Bible Reading Plan – Kawaiahaʻo Church

Strength from Weakness – Bible Reading Plan, Homeless, Love One Another

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect

in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so

that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/2co.12.9.esv

When Covid 19 began to rear its ugly head globally, it is truly wonderful to see

people pull together for the common good. It’s amazing that sometimes our

vulnerabilities make us stronger through the LORD.

As some of you know, I have a passion to support those who are vulnerable. I

have three disabled fellows living with me, but my greatest passion is to feed

and support the poor and homeless anywhere in the world. I use the word poor

in terms of wealth. I find many people who are financially poor are actually

spiritually rich. I ran across a post in Germany where residents hang toiletries

and non-perishable food on fences to help homeless folks during this pandemic.

This pandemic has produced true love toward our neighbors and this is just

one example. I sincerely hope these gifts of love continue even after the

pandemic. Perhaps, something much better will rise out of the rubble of this

pandemic.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

The Cost of being a disciple of Jesus – Bible Reading Plan

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, “If

anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and

children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my

disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my

disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and

count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has

laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,

saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going

out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate

whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with

twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a

delegation and asks for terms of peace. So therefore, any one of you who does

not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.”

Luke 14:25-33 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/luk.14.25-33.esv

I like this passage because it really shows how forthright Jesus really was. He

pulled no punches. Yes, Jesus is loving, forgiving, graceful, and kind but has clear

expectations of discipleship. He wants you to know the cost of discipleship

BEFORE you commit. You’re getting no silver spoon here. Are you willing to give

everything up for him? Your Ohana, your worldly stuff take the second seat to

carry a cross up a hill to be crucified beside Jesus. Anything less means you

cannot be His disciple.

Sometimes, we blur Jesus so we gain believers. Yes, He is amazing but demands

to be absolutely number one in your life. Search deep in your heart. Based on

what Jesus has said, are you truly a disciple? Are you willing to sacrifice what He

said to become one?

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Salt of the Earth – Bible Reading Plan, Reflection

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is

of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who

has ears to hear, let him hear.””

Luke 14:34-35 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/luk.14.34-35.esv

The Bible uses the analogy of salt a few times to enhance understanding. Talking

about enhancing, salt is a flavor enhancer. Salt also is addictive because it’s a

flavor enhancer. Have you ever eaten potato chips and just have to eat

more? Salt can make you thirsty. If salt lost its flavor, it would be a useless rock to

you. Salt is also a good preservative to make good food last.

Now, relate yourself to salt. Is your walk with Christ enhancing the mission or

are you flavorless by doing nothing for Christ? Do you and others share the

Word of God with a thirst for more or are you just doing the motions to look

good? Are you preserving God’s Word by being completely balanced and

honest? Following Christ is a major commitment. It’s more than attending

church services here and there. Christ is literally top of mind. You are showing

you are truly the salt of the earth as you take up the cross with Christ. Without

that complete commitment, Christ sees halfhearted efforts as utterly useless.

It’s either you give all or none. Jesus said lukewarm believers are those He wants

to spit out of his mouth (Revelation 3:16). One is better to do nothing if they are

lukewarm. Salt is the same. Either you enhance the flavor or remain useless.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Unity – Bible Reading Plan, Protection, Unity

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I

come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in

one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and

not frightened by anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of

their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.”

Philippians 1:27-28 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/php.1.27-28.esv

In John 17 Jesus prays that we are one just like the Father and the Son are one.

Paul confirms this by stating if we stand firm in One Spirit we will destroy our

opponents. United we stand; divided we fall.

The Holy Spirit within us is intended to be one. Yet, each one of us has a piece of

the Holy Spirit. When we received the Holy Spirit, we were a part of the temple,

not the entire temple itself.

I often wonder how being One is even possible. I must trust God on this one.

You see, there are multiple denominations of Churches and each has a variation

of what they see God as. We are, in a way, united through Christ but have

different thoughts on worship. Some have added books like the Book of

Mormon but still have full faith in Jesus. Others have masses that worship the

same God but structure it differently. Interpretations of verses can vary from

church to church. It’s these slight variations that break apart unity. When I talk

with other brothers and sisters about the same Bible, I am amazed at how they

get their backs up when I ask deep questions. They see it as me being rude or

condescending. I see it as trying to understand the rationale behind their

interpretations. I am really not trying to upset them. I am trying to understand

them. Yet, they seem more concerned about converting me over searching for

common truths.

I pray one day Jesus’ prayer in John 17 comes true. He and Paul are right. If we

are One with God, we will all be victorious. My hope is one day we are all One

Church with each one of our Holy Spirits combined building a strong temple for

God.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Holy, Holy, Holy – Bible Reading Plan, Today

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the

womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you

a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know

how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am

only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I

command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to

deliver you, declares the Lord.””

Jeremiah 1:4-8 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/jer.1.4-8.esv

Imagine God knew you before you were born! Even though you have free will,

God knew you and what your purpose really is. He knows the road you choose

to take.

That’s actually mind-blowing! Here I am lost, confused, and fumbling my way

through life drowning in Sin when God knows exactly where I will end up? How

can anything know what I’m going to do when I have free will? My future is

open, yet God knows.

One cannot imagine the scope of the abilities of God. That’s why it’s impossible

to truly understand Him. Here’s another reason to place your full trust in Him.

He knows and you don’t. No wonder there are millions of angels surrounding His

throne on their knees chanting “Holy, Holy, Holy!”

Perhaps that explains why I get urges to do certain things. It’s God nudging me

but allowing me to say no yet He knows I will say yes. I have had times when I

foretell I am going to be involved with something and think it’s my mind running

away from me and then it actually happens. One cannot ever understand so

one turns to God. Ok, God, I SURRENDER! Where’s the white flag?

Yes, it’s time to join the angels and get on my knees and chant, Holy, Holy, Holy.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Rely on God more by taking His lead – Bible Reading Plan, Reflection

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“Always trust the Lord completely. Do not think that your own wisdom is

enough. Remember the Lord in everything that you do. If you do, he will show

you the right way to go. Do not think about yourself as wiser than you really are.

Be afraid of the Lord and refuse to do wrong things. If you do, it will be like good

medicine. It will be like medicine that makes your body well. And it will be like

something that makes your bones strong.”

Proverbs 3:5-8 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/pro.3.5-8.easy

As I continue to support others, I have slowly come to the realization that I am

not their judge. Yes, I have my opinions but I’m really not entitled to decide

whether what they are doing is right or wrong. My job is to love them and support them

and be there for them when they are ready. As I continue my journey with

Christ, it is He who teaches morals. That’s why all of us have a conscience. We

are all programmed to know right over wrong. That’s why we all know deep

inside there is a God. That’s why Churches are dotted everywhere to constantly

be reminded He is there. Walk by if you must, but the reminder remains. Yes,

some people have hardened hearts and I pray that God aids them in seeing

their ways. However, any change will be from God, not me.

So where do I fit in? Don’t my opinions help others even if I disagree with their

thoughts and actions? I need to review my experiences.

I work with a fellow who has FASD. He repeatedly is in and out of jail for domestic

violence. He would say he regrets his actions and solicits my advice. I tell him I

am not his judge but I do know the Bible says we reap what we sow.

Fast forwarding, this fellow has gradually changed. It’s not by my doing. I am

simply the tool. It’s really by God’s doing. This fellow now asks me more about

God and the Bible. He opens the conversation, not me. He’s slowly moving towards

God through God Himself. I have seen this happen many times. Just the other

day, a worker for one of my guys asks me, out of the blue, what I think about

God. Yes, God did His work and now it’s my turn. Now, every time he comes, he

gives me Bible questions and we talk. God sends them to me when it’s my turn. I

need to do nothing except be ready to help. This works much better than

pushing my opinions on others. Once their back is up, I actually make God’s

work harder!

Now, I could have told this fellow what I really thought of his behaviors but all I

would have achieved was anger and resistance. He would have not changed

because I don’t know best. God knows best. If he asks my thoughts, I share them

even though what I am about to say is critical.

As I grow, I realize more and more that I need to let God do His Will. Yes, I

should ask questions to try to understand. Yes, I should do research to garner

understanding and share that understanding with others. Yes, I should respond

if asked even though my response may be a hard pill to swallow. However, I

need to let God do all the work in changing someone’s life.

It’s really hard to let God take the wheel and drive lives. He wants us to trust

He is fully for a reason. I do know when I do, I am approached about my thoughts

on the glory of God without me starting the conversation. It’s God’s way to tell

me He now turns this person over to me. Even though He turns this person over

to me, I need to remember that He can grab the wheel anytime He wants. God

lets me know when to do that as well.

I suppose my thoughts towards others are tempered with Christ. Now I

understand how to act as directed by the Holy Spirit within me.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Why do I chase them away? Let’s talk about God’s Word! – Bible Reading Plan, Unity

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000

I regularly research other religious systems. I don’t do it to find fault in them. I

do it to garner truth and understanding from them. If I am to love my

neighbor, understanding them is key. I need to research their beliefs at source

and compare those beliefs with the Bible. I always respect them and respect

them even more when they profess their love to Christ. As I am always a learner

of Christ, my hope is to learn from others who demonstrate sound Biblical

doctrine. However, for some reason, I seem to chase other religious groups

away when they come to my door. Why? I am willing to listen to their beliefs but

their beliefs must align with the Bible. The beliefs of the founders of their Church

must also align with the Bible as it’s the founders who dropped the first pebble to

establish the Church in the first place. For some reason, when I question another

religious group, it is seen as me being critical or ignorant towards them. This

could not be farther from the truth. I simply enquire to understand and use

credible resources to test their thoughts. Jesus did this regularly. When he was

asked a question, he answered truthfully and he wasn’t concerned about

hurting feelings. His criticisms were earned and were stated out of love. Truth

and love go hand in hand.

I remember three nice young women coming to my door to share the Good

News from their Church. I was happy to see them but had some questions and

comments based on my research. I showed them two articles from their website

that shared a series of sermons from two of their founders. These founders are

called “prophets”. The founder stated:

I will prove that the world is wrong by showing what God is...God himself was

once as we are now and is an exalted man and sits enthroned in yonder

heavens. That is the Great Secret. We have imagined and supposed that God

was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea.

Then, I showed them another sermon documented by the Church from another

one of their “Prophets.” This founder was very influential in the Church and did

set many key principles. It reads:

When our father Adam came into the garden of Eden, he came into it with a

celestial body and brought Eve, one of his wives with him. He helped to make

and organize this world. He is MICHAEL, the archangel, the ANCIENT OF DAYS!

About whom Holy men have written and spoken — HE is our FATHER and our

GOD, and the only God with whom we have to do.

I asked them to compare these quotes from their “prophets” to scripture. They

were very quiet. I told them I know they are good people and want to do right.

To do right, they need to know their Church in and out, through and through, as

they will receive questions. They left and I haven’t seen them since. Too bad. I

really want to share the word of God with them and I truly mean that. You see,

when you join any Church, it is important to know whether their key beliefs

align with God’s beliefs. I do not slight the members. I just want them to know

clearly what they are sharing with others to ensure God’s Word is completely

and accurately shared. I am not out to harm them. I am out to help them.

Although I haven’t shared the source of my quotes out of sensitivity, I have

shared the original documents including the source location with Kahu Ken if you

even want to review them. I would be happy to share the original source

locations as well.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Very fortunate – Bible Reading Plan, Prayer

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Where It’s Hardest to Follow Jesus:

1. North Korea

2. Afghanistan

3. Somalia

4. Libya

5. Pakistan

6. Eritrea

7. Sudan

8. Yemen

9. Iran

10. India

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/january/top-christian-

persecution-open-doors-2020-world-watch-list.html

We are so lucky in North America! Even though the gospel is clear that

Christians will be persecuted (John 15:18), we have it pretty good. Where we

live, you can actually choose a Church. You are welcome in a Church. You know

you won’t be persecuted by joining any Church. We have Constitutional rights to

practice our Faith without fear of imprisonment, banishment, or death.

This is not so in the countries listed above. I have read various stories of

Christians were banished from town forced to drink lizard’s blood, tortured, and

publicly hung if they don’t denounce Christ. I take too much for granted living

here. I need to spend more time seeing if there is anything I can do to even help

one Christian who lives in these countries. I am not sure what but at least I can

try to figure out a way. I would rather try than not try at all.

In the meantime, the next time I walk by any Church, I will thank God. The next

the time I hear someone complaining about the sermon, I need to correct them on

how fortunate they are. The next time I hear others fussing over a trivial Church

matter, I need to remind them how lucky they are to have a Church in the first

place.

God has given us amazing tools to get close to Him. I can actually carry a Bible

on me without fear of being beaten, killed, or arrested. I can garner more

learning with other believers without having to huddle in a sewer hole for fear

that we might be heard by “them.” So, today, let’s thank God for what we have.

Let’s cherish the various tools He has given us to learn more about Him.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Bible Questions. – Bible Reading Plan

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 12 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Your people have killed God's prophets. They have

thrown stones to kill other people that God has sent to them. Many times, I have

wanted to bring all of your people near to me. A female bird covers her babies

with her body to make them safe. But you would not let me keep you from

danger like that. So listen! Your great house will now become like a wilderness

with nobody in it. And I tell you this. You will not see me again until the day

when you say, “Great is the man who comes with the authority of the Lord

God.” ’”

Matthew 23:37-39 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/mat.23.37-39.easy

I continue to ponder on what Jesus truly means with this passage. Does this

mean He will not return to Jerusalem until He is welcomed by them? If so,

watching the growth of Christianity in Jerusalem is key to knowing His return.

Right now, Christianity in Jerusalem is slowly growing but is still a very small

segment of the population (see: oneforisreal.org). If not, does this mean Jesus

will not return until He is welcome globally or just in Israel? I highly doubt that

one would be the case. I continue to rely on the Holy Spirit to help guide me to

an answer.

Some scholars believe Jesus returns to the same place he ascended. This may be true, but

I am not 100 percent sure. In the Old Testament, Jesus will return to

the Mount of Olives which is the same place where he ascended to Heaven.

“On that day, the Lord's feet will stand on the mountain of Mount of Olives.

This mountain is east of Jerusalem. It will break in two from east to west and it

will make a wide valley. Half of the mountain will move north and half of the

mountain will move south.”

Zechariah 14:4 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/zec.14.4.easy

However, when Jesus ascended, two men in white robes approached the

apostles and claimed Jesus will return the same way. Does this mean he returns

to the Mount of Olives or just returns the same way he ascended but could be a

different location?

“The men said to the apostles, ‘You men from Galilee, you should not still be

standing here and looking up into the sky. God has taken Jesus into heaven. You

saw the way that Jesus went up to heaven. One day, he will return in

the same way.’”

Acts 1:11 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/act.1.11.easy

Let’s look at Revelation. Jesus will ride clouds and be in full glory for all to see.

That is a far cry different than descending the same way He ascended.

“Look, he will come on the clouds! At that time, everyone will see him! Even the

people who pushed a spear into his body will see him. People from all the

countries on earth will be sad when they see him. Yes, this will really happen. It

is true.”

Revelation 1:7 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/rev.1.7.easy

As I continue to take life day by day, I am more curious than concerned or

joyous with anticipation of Christ’s return. I suppose that’s what makes

understanding the Bible a lifelong journey. One tries to garner as many answers

as one can but tempers it with the realization that one will never completely

understand. Only asking God himself will garner complete truth and knowledge.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Balance is Truth – Bible Reading Plan

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 05 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“When I write letters to you, I am not trying to frighten you. Please do not think

that. Some people say: ‘Paul's letters are powerful and they say strong things.

But when he himself is here with us, he seems to be weak. And the words that

he speaks have no value.’ Anyone who says things like that should understand

this: There is no difference between what we write and what we do. When we

come to you, we will do what we have written in our letters.”

2 Corinthians 10:9-11 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/2co.10.9-11.easy

Paul’s letters really hit the nail on the head on many fronts. On this front, Paul

iterates how he writes what he says. If his writing is strong, his words match the

same strength. Paul is not out to look good. Paul is not comparing himself to

others. Paul is not trying to scare people. Paul is not trying to save feelings. Paul

is simply truthfully sharing Christ.

I wish I was more like Paul and Jesus. I was always about sparing feelings. For

example, the Bible has many passages about judgment and there were times

Christ’s words were bold but truthful. Yet, when discussing the Bible, I was eager

to talk about the love in the book and skimpy on the forthright passages in the

book. I have been working hard on changing this. I need to understand that

sharing the bold parts of the Bible is just as important as sharing the loving

pieces. This devotional will discuss a bit about the bold parts of the Bible.

The Bible has many passages on Judgement. Yes, God is loving and merciful but

he is also just. He cannot leave sin unpunished. Hell is not a nice place and many

will go there as Matthew 7:13 tells us:

“‘Go in through the narrow gate to get true life with God. There is a wide gate

that is easy to go through. The wide path is easy to travel on. Many people find

that wide gate, but it is the way to hell. It is difficult to go through the small

gate. And it is difficult to walk on the narrow road. But when you do go that

way, you will get true life. Not many people find that narrow gate.’”

Matthew 7:13-14 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/mat.7.13-14.easy

The truth is many passages discuss how people only hear what they want to

hear and ignore any parts that hurt their feelings. Yet, it’s the harsh parts that

give truth and the truth is love.

“Do this, because a time will come when people will not listen to God's true

message. Instead, they will want to hear all kinds of new messages that will

make them happy. So they will find many teachers for themselves who will tell

them what they want to hear.”

2 Timothy 4:3 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/2ti.4.3.easy

Christ will not return like he did the first time as a lamb of God. Christ will return

with power and glory. Many will cry when he returns. The tribulations before His

return will not be pretty either.

“Then people will see a powerful thing in the sky. This will show them that the

Son of Man is coming. All kinds of people in the world will cry because they are

very sad. Then they will see the Son of Man. He will be riding on the clouds in

the sky. He will be very powerful and very beautiful.”

Matthew 24:30 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/mat.24.30.easy

The Bible has many beautiful passages of love and peace. However, the beauty

is also weighed with suffering, and judgment, with many not making it to heaven and

ending up in everlasting torment. It’s important to balance God’s beauty with

his justice to garner a complete, truthful picture. Just remember, it was the

Pharisees would want Christ crucified because he was harsh on them. He told

them things they did not want to hear. Others who shared the truth of Christ

were killed because they shared things others didn’t want to hear and became

angry.

“Remember what I told you: “No servant is more important than his master

is.” If they have caused trouble for me, they will also cause trouble for you. But

if they have obeyed my message, they will also obey your message.”

John 15:20 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/jhn.15.20.easy

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada