Prayer – Kawaiahaʻo Church

Walk with God – Bible Study, Prayer

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000

“When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked with

God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters.

Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was

not, for God took him.”

Genesis 5:21-24 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/gen.5.21-24.esv

Where does God truly fit in your life? Is God behind, above, or in front of you?

Or, is God walking with you? When someone walks with you, it has a sense of

friendship, love, and equality. Yes, God has unlimited power, Grace, love, and

mercy. Yes, God should be in your driver’s seat. However, God loved Enoch so

much that Enoch avoided death because Enoch walked with God. So, it is clear

God wants to walk with you.

What does it really mean to walk with God? Well, I see it as treating God with

love by praying to Him often. This goes beyond just asking for things. It’s like

having a coffee with a good friend and/or loved one and talking about anything

for hours. While having coffee, you aren’t into asking for a gain or help, you just

enjoy the conversation. I have prayed many times actually having a conversation

with Him. I am not asking for anything, I just want His company. I pray to Him

“just because.” Sometimes, I have questions I pose to Him I just can’t answer.

Sometimes, I thank Him for loving a wretched sinner who still slips up here and

there. I might read passages in the Bible and ask Him what the passage truly

means. I have been known to simply ask Him if I will ever have all my questions

answered.

God loves faith. I have found God especially likes walking with you. You want

nothing but His company. You just want Him to be there with you. You want Him

to show you what He sees as important for you. It’s just a loving relationship

where you want Him in your life. He is all you really need.

So, when you pray, do you walk with Him at times? You want nothing but His

Company. You just want a conversation with no needs at the moment. If you

haven’t tried this, I highly recommend it. It will take your faith to a whole new

level.

Loneliness – Believe, Prayer

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0000

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will

strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/isa.41.10.esv

Of all the years I have been working with disabled folks and Kapuna, I think their

greatest pain is loneliness. We try to give them medications, therapy, and group

and it just doesn’t fill the void. Psychologists write a pile of complex peer review

journals on how to mitigate feelings of loneliness. It seems everyone is

publishing some gimmick to help others not be lonely.

Why is something so easy been made so hard? I really see two clear ways to

deal with loneliness. The first is to have a regular, loving relationship with God.

Once one taps into the Holy Spirit, one realizes they are truly not alone. God

promises to strengthen those who seek Him and my experiences with Him

testify to that. I can be alone praying and can feel His presence which fills my

heart with joy. The second is for the body of Christ and all its resources to aid in

conquering loneliness. Encouraging everyone to partake in Church and those

within the Church to volunteer at Kapuna Centers to spend time would conquer

a ton of loneliness. Nothing is more rewarding for both parties than to share a

cup of coffee or tea, pray together and share stories. Nothing is more powerful

than taking time from your day to share your presence. It doesn’t take

medications and paid therapy or programs to quench the thirst of wanting

sincere company

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

No can be a blessing! – Bible Study, Prayer, Truth

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

“We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of

God and does his will, God listens to him.”

John 9:31 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/jhn.9.31.esv

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their

prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.””

1 Peter 3:12 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/1pe.3.12.esv

“And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the

requests that we have asked of him.”

1 John 5:15 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/1jn.5.15.esv

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not

for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come

and pray to me, and “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will

call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.”

Jeremiah 29:11-12 ESV

https://www.bible.com/59/jer.29.11-12.esv

I prayed for someone before Christmas and asked God if He would help me

connect a well-respected pastor to another for support. I sent this well-respected pastor an

email and asked him if he would be willing to connect.

Today, I received a wonderful response stating he was too busy to connect at

this time. Afterward, I thanked God.

Why? Even though I prayed for these two to connect, I was given a flat no and

then thanked God?

It's because God answered my prayer through the response email. God doesn't

promise me a yes response. He promises me an answer to my prayers! This

means God did listen to me and did give me a response. Imagine the God of the

Universe showing me He listens and responds! It confirms to me His loving

relationship with me.

So, when you pray, rejoice when you get any response. It really reconfirms that you

are being heard even if your prayer request results in a no answer.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Motions versus Action – Believe, Prayer

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“The way that your fast does not please me at all: You make yourselves humble

for a day. You bend down your head, like a piece of weak grass. You lie down on

sackcloth and ashes. Do you think that you are really fasting when you do that?

Do you think that it pleases me, the Lord? This is the way that I want you to fast:

You must remove the chains from prisoners who should not be in prison. You

must stop being cruel to the people who work for you. You must let people who

are in pain go free. You must break the yoke of work that is too hard for weak

people. Instead, share your food with hungry people. Give a place in your home

to poor people who have no home. Give clothes to people who have nothing to

wear. If people in your own family need help, do not refuse to help them. Then

God's light will shine on you, like the sun's light at dawn. Very soon, your

troubles will go away. The good things that you do to help others will be clear

for everyone to see. And the Lord will use his great power to keep you safe.”

Isaiah 58:5-8 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/isa.58.5-8.easy

Wooof. These passages are powerful! Sometimes we get too caught up in doing

the motions thinking we please God and receive his blessings. Wrong! It’s when

you share, shows kindness towards others, fights for the weak and vulnerable is

when you receive God’s blessings. What’s even more potent is that your good

deeds are seen and appreciated by everyone to boot. It reminds me of Mother

Teresa. How many of you know her name? Her name is known by her doing

God’s work. She never wanted attention drawn to herself. It was God who had

her get attention to bless her and support her work. She wasn’t doing the

motions. She was doing God’s Will.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Virgin Mary – Bible Study, Prayer

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“While Jesus was saying this, a woman in the crowd shouted out. ‘How happy is

the woman that gave birth to you! How happy is the woman that fed you from

her breasts!’ Jesus replied, ‘How happy, rather, are the people that hear the

message from God. That is if they obey it.’”

Luke 11:27-28 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/luk.11.27-28.easy

“I am the Lord. That is my name. I will not let anybody else share my glory. I will

not let people praise idols. I am the only one that they must praise.”

Isaiah 42:8 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/isa.42.8.easy

I have often wondered why some kneel before a statue and pray to the Virgin

Mary? God has made it amply clear we are praying to Him alone. My Spirit clearly

knows this. The Bible clearly states this. Sometimes I think people act in ways

where they think they are pleasing God but really are sinning against Him

according to the Bible. Perhaps, they need to read the Bible and if they have,

they need to pray to God to garner assistance on the meaning of His words

while they reread.

I would not pray to anyone other than to my Father in Heaven. When I pray

about my dad, I ask my Heavenly Father to keep him safe. I do not pray to my

dad directly because I know this is a sin. God is jealous and requires us only to

worship Him. I never pray to Saints, Angels or any others because God has made

it clear to pray to Him and Him only.

Your loyalty is only to God.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Shut Up and Listen! – Prayer, Truth

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0000

“Be careful about anything that you do in the temple. Listen well when you

worship God. Some fools go to the temple and give sacrifices to God. But

they do it for the wrong reasons. They do not know that they have done a wrong

thing! You should think before you speak. You should think before you promise

something to God. God is in heaven and he knows you well. You are here on the

earth. And you do not see as much as God sees. Do not say to God more than

you have to say.”

Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 EASY

https://www.bible.com/2079/ecc.5.1-2.easy

I think the greatest change in me when I got closer to God is to shut up and

listen! I am only 56 and God is how old? I have broken many promises to God

and He has broken none. It’s me that needs to apologize and ask for forgiveness,

not Him. God sees everything, I see little and that’s even when I put on my

glasses.

I think the first ask during prayer to God when I finally took Him seriously was to

please show me the truth. He has and continues to answer this prayer in spades. I

learned I needed to completely change my thinking to know the truth. I have

been sucked into a world filled with everyone’s opinions through Facebook,

Twitter and a host of other Social Media and Media in general. Heck, I can even

throw my opinions in the mix with my own accounts too to add to the swirl.

How can one decipher the truth with everyone’s opinions swirling around me? God

is in Heaven with infinite wisdom and I’m listening to the words of a musician,

political leader, Facebook influencer, and popular religious leader to get the

truth? Now, I have the Bible first and foremost. I use other tools like reputable

sources but always check their information with scripture. You will be amazed

at what deceptions I have uncovered doing it this way. You will also be amazed

over what truth I uncovered that I thought was bogus.

Focus on people and you will garner the truth, not your truth. The Bible and the

Holy Spirit will lead the way. You simply just have to follow.

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

Cynical – Reflection, Prayer

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +0000

One of my (many) faults is that I can be cynical at times. I pray often asking God to start to soften my hardened heart and at least lead me to the facts before I jump to conclusions. I know why I am cynical at times. It all started with my dad who drilled in my head that officials are not to be trusted. They will tell you one thing and do another. When they say it’s for my best interest, it’s actually for theirs. I worked with Government for many years and can recall many times I’m told one thing while they do something totally different.

One of my early prayers was to ask God to show me the truth. I am tired of deception and sadly this world is filled with that. God answered my prayers in spades. He lead me to a select few pastors, key biblical passages to enhance understanding, and kept me clear of people who later on are revealed as less than stellar. Deep inside, I think it’s because I need help to know who and what to trust outside of the Bible of course. I really don’t like to be cynical because it’s not Christ-like. Yet, I don’t want to be a fool getting lined up to Christ-like slaughter either because I’m labeled as gullible. I’m not going to be anyone’s target!

Where’s the line here? I can’t wait to be in heaven where truth reins complete but until then what do I do?

The latest example I can give you where we can all relate is whether to get the Covid 19 vaccinations. When they first rolled out, I was suspicious especially given the fact they were brought out so quickly. We’re these vaccines the mark of the beast? Having officials telling me they are good for me increased my cynicism. I’m not taking it because there has to be a hidden agenda. The officials are pushing me too hard to take it. Whenever they have this kind of urgency, I am on my guard because I have seen the other shoe fall in the past. Wait a minute. I need God’s help with this one.

Well, God answered my prayers yet again in a dream one night. The dream was about the mark of the beast being distributed when the Antichrist is known. Is the Antichrist clearly revealed? No, because he is to have total global control and be based in Jerusalem. The dream moved on to flashbacks of when I received a polio shot when I was in elementary school. I remember crying when I got the shot and receiving a kiss and some comment about me being a brave man. I got a sucker afterward which made me happy. Was getting that shot a problem? No. Am I possessed? No.

The answer to my question was continuing to formulate. As I work in the social service field, I know many health professionals. I started to ask the ones I trust on whether the vaccine has any validity. Their responses were clear and consistent. They said the vaccine does guard against getting Covid but is not 100 percent effective. One could still get Covid but the severity of symptoms is greatly reduced. Overwhelmingly, the people hooked up to ventilators are people who were not vaccinated. So, in their opinion, the vaccine saves many lives because it lessens the symptoms greatly. I suppose it’s like taking an aspirin. The headache is still there but one receives great relief from it.

Time to add up the facts and from these facts I got vaccinated. Thank you, Lord, for showing me the truth! You never let me down on what action(s) I am to take!

Putting anything in your body is a highly personal choice. As a believer, place your trust in God. Ask Him to help you decide. Ask Him to show you the truth in a world that is filled with deception. He gives answers on His time. He loves you and will show you the best, God leads the way to go as He did with me.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

How God answers you sometimes! – Prayer

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 23:24:00 +0000

It’s amazing when you have something on your mind and repeatedly pray for God’s counsel on what to do. Then, out of the blue, you are given the answer through someone else. Here is a wonderful example:

Over the past few days, I have been pondering my will. I am an only child and my parents have a lot of land and resources. Weirdly, it’s a burden. It’s because I see everything I have or am about to receive to be God’s, not mine. I want Him to tell me what He wants me to do. I have prayed and prayed on this. Yesterday, I asked my mom, who is 80, on what I should do. She doesn’t care and it seemed God doesn’t care either! I just couldn’t get this burden answered. I want to do right by Him. I am completely content. God has taken wonderful care of me. He has enriched me with a good life where I have never been hungry, never thirsted, always had a nice home to live in, and am able to travel. I want nothing. The only legacy I want is to glorify Him. As for me, I don’t need a funeral. Cremation without a pine box is perfectly fine. I came to this world unknown and actually am fine leaving the unknown. My sole purpose today is to glorify Him and only Him. What happens in this world can stay in this world.

Then, Kahu Hailama did a sermon he called, “I spy.” Unknown to him, he actually answered my question and wouldn’t even know he did. He said, “focus on God first instead of your estate.” In other words, my question on what to do with this estate should be God-centered and frankly not even a burden. So, why am I worrying about it in the first place? God will send opportunities my way in His time. I know what I am going to do now. His words answered my prayers.

So, when you pray for answers, listen carefully to what is being said around you. God has an amazing way to give you answers from others who didn’t even know they were a messenger. They get ideas flowing and communicate them without realizing their ideas were implanted by God to answer something someone else has prayed for. When that happens, you sometimes sit there dumbfounded and in awe of how He answers you!

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada

Fix only what you can. Pray for things you can’t – Prayer, Spending Time with Ke Akua

Kawaiahaʻo Church — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 04:16:00 +0000

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”

Romans 1:18-21, 24, 26-32 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.1.18-32.NKJV

I have often thought I could play a significant role in changing this world. I have recently come to the conclusion that all I can do is try to save the lost one soul at a time. Paul says in Romans there comes a time when God just lets sin go. He gives them what they want. If they want destruction through sin, destruction they will receive. If they want judgement over mercy, judgement they will get. Romans illustrates the signs we see when judgement begins. The one that really grabbed me was God lets the world “have a debased mind” or a mind that is scattered, empty and unfulfilled. I suppose God changes to an anything goes approach and let the chips fall where they may. The grace for us is God protects those who are His. We will be sheltered.

So, it’s folly to think we can change the world and are wasting our time trying. The chaos around us will get worse like birth pains Jesus mentioned in Matthew 24. What is worthwhile is trying to save the lost one at a time. We know that few will make it but at least a few is better than none at all.

The best advice I can give is pray often. Get to know Christ and Christ know you personally. Trust Him and he will shelter you from the storm just like Noah and the Arc. Separate from this world and invest in Christ. Place your investments in Him and cut your losses on this world. Change only what God has Willed you to change. Accept what you can’t change. Walk close to Him and He will walk close to you.

Father,

I know there comes a point when Your patience runs out. I can’t change the world but I can change a few lives around me with Your help. I can walk close to You. I can take one day at a time. I can Bless your holiness and place my full trust in You. I know I can only rescue a few drowning. I will thank You whether times are good or bad. You are Holy. I love You. In Jesus precious name. Amen.

by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor

Alberta, Canada