Showing posts with label Salvation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Salvation. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 02, 2022

November 2022 Memory Verses

My Friend,

For our November scripture memorization, I've suggested Psalm 9:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 118:28-29, and Psalm 136:1-3, which are just a few of the many that remind us about thankfulness and gratitude to The King Of Kings and Lord of Lords.

As always, I've suggested the ESV version, which is the version I use most often, however, if you have another good word for word translation you enjoy, feel free to memorize it in that version. It's completely up to you.

You'll notice that following the verses is a list of some basic themes/topics. I've included those suggestions as I learned many years ago that having at least one theme or topic in mind when you memorize scripture helps you store them in memory and as you have conversations with others in the future, I can guarantee that as those themes/topics come up, the scripture you've memorized will also come to mind and you may share encouragement from God's Word or re-encourage yourself!

May you continue to abide in God's Word through reading, studying, memorization and living it out as vital keys to our growth.

Have fun with scripture Memorization! Don't stress about it! And, as always, be in The Word and stay in The Word!

You're in my prayers and please reach out if you need any tips.
Your Brother and Servant in Christ,
Randolph Koch

P.S. If you need some scripture memorization tips, please check out this article: https://www.ashepherdsheart.org/2018/02/the-bible-is-essential-part-3-scripture.html

Connect with A Shepherd's Heart: https://linktr.ee/ashepherdsheart (Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, YouTube, Website, YouVersion, Telegram, and More)
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#scripture #memorization #strength #2022 #November #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #Jesus #Bible #GodsWord #heart #mind #soulcare #strength #HolySpirit #encourage #encouragement #Christian #Christianity #Christfollower #trustgodbro #instagod #livelifeonpurpose #reshare #faithblogger #ashepherdsheart

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

October 2022 Memory Verses

My Friend,

For our October scripture memorization, I've suggested Psalms 28:7, Psalm 46:10, Matthew 11:28-30, and Proverbs 3:5-6, as they remind us that our strength and sufficiency, and who we are is found in Him. So, we can cease striving, trust in Him, lean on Him and His understanding instead of ourselves alone. 

As always, I've suggested the ESV version and this month, one from the NASB version (that's the version I originally memorized that verse in. :-) ), which is the version I use most often, however, if you have another good word for word translation you enjoy, feel free to memorize it in that version. It's completely up to you.

You'll notice that following the verses is a list of some basic themes/topics. I've included those suggestions as I learned many years ago that having at least one theme or topic in mind when you memorize scripture helps you store them in memory and as you have conversations with others in the future, I can guarantee that as those themes/topics come up, the scripture you've memorized will also come to mind and you may share encouragement from God's Word or re-encourage yourself!

May you continue to abide in God's Word through reading, studying, memorization and living it out as vital keys to our growth.

Have fun with scripture Memorization! Don't stress about it! And, as always, be in The Word and stay in The Word!

You're in my prayers and please reach out if you need any tips.
Your Brother and Servant in Christ,
Randolph Koch

P.S. If you need some scripture memorization tips, please check out this article: https://www.ashepherdsheart.org/2018/02/the-bible-is-essential-part-3-scripture.html

Connect with A Shepherd's Heart: https://linktr.ee/ashepherdsheart (Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, YouTube, Website, YouVersion, Telegram, and More)
Please subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

#scripture #memorization #strength #2022 #October #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #Jesus #Bible #GodsWord #heart #mind #soulcare #strength #HolySpirit #encourage #encouragement #Christian #Christianity #Christfollower #trustgodbro #instagod #livelifeonpurpose #reshare #faithblogger #ashepherdsheart

Thursday, September 01, 2022

September 2022 Memory Verses.

My Friend,

For our September scripture memorization, I've suggested John 14:6 and Acts 4:12 as they remind us that there is only One Way that we can be saved and that is through Jesus Christ's finished work on the cross. There are not many pathways to heaven, He is the only way! 



As always, I've suggested the ESV version, which is the version I use most often, however, if you have another good word for word translation you enjoy, feel free to memorize it in that version. It's completely up to you.

You'll notice that following the verses is a list of some basic themes/topics.

I've included those suggestions as I learned many years ago that having at least one theme or topic in mind when you memorize scripture helps you store them in memory and as you have conversations with others in the future, I can guarantee that as those themes/topics come up, the scripture you've memorized will also come to mind and you may share encouragement from God's Word or re-encourage yourself!

May you continue to abide in God's Word through reading, studying, memorization and living it out as vital keys to our growth.

Have fun with scripture Memorization! Don't stress about it! And, as always, be in The Word and stay in The Word!

You're in my prayers and please reach out if you need any tips.

Your Brother and Servant in Christ,

Randolph Koch

P.S. If you need some scripture memorization tips, please check out this article: https://www.ashepherdsheart.org/2018/02/the-bible-is-essential-part-3-scripture.html

Connect with A Shepherd's Heart: https://linktr.ee/ashepherdsheart (Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, YouTube, Website, YouVersion, Telegram, and More)

Please subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me on Facebook and Instagram.


#scripture #memorization #humility #2022 #August #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #Jesus #Bible #GodsWord #heart #mind #soulcare #strength #HolySpirit #encourage #encouragement #Christian #Christianity #Christfollower #trustgodbro #livelifeonpurpose #reshare #faithblogger #ashepherdsheart

Friday, November 13, 2020

Are You Dead In Sin Or Dead To Sin?

My friend,

Which kind of person are you? Are you dead in sin or dead to sin?

Jesus came so that you can receive His forgiveness and salvation in Him and then you will be dead to sin and alive in Him! 

It's of utmost importance that you know Jesus personally through receiving His free gift of salvation!

The following is known as The Romans Road as it's comprised of Six Pillars of Truth drawing from a group of six verses from The Book of Romans.

If you walk down this road you will arrive at an understanding of how you can be saved.

Let me encourage you to grab a Bible and dig into the following verses! You need to understand that:

1. No One is Good – Romans 3:10-12

2. We all Fall Short – Romans 3:23

3. Everyone is Guilty – Romans 5:12

4. We're All Guilty of Sin and Sin Earns Us Death – Romans 6:23

5. God Loves Us – Romans 5:8

6. Confess and Believe – Romans 10:8-10, 13

If you’d like to take a step of faith and receive Jesus as your Savior then here is a suggested prayer you can pray right now to enter into a new life with Jesus Christ fully forgiven and secure!

This prayer does not save you (Jesus does) but it’s a way to help you confess and receive in faith God’s Free gift of Salvation!

“Dear Father in Heaven, I believe in Your Son, Jesus. I believe that He died on the cross for my sins and that He rose up from the grave. I know that I am a sinner and I repent of my sins. I ask for Your forgiveness and I know that I'm forgiven. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. Help me to walk with You.Thank you for saving me. In The Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”

The Romans Road....this is a pathway you can walk, right now!

The Question is – will you walk it?

If you’ve already walked The Romans Road and have received Salvation, praise God!

I'm praying for you! May you listen to God's voice as He draws you to Himself either in salvation or day-to-day as a follower of Christ as He guides and directs your path. 

You're brother and servant in Christ, 

Randolph Koch

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Nothing Can Separate You From God's Love!

Hello My Friend,

What's that? Your past is too messy and you've done too many things that God could never forgive you for and love you?...
 
Or, maybe you think you're "not good enough" to be loved and forgiven?

Or, What's that? You're a follower of Christ and you messed up again and now you think God won't forgive and love you anymore?
 
First off, let me encourage you to stop listening to the lies of the enemy or the lies you keep telling yourself and instead get into The Word and listen to God's truth!
 
He died once for all of your sins and His forgiveness isn't based on what you do or have done...it has nothing to do with your good works. You can't work your way to heaven!

 
What Jesus did for you so you couldn't be forgiven for your sins and no longer be separated from God because of sin, wasn't based on your works, rather, it was all based on what Jesus did! What He did for you was and is complete! You can't add or subtract from it!
 
He Loves you...period. If you've received His free gift of salvation then you're forgiven and He'll continue to forgive you when you sin. We should never doubt that or take it for granted.
 
Nothing can separate you from His love!
Nothing you do can make you love you more or less than He already does!
Nothing you do can make Him not forgive you!

So, stop building a self inflicted wall between you and The Lord and instead: repent, believe, receive His love and forgiveness completely!
 
Yes, you should strive for holiness but when you fall down, (we all do) get back up, repent when you need to repent and seek The Lord as He's not mad at you, He's not going to withhold His love and forgiveness from you!

Rest in His love, forgiveness, and grace and never stop seeking Him with all that is within you!

Rest in the fact that His love for you will never change. His love is perfect!

Praying for you!

Here are a few of the many verses for your you to read, study, pray over and take to heart:
John 3:1-17, Romans 10:8-10, 13, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 6:10, Romans 8:38-39, Jeremiah 31:3, 1 John 4:18-19

Your Brother and Servant in Christ,
Randolph Koch

P.S. Please share this encouragement with others and please also pray and give if possible to our first ever fundraiser. https://www.gofundme.com/f/Please-Help-AShepherdsHeart

Wednesday, September 09, 2020

Finding Strength & Hope In Forgiveness

Read and Study Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6 ESV; Romans 10:9‭-‬10 ESV; Psalm 103:12 ESV; and Psalm 139:14 ESV

To the people who care about you, you are not a nuisance or a waste of time. 

Don't let doubts discourage you from living a full life. Time is short and you can't change or take back regrets, but you can control where you focus your energy now clear into the future. 

Realizing this empowers you to feel in control of your journey. Anxiety and fear numbs, but forgiveness brings a visceral freshness unparalleled by anything that could be conjured in an impaired mind.

Dig deep, push back, fight the lies, forgive yourself, and be strengthened. YOU are worth the time and energy even if it's a challenge to believe it.


For my fellow believers Proverbs 3:5-6 is a great launching point to maintain a healthy idea of what is truth vs a lie by "not leaning on your own understanding." V5. It says the Lord "will make your path straight" V6. That straight path is hard to find without the forgiveness given on the cross. 

When you confess and become saved (Roman's 10:9-10) you are forgiven in the deepest way possible. As far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12)! Now we have to decide if we want to accept that God's free gift of grace and forgiveness is enough. 

He is the only one who constantly says you're worth the time when you believe a lie. He is the only one who will continually wash you white as snow all the while not leaving or forsaking you even when the accuser roams. You are a child of God and therefore loved, cared for, forgiven, and wonderfully + fearfully made (Psalm 139:14).

Hold on to hope my friends!!

God Bless 

- Noah

Picture of a view of The Pacific Ocean From Otter Crest By Noah Koch


We're blessed to have Noah Koch as a guest contributor to A Shepherd's Heart. He hails from the Pacific Northwest in the USA where he actively and passionately lives life on purpose for The Lord. He's very creative and talented 
as a communicator, photographer, musician, and writer. He has a true servant's heart. We prayerfully look forward to further guest posts from Noah in the future.


Please prayerfully consider helping this ministry through a gift of any size via our first ever fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Please-Help-AShepherdsHeart

Monday, April 06, 2020

'The 7 Sayings of Jesus on The Cross' Easter Devotional Is Now Live!

Hello and thanks for stopping by my site!

I wanted to share the news that just in time for Easter, my new Easter Devotional 'The 7 Sayings of Jesus on The Cross' is now live in the YouVersion Bible App and Website!

Here's the link the plan:  https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/18966-the-7-sayings-of-jesus-on-the-cross

Here's a brief intro video: https://youtu.be/naTbjR6wOs0


Please check it out and please subscribe to the plan via the app and I'd greatly appreciate it if you could please share it with your family and friends.

Here are the title and daily graphics for the devotional that you'll see in the app:
Title Image:


 Daily Image: 










Have a blessed Easter as you fix your eyes on Jesus and all He's done for you!

Your Brother and Servant in Christ,

Randolph Koch

Monday, April 15, 2019

Passion Week - What took place?

Passion Week is an incredible time where we should pause to remember all Jesus did and endured for us so that we can have forgiveness and life in and through Him!

The following is a straightforward list of some of the many things that took place from His triumphant entry that we remember on Palm Sunday and on through to Resurrection Sunday with scriptures for your personal reading, study, reflection, and prayer. 


Palm Sunday:

  • The Triumphal Entry of Jesus: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:29-44, John 12:12-19

Monday:
  • The Cleansing of the Temple: Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48
  • The Cursing of the Fig Tree: Matthew 21:18-19, Mark 11:12-14

Tuesday:
  • Jesus’ Authority is Challenged: Matthew 21:23-27, Mark 11:27-33, Luke 20:1-8
  • Jesus’ Parables of Warning: Matthew 21:28-22:14, Mark 12:1-12, Luke 20:9-19
  • The Withered Fig Tree: Matthew 21:18-22, Mark 11:20-25
  • Debate With Jewish Leaders: Matthew 22:15-46, Mark 12:13-37, Luke 20:20-44
  • Jesus' Warning against Hypocrisy & Jesus Denounces the he Scribes & the Pharisees: Matthew 23:1-39, Mark 12:38-44, Luke 20:45-21:4 Teaching on the Last Things Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, Luke 21:5-36

Wednesday:
  • The Chief Priests Conspire Against Jesus: Matthew 26:1-5, Mark 14:1-2, Luke 22:1-2
  • The Anointing of Jesus & Judas' Plot: Matthew 26:6-16, Mark 14:3-11, Luke 22:3-6, John 11:45-12:8

Thursday:
  • The Last Supper: Matthew 26:17-35, Mark 14:12-31, Luke 22:7-38, John 13-17
  • The Garden of Gethsemane: Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-46
  • Jesus’ Betrayal & Arrest: Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-52, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:1-14
  • Jesus Stands Trial before the Jewish Authorities: Matthew 26:57-75, Mark 14:53-72, Luke 22:54-71, John 18:15-27

Good Friday:
  • Jesus Stands Trial before Pilate: Matthew 27:1-31, Mark 15:1-20, Luke 23:1-25, John 18:28-19:16
  • The Crucifixion of Jesus: Matthew 27:32-56, Mark 15:22-41, Luke 23:26-49, John 19:16-37
  • The Burial of Jesus: Matthew 27:57-61, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42

Saturday:
  • The Tomb Watch: Matthew 27:62-66

Resurrection Sunday!
  • The Resurrection of Jesus: Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18
  • The Report of the Tomb Watch: Matthew 28:11-15
  • Jesus Appears on The Road to Emmaus: Luke 24:13-35
  • Jesus Appears to the Ten in the Upper Room: Luke 24:36-49, John 20:19-23

May you be moved to praise The Lord all the more as you re-read, study, and reflect on these passages this week as you remember all He did and endured for you!

You're Brother and Servant in Christ,


Randolph Koch

Wednesday, August 01, 2018

When A Gift Truly Becomes A Gift.

Read:  Romans 3:10-12, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8,  Romans 10:9-10, 13, John 3:1-21

I really enjoy giving and receiving gifts, especially when you give a gift and the receivers face lights up as their reaction is priceless.

I've realized that in part, a gift isn't truly a gift until the one whom you are giving it to receives it. 

No matter how much time and thought you put into a gift you can't force someone to receive a gift but you just freely give it to them with hopes they gladly receive it. 

Likewise God's free gift of salvation is a truly free but the gift isn't complete until it is received as God doesn't force the gift on anyone. The receiver has to act in "opening" the gift through confessing, believing and receiving His priceless gift.

I pray that you have or will receive His free gift of salvation that He's presented to you! Always remember that His gift is the only one that will truly change and transform your life now and into eternity! 

His arms are open wide ready and waiting for you to receive His gift...what are you waiting for? Unwrap the gift while there's still time! 
Let go of the past, let go of the things of this world and receive His gift. 

Once you've received His gift, you can share His gift with others as you point them to Him so they can receive His gift as well! 


In Christ,
Your Brother and Servant,


Randolph Koch


Please consider helping this ministry through prayer and other ways! Find out more here:  https://www.ashepherdsheart.org/p/help-a.html


Also, here are a few ideas of how I can serve you: 
https://www.ashepherdsheart.org/p/ministry-service-offerings.html

Friday, June 22, 2018

He Can Rebuild You!

I remember when I was a very young child there was a show called "The Six Million Dollar Man" which was about an astronaut that was hurt very badly in a crash landing. 

One of the famous lines from the show, which many say in humor today when going into surgery and other times, was "we can rebuild him." Which in the show they did as they rebuilt him with "cutting edge technology" of the 1970's. :-)

He could run fast, (even though it was always filmed slow mo) :) and he could do a bunch of other super human things as he performed missions like any former astronaut and basically newly turned into a cyborg would do. lol. 

This childhood memory reminded me of the reality that there is One who can and will rebuild our lives if we allow Him to do so. 

This rebuilding starts with receiving God's free gift of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ and is followed by walking with Him day-by-day as He renews and transforms you.

You may feel like your life has crashed and you've hit rock bottom or you may never have experienced the "rock bottom". No matter who you are, what you've been through, or where you are today, Jesus is ready and willing to save and rebuild you! Like the show but in truth, it's as if Jesus looks at you, holds out His arms wide to receive you and says, "I will rebuild you."

The question for all of us is, will we let Him rebuild our lives or not? Will we let Him make something beautiful from the ashes and wreckage of our life as even if things seem great for you, you are still spiritually bankrupt and you need Him to save, rebuild and renew you!

My prayer is that you and I will let Him rebuild us because ultimately He is the only One Who Can.

Blessing In Christ,
Your Brother and Servant,

Randolph Koch

For an audio version of this message, please visit: https://soundcloud.com/user-335546274/he-will-rebuild-you 

PS. Please share this encouragement with others! 

Please consider helping this ministry through prayer and other ways! Find out more here:  ttps://www.ashepherdsheart.org/p/help-a.html

Thursday, June 07, 2018

He Left The 99 for You.


Read: Luke 15:1-7 and Romans 10:8-10

The love and sacrifice of Jesus may seem irrational and senseless to some but it doesn't really matter what anyone thinks because He came to seek and save the lost. 
 
His love and sacrifice for you is perfect, overwhelming, and complete...He left heaven and came to find and save you!
 
If you've received His search and rescue mission, (His free gift of salvation) then rejoice in your loving Good Shepherd Who has brought you into His flock! 


Keep listening to and for the Good Shepherd's voice!

If you haven't received His search and rescue mission, (His free gift of salvation) then listen and respond to The Good Shepherd's voice as He is calling for you drawing you to Himself. He gave His life for you! 


All you have to do is receive His free gift of salvation! 

If you're not sure how, please check out the following: 


For additional encouragement, please listen to my reading of Luke 15:1-7 via one of the following links:


No matter what, during the good and the bad seasons of life, never doubt or question His great love and sacrifice for you. Always remember God's great love for you as He sent is His so that you may have forgiveness and new life in Him!

Praise God with me for The Shepherd Who would leave the 99 for you and I!

In Christ Alone,
Your Brother and Servant,

Randolph Koch


Please consider helping this ministry through prayer and other ways! Find out more here:  ttps://www.ashepherdsheart.org/p/help-a.html

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

The Parable of The Fishing Net - Matthew 13:47-50 (Audio Message)


Hello!

This past Sunday I had the great opportunity to communicate God's Word. I filled in for a friend at his church campus while he was out of town and I wanted to share the message with you. 

The message was from Matthew 13:47-50 about The Parable of The Fishing Net.

Sonrise Cornelius is a bilingual campus located in Cornelius, Oregon and the message was translated / interpreted live in Español as I communicated in English. 

It was an honor to be there with them!

Here's the link to the message via Soundcloud.com: The Parable of The Fishing Net

If you listen to the message, I pray you’ll come away with a sense of urgency and sense of hope too! 

God loves you and is the standard setter! I encourage you to take time to study the passage for yourself sometime as well. May you be encouraged, challenged and motivated to serve God all the more through what He teaches us in His Word!

Many Blessings,

rlk

PS. Once you listen to the message, I would enjoy hearing from you here via the comments section or via soundcloud.com regarding your response to God's Word.  


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

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Our Patient Savior - A Reflection On The Saving Work of Christ


The Word:

Read: 2 Peter 3:9, John 19, Galatians 5:22-23

There have been many occasions in my life and most likely yours, when I needed to refer to a dictionary. I remember when I was a kid I always asked my mom what a word meant or how it was spelled. As I recall, most of the time she would say to me, "Use the dictionary." She wanted me know what the words meant for myself and to rely on the dictionary as a constant resource for my spelling needs. As an adult you'd think I'd stop asking what something means or how it was spelled, but I've found as I search the scriptures that there is always a use for a regular or a Biblical dictionary. It is amazing what you'll find as you refresh your memory of a spelling or a definition. 


On one occasion I looked up the word "patient". I found the word in the dictionary and read the definitions that accompanied it. I was in for a surprise on this occasion because we all use the word patient but do we know what it totally means? In the particular compact Webster's Dictionary I was using it laid out the following as the first definition:
        "Patient - Enduring affliction or pain without anger or complaint."

Pause for a moment and let that definition soak in...

Monday, June 29, 2015

"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!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Transformed

No matter your past, don't ever forget that your Father in Heaven is in the business of transforming lives! He sent His Son, Jesus to died for your sins and if you are in Christ, you've been set apart by Him (Sanctified) and as you walk with Him in faith, salvation in Him has made you a new creation and He's daily working to renew your mind so you can be even more useful to Him! Take time right now to thank Him for His transforming power in your life! 


Here's a prayer for you and I:
Heavenly Father, Thank you for Your transforming power! You take unworthy sinners and forgive & transform us. You've made us new creations & You are daily renewing our minds. You've satisfied / set us apart & You are daily progressively sanctifying us to be useful vessels for You! Again, I thank You and Praise You in Jesus name I pray, Amen!


In Christ Alone,

rlk 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Stop Remembering What God Has Forgotten!



We all we all sin. But because Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice and payment that satisfied God’s wrath by His death on the cross! He died for our sins and then He rose from the grave, every one of our sins past present or future has been paid in full through what He did for you and I!

Don’t let shame and guilt keep you from walking in God's love and forgiveness daily!

Isaiah 43:25 (NIV) says, "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”

Since God has removed your sin from His memory – He doesn’t hold your sin against you any longer if you’ve received His gift of salvation!

If you have receive His salvation then isn’t it time you do the same and move forward with God fully embraced by His love and mercy? He wants to use you and He loves you with a perfect and unconditional love.

Don’t allow your past or the evil one’s influence cripple you any longer and let God’s love wash over you!

Now, today, if you're actively and willfully sinning....STOP! Repent from your sin and move forward in the same before mentioned truth!


He doesn't want you to live a defeated or crippled life anymore do the past or present sin because He already won victory over sin on the cross so let's start living and walking in His truth!

Something to think about today and if you’re struggling with letting go of the past, letting go of the sins you’ve already been forgiven for, let me encourage you to seek Him about this as He can and will help you move forward! 


So, STOP remembering what God has forgiven and forgotten! Make this your prayer today!

In Christ,

rlk

Monday, July 01, 2013

Our Independence Day!


















The Word:
Read: Psalm 146:7, Luke 4:18, John 8:31-32, 34-36

"Our Independence Day" by Randolph Koch

As I have been preparing to celebrate our nation's Independence Day, I started to remember how much we have to be thankful for. Independence didn't come cheap for the USA to become its own nation and many people fought and died to bring us this gift we know a freedom.

We have freedom to worship and attend church wherever we want, or we can choose not to do so. We can have our own Bibles. We can choose (for the most part) what our career will be. We can have our own vehicles. We can have children without government control if we choose to have children. We can have clean water to drink and for the most part we can have 3 meals (that we can choose) a day as well as many other freedoms that are truly unique to the USA. 

The list goes on and on regarding the freedom we have here but we so easily take them for granted!


Think about it for a moment: other countries don't have these freedoms and in some countries you could be killed or imprisoned for just being a follower of Christ. These and many other freedoms we tend to take for granted. 

We should remember to thank God for these things. We truly live in a land of much independence, beginning way back at the birth of this nation.

The fourth of July is a great time of celebration for the USA. But let us not forget the greatest Independence Day of all time that we can all celebrate no matter what country we call home. I'm talking about the day that we came to know salvation through Jesus Christ! On that day, Jesus set us free from the chains of our sin when He died for us, taking the penalty for our sin and making it His. We were slaves to our sin and through His power He has given us independence from our old sinful ways. We are no longer enslaved by our sin and will spend eternity with Him!!


Praise God that now as believer's we can truly celebrate, every day, our own Independence Day!


Thanks be to our God for loving us so much! We’ve now moved from dependence on sin and our old life to independence from sin and dependence on Him!!!

Questions To Get Started With:

-Have you experienced your own Independence Day?

-Are you thankful for the many blessings, freedoms and privileges you have?
-Are you living the way you were before you came to know Christ or is your life new or growing? Is there evidence of your own Independence Day?
-Are you secure in your walk with God knowing that the Lord has truly set you free?


 Application Idea:
-Consider making a list of the blessings, freedoms and privileges you have.
-Thank God for these things and seek to never take them for granted!

Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!



In Him,


rlk