Time is a gift from God.

A gift and an investment for us to live life the life He's given us well for Him... To live it well for His kingdom and glory and to gift it to and invest in others.

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Don't hoard your time just for yourself but change your perspective on the gift that time is...then freely and wisely gift it and invest it in others without any expectation of gaining anything in return. Just bless them!

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Make every moment count... Again, seek to be a blessing!

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Watch this simple 15 second video and then seek the Lord for how you can better manage your time gifting and investing it in yourself and others through a practical and eternal perspective!

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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #time #invest #investment #encouragement #encourage #inspirational #inspire #inspiration #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

God's Mercies are new each day.

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Today is a new day...a fresh start.

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Embrace the gift of today that He's given you.

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Shake off the dust of yesterday and move forward with His strength, wisdom, direction, will and protection knowing He has new opportunities ahead for you!

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#newday #freshstart #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #inspire #inspiration #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart

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.

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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. :-)

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He could run fast, (even though it was always filmed slow mo) :) and 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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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!

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

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#rebuild #renew #restore #transform #salvation #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #christfollower #christian #Christianity #ashepherdsheart

His ways are higher than our ways and we live by faith not by sight.

You may not understand God's ways but you can know that He is trustworthy. It may not always be easy but let me challenge you to put what you see and your feelings, fears and anxiety aside and trust Him no matter what!

#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #life #walkbyfaith #notbysight #scripture #bible #Godsword #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #inspirational #inspirationalquotes #inspire #quote #quotes #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart

Hello!

I wanted to share a description of each of the Christmas Devotional Plans with you via these graphics.

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Also, here are the links to the plans via the app (if opened via a phone) or the website (if opened via PC):

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Christmas: The Promise Fulfilled.

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13399-christmas-the-promise-f...

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The Wonder of Christmas.

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13380-the-wonder-of-christmas

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For those who are looking for the audio versions, I was informed today that there has been a slight delay in the upload of the audio versions in the app but it is coming!

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Once it's loaded, there will be a speaker icon next to the daily devotional content where anyone can listen to the audio that some goofy guy recorded for you. ;-).

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Thanks for your prayers, subscribing to the plans, and getting to word out about these plans to your family and friends!

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Your Brother and Servant In Christ,

Randolph Koch

-Founder and Servant-Shepherd of A Shepherd's Heart

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#christmas #advent #free #devotional #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

Happy Valentine's Day my friends!

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Praise be to God for His great and unconditional love for us!

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We love because he first loved us.

1 John 4:19 ESV

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Because of Him we have the capacity to truly love because He first loved us!

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#love #HeLovesYou #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart #encouragement #encourage #inspirational #inspire #inspiration

If you are in Christ...you are adopted as a son or daughter!

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This is such an awesome truth and another part of His gift that we celebrate during Christmas! He came and we have life through Him! -

Through Jesus' birth, life, death and resurrection we have the opportunity to be adopted as son's and daughters of God when we receive His free gift of salvation!! -

No matter what your earthly father was or is like, God is The Perfect Father Who loves you completely and unconditionally! -

Here are two encouragements from God's Word for you about your adoption! -

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." -Galatians 4:4‭-‬7 ESV

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"he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved." -Ephesians 1:5‭-‬6 ESV

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#christmas #advent #hope #faith #joy #peace #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #inspire #inspiration #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

We're born with baggage and as we progress through life we can collect more baggage through the things we experience and face.

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Some of our baggage range from "carry on size" baggage to massive "steamer trunk size" baggage.

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Thankfully we have the Lord Who ultimately helps us unpack the baggage due to our sin as well as the baggage due to the things we face in life! He will transform and heal us if we will let Him!

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In addition, He can and will use the body of Christ in the process of unpacking our baggage.

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No matter what size baggage we carry, we need The Lord and one another.

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We should be able to surround ourselves with at least one or more trusted friends in Christ who care and love us enough to help us unpack...and we in turn can help them too!

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I pray that we will rely on The Lord and trust Him to help us unpack and I pray that God will help us to know who the few people are that we can trust because they love us and also have our best in mind.

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It's time to unpack my friend!

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#faith #baggage #unpack #hope #truth #wisdom #life #Jesus #HolySpirit #Godsword #scripture #Bible #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

Sometimes we fixate on the wrong things, but, we really need to take a step back and see the entire picture. Sometimes people are fixated only on what they don't have and don't pause to give thanks for all they do have!

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There are everyday, every moment things that we overlook that we should be thankful to God for.

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For instance...

Each new day is a gift from God.

Each time you take a breath is a gift from God.

Each heart beat is a gift from God.

Each meal is a gift from God.

The sun that is in perfect relation to the earth so we don't burn up or freeze up is a gift from God!

Salvation is a gift from God.

Having a warm and dry place to rest each day is a gift from God.

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There is a limitless list of things that we should be thankful to God for.

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We should thank Him for everything each moment including moments of joy, laughter, victory, pain, sorrow, sadness, and more...because we are to be thankful in all things and thankful day-by-day and moment by moment.

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Let me encourage you to take inventory of all the things you are blessed with. Take inventory of all the people and things you should be and are thankful for. Then turn to God with thanksgiving!

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Give thanks to the Lord from a grateful heart all the days of your life!

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#Thanksgiving #thankful #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

God instructs us to take time to rest each week and He Himself even rested after the days of creation.

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We have to be intentional about resting...especially in this fast paced...full calendar...always seemingly on demand world we live in!

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If we don't actively plan it or build it into our schedules...it won't happen!

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So my friend...simply and prayerfully...Rest!

You're worth it...and God instructs you to do so.

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#rest #peace #hope #faith #truth #wisdom #life #joy #Jesus #strength #encouragement #encourage #inspirational #inspire #bible #scripture #Godsword #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart

An example of Grace is when someone hurts you and you try to understand their situation instead of trying to hurt them back.

#grace #loveoneanother #love #ashepherdsheart

Special thanks to @coolbreezelime for the use of this pic.

#ashepherdsheart

#Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #inspirational #inspirationalquotes #inspire #hesharesthetruth

16 Likes on Instagram

1 Comments on Instagram:

risen_light: Outstanding!

Take a deep breath...tomorrow is a new day and God is still on your side!

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Rest well in Jesus tonight!

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Everything is going to be ok!

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#peace #rest #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #ashepherdsheart

I really enjoy Christmas as it's an opportunity to celebrate the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! It's also a great time to share special times of celebration with family and friends!

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There are those in the church who choose not to celebrate Christmas. I'm not talking about the cult groups either, I'm talking about those who identify as born-again followers of Christ. They have the freedom to not celebrate it just as others have the freedom to celebrate it. It's just doesn't make complete sense to me but it's their choice.

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Some of these are very adamantly against it to the point that they attack other believers who do celebrate Christ's Birth as if we're breaking the commands of scripture or will somehow lose our salvation!? I've been on the receiving end of their anger and legalism over the years myself.

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If you're a follower of Christ who has received his free gift of salvation, let me encourage you in that you have the freedom and permission in Christ to celebrate Christmas as its a celebration of the birth of Christ which is the most important birth and birthday ever!

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Please visit ashepherdsheart.org where you'll find a post with some thoughts on this titled, "Celebrate Christmas With All Your Heart".

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www.ashepherdsheart.org/2018/12/celebrate-christmas-with-...

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Merry Christmas!

Your Brother and Servant in Christ,

Randolph Koch

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#christmas #advent #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

When you're in a season of trial and growth, sometimes it can be easy to slip into doubt mode. You may have even prayed and prayed and God seems "Silent" or you're wondering "Where is He?", or, "When it God going to show up?"

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Let me encourage you to not listen to those voices because based on God's Word and even your own past experiences, you know God is always on time - no matter what!

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The negative voices you hear and the dialogue that goes on in your head during these seasons is a product of doubt and not a product of faith. Hold on to faith and reject all the negative voices of doubt...including the whispers of the enemy or other people.

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God always shows up in His perfect timing so don't spend anymore time worrying and shift your faith into "high gear" as you know God is your rock always.

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Read the following passages and be encouraged: 2 Peter 3:8-9, 1 Peter 5:6-8, James 4:13-17, Psalm 23:4, Matthew 6:25-34, Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 5: 1-5, and Isaiah 41:10.

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#fearnot #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

We desperately need more self-control in our world as it seems to be such a tumultuous time where so many are lacking this character quality and Fruit of the Spirit.

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With this in mind, please check out the latest post from A Shepherd's Heart via ashepherdsheart.org which is the last post in The Fruit of The Spirit Series.

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You'll find the post here:

www.ashepherdsheart.org/2019/02/the-fruit-of-spirit-self-...

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Yes, I finally finished the series after..."Squirrel"... being focused on other projects for a bit! :-)

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I pray that you are encouraged in your walk as you seek to allow The Holy Spirit To Work in your life to help you bear fruit for God's Kingdom, Glory, and everyone's good...including your own.

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The links to all of the previous posts in this series are included in the post.

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In Christ,

Your Brother and Servant,

Randolph Koch

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#love #joy #peace #patience #kindness #goodness #faithfulness #gentleness #selfcontrol #thefruitofTheSpirit #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

So often we approach The Lord with our burdens, intending to lay them at His feet, only to quickly take them back upon ourselves.

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When He says come to Him all who are weary and heavy burdened and He'll give you rest...He means it. (See Matthew 11:28-29)

When He says that, and you actually do your part by coming to Him and laying your burdens down, He's taking your burdens upon Himself and making them His own so you don't have to carry them anymore.

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When you've transferred the burdens to Him, they are no longer yours. I know it's easier said than done but that's the intent and we need His help to leave them with Him as we aren't meant to carry them!

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So, NO TAKE BACKS! :-)

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Let's pray for one another that as we grow in Christ, that we'll get better at not taking our burdens back as we instead keep our eyes, hearts, and minds fixed on Him!

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Read: Matthew 11:28-29, 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 55:22, Isaiah 41:13 for some encouragement from God's Word.

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#layyourburdensdown

#burdens #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

No matter what you're facing, remember that if you are in Christ,He is on your side.

There is no problem too big that He cannot resolve or bring you through. There is nothing that He doesn't already have a solution for well before it takes place. Even in the midst of troubles and trials God is at work for His glory and your good.

Trust Him my friend...He never sleeps or slumbers and always and forever will be at work in and through you.

#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #trust #peace #dontworry #GodIsGood #Heisforyou #HeIsSovereign #Heisyourshelter #Heiswithyou #HeLovesYou #christfollower #christian #Christianity #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart

He's given you new life and there's no such thing as a covert Christian.

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You're supposed to actively live your life live for Him. Not just during weekend church attendance but day-by-day.

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You're life doesn't have be an annoying example as some live for the show of it, but, it should be an example of abiding faith.

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People should see a difference in you.

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Don't live our your faith in secret...rather, seek to shine out His light and seek to bring Him glory through how you live for Him through the work you do, for the good neighbor you are, for the faithful friend you can be and much more.

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He died for you very publicly so you cannot and should not live for Him only in private.

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Read Matthew 5:14‭-‬16 ESV, Ephesians 2:1‭-‬9 ESV and Revelation 3:16 ESV for truth from God's Word.

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#light #liveforHim #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

With only four words spoken...there was light!

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The same God Who spoke light into the darkness, is the same all powerful God that has the power to transform and renew your life and mind...and He does so through His Son Jesus and the work of The Holy Spirit.

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Don't allow your fears and doubts to get in the way of the truth about Who God is and how powerful He is.

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There's nothing to difficult for Him!

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Let Him shine light on and transform your life by His power, strength, and love!

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The next time you think there's no way God can take care of something...go back and read Genesis 1:3!

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#light #life #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #Christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

God knows your heart. He sees and knows who you are completely!

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Does He see a heart fully pursuing Him or not?

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My prayer for each of us is that we'd pursue Him, love Him, and serve Him with everything that is within us...heart, mind, soul and strength!

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Let's pray for one another that He'd see us and see a heart that is completely His!

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See Mark 12:30, 1 Samuel 16:7 and 2 Chronicles 16:9 for encouragement from God's Word.

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#heart #soul #mind #strength #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #christfollower #christian #Christianity #ashepherdsheart

for we walk by faith, not by sight. -2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV

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Life can sure be troublesome and unclear sometimes.

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The circumstances of life cloud our vision and can make us blind to the truth God's Word is filled with.

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If you're in Christ, your faith in Christ and His Holy Spirit are your vision correction and sight because we walk by faith and not by sight!

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So, when things become uncertain or unclear, seek The Lord through prayer and His word. Then take one step of faith after another as He alone will see you through everything that lies ahead!

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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

Hello Friends!

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While we're 4 days into the New Year, it's never too late to begin reading God's Word as The Word of God is active, alive, and vital to the life of a follower of Christ and it’s a true privilege to read, study, and share God’s Word!

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If you sign up for my free periodic e-Mail communications you will receive my 365 Day or More Bible Reading Plan as a thank you.

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What’s the Plan? What's up with the 365 day or more thing? I'm so glad you asked! :)

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This gift to you is a simple reading plan that you can start anytime. In other words, it’s not bound by the days in a year unless that’s what you want to do and that’s why I call it a “365 Day or More” reading plan.

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What you’ll find is a list of Bible chapters to read on any given day from the Old Testament to New Testament cover to cover. The idea is to give you a basic outline to follow and then you can make it your own.

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Go grab your's today by signing up via the form on www.ashepherdsheart.org.

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Here's to abiding in God's Word day-by-day!

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In Christ Alone,

Your Brother and Servant,

Randolph Koch

-Founder and Servant-Shepherds of A Shepherd's Heart

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For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. -Hebrews 4:11-12 (ESV)

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#free #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

Psalm 143:8 is such an encouragement to me. God’s love for us is unfailing. There is nothing we can do to cause us to abandon us or love us less. We can place our trust in Him to care for us and guide us. Our part is to place our trust in Him, even a little at a time. He is faithful.

Too many people, including followers of Christ, think they have it all figured out...as if they can do whatever they want including creating plans and then ask God to bless them later.

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In these cases it shouldn't surprise us when "our" plans fail when we choose to try to cut God out of the plans and the way we're heading.

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Some head down a path that ultimate literally leads to physical and spiritual destruction and it could have been avoided.

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It's not supposed to be this way and you're not meant to haphazardly head forward with no true wisdom, direction, or plan and expect His blessing and the plans you set to be successful.

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God is The One Who defines you and your path and it will go far better for you if you actually seek His counsel and the counsel of others too as He leads.

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He's supposed to be in the forefront and not treated as an afterthought... Don't go your own way...follow and stay heading God's way! He won't lead you down the wrong path!

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#way #truth #wisdom #path #HolySpirit #Jesus #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #encouragement #encourage #inspirational #inspire #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart

Lord, today we simply and wholeheartedly want to thank You and praise You for Who You are!

May we cultivate an attitude of gratitude all year through!

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#Thanksgiving #praise #gratitude #attitudeofgratitude #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart

When you say you will pray for someone, is that just a passing phrase or do you actually intend to pray?

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I think we're all guilty sometimes of saying we'll "pray" (kind of like "how are you doing" but not really wanting the answer...just a passing phrase) and not following through with prayer and...we need to change this!

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Prayer is a fundamental tool God has gifted us with.

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We're to be people of prayer and commit to praying for one another.

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So, be a man or woman of your word and The Word...and make every effort to follow through and pray when you say you will do so.

I pray that God will help us take prayer all the more seriously.

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#pray #prayer #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #integrity #encouragement #inspire #inspiration #inspirational #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

God has created you with a specific purpose in mind and equips you with the right gifts so you can live out that purpose.

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We need to understand that as we grow in the understanding of our purpose and the gifts He equips us with, it's all for His glory and to bless and serve others in and out of the body of Christ.

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We may not understand sometimes how He'll choose to use us in the lives of others or how He'll orchestrate things placing us right where we need to be to be an answer to someone's prayer! We just need to understand that He will and does use us!

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The bottom line is that you have a purpose in Christ and as a part of the Body of Christ you need to fulfill your purpose!

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I pray that you and I will do His will and have the privilege of being used in how He answers someone's prayers!

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#purpose #will #future #plan #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart

In this week's chapel we discussed Part 2 of Matthew 5:9 about being a biblical peacemaker. We discussed some of the key passages regarding conflict resolution as an important part of being a peacemaker.

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Here are the scriptures we walked through or didn't have time to review but shared for continued personal study: Matthew 18:15-17, James 1:19, Proverbs 15:1, Romans 12:17-21, Philippians 2:4, Colossians 3:13, Proverbs 16:7, Romans 12:18.

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These images are just a few of the thoughts / tips shared during the message.

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Conflict is not fun…or it shouldn’t be. But, it’s inevitably a part of life. Conflict will arise in your life…I guarantee it but God has given us tools and principles to work through these times.

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Remember the tools God has given you in His Word as well as the people in the body of Christ. We can help one another along the way and God's Word is THE best resource for wisdom related to conflict and being a peacemaker.

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Here are a few tips for help with conflict based on many scriptures:

-Seek The Lord through Prayer: Pray – Before, During, and After. - -Seek The Lord!

-Seek God’s Word.

-Seek Godly Counsel.

-Approach the conflict directly as much as possible whether a person or some other situation.

-Get additional help if needed.

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Being a peacemaker doesn’t equal being a peacekeeper. You cannot keep the peace all by yourself. You’re good but you’re just not that good. :-) You can only own your part, you can only own your actions.

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If you want to be a peacemaker, remember that God through His Holy Spirit empowers to be a peacemaker.

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As a follower of Christ, I pray you seek to be a peacemaker all the days of your life through your attitudes, actions, serving others, sharing your faith and living your life from a heart that if fully devoted to and seeks after Him with all that is within you. Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

While there are often consequences that may come with our past, if you are in Christ then you are a new creation!

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He is working in and through you each day. Your past does not ultimately define you because of the new lease on life He's given you!

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So, the questions are: Are you going to walk out your faith and life as the new creation He's made you? Or, are you going to allow yourself to live and untransformed life shackled to the chains of your old life?

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I pray that you walk with Christ in the new and put the past behind you with His help!

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Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. -2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

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#newlife #walkinit #thepastisthepast #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

Enjoy the journey of life no matter what comes your way... looking forward to with great hope and anticipation knowing you are secure in your eternal destination!

That's definitely an arrival that you can look forward to!

#security #salvation #eternity #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #inspire #inspiration #Jesus #GodIsGood #HolySpirit #christian #Christianity #christfollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart

Do you seek to reach and serve people where God has placed you?

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We really should work to see the needs around us and ask The Lord to help us fill the needs.

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Friends, lets seek to be His hands and feet right where we are!

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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

Greater is He!

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Another mic drop moment brought to you by God and His Word! 😁

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1 John 4:4 (NASB) You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

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#greaterisHe #GodIsGood #HeIsFaithful #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #joy #peace #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart

(photo of The Three Sisters by Randolph Koch)

There many things vying for our time. Some things are good and some are just a waist of time as they don't bear any good fruit in our lives.

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We have freedom with our time but we have to be wise with how we use that time as we need to strike a balance.

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Sometimes we get so busy "doing" that we miss the right opportunities that God wants for us, including rest and many other things.

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I recall a time where I'd been pouring out my service for The Lord through a specific church ministry for a number of years. Then, for various reasons, God clearly said to lay it down.

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I should have done what He said in the first place, but "I thought I didn't hear Him correctly". So, I wrestled with Him for another year before I was finally obedient to do what He told me and guess what...after I did and final shock and transition of not doing that specific things was over...there was a sense of freedom, relief, and thankfulness because of His direction. "Surprise", NOT!

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He positioned me to focus on other things including a season of rest which is a large part of what he wanted for me.

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At the end of the day, we either will do and follow His direction or we'll try to ignore Him.

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So, what is God telling you to lay down?

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You may be like me, and sometimes you wrap your worth in what you do or get into "works mode" or you think your worth is found in these things...but God wants us to hear his voice and follow Him and thereby do and say yes to the right things while remembering that not everything is the right thing.

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Remember this, no matter what others say, you're not a quitter when you lay something down at God's direction.

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Pray about the above question and listen to His voice and follow Him remembering that He and the people around us need all of us and not just some of us. We're also not meant to do everything...but we are meant to do some things and it's those some things that we need to hear His voice on and it's in Jesus name I pray we do, Amen.

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#layitdown #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #direction #purpose #plan #Godsword #Bible #Scripture #heart #mind #soul #strength #Jesus #HolySpirit #encouragement #encourage #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

No One and Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ!

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Read and listen to Romans 8:35-39 for yourself and be blessed and encouraged by the truth of God's Word!

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#nothingcanseparateus #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #Soul #strength #Christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

Head over to www.ashepherdsheart.org and sign up for my free A Shepherd's Heart periodic communications where you'll receive subscriber only content, early notification, and access to new resources I create, and more!

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As a thank you for signing up, you'll receive a free gift which currently is a Spiritual Gift Assessment resource via e-Mail once your free subscription is confirmed.

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Note: Keep in mind that this or any other assessment are only tools to help you as you seek to discover God's gifts. The best way to discover the Spiritual Gifts God has given you is to seek The Lord through His Word, Prayer and by doing...being doers of The Word. Why? Because as you serve Him and The Body of Christ, He will help you discover your gifts through His Holy Spirit's help.

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I look forward to the privilege of continuing to serving you through the period communications and resources you'll receive as a subscriber!

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Your Brother and Servant,

Randolph Koch

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#heretoserve #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart

Through every trial you face He is producing character, endurance and hope!

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Don't fight the process and season God is leading you through my friend!

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No matter what you are facing today or any day...put your hope in The Lord! His hope will not disappoint!

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Read Romans 5:1-5

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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #TrustTheProcess #trustTheLord #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #encouragement #encourage #ashepherdsheart

God is aware of all of your troubles, struggles and more. So let me remind you that you cannot earn His love or care by faking it or by being real! Or by doing anything! He loves and cares for you Period!

He already knows your innermost thoughts so there's no fooling Him my friend.

Also, there's nowhere in His Word that says He's "afraid of your honesty". Now this doesn't mean you need to approach Him irreverently but it does mean you can approach Him with confidence, honesty & transparency.

Things such as depression and anxiety for instance...are real battles and He wants to fight the battles for you so cry out to Him from whatever you're facing and you can be assured that He will hear your cry for help!

He is and forever will be your greatest source of strength, comfort, help and protection so cling to Him all the days of your life and...stop faking it!

#honesty #transparency #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #inspire #inspiration #inspirational #christian #Christianity #christfollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart

Are you rich in Christ?

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Being rich in Him is what matters most because the riches He provides through His free gift of salvation is far beyond any earthly riches or lack there of. In fact, His riches are eternal!

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No matter where you are financially, whether rich, poor, or somewhere in between...I pray that you are rich in Christ! I pray that you find your ultimate riches in Him!

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#eternallife #richinChrist #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #encourage #ashepherdsheart