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Our world is often upside-down full of selfish ambitions that are aimed at building people's little "kingdoms".
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Sometimes we fall into this trap too, however, our lives are supposed to be about His Will and not our own.
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Turn to God's Word and be reminded that your life is really supposed to be all about Him.
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Let me challenge each of us to read and Make Matthew 6:10 our prayer!
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May we make it our life's purpose to know and do His will.
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His Will be done.
His Will be done!
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#HisWill #HisWillBeDone #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
While Jesus is The Friend that sticks closer than a brother, if we're at all honest, sometimes we personally don't do "friendship" well.
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We are either good friends or we aren't. We are either recipients of good friends or we aren't.
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In my experience I find that I try hard to be a good friend but it seems that it has been a one sided effort at times over the years and it's almost a rare occurrence to find good friends in this day and age.
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I'm not trying to be cynical but it is just a common thing today and don't get me wrong, I have or have had a few good friends over the years and again have striven to be "friend worthy" and a good friend. Maybe you have as well! If you have good friends...hold onto them and be a good friend in return.
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You'd think that as those who are in Christ, we'd do a far better job with friendship but we often don't. Also, I have to pick on my fellow men for a minute as well because, guys, we don't do friendship as well as we should. Now I also have to equally pick on the ladies, as sometimes you don't do friendship well either sometimes. Point is, we all need God's help to be the kind of friends we need to be and others need us to be.
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No matter what, we need to look to Jesus as our example of friendship as well as other people like you and I that God's Word captures for us as there are some really great examples in His Word.
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When the seasons are good...true friends stick together. When the going get's tough...true friends stick together. When a season is somewhere in between...true friends stick together. Friends are born for adversity.
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Let's pray that God will help us be good biblical friends to those he places in our lives and in turn I pray that we are recipients of good friends as well as we strive to stick together through every season.
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A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17 ESV
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#friendship #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
Ah, the sweet smell of Hope...specifically Hope in The Lord!
Never lose hope in Him my friend!
#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #joy #peace #strength #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #encouragement #encourage #ashepherdsheart
Let your light shine!
#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #light #joy #peace #strength #Jesus #HolySpirit #encouragement #encourage #inspirational #inspire #inspiration #christian #Christianity #christfollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
If we stop and think about it, there are many things we take for granted. Especially if we live in a large and more prosperous country.
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The things like reliable sources of food, clean water, clean air, shelter and more are things that many take for granted. These are things that many in the world don't know where many of these things will come from on a given day.
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If you have running water, heat, a roof over your head and more...count your blessings because many are truly praying for what we already have and they feel rich and blessed when and if they get it and so should we.
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Let me encourage you to take a moment to inventory all the blessings you have...even from your humble means and then thank God for His provision. There is always someone who is worse off than us so count your blessings, praise God and maybe be the answer to someone's prayer by helping them in some way in the area where they are lacking.
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Lastly, may you and I have an attitude of gratitude for what God has and continues to bless us with! Let's not take what we've been blessed with for granted!
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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #blessings #encouragement #encourage #inspirational #inspire #inspiration #christian #Christianity #christfollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
As followers of Christ, our main priority and objective based on The Great Commission (see Matthew 28:16-20) is to make disciples through sharing and proclaiming The Gospel!
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We are to proclaim and point people to Him. (See Colossians 1:28-29)
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It seems we need a reminder of this because sometimes people within the church preach another "gospel" or confuse our mission / commission. They confuse it with one that focuses only on meeting the physical needs people have or by focusing only on environmental issues but never get around the heart of the commission He's called us to.
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To be clear, while Jesus did feed and heal people, that's not why He came. He came to seek and save the lost and we are His representatives that are again, to point people and call people to Him!
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Should we help others through meeting their physical needs when possible, sure, that's Biblical too, but, The Commission He's given us is to help them overcome their spiritual bankruptcy through Jesus which is a far greater need than food and other physical needs.
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Furthermore, while we can make a case that we are to be good stewards with the resources God has entrusted us with, we cannot think saving or ultimately restoration of the planet is our mission or fully within our power.
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No matter what we do, we're not going to save this planet. You don't have to take my word for it either as you can read The Word of God for yourself on this matter.
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I pray again that we stay focused on why He came in the first place and what He's commissioned us to do as this is very clear in His Word.
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It's His Gospel and commission...not ours and if we're truly looking to celebrate His birth and communicate with others, we better get this right!
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#thegreatcommission #Christmas #advent #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
On some level, we all want to be significant. We want to feel valued which in and of itself, there’s nothing wrong with that as long as we don't pursue it or live it out in an unhealthy way.
With this, we can often struggle with feeling insignificant or unworthy, and more. You may struggle with feeling insignificant at times as well. You are not alone...the world is full of people searching for significance and struggling with the very same things.
Unfortunately, some confuse significance with fame or popularity which it is not. They identify their worth by what they do or accomplish. In addition, some want to seek fame …the next viral video or YouTube. Some feed on how many “likes” or followers they receive on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram.
Some will also try to bring you down and make you feel that you aren’t important, worthy or worth something…but as for you...hold onto God's truth and don't believe the lies spoken to you or that you speak to yourself!
You have to shift your focus off these temporal things to God's eternal Word and specifically what He says about you and how He defines you!
You are significant… No matter what, I want you to know here and now that in Christ, The One Who gave you life in the first place and defines you…He says you are significant!
So much so that He took up the cross for you so that you might be forgiven and have salvation in Him. He loved you that much!
Here are some scripture encouragements ( of the many) about who you are in Christ: John 15:5, John 15:16, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Ephesians 2:6, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 3:12, Philippians 4:13
Please note that NONE of these passages say anything about God operating without a specific purpose in regard to you nor do we see here that you have no worth or significance! ...Quite to the contrary…Again…You became worthy and significant through Christ!
You may feel insignificant at times but you can choose to live significantly by living the way God has commanded you to live!
God the Father sees you and says…There’s my child whom I love with a sacrificial, perfect and eternal love whom I sacrificed my Son Jesus for!
Choose to live significantly for Him my friend because you are secure, accepted and significant in Christ! Don't ever forget your worth! God gives you significance...so live it out!
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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #inspire #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
Christmas Freebie Alert!
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During the month of December, if you subscribe to my Free A Shepherd's Heart periodic communications...you will receive a free Christmas Resource Bundle!
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What's in the gift/bundle you ask? One of the items is a 7 day Christmas Devotional pictured here and for the rest...head over to www.ashepherdsheart.org (link in bio) sign-up on the right hand side of the landing page and you'll receive a confirmation e-Mail that will let you know about the 3 Christmas Resource Gifts you'll receive via the download link! It will be worth your while!
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All of these practical resources were created by me for you to enjoy in addition to what you're already doing during this Christmas / Advent season!
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Many Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Your Brother and Servant,
rlk
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#christmas #advent #free #gift #MerryChristmas #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #inspire #inspiration #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
The Birth of Christ changed everything! From the humble entry via a stable birth on through His ultimate life, death, and resurrection, He gave each one of us the opportunity for new life through Him. Only through Him can we have salvation and new life.
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If you're in Christ then you've been gifted with wisdom, knowledge, skills, abilities, and talents that are coupled with the power of The Holy Spirit Who is working in and through you! You have incredible potential to help change the lives of others through sharing the knowledge of Him and through how you live your life day-to-day.
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Christmas is another fantastic time to help change lives in Jesus name by helping meet the physical and spiritual needs everyone has including sharing Good News and Great Joy of receiving His gift and knowing Him as The Gift.
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Let's pray for one another that God would help us to daily strive to be agents of change as we are His ambassadors!
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Let us strive to change lives through sharing the truth of Christmas! The Gospel...The reason He came at all and why we celebrate CHRISTmas!
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Merry Christmas!
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#christmas #advent #hope #faith #joy #peace #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
Sometimes people of faith can get caught up in the false ideas and teachings that it's Jesus, Plus something else.
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Our worth, our works, and our salvation is not and never will be Jesus plus something else, rather, it's Jesus, period!
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While the scripture reminds us, that faith without works is dead, (and false teachers gravitate toward this and other passages) because we're called to do good works for The Lord, but even in our works, The Lord is our sufficiency and strength.
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Are you run down, worn out, or feeling down? Cry out The Lord and say...Jesus, you are enough!
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Feeling inadequate? Jesus is enough!
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Feel lost, alone or rejected? Jesus is enough! He's found you, you're never alone with Him and He'll never reject those who have received His free gift of salvation!
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Lack wisdom? Jesus is enough! Ask Him for wisdom!
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Feel like or are you being taught that you have to somehow earn your salvation? Jesus is enough!
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The list is limitless that we try to compile but nothing outweighs or nullifies that Jesus is more than enough my friend!
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No matter what you're facing, thinking or being told, remember...Jesus is more than enough and nothing in life, especially salvation, is Jesus plus something else.
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Jesus is enough!
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Let me encourage you to pause right now, no matter if you're in a good place or a time of despair, and worship Him exclaiming that He is enough!
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#faith #GodIsGood #hope #truth #wisdom #life #joy #peace #strength #Jesus #HolySpirit #encouragement #encourage #christfollower #christian #Christianity #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
“No one can pray and worry at the same time. When we worry, we aren’t praying. When we pray, we aren’t worrying.” — Max Lucado
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Just pray my friend and give all your worries, fears and anxiety to The Lord!
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#nofear #noworry #noanxiety #justpray #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #Soul #strength #Christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
Friends...I'm blown away!
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It's been 1 week since the launch day and over 1,000 people have subscribed to both Christmas Devotional plans!
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This isn't just about "Numbers" for me, rather, this represents people I'm able to serve for His Kingdom and glory!! Praise God!
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Thanks for your prayers and getting the word out!
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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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Humbly in Christ,
Randolph Koch
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#christmas #advent #hope #faith #joy #peace #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #encourage #ashepherdsheart
Time is a gift from God and Our Father in Heaven is worthy of our praise and thanksgiving within the gift of time that He's given us!!
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We shouldn't just save it for weekend church gatherings or for special holidays either!
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We should thank and praise Him daily for His goodness, mercy, unconditional love and much much more!
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May we turn our hearts, minds, voices, and prayers toward the King of Kings and Lord of Lords bringing Him praise and thanksgiving all year through!
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#praise #Thanksgiving #Thankful #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
In a world that's often self centered... That fails to be kind...
Fails to put the needs of others first... _
May we, as followers of Christ, be the ones who hold others up!
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Let's do our part in considering others as more important than ourselves.
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Here's some encouragement from God's Word about this:
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Philippians 2:3 (ESV) Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more
significant than yourselves.
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2 Timothy 4:8 (ESV) Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #inspire #inspiration #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
~In Memory of Reverend Billy Graham 1918 - 2018~
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The Reverend Billy Graham went to be with The Lord today at the age of 99. He live a life of great character. He also lived and left a legacy that won't be forgotten.
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I'm thankful for examples of those who lived life so well, like his, and I'm not just talking about what he communicated but how he lived, his commitment to his family and friends and more. He walked the talk and didn't just talk the talk.
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I remember when he came to Portland, Oregon close to where I live in the early 1990's and I heard Him communicate the truths of God's Word with such clarity and passion. He inspired me greatly and I'm sure today there's a huge party going on in heaven as this great man and servant came home to live there for eternity. I'm very confident that He'll hear well done good and faithful servant...well done!
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I look forward to meeting him someday! I hope to live a life that's even half as good as yours! Thank you for the life you lived, Reverend Graham!
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#faith #integrity #legacy #BillyGraham #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower
Rest well in Jesus tonight friend.
This is a periodic repost to encourage you if you're stressed out, losing sleep etc. He's got you're back! Tomorrow is a new day so rest well in Jesus tonight! His mercies are new every morning! His faithfulness is great!
#rest #newday #tomorrow #Jesus #jesuslovesyou #trust #newmercies #encouragement #wisdom #truth #life #hope #faith #joy #peace #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #inspirational #inspirationalquotes #inspire #quote #quotes #ashepherdsheart
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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
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!
_
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.
_
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
What comes to your mind when you think about God?
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Do you think of Him as a loving Father or not? Or, as ridiculous as it may sound, do you think of Him as your cosmic "vending machine" that is only there to give you what you want?
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Do you think of Him as a callus and unapproachable God? Do you think of Him as the world does or is your view of Him grounded in the truth of His Word?
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How you view God, His Son, His Holy Spirit and His Word and what and how you think about Him says a lot about you and your faith.
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How you represent Him and how you daily relate to and interact with Him says a lot about you.
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God wants to be known and He wants you to know Him more!
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He's not asking for perfection but He also wants you to represent Him well through His wisdom, strength and The Holy Spirit's leading. He's revealed Himself through creation and through His Word, The Bible.
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Your view of Him, your thoughts about Him and your identity is defined by and should be grounded in Him through His Word so you should think rightly about Him.
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May you make it your biggest life goal to study and invest in getting to know Him more because by doing so…you will travel far along the path of becoming firmly rooted and established in Him! May your mind be filled with love, awe, admiration and reverence as you live out your faith.
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#faith #identity #truth
#wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #inspire #inspiration #Jesus #HolySpirit #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
There's that old adage we've all heard that says, "Stick and stones may break my bones but words may never hurt me"....
While we can see the intent of this saying is that words don't have power over us or can't hurt us like a bone breaking...we all know it's really not true because words stay with us longer than it takes a bone to mend.
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Our words are powerful and if we recall...just through the power of God's Words...He spoke light into the darkness!
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He instructs us that we can speak words of life or death.
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We use our words as weapons sometimes. Like the flaming arrows of the enemy and sadly, these weapons connect making impact to those we come across in our lives or if we are on the receiving end...they connect with us.
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The words wound us and others and they stay with us for a lot longer than we care to admit.
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These words tear down instead of build up. Instead of choosing to speak words of life we speak words of death.
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Let me encourage you and I to choose our words wisely. To speak life and not death. Choose to not use our words as weapons but breathe life to those on the receiving end.
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I pray that God will help us do this daily for His kingdom, glory and our good!
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Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Proverbs 18:21 ESV
As we seek to conform to and be transformed by Christ instead of this world, we have to make sure we keep our eyes focused on Him and keep our priorities straight.
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In our pursuit for success, money, and more we can never allow ourselves to grow depend on those temporal things, rather, we are to be completely dependent on Christ alone.
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We cannot serve and love money or things and love and serve Jesus at the same time. If we are, it's time we re-calibrate our priorities aligning them to God's Word.
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For further encouragement, please read Matthew 6:21, Matthew 6:24, Matthew 6:25-34, Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 16:9, Psalm 23:1-2, Psalm 62:5-12, and Psalm 127:1.
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#love #loveGod #money #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
I pray that the door to freedom has been opened and the shackles of sin that once bound you have been removed thanks to God's gift of salvation! May you celebrate the One who opened the doors of your prison cell Who entered this world, His first Advent/coming as a baby. Merry Christmas! Praise God for His free gift of salvation! He came to set you free! Celebrate Christmas with a renewed hope and joy with this knowledge!
#ashepherdsheart #Christmas #merrychristmas #advent #prisonersetfree #hope #faith #joy #peace #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #inspirational #inspirationalquotes #inspire #hesharesthetruth #quote #quotes #encouragement #encourage #pixlr #DietrichBonhoeffer
When the Lord saved you, you gave Him your whole heart and not just a part of it.
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As time goes by, we can begin to allow sin and other things encroach on our lives and as a result, we can hold back all or a portion of our hearts and lives. This can and will lead to destruction if we continue down that path!
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Today, ask yourself if you are holding back a part of your heart, soul, and mind? Or, is your heart undivided toward Him?
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God wants you and I to have an undivided heart and He deserves all of us heart, mind and soul and not just a part of us!
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Maybe you've walked with a divided heart for a while? Let me encourage to repent of your divided heart and ways and return again to Him with ALL of your heart fully devoted to Him.
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Conversely, maybe you've never had a divided heart toward Him? This is wonderful, however, let me encourage you to make sure to safeguard your heart and life against anything that would cause you to to begin to have a divided heart!
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Let's pray for each other that we'd have an undivided heart toward the Lord all the days of our lives!
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#undivided #heart #mind #soul #strength #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #christfollower #christian #Christianity #ashepherdsheart
Just in case you forgot or you forget sometimes...YOU MATTER!
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Don't ever forget it and don't ever listen to anyone who says otherwise and don't ever allow yourself to think otherwise!!!
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You Matter Period...and anything else is a pack of lies!!!!
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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #Christian #Christianity #christfollower #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
In the book of Job, God states this about Job: “that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil.”(Job 1:8)
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Then the evil one responds with, “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has?” (John 1:10)
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Even the evil one knows that God is Job’s and our protection and no matter how satan might roam around looking to try and devour us (See 1 Peter 5:8), we are under God’s protection!
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Just like the barrier of thorn bushes people used especially in ancient times to protect themselves and their livestock from predators, God is our “hedge of protection / hedge of thorns" against the schemes of the enemy.
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Furthermore, God has also given us the protection of His full armor that we need to put on and wear daily. (See Ephesians 6:10-20)
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Be encouraged today that God is your protector!
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My prayer for you in Jesus mighty name, is that His Hedge of Protection and His Full Armor will be upon and around you and your household as you live for and serve Him all the days of your life as He alone is your protector, refuge, deliverer, and provider!
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Read Psalm 91 for further encouragement of God’s protection of you.
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#hedgeofprotection #hedge #Godisyourprotrction #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
We all know that Christmas and other times can be a blue or hard times...Especially for those who have experienced loss.
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Let me try to encourage you that God is with you and will never leave you or forsake you! He is Emmanuel!
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While we all have real feelings and emotions, Jesus Christ is with you always and His Holy Spirit ministers to you moment by moment... Just call out to The Lord!
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Also, this is not meant to be cliché or anything when I say that, you don't have to have a completely "blue Christmas" when you know Christ personally.
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I'm praying for you friend and if you need help...reach out to someone...don't go it alone! There's absolutely nothing wrong to reach out for help starting with the Lord and then others. Turn to His Word and pray hard too!
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Contact your pastor, family, or friends or contact one of the following numbers:
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Depression Hotline: 1-888-640-5174
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God is with you! He is Emmanuel!
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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
One week with no prayer makes one weak.
Make prayer a priority!
#prayer #purpose #prayerchangesus #praywithoutceasing #Bible #Godsword #scripture #wisdom #truth #life #hope #faith #quote #quotes #ashepherdsheart #inspirational #inspirationalquotes #inspire #instafollow #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower
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kauffmangail: Amen!
Happy New Year 2019!
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I pray that you and I seek Him with everything that is within us!
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Let's strive to live life on purpose together for His Kingdom and glory!
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#HappyNewYear #NewYear #2019 #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
Christmas is a time of celebration as well as contemplation. We celebrate and contemplate the wonder of God's eternal plan being fulfilled by The Eternal One.
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As we celebrate His birth may continue to be in awe and wonder that The Eternal One, Jesus Christ came down to earth so that we might have life! He is our ultimate gift!
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As followers of Christ may we worship and thank God for forgiveness through Jesus Who gave it all for you and I...as a free gift to be received resulting in forgiveness through, salvation in, and eternity with Him!
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May we also in turn give of our time and resources to help others and may we model forgiveness toward others as much as possible as we've been forgiven much.
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Merry Christmas!
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#christmas #advent #hope #faith #joy #peace #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
Note From A Friend (Me): You Need To Leave Your Past Behind!
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Friend...there's nothing there for you anymore!
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God has given you a new life and He always has something better in store for you to replace the old stuff that you no longer need...including the old you!
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You are no longer who you once were because you are in Christ! You have been redeemed and you are a new creation! You've been "upgraded" thanks to Christ.
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So, stop trying to be like the Israelites of old who wanted to go back to Egypt where they were enslaved! Your past can enslave you if you dwell or seek to return there!
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As I've shared before...your history is now completely HIStory! So, walk with Him, trust Him, listen to Him, be obedient to Him, and live in the new life He's given you!
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Your old life can no longer enslave you! He has set you free so live in His Freedom!
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Please read John 8:36, Ephesians 2:1-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17 for encouraging reminders from His Word.
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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #Soul #strength #Christian #Christianity #christfollower #encourage #encouragement #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
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
James 5:16 ESV
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Confession and prayer are two powerful gifts and tools God has given us.
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Confession gives us the opportunity to own and turn away from our sins... releasing them to the One Who died for us. We are not supposed to hold onto them and of course we're to strive not sin in the first place. There is freedom in confession, confessing to one another and ultimately to the Lord.
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Communion is another great time to confess your sins allowing The Holy Spirit to spot light any sin in your life before you remember the sacrifice of the Lord through The Lord's supper.
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Prayer is the mechanism for confession and it also gives us the opportunity to talk with the one Who gave us life. It's an opportunity to praise Him, cast your cares upon Him, share the desire of your heart, intercede for others and so much more!
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Take prayer and confession seriously friend because God wants you to and He gave these things to you because they are for your good...and by the way He wants to hear from you!
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Remember these gifts as you remember The Lord and as you remember others and encourage others to do the same.
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Need prayer? Feel free to send your prayer requests to prayer@ashepherdsheart.org. I'd love to pray for you!
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#confess #confession #pray #prayer #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #Christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
As you may have seen yesterday, I'm giving away a free Christmas Resource Bundle for anyone who heads over to www.ashepherdsheart.org and signs up for the free periodic A Shepherd's Heart communications.
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With this, I'm really not good at keeping presents a secret very long because I love to give presents! :) So, here's a glimpse of two of gifts you will receive in the bundle: (See the pics here)
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1 - A basic guide to celebrating Advent in two different formats that I created as a gift for you.
While many don't celebrate Advent anymore as part of the Christmas season, I still find it enjoyable as an individual or in the local church setting as it simply focuses our attention on Jesus and preparing our hearts to celebrate His birthday / first coming - Advent!
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2- A 7 day Christmas Devotional also created by me as a gift for you.
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If you'd like to receive your own copy please visit the website to sign up and you'll receive a confirmation e-Mail with the download link included.
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Merry Christmas!
#christmas #gift #advent #hope #faith #joy #peace #Christian#Christianity #Jesus #Christian #Christianity #ChristFollower #bible #scripture #Godsword #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
Freedom in Christ is a tremendous blessing but it's not something that we should ever take for granted or misuse.
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True freedom is found in and through salvation in Christ...
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True freedom is found as He transforms us day-by-day into a more useful vessel to live and serve for His Kingdom and Glory...
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True and abiding in and living in accordance to The Word of God...
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As a result of this and more, freedom should result in a deeper love of and service to The Lord and those He's placed in your lives in and out of The Body of Christ.
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Freedom in Christ was never meant to live out in only a self serving way.
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Let me remind you that If you find yourself or other believers living however they want including stepping into sin, while having the attitude that "it's OK, Jesus will forgive me"...we/you have a problem! If we have this attitude, true repentance is in order right now!
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Jesus didn't take up the cross for us giving us salvation so we can be saved and then act and live like we are not saved!
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What a waste of His gift to live on in a sinful life and act like we are not new creations in Christ whom He has transformed from death to life!
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Let's remember and may it keep us sober knowing that our freedom cost God The Father and Jesus The Son everything so... don't ever live like this! Take His finished work on the cross and sin seriously!
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May we always use our freedom in Christ for His kingdom and glory and for the good of other people whom He's called us to serve and not just for our own self service or sometimes wrong desires.
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#purpose #freedom #truth #wisdom #life #joy #Jesus #HolySpirit #Godsword #scripture #Bible #heart #mind #soul #strength #encouragement #encourage #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
Hello Friends!
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Tomorrow is launch day via the YouVersion Bible App and Website! 11/26/18!
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Will you please be a part of my launch team?
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If so, #1 please join me in praying 🙏 for a successful launch - that people will be encouraged by the scriptures they read via the devotionals and #2 please spread the word to your family and friends about these devotionals!
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Thank you!
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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 #free #devotional #ashepherdsheart
God can and does far beyond what we can dream or imagine and it's incredible that He wants to work in and through imperfect people like you and I to accomplish many things!
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As we seek, serve, and love Him with everything within us...don't be surprised at the amazing things He may choose to do in and through you and I for His Kingdom and Glory.
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Lets pray that our lives would be so focused on Him that we'll clearly hear and follow the voice of The Holy Spirit and live and work for God's purpose, will, and plan...which includes being used to serve others and lead / point them to Him.
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As we stand in awe of His greatness and His mighty deeds, may we be willing, available, and able to do whatever He chooses to do through us!
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#faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart
Jesus came to this earth humbling Himself as a man in order to serve and save mankind... ultimately sacrificing His life so that we might have life through receiving His free gift of salvation.
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He also said that His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30) and He came to bear our burdens if we'll only give it to Him...this includes our sins and our many other burdens.
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In turn, He called us to bear one another's burdens and during Christmas time it's a great time to do just that! (Galatians 6:2) -
The reality is that no matter matter what holiday or season it is...there's always someone with a need. Someone in need of encouragement. Someone in need of physical, spiritual or emotional help and it seems that Christmastime tends to add to the list of burdens somehow even though it's supposed to be the "Most wonderful time of the year"...which it is in part but the needs are plentiful.
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May we pause, ask the Holy Spirit to guide us, and may we look around us to see all the needs that exist then...do something with our time, talents, gifts and resources to bless others and lighten their burdens.
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God will use you like no one else to serve others right where you are!
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So, may you and I lighten the load of others today as God uses us to be His hands and feet for His kingdom, glory and our good and the benefit of others. God lighten someone's burdens today!
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#burden #faith #hope #truth #wisdom #life #loveoneanother #love #peace #Christmas #encouragement #encourage #inspirational #inspire #inspiration #christian #Christianity #christfollower #heart #mind #soul #strength #ashepherdsheart
Christmas is a great reminder of God's perfect timing.
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The truth is, God sent Jesus into the world according to His perfect timing.
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Furthermore, God is purposeful with everything He does. We can rest assured that He cares about us and is always at work to care for us in His perfect timing according to His purpose, will, and plan...just as Jesus entered this world.
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The scriptures are full of reminders of God's perfect timing and provision. We can always rely on the trustworthiness of God's Word and way!
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As you celebrate Christ’s birth, may you celebrate His perfect timing as well knowing that He's always at work on your behalf and He'll answer in His perfect timing.
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Merry Christmas!
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#christmas #advent #hope #faith #joy #peace #truth #wisdom #life #encourage #encouragement #Jesus #HolySpirit #bible #scripture #GodsWord #heart #mind #soul #strength #christian #Christianity #christfollower #ashepherdsheart