Saturday, April 28, 2007

RLK Ministries Update: 10 Year Anniversary!











Although this is more of my personal / ministry Blog, I wanted to share the following message with you that I sent to my ministry partners.

God Bless, Randolph Koch

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Dear Partners in Ministry,

In April of 1997 God started a work that you've come to know as RLK Ministries. This month we celebrate our 10 Year Anniversary! It's exciting times and we plan on continuing to build upon the foundation the Lord has built as He leads!

In celebration of our anniversary we'll be making some new additions to our web site in the weeks to come.

Here are a few items that are in the works:

Support Page:

In order to keep you abreast of what ministry services/projects we're currently working on, as well as resources and financial needs we have, this page will simply list these items. We'll eventually have information on this page so those who are led can give online. In sum, this page will keep you up to date regarding specific short term and ongoing ministry needs so you're aware of them and can pray and contribute as God leads.

Living Stones Page:

In the Old Testament, each time God did something significant He had the people build an altar, made of stones/rocks, or sometimes it was simply a large pile of rocks, to commemorate what He had done and this memorial was for their sake and for future generations to see.

We likewise can build a memorial of God's goodness, deliverance, and grace "one stone or rock at a time". This will be a place (possibly connected with a BLOG of the same name) where people can share their story, share a special blessing or encouragement from the Lord and, be encouraged, built up, and blessed by what God has done!

In sum, anything that points to and gives glory to God will be considered for posting as each item is significant and should be another rock of remembrance for all to see.

If you have something to share please submit your story for thoughtful review and consideration via e-mail to
livingstones@rlkministries.org . You'll be notified if your submission has been selected to post on the page.

Audio and Downloadable resources:

We plan on adding more audio resources in the future and we also plan on adding more presentations, training material, and other useful resources for study as well as other practical items.

Links:

We'll be adding more links to the site to a variety of Christian and other resources. We'll be adding links for kids as well and plan on including some of our kid's favorite online places.

In addition to the web updates, I'm looking forward to restarting the Devotional Starters after a several month hiatus. I'm also seeking various other ministry/pastoral service opportunities wherever God wills.

Many of you have been with us since the beginning of this ministry and I want to express what a blessing it has been to serve you and the Lord!

No matter what direction God takes us, I/We want to be found faithful to His call.

Thank you for partnering with us through your prayers, encouragement and support!

We look forward to another 10 plus years of serving you and the Lord through this ministry!

In Christ Alone and For His Glory,

Your Brother and Servant,

Randolph L. Koch

Address: RLK Ministries C/O Randolph Koch - 6796 SE Sweet Meadow Lane, Hillsboro, Oregon 97123

Web: www.rlkministries.org

Saturday, March 03, 2007

A New Creation



Dear Family In Christ,

I hope this message finds you well. If you've been on regular distribution of past messages from this ministry, you may have noticed that I haven't shared/written, (especially any Devotional Starters) in quite some time.

I've wanted to write but it seems that it has had to take the back seat for a while because of life, work, and various other ministry activity which at times has me feeling like I've spread myself too thin. Through much prayer, I'm working with the Lord's help to begin changing things so I can get back the fundamental things that He wants me to focus on when He set me on this journey which we know as "RLK Ministries / A Shepherd's Heart" almost 10 years ago now.

Like any believer we want our lives to be filled with God's best for our lives and that doesn't always include what we may think is best for our lives. :-) He is God, we are not, and His ways are better than ours.


A New Creation-

Over the past few days, the following passage came to mind again and I wanted to share briefly on this in lieu of a regular Devotional Starter:

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." ~2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)

Have you ever stopped to ponder how much has changed in your life since you came to Christ? Although it's not always apparent to us or sometimes by the example of how we live, however, you and I have become brand new in Christ! Our old life has passed away and He's given us a new life, a new future in Him! It's a beautiful thing to be in Christ!

I was also reminded that life doesn't always seem beautiful or new does it? Sometimes life and our walk with Christ seems to be a little less shiny and new because we've placed other things in the way like our feelings, emotions, or other things and because life is just too busy at times.

What I long fore more of and what I pray we all long for, is more of Christ. More of the newness that we once had but the years have taken from us, or rather, we've allowed them to take from us.

We need to pray each day for God's glory that the shiny newness of life in Him will be there not just emotions but the burning passion for the life He has for us and a deeper desire to know and live out His will. I don't know about you but I want to wake up more often with the same excitement and zeal I had when I first began to walk with Him.

Don't get me wrong, I have excitement and zeal but I want it to be more like a huge bonfire rather than a birthday candle! Hopefully you see my meaning. :-)

Let's pray for one another that we'd continue to walk in the newness he's given us in Him and encourage each other to do the same. How can we do this, well, lets simply begin by getting back to the basics with the discipleship tools He's given us and to name a few:

The Word of God - Spend adequate time reading, studying, memorizing it so you'll hear from Him and find further direction for your life.
Prayer - Approach the throne of Grace more often - get into your prayer closet and communicate with the One who knows and loves you the most so you can hear from Him.
Worship - worship Him with your life and worship Him through song as He's worthy of our praise and your life should be evidence of this!
Church- God has called us to not forsake meeting together to be instructed in His Word and operate as part of the body of Christ. We need the fellowship of other believer's centered around Jesus Christ and The Word of God. We aren't created to go it alone. If you're not currently a part of a Bible centered / Christ Centered Church, get out of bed or off your easy chair this Sunday and begin seeking the local church body He wants to be a part of.
Ministry- Find out how God wants you to serve Him, how He wants to use you according to the gifts and talent He's given you. Again, God and the Body of Christ need you so be engaged in God's plan which you're a part of. Don't cheat yourself, God, or the Body of Christ by not using your gifts and talents to minister to and serve Christ.

Here are some thoughts that came to mind and you may consider:

1. When was the last time you thanked God for your new life in Christ?
2. Have you prayed that God would help you live in that newness, for His glory?
3. How regularly are you spending time with God in studying His Word and through prayer?
4. Do you desire to live out your new life in Christ?
5. What is the new life? What does the scripture say about this?
6. Are you regularly seeking to worship God with your life as well as through song?
7. Are you seeking to memorize portions of scripture?
8. Are you serving God in some way in each area of your life? (Work, Church, Home, out in your community)
9. What can you do now to further live out your new life in Christ and maybe recapture the passion for God and the things of the Lord you once had?


May God bless you much. I hope this will be an encouraging reminder that God has made you new and given you a new life to live for Him!

Finally, Please pray for me as I prayerfully seek God and assess what He wants me to focus on and what He wants me to cut back on all together. Thanks!

Your Brother and Servant,

Randolph Koch

 

Friday, February 09, 2007

Bibles for the PDA and Blackberry



Thought I’d pass on some useful information in regard to a few of the available Bibles for PDA’s (Like the Palm Pilot) and Blackberry devices. Some of the sites also include versions for the Pocket PC as well.

If you’re on a limited budget, you and I probably would like to find things at no cost or low cost if possible so the following selections offer free and other low cost alternatives in a variety of Bible Versions.

Bibles for the PDA:

Bible+ Application:
http://palmbibleplus.sourceforge.net/ You’ll have to download and install/sync the Bible Plus software first of course and then you can install/sync the Bible version of your choice.

Bibles for Bible+:
http://palmbibleplus.sourceforge.net/bibles.htm

Since the translation I typically utilize wasn't available for free (Mainly NASB) I ended up downloading the ESV which is another great translation and very similar in reading and accuracy.

There are also numerous other versions available including the KJV.

The program so far is working very well for me and with the version I downloaded, it's feature rich with search functions, book marking, and if you have more than one version loaded, you can split the screen to study/compare them side by side.

It’s a very well done program and Free unless you choose to purchase a not for free Bible version to go with it.

Bible for the Blackberry Device:

If you have a Blackberry there a Bible versions for the Blackberry out there from what I understand. I did a search and most of the software companies that offer Bibles for the Palm Pilot also offer them for the Blackberry. (I.E. OliveTree and Laridian)

I don't have a blackberry myself but I learned that if you point your Blackberry to the following link:
http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/mobile/ you can read the entire Bible without having to download software.

Check it out if you have a moment sometime and let me know how it works as it would be great to share with all those Blackberry users out there.

Also I found the following for Blackberry users: http:pda.mobible.org or
http://pda.mobible.org/ this has 4 different versions of the Bible. (NIV, KJV, ASV, and WEB I believe)

For the PDA and Blackberry there are other offerings out there, just do a Google search to see what they are.

Now if anyone hears of a Free Bible on CD or MP3 let me know as I’d like to upgrade from a cassette version. I’d like to get the NASB or ESV on CD or MP3.


Take care and I hope one of the above helps you if you have a PDA or Blackberry!

Friday, January 26, 2007

Snow

Hope you’re doing well.

Recently it’s been snowy where I live.

On one particular day I had a fun afternoon with my kids as well as the rest of the neighborhood kids playing in the snow. I seem to always be the target for some reason, probably because I was the only “adult” out there playing and of course my kids enjoy pounding me with snow. :-) It was a blast!

I wanted to share this great thought a friend sent to my wife and others as it provides something wonderful for us to ponder again or maybe for the first time.

Here it is:

(Quote)

"Snow" thought for the day: Have you ever driven through a town or neighborhood and noticed the places that are old and run down? Unkept and really trashed? Those places that I'm sure lower the values of the properties or businesses around them? You know what I am talking about.

Well, try driving by them today...even in your mind...I bet they look different...even beautiful! The snow has a way of making everything look beautiful.

Isn't that true of us? There are places in each one of us...worn down, unkept, trashed...places that may even appear to decrease our value, but the precious blood of Jesus covers those places and makes us beautiful. “Whiter than snow” in fact!

(Unquote)

I so appreciate the reminders that God so lovingly provides us! With the snow here and now for many of us, let us remember that His love, His blood covers us and is sufficient and completely covers our sin.


"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD."
"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…”
~ Isaiah 1:18a-c


"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." ~1 Peter 4:8

His Love is amazing!

Have a blessed day!

Friday, December 22, 2006

A Christmas Story - by Unknown


Merry Christmas!

I wanted to wish you and yours a very Wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

As a "gift" for you I decided to record a story I've seen floating around via e-mail the past few years.

It's a story essentially about "It's better to give than to receive" involving one family helping another and you can listen to it by clicking on the following link:

A Christmas Story

Hope you enjoy it! Feel free to share it with others if you like.

Looking forward to serving you in the new year!

God Bless, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Randolph Koch

Monday, December 18, 2006

Mary Did You Know?


The Word:

Read: Luke 1:26-38


"Mary Did You Know?" by Randolph Koch

I often wonder if we can fathom how Mary must have felt, or what was going through her mind as the angel came to explain what God had chosen her to do? Then he departed from her and she was left to take in all that she just heard. This angel, sent by God, came to tell Mary that she would bear a son, God's Son to be exact. He would be conceived by the Holy Spirit. Isn't it amazing that God chose to do such a thing for us so we would have an opportunity to be with Him for an eternity through His son? (see John 3:16)

I think it is safe to say that Mary didn't understand one hundred percent what having God's Son implied to herself and mankind. Just think about it for a moment, she was to have "God's" Son. The One and only true God's Son. This Son was and had been from all eternity. He was to humble Himself to become as man to enter this world as a lowly baby that Mary would give birth to and care for. He was the one whom the prophets foretold would come. She would have to change Him, feed Him, love Him, and keep Him warm. He would grow up not only in size and age but also in wisdom and knowledge. This child would one day perform many signs and miracles from feeding 5,000 people with a few fish and loaves of bread to walking on water and calming the raging sea with His voice. He would heal many people and reach out to those who would normally be rejected and ignored. He would prove that He was the way the truth and the life. This was the Messiah, the One that everyone had been waiting for. He would be rejected, mistreated, ridiculed and finally killed at the hands of the people whom He came to save. He would die on behalf of Mary and all mankind because of the wages of our sin and separation from God. He was the one who had come to save all of mankind. I can’t help but wonder if Mary had any idea that this baby she gave birth to came to give her new life? He was her deliverer and yours and mine. He is the indescribable gift from God that the scripture spoke of.

No, I don't think that we can humanly comprehend all of what God has done and neither could Mary or Joseph for that matter. Even knowing this, look at what Mary said after the Angel was done speaking to her in verse 38. She may not have understood all of the implications but she was obedient to do what God wanted her to do. No matter if we completely understand or not, I pray that we would have the same willingness to serve Him. What a glorious time of year that we can give glory to God for what He has done for us as He entered the world as a lowly baby.

Questions To Get Started With:


No Questions. Instead I suggest spending time giving glory to God in your prayer times, re-reading this weeks passage, and read Luke 1:46-56 focusing on what Mary says in these verses.



Friday, December 15, 2006

The Long Awaited One


The Word:

Read:
Luke 2:21-35
Additional Reading: Micah 5:2-4


“The Long Awaited One” by Randolph Koch

Imagine if you had to wait an entire lifetime to attain a goal. This would take patience and determination. Today, in the “I want it here and right now” world we live in, this might not go over too well. Personally speaking, even as I write this, many things come to mind that I've waited for and with some of these things I’ve honestly been waiting for many years for God to open the doors He’s clearly been preparing to lead me through. Let me say, this hasn’t been easy at times and has been very frustrating sometimes. Yet, I keep waiting and keeping my faith and trust in Him as I know He’s preparing the way. He keeps reminding me that it will happen in His will and in His timing- not mine. I look forward to the day when the door swings wide-open for me.


Now, place yourself in Simeon’s shoes for a minute. He was an older and very devout man that the Holy Spirit was working through. It was revealed to him through The Spirit that he would not die before he would see the Messiah. Simeon had literally been waiting his whole life to see Jesus Christ, the Son of God come to Bethlehem as the prophets of old foretold. Then after Jesus was born and circumcised and the days of purification were completed according to the Law, Mary and Joseph made their way to the temple to present Jesus to the Lord. Simeon saw the baby Jesus and took Him with joy into his arms, held Him and said the following words:

"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."
-Luke 2:29-32

The long awaited One had arrived! Simeon’s wait was over! We can only imagine the sheer joy, wonder, and awe he must has experienced as he held in his very arms the One whom God had sent as Savior of the world!

Possibly you’ve been waiting your whole life for something that you just couldn’t place your finger on? Jesus is the One who you’ve been missing and honestly, He’s been waiting for you to realize your need for Him. Please seek Him now while you still have time to receive His gift.

Maybe you have Him now and have received Him but have forgotten what a gift He is? It’s not too late to enter back in re-committing yourself to live for Him, His purpose and plan. It’s never too late to turn away from complacency and bad habits. Even if you feel that you’ve forsaken and completely turned away from Him, it’s never too late to return to Him as His arms are wide open waiting for you to come to Him.

Whatever your situation is, run to him and cling to Him because the long awaited One, Jesus Christ, is waiting for you and came to earth on your behalf for your salvation!

Questions To Get Started With:

-Have you received His gift of salvation yourself?
-Have you been missing something in your life that you can’t quite place your finger on? Have you considered that Jesus Christ is who you’ve been missing?
-If you’re a Christian, have you become complacent in your faith and relationship with Him? If so, do you know what you need to do to get back what you once had with your Savior?
-This Christmas, will you celebrate the true meaning and reason for Christmas?



Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Thanksgiving


Read: Colossians 3:15-17

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday each year in the United States it provides us with a time to reflect on God’s goodness toward each of us, and gives us time to offer thanksgiving to Him. If we were to put ourselves to the task of focusing on what we are thankful for, I am sure that the list would be endless. Think about this for a minute and look at your life and all that is around you. What can you thank the Lord for? It seems a lot easier to focus on what we don’t have or our circumstance than simply thanking God, doesn’t it? You may be reading this from somewhere other than the United States, but you can still have a day (really everyday) that you set aside to thank God.

In America we tend to forget that the first Thanksgiving, and the history surrounding that time period, is vital if not the most important part of our country’s heritage. So important that we need to teach our children, family, friends, etc. about the importance of it. I really believe that Thanksgiving represents the beginning of our freedom to worship the Lord our God along with many other freedoms we have here in America! I know that at times it doesn’t seem that we have total freedom, but we do. This is especially true compared to those in other countries. We can own a Bible to read, study, and share with others. We can attend church pretty much anywhere we please. The list goes on and on. I also think of the true hardships that the Pilgrims went through in order to flee persecution and to make a new start here in what was to become a new nation! Every time we open our Bible and worship in freedom we should do it with thanksgiving to the Lord and in a sense in memory of those that fought for what we now so easily take for granted: freedom. It is not what we deserve but we have been blessed with it from the depths of God’s amazing grace and love. Let’s not forget that we have freedoms that others have not been blessed with. Let us be grateful and not misuse these blessings. I often wonder why sometimes it takes a holiday for many of us to remember to thank God for what we have been richly blessed with. This holiday isn’t merely a day to indulge in the wonderful feasts. It’s not just another day to spend watching sporting events on TV or the many parades. It is truly a day we can take advantage of and use to focus on thanking God. Globally as believers, we all can have a "Thanksgiving" everyday as we remember all that God has done and is continuing to do in our lives. I am grateful as a believer who lives in America, that we have a day set-aside in remembrance of Thanksgiving. I pray that everyone will come to know the true meaning of Thanksgiving and that we’ll show our gratitude to God everyday no matter where we may be.

Now for everyone that might be facing hard times and feel that you have nothing to be thankful for, or that you are alone; always remember that there is someone facing those hard times with you. Jesus is always there in the good and the bad times so you are not alone! I know first hand that this is very hard to remember when we are in the midst of our struggles. It is so good to know that the Lord is always with us. Let it also be a reminder for us that we are to be thankful in all things. Again, no matter what our circumstances. This Thanksgiving I pray that you’ll have a wonderful time reflecting with much thanksgiving and joy. I also pray that you’ll come away with a renewed and fresh perspective on God’s great love and goodness that He has for you and everyone on the face of the earth.

Questions To Get Started With:

-Do you have an attitude of thanksgiving?
-Do you have a grateful spirit?
-Do you make thanking God a priority?
-Do you lift up praises to Him on a regular basis?



Wednesday, October 25, 2006

David Harsh's New Album - Available 11/18/06!



At the end of July you may recall a post where I shared with you about a phenomenal minister of music named David Harsh.

I'm excited to let you know David has a new Album being released on 11/18/06!!

David is an independent minister/artist and in support of his ministry I wanted to forward the following information on to you with hope that you'll also pray regularly for his ministry!

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Click here to read about how the album was recorded:

http://www.davidharsh.com/NewAlbum.html

Click the following link to pre-order until October 31st:

http://www.davidharsh.com/PreOrder.html

Hear Sound clips from the new album via the following link:

http://www.davidharsh.com/SoundClips.html

Come to the CD Release Concert on November 18!

To celebrate the release of the new album, David will be performing a one-of-a-kind full-length concert, where he will play all 14 songs from the album. Here are the details for the concert…

David Harsh CD Release Concert
Saturday, November 18, 2006
6:00 p.m. – CDs available for the first time
7:00-9:30 p.m. – Concert

Sammamish Presbyterian Church
22522 NE Inglewood Hill Road Sammamish, WA 98074

A freewill offering will be taken, and all ages are welcome.

Childcare WILL BE PROVIDED for children under the age of 5, but you must pre-register with Karen Smith by November 10, either via e-mail (karensmith@spconline.org) or by phone (425) 868-5186, ext. 116. There will be a $5.00 charge per child, with a maximum of $10.00 charged per family. Children ages 6 and over are encouraged to attend the concert with their parents.

The release concert is not a ticketed event, but we anticipate a packed house. If you want to get a seat, please arrive early. The sanctuary doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and there will be a 20-minute intermission.

More information about the CD release concert, as well as a MapQuest link, can be found by clicking here:

http://www.davidharsh.com/CDreleaseConcert.html

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Again, please pray and support David and Whitney Harsh's ministry as God leads.

God Bless, Your Brother and Servant, R.L.Koch

Thursday, October 19, 2006

12 Ways to Appreciate Your Pastor

I ran accross the following list of "12 Ways to Appreciate Your Pastor."

The list includes some practical ones to get you thinking about it and then a link to a list for further ideas on the Focus On The Family Pastoral Ministry web site.


Don't forget to encourage your pastor's this month!


12 Ways to Appreciate Your Pastor

When we look at our pastor or minister what do we see? A spiritual giant? Someone who can go it alone? Someone who works a day and a half a week? A servant of the congregation? Someone who does it all?

The truth is that clergy are real people with real families, dreams, needs, desires and gifts. And like all of us, they shine best in situations where they are appreciated and supported.

Here are a dozen ways you can bring out the best in your pastor:
  1. Write a note of appreciation
  2. Pray for your pastor regularly
  3. Stop the rumor mill
  4. Invite him or her out to lunch, golfing, or some other shared interest, without an agenda
  5. Offer to babysit the kids so pastor and spouse can have an evening together, even better, offer them a gift certificate to a restaurant they enjoy
  6. Honor his or her day off – allow time for rest, personal renewal and family time
  7. In times of loss, offer sympathy, care, practical help
  8. Consider holidays and other family days – if the pastor is far from their family of origin, invite them to your celebration – no strings attached
  9. Ask him or her how you can help and then follow through
  10. Tell him or her what you’ve learned from their sermon
  11. Go to http://parsonage.org/cam/index.cfm for ideas on how to celebrate your minister during Clergy Appreciation Month
  12. Consider a sabbatical time for your pastor and find a way to provide one as needed


Why not post this list somewhere and practice one a month? And pass it along to a friend.
As you get to know your clergy family, you’ll be able to add to this list.

Monday, October 16, 2006

OCTOBER is Clergy Appreciation Month!

Don’t forget to encourage the Pastoral Staff at your church during the month of October as it’s Clergy Appreciation Month!

Why not make time to simply send a note of thanks and encouragement to them?! This could be a huge encouragement to them as many times they only hear criticisms from people and we need to do all we can to help build them up instead of tearing them down! Or, maybe you can invite them out to lunch or dinner or bring them lunch or dinner sometime to bless and encourage them? The simplest of things can go a long way to encourage these faithful servants!

Many of our shepherd's numerous hours in service to you and the Lord so - please remember them this month.

Here’s a link to some of the information about this:
http://www.parsonage.org/cam/index.cfm

Seek The Lord today and ask Him to help you find a practical way to encourage and bless the Pastoral staff at your home church!

Friday, September 22, 2006

C.H.A.R.A.C.T.E.R. (Part 2 of 8) – Honesty













The Word:

Read: Acts 5:1-10
Additional Reading: Luke 8:17, Proverbs 10:9 (Read and Memorize both)

“Honesty” By Randolph Koch

There’s an old saying that goes, “Honesty is the best Policy.” This saying rings true and especially for those who are followers of Jesus Christ. If we’re dishonest, then we will definitely dishonor and misrepresent the Lord. We’ll also bring shame upon ourselves if we’re perpetually dishonest as our reputation will be built upon this. Once you lose trust from others it takes a lot of time to rebuild that trust.

Honesty and Integrity go hand in hand but time and time again maybe even in your own family, at work or on the news we’ve seen the broken relationships, the crumbling businesses, and even church splits all because of dishonesty and a lack of integrity. Then there are the infamous political seasons where you’re bombarded by candidate advertisements. You know, the constant mud slinging, some of the candidates twisting their background or the issues at hand for their own benefit and most of all they try to malign the character and credibility of their opponent as they spin a web of dishonesty. I personally loathe those seasons as it’s appalling and makes you wonder who you can really trust!

You may have heard of churches where someone on the staff or the board has embezzled money from the church and left the church in financial ruins. You may have also heard accounts of churches or specific ministries that have made false claims or promises of healing if “you’ll only send a certain amount of money” or they’ve performed supposed healings to later be found out to be a fake. This is tragic, and not only does it make the Church appear to be some kind of cheap side show but it also gives people false hope that is later dashed and ultimately these false profits and “healers” dishonor God! Whether they realize it or not, (although they should know because of the Word of God), they will be accountable to God for these things. Don’t get me wrong, God does heal people but we ought not cheapen this or misrepresent healing especially for our own personal gain!

There are many more examples that could be mentioned and maybe several come to mind for you but, the bottom line is that you need to understand that God knows your heart and sees all things so let us not think for a moment that we can fool Him or conceal anything! We can try to conceal it from man, not that we should, but we can’t conceal anything from God. That should really sober us up, especially if we’ve stepped into the habits of being dishonest.

In The Book of Acts God gives a clear example and instruction of honesty versus dishonesty regarding Ananias and his wife Sapphira. (See Acts 5:1-10.) People in the early church were selling some of their possessions including land and more and bringing the proceeds to the Apostles to use for the Lord’s work. Ananias and Sapphira devised a plan to sell their land and then secretly withhold some of the proceeds for themselves. Ananias brought the “offering” to the apostles and “somehow” they were found out. The Bible is clear that sin will be brought to light and in this case it was. The result of there dishonesty was that within the same day, within about a three hour span of time, both Ananias and Sapphira separately fell dead! It should be clear to us that God does not accept dishonesty and ought to be reminded of this and learn for the lesion in Acts. In other words, don’t be like Ananias and Sapphira. Stay honest in all you say and do and don’t withhold anything from the Lord that you know He tells you to give or to do for Him. Ananias obviously didn’t understand this and they paid heavily for it.

As you can see the character quality of honesty is very important especially for those who represent the Lord Jesus. Honesty, integrity, and love as well as many other qualities should be earmarks of the believer as others should associate these character qualities with us and we in turn should strive to reflect these qualities for the glory of God.

Questions to Get Started With:-Are you honest in your business practices?
-How about your tithes and offerings? Are you honest about these before the Lord? (Do you even need to think about whether your offerings should be off of Gross or net amounts?)
-Are you honest in your finances and do your best to live within your means?
-Are you honest on your resume about your experience and or education?
-Are you honest in what you say and do in your speech and how you represent or misrepresent yourself or others?
-How about taxes - do you cheat on your taxes?
-Do you have to confess to the Lord for areas in your life that you’ve been dishonest?
-Are there relationships or situations where you need to make amends for your dishonesty?

For Reflection:
Remember, God loves you no matter what! Because of His Holiness as well as His love and forgiveness that only He can give, He desires you strive to live a Holy and devoted life for Him! You need to be honest with Him and others no matter what!

For Further Study:

1- Do a Bible study on honesty and integrity.
2- From your Bible study, select a few verses about Honesty and Integrity and memorize them. (Then review them on at least a monthly basis as a great personal tool and reminder of the importance of Honesty and Integrity)
3- Pray and ask God to help you always be honest and live in integrity in every area of your life.