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:
Now on Sale
Plus Free shipping!

English Standard Version »
New International Version »
King James Version »



Give God's Word, always the perfect gift.


View all our products.

The Listener’s Bible®
a ministry of Fellowship for the Performing Arts
One High Street Court
Morristown, NJ 07960

http://www.listenersbible.com/?utm_source=EM0803FJ&utm_medium=email&utm_content=EM0803FJ&utm_campaign=EM0803FJ
888.876.5661

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

You Are Not Forgotten


The Word:
Read: Luke 12:6-7


"You Are Not Forgotten" by Randolph Koch

Standing alone, or in a crowd of people, in a time of struggle or easy going, you may feel at time that you are alone. This happens to many, because at times we have a wrong view of God. We tend to believe sometimes that God is a distant God that is only around or available when we speak the "magic words" in our prayers. We think that when mankind forgets us or treats us bad that God must be the same way. This is so far from the truth! God loves us so much that He gave us His one and only Son. We know this to be true as believers so why should we feel alone?
You're more important to God than anything in the universe. Be encouraged today knowing that God will never forget you or forsake you. He knows each hair on your head and I can't think of anyone else that knows us that well. So remember, you are never alone and you'll definitely never be forgotten in regard to our great and mighty God.

Questions To Get Started:
-Are you prone to feeling alone?
-How much time do you spend with the Lord on a daily basis?
-Do you notice a difference in how you feel when you do or don't spend
time actively seeking Him?
-Do you relate your self worth with how God views you; or with man's opinions?



(Original Publish Date; Thursday, July 09, 1998 – Revised 02/27/08)

 

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Our Refuge




The Word:
Read:
Psalm 46:1-11


"Our Refuge" by Randolph Koch

Here they come again. The pressures, trials, and struggles of life. It seems that we have daily events that give opportunity to refine us; reminding us who we should be seeking as our shelter. Personally I've been bombarded with one event after another, making me almost feel like I'm going to break down or make me question what is going on. "Why are things going so rough I've asked myself?"

There have been so many times where there has been so much to do at work with literally not enough time to get everything done. It's pretty overwhelming at times. Then I'm reminded of the scriptures that tell me to cling to God and not operate under my own understanding. Seek refuge. Seek the only cover that will protect and sustain us because the storms will continue to come.

Recently, I turned on the news to see coverage of the aftermath of a cyclone that led to a major flood in South Africa. The people were running as fast as they could through very deep water, scrambling to save their lives. Some were only able to escape with the clothes they had on their backs. It was heart wrenching to see them. It was obvious that they had tremendous fear. It was visible on their faces as they climbed onto a small platform where a helicopter was waiting to try to rescue as many people as they could. There was a lack of helicopters so when one would come, you'd see them sprint by the dozens toward their rescue; many being turned away because there was no room for them. There were pictures of those that had been waited for hours and in some cases days in the chilling waters, to be rescued.

In other parts of the world during this same time, volcanoes were erupting. People in these locations were fleeing also for a safe refuge. All of these things remind me of the truth that every one of us no matter in flood, famine, or any situation good or bad we need our own refuge. We need to run to Jesus and cling to Him with everything we have. We cannot rely on ourselves completely because we cannot make it without Him. He is our refuge. The question is will we seek Him today?

Maybe it's been a long while since you've made Him a part of your life? Give Him control and He can take care of you completely. Enter back in to His presence and know that He'll strengthen, encourage, and hold you up by His power, glory and strength.

Maybe you're a Christian that is walking faithfully with Him? May you seek Him all the more because you know the value of seeking and clinging to Him in your life.

You could be a non-Christian reading this today- I'd like to encourage you to seek His refuge for the first time. Come to know salvation through Jesus Christ. He is waiting with open arms for all of us to run to Him.

For all of us may His refuge be our daily homecoming as we come and go - wherever we go. We can trust Him for He will never fail us. No matter what happens in this world He'll be your refuge.

I pray for all of us that in times of trouble or not, we'll seek Him as our refuge. You'll never go wrong by seeking Him.

Questions to Get Started With:
-Do you cling to Him as your refuge?

-Do you seek Him daily?
-Are you striving in the midst of your struggles?
-Or have you ceased to strive and know that He is God?



(Originally published Feb 28, 2000)

Sunday, February 03, 2008

Free 2008 Calendar

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Wanted to let you know about a new free four page 2008 Calendar download that I've created and made available for you on the RLK Ministries Download page. Three of the four photos feature Oregon locations.
You can download a full year calendar in one file or four individual files that have three months per file/page. The files require the free Adobe Acrobat reader in order to view and or print them.

Feel free to share the calendar with anyone you believe would enjoy having a copy.

In Christ,

Randolph Koch

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Effective Planning In the Light of God’s Will




The Word:
Read: Proverbs 19:21

"Effective Planning In the Light of God’s Will" by Randolph Koch

No this isn’t some introduction to becoming a highly effective person seminar. Rather this is an attempt to have us look at our lives in the light of God’s will and Holy Word. We live in a day-timer, gotta check my calendar, I’ll pencil you in society. I must admit that I rely (sometimes heavily) on my planner to keep a balance between my family, ministry, work tasks, and priorities. If I didn’t, I would most likely let someone down because I double booked myself and forgot about a prior commitment. By no means am I trying to insinuate that planners or day timers are bad. I do however want us all to think about how we do plan or set goals, tasks and priorities- with or without a planner in hand. I firmly believe that managing our time is part of being a good steward with the limited time God has given us. No matter if you are a Church Elder, individual, corporation, small business owner etc., this still applies to you. When we sit down to plan our time, our lives, or whatever, I often wonder if we do it in conjunction with spending time in God’s Word and in prayer. We plan, but do we understand that our plans hinge on God’s will and timing before or if our plans are to succeed? Stop for a moment and think. Isn’t this a pretty basic idea, but also very counter-culture!? This is just another part of our Christian lives that we tend to forget as we live in this humanistic world that tells us that we are in charge of our destiny. Granted, we do have free will; but isn’t it God that holds everything and puts everything inevitably in place- according to His will and good purpose? Planning can be and is a healthy thing as we follow God’s will. Have you ever asked yourself how does this plan, idea, activity, etc. affect eternity? This is a healthy question for us to keep in mind. I’m not referring to small plans like: what color car you need to purchase, or what flavor of ice-cream to buy the next time you buy groceries. (Although I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to consult God if you really felt that you needed to.) Let us never forget to place Him completely in the center of our lives where He belongs. The next time you make plans for your life, try seeking His perfect council first. Reject the temptation to do it all on your own because you won’t be truly successful without Him.


Questions to Get Started With:
-When you have an idea or make plans do you seek the council of God, His Holy Spirit and His Word first?
-Do you ever ask yourself how important your plans are in view of eternity?
-Are your plans in the will of God?
-Is God’s will for your life important to you?

Saturday, December 29, 2007

The Great Commission and Linebacker Evangelism

We're all called to share our faith and specifically in Matthew 28:16-20, (The Great Commission) Jesus Himself commissions us to go into the entire world and make disciples.

According to the Bible there are many methods and styles of evangelism and each of us according to our gifts will find that one style works best for us as we seek to share our faith.

Let us also never forget that how we live our lives is one of the biggest evangelism "tools" we have because our lives will either show forth a transformed life because of what Christ has done for us or in contrast, our lives will not show this transformation.

The following link is a humorous illustration of one person using his linebacker skills to remind believers that we are again, called to share our faith.


I pray that it gets you and I thinking more about our calling to serve and share Christ to a world in need. I hope it doesn't take a linebacker to get us to do what God has called us to do. :-)

Click on one of the Play Arrows/Icons in the following window:

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Our Greatest Need



Merry Christmas!

It’s been a little bit since I’ve written but I wanted to share this wonderful poem by Roy Lessin that provides profound insight into our greatest need that God met through His Son Jesus Christ.

OUR GREATEST NEED - by Roy Lessin

If our greatest need had been information,
God would have sent us an educator.

If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.

If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.

If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.

But our greatest need was forgiveness,
so God sent us a Savior.

Click on the following link to see a great
online presentation of this:
http://www.dayspring.com/movies/view.asp?moviename=ourneed.swf

We need Jesus more than any present we may receive!

I pray that your Christmas is centered on the matchless Gift, Jesus Christ.

Thanks for stopping by!

In Christ,

Randolph Koch