Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Stop Majoring In Things That Are Minor


So often we get caught up in or fixated on little issues.  

We stress out, lose sleep over and occupy our thoughts with things that are sometimes, while they seem important at the time, they're truly not worth the efforts we seem to place on them because they are minor issues. 

Like the old saying goes, "Don't make a mountain out of a mole hill."... Let's focus on the major things instead of worrying about the minor things and in all things, whether major or minor, let's submit them fully to the Lord as He never intended for us to worry about anything, rather, we're to cast all anxiety, worry etc upon Him because He cares about you / us. (see passages such as: 
1 Peter 5:7 and Psalm 55:22)

We know that each day has enough trouble of its own so let's stop borrowing trouble where there often is none.  (see Matthew 6:25-34)

Let's start majoring in the majors but at the same time...leave the minors and majors in God's strong hands because we need His help in all things. 

In Christ Alone,

rlk

Share this encouragement with someone today: "It's time to stop majoring in things that are minor." #ashepherdsheart www.ashepherdsheart.org

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

How To Stop Pouring Out Of An Empty Cup


There are many things in life I enjoy and one such thing is coffee.

I like some of the "foo foo drinks" too (as I call them) on occasion once in a while like an Aztec Mocha from my local Insomnia Coffee Shop or a plain mocha or something like a blended drink or cappuccino. However, what I enjoy the most is plain black coffee as well as cold brew and then iced coffee with a little French vanilla creamer in it. These are my go to drinks that I enjoy...nothing too fancy but really good! 

Now that I think about it, I may have become a bit of a coffee snob a times because I really enjoy coffee and I'm, shall we say, selective with what I drink because by all means "friends don't let friends drink bad coffee". But I digress. Lol. 

With my passion for coffee, I have several mugs I enjoy and like the one featured in the picture above, (which I picked up on a family vacation) it's made for a purpose...and it sits ready in my office for a good ol' cup of Joe.  While it can sit in a cupboard or sit on my office desk it's not really made to continually sit empty unless it's not going to be used. It's made to be filled with something either liquid goodness (coffee), tea or maybe to stuff pens and pencils in. I don't know but it's made, again, to be filled with something useful and good. 

Ok so you're probably thinking well...so what?! He likes coffee and this matters to me why? Well, I'm very glad you asked and hold on as there's something for you just around the rim of the coffee cup...or tea cup if that's your preference!

Friday, July 08, 2016

Please Join Me In Praying for The USA!

Love and God changing the dark hearts of mankind is the key. I saw this image today and with all that the US is facing, I wanted to share it and ask you to join me in praying!

So many deaths. :-( My heart is aching for the USA and specifically those directly impacted by the lives taken and those injured.

It saddens me that racism still exists and specifically it seems several deaths are the result of this. It also saddens me that several police officers have died this week...all the deaths for nothing. Enough already! 

I can't help but think that death for death doesn't make anything better in these cases an the problem in our country goes far deeper than the news outlets, politicians and others spin. 

God please move on the hearts of the people in our nation. Bring us wisdom, reconciliation, justice and somehow - peace. Help us to love others as You first loved us. Help us to be a part of the solution and not part of the problem! 

To my friends and family, no matter the craziness that is taking place in our country...please know that without a doubt, I care about you and you're loved by me. Life is too short and you and I may never have the opportunity to tell one another how much we care...so...this is my notice to you! My heart aches with you! Please join me in prayer and working to be a part of the solution not the problem. 

Love in Christ Always,

rlk


#praywithoutceasing #prayer #knowyourworth #hope #ashepherdsheart

Friday, July 01, 2016

Special Prayer Request


Dear Friends: 

While I can always use your ongoing general prayers for God's ministry through me to you and today I have a specific prayer request for you...

I’m continually led and seeking to create meaningful content that encourages, lifts-up and challenges people in their day-to-day faith and walk with God in and out of the 4 walls of the church meeting places. 

With this in mind, I’ve hit the limit regarding what I can produce beyond short 60 second or less clips, etc using my basic smart phone and I’d like to ask you to join me in prayer specifically for a way to acquire at least the follow three tools:

1.  A quality (Used/Refurb/New) DSLR Camera with mic input (and potentially with a flip out screen that can face forward for framing and monitoring during recording).  (Use: To create inspiring video and still image content for teaching and encouragement.) (Have some models/types in mind)

2.  A basic iDevice (Apple) or other tablet (Android 5.0 or above) for Interactive live Video for Facebook, possibly Periscope, etc. (Used/Refurb/New) (The Basic Smartphone I have cannot handle the apps) 

3.  A Zoom H4N Pro, or a Zoom H5 or H6 portable recording unit (Plus a memory card and other accessories). (Use: for podcasts, field recording and enhanced audio for video segments)

If you have any question regarding the future content I’m seeking to create, please let me know. 

Thank you for joining me in prayer for God’s provision!

In Christ,

rlk


P.S. Please pass this prayer request on as I'd appreciate prayer covering for this. 

Thursday, June 30, 2016

A Prayer For Dads - A Prayer for Fervent Prayer for and Never Giving Up on Your Kids - Thursday, June 30, 2016

To honor Dads during the Month of June, I'm posting prayers especially for Dads! I pray it ministers to you in a special way! Thank you for all you do! This is the finally prayer post for dads for this month.


Read and Pray Through: 1 Chronicles 29:19, Luke 15:11-32 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Heavenly Father,

I'm so thankful that You hear the prayers of Your children and we can approach You with confidence. 

You never promised that parenting would always be easy but it is definitely a special gift and responsibility that You've given me to be a dad. There are many who don't have this privilege so please help me never take this for granted.

As I read Your Word I see many prayers, the examples of those who prayed often (including Jesus) and it's by no coincidence that You instruct to to always pray...to pray unceasingly and there are certainly many things to pray for! 

I believe that I have an incredible urgent responsibility to fervently pray for my Children. 

Friday, June 24, 2016

Experiencing Peace Now and Later


Read, Study and Pray through: John 14:27

I wonder sometimes if we think of peace incompletely. 

It seems we only reserve it for sometimes as if we can only have or experience it on a very limited basis. 

Or, maybe that we'll only be able to experience the peace of Jesus when He returns...because He is the Prince of Peace. So, it's only for the future and not for now?

What if we didn't reserve wishes of peace for only when someone dies?  Don't get me wrong, it's important to pay our respects and wish someone the normal may you "Rest In Peace".  But, what if we can rest in peace each day as we lay down to rest? 

Is this possible or is it too weighty to consider? 

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

A Prayer For Dads - A Prayer for Leading, Teaching and Showing The Way - Deuteronomy 6:6-9 and Proverbs 22:6 - Wednesday, June 22, 2016

To honor Dads during the Month of June, I'm posting prayers especially for Dads! I pray it ministers to you in a special way! Thank you for all you do!


Read and Pray through: Deuteronomy 6:6-9 and Proverbs 22:6 

Heavenly Father,

I praise You and thank as You're my Father, my greatest example.

It's an amazing privilege to be a dad and I'm reminded that You've called me to lead the children that You've blessed me with. 

I need to actively lead and I confess that sometimes I'm not sure how best to do this!

Friday, June 17, 2016

The 3 Things Every Child Needs To Hear



Words of affirmation are essential to building a positive foundation for your children.

In a world that seeks to tear them down...we can be ones to seek to build them up speaking words of life to and over them!

As parents we sometimes focus only on they areas of shall we say..."Opportunity" or "Improvement" and little time is spent on all the great and amazing things you see in them and believe about them. They need to see and believe the same and more about themselves. 

Also, if you don't tell them...who will?! 

This might be a foreign concept to you because like many, you may not have received this as a child from your parents but regardless of this, you can turn the tide and forge a better way and path for your own children!

This is just one small list and a great beginning and I'm sure you can add to this list but start here...

3 Things Every Child Needs To Hear:

   1. I Love You!
   2. I'm Proud of You!
   3. You are Good at this_______!



This is a list is derived from an incredible men's video series I journeyed through quite a few years ago titled "The Quest for Authentic Manhood" by Robert Lewis and it's stuck with me since then and I've tried to regularly communicate this to my children over the years. 

Dads...you especially need to be the one who leads the charge to show and tell them how capable, talented, proud and loved they are because your words speak volumes to the heart, soul and mind of your children! Never underestimate the power of your words! 


Keep Living life on Purpose and make these affirmations and more a regular habit!

In Christ,

rlk

Share this with someone today: There are 3 Things every child needs to hear. Visit ashepherdsheart.org to find out more! #ashepherdsheart


Wednesday, June 15, 2016

A Prayer For Dads - A Prayer for Being an Example of How to Live a Good Life - 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 - Wednesday, June 15, 2016

To honor Dads during the Month of June, I'm posting prayers especially for Dads! I pray it ministers to you in a special way! Thank you for all you do! 

Read and Pray Through:2 Corinthians 3:2-3

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank You and praise You again for being the perfect Father and example of how to be a Father. Thank You also for the real gift and honor it is to be a dad to the children You've given me to help guide down the right path.

Each day I realize more an more that my children are a reflection of me...like it or not. 

Wednesday, June 08, 2016

A Prayer For Dads - A Prayer for being Strong and Courageous - Joshua 1:9 - Wednesday, June 8, 2016

To honor Dads during the Month of June, I'm posting prayers especially for Dads! I pray it ministers to you in a special way! Thank you for all you do! 

Read and Pray Through: Joshua 1:9

Dear Father in Heaven,

I thank You and Praise You for being my Father!

I thank You for the gift of fatherhood that You've given me...as being a dad is a privilege!

I pray that You lead me each day to be a better dad for my children. 

I confess that it's very tough to be a dad sometimes and it's not like I was given a manual on how to be a "perfect dad"...but... I try and want to own this great responsibility. 

Monday, May 30, 2016

A Prayer For Moms - A Prayer for Remembering Who My Help Is - Psalm 121:1-2 - Monday, May 30, 2016

To honor moms during the Month of May, I'm posting prayers especially for moms and this post is the final post in this series! I pray it ministers to you in a special way! Thank you for all you do! Here's the final prayer for this month through Psalm 121:1-2.

Psalm 121:1-2

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your truth, for building me up and daily transforming me as a mom and as Your Daughter as I read Your truth and pray through it. I thank You and praise You for Who You are,  for loving me unconditionally and for being my true source of help! Thank You Father! 
                                                                                                               
I lift up my eyes to the hills.

Heavenly Father, You're Word is true. Your Word gives me hope and a deeper connection and direction with You day-to-day as Your daughter and servant and as a mom. 

Parenting / being a mom sometimes is a challenge as I work to help my children grow each day and navigate life but I know You equip me and strengthen me for each unique circumstance. 

When troubled times come - no matter what it is or what shape or size it's packaged in, help me to lift my eyes up to You.  

Help me to fix my eyes on You and not my circumstances.

Help me to teach my children to do the same as I am a living example for them.

Help me to rely on Your strength at all times. 

From where does my help come?

Father, when my vision gets blurry and I need Your help...please remind me to turn to You.

If I ever question, help me to seek answers from You!

Help me seek answers in Your Word. 

My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

Father, I'm overwhelmed by Your love! I'm in awe of You as You're The Creator of Heaven and Earth yet... you still have time for me!

Please help me to remember where my help comes from as sometimes I lose sight of You...I lose sight of the truth.

When the bills are due...Help me cling to Your help.

When my child is getting sick in the middle of the night...Help me to cling to Your help. 

When I'm dealing with parenting issues...Help me cling to Your help.

When I have no energy left in me...Help me to cling to Your help.

No matter what I face...please help me / us to cling to Your help!

Please help my children do the same...again as You help me model this day-to-day!

Help me to continue to marvel at Your amazing handiwork. 

I praise You and thank You and I ask all these things in Jesus Name, Amen.


Dear Moms:

I pray this Month's prayers through a different Psalm has been an encouragement and blessing for you. 

It's been a privilege to pray along with you and try to encourage you along the way. 

Keep striving to continue to be the awesome servant of the Lord and mom that you are!

Thank you for all you do as you're family wouldn't be where they are without your tireless efforts!

In Christ Alone,

rlk

Share this encouragement with someone today: Jesus is my true source of help! Lord help me lift up my head & fix my eyes on You! Read Psalm 121:1-2 ashepherdsheart.org

Saturday, May 28, 2016

It's The Here We GROW Again Times!


Life as we know it comes with no shortage of trials, tests and hard times doesn't it?!

I don't know about you but it's as real struggle sometimes to have a clear perspective when we're going through the thick of things!

We can choose to see them as times of opportunity instead of agony...

We can choose to see them as times of hope instead of hopelessness...

We can choose to see them negatively or positively...