Body and Mind – Kawaiahaʻo Church

Saved – Bible Study, Body and Mind, Ke Akua, Reflection, Saved

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000

““You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and

whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who

is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother

will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the

hell of fire.”

Matthew 5:21-22 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/mat.5.21-22.esv

““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to

you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already

committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Matthew 5:27-28 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/mat.5.27-28.esv

Matthew 5 is a wonderful chapter to really understand God’s Laws. When one

looks at what Jesus says, he says not acting out the Sin doesn't mean you have

not sinned. So, if you don't commit the sin but have sinful thoughts, you are just

as guilty of committing the sin.

What does this really mean? When you are a true Christian, your heart has been

purified through the Holy Spirit. It means leaning on the finished work of Christ

and God’s grace to receive salvation is crucial because you will never reach

God’s perfection.

How do we really know then we are saved? Once you accept Christ as your

savior, repent of your sins, and have a loving, regular relationship with God, you

notice a change within yourself. In my case, I have noticed I'm not an angry person

anymore. I think differently about so many things. I think about how I can better

help others. I look at my bank account and savings and see them as numbers

versus anything of value. As a matter of fact, I have been praying to ask God

where he wants these numbers shared. I care less and less about this world. I am

completely satisfied with meeting basic needs. I am easy to forgive when before

I held grudges. I want to read the Bible and listen to sermons more and more. I

want to pray more. I have gratitude for how well God cares for me. I am not

afraid. I am more apt to be truthful than hurt feelings. I have transformed

internally in thoughts and desires. I gradually realize my outward veneer

matches my inward heart. I don't feel fake by looking outwardly good when

inwardly I am angry, lustful, prideful, greedy, and spiteful. I have peace within.

Yes, Christ helps change you from the inside out. Your inwardness matches your

outwardness. Your heart goes from stone to flesh. Mahalo Ke Akua!

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

The Potter – Body and Mind, Bible Study, Integrity

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0000

“You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his

will?” But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say

to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over

the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and

another for dishonorable use?”

Romans 9:19-21 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/rom.9.19-21.esv

I had a lot of trouble trying not to question God. Questions like, “Why would

God threatened to kill the first born in Egypt if the Egyptians didn't let His people

go?” or “Why does God let people die of cancer?” or “Why is there a Hell?”

When I read the Bible, I question why God acted a certain way. Boy, have I got

that wrong!

The fact is God is my creator and I am created. As my creator, God can do

whatever He wants. Think of it this way. When you create something or own

something, how do you feel when others criticize you if you use something in a

way they don’t like? How would you feel if I came to the home that you built

and started painting your walls purple and orange? Who am I to do that?

The fact is God can do what He chooses with us. We can't pick and choose what

God should or should not do. We can't choose commandments that we like and

ignore what we don't like. We don't decide if God places evil people in this

world. God is the potter and we are His pottery.

So, when you're reading the Bible, read all of it. Don't pick passages you like and

ignore ones you don't. God is the potter so He decides and makes all the rules.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

What’s Important – Body and Mind, Integrity, Today

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the

love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world— the desires of the

flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life —is not from the Father but is

from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but

whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

1 John 2:15-17 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/1jn.2.15-17.esv

As I get older, I really start to think less and less of the “stuff” I have in this

world. As a matter of fact, I start to see the “stuff” as a burden. I have to

maintain it, store it, insure it, sell it, and figure out who to give it to. I have been

misled into thinking “stuff” is important. Yes, the ads have brainwashed me.

If I really break down what I need, it’s actually little. I need a well-balanced diet

and a way to cook it, exercise, good health, basic hygiene items, friends and

family, fresh air, my Bible, God, some clothes, heat (as I live in Canada eh), and a

roof over my head. All the rest is just fluff. Perhaps, that’s why Christ had

nothing. He didn’t worry about the basics He needed. The basics always were

provided. He truly knew what was important.

I think the greatest fear I used to have was the fear of losing stuff. I was so

misguided. When one only fears God, they have complete peace. They don’t

care because they realize this world is only temporary. Simply enjoy what God

has given and one just feels so content, fulfilled, and grateful.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Questioning God – Body and Mind, Unity

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“Then Moses turned to the LORD and said, “My Lord, why have you abused these people?

Why did you send me this? Ever since I first came to Pharaoh to

speak in your name, he has abused these people. And you’ve done absolutely

nothing to rescue your people.””

Exodus 5:22-23 CEB

https://www.bible.com/37/exo.5.22-23.ceb

Is Moses giving God tongue-lashing? Moses is asking God why he was sent to

save the Israelites when He thinks God has done nothing.

I have, on the odd time, questioned God on what’s going on in the World. I have

questioned Him in my thoughts that I thought were fine but was told through

Spirit they are not. The best example I can think of is when I see a pretty woman

and think to myself how beautiful they are. I am not thinking in terms of

sexuality (or at least I don’t think I am), but inside I hear that I have sinned. I ask

God, how did I sin? All I seem to get is “don’t get lippy, you sinned” so I

apologize.

Then I always remember these passages:

“My plans aren’t your plans, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. Just as

the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways,

and my plans than your plans. Just as the rain and the snow come down from

the sky and don’t return there without watering the earth, making it conceive

and yield plants and providing seed to the sower and food to the eater, so is my

word that comes from my mouth; it does not return to me empty. Instead, it

does what I want, and accomplishes what I intend.”

Isaiah 55:8-11 CEB

https://www.bible.com/37/isa.55.8-11.ceb

I suppose I must remember I know very little yet I have been taught to be a

critical thinker. Trust is everything with God. Yes, if it was up to me, the world

would be different. However, if I had God’s wisdom, I would leave anything

alone. Sigh, got it...don’t get lippy!

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Christmas and Christ – Body and Mind, Love

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“So don’t let anyone judge you about eating or drinking or about a festival, a

new moon observance, or Sabbaths. These religious practices are only a

shadow of what was coming—the body that cast the shadow is Christ. Don’t

let anyone who wants to practice harsh self-denial and worship angels rob you

of the prize. They go into detail about what they have seen in visions and have

become unjustifiably arrogant by their selfish way of thinking.”

Colossians 2:16-18 CEB

https://www.bible.com/37/col.2.16-18.ceb

I personally value Christmas time. Yes, Christmas resulted from a recipe of Pagan

and Christian thoughts, but Christmas itself is a time when the MASS celebrates

Christ. It’s a time to be with family and thank Christ for saving us through His

Blood and sacrifice. I know some groups choose not to celebrate Christmas and

that’s fine. However, we should all honor the choices of others.

I like anything that reminds all of us of Christ. Words cannot describe what He

and His Father gave to us. Imagine an unlimited Spirit who has EVERYTHING but

still wants our love and returns it manifold. It really is mind-boggling when one

thinks about the magnitude of what I just said. I remind myself of this fact many

times and remain in complete awe.

God Bless you and Merry Christmas. May you have a wonderful season. For

those who do not celebrate Christmas God Bless you too. Please take this time

to be with loved ones and marvel at the gift Christ gave us starting with His

birth.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Self-correct – Body and Mind, Believe

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“For that reason, I want you to remember the gift that God gave you when I put

my hands on you. Use that gift more and more to serve God well. Be strong like

that, because God has given us his Spirit. And his Spirit does not cause us to be

afraid. Instead, he causes us to be strong to serve God. He helps us to love God

and other people. And he helps us to rule ourselves properly.”

2 Timothy 1:6-7 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/2ti.1.6-7.easy

I like and hate the self-correct feature on my iPad. It helps me by correcting

spelling mistakes but sometimes changes words that should not have been

changed. I go and proofread my work and grumble as I correct myself.

Sometimes, I miss a certain word and notice it after I send it off. Yes, I’m far from

perfect. Yet, overall the self-correct feature works better than the odd mistakes

it makes so I keep it on.

The Holy Spirit within me is similar to the self-correct feature on my iPad. I am

guided by the Holy Spirit to self-correct even when I really don’t want self-

correction to happen. Unlike the self-correct feature, the Holy Spirit never

makes mistakes. Sometimes, I proofread the Holy Spirit by saying, “LORD, must I

do it? Can’t I please go in the direction I want to go? Are you sure you want it done

this way?” The answer is always no and I must self-correct or I will not feel at

peace. The job of the Holy Spirit is to please God, not me. That’s similar to the

self-correct feature on the iPad when it changes spelling differently than the

way I think it should be spelled.

Listening to the Holy Spirit within you can be hard at times because the

guidance one receives doesn’t please you. It’s hard sometimes to self-correct

yet you know it must be done. Yes, even though the Holy Spirit sometimes

irritates me because I want temptation, I keep it on because I need it to help me

self-correct.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Fruit – Body and Mind, Reflection

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“A good tree cannot make bad fruit. A bad tree cannot make good fruit. A

farmer will cut down any tree that does not make good fruit. He will burn it on

fire. In the same way, look at the way people live. Then you will know what they

are really like.”

Matthew 7:18-20 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/mat.7.18-20.easy

I’m fat.

How did I get this way? I have a sweet tooth. The temptations of those sweet

chocolate bars, donuts, cakes, and twinkies are just too much to stop. It reminds

me of Satan’s tactics. Sin is so bad yet tastes so good. The world is full of sweet,

fattening things. I just savor those sin-glorified, bloodthirsty movies filled with

cursing against our LORD. Some rap songs have such a cool beat

yet are filled with obscenities. The taste is good but the message is evil and leads to

bad fruit.

I know what to do with my weight problem.

Stop. Eating. Stuff. That’s. Bad. For. Me.

Grab a banana and a carrot instead of Reese’s pieces and make a salad. When I

drive by that Mcdonald's, and order a McSalad instead of a McChicken combo. It

reminds me of the day when I face God and he tells me fat people know what to

do, they just choose other directions because the taste is good and fulfills

instant satisfaction yet results in long-term harm to self.

I almost think God created fat so we can see the results of our choices. Guys like

me are concrete and need to see the results of our behaviors straight up. It helps us

connect the abstracts like following God’s Will when we are surrounded by

temptations. Do we want instant satisfaction with consequences or show self-

control and feel better?

God is right once again. It’s time to stop making excuses and start eating good

fruit. Yes, it’s time to get some self-control and avoid temptation. No, I’m not

waiting until tomorrow to diet when I can start today as good results require

good seed planting.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Run, run, run! – Body and Mind, Mistakes

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

“Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns

jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”?

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a

town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not

know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life like? For you are a mist that

appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord

wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All

such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it,

for him it is sin.”

James 4:5, 13-17 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/jas.4.5,13-17.esv

““Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be

exalted in the earth!””

Psalm 46:10 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/psa.46.10.esv

I have many regrets in this life. If I could turn back the clock, I would. Here’s just

one. My dad worked long hours to make sure his family had everything they desired.

He did it out of love for his family. I rarely saw him when I was a child because

he was always working. When I became an adult, I did the same thing. I worked

and went to University. I ran from one place to the next. I had three children. I

learned from my dad that setting goals and working like a dog was what a good

dad did. I couldn’t go to the playground with my kids because I worked. I

couldn’t go to the recital because I needed to work. I would run like a rat in a wheel

to bring in the bacon. God? Hey, if I don’t have time with my kids, how can I

have time with God? Mom and dad? Hey, forget it, I’ve got to run to that next

shift. The only ones happy were the nice folks at Revenue Canada every tax year.

I can envision them doing the high five every year I filed my taxes.

The Bible says you reap what you sow. I didn’t spend quality time with my dad

until he was old and dying of cancer. His last years were special times but short.

He was too sick for him and me to do anything special together. We talked at his

home often in his final years. My kids? Well, our relationship is shallow. The

bonding time between parents and children peaks when they are small and I

was too busy running to work to make the bacon. The money I made? Gone. It’s

ended up with divorce lawyers.

I was a fool. Here I am running for stuff that leads to nothing.

God? He used to be the last of the last on my list. I was too busy making hay. I

was an empty runner losing relationships all around me including God. I never

knew Him and He never knew me. I departed from Him of my own free will.

I was a fool.

Today, God is top of my list. I don’t care about worldly stuff anymore. I am

now still. I spend every day with Him. Do you know what’s really crazy? I actually

make four times more money doing what I do now having three disabled guys in

my home with plenty of time to focus on God. Running like a racehorse trying

to get first prize lead to last place. What’s even crazier is I don’t care about

the money I make whatsoever. It just follows me and who cares? If I had nothing

tomorrow, I have Jesus and that’s plenty. After God, I try to rebuild my

relationships with my kids. The results are slow but steady. I spend quality time

with my mom.

You see, God tells us all this in the Bible but I didn’t read or listen. He yearned

for me and I was too busy running for nothing. My kids yearned for me and I was

running blindly thinking I was doing the right thing. My world has completely

changed. Thank you, LORD, for finally opening my blind, swollen-shut eyes.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Cowardly? – Body and Mind, Today

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 23:18:24 +0000

“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.””

Revelation 21:7-8 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/rev.21.7-8.NKJV

Wait a minute.

Cowardly?

What really does God mean by cowardly? I need to think deeply about this one. Can cowardly include trying to save feelings over the Word of God?

In our world today, we are all about saving feelings. Whatever goes, goes. Whatever makes you feel good is fine with me. It’s ok to tell a little white lie to save someone’s feelings. It’s all good. After all, we don’t want someone to blow up on us, do we? Heck, if labeled really push God’s Word, we might be labeled as being judgmental! Judgmental? But God’s definition of right versus wrong is not mine. I need to get that fact drilled into its printhead. Wait a minute. I could spawn an argument. I better bite my lip. Could this be seen as cowardly? If so, I am guilty of another sin and I need to put on my grown-up, big man big-man pants and improve my approaches to what God says in His Word. God is quite black and white in His Word. He is clear on what is right or wrong. His Holiness cannot be pawned off as “He didn’t mean it that way” or “God needs to get with the times.” God never changes. His Word is complete and He doesn’t need to add any more. It’s we who need to change, not Him. He’s perfect, we are not. His thoughts are higher than mine. If I’m right based on His clear Word, He’s right. If I’m wrong, He’s still right. If we are unsure, I’m always wrong and He’s always right. Perhaps that’s why He breathed the Bible. It was so I can follow Him and use His Word as my armor against all the backlash. He’s given me His rule book that has lasted thousand(s) of years and continues to be the most sought-after book for a reason.

Jesus was no coward. Taking on the Sin of all is as brave as one can get. I must follow His lead as He is the perfect role model. Jesus did say if they hate Him, they will hate me too. So, a brave person can be hated? Well, I guess if I must choose, I will love Him, obey Him, follow Him and let everyone else hate me. That was easy.

Yes, today I reflect on cowardly. No more wishy-washy. If God clearly says it’s wrong, it’s wrong. I suppose that the road to being glorified has potholes along the way. I will just put on better shock absorbers through Christ. Oh, and strap that seat belt on a little tighter. It’s going to be a bumpy ride to get to the finish line.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Foolish Distractions – Body and Mind

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 23:23:00 +0000

“After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.””

Revelation 18:1-3 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/rev.18.1-3.NKJV

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.” Matthew 16:26-27 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.16.26-27.NKJV

I have been doing deep reflecting on materialism lately. Perhaps it’s because I now realize I have been brainwashed to acquire stuff throughout life. As time passes, I am beginning to see how this thinking has uncalculated burdens. What am I going to do with this stuff? I suppose a garage sale is in order. Then I think back on the number of times I had to work extra hard to make the payments. The bills come in and I have to scramble to work extra hours instead of focusing on Him. Let’s not forget about tax time. I made extra money for stuff and now have a large tax bill. Now, I need to work extra to pay the government. Boy, did I get sucked in! It took daily reflection and focus on God to see the fool I was.

God has made it clear that one day all this will pass away. It’s amazing how any glitches in the system can change everything. I look at COVID and remember how fast we went from freedom to lockdown. Simple things like personal attendance at Church can stop in a heartbeat. I would never have thought we would stand in line six feet apart with face masks on to enter a grocery store.

Life on this planet is extremely volatile and is victim to great changes caused by only one event. God is stable, never changing, and filled with love. He is the rock that cannot be shaken. He is the future. The world is short-term.

Father,

Please continue to recalibrate my mind on what is truly important. I am prone to be brainwashed and a fool. I need your help to see what truly matters through Your word. Your guidance is solid and You never change. You are the stability I need in a world filled with instability and fragility. I will not be afraid with You at the helm. In Jesus' name. Amen.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada