhere you turn.

Sadly, some in the church are very prideful to the point they no longer represent Jesus, rather, they only seek their own gain and fame.

I'm reminded of Proverbs 16:18 where we're instructed that pride comes before destruction or in some versions it says it comes before the fall.

In other words, if your life is full of pride and you head down that path, you are heading toward destruction and you are not representing Jesus well as His ambassador.

None of us are immune to pride. We are prideful intentionally or unintentionally. We need to not be like the world. I'm not talking about a general "taking pride in what you do" rather, I'm talking about true pride and arrogance. I think we all know the difference between pride and humility.

Be careful how you communicate. Be careful how you respond to others. Be careful how you post and what you post on. Even in the name of "truth" we can be arrogant.

As they say, "check yourself before you wreck yourself." Pause before you respond to someone or post something and ask The Holy Spirit if your heart has any pride or arrogance in it through what you're about to say or do?

Always remember Who you represent and strive daily to do it well and by doing so, you will honor Him and continue down the right path.

Seek humility instead of pride even in speaking the truth.

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

#ashepherdsheart #faith #Christian #Christianity #Christfollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #nopride #destruction #humility