Sunday, July 13, 2008

A Journey of Grace



A Journey of Grace
By Randolph Koch

A few years ago my family and I spent a week at Nehalem Bay National Park on the Oregon Coast. We camped in a Yurt for almost a week and participated in an Outdoor school with a great group of people/families through a home school group we belong to. 


There was a pioneer theme during the week where the kids learned great information about the pioneers as well as made pioneer crafts and played pioneer/old fashioned games. There was also a daily chapel service where we took a look into the full armor of God. It was a great time all around! There was also a reoccurring theme through the week about grace, God’s grace and during that week as well as when I drove the family home, my mind drifted back to my personal journey of grace – the testimony of how I gratefully came to know Jesus Christ as my savior just two months after I graduated from High School when I was 19 years old. 


Everyone who has come to faith has their own story and in this post I wanted to share a brief glimpse into my journey of Grace, or rather my Journey toward God’s Amazing Grace. I’m hoping that something in this post will be of encouragement to you in your own journey right now as God can heal all your wounds as well – if you’ll allow Him in to do so. I also hope that for those who know or are getting to know me that this will help you get to know me a little better as well.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” ~Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB)
My journey began when I was a young child. I was first introduced to the things of God, who Jesus is, etc in the kindergarten and Sunday school at the church my family attended at the time. I remember those times very fondly as I enjoyed the lessons and music but did not truly know what I needed to do to really receive salvation and know God personally.

When I was just about six year old, my world seemingly came to a crashing halt as my siblings and I learned that my parents were getting divorced. I remember how confusing this was at that age because I had no Idea what this meant and at that time period it wasn’t very common but none-the-less it was happening and through the events of that divorce and the following years it began to shape who I am today. 


Once the divorce was in process my mom received custody of my siblings and I. Then unfortunately due to different family issues we were kicked out of the home my parents were renting from family members and at the time my mom as I recall was only working part-time and some how God saw us through.


About a year or so later, my mom remarried and life became a bit more stable for my siblings and I although relationships were strained at times as we all adjusted into a blended family. 


Visitations began with my biological dad about every-other-weekend and then after time it was once a month, and then from about 10 on it was a rare occurrence at all. A few years after he and my mom divorced he remarried and started a new family and they had 4 children of their own. Looking back now as an adult, after the visitations stopped it’s clear that not having my dad in my life took a toll on me because of his absence but also because of the emotional and physical scars that were created over the years from an early age on - which I will not go into detail here. 


I remember asking my mom many times as I grew up, “why doesn’t dad love me?” and she’d always, being a good mom that she is, say, “your dad loves you” but even though she said it, by his actions I knew it wasn’t so - even to this day. 


As a side note: I tried to have a relationship with my biological dad at various times over the years but it was clear each time that relationships cannot survive on a one-way effort and unfortunately he eventually told my siblings and I at one point to just move on with our lives. So it has seemed that we not only lost our dad but our siblings as well because we couldn’t fully have a relationship with them, (although I’ve always wanted to) because he wanted us to move on. I’m not sure what my siblings have been thinking over the years or what they’ve been told but, I can say that we, (my older brother and sister and I) never abandoned them and up to my early twenties, I made efforts to have relationships with them. I still have hope that one day, they will make efforts themselves as adults, if they want to, so we can have a relationship again. This additional loss has been hard because I’ve always wanted to have a good relationship with them, because I do love them, but life apparently doesn’t work out as we expect sometimes despite our efforts. 

Back to my journey…

When I was in Jr. High I was invited to attend church with a friend and for a while I did but even then I thought I was a Christian and that was because I thought by being “a good person” and doing “good” things that I would go to heaven because of what I had done and I’d learn later that this wasn’t the case.

I grew up with very low self esteem and I didn’t feel very worthy of love or friendship and as a matter of fact, I really didn’t know what love, true unconditional love was. I grew up feeling inferior a lot and I still struggle at times today with these same things and don’t process rejection very well either due to my life experiences although as an adult I’ve grown a lot in this area with God’s Help! I also bottled a lot of things up inside back then and didn’t share my thoughts, struggles, or feelings with anyone, which wasn’t and isn’t a wise thing to do. Why? Because it just made and makes things worse for me because of a long time battle with depression. Because of these things I probably made some mistakes in relationships, I think I had ruined some because of the “baggage” I was carrying around and still regret those things very much! 

Many that knew me back then, through Jr. High and High School never knew that I struggled with depression, low self-esteem or anything because I became very skillful at masking what was really happening inside me. I felt empty, hopeless and internally was in despair and my depression became so bad at one point during High School that I started thinking about and planning on how to end my life on many occasions. I actually went as far as starting to go forward with the plans but each time something, (I’d learn later on that it wasn’t a something but literally a Someone) stopped me from doing such a foolish thing! During this time of depression I quietly started seeing the school physiologist and it was then that my mom learned about my struggle because they called her. Everyone cared about was going on but unfortunately I didn’t fully come out of this darkness which largely I believe was influenced by my biological dads rejection of myself and my siblings. It also had to do with my own thoughts and skewed self-image and self-worth as well so I owned a lot of the darkness I went through because of my own destructive thoughts and actions. 

During the remaining years of high school things started to change for me as I began to have a longing in my life that nothing or no one could satisfy. Then towards the end of my Jr. Year in high school I began to work at a Ross Dress for Less store. It was there that God brought some new friends into my life and one in particular started sharing with me about the things of God. I began to attend church with him from time to time and he continued to share truths about the scriptures. 

Then my friend invited me out one night to grab a bite to eat and to further share with me about faith in Christ. I was nervous for some reason, maybe because I already thought I was a Christian, but it turned out to be a night that changed everything for me because I began a new life that summer night in August of 1989.

At one point that evening as we ate dinner at a Shari’s restaurant in Beaverton, Oregon, my friend shared with me simply about how God loved me and sent is son Jesus Christ to die in my place as the ultimate sacrifice for my sin and that if I repented, (repentance simply means to confess and turned away from your sin) that He would forgive me and that I would then be able to have a personal relationship with the Lord. He drew out a line diagram on a napkin that explained all of this in a few short minutes with verses. 

As he came to the end of what he shared it was like a “light bulb” went on in my head because everything just clicked and I knew at that moment what he shared was true – the answer to my hearts longing. He asked me if I would like to receive Christ myself and I said yes! Then we prayed and from that night on I began an adventure of faith which completed my initial Journey (As God had been drawing me to Himself all along) to or of faith as I received His salvation through faith and by His Grace and there was nothing I could do to earn salvation or a way to heaven myself!
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” ~Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB)
Flash forward to today, I’ve been through a lot even in my Christian walk but I’m still walking in this new adventure and journey and growing in grace, truth, and understanding and learning more and more how amazing God’s grace and love is! I’m no longer trying to perform a certain way to earn favor with God and I certainly try not to do it with people either because with God, I know He will always love me and will never forsake me unlike how people have done in the past. (See Hebrews 13:5) I already have His favor because of what Christ did, (He sacrificed Himself for all mankind) and continues to do in my life, (Helps me grow through His Holy Spirit’s Guidance and He intercedes for me to the Father) and furthermore I know He’s my heavenly Father and that ministers to me a lot because He said in His Word that I’m adopted as His son and I’ll be a part of His family forever and “you can take that to the bank!” as they say! 

I’m so thankful that through all the past circumstances, depression, suicidal tendencies, etc, that I’m here today to experience all the joys and pains of life because each day is a new opportunity to learn and grow more than the day before as I can learn from each circumstance and ultimately I can hopefully bring more Glory to God! Yes, all those things have shaped me, for better or worse, into who I am today but God has the final word on my life and is continually shaping and molding me into who He wants me to become as His child as He helps me grow still more in the grace and knowledge of Him!

Another great thing I’ve discovered about my life with God is that I can now see, rather, I’m learning to see myself through God’s eyes. I now can see my worth through who I am in Christ instead of basing all of these things on mine or the world’s skewed/imperfect point-of-view. Now, even in the craziness of life I can also experience the true peace that comes from God and I can, just as I did in August of 1989, walk in newness of life with a greater purpose and plan for everything that I’ll do going forward.
“And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness" Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” ~2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NASB)
His Grace is sufficient and His Grace is amazing! 

What about your journey? Maybe you can share your Journey of Grace by leaving a comment on this post for others to see and be encouraged by!?

If you’d like to explore faith yourself, here are some links that you should check out.


The Bridge to Life: https://www.navigators.org/resource/the-bridge-to-life/

Who do you think that I am?: https://www.gty.org/library/Articles/A335

Steps to Peace With God: http://www.billygraham.org/assets/media/specialsections/touchonelife/Printer-FriendlyStepstoPeacewithGod.pdf

Or feel free to contact me as well via the e-Mail address in my "About Page"

Thanks for stopping by!

God Bless,
Randolph Koch

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!

Here's a cool video/song from Mark Schultz that will help us all the more get our minds around the 4th of July from Independence day in 1776 to today where brave men and women continue to fight for our freedom and have in many world wars and conflicts around the world.

No matter what country you live in, as a Christian you can thank God for your own Independence Day where He broke the chains of sin in your life when you came to know Him as your Savior for the first time. Since that day, your Independence day, you now celebrate your Dependence on Him as well and each day you can celebrate and thank Him for all these things as you seek Him!

Click on the following video or link to see and listen to this song:
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=665ce8623e36bd4e3c7c

Friday, June 20, 2008

ITEMinistries!

Wanted to share information with you regarding a wonderful ministry and faithful minister, (Dr. Steve Van Horn) that God is using to train pastors and church leaders in the world who don't have easy access to formal theological eduction.

This is an important ministry that is making an impact for the kingdom as eduction of pastors and church leaders is a vital part of sound Biblical Doctrine, Teaching, and Conduct in the Church and abroad.

Below is a video overview of ITEMinistries (International Training and Equipping Ministries)

Please take a few moments to view the video and then go to the ITEM web site. There is a lot of great information about what God is doing through ITEM provided on the site.

Please remember ITEM and Dr. Van Horn in prayers as well!



Thanks!

RLK

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Spiritual Vitamins


Spiritual Vitamins
By Unknown


Anxious? Take Vitamin A.
All things work together for good for those who love God, who are
called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28)

Blue? Take Vitamin B.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy
name. (Ps 103:1)

Crushed? Take Vitamin C.
Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. (1 Pet 5:7)

Depressed? Take Vitamin D.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (James 4:8)

Empty? Take Vitamin E.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give
thanks to him, bless his name. (Ps 100:4)

Fearful? Take Vitamin F.
Fear not, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God.
(Isa 41:10)

Greedy? Take Vitamin G.
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, running over, will be put unto your lap; for the
measure you give will be the measure you get back. (Lk 6:38)

Hesitant? Take Vitamin H.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who
announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who
says to Zion, "Your God reigns." (Isa 52:7)

Insecure? Take Vitamin I.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13)

Jittery? Take Vitamin J.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Heb 13:8)

Know nothing? Take Vitamin K.
Know this that the Lord is God, it is He that made us and not we
ourselves. (Ps 100:3)

Lonely? Take Vitamin L.
Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Mt 28:20)

Mortgaged? Take Vitamin M.
My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor 12:9)

Nervous? Take Vitamin N.
Never, no never will I leave you nor forsake you. (Heb 13:5)

Overwhelmed? Take Vitamin O.
Overcome evil with good. (Rom 12:21)

Perplexed or puzzled? Take Vitamin P.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let
your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. (Jn 14:27)

Quitting? Take Vitamin Q.
Quit you like men and women, be strong. (1 Cor 16:13)

Restless? Take Vitamin R.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him. (Ps 37:7)

Scared? Take Vitamin S.
Stay with me, and do not be afraid; for the one who seeks my life seeks your life; you will be safe
with me. (1 Sam 22:23)

Tired? Take Vitamin T.
Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isa 40:31)

Uncertain? Take Vitamin U.
Understand that I am (the Lord). Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.
(Isa 43:10)

Vain? Take Vitamin V.
Vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. (Acts 5:16)

Wondering what to do? Take Vitamin W.
What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with
your God? (Mic 6:8)

eXhausted? Take Vitamin X.
Exercise thyself rather unto godliness. (1 Tim 4:7)

Yearning for hope? Take Vitamin Y.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you art with me;
your rod and your staff - they comfort me. (Ps 23:4)

Zapped? Take Vitamin Z.
Zealous for good deeds. (Titus 2:14)

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Who I am Makes a Difference!

Dear Friend,

I don't know what kind of week you've had or what you've been going through or what you've gone through in your life but let me encourage you that you make a difference in this world no matter if you realize it or not!

There is no one who is insignificant or or unworthy, especially in the eyes of a Loving God - your Creator!

Don't buy into the lies people tell you because you are capable of great things with God's help and through the gifts and talents He's given you!

Please read the below and I pray that you are as inspired buy the message that is shared. I wanted to pass this on to anyone who might visit this blog and please accept this as my blue ribbon to you! (You'll understand once you read the below)

You're life does make a difference and who you are makes a difference!

In His Love,

Randolph Koch


Wednesday, May 21, 2008

7.8 Magnitude Earthquake in China.

A colleague of mine in Asia forwarded several pictures and articles to me over the last week. (Since the day of the earthquake which was a little over a week ago.)

My heart cries out for these people who have suffered under the weight of the rubble as rescuers search for them, and those who are suffering the loss of their loved ones and for those who have lost their lives.

Please pray for them!

I’ve also learned that Medical Teams International is currently working to send over a half millions pounds of supplies to help them and they’re working with Boeing to deliver the supplies via several new planes that they are already planning to delivery to China. Please pray that this effort will be successful and help support them as God leads!

I’m reminded of the following scripture and will direct my prayers that those who are directly impacted by this disaster will be comforted by Him.

“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains
quake with their surging.”
~Psalm 46:1-3



Again, I will pray that God will comfort them during this devastating time and I'll especially pray that they would come to a personal relationship with the Him. May the Body of Christ be there to minister to the hurting and share His love while meeting the physical needs!

I wanted to share a few pictures that once you see them, I believe you’ll be moved to prayer as I have been. Please note: These images may be disturbing but they are also the reality of what has happened and what is occurring due to the Earthquake. Thanks for your prayers. Please see the below.


Please join me in prayer!

Humbled in Christ,

rlk














A boy is rescued from the debris of a collapsed building after an earthquake in Dujiangyan, Sichuan province May 13, 2008. [Agencies]














Bodies of many of the victims. [Agencies]




















Several young children trapped in the rubble. Note the IV attached to one of them onthe left. Some apparently are alive while some sadly are not. [Agencies]




















Young Man trapped in the rubble. [Agencies]


Young Boy receiving medical attention. [Agencies]


The Remnants of what was once a building. [Agencies]

Please pray!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

New Features!


You may have already noticed but I wanted to let you know that I've added 4 new features to this blog which you'll see on the right navigation bar.




Here's what I've added:

Feature 1: Verse of the day
Feature 2: Weekly Bible Memory Verses
Feature 3: Read Through the Bible in a Year Plan
Feature 4: My Book Shelf - gives you the titles and information about a few of the books I'm currently reading.

You can click on each of these features to read or go to further information.

Regarding the first three features, I've wanted to add something like these for a while and just figured out the best way to do so.

Scripture is vital and having an additional tool to help you read and memorize it verse-by-verse is a practical addition. Note: these tools are linked to the ESV however, you can use it as a guide to read any version you like or simply use it as a tool to read your favorite version.

Enjoy!

rlk

Monday, May 12, 2008

Prince Caspian!

This Friday, the film Prince Caspian hits theaters which is based on C.S. Lewis' 4th book in the Chronicles of Narnia series.

For more information, be sure to see the below Prince Caspian Interactive widget! Or, You can click on the following link for the official web site! http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/narnia

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Laminin

Below is a video from Godtube.com that you’ll want to view.

The speaker, Louie Giglio, speaks of an amazing scientific truth regarding the cell adhesion protein molecule “laminin”. Which is the “glue” that holds our cells together. It is described as the rebar of the human body—it holds us all together. Louie uses it as an awesome illustration of a Biblical truth.




There is more I could share here after viewing this but you'll just have to watch the video as I don't want to give away the message. It is worth the watch!

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."
~Colossians 1:15-17 (NASB)

"I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well."
~Psalm 139:14 (NASB)

Here is a diagram of Laminin:




Isn’t that amazing!

You may also want to do a Google image search using the term laminin and you'll also find some amazing pictures in outer space of pictures taken of a black hole by the Hubble Telescope.

God is Amazing and may you be encouraged today at God's mighty hand as He alone holds all things together!

God Bless,
rlk

Monday, April 14, 2008

Supporting Each Other


The Word:

Read: Exodus 17:8-16

"Supporting Each Other." By Randolph Koch

If you've ever been through a tough time in your life, you've probably come to know the importance of the support you were most likely given from a friend, a family member, your pastor, or someone from your church. The support may have been given through prayers, a supportive or loving word, a meal, or many other ways. It ministers to you in ways that words cannot describe. It's humbling to receive support from others and goes a long way to help heal the wounds of the battles of life.

We can see an example of the importance of supporting each other through the example of Moses during a battle against the Amalekite's. He went to the top of a hill, which was a vantage point overlooking the battle. As he moved up the hill, Joshua and the army were sent to war against the enemy. Moses, with staff in hand, stood and raised his hands. As he raised his hands, Israel prevailed. Then there was a point where he became weary and had to rest but while his hands were lowered the Amalekite's prevailed. Moses needed support, and who wouldn't after having their arms raised for such a long time while a battle raged on. Aaron and Hur came to help him in his time of need. They placed a stone beneath Him so we could sit instead of stand. Then they supported his arms so Moses could hold his hands up. With their help, Aaron on one side and Hur on the other side, his hands remained steady until the sun went down. Israel won the battle. Moses received the support he needed to get him through. The Lord told Moses to write down the experience of the day's war, and how the Lord led them to victory in a book so it could be relayed to others. Then Moses built and altar and named it "the Lord is my banner." What a day it was and what a support plan it was that God unfolded for us to learn from. Without the Lord, Israel and Moses would not have prevailed. Furthermore, with out the two men coming to Moses' aid, he wouldn't have made it through the whole day. Likewise, we cannot make it with out the Lord. It seems that in today’s world, we tend to believe we can do it all alone because we think ourselves to be self-sufficient and honestly we're trained to think this way. Many times our schools, businesses, the movies we see, and many other avenues train us to believe this is a totally healthy and necessary trait, (at times it's true that we have to be somewhat self-sufficient), but we desperately need each other. We can go way to far, and many do, with the self-sufficiency idea. Starting from our homes on into the rest of the world we need to be counter culture, especially in this area. We need to trust the Lord and receive the comfort He and others give us. We weren't created to be in this life alone. We in fact, were created to live and work for the Lord, to have an eternal relationship with Him, and to live and fellowship amongst other believers and of course the world. The Lord is our main source of strength - so don't be afraid to seek His support. Furthermore, it’s crucial to have support from the Lord and other believers. In other words, accept their support. Then as life unfolds and you travel from one storm to another you may begin keeping a log or a journal just to write down all of things God has done for you during your times of need (and what people have done). So you'll remember and be encouraged, especially when rough waters hit. This will be a great reference tool for you so you'll be reminded of His goodness when we tend to forget it in the middle of the trial. Memorialize all that God does and has done to bring you through. Review this list from time to time to refresh your memory and to add to it so you'll be encouraged for years to come. This is also something that you may be able to share with others or pass down to testify of the amazing love that the Lord and others have no matter the situation. Along the way, don't forget to thank the Lord and others for what they've done for you.

No matter what the time or season let us be willing and able to in turn support those in need. We need to be wise and sensitive enough to see the Holy Spirit's leading, as we are lead to help others. There are many ways we can effectively do this. There is also wisdom that we need to use as we seek to support others. The spirit will help us discern real needs or false ones. Finally, and most of all, let our prayer be that the Lord would find us whole heartily supporting each other.

Questions to Get Started With:

-Where do you look or to whom do you look for support in your time of need?
-Do you reach out to support others?
-Are you sensitive to seeing others needs?
-Do praise God for His amazing love and provision when the times are calm or when in rough waters?
-Do you keep a running log or journal of what He's provided for you physically and spiritually?
-What are some of practical things you can do to support others?


(Originally published Jan 21, 2001)

Monday, March 17, 2008

Happy St. Patrick's Day!


Wanted to share an old and very sincere Irish Blessing with you on this St. Patrick's Day!

An Old Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Have an Excellent day!

Your Bro,

rlk

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Free Download of John's Gospel - An Easter Gift for You From The Listener's Bible


If you are having trouble viewing this e-mail, click here.

Message from Randolph Koch
Thought you might enjoy taking advantage of this free audio download. All the best, rlk

This Easter be prepared to answer the most important question ever asked: "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." John 6:28-29.

For many Christians, John’s Gospel is the most precious book in the Bible. Its beautiful language and penetrating descriptions of Jesus have the capacity to bring us closer to God than any book ever written.

Max McLean’s own testimony is this: “The event that brought me over the line to fully accept the reality of Jesus came when I read all of John’s Gospel in one sitting. I thought Jesus was going to come right out of the pages of the Bible and take me with him. When I got to the cross I was in tears. I saw the sacrificial love and I responded to Jesus, immediately.”

Now Max McLean and The Listener's Bible is offering this compelling and moving narration of John’s Gospel as a free download for you and your loved ones. Use it for your own edification or as an evangelism tool to forward to friends, family.

Learn more about Max McLean.

Hear the entire Bible:
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Plus Free shipping!

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