Love One Another – Kawaiahaʻo Church

God’s Urge – Love One Another, Saved

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0000

The hand of God is simply amazing!

Have you ever had the urge to do something only to find out the party you

supported was actually praying for it? This has happened to me many times.

Allow me to give you one of my latest examples.

I ran into a family when I visited the Philippines about 4 years ago. I remember

when they welcomed me into their home for dinner and unknown to me at the

time, the dad slaughtered his prized goat for dinner. He has nothing else to give

so the goat got it. Fast forwarding, I now send his youngest daughter 10,000

pesos a month so she can have a small room and pay for her schooling. She is

regularly on the Dean’s list. The small room she rents is actually in her dad’s

home. Her dad’s sole income comes from renting five rooms attached to his

small home. Each room potentially brings in about 100 USD a month. Imagine

supporting seven people on that amount. Before, this young lady shared a room

that was 10 feet by 10 feet with her four sisters and 2 babies. Imagine trying to

study in an environment like that! I must say they have never asked for help

from me. I just had the urge to help. I believe it's from the Holy Spirit.

During COVID, this dad had four of his five renters leave as they were laid off

leaving him with just the room I rent for this young lady. I didn't know this at the

time. Supporting 7 people for 100 dollars a month would be challenging, to say

the least. One night, I had this nagging urge to rent a room for all his daughters.

So, I contacted this dad and asked him if he had any rooms left to rent. He

paused and asked me why I'm asking? I told him I would like to rent 4 more

rooms for the other 4 girls. He says to me, “God answered my prayers! I can

now feed everyone!”

Later, I found out through a friend that this family was picking food out of trash

cans around Manila to scrape up dinner. Their electric power was cut off and they

were on the verge of losing their home. No one told me, including the young

lady I support. It was the urge that told me to help.

Yes, God does work in amazing ways!

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

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

Why do we give? – Love one Another

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 15:00:00 +0000

I have a very special young lady to share with you. Maria lives in the Philippines

and is very poor. I support her to help her get through school. She has never

asked but receives. She is on the Dean’s list at school and that was before I got

involved. Her marks are always in the top ’90s.

Maria received her used MacBook today. I got it for her as it’s hard to continue

studying when all courses are online. I repeat, she never asked yet received.

Have a look at her face. What is that telling you? That’s my gift to myself. You know

what’s even better is I can literally feel God loving me beyond words and that

gift is beyond belief. You see, God does ask others to help and usually is specific

on that ask. In this case, I was driven to get Maria a computer. She never asked.

It was the Spirit who asked. God asks where one can help without the person

who receives asking. I receive the same. God gives me what I need and I never

asked for it. I am amazed when this happens because maybe deep in my heart I

want but don’t ask as I don’t want to be seen as selfish.

When you give, God will help you decide who, what, and where to give if you let

Him. It’s when God asks when the rewards are great. The reward is

instantaneous too through amazing love. Imagine God of the Universe giving

you a warm hug. Imagine God of the Universe pleased with what you did. It’s

actually very addictive. Now, I understand why followers suffered unimaginable

pain and persecution. It’s because the love they receive is much greater than the

pain endured.

So, when you give, it has more strength when the person doesn’t ask but the

Spirit does. Listen to your Spirit and the payment in love from Him will blow

your mind. Now doing that was worth giving a million computers. Sometimes

when you receive a gift that comes out of the blue whether tangible or

intangible, assess whether it’s from God. Sometimes, you don’t need to ask to

receive. God will provide out of love.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Does paid helping apply? – Love one Another, Integrate

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“Then Jesus said to the man who had asked him to the meal, ‘When you give a

meal at midday or in the evening, do not ask your friends to come. Do not ask

your brothers or your family. And do not ask the rich people that live near you

to come. If you do, they will later ask you to eat at their house. This will pay you

for the meal that you gave to them. Instead, when you prepare a big meal, you

should ask the poor people to come. Ask people that have lost an arm or a leg.

Ask people that cannot walk very well, and people that cannot see. Then God

will make you happy. Those people cannot pay you for the meal you have given

to them. Instead, God will pay you, on the day when he makes good people

become alive again.’”

Luke 14:12-14 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/luk.14.12-14.easy

Although I gladly give to the poor and needy, I also serve the disabled in my

work. I have wondered whether my work applies to giving as I do get paid in

return. I think of wonderful people who are paid nurses and other helpers

whether their efforts make God pleased. My guess is it does even though they

receive a paycheck. I think in terms of God’s way to thank those for helping

others less fortunate regardless of the paycheck received. I do think one's glory

is greater when one helps others without a paycheck. They do it purely from the

kindness of their hearts. Perhaps, there is a hierarchy of God’s pleasure? What I

mean by this is kindness towards others is always glorious, but kindness without

monetary reward is of the highest order. I am not completely sure about this as

God sees all sin as of equal seriousness so why would He have a hierarchy of

helping others? I continue to pray on this question.

What I do know is helping others whether paid to do it or not is a great calling. I

know I do both with gratitude. I thank God for His Grace in what I do. I do know I

do make a difference in the lives of the disabled people I serve whether I am

paid for it or not. Perhaps, that is the correct way to think.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Who is my Neighbor? – Love One Another

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 26 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“But the man wanted to show that he had been right to ask a question. So he

asked, ‘Who are the people near to me that I must love?’ Jesus answered him by

telling a story: ‘A man was going down the road from Jerusalem to Jericho town.

On the way, some men attacked him. They took away all his clothes and they hit

him with sticks. He was almost dead when they left him. But it happened that a

priest of God's Great House was going down that road. He saw the man, who

was lying there. But he walked past him on the other side of the road. A Levite

was also going down the road. He came to the place where the man was lying.

He saw him. But he also walked past on the other side of the road. But then a

man from Samaria was also traveling along the road. And he came to the place

where the man was lying. When he saw him, he felt very sorry for him. He went

across from him. He poured oil and wine on the places where he was bleeding.

Then he tied those places with clean clothes. After that, he put the man on his

own donkey to carry him. They arrived at a small hotel. He took the man in

there and he was kind to him. The next day, the man from Samaria took out two

silver coins from his purse. He gave the money to the man that was taking care

of the hotel. “Be kind to this man for me,” he said. “This money may not be

enough. When I return, I will pay you for any more that you have spent on

him.” ’ Then Jesus asked the teacher of God's Law a question. He said, ‘Three

men saw the man that was lying on the road. Which of them showed love to

him, like a real friend?’ He answered, ‘It was the man who was kind to

him.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Yes. So you should go and do the same for other

people.’”

Luke 10:29-37 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/luk.10.29-37.easy

We really have two main commandments. Love God first and people second.

The key word here is to show kindness to others. It’s helping others when you

can. It’s not always money that needs to be exchanged to demonstrate

kindness. It can be as simple as being a listening ear to someone who is down.

It’s amazing how kindness towards others not only serves God’s Will but is

fondly remembered by the person you helped.

When I was 14, I went on a band exchange in Kelowna, BC, Canada. I don’t

remember anything about this trip except one thing. I was wondering around

Kelowna and lost my way. I was embarrassed so I didn’t ask anyone for

directions. I walked and walked and walked. I needed to use the washroom so

badly that I asked a lady who was out front of her home if she would be so kind

as to let me use hers. This lady graciously let me use her washroom. This

wonderful lady asked me if I was hungry and offered me a sandwich and milk. I

gladly accepted as I was so hungry from walking. Afterward, she said to me,

“Are you ok? Are you lost?” I meekly told her, yes I am. She said that it was ok and

she asked me to get in her car and she will help me find the home I was staying

at. She and I drove for quite a while. She asked me if I remembered that store or

this school. Finally, I remembered a school situated across the street from the

home I was staying at. I got out and she waited to be sure I got to the right place.

As soon as I entered the home, she drive away.

God bless this woman. I never got her name and can’t even remember where

she lived, but I fondly remember her kindness. She left a wonderful memory in

me from the love of her heart. I will always remember her kindness.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

It’s not an accident! – Integrity, Love One Another, Saved

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000

I used to believe in coincidences.

I just happened to meet people out of random luck. I work with Disabled people

by chance. I’m writing devotionals at a Church 3,100 miles away because it’s a

fluke.

Naw, it’s not an accident! It’s God’s Will. If it wasn’t, it wouldn’t be working the

way, it is.

Let me share a story with you. When I was in the Philippines, I met this family in

Manila. Frankly, most of them were fake. I could sense they were being nice to

me because they saw me as a “rich Canadian.” They would talk about their woes

while they are driving a brand-new Hyundai. They would tell me how poor they

were while they were enjoying a large, fresh shrimp cocktail. There was one

member of this family who was a quiet, humble man. He owns nothing and

never complained. When I smoked (I since stopped thanks to the LORD), he

and I would talk about everything but money. He shared what little he had. He

even slaughtered a goat (which was his prize possession) so he could offer me

the best he had. He has five daughters and they share a small family home. The

five daughters share a bedroom that is 12 feet by 12 feet. He goes to the Wet

Market at 2 am in the morning as this is where food prices are the cheapest. He

has to leave at 2 am as food sells fast. I see Bong (that’s his name) as a brother

now.

The family members who whined were passed off by me. However, I had the

urge to help Bong. I knew Bing would not accept anything from me so one day it

dawned on me he rents rooms for $100.00 a month. Bong has 5 of these rooms

and that’s pretty well his sole income. Imagine supporting 5 daughters on

$500.00 a month if they are fully rented and most times they are not. So, one

day I asked Bong if he had any rooms for rent. He asked me why I asked. I told

him I wanted to rent any vacant ones. He had two available so I rented them. I

told him to keep them available so that when I come to Manila I have a place to stay.

To this day, I still rent those rooms. To this day, Bong keeps them solely for me.

Then, just in conversation, he tells me about his youngest daughter and how

proud he is of her. She works at a College and gets free tuition to go to school.

He was so proud, he showed me her marks. She is on the Dean’s list. I was so

impressed, I asked him to move Maria into one of my rented rooms so she can

study better. After all, trying to study in a 12 by 12 room with 4 other girls is

hard. Bong moved her to one of my rented rooms. I asked him what Maria has

to sleep on. He told me not to worry about that. I later found out Maria sleeps

on the floor so I asked Bong when Maria’s birthday is? It so happened her

birthday was the week after I asked so I made arrangements to have an entire

bedroom suite delivered complete with a student’s desk. I asked Bong how

Maria gets to school. She walks for hours one way so I gave her a monthly

allowance. Knowing how proud Bong and Maria are, I told Maria I will give her

allowance as long as she is in school full time and remains on the Dean’s list. Her

allowance happens to cover the balance of her school expenses and a bit of

spending money. Maria proudly shows me her marks through Viber every

semester. Her lowest mark last semester was 94 percent.

Fast forwarding, COVID has made a school for Maria challenging. Again, Bong or

Maria never complains. I asked how Maria is completing her schoolwork. Since

she has no computer, she goes to her College to use the public ones. She uses

her allowance to pay the rental fee. So, guess what Maria is getting this

Christmas? Yes, a MacBook Pro is en route via DHL.

The reason I tell you this story is that my meeting Bong and she is not an

accident. I knew something inside told me to help Bong and her. Yes, it was God.

I know that for a fact. She will succeed and get out of poverty. I know she will

help others because I told her all I want is for her to pay it forward one day and I

know she will.

You know what my makes is all worth it? I never told Bong or Maria about my birthday

but somehow they found out. Here is what Maria wrote me on my last birthday

via Viber:

Hello Tito Kent, this is Maria. Happiest birthday to you, & thank you for

everything. More birthdays to come and stay healthy. Wish you all the best. God

bless and stay safe always love lots (mwah) (heart) (cake).

It’s the God bless that means the most. God bless her too.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Disapproval over Love – Love One Another

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 23:30:00 +0000

“Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them. And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors

and sinners?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.””

Luke 5:29-32 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/luk.5.29-32.NKJV

“Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”” Matthew 22:37, 39-40 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.22.37-40.NKJV

In today’s world, we are left with deciding how to handle sin that is defined by God yet remain true to His greatest two greatest commandments. The question is if we disapprove of sins (as defined by God, not us), how do we juggle love with disapproval based on our strong beliefs that are firmly cemented biblically? Many times, our disapproval is seen as being judgmental towards others which is unloving. Yet, God clearly defines biblically what is right and what is wrong. So, if your approval or disapproval of sin(s) is/are based on the Word, is it really you who is being judgmental? I must delve into the behavior of Christ to really garner an answer.

Jesus surrounded and still surrounds himself with sinners. His sole purpose was and is to save those lost. The Church He created was developed as a hospital for sinners and a tool of salvation, not solely a sanctuary for Saints. In efforts to achieve His objective, there were times He was scathing towards others especially the Pharisees (Matthew 23). However, did He love them? Yes, He did. He was simply calling it as He sees it. I am reminded of the conversation Jesus had with Nicodemus in John 3. Jesus disapproved of the Pharisees but did have conversations with them and would respond freely and honestly to their questions. In other words, Jesus would not waver on God’s definition of what is righteous over sin and did not ostracize anyone. If anyone was offended by His response which resulted in labelling, it was them who were judging, not Christ! God, at His core, hates the sin but loves the sinner. God would not have sent his only Son to die on the cross if this was not true. Unfortunately, at times, outwardly hating the sin but loving the sinner is seen as judging others, being racist, being opinionated, or being oppressive. Sometimes, believers are faced with the choice of crossing the line to fully approving of God defined sin if they want to avoid being labelled or standing firm. The sinner and sin can be separated successfully as Jesus successfully demonstrated.

As one becomes stronger with God, they develop a boldness within themselves. Just look at Paul who was filled with joy as he was being beaten. Paul loved others but was clear on his convictions even at the severe physical price he paid. Was Paul judgmental? No, it was he who was being tortured by others for his words. I often wonder whether the evil one played a hand in that by trying to beat his convictions out of him. Just like Christ, Paul didn’t yield no matter the cost.

Now, one needs to reflect on this deeper to really grasp how to handle others in a Christ like way. Here’s what I do now after much reflection:

I will always love the person no matter what they are doing or who they are. Hence, the door will always be open to them just like Christ always left the door open to others no matter who they are and what they have done or are doing. However, when asked, I will never approve or accept the sin as clearly defined by God. If there is back lash and/or pressure to accept, I make it clear that I accept the person, not the action. If I am accused of being judgmental, I point to God’s Word and show them it’s God who made the rules, not I. My role is to be obedient to Him first and foremost. However, I also make it clear that I will never alienate them because of what they do as Christ did with the Pharisees and others. I am quick to forgive as well as dictated by Christ. No one will ever be a write off in my books. I suppose it’s like disapproving of something bad your kids did but still loving them. You hated what they did, but love them.

Be Christ like as the Holy Spirit directs. Stand up for what God says is right versus wrong. Do not be double minded. However, always love others no matter who they are or what they have done or are doing. Accept that your obedience to God’s word may yield back lash and accusations of being judgmental. Take note that you are not the judge as accused but God is and whatever He determines as right over wrong is what guides your behavior and responses.

Yes, you can love others and follow God’s commands at the same time. You can accept everyone but never approve of their sin(s) just like God loves you but hates sin(s).

Jesus says:

““If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’”

John 15:18-25 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/jhn.15.18-25.NKJV

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Happy Independence Day! – Love One Another, Unity

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 05:21:00 +0000

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:8-10 NKJV

https://www.bible.com/114/1pe.4.8-10.nkjv

As a Canadian, I am truly blessed to have such wonderful friends and neighbors south of me. Our bond of friendship goes back a long way. We have the longest undefended border in the World! Some even say we are true Brothers and Sisters.

Just to give you one example of our enduring bond, this monument is located right on the border in Peace Arch International Park. It is an open border between British Columbia and Washington State. Canadians and Americans can freely meander between the U.S. and Canada throughout this beautiful park. You will notice the inscription which indicates a brother and sister relationship.

This bond is a wonderful example of how God wants us to act towards each other. As Jesus says, “…a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.””

John 13:31, 34-35 NKJV

https://www.bible.com/114/jhn.13.31,34-35.nkjv

Thank you for your friendship and bond. I am truly blessed to have wonderful neighbors like you!

Happy Independence Day and Ke Akua hoopomaikai mai a pau o ka oe!

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Rules and Beauty – Love, Love One Another

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 06:01:00 +0000

“The Spirit clearly says that in the last times some will turn away from what we believe. They will obey spirits that tell lies. And they will follow the teachings of demons. Those teachings come through people who tell lies and trick others. These evil people cannot see what is right and what is wrong. It is like their conscience has been destroyed with a hot iron. They say that it is wrong to marry. And they say that there are some foods that people must not eat. But God made these foods, and those who believe and who understand the truth can eat them with thanks. Everything that God made is good. Nothing he made should be refused if it is accepted with thanks to him. Everything he created is made holy by what he has said and by prayer.”

https://www.bible.com/406/1ti.4.1-5.erv

You are beautiful because everything God created is beautiful. Even though everyone makes mistakes through Sin, deep inside is beauty. I have always said if I can’t find even one good thing about someone, that’s my fault. Sometimes I will do an exercise on finding three good things in the most evil people in history and I’m always successful. It makes me realize that even the most evil do have beauty somewhere. Sometimes I think God wants us to do this exercise so we become stronger as Christians.

I concur with scripture on rituals. I personally do not believe in Kosher, pork is bad, beef is bad or anything God created is bad. He created it for a reason. I suppose that’s why I am not a vegetarian. Don’t get me wrong. People who choose to abstain from certain foods is perfectly fine but that’s their choice, not God’s Laws. Sometimes, we confuse God’s Will with our or other wills. Following God’s Will frankly is quite straight forward. It need not be complicated with man-made religious rules. Thank God for the Bible to make things clearer.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada