A Prayer for Remembering God in the Mundane - Monday, February 15, 2016

Dear Heavenly Father, You know my/our heart(s) well, I come before you now asking that You help me/us to daily see you in the mundane things of life. 

I pray I/we never take You for granted as it's in even the mundane things that we can see You and experience Your grace and love and yet we often take these moments for granted when in actuality we can devote ourselves to You all the more in prayer and throw practical day-to-day worship through the gift called life you've given us. 

I/We can see You and worship You while...

...we rise in the morning and get ready for the day ahead
...we see the sunrise and sunset You've created
...we hear the birds sing
...we work
...while we play or vacation
...we take the trash out
...we do the dishes
...we maintain the home You've given us.
...we seek to be stewards with the resources you've given us.
...we're stuck in traffic on the way to work or appointments.
...we exercise
...we meet with friends for coffee
...we pay our bills
...we have to make difficult decisions
...we deal with difficult people
...we work through family issues
...we grieve the loss of someone we love
...we battle through health or financial crisis

...we go to the dentist
...we go to the doctor
....and many many other things

You instruct us in Your word to do everything unto You for Your glory! (Colossians 3:23)
Please help us do just this Lord...bring You glory and may we do so operating in and by Your strength and for Your glory as it's in the mundane things of life or even the less mundane things that I/we can encounter You and seek to glorify You as You seek to shape and mold us for Your kingdom, glory and our good!

Help us Father to remember You no matter the circumstance. Help us Father remember you in the mundane things of life.

I praise You Father for Who You are and all that You have done and continue to do in and through Your people and Your creation. 

I praise You, thank You and wait expectantly for answers to prayer, in Jesus name I pray, Amen. 

-rlk

Read: Hebrews 5:11-14, James 1:22, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 4:2 and Romans 10:17

Quite a few years ago when my kids were little, I remember when they transitioned from formula or milk to baby food and then eventually more solid or normal foods like you and I eat. If they stayed with just formula or milk alone their growth wouldn't be sufficient as it wasn't enough as they grew and became more active. They would be hungry non-stop like they were when they were babies and they'd never be satisfied.

I can't imagine at the age they are now if they only drank milk and ate baby food! Wouldn't be a good picture of health as their growth would have been or would be stunted...and if you have teenagers or early twenty somethings you know they are ALWAYS hungry!

How about you and I!? Life would definitely be completely different on a liquid or soft food / baby food diet. You might lose some needed weight but you wouldn't be satisfied.

The other thing I remember about the baby food stage...is that it was quite messy at times and there were also times where if we purchased store bought baby food that every so often for one reason or another there was a recall on baby foods. It's a good thing those companies were paying attention as sometimes it led to serious health related issues and other times it was just precautionary but either way it was necessary.

He is Near...

I pray that this brief video is an encouragement to you during the season of life that you're in.

Especially if you're going through a season where your heart is broken, you're experiencing heartache, or if you're mourning the loss of a loved one or broken relationship...whatever you're facing or going through may you be encouraged that... He is near! 

https://youtu.be/u1OQhLKv_aQ
 
Many Blessings,

rlk

The Potter and The Clay

Please take a few minutes and read this great post I ran across recently regarding the Potter and the Clay:

http://afrotasticlady.com/2016/01/06/guest-blog-post-the-potter-and-the-clay/

I've always loved the potter and clay imagery in the scriptures as it's so vivid and meaningful. 

God wonderfully depicts how He continues to progressively sanctify us as He smooths out the rough parts (which are many for most, lol) and shapes us into something amazing and useful for Him, His kingdom, glory and our good! 

Blessings! 

-rlk 




Disclaimer: Please note, although this post is wonderful and very appreciated, A Shepherd's Heart or Randolph Koch are not responsible for the views or conduct of the author as I do not personally know the author and therefore don't have firsthand knowledge of their conduct. This by no means is meant to imply they are not a fine follower of Christ but since they are not connected with this site or it's curators, it's important to state the before mentioned. 

Audio / Video Venture

Hello,

Would appreciate prayers for God's provision of the funds for the basic audio and eventually video recording equipment (Like the Zoom H5 or maybe their flagship H6 plus memory card, case, etc. 

H5 is cheaper/more affordable) I'm working to acquire for audio/video ministry project including but not limited to Audio Podcasts and Videos for teaching and encouragement. 

If God leads, please prayerfully consider helping with this audio/video adventure via the following link: https://store7359482.ecwid.com/ Select Audio / Video Venture from the catalog. (I.E. A quantity of 1 = $1.00)

Thanks for your prayers! 

rlk

Transparency

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a personal struggle, season of trial or time where you're really going through something and could really use some help? There may be that hesitation to share it...especially with certain people because by all means you "have be careful" with whom you share with. You have to have the trust factor with them.

It's sad because so many suffer through things without telling anyone for fear of being judged because it seems some just don't care or are simply rude!  Ever shared with obviously the wrong person (as you find out later)? Then you know what I mean!

No one should  have to go through these seasons alone and you and I should be able to find support, encouragement and comfort by being surrounded by those who care and will walk through those seasons with us...because they actually care!

Then there are those who don't share because they've bought into the lie that they don't need anyone!? Or, those who don't ever want to give the perception that "they've got it all together!"

There are also people who just don't care about anyone else in general that's a bleak existence to say the least but on the flip side...there are those who do genuinely care.

Gender Equality and Fifty Shades of...Oh My!

Gender equality, a topic and cause that is widely thought about, discussed and debated.

There is a big push for this and in an age where gender equality is fought for in the USA for many various reason and hoped end results as well as globally there seems to be conflicting thoughts and actions on this.

Equality should be fought for and especially in countries where women and children are treated like they are property... which is disgusting that anyone is treated like this!

Through what I share here, I’m not not jumping on any band wagon, rather, I've been processing thoughts about this for a while and I’m attempting to articulate them here...

Updated Distribution List and Free 5 Day e-Devotional!

Hello!

Just a message to help you our loyal and amazing subscribers with some house keeping regarding your subscription and to provide a quick update. 

Whether you're reading this online or received this delivered to you via e-Mail, we wanted to make you aware of a current update we're making to our distribution list.

1. We're getting ready to do a re-launch of the blog with more regular / weekly posts!

2. If you're receiving this via e-Mail then you are either on the original list or have recently signed up via the new form (WELCOME!) which is located toward the top right of this page which is the new distribution list.

The new list (via MailChimp) allows us to send you content when you sign up as a thank you and also from an administrative standpoint, it allows us better list management options. It also allows you the ability to manage your subscription.

• For instance, if you signed up within the last week, you would have received a confirmation e-Mail with a link to a free 5 Day e-Devotional as a thank you! 
• If you signed up before this past week, you didn't have this option but now you do!
• So, if you'd also like the free e-devotional (or you're simply visiting this site and would like it as well!) please feel free to sign up via the new form and you'll receive the link to the free download as well. 
• Please note: Full site view required to see the form as for some reason mobile view doesn't allow you to see the form to sign up.

If you do nothing, no worries, you'll still receive the posts that come through but if you'd like the e-devotional, again, feel free to sign-up via the new list and encourage your friends to do so as well! :-)

• One note, if you are on the original list (prior to the last week or so via feedburner) then if you sign up on the new list you may receive duplicate e-Mails for a period of time unless you #1 unsubscribe from the feedburner list or #2 send a mail to ashepherdsheart.blog@gmail.com and let us know that you were previously signed up on the feedburner list and we can then go manually remove you from that list.  

You're prayers are appreciated for God's leading regarding the future content that will be shared here to encourage and challenge you in your walk with the Lord!

Thanks for your time! Feel free to drop us a line at the above e-Mail address if you have any question, prayer needs, topic ideas, etc. 

Many Blessings In Christ,
Your brother and servant,

Randolph Koch

Audio / Video Venture...following God's calling!

Do you have a dream of doing things in your life that you believe are your calling? Yep, me too! 

I’ve been sensing a nudge and calling this direction for quite some time and had a dream of using my communication and broadcasting skills in different ways reaching out to our community and beyond. 

Whether in ministry, the workplace or elsewhere, I’m called to be a communicator and as part of this calling I’m looking to start an audio / video venture of sorts. I don’t have a regular communication outlet or opportunities in the traditional settings so this is part of the plan to use what God has given me to reach beyond and follow His leading! 

The Venture: I’m going to start working on a podcast and other recordings and later possibly do some video work to encourage others. It may turn out to be several different types of podcasts but will focus on few ideas first. 

So, in order to help this dream become a reality, I need to acquire some specific basic equipment to get started. Who knows, maybe someday I’ll do voice work for documentaries or ministry related projects too! 

I’m not a 501 (C) (3) so this would be friends helping friends like one of those “gofundme” or “kickstarter” campaigns.

If you're interested in helping please go to my secure online store here:

https://store7359482.ecwid.com/ (or if you’re reading this on my blog, click on the resources tab above)

Click on audio/video venture and proceed from there however you're led to help.

On a side note: I will also be adding actual products to my store in the near future such as Devotional eBooks that I'm working on and other resources that I've authored and I'm in the process of updating and making available. Stay tuned!

Whether you're led to help or not your prayers are the best help ever and they are free! Your prayers are really appreciated beyond anything else!

Thanks in advance for your time and consideration!  

Are You Listening?

A Father's Voice has Power and the voice of your Heavenly Father has ultimate Power in your life if you're willing to listen! Just open your eyes and ears to see and hear Him! Check out this brief video. Watch until the end! It's worth it!

https://youtu.be/TU0f8a3Cizo

I also wanted to share in relation to this great word from Michael Jr., that when our oldest was born he was a month early and was in the NICU for two weeks. (He's 19 years old now at the time of this writing)

I remember going there and spending lots of time of course there. He's heart would be racing and sometimes would be upset but once we sat next to him and talked to you...his heart beat calmed down to normal and he was at peace and he recognized my voice! He'd turn his head my direction and the the staff noticed too. 

So, I can relate to Michael Jr's sharing very much. Amazing! I guess it's because we talked to him before he was born and he also heard us talk before he was born in general. Wow!

I pray that we'll learning daily to listen to the Father's Voice and open our eyes to see where He's leading! 

A Prayer for when you think you're too far from God.

There is no such thing as "too far away from God."

Romans 5:8 "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Ephesians 2:13 "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."

Psalm 139:7 "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?"

Heavenly Father,
Please help us to remember that there is never a place too far from You. There is never a place we can hide from Your presence. You love us unconditionally and You are omnipresent and omniscient! You know our thoughts and You are everywhere! Help us to draw near to You each day! Help us to repent when we sin, turn from the sin...growing and changing and still come to You as our loving and righteous Father! Block Satan's lies that anyone has strayed to far from You as You tell us to simply come...come to You and although sometimes I'm sure we don't please You... YOU are ready and waiting with outstretched arms to receive us. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

 #truth

A Prayer for Comfort...

Memory:
I remember as a small child the times when I'd be sad, afraid or I'd gotten hurt playing outside. I remember running to my mom in tears and she'd often put me on her lap, lay my head against her, speak words of comfort, and I also remember even the sound of her heart beating soothed my sadness. As a child it was comforting to be held by my mom as I knew she loved me and would bring me comfort and would know how to fix what was wrong. :)

Prayer:
Today, I feel they same way and all the more so as the Lord is my comfort, shield and deliver! My prayer today in sharing the above is that you'd experience the Lord's comfort each day during the times of trials and tribulations as well as in the times of peace and rest too! God is more than able to comfort you, lift you up and fix and bring you through whatever you are facing today and tomorrow and beyond! May you cling to Him always and may He also bring close family and friends into your life to help lift you up, encourage you and help you weather the storms along with Him as your chief refuge! In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

A Prayer for Friendships.

Heavenly Father, Please help us by Your Spirit be true, faithful, loyal, trustworthy, kind, loving and real friends to those whom You bring into our lives to be our friends in Christ! It may be a small few but no matter the quantity may we be loving examples of what true friends / friendships look like! Let us be a blessing and not a curse! Let us speak words of life and wisdom! Let us build up and not tear down! Let us operate in Your Grace, love and truth! Let us avoid meaningless drama and quarrels! Let us be a lighthouse... A Beacon of hope to our friends and... to the world! Teach us to communicate clearly!  Help us to be true! In Jesus name I pray, Amen!#truefriends #loyal #reliable #trustworthy

"Love Wins" Whose love wins?

"Love wins" is an interesting thought. Whose love wins? Mankind or God's Love? Which matters most? 

I'm reminder that we are to love one another because in the church we don't do a great job doing that and it's more PC to love those outside of the church as it would seem.

I've tried to stay out of the ugliness that has been brought to the surface regarding the recent decision on marriage in the US. I am breaking my silence in order to share this brief article that speaks to the church very directly and in a balanced way: "5 Things Jesus Would Say to the Gay Community" http://www.faithit.com/5-things-jesus-would-say-to-the-gay-community/ 

Please read & pray over what is shared. 

We're called to love our neighbors as ourselves. This doesn't mean we have to agree with everything / everyone as some would espouse including this specific decision. It does mean that we aren't to hate but again are to love our neighbors. That's part of the love, the Love of God that "Wins" as He is the author of love so we ought to seek His Word & Counsel on all these things instead of being PC because we don't want to speak the truth in Love!?

The article is worth a quick read no matter what "side" of the issue you land on. 

Also, Read John 3:16 & Romans 6:23.

Let's all pray for the true love, the love of The Lord to wins...nothing more or less as again, He is the Author of true love & He laid His life down so that we might believe in faith, repent & receive His salvation! Romans 10:9-10. In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen!

Praying for Charleston

Those who know me, know I'm a person of faith and today in response to the shooting in Charleston I'm praying for those impacted by the heinous and evil act in Charleston. 9 people murdered because of an evil persons actions! Makes me sick! 

Also, this isn't a time politicize rather how about you and I take the time to reach out your neighbors and simply care for a change?!

Political pundits and the media are already trying to politisize that tragedy already and honesly this senseless act doesn't just boil down to guns for crying out loud but it is about about a broken world full of broken people who need each other and obviously need help! 

There's no easy answer to the solution for these things nor am I trying to give one and you can't legislate what I'm sharing here but you and I can be that change, be that difference and maybe if we all do our part... maybe, just maybe we can can turn the tide and we'll see less mass killing here and abroad?! 

You and I don't know who's at the breaking point...you and I don't know the hearts and minds of the people around us but maybe again, if we took the time to get to really know our fellow man and walk "across the street" the "isle", etc maybe we can help that one person who is about to snap and show them there's a better way?! 

No matter what you believe I ask that you join me in keeping the people of Charleston in your thoughts and if you pray, in your prayers.

Then, go and be the change in the lives of others that they need! 

A Prayer for Wisdom for being slow to speak and quick to listen...

Heavenly Father, help us to have wisdom to know when to speak and when to wait to speak and simply listen. Help us also in times of debate or arguments to be careful to not respond with words of anger as words are really hard to take back. I also think of the old saying, "sticks and stones may break my bones but words may never hurt me."  although I understand the sentiment...this statement is really a lie because words spoken in anger, etc stick with us and it takes a long time to heal! You teach us that our words can be a blessing or a curse... They can bring life or death to the hearer so help us speak words of blessing and life or not at all. This isn't to pray or say we will never have to work things out but it is to circle back around to the need for us to be slow to speak and quick to listen.... So we can speak words of wisdom, life and blessing when it's time to speak...until then, let us learn to be good listeners. These things are not easy so we really need Your help! 

 In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

#truth #wisdom #life #listen #blessing

A Prayer for Faith each day....

Don't ask for faith that will move mountains, ask for faith that will move you. 

Heavenly Father, so often I get caught up in the need for "big faith" when really what I need and pray for is faith enough for each day, each battle, each circumstance. Whether "big faith" or "small faith" I simply pray that You will help me have a strong and consistent faith - period! Continue to move me each day and help me to boldly and consistently live out this life and walk with You with and in faith. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
‪#‎faith‬

Barnabas vs. Barabbas!

In life I want be known as someone more like Barnabas rather than Barabbas! ...and I hope people know the distinction between the two.

My prayer today is that people would really get to know me (we'd all get to know each other), know my heart and see who I really am before they misjudge, cut off, reject me and I pray I'll always do the same for others.

How about you? 

A Prayer for troubled waters...

Friend, 

If God takes you into troubled waters, it's not to drown you, it's to teach you to swim.

Heavenly Father, I praise You that through the good and the bad times You are carrying us each step of the way as our strength, refuge and shield! Keep teaching us to swim as we hold on to and look to You our true life guard Who is always on duty! Help us to by faith jump into the waters no matter how rough they may look!

In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

In a humorous way, I might add that it's kind of like the movie "Finding Nemo"....Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming!

Heartbeat

Lord, Amidst the often crazy days, The Song "Heartbeat" by Lincoln Brewster keeps running through my head, especially the pre chorus and chorus: 

(Pre Chorus) "You bring order where there's chaos, Nothing separates us
Your love , Your love is stirring in our souls"
(Chorus) "Unite our hearts, To beat for You alone
Fortify our hope, In the faithfulness You've shown
We give our all, To be Your hands and feet
Make our heartbeat Your heartbeat"
Today, and each day, I make this a prayer...Lord, unite our hearts that we may beat for you alone. Fortify our hope in You as you are faithful. Help us to give our all each day striving earnestly to be your hands and feet. Make your heartbeat our heartbeat!

In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen!
Song Link: http://youtu.be/UBoLwQTHYoQ

 
#HisHearbeat #OurHearBeat #HandsandFeet