Teen Ranch Ministries

10/31/2026

The Vault

You and I have heard it many times, every time you read the Bible you will find something new. Those who say this, are often preachers and scholars who read the Scriptures constantly. If they say that, how can we be surprised when we find something “new”!

Having been raised in Sunday School, and as a long time believer, I have heard the story of creation umpteen times,from learned orators to cartoon versions, and was not expecting anything new, but there it is, in black and white!

"And God said, 'Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.'" Genesis 1:6 NIV

Other versions translate the word to expanse, space, dome or firmament; but vault, this is interesting! According to commentators, (Bible Hub)

“Believed to have been a solid barrier, which is reflected in the Latin Vulgate and Greek Septuagint translations. These versions suggest a solid sky that held back the waters ,similar to a dome or a vault.”

Think about that! Biblical cosmology theories, speculations and controversies aside, we have to love that the world was created in a vault!

A vault is where precious things are kept, important documents, precious jewelry, money, loved heirlooms and such. God formed His creation in a vault! The earth and everything on it, the animals and plants and yes! humans are kept in His ginormous vault! This denotes extra special value, which God freely expresses in His Word.

Over and over again, God demonstrates His love , His protection and how much He values each and every one. Witness Psalm 139 verses 1-13 but especially 12 and 13.

17 "How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you."

There are so many more!

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God, he created them; male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:27

“So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” – Matthew 10:31

“Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.” – Isaiah 43:4

His great love of course is most evident in the sacrifice of Jesus to redeem each one.

"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Romans 5:8

This is the God we honour and serve; the One who places immense value on His creation, and that includes you!

10/25/2026

The Revelation

If there is one book in the Bible that is scary, it certainly must be the Revelation. Every time it comes up in my schedule, I find something else to read, like the Psalms, or I linger, rereading Paul’s letters over again, but inevitably, the time comes and it must be done.

Think about that. God provides a glimpse of what is to come, and I shy away, even though I know the encouraging and exciting ending! Somehow every single time, the other chapters are still scary. Dragons and plagues, the mark of the beast, beheadings and the persecution. Yikes! Who wants to sign up for that?

But, here it is in black and white. God’s people.

“This means that God’s people must endure persecution patiently, obeying His commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus. 13 and I heard a voice from heaven saying, write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds will follow them” Revelation 14:12-13

Now there is something to notice. “Their good deeds will follow them” Does that mean that even during a time of persecution, believers are busy doing what has always been done? Feeding, working, providing water and shelter and setting captives free, how about telling others about Jesus? Maybe! This Scripture can be taken as a picture of Jesus.

“Beforehand, he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Conduct business with this until I return,’ he said.” Luke 19:13

"And he called his ten servants and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come." Luke 19:13

Seems that even during tough times, God wants us to keep going, and He provides ahead of time! We need to let God equip us and fill us for each new day, until His glorious return in Revelation 21 and 22!

10/17/2026

The Best Affirmations Ever!

Self help books and articles abound in our culture and they are useful to some degree. However, God wrote the original!

The little book of 1 John is short and written with a very personal, authentic perspective by John, a close friend and long time follower.

In 1 John 2:12-14 he affirms both young and mature believers in basic truths.

12 "I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus.
13 I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one.
14 I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong, God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one."

God's children who are young and God’s children who are mature. That covers everyone, and the affirmations are powerful!

There is some repetition here, which underlines the importance of what he is trying to assert. Your sins ARE forgiven. You DO know Christ and the Father, you HAVE overcome the enemy, you ARE strong and finally, God’s word DOES live in your hearts.

Sometimes as believers we need to be reminded of our position in Christ, and this passage does just that; any doubts in the hearts of any believers are addressed by John's strong assertions, John lets all know that the accomplished work of Christ anchors the believer in these fundamental truths.

This is the goodness of God!

10/14/2026

We are grateful for, blessed by, and happy to share the Prins family who lead staff worship at Teen Ranch during summer camps

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times"...and all the...

10/11/2026

Thankful

How blessed are we to live in a country where gratitude is actually honoured for not just a day, but for a weekend! We can be thankful for our ancestors who thought gratitude was important enough to honour with a day.

Even people in the world know the value of thankfulness! This one for example.

“Gratitude is the single most important ingredient to living a successful and fulfilled life.”
Jack Canfield

In the Scriptures, gratitude is not an option, but a given, an expectation.

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:12

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, Hebrews 12:28

So as we revel in the beauty of the season, the abundance of harvest, the blessing of family and friends, and the recognition that though times may be challenging, we have much to be thankful for. Here we are, a most blessed people, to know the source of all good things, our gracious God.

Thank You Lord (with Lyrics) ✝️ Beautiful Christian Worship Song with Lyrics

Grateful | Official Lyric Video | Elevation Worship

P.S.

I could not decide between these two songs, so I posted both, enjoy!

10/04/2026

God isn’t finished yet.

10/02/2026

Regret, Remorse and the Only Cure

If only I had not not said that, if only I had stopped sooner, if only I had listened. This is not the “oops, I goofed “ scenario that can be quickly righted. This is the irreparable, the final, the forever.

REGRET implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse.

REMORSE suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied.

Sometimes people are drowning in the sea of regret and remorse that is beyond comprehension. Could have, should have, I wish I had, all can add up to a deeper pit than anyone could have anticipated. If only.

For believers, actions which lead to regret are not always classified as “sins”, like breaking the 10 commandments, but rather “missing the mark” which is the origin of the word sin. Not heeding the prompting of the Holy Spirit, to do or not do a certain thing, can lead to unforeseen consequences, and thus regret.

We have all met them. People locked in regret and remorse, chained to the past and drowning in self condemnation. We have a message for them. It is repentance. God knows everything, and prepared a remedy to be applied to these serious situations, in His incomparable compassion He offers healing. It is called repentance, and difficult as it is, it is the only freedom for the frailty of the human condition.

REPENT to feel regret or contrition
the action or process of repenting especially for one's sins

Look what the Scriptures say, It is overwhelming to know a God who provides a way.

10 “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”. 2Corinthians 7:10
What an apt description of the difference!

12 “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” Psalm 103:12

Only God in His mercy can bring such assurance!

28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. Romans 8:28

No matter the situation, God can and will work it out!

17 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him”. John 3:17

Self condemnation is a major disease in our culture, but God does not condemn, he shows the way out! Such mercy!

Now, it is up to us, to live in the truth of His word and promises, and most vital, to share these promises to those we meet who need Jesus. Once again,that is why Teen Ranch exists, to bring the message of freedom to any and all who need to know, every day and everywhere!

Only nine months until our 60th Anniversary! Your stories are important! Please send your God Moment stories to
sharon.koeslag .com

09/27/2026

God’s Word lights the path.

09/25/2026

There is a Recipe for That!

Recipe
: a set of instructions for making something from various ingredients
: a formula or procedure for doing or attaining something

God has a way with recipes, and He is happy to share with any who will listen and follow.
Take 2 Peter 1:5-7

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”

The goal here is not a great entree or a cake, it is the recipe for a godly life. Really .Living a godly life is a pretty high call, for new and even seasoned believers in Christ. But, there is a recipe for that!
⁹
Faith is the given, see verse 5.

Then look at this list of “ingredients” and note the order.

First, add goodness. Without goodness, nothing works right.

Next, knowledge. I suspect Peter was referring to knowledge about Christ; of the foundational prophetic Scriptures about Him as Messiah, but also knowledge of His works and character while on earth. One really cannot go far in any area without knowledge.

Self control. Well then, there is a topic! In our “anything goes as long as you are happy society,” self control is a much maligned quality. For the believer, it is to be desired and practiced, in all areas of life. Putting goodness, and knowledge ahead of our human desires can save a lot of heartache.

The next mention is perseverance. Winston Churchill’s most legendary words; "Never give in, never, never, never “ were given to students in 1941 during WW 2 , and have been repeated often. Persevere. Through the ages countless Christians have stayed the course, and chosen Christ despite persecution and even death.

Our next “ingredient" is godliness, and that is the forerunner to mutual affection and love. God ties this all up with His unique and all encompassing characteristic, love.

Aside from the personal benefits of building a life on this “formula”; there are dozens of people in our own personal spheres who need to know the love of our God and the kindness and goodness of His people. We do not need to wait for summer camp to share this precious news!

09/20/2026

Blindside

Sometimes life offers up a blindside, a sideswipe, an “I did not see this coming”. Suddenly everything changes, in an instant, or a day. Shock, paralysis of mind and heart, shame, confusion, pain and grief, can land in a life unexpectedly.

Countless counselors, self help books, youtube videos, and group meetings are offered to assist humans to deal with the burdens of life and have some success.

As believers, our great advantage is that we know a God who is constant, unfailing and forever faithful to His Word. But, are believers meant to smile their way through the angst, the blows and the tragedies of life? Maybe not. Some days it is sufficient to stand firm, other days it is necessary to put one foot in front of the other, some days, drawing the next breath is all that can be expected. In any event God has a promise, well more than one!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness”
2 Corinthians 12:9:

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

Faithfulness. That is our God. He says what He means and means what He says. No matter what blindside comes our way, we can trust Him, He will hold firm when we cannot, and we always know that we can stand confident in the goodness of God, what a blessed people we are!

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